Group and private yoga classes on the island of Santa Maria with Yogini Tiff
Group classes:
Mondays and Thursdays
6:30pm-8pm
Casa do Povo Sao Pedro
Outdoor group classes will be starting soon!!
Private Classes available by appointment email flowingyogini@gmail.com
Island Om Azores Yoga
Experience the magic of the island and the magic of Yoga. ❤
Well, we have been back in Florida for a couple of weeks now, and life has been about as weird as ever. Maybe weirder.
We started off by staying at a friend’s house, a very fancy home on Palm Beach island. This island is the complete opposite of Santa Maria!!! Palm Beach is known for its mansions, celebrities, and wealth. Donald Trump (who better not become president!!) lives on the island,and my ex-husband grew up on the island too. Some people envy the super rich, but life has shown me that “with each new material thing we acquire, we acquire a new worry.”~Dalai Lama
For me, the island is a place that is both beautiful and creepy. So much wealth and power concentrated in one tiny area, while so many people around the world struggle and live in poverty. I have never lived anywhere where the grocery store has valet parking. Hmmm.
But, regardless of my mixed feelings of Palm Beach island, I was grateful to be staying near the beach and grateful for the quietness the island provides, and really grateful for the pool and the hot tub!
The beach on the island really is magical. We saw sharks and manta rays, schools of fish, and sea turtle nests everywhere. I will cherish those mornings and evenings on the beach, forever.
Anyways, we began to settle in, my son is so happy to be performing again! He started an art internship and online school. My daughter loves the beach, the warm water, and all her baby friends. I started teaching yoga, and I accepted a job at a health food store. We were really getting into the groove of sunny South Florida living.
So things were flowing along nicely, until a few days ago. BUMP.
First, the car I was driving, that belongs to the woman who owns the palm beach mansion, well, it started smoking in the middle of a busy road. It was stressful to say the least, especially because it looked like the car was on fire, but even more stressful was realizing it needed major repairs and it would be impossible to live on that island without a car.There are no buses on the island and it is pretty far away from all our friends and the theatre. Time to move.
Moving off the island really was no problem. We have a huge community of friends and we quickly made the transition back to ‘normal person’ land. Right now, we are living with some friends, the same house where I lived when my daughter was born, the last house I lived in before leaving the country. And we are in the same bedroom. (And this house has a pool too, so, woohoo!)
The big bump in the road came a few days later.
I was in the car with a dear friend of mine, sitting in the backseat, next to my daughter. We were stopped at a stoplight, talking, and laughing, when all the sudden a large SUV slammed into us. He hit us on the right rear of the van, then scraped along the side, sped up, and quickly drove away. A hit and run.
We were absolutely in shock. Shaken up, scared, and in pain.
After the police came, we went to the Dr. We were there for many hours. After a few x-rays and exams, I was told I had severe whiplash and would need at least a few months of therapy. I was told “No yoga!” I was also told “No picking up the baby and no driving.” UGH!
To be honest, 4 days later, I am still in a tremendous amount of pain. I literally can barely move my head, and there is fear and frustration that comes with that. But my daughter did not get injured and for this I am extremely grateful. And I know that slowly, I will regain use of my neck.
I can look at this situation, this pain in the neck, from a place of anger and fear, which doesn’t feel good, or I can count my blessings, and look at this situation from a place of gratitude, which feels a whole lot better.
We all have unexpected bumps in the road, and some of them are scary and painful. Deep down, I see this bump as an opportunity for great spiritual growth.
To all of you in my life who have offered love and support, I am so grateful..
X~Tiff
“Love and compassion and a sense of Universal responsibility are the sources of peace and happiness.” -Dalai Lama
The Third-Eye Chakra-The Anja Chakra
Color: Indigo, A deep bluish purple
Element: Light
Location: The Space between the eyes, sometimes located at the center of the forehead.
Bija Seed Sound: OM
Energy, Emotions, Feelings Associated with this Chakra: The THIRD EYE chakra is associated with psychic abilities, visions, messages, premonitions, and the ability to “see” things that cannot be seen with normal vision….
A closed THIRD EYE causes close-minded thinking, overly logical, critical, and untrusting thoughts and behavior!
On the other hand, an overly active third-eye can be very intense, even frightening, too much information to process. This can make us feel crazy. It is very important to find balance.
Of all my chakras, the one that is most active, is my third-eye, and that is sometimes very intense. Child’s pose, helps rebalance excess energy, and helps process so much. Sometimes after doing yoga, meditation, or Reiki, my third-eye chakra remains wide open. And I do not feel normal.-Spending time in childs pose helps me so much. So does resting my forehead on the trunk of a tree. Bowing down, moving inward, grounding into Earth, we are humbled and reminded that with our increased awareness, and sensitivity, comes responsibility.
Breath Work: Deep nostril breathing, with the eyes closed, directing the breath to and from the Third-Eye is very healing and stimulating for this chakra!
Try wearing Amethyst, an excellent third eye stone.
Healing Affirmation: I trust my intuition. I am open to receive my Highest Wisdom.
Yoga Asanas For Third-Eye: Eagle Pose-Garudasana, Childs Pose -Balasana, Easy Pose, Half or Full Lotus..
Foods that help awaken and balance this chakra: ALKALINE FORMING foods, almonds, leafy greens, avocados, bananas, flax seeds, and more can help tremendously.
In yoga, psychic ability is referred to as “siddhis.” There are many texts that talk about one of the dangers of the siddhis, is ego involvement. A feeling of “I have superpowers, I must be very special.” This is another important reminder to balance!! All the chakras working together in harmony..
Honoring the Journey. Namaste.-Tiff
The Throat Chakra – The Vishuddha Chakra
Color: Blue
Element: Ether/Space
Location: Throat
Bija Seed Sound: Ham
Emotions, Feelings, and issues associated with this chakra: Communication problems, Fear to express ourselves, fear to share our wisdom, or opinion. Lying and gossiping also correspond with the throat chakra. Physical problems with this chakra include, thyroid problems, neck and shoulder pain, jaw problems, laryngitis, headaches, and more.
The Throat Chakra is our communication center and it represents self-expression and the ability to speak our truth. This is more difficult than one might imagine, because it involves breaking down and analyzing everything we have been conditioned to believe. Society, family, and culture condition us from birth!
Visshuddha in Sanskrit literally means Purification, and it takes some real work.. I am a Reiki Master, and it is pretty common when I pass attunements or give sessions, that my students and patients experience a sense of stuck energy at the throat.. Gagging and clearing the throat (multiple times) happen often during sessions.. I think this is because this chakra is taking us out of the physical and we all have so much to process here.
I have found that a small turquoise stone or lapis lazuli worn as a necklace helps bring energy to this chakra. . And also I recommend a few drops of lavender or sandalwood gently massaged to the throat and neck. Singing is great therapy for this chakra too.
A balanced throat chakra can be described as comfortable,confident, and honest communication.
Healing Affirmation: I express myself freely and openly. I am grateful for the blessings in my life. I speak my truth. I am open to the wisdom of my higher self.
Foods that support Throat Chakra Health: Herbal tea (especially lemongrass),a big spoonful of raw honey, fruits, such as lemons, limes, peaches, blackberries, blueberries, and apples, eating a SATTVIC DIET.
Yoga Poses For Throat Chakra:Plow Pose- Halasana, Shoulderstand-Sarvangasana, Sphinx pose, Fish Pose- Matsyasana,
Lets align our thoughts, words, and actions with our highest wisdom..
-Tiff
The Heart Chakra -The Anahata Chakra
Color: Green
Element: Air
Location: Heart Center
Bija Seed Sound: Yam
Emotions and Feelings Associated with this chakra: The ability to love and forgive, ourselves and each other. Empathy, sympathy, and loving kindness, come from a strong and open heart chakra. Dysfunction of this chakra can manifest in many ways, feeling unworthy of love, closed to love, unable to express love, etc.. Physically, it can manifest as heart problems, lung problems, and more..
Yoga Poses For Heart Chakra: Camel pose, Cobra, Upward Facing Dog, Wheel, Standing Backbend, and more. Any pose that opens and stretches the chest will greatly benefit the health of this chakra.
Affirmation: My heart is open to give and receive love. I let go of past wounds and allow love to flow through and to me.
The literal meaning of the word Anahata is unstuck, unhurt, unbeaten.. Lets be real here, many of us have deep wounds. But we can heal. Yoga, chanting, affirmations, color therapy, diet, meditation, hugs, etc.. Choose love.
Lots of love, from me to you!
The Sacral Chakra/Svadisthasana Chakra
Element: Water
Color: Orange
Bija Mantra (seed sound): Vam
Feelings and Energy Associated with the Sacral Chakra: Creativity, fluidity, sensuality, sexuality, pleasure, abundance,
Foods That Support Sacral Chakra Health: Fruits, especially with high water content, high quality chocolate,
Location: A few inches below the Navel, area of the genitals
Asanas: Malasana, Pigeon, Skandasana, Goddess Pose, Dancer Pose, and many more.. Flow Yoga and free movement and dance also stimulate this chakra.
Affirmation: I Feel creative energy flowing to and through me. I am creative, abundant, sensual, and fluid.
I have had many points in my life, where I feel a massive surge of creative energy. And during these times, I am compelled to choreograph a dance, make art, write, practice flow yoga, dance, etc… Yesterday I went on a morning walk with my family to look at the huge waves (and take these photos) and I was just in awe of the ENERGY!!! Ever wonder where our waves of creative energy come from? A Healthy and Balanced Energy System! Lets harness our Sacral Chakra Magic and share our creative energy with the world.
We have the power and the knowledge to heal.
Be Fluid. ~Tiff
This is just some very general and basic information on the Sacral Chakra.. Consider this an introduction.. Chakras can be deficient or have excessive energy. And there are many different techniques, including breath work and visualization, amongst other things that can help!
The Root Chakra/ Muladahara Chakra
Element:Earth
Color:Red
Bija Mantra:Lam
Feelings associated with the Root Chakra: Survival, Security, Stability, Belonging, Alertness
Affirmation: “I am safe, grounded, strong, and stable.”
Foods that support Root Chakra Health: Root Vegetables, Carrots, Potatoes, Beets, etc.
Location: Base of the spine
Asanas For Root Chakra: Warrior I, Tree pose, Downward Facing Dog, Mountain Pose, and many more.
I went up into the forest, took my shoes off, felt my feet begin to root, and moved into Warrior I. It felt absolutely amazing. I felt, strong, stable, secure.. I felt grounded.
I am co-hosting a 15 day instagram yoga challenge, called #coloryouryoga My instagram name is @flowingyogini and participants have the opportunity to win Jade Yoga mats and other prizes. Jade is the sponsor. We will be journeying up and back down our 7 major chakras and learning how to come into balance. Please join and lets heal! Happy Spring! Happy Solar Eclipse! Happy New Moon. Happy New Beginnings!
Blessings~Tiff
I am very excited to announce that I am co-hosting a yoga retreat on the island of Santa Maria, Azores, with a beautiful Kundalini yoga teacher who lives in Dubai. This will be a special retreat for many reasons, LOCATION is magical! The people are magical. And what could be better than a retreat that combines Kundalini yoga and Vinyasa Flow. And Hiking everyday!!!
We have worked very hard to provide the cheapest possible retreat, in hopes that many like-minded friends can join us. This is sure to be the trip of lifetime! If you have any questions please email me flowingyogini@gmail.com
See you in the Azores!~Tiff
I am very excited to share that I am co-hosting an upcoming 15 day yoga challenge. The challenge is called Color Your Yoga and will be on instagram. This is a Chakra Therapy Yoga challenge, with Asana, Pranayama, Color Therapy, Mantra, Affirmations, and even food suggestions.. Our challenge begins Friday March 20th, the first day of spring, also the new moon and total solar eclipse! Wow! The challenge is sponsored by Jade Yoga Mats, so participants have the opportunity to win prizes!! A Jade Yoga Mat, yoga towel, and calendar. If you have an instagram account, Follow @flowingyogini, @justinebaconyoga and @jadeyogamats.
Energy work is what I do, who I am, and a huge part of my yoga classes. I am excited to plan with another yoga teacher who feels the same way! Please join and share! This is sure to be amazing and healing.
Lets Color. ~Tiff
Flowing Yogini 