NICOLE OHME

My dear Yogis and Yoginis,

The action I see each week from all of you, paired with your wonderful intentions, is something hard to find and is priceless to me. It inspired me to write about it this week.

Generosity is the quality of being kind, understanding, and giving to others without expecting anything in return. It is an act of
selflessness and compassion that can bring happiness to both the giver and receiver.

The motives behind generosity can vary depending on the individual and their personal beliefs, values, and experiences. Some people may give out of a sense of obligation or guilt, while others may give to fulfill a moral or ethical duty. Some may give to gain recognition or praise, while others may give out of a desire to help others or make a positive impact on the world.
Ultimately, the true intention behind generosity should be to make a positive difference in the lives of others, regardless of the
individual’s motives. The act of giving, in and of itself, can bring joy and satisfaction to the giver, as well as the recipient, and can create a ripple effect of kindness and compassion in the world.

“When working with the body we found that intention is more important than any physical action you can take. What you think about when you work with the human body is what you get. If you are thinking about muscles and bones you will work on muscles and bones. If you think about fascia you will get fascia.

The mechanism responsible for this phenomenon originates within the brain and is known as the Reticular Activating System (RAS).

The body is intelligent and knows the intention of an action taken against it. Think of intention as the final result that all of the systems of the body are aligning too with the action.  If the intention is to work with muscles and stretch them, the body will focus on that exact action. If the intention is to release all of the restrictions so that the muscle can move freely,  then I’m working on fascia.”
~ Human Garage

Monday 01.05.
Place an Intention
Flow

Wednesday 03.05.
Intention on the Breath
Slow Flow

Thursday 04.05.
Open Theme
Yogis Choice

Friday 05.05.
Place an Intention
Flow

Monday 08.05.
Set your Intention
Blind Flow

Wednesday 10.05.
What is your aim today
Adding-on Flow

Thursday 11.05.
Open Theme
Yogis Choice

Friday 12.05.
What is your desire
Flow

I am touched by your kindness and generosity, and feel honored to be a part of this Global Yoga Community.

Love,

Nicole

My dear Yogis and Yoginis,

This week I would like to remind us of what our yoga practice can do for us and why we love it.

Yoga is a practice that has been around for thousands of years and has become increasingly popular over the years. Like everything that becomes mainstream a few things got lost along the way. One of the fundamental principles of yoga is the importance of a healthy body, mind, and spirit connection. This holistic approach to health and well-being is what separates yoga for me from other forms of fitness or exercise. Three aspects that are interconnected and interdependent.

Body
A healthy body is essential for a healthy mind and spirit. When we take care of our bodies through regular exercise, healthy eating habits, and adequate rest we are better equipped to manage stress and anxiety. The physical benefits of yoga are numerous, including improved flexibility, strength, balance, and circulation. Practicing regularly can also lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

Mind
A healthy mind is equally important for overall well-being. Yoga helps to calm the mind and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. With time we become more mindful and self-aware, which might lead to greater clarity, focus, and emotional stability. The practice of breathing techniques help to oxygenate the brain and improve cognitive function, enhancing memory and concentration.

Spirit
A healthy spirit connection is essential for a sense of purpose and fulfillment in life. Yoga encourages us to connect with our inner selves and cultivate a sense of gratitude, compassion, and self-love. We might acquire a deeper understanding of our place in the world, and a sense of connection to something greater than ourselves.

Overall, the importance of a healthy body, mind, and spirit connection cannot be overstated. By practicing yoga regularly, we can cultivate this connection and experience a greater sense of balance, harmony, and well-being in our lives. Incorporating yoga into your daily routine can help you achieve optimal health and wellness in all areas of your life.

“Yoga is like music: the rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind, and the harmony of the soul create the symphony of life.”
~ B.K.S. Iyengar

Monday 24.04.
What does it feel like
Flow

Wednesday 26.04.
Twist for bliss
Flow

Thursday 27.04.
Open Theme
Yogis Choice

Friday 28.04.
Hear your breath & calm the mind
Slow Flow

I love being with you on this journey together!

Love,

Nicole

My dear Yogis and Yoginis,

Are you a person that procrastinates things?
Coming up with thousand and one reasons not to do something or finding something “more important” to do instead?
Procrastination can be a significant obstacle in both our daily lives and our yoga practices.
A simple and good example is cleaning. I see things in and around the house and think – I need to do this soon or it would be good to do this. But then days or even more time goes by. Finally I give myself a kick and take care of this one thing. The magic happens ones I make the decision, because it leads me to more tasks that I do without an other thought. It is almost like it takes on a momentum. In the end I sit there with a smile on my face, because it feels good (and probably looks good as well 🙂 ). This sense of accomplishment brings an instant
gratification with it.
Maybe you are a person who loves cleaning then this won’t speak to you. I am sure you know of an other area in your life where you can find yourself delay to take action.

In yoga we can practice going over the hump when we decide to do our practice even if we don’t feel like it. Or by pushing ourselves to approach postures we, for whatever reason, don’t like to do. Never know, there might be a surprise like a new feeling or victory waiting on the other side.

It’s essential to understand that procrastination is a habit that can be broken. We often procrastinate because we are afraid of failure or
perfectionism, which can lead to self-doubt and anxiety. To overcome it, we must identify the root cause of it and work on changing our mindset.

One of the most effective ways to overcome procrastination is to set achievable goals. Then break them down into focusing on one task at a time, which can make the process less overwhelming and more
manageable.
Another useful technique is to establish a routine and stick to it.
Having a consistent routine can help us develop discipline, which will form a new habit for us.

The benefits of overcoming procrastination are numerous. Not only can it help us achieve our goals, but it can also reduce stress, boost self-esteem, and improve our overall well-being. This way we can create more time and space in our lives to pursue our passions and enjoy the things that matter most to us.

Monday 17.04.
Deep Breathing Habit
Slow Flow

Wednesday 19.04.
No Escape
Flow

Thursday 20.04.
Open Theme
Yogis Choice

Friday 21.04.
Step-by-Step
Flow

I am proud and honored that you do your yoga practice with me so regularly!

Love,

Nicole

My dear Yogis and Yoginis,

“Knowing how you actually want to feel is the most potent form of clarity.”
~ Danielle LaPorte

Spring is often associated with new beginnings and growth, making it a great time to evaluate our habits and make positive changes. Here are some tips I would like to share with you that are helpful to create new positive habits and let go of those that no longer serve you:

Identifying the habits you want to change:
Take some time to reflect on the habits you want to create in your life. Whether it’s exercising regularly, eating healthier, or practicing mindfulness, make a list of the habits that you want to focus on. Often it is easier to replace an old habit with a new one instead of trying to just eliminate that old one.

Starting small:
It can be overwhelming to try to change everything at once and you may give up. It’s important to start small when creating new habits. Focus on one habit at a time and break it down into small, manageable steps. For example, if you want to start exercising more, start by taking a 10-minute walk each day.

Making a plan:
Once you have identified the habits you want to change, make a plan for how you will do it. Set specific goals and create a timeline for when you want to achieve them. Make sure your goals are realistic and achievable.

Holding yourself accountable:
Find ways to hold yourself accountable for sticking to your new habits. It can be helpful to share your intention with someone to hold you
accountable for your new habits. Find a friend or family member who can support you and help you to stay on track. You can also use a
journal to keep yourself accountable.

Celebrating your progress:
It’s important to celebrate your successes along the way, no matter how small they may seem. Recognize the progress you have made and use it as motivation to continue moving forward.

Remembering that changing habits takes time and effort, but it is worth it in the end. Be patient with yourself and don’t give up if you experience setbacks along the way. With persistence and dedication, you can build new positive habits and let go of those that no longer serve you that you can create a happier and healthier life for yourself.

Monday 10.04.
Growing roots to flourish
Flow

Wednesday 12.04.
Radiating heart
Slow Flow

Thursday 13.04.
Open Theme
Yogis Choice

Friday 14.04.
All around the world
Flow

Is there something you would like to improve or change in your life?

Love,

Nicole

My dear Yogis and Yoginis,

This is the extension of what I shared on last weeks blog with you.
Going back to having live retreats has been a blessing over the last couple years with all the other restrictions for live teaching that had been out there.
Being able to teach in person is balm for the soul and I believe is more appreciated than ever. But I can also say the same for the opportunity to teach online classes and workshops that has connected people from different parts of the world that before would have been unthinkable. Feeling connected through the screen was for most of us a new
experience.

This trip has been the longest I have been taking to meet friends, teach and see clients since the pandemic. What a difference it makes to spend an extended period of time in the same space with my friends. Sharing thoughts and feelings, brainstorming and going for walks – simply spending together.
I am grateful for technology and how it made the world smaller, but even more that it can’t replace the power of meeting in person. The energy that is created and shared, the ability to hold hands, hug and bounce thoughts and ideas off an other is absolutely priceless. It feels more like “Back to the past” and not “Back to the future” 🙂

Wednesday 05.04.
Spring Cleaning
Flow

Thursday 06.04.
Open Theme
Yogis Choice

Friday 07.04.
Lightness on top
Slow Flow

Of course all this said and written by a “retro girl”!

Love,

Nicole