The Happiest Place on Earth

Once upon a time I lived in a gorgeous apartment in Inwood across from the water, had lush trees all around, and a lovely roomate. My current living situation is maybe not as amazing, however I love it. For me all I am currently lacking is a view of the water to practice Yoga at and a funny, handy, interior design driven roommate who sings and raps in Spanish. A friend of mine who is experiencing the obvious challenges of the NYC cost of living asked me where I think is the best place to live? While the best place on earth to live is also a matter of opinion. Some wealthy people may say Cook Islands, Caymans, or various regions of Europe. I am aware that to raise a family there are many benefits to live in Canada and also for an amazing tropical peaceful place my obvious choice would be India. Tax wise Texas, Florida and Nevada are always good choices. In the NYC area Rye, Pelham, areas of Scarsdale (if it is in your budget are all nice) and some parts of Connecticut. However, in the end the Happiest and Best place to live is wherever you are. Within your own heart you need to find contentment, within your own situation, your own skin, work environment etc. This is ultimately our journey to enjoy it to the fullest. While there are many challenges from external sources like government, personal, work, financial, health, and more, it is up to us to find happiness and seek the peace that lives within. My final answer to my friend, the happiest place is in your heart. That being said, I am off to Canada for a week of fun with the family!

Tree Pose with Kids Yoga

While I love to teach yoga, teaching kids yoga is super duper fun! There are so many different approaches to asana (postures) and pranayama (breathing). Kids have an amazing imagination and since I am a kid at heart, I always feel like kids are on my wave length. Often times I will incorporate a story, or allow them to make a story that together we re-enact with yoga poses. Most stories are made in the moment with their suggestions. Since it is the season to plant gardens, a popular story involves planting trees, flowers, beans etc. One of my favorite yoga garden experiences was when we planted seeds that grew into magic trees that have candy blooms, and tweety birds that sing on the branches. Too fun!

Yoga Thank You Note

Recently, I taught a small group Yoga class where one regular student brought a friend, and another heard about my class and decided to join. After class we shared in tea and they all mentioned how they are currently looking for work. They all admitted that money spent on yoga was worth every penny.

I just wanted to take a minute to send a note of thanks out in the universe. I consider myself blessed and privileged to have instructed and practiced Yoga with every person I have worked with, both in group and private sessions. To the many students who are dedicated to taking my group classes and private classes during this tough economic time, I thank you. I have grown in my Yoga practice by sharing in yours. Your participation, referrals, and dedication to yoga with me, continue to amaze me. I hold each of you dear in my heart, in my prayers, and in my daily meditation. May rivers of peace, opportunities and abundance flow our way. Om Shanti! You are all appreciated! Peace & Hugs ~Ambria (www.zogayoga.com)

Ambria Live @ The Peoples Lounge - Jam Sessions

After a full day of teaching Yoga classes, last night I had the chance to play at The People's Lounge. This event was a Jam Session, put on by the talented Ms. Shelita Vaughns. The line up included 4 R&B/Soul artists (including myself) and one rapper. The venue had many patrons, and fans of the various performers. It was an amazing night of music.

The first artist Zuwadi, performed with a full band and did an improv song where he encouraged the audience to provide three words so he can create a new song. One of the words was Jelly Beans and all I can say is there should be more Jelly Bean songs. Act two was a rapper, Last Offense. He was a gay rapper and introduced the crowd to a very new style and approach to lyrics. Next was myself, and I played keys, singing a small set of original, sensual, slow jams. Shelita followed with an acoustic set, complete with a guitar and trumpet. Finally we were entertained by C.Devon. This girl had a full band and brought Caribbean flavour and R&B Soul to an Alternative Edge. Her background dancers swished their hips and sang lovely harmonies while the band brought the funk! It was a great night of live music. Thank you to all who came out to enjoy the show and thanks Shelita for inviting me to play again. I am excited to belly dance for your show in August!

Treasure Yoga with Autistic Spectrum Disorder Kids

I have enjoyed working with an inspirational young girl named Lena. This young lady was introduced to Yoga with some DVD's and came to me in a Yogi Beans class for further instruction. While I was told that she is ASD (autistic spectrum disorder), I knew that each individual child is unique and approached the situation without any judgement. Our first class was a private session. This young lady knew the poses like a pro! We played games like Yoga Adventure, Toga, and more. Her energy was absolutely fantastic. After class her mom mentioned that she loved the pace of the class but will be going away for the remainder of the summer. I was sad to not work with her again till the fall.

Because of Lena's enthusiasm about Yoga, her mom decided to sign her up in a group class I teach on Saturdays before they left for vacation. This young lady again impressed me. She introduced me to a new pranayama (breathing) technique and worked so great with the rest of the kids. At the end of class I gave the kids little word cards. The kids read the word on the card, and tell the group what that word means to them, and how it relates to Yoga. One sweet little girl had the word treasure, and with ear to ear grins she said she loved this word. She began to list jewels, crowns, coins and all the most beautiful items of treasure that she would love to have. My lovely student Lena said (and I quote) "it can also mean a special memory that you will treasure forever in your heart". She then said how she will always treasure her yoga class. WOW!!! Teaching this wise little girl is a memory I will treasure forever.

Bikini Body with Yoga-Laties

As the summer is proving to redeem herself with beautiful sunny days, many of us want to head to the beach. Bikini season is still upon us. For ladies looking for a fun way to strengthen that core and still maintain the bliss of a meditative Yoga practice, try Yoga-Laties. I have taught this class in studios and private sessions.

This is a fun class! A typical way that I sequence the class is to begin with Yoga Breath work, cat cow stretching, Surya Namaskar A, and progress into the Pilates 100, Roll Up, Roll Over, Leg Circles, Leg Stretches, Saw, Bicycle, Crunches, Navasana, and if you dare Cherry Pickers. The class tapers off with Surya Namaskar B, Trikonasana, Goddess, Pigeon, Bridge/Wheel, Happy Baby and Savasana. The results are fantastic and is guaranteed to turn heads at the beach. While I mentioned that this is a fun way to strengthen the core for ladies, men will also see amazing results with this class. Enjoy the rest of Summer!

Bunnies

While in Montauk I came across the most adorable bunnies. I watched how they were selective with their diet. These cute bunnies munched quickly on grass, dandelion and clovers. These greens provide vitamins, fibre, and nutrients. Bunnies are known to be quick, have soft coats, and healthy muscles. This outer and inner health and beauty could be related to a healthy diet. While we don't want to copy every diet habit of bunnies or other animals, observing these cute bunnies reminded me that chewing your food is so important to help digestion, eating a diet rich in greens can improve hair and muscles, eating dandelions have natural detoxification properties when ingested. These bunnies sat quietly staring at me in close proximity for a long time, it was too cute.