Global Gratitude Challenge: #ImSoGrateful

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Welcome to the Global Gratitude Challenge! We are honored to be included in this powerful community event & invite you & your loved ones to participate. Through life's struggles it's easy to give into the negatives and stresses of surviving day-to-day.  But when we focus on surviving, we're not truly living.  We forget about the positives in our lives, so sometimes we need a sweet reminder of the things we have--a push to help us remember what's truly important.  Like water to a thirsty flower, water your mind and let your soul blossom by reflecting on the good in your life. Gratitude Month is dedicated to meditating on the positives and giving thanks to the universe for life's gifts.  Share what you are grateful for, and spread the word of thanks and love to the world.

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Monday Mantra: I am blessed

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Thanksgiving Day in the United States is fast approaching. Thanksgiving comes at the wrap of harvest season, when the months of hard work caring for crops comes to a close, and special appreciation is given to the land and labor put into the bounty. Since many of us do not work the land, we may have lost touch with what this time of year was for, our harvest. Here at Mika, we believe in checking in regularly about what we are thankful for, but this week is a great reminder to give a little extra recognition to all that is good in our lives. We are aware that not everyone has the same looking Thanksgiving Day, but we encourage you to make that day what giving thanks means to you. Some ideas for this are:

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Monday Mantra: Morning, glory!

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"Inspiring an overwhelming feeling of reverence, admiration, or fear; causing or inducing awe."

There are many ways to be awesome: beautiful, fearsome, inspiring, and my personal favorite, formidable. Wake up, and be formidable in everything you do; do everything with a fervent passion, because when you do, your heart, mind and soul will be at peace.

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DIY Dia De Los Muertos Makeup

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Here at Mika we can't hide our Halloween Passion... Dressing up, getting creative, playing with Make-up + throwing in some yoga in the mix? Yes please. My hunch is that we are not alone here & you like it too. I do understand that costuming or makeup can be overwhelming so hopefully this little How-to can help!

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How To: Three-Legged downward facing dog

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3legged dog
3legged dog

Downward-Facing split, One-legged downward-facing dog, Three-legged downward-facing dog, Three legged Dog, DownDog Split, What have you pose... Lots of names for this one!

Tips & Tricks:

  • When you pull your leg in, round as much as you can by pulling in your stomach. Think angry Halloween Cat.
  • Keep hips square...This has been my biggest challenge:/  If your hips are open, you are going to have to tap into extra strength to maintain squared off hips.  The other week when I was traveling I got to take class at this awesome studio in Venice called Exhale &  had the opportunity to take class from the Alignment Queen,  Annie Carpenter. In just one class, she gave me so much to work on, it was incredible how much homework I took from her. At one point she hovered over me &  told me "Your mantra is CONTROL, CONTROL, CONTROL." Yes mam'. So, control those hips ladies & gents- I'm still working on it too:)
  • Feel out your shoulder alignment. It's easy to have one shoulder come out more than the other, so again, tap into your strength & make your mantra CONTROL. Spread your fingers wide and press firmly through your palms and knuckles. Distribute your weight evenly across your hands to help maintain a strong base.

Benefits:

  • Opens hips & ribs
  • Builds balance
  • Energizing
  • Strength building
  • Full body stretch