I DO NOT like cold weather and obviously, the east coast winter doesn't help with that. We knew we were going away somewhere tropical in January for Rafa's first big trip and to celebrate Keating's 32nd birthday, and we had a few places to choose - The Bahamas, The U.S. Virgin Islands, Costa Rica and Mexico. It took us 20 minutes to pick Cancún/Tulum, the facilities seemed better, and it felt like an easy trip for a 7-month baby. Just when I started checking on Airbnb, Rafa tried to pull my hair to remind me that we had a 7-month-old fellow - Airbnb might NOT be a smart move. 10 minu...

After the Restorative Yoga class last night, I had a student come up after to congratulate me on the pregnancy.

He's a father of 5-month-old baby girl. The smile on his face was so memorable - radiating a joy from the bottom of his heart.

We started chatting about the baby books we are reading. I'm glad to know he and his partner think my favorite book so far, The Happiest Baby on the Block, is very helpful. We then shared some tips and his experiences about the "fourth trimester".

What he described the period was beautifully chaotic. It's definitely difficult with a new...

Being a relatively new yoga instructor, I still get quite nervous when I’m teaching…especially at well-established studios. Last Saturday, I woke up in the middle of the night…panicking…in anticipation for a Sunday night class. In the past, this could keep me up for hours and cause considerable fatigue the next day. Thoughts of worst-case scenarios would takeover, and I felt a sense of helplessness as my mind would race. However, on this recent occasion I took a different approach. The first step was focusing on my breath. Gradually deepening my inhales and exhales allowed my body an...

When we think of the word "yoga", typically we do not associate the word with a corporate setting. Instead, images of pristine beaches, scented candles, nature, and ultimate relaxation come to mind. Consequently, there is no better place to practice

yoga than in the office -- and beauty arises when we embrace the opportunity to take a deep breath, decompress, and recharge our mind and body for the challenges of the day. 

Practicing yoga has a myriad of benefits in the workplace. Stress reduction is linked to yoga, as is an overall increase in well-being. Limiting stress is crucial for...

Extend your awareness

into the bodies of other living beings,

feel what those others are feeling.

Leave aside your body and its needs.

Abandon being so local.

Darby day, constrictions will loosen,

as you become attuned

to the current of life

flowing through us all.

-- The Radiance Sutras |84|

There are so many beautiful pieces to put together from last week's family vacation back on the east coast at the Jersey Shore. I always enjoy spending time with my fiancé and his lovely family, but in particular, this time was very memorable and dear to me as I discovered more appreciation for life....

​I started experimenting raw vegan ingredients recently. It amazes me how satisfied it tastes with simple and healthy ingredients. 

This creamy chocolate mousse is mainly made of avocado and cocoa powder. Many of my friends first heard avocado cocoa mousse, their reactions were "eww" "gross" or just long "hmm" silence.

No doubt avocado is a super food, but it is not a typical ingredient for dessert. Avocado is in such an awkward position - fruit, but does not have the fruity taste. However, no other fruit can compete for the creaminess after blending. 

Let's get the party...

Yoga is not limited to be in the studio.

Trails are not only for hiking.

We went for a hike at Big Basin Redwoods State Park on Sunday. Unlike our usual hikes, we stopped by for quick yoga sessions. 

Whenever I teach yoga in the office or the studio, here're what I usually do to help my clients/students be more mindful and completely relaxed:

-  remind my them to focus on their breaths and bodies if they found their minds wandering.

-  create an atmosphere (in the woods, by the beach, and etc.) during final savasana/meditation; then lead them to picture themselves in it. This allows them...

Pre-summer dessert - Coconut Chia Pudding with Homemade Jam. 

Let's start with nutrition facts here. Chia seeds are one of the most nutritious foods on the planet. They are loaded with fiber, protein, Omega-3 fatty acids and various micronutrients. Chia seeds are usually grown organically, are non-GMO and naturally free of gluten. 

COCONUT... Me and my fiancé are huge fans of coconut. Fresh coconut, coconut water, coconut milk, coconut chips, coconut butter, coconut oil... Despite the lovely tropical smell of coconut and all health benefits of coconut products,...