Half Moon Yoga and Art Audio Blog and Podcast

In this week's audio blog, I explore the concept of excess.What is Enough?How do we tell our ego that we actually don't need more?On this Thanksgiving and everyday, try to find as many things as you can to be grateful for.Let's keep our joy in perspective.  Seventy-five percent of the world's population does not have their basic needs met for food, water, and shelter.As long as we are breathing, we have something precious to be grateful for- Life at this moment.Repeat this mantra, "I am enough and I have enough."This year, I'm learning to even consider my challenges, struggles, and failures as a blessing and opportunity for me to learn and grow. Here's a link to Fresh and Fit Meals to help you plan balanced meals ahead of time, instead of indulging in a mindset of scarcity. Check out my website: Half Moon Yoga and Art

In this week's audio blog, I explore the Museum of Man in San Diego to find the connections between past and present humans and all living things.  Did you know that our DNA is 50% related to bananas, 98.4 related to chimpanzees, and 99.9% related to the person next to you? When we can shed our differences of identity, we can begin to reach samadhi, ultimate bliss and peace. If you are in San Diego on November 12, 2016, join us at the Museum of Man for Yoga in the Rotunda! https://www.showclix.com/event/yoga-in-the-rotunda-november-1

In this audio blog, I discuss 3 yoga lessons that we can learn from costumes. To learn more about costumes and identity, check out my yoga video course, fun yoga for autumn!   https://www.udemy.com/fun-yoga-for-autumn

In this audio blog, I discuss the physical and emotional health benefits of owning a cat.   I also describe Cat Pose and how a cat's flexibility reminds me to continuously stretch throughout my day.   Does your cat do yoga? Share comments or pictures on the blog page here: http://www.halfmoonyogaandart.com/blog/my-cat-does-yoga

In this week's audio blog, I discuss feet statues from Rome and the mysterious island in LOST. Further, I mention different foundations in Rome and compare different kinds of shoes.  I emphasize the importance of having an intimate, balanced relationship with your feet. In yoga, we stand on our mat barefoot and strengthen and stretch our arches. This Foot Spray by Aurorae is made with pure essential oils to keep your feet, shoes, and yoga mat clean and fresh: http://www.auroraeyoga.com/yoga-products/aromatherapy-meditation-accessories/natural-foot-spray These beautiful Flower of Life Barefoot Sandals remind us to be in touch with the natural earth surface. http://www.foreversoles.com/blogs/our-world/chasing-waterfalls These Crocs allow you to still use your arches in a work environment: http://amzn.to/2dEmrYJ Check out these Yoga Leggings for the Sunset at the Colosseum: https://society6.com/product/colosseum-at-sunset-oxz_leggings#s6-4707916p43a56v417 And the Featured Wet Sand/Dry Sand Yoga Leggings to inspire you to step out barefoot: https://society6.com/product/wet-sand-267_leggings#s6-4698006p43a56v417

In this week's Audio Blog I discuss the effects of negativity on our mind and body.  I explain the dangers of watching horror and violent films (and video games/television). This dark side feeds on pain, fear, depression, anger, anxiety, and loops of negative thoughts. We can dissolve it when we live with awareness in the present moment and let our light of love and positivity shine through. I take us on a journey to ancient Knossos and the legend of the Minotaur. Eckart Tolle explains this concept of a pain-body in his life-changing  book, A New Earth. http://amzn.to/2dqdEJD Be inspired to let you light of awareness in yoga shine through the darkness with these yoga leggings:  https://society6.com/product/yoga-in-the-dark-g7y_leggings#s6-8057783p43a56v417 Enter Your Email Address for a chance to win this week's Tritan Square by Clean Bottle: www.HalfMoonYogaandArt.com Check out my Fun Yoga for Autumn Online Video Course- 50% OFF right now!  4-hour long yoga sequences leading you through interesting fall themes: https://www.udemy.com/fun-yoga-for-autumn/?couponCode=FALLDISCOUNT2 Please share your experiences with overcoming your dark side in the comments section! Half Moon Yoga and Art is Sponsored by Fresh and Fit Meals:  www.freshandfitmeals.com

In this week's audio blog, I discuss accepting changes in the fall season.  The leaves turn colors because the tree is killing them and letting them go.  What do you need to let go of in order to move forward?   Further, I discuss the transformation of energy in fall starches like sweet potatoes.  When we use our willpower, we can burn up this energy through yoga and other physical activity.  We should consider balanced proportions with each meal. Fresh and Fit Meals is a healthy San Diego prep and delivery company that can bring you weekly balanced meals to your door to save you time and energy. https://www.freshandfitmeals.com/  Further, celebrate fall with these Fall Leaves Leggings: https://society6.com/product/fall-leaves-bfa_leggings#s6-4708053p43a56v417 Direct your energy towards physical movement with my Fun Yoga for Autumn Course- On sale this week for 50% off- $12 4-Hour long video yoga sequences with alignment pdfs, written discussion, and video discussion on each topic. https://www.udemy.com/fun-yoga-for-autumn/learn/v4/?couponCode=FALLDISCOUNT Enter your email address here for your chance to win a Clean Bottle Tritan Square. www.HalfMoonYogaandArt.com

In this week's audio blog I discuss what it's like to see all the amazing benefits of yoga from the outside, then the challenges of pushing through your first few classes until you fall in love with it.  I interview my brothers and friend, Paul, as well as share my beginning experiences with yoga.   Further, I provide 5 Tips for Aspirational Yogis.   I refer to a book that I read on this camping trip called, "Yoga for People Who Can't Be Bothered to Do It," by Geoff Dyer.  He wishes he did yoga, but is too afraid to start.   You can buy the book here: http://amzn.to/2d7hc2N Improve your Sun Salutations with this PDF: http://halfmoonyogaandart.us11.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=84976081c0c2256ce9420b3e2&id=6b487b112a You can buy my Camping Inspired Leggings for your next trip: https://society6.com/product/plitvice-lakes-and-waterfalls-jv9_leggings#s6-4700939p43a56v417 I'm GIVING AWAY 1 CleanBottle Tritan Square each week!  Enter your email address NOW for a chance to win: http://www.halfmoonyogaandart.com/ There's still one room left on our Palm Tree of Yoga women's spiritual retreat to Palm Springs, October 14-16th, 2016. We will be practicing 5 yoga classes, 4 meditations, book discussions, painting workshop, hiking, relaxing by the pool, and enjoying all meals provided by our private chef!  Join the other 10 women who have already signed up! http://www.halfmoonyogaandart.com/retreats.html Join us this week as I offer beginner options throughout the Alpine yoga sequence: Thursday 6-7pm- & Saturday 10am-11am- Donation Class at Mission Bay Park (we meet AT THE WATER behind the Visitor's Center at I-5 and Mission Bay Dr.)- 2688 E Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109 Sunday 9-10am- Rooftop Yoga at Hotel Solamar with Pool Access (6th Ave. and J St.) through Yoga One www.yogaonesandiego.com

In this week's audio blog, I discuss the yoga challenge that I completed in August.  I explain my limitations and hesitations as well as the benefits and lessons learned from eleven amazing teachers at Yoga One studio in San Diego. www.yogaonesandiego.com I share Iyengar's quotes about yoga teachers and learning from his book, Tree of Yoga. http://amzn.to/2cS8c1h I also offer my newest yoga leggings to remind you to do yoga everyday. https://society6.com/product/yoga-in-the-dark-g7y_leggings#s6-8057783p43a56v417 I'm offering a Giveaway for a FREE Tritan Square Water Bottle and Fruit Infuser Piece- One Winner each week for four weeks! Enter Your Email Address Here:  http://www.halfmoonyogaandart.com/ Join us this week as I share these lessons throughout the yoga sequence: Thursday 6-7pm- & Saturday 10am-11am- Donation Class at Mission Bay Park (we meet AT THE WATER behind the Visitor's Center at I-5 and Mission Bay Dr.)- 2688 E Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109 Sunday 9-10am- Rooftop Yoga at Hotel Solamar with Pool Access (6th Ave. and J St.) through Yoga One

In this week's audio blog, I open with an adventure in Chinatown Manhattan.   Then I discuss the symbolism in rectangles and squares relating to doors, buildings, text, blocks, mats, water bottles, art movements, and New York City.   I discuss Iyengar's influence on props to prevent us from injuring ourselves. Learn more in his book: Light on Yoga http://amzn.to/2coONsz Supper Sturdy Vitality Yoga Block on SALE for only $4.99 until September 5th!!! https://voucherleap.com/vitalityyogablock2 SAVE 30% OFF on the Clean Bottle Tritan Square when you enter the code HALFMOON https://www.cleanbottle.com/collections/all/products/tritan-square Also, there's still one room left on my Palm Tree of Yoga  women's spiritual retreat  in October.   http://www.halfmoonyogaandart.com/retreats1.html Join me for this week's themed yoga classes as we explore Rectangles & Block in NYC Thursday 6-7pm- and Saturday 10am-11am- Donation Classes at Mission Bay Park (we meet AT THE WATER behind the Visitor's Center at I-5 and Mission Bay Dr.)- 2688 E Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109 Best 25 Yoga Bloggers of 2016 http://www.chosenwellness.com/best-yoga-bloggers/ Best Yoga Blogs of 2016 http://www.doyouyoga.com/best-yoga-blogs/

In this week's audio blog, I discuss the symbolism involved with a palm tree. Historically, palm trees have represented victory and peace. B.K.S. Iyengar relates Pantajali's Eight Limbs of Yoga to the parts of a tree and I summarize these here. The Tree of Yoga https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1570629013/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=half08-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1570629013&linkId=b1bad095f50f23df508914ef2f0a0b54 Further, Palm Trees are a source of inspiration for many artists, including myself.  Check out my palm tree yoga leggings here: https://society6.com/product/windy-palms-gio_leggings#s6-4678366p43a56v417 Quote from The Art of Travel. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375725342/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=half08-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0375725342&linkId=012369f0e8e2f56214e4c6417174a0b9 Finally,  There is still one room available for my upcoming women's spiritual retreat to Palm Springs in which we will deepen our yoga and meditation practice, discuss this book further, paint and palm tree and explore Palm Canyon.   Register here: http://www.halfmoonyogaandart.com/retreats1.html

In this week's audio blog, I discuss my personal relationship with wine , the history of wine around the world, the art of wine tasting, what yogis say about drinking in ancient Ayurveda texts as well as tantra philosophy, and what science states is moderation.   I encourage the reader to drink from a place of consciousness and not listen to your pain body. More about the pain body in Ekhart Tolle's book, "A New Earth" Buy Here Also, check out this week's yoga leggings! There are 3 more beds left on my Palm Tree of Yoga Women's Spiritual Retreat in October! Sign up before August 21st to SAVE $50! http://www.halfmoonyogaandart.com/retreats1.html

In this week's audio blog, I discuss the concept of universal culture as it relates to the Yamas, universal morality.  It starts with the individual deepening his/her yoga practice, then moves into society and the community.   Yoga is more popular in Vancouver than anywhere else in the world.  I discuss Vancouver's strengths in community through open-door policy, sustainability, and thinking green. Further, The Yoga Expo is coming up in Vancouver and other cities like Washington D.C.,  Denver, Houston, Fort Lauderdale, Portland, Los Angeles, and Philidelphia.  http://theyogaexpo.org/index.php You can choose from over 100 yoga classes to attend, try healthy sustainable food, and shop in the yoga market.  This is perfect for aspirational yogis as well- people who want to try yoga, but don't know where to begin. The first 10 people to sign up will receive a ticket to their city of choice. http://www.halfmoonyogaandart.com/blog/universal-culture-in-vancouver Check out this week's Vancouver inspired yoga leggings: https://society6.com/product/watercolor-sunset-d0a_leggings#s6-4707897p43a56v417

In this Audio Blog, I discuss the concept of heat your yoga practice, including the benefits of sweating, and the different ways to build heat either through a specific type of yoga, or in your own disciplined practice. This week only, you have the opportunity to win a microfiber yoga mat towel by entering your email address:  http://www.halfmoonyogaandart.com/blog/hot-yoga-palm-springs-retreat Find out more details about Aurorae products here: AuroraeYoga  (http://www.auroraeyoga.com/yoga-products/yoga-mats/yoga-mat-towel) We also explore the concept of Pratyahara, to retreat- meditation as a vacation for the mind and control of the senses.  I introduce a helpful app called Simple Habit.   Try the App for 2 Weeks FREE using this code:  JTRIO.  https://itunes.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1093360165?mt=8 You can buy this week's featured pair of palm tree leggings or any other of my 25 styles for FREE Shipping until August 7th with this code: https://society6.com/halfmoonyogaandart?promo=3RKHTF7Q342W Finally, I relate hot yoga and pratyahara to Palm Springs and describe my upcoming women's yoga and meditation retreat in October.  I read some of the reviews from the previous retreat to Julian. Find out more here: http://www.halfmoonyogaandart.com/retreats1.html

In this audio blog, we discuss Elizabeth Gilbert's newest book, Big Magic:Creative Living Beyond Fear, and how living a life of creativity gives purpose even if you think you are not a creative person.   I also discuss the concept of ideas, inspiration, and overcoming fear.  I introduce some of my creative friends and their thoughts on the book as well. Further, in yoga philosophy, we try to cultivate Prana, the life force, through yoga postures (asana), breathing techniques (pranayama), concentration (dharana) and connection with the divine (dhyana).   I also make connections with the city of Barcelona and the Magic Fountain of Montjuic along with the exceptionally unique, organic, and colorful sculpture and architecture by Antoni Gaudi. Links to buy Elizabeth Gilberts amazing books or audiobooks: Big Magic Book:  http://amzn.to/2abySgx Big Magic Audible: http://amzn.to/2ah7R9h Eat Pray Love Book:  http://amzn.to/2aeJF6N  Eat Pray Love Audible:  http://amzn.to/2a4JKai The Signature of All Things: http://amzn.to/2a4D1gF Links to my big magic inspired yoga leggings: https://society6.com/product/sunset-reflection-xde_leggings#s6-4685811p43a56v417 https://society6.com/product/symmetrical-abstract-gfe_leggings#s6-4707935p43a56v417 Link to TS Designs: https://www.facebook.com/Tammy-Spencer-Jewelry-Designs-354585734647136/?fref=ts

In this audio blog, I tell my story to BeYogi.com about running for my life from a train.  Hatha yoga is about two opposites working together as a whole.  When you trust in yourself as your front body, the Universe will protect your back body.   https://beyogi.com/yoga-divine-universe/ Also, check out these new yoga leggings with my paintings now featured on 25 designs:  https://society6.com/halfmoonyogaandart/leggings You can sign up here to receive a weekly email about my blog, classes, and products:  http://bit.ly/LeggingSpecials

In this Audio Blog, I discuss the Petal or Limb or Dharana in Pantajali's  8-Limbed Path to Enlightenment.   It means concentration, focus, and stillness.   This concept is helpful in balancing postures and for quieting the mind.   George Seurat practiced concentration as he studies the park and these characters for two years before unleashing his Neo-Impressionist style, Pointillism.   The musical, Sundays in the Park with George also discusses the concept of concentration.   It is playing in San Diego for one more week at the Museum of Art : http://iontheatre.com/sunday-in-the-park-with-george-1/ Check out my paintings that are now on yoga leggings: https://society6.com/halfmoonyogaandart/leggings

In this Audio Blog, I discuss the concept of political freedom through the statue of liberty and color symbolism of our flag as it relates to the Niyamas, codes for personal observances.  Further, I highlight some of the important monuments in Washington D.C. and discuss the beauty and dangers involved with fireworks.  I include a mantra for the Niyamas and some yoga poses for the 4th of July.

In this audio blog, I discuss the Yamas (One of the Parts of Pantajali's 8 Limbed Path to Enlightenment) as they relate to our treatment of creatures, people, and land.  I also describe sustainability in terms of products and materials including Iguaneye shoes and paperless books, Audible.com.  Further, I tell the story of a hero in Universal Moarlity, Chico Mendes. https://iguaneye.us/?aff=3 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NB86OYE/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=half08-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00NB86OYE&linkId=27f37030b43b1c7eb5cc5ab665844988

This audio blog explores the element of space along with the 5th Throat Chakra and the temples of the sun, moon, and stars of the ancient Incas of this city in the sky, Machu Picchu.

Stonehenge is full of mysteries. Especially regarding the placement of the Heel Stone in which the sun rises directly behind it on the Summer Solstice. This special day is also the International Day of Yoga in which we yogis celebrate the unity and connection with the divine associated with our crown chakra.

Rock ceremony, unity, consciousness, gratitude and inspiration from Salkantay Mountain in Peru. Also, special mention to A New Earth by Eckart Tolle.   Buy the book here:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0452289963/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0452289963&linkCode=as2&tag=half08-20&linkId=977efa3856fb20ecda2db56409f20696

In this audio blog, I discuss my recent experience of getting an aura cleansing. I also mention daily habits to cleanse your own aura.  Further we meditate on aligning all of the 7 chakras to balance our energy. I also mention Paramatma Holistic Healing House in Cusco, Peru.  Check it out here:  http://www.cuscoholistichealing.com/en/home/

This audio blog discusses the 5 Elements: Earth, Fire, Water, Air and Space as they relate to yoga philosophy.   I discuss how all of these Elements can all be found in Hawaii.   Further, submersing yourself in nature is the best way to find balance within yourself.  SENI by Fit Rebel Yoga Pants:  https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/seni-by-fit-rebel-art-inspired-leggings#/