Tropic Yoga

We must sail, not drift, nor lie at anchor…

Tropic Yoga — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 18:43:29 +0000

“I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving: To reach the port of heaven, we must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it – but we must sail, and not drift, nor lie at anchor.

- Oliver Wendel Holmes

a note from November ’08

I recently had the opportunity to attend Sea School as the first step in obtaining my Captain’s license. During the time spent on plotting and since then, I continue to think about the courses I have set for myself at various times throughout my life and how many times that course has changed either due to external conditions beyond my control, or internal conditions based on choices I have made. When discussing the set and drift and point to aim when plotting I imagined having a navigation chart that represented my life and how it would look. I recall being close to graduating from high school and making a bet with a family friend that I would not be married until I was at least 26 years old and wouldn’t even consider having kids until a few years after that. Well, that course was certainly effected by the currents of life. I was married at 19 and brought the most beautiful baby girl into this world shortly before my 21st birthday with her brother following two and a half years later. I paid my bets and carried on with the new course that had been set.

After my divorce, (yet another course change) I did my best to raise two independent and courageous human beings. I believe I did succeed in staying on that course. Since that time, my course seems to be constantly changing, bringing into my life excitement, fear, new friends, challenges and adventure. Almost four years ago when I landed here in Miami Beach after living the previous 6 months in Mexico, if someone would have told me I would be doing what I am doing right now, I would have laughed until I cried. For that matter, if someone would have told me 15 years ago I would not only have lived in Mexico, but moved there with two teenagers and our two dogs, I would have thought them crazy!

I wonder sometimes what has been guiding me. What has led me to NOW. I did not set a course to be HERE or anywhere near HERE. I have felt for the last few years that I have simply been doing what I was told. Not by any one person, but by something greater than myself. I listen and I take action. It seems so simple. Having clarity of what it is you truly want is crucial, however that doesn’t necessarily mean knowing what that is going to look like. I have said for years “All I want is to sail and teach yoga.” I had no idea it would look like this.

Every choice I make in my life now is based on the question, “What feels best?”. I have let go of allowing guilt, obligation or should’ves guide my life and now let peace, joy and passion guide me. Based on results it is working. Seeing, believing, but most of all trusting are the keys to a life that causes me to declare on a daily basis, “Life is good!”

What courses have you set for yourself throughout your lifetime, and how have you dealt with the wind and currents that may have blown you off that original course?

Peace, Love, Laughter and Pirate Yogis!

Kim

P.S. I passed my tests and am now gathering my paperwork for the Coast Guard and shopping for my boat!

P.S.S. Today is 15 May 2013, five years after writing this blog, and WOW where the wind has blown me since then! I bought a 41′ sailboat, worked as a Captain with the Florida Sea Base Boy Scouts for a summer, and met & married a wonderful man who I am living with on our boat in the Florida Keys with our two macaws, after spending a couple of years living in the British Virgin Islands. We are, much to my surprise, in the process of purchasing a tiki bar and restaurant in Marathon, Florida, mid-way between Miami and Key West. We have plans to turn this into a premier music venue (my husband is a singer/songwriter with a passion for good music and good times) I will bring my passion of the outdoors and health & fitness through yoga into the space offering yoga & fitness classes in the mornings prior to opening. I also have plans to include water sports via kayak & paddleboard rentals & SUP Yoga right in front of the venue. Keeping our dreams alive and moving forward with love and passion.

Everything that happens is moving you to live a bigger truth.

– Alan Cohen

Inspiration from a Universal Citizen(TM)

Tropic Yoga — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 15:28:53 +0000

I just ran across this inspiring quote again, not sure where I found it so many years ago, but the words ring true for my aims in life.

“I have a holistic perspective about the world; I have a natural tendency towards co-operative action; I am international and intercultural; I am motivated by truth, integrity and unity; I am responsive to intrinsic beauty; I have an appreciation for peak experiences; I’m open-minded and treat others with respect; I have the desire to communicate authentically, naturally and easily; I am aware of my self-identity but have the capacity to go beyond the self; I use my natural talents to promote peace and goodwill; I aim to be awe-inspiring and above all I am aware of the sacredness of every person and of every living thing.”

I am a Universal CitizenTM

Living Green… K.I.S.S. ~ it’s easy!

Tropic Yoga — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 01:12:06 +0000

“Every day we may make a hundred or more choices, some small and seemingly insignificant, and some large and unquestionably substantial. Small or large, our collective choices and the actions that stem from them have an impact–good, bad or indifferent–on the world around us.” It’s Easy Being Green, Crissy Trask

Keep it simple. Start small. Just by becoming conscious of the choices we make in every
moment and how that one, single choice affects your immediate and not so immediate environment. Take for instance allowing the water to run as you are brushing your teeth. Just the simple choice to turn the water off can save hundreds of gallons of water in a years time. Worldwide, including right here at home in the United States, there are serious water shortages that have led to bitter fights over water rights with devastating outcomes for both humans and our aquatic ecosystems.

Some simple steps that you can do today are:

Reuse your grocery sacks or better yet bring your own reuseable bags. A great one I have found is the ChicoBag. It rolls up into a tiny bundle that stays in my purse. Many times I forget to bring my bags in with me and have to load them at the car (I have the bag person put them right back into the cart and sack them at my car). With the ChicoBag, I always have at least one bag with me.
Use a water filter instead of buying bottled water. You can then purchase a stainless steel waterbottle to refill.
Turn off or unplug lights, fans and certain appliances when not in the room. This not only saves electricity which has an impact on our carbon footprint, but also saves the impact on your wallet!
Combine errand running into one trip. Rather than run to the store one day and another store the next, combine all into when day, saves gas and time. OR better yet…
Walk or ride your bike when possible.
And of course, remember the four Rs. RECYCLE, REUSE, REDUCE, REMEMBER!
These are just a few extremely simple things that each of us can incorporate into our lives that will have an impact if we all do them. Being green is easy!

“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” Leo Tolstoy

I am always interested in hearing from you. Please send me questions, ideas and photos for the website and Tropic Connections!

Peace, Love, Laughter and Pirate Yogis!

Namaste

Kim
SV Ave de Paso
Florida Keys

Finding Balance with Restorative Yoga

Tropic Yoga — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 17:49:46 +0000

With today’s crazy schedules, stress levels and overall busy-ness, it is especially important to find the time nurture the body, mind and soul. What if, you could eliminate, or at least bring to a manageable level your stress levels through ancient techniques that have been proven to lower blood pressure, frustration levels, irritation, anger, and all other symptoms that come from a stressful life.

“To quiet the mind, all things are possible.” Meister Eckhart

With a regular restorative yoga practice, we can begin to find balance in today’s world. The use of props in a restorative practice, allows the body to be completely supported for total relaxation, and is designed to open the spine through passive postures, including an inversion pose which reverses the effects of gravity. The masculine and feminine energy that reside within each of us are balanced through strategically designed sequencing. Restoring balance with intentional relaxation and passive manipulation of the spine and body, is essential to living well.

Silence is Power African Proverb

In my Candlelight Restorative class, an emphasis is placed upon opening the front side of the body, countering the effects of day to day living in which we “close” the front of the body over 35,000 times each day. Every thing we do, from walking, sitting, reaching and even sleeping closes or contracts the front side of the body. Rarely, if ever, do we consciously “open” the front of the body.

The last posture of the evening is a supported savasana, preparing the body and mind for the final portion of this class: yoga nidra. A guided ‘meditation’ which stimulates various parts of the brain and balances the two hemispheres of the brain through time tested (over 5000 years) ‘exercises’ allowing the participant to go into a deeper state of consciousness, often times leaving them with the feeling of being “out of my body”.

One Breath At A Time

Tropic Yoga — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 16:41:59 +0000

One of the simplest ways of maintaining a healthy lifestyle is to begin by breathing. Yes breathing. Breathing consciously. Allowing our attention to focus solely on each inhale and each exhale. This is something that we rarely do. We rush through life with our attention here and there, at home, at work, making to-do lists, and grocery lists, lists of all kinds; surrendering to the Monkey Mind.

“Our lives are not measured by the number of his days but by the number of his breaths.” By slowing down and deepening the breaths we take, we not only lengthen our lives, but strengthen the respiratory system, sooth the nervous system and reduce cravings. As our desires and cravings diminish, our minds are set free and we are able to concentrate more fully.

Stop right now and take ten, that’s right, ten slow, deep conscious breathes. One of two things may happen; you will either not be able to maintain the focus necessary to watch ten breathes in and ten breathes out or, you will have control of your monkey mind and you will make it through all ten breathes and you will notice that you feel different; calmer more relaxed. By breathing long slow deep breathes, we stimulate the part of the lungs that hold the calming nerve receptors, enabling the body to slide into a more relaxed and calm state, both physically and mentally.

Breathing is something we take for granted, which is a shame, it is a very powerful tool we have that we can utilize any time, and any where. Headaches can virtually disappear, traffic jams can seem less frustrating, communication can become clearer, these are just a few areas of our lives that can be dramatically changed by simply bringing our attention to our breath.

now….. breathe in….. and breathe out…..

What are you passionate about?

Tropic Yoga — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 16:50:36 +0000

“Find something you’re passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.”
Julia Childs

Fall ’08

practicing aboard Everlasting, Tampa Bay

I am so excited to have many new adventures unfolding in my life! As far back as I can remember I could not for the life of me figure out what I wanted to do or be when I ‘grew up’. All I knew was that as soon as I found what I was truly passionate about, I would know the answer. When I discovered yoga, I knew immediately my life would be changing. It made so much sense to me. Having been a fitness instructor for close to 10 years prior and working in the transformational growth industry for 8 of those years, transitioning into yoga was natural. Since that time, I have also discovered that living the sailing lifestyle is also a passion. As my confidence as a skipper/instructor grows in this area, I am anxious for my transition to living aboard. Bringing these two passions together to create what some might call a career (I like to call it play!) makes me realize how truly blessed I am.

With the success of my book Yoga OnboardTM and the release of the DVD this fall, my life is moving in directions I could never have imagined, both in the realm of my yoga instruction and my love for sailing. All because I followed my passion.

Traveling nationwide promoting my book, I have met the most amazing and inspirational people. Tropic Connections will give us the opportunity to share information on yoga, health in general, living green-on land and on board, and sailing. There will be links to websites of interest and inspiration that I hope offers you guidance and motivation to take on your life! And best of all there will be your input: your stories, inspiration,thoughts and photos.

Hobie on beach in Idaho

My intention is to offer a way for us to stay connected when we cannot be together; to offer reasons for living well in a world where excuses are abundant; to make a difference in the world.

Finding ones passion and devoting energy to it adds to the abundance around us. What is your passion? And what are you doing about it?

Peace, Love, Laughter & Pirate Yogis!

Kim

Yoga Workshops in the Florida Keys

Tropic Yoga — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 23:04:06 +0000

PARADISE YOGA

mm 86.7 oceanside Islamorada

Two delicious workshops designed to explore, experience and exhale. Find ease within your practice then let go into the depths of restorative yoga.
Enjoy a day (or two) in The Beautiful Florida Keys!
Yoga in the morning, snorkeling, sailing or exploring in the afternoon.
Only 1.5 hours from Miami!

Saturday 16 March 2013
10:30am-12:30pm

Let’s Get Twisted!
Explore active & passive twists
Adding twists to your regular yoga practice
Improves Spinal Mobility
Promotes Internal Health
Boosts Mental Well Being

Saturday 27 April 2013

10:30am-12:30pm

Power Yoga/Yoga Nidra
The Ultimate in Yin/Yang Yoga
Yin & Yang, being complementary, not opposing, forces, interact to form a whole, greater than either separate part; in effect, a dynamic system.
75 minutes of sweaty, strength building, lengthening power vinyasa
45 minute yoga nidra session.

ALL LEVELS ENCOURAGED!

Kim Hess, has 22 years experience in the fitness industry, with the last 14 years focused on the practice of yoga, teaching full time in the Miami area since 2005. Creator & author of Yoga OnboardTM & other Healthy CruisingTM Guides.

SeniorFit Onboard ~ Sailing into our Senior Years

Tropic Yoga — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 15:28:14 +0000

Squats on the bowsprit add an extra challenge…balance

As we count the years, which seem to be flying by faster than ever, we begin to notice ‘things’. We begin to notice sensations in our bodies that weren’t there before. We don’t spring out of bed like we used too, and getting onto and off of our vessels can sometimes be tricky. We become painfully aware at how quickly we lose our strength after a few down days.

Staying active is especially important during this time of our lives. Here are a few tips for staying active as we age:

Do what you love. There is no sense in choosing an activity that we are not having fun doing…life is too short!
Listen to your body. Your body is your teacher, listen; find your edge, that place where you know you are pushing yourself, but not too hard and back off just a bit, then enjoy.
Pay attention to your surroundings. Being conscious of the movement of the boat (if exercising on board), the terrain (if on land) makes a big difference as we deal with changes in balance and strength.
Keeping the core strong with
Modified Boat Pose

Warm up and cool down before exercise Walking in place for a few minutes prior to your main workout and doing some yummy stretching after will help in the prevention of injury.
Drink plenty of fluids Water Water Water Water Water Water I can’t stress this enough!
Watch out for the weather Be conscious of extremes… as we age, we are more susceptible to both heat and cold. For many cruisers we will find ourselves in the tropics where heat can overcome a body very quickly.
Use the proper equipment If you are biking, wear a helmet, use proper shoes for walking/jogging and a PFD that is fitted to your body for any on the water sports.
Be prepared to change activities Again, listen to your body. If you are finding that your chosen activity is causing stress on any part of your body, switch it up.
Cross train Engaging in several different activities throughout the week, we use different muscles and keep our bodies from overusing any one set of muscles. Plus this is a great way to keep boredom at bay!

To stay fit on your boat or off, focus on these types of exercises:

Flexibility Stretching and flexing not only lengthens the muscles, but helps to keep the joints lubricated and free moving. Yoga is a great way to incorporate this into your daily routines. If you are new to yoga or need inspiration on how to adapt your practice to your vessel, try my book Yoga Onboard^TM.
Strengthening These exercises can either be done using ones own body weight, bands or external weights (even our grocery bags will do) Pay attention to form to avoid injury and try to include this twice a week for 30 minutes
Aerobic Any activity that gets the heart pumping but still allows you to carry on a normal conversation is aerobic. Twenty minutes 3-5 times a week will keep that ticker ticking.

Jed & Page aboard their former boat sv Spellbound

Although the idea of sitting in the cockpit and reading that book is inviting, let that be your reward for a good sweat and stretch!

Stay fit, with SeniorFit Onboard^TM(coming soon)

Peace, Love, Laughter & Pirate Yogis!

Kim Hess

SV Ave de Paso

Florida Keys

www.tropicyogaaandsailadventures.com

Bringing the Euphoria Off the Mat and Into The World

Tropic Yoga — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 21:18:16 +0000

Practice… Breathe…

Last week I received a text message from a friend of mine from back home. Her, her husband and her daughter had begun taking ‘hot yoga’, and loving it. This morning I received a text from her asking the question “How do you carry over the euphoria you feel after yoga to your every day life, 24/7?” Great question!

I received the text just before going into my morning gentle flow class, so after the class I asked every one that very question. The number one answer was “practice”. I will have to agree. Taking the time to get on your mat (discipline), living in the present moment, and creating a safe space to detach from expectations are just some of the lessons we learn while on the mat, that are totally relevant within the world we live. Yoga is a sanskrit word that means “to yoke” or union. Building an awareness of what is happening in each moment, with the body, the breath and that crazy monkey mind is a practice which, when applied in every day life, can and does change lives. Through this awareness we are able to observe. Through this observation we are able to make choices coming from a peaceful detached space rather than from an emotional space which many times leads to choices that may not work for us. Taking the time to take a few conscious breaths before responding (vs reacting), could change your life. Learn your lessons on the mat, and apply them to your every day. Same practice, same lessons. Soon you will find that your “practice” is not limited to the time you are on the mat.

Power Yoga/Yoga Nidra ~ the ulitmate yin/yang yoga experience

Tropic Yoga — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 14:41:50 +0000

Power Yoga/Yoga Nidra
The Ultimate in Yin/Yang Yoga

YIN: female, night, passive, moon, intuitive, cool

YANG: male, day, active, sun, logical, hot

Yin & Yang, being complementary, not opposing, forces, interact, to form a whole, greater than either separate part; in effect, a dynamic system.

Discover the yin & yang in your pracice beginning with 75 minutes of sweaty, strength building, lengthing power vinyasa (all levels encouraged to play, modifications will be offered – find “your” power) followed by the sweetest of all savasanas…a 45 minute yoga nidra session.

Yoga Nidra is a systematic method of inducing complete physical, mental and emotional relaxation. Yoga nidra introduces an ongoing process of increasing self-awareness, accompanied by a resetting of the inbuilt controlling and regulatory mechanisms of consciousness in the brain, creating superior autonomic stability, enhanced emotional control and an increasingly conscious destiny. During the practice of yoga nidra one is able to receive intuitive guidance from the unconscious mind. This guidance enables one to find the answers to all problems. One’s true nature and integrity manifest, enabling a meaningful and peaceful life.

Kim Hess, CYT has 22 years experience in the
fitness industry, with the last 14 years focused on
the practice of yoga, teaching full time in Miami/Miami
Beach since 2005. She now resides & teaches in The Florida Keys. Creator & author of Yoga Onboard
& Healthy Cruising guides, and Yoga Foundations a guide for beginners

Paradise Yoga
mm 86.7 oceanside Islamorada

Saturday 23 February 2013
10:30am – 12:30pm
$25
all levels welcome!