The Launch of Community Hip Hop Yoga

Last week I had the privilege of launching my very special Community Hip Hop Yoga classes. Launched in conjunction with my 30th birthday, this class is one that's near and dear to my heart. I offer this class at a discounted rate so that cost won't be a hindrance for those without a ton of disposable income to devote to health and wellness. I'm a single mom so trust me, I get it. My goal is to make health and wellness accessible to our communities and help alleviate some of the issues that we face in the process. 

Yoga is a safe space. Besides the obvious physical benefits, so many of our issues (physical and otherwise) relate back to stress and the internal pain that so many carry with them on a daily basis. Through my classes, students have an opportunity to take time for self care and to mentally and emotionally let go of things that are not serving them.  

This class is fun! I'm not your typical yoga instructor and the soundtrack for the class makes that very obvious from the beginning. Everything from Yasiin Bey to Erykah Badu; Common, Snoop Dogg and of course, A Tribe Called Quest; I encourage my students to laugh, dance and sing their way through class. Hey, it's about having a good time, and if you're singing (or rapping!), you're breathing! 

This class is just the beginning. Soon I'll also be offering raw vegan food workshops and other community wellness events, some in partnership with other amazing wellness professionals and groups. I'm also taking my classes on the road and will be posting details soon about bringing DID with Cazoshay to your city!

Making the Most of the Changing Seasons

The first blog post on my *own* new blog is actually a repost of something I posted back in September of 2014. It's one that I previously submitted to another wellness website and it was not accepted to be published. It's appropriate that this is the first post on MY new blog as it represents this newfound season in my life. As I turn 30, transitioning into the next major decade of my life, I am answering the call to share health and wellness with the world on my own (read: God's) terms. Instead of waiting to be accepted by other outlets, I am in control of how and what I post and share, rather than trying to fit into someone else's mold or template. So enjoy this "vintage" post, and share in the comments how you like to transition into the fall season. Namaste.

5 Ways to Make the Most of the Changing Seasons

Fall is probably my favorite season. It may have something to do with the fact that my birthday comes during this season, but more so because I really consider autumn to be like a "second spring." As summer transitions to the cooler autumn months, it's an opportunity to invite some positive changes and habits into your life. Here are five ways to make the most out of the transition to fall.

1. Embrace the Change

It doesn't have to be something major, but as the season changes, try mixing it up and trying something new with your own routine. Go to a new restaurant, make a subtle change to your hairstyle, or read a book from a genre you don't typically read. Embracing and inviting change breaks up monotony and adds interest and enjoyment to your life in unexpected ways.

2. Get Physical

As the temperature begins to drop, there can be a tendency to allow fitness habits to drop off as well. Make a commitment to stay active as the weather gets cooler. Going for a run or practicing yoga outdoors while taking in the beauty of the changing leaves is a great way to stay motivated to keep up with physical activity as fall approaches.

3. Get an Immune Boost

Fall is also known as the start of cold and flu season. Get ahead of the game by boosting your immune system naturally. Incorporating echinacea supplements and a good multivitamin are great ways to pump up your immune system before the colds start circulating. (Always consult a health care professional before taking any herbs or supplements.)

4. Create a Ritual

Embrace the change by creating a ritual? Seems counterintuitive, right? But as the weather gets harsher, having something to look forward to each day makes the transition much easier. After a long day of teaching yoga events, doing research and answering emails, I look forward to a warm cup of tea or organic cocoa at the end of the day. Whatever that ritual may be for you, whether ten minutes of quiet meditation on your lunch break, or dry brushing your skin before a shower, having a daily ritual to look forward to eases the transition from one season to the next.

5. Clear the Clutter

As we make the change from summer to fall, take the opportunity to do a second "spring cleaning." Put away summer clothes, or even donate those you no longer wear. Take this time to de-clutter your surroundings to go into the next season free from anything physical that is no longer serving you.

Now that you have some options to make the most out of the transition from summer to fall, don't forget to take time to just enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons that is all around you!