Daniel and I celebrated 4 years of marriage a few days ago (you can read my cheesy love story post here.) So to celebrate, we wanted to unplug, unwind and get away for a few days. Well, we found the perfect place!

We spent the weekend at the Satchidinanda Ashram-Yogaville. It is located in Virginia near the Blue Ridge Mountains and James River. It really is a beautiful place.

Yogaville is a spiritual community built on the precepts of Integral Yoga as taught by Sri Swami Satchidananda. Yoga, meaning Integral Yoga combines the 6 branches of yoga into a comprehensive life style.

6 branches of Yoga

Hatha Yoga: Focuses on the physical aspects through asanas (postures), pranayama (breath control), mudras, kriyas, yogic diet and deep relaxation.

Raja Yoga: Balance and control of the mind through ethical practices, concentration and meditation.

Bhakti Yoga: The path of devotion, by constant love, thought and service of the Divine. Bhakti Yoga can be practiced by everyone.

Karma Yoga: The path of action and selfless service. Serving without attachment to the fruits (or results) of the action.

Jnana Yoga: The intellectual approach. Through the knowledge of what really exists, that is, what is not changeable, one who engages in the Path of Wisdom realizes Oneness with the entire Universe.

Japa Yoga: Japa means repetition of a mantra - a sound structure of one or more syllable which represents a particular aspect of the Divine Vibration.

Here are a few of the activities that were offered during the weekend:
Guided mediations
Hatha Yoga (different levels, different classes)
Daily Puja
Yoga Nidra
Laugha Yoga
Deep Relaxation Class
Joint Free Yoga
Saturday evening Satsang
Talks
Ashram Tour

I will admit that I am terrible and meditating! Sitting still and trying to clear your thoughts is a lot harder than it seems. We had many opportunities to meditate both guided and on our own. One of the coolest experiences was noon meditation at the LOTUS Temple.

The LOTUS temple or the Light Of Truth Universal Shrine is a temple dedicated to interfaith understanding and the light within all faiths.

**Note: All information including definitions come directly from Yogaville's website**

So why Yoga? Well the word "Yoga" actually means union. What better way to celebrate 4 blissful years of marriage?

If you have an opportunity to visit Yogaville, I would totally recommend it! They have deals on Groupon and Travel Zoo from time to time. You can check out the details here.



As for gear? All you need is comfortable, moveable clothes and an open mind! Buuuut if you're looking for gear, here are few things I have my eye on.

I hope you all had a great Valentines weekend!
Xo - Andie

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Updated with a few more links at the bottom:)

Working out at home is a great alternative to getting a gym pass. Although, if you have a gym pass its still a great alternative if you need to be home for whatever reason! You really don't need equipment, but from my experience it doesn't hurt to get the following: Yoga mat and 5 lb. (or 2 lb.) weights.

There are a lot of guides out on the internet, however some of them are kinda pricey. Also, if you're unfamiliar with the exercise then you spend most of your time trying to figure out how to do it (instead of doing it!).  So I've compiled my 4 favorite methods of working out from home. Enjoy!

Yoga with Adrien - "A happy and successful online yoga community, which creates free creative content to inspire people of all shapes and sizes to connect to their body daily. Adriene approaches health and wellness with a playfulness and even a sense of humor that encourages all personalities to the mat." I love love love her! I look forward to yoga days and really enjoy her style of teaching. she's not your stereotypical Yogi (not that it would be a bad thing), she just seems like your friend. She has content for all skill levels and I always feel challenged! 

The Abs Diet for Women - The New York Times bestseller now adapted specifically for women, shows how to achieve a flat stomach and great shape in just 6 weeks, and stay lean and healthy for life." So this book is game changing. It has complete recipes, shopping lists, very detailed work out plans, and fabulous health and wellness reading. It really is the best! And the best part is, they are super inexpensive. I'm talking $5 or less! They have a newer version which is probably more like $15 or so but the original is just as good in my opinion. Get your copy ASAP!!

Hulu! - Most people don't know it but Hulu has loads of work out videos! Its just under their Health & Wellness section. So right after you catch up on the Bachelorette you can do a little core fusion body sculpt. 

YouTube - There are TONS of free workout videos on YouTube. I've done my fair share. The variety is great - because its YouTube, obvs! 

Here are a few of my favorites:

• BeFit 
• Tone It Up
• Ballet Bootcamp
• Barre/Pilates

I know not everything works for everyone so hopefully this gives you some ideas as to what works best for you! Remember, its not about being "beach body ready" its about owning your health and being (and feeling like) the best you!

Xoxo, Andrea

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