Your yoga mat can make or break your practice. It should be thin enough to allow you to connect with the earth beneath you, but thick enough to cushion your body. Likewise, it should be sticky enough to keep you grounded, but smooth enough to allow you to flow flexibly on it. But dont sweat over the mat while you could be sweating in practiceweve rounded up six of the top-rated yoga mats on Amazon to keep your mind at ease.

TOPLUS Classic Pro Yoga Mat, $33: You cant go wrong with TOPLUSs classic pro yoga mat, which features an anti-skid design with a TPE-friendly, non-slip texture. For full coverage and complete cushioning, its 72 inches long, 26 inches wide, about a quarter of an inch thick, and it weighs in at 2.16 pounds.

BalanceFrom GoYoga Mat, $16: The BalanceForm GoYoga mat delivers comfortable support to your spine, hips, knees, and elbows thanks to high-density, half-inch foam. Its 71 inches long and 24 inches wide, and all of it is coated in a resilient, double-sided non-slip surface to prevent injuries. A yoga mat strap comes included.

Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat, $17: Gaiams Essentials yoga mat is thin enough to keep you grounded but thick enough to keep you cushioned. Its dimensions: 72 inches long, 24 inches wide, and 2/5 inches thick, weighing in at 3.11 pounds. Rest assured that its made devoid of toxics and is free of 6P. Plus, it comes with a carrying strap for your convenience.

Manduka eKOlite Yoga Mat, $68: For the eco-conscious yoga enthusiast, Mandukas EKOlite yoga mat is made from biodegradable, non-harvested, natural tree rubber with non-toxic foaming agents and non-AZO dyes. Though its a bit shorter and heavier than the others on this list, at 68 inches long, 24 inches wide, and 4.5 pounds, it promises protection thanks to its .15-inch thickness.

SKL Travel Yoga Mat, $27: For the traveling yogi, SKLs anti-slip travel yoga mat is 71 inches long, 26 inches wide and 1/16th of an inch thick, but only weighs in at 2.5 pounds. You can fold it up and tote it in its own travel bag. And you can rest assured that it wont stink up your luggage thanks to anti-odor properties (you can even toss it in the laundry).

ProsourceFit Extra Thick Yoga Mat, $15: For those who want a little more cushion to protect sensitive joints, ProsourceFits extra thick yoga mat delivers high-density, 1/2-inch foam that guarantees comfort. The non-stick, water-resistant mat lays flat at 71 inches long and 24 inches wide to fit any yogi, and it comes with a carrying strap for ease.

Scouted is internet shopping with a pulse. Follow us on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter for even more recommendations and exclusive content. Curious about a specific product? Let us know! Dont forget to check out our coupon site to find great deals from your favorite brands. Please note that if you buy something featured in one of our posts, The Daily Beast may collect a share of sales.

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The Best Rated Yoga Mats on Amazon - The Daily Beast

The Goats at Have Ya Herd were kept in a barn before the yoga session began. They were all very excited to greet visitors when they walked into the barn, photo by Rachel Fergus, RiverTown Multimedia.

As we waited for the rest of the class to arrive, I also said hello to cows and pigs hanging out in the barn (those, I am told, have not been introduced to yoga).

Along with goats, Have Ya Herd has pigs and cows. The pigs are almost as excited as the goats to greet visitors and gnaw on clothing, like scarves. Here, Julie Fergus (first time yoga and goat yoga participant, and the mother of the reporter) pets a pig before realizing that she is trying to steal Fergus' scarf, photo by Rachel Fergus, RiverTown Multimedia.

The 10 people in the class filed into the yoga studio (a hay-covered rectangle with a roof and one wall; the exterior of the barn) and we greeted the young goat that was zooming around the space. As I unfurled my mat, I watched the owner, Jess Lubich, walk over to the other side of the studio, bend down, and open a small door in the wall that I hadnt noticed. Before the door was fully opened, all of the goats that had been in the pens inside the barn came flooding out, running to greet the people sitting on mats.

It was impossible to count the goats because they kept running, jumping and head-butting, but it seemed that there was about two goats to every participant.

As in most yoga sessions, we began by sitting on our mats and trying to focus on our breathing. This was a little more difficult than in a more conventional yoga studio because we were nudged and nibbled on by the goats until we petted them or had to push them away so they would stop chewing on shoe laces and scarves. (Before we began, we were told to put long hair up or tuck it into hats to avoid being nibbled on.)

The actual yoga that we did was fairly simple. The instructor explained as we worked on balance and stretching that she would not be offended if we didnt do every move. Some past participants, she explained, just sat on their mats petting goats throughout the session.

Even with the intention of doing every move and taking each deep breath, I found it impossible not to pause to move a goat or try to remove your sweatpants from their mouths.

When the goats first rushed into the studio, some of the smaller ones began trying to climb onto the participants' shoulders. At the end of the session, we learned why they were so intent on climbing: The instructor had everyone make a table with their back (knees and hands on the ground with a flat spine) and go hip-to-hip with people next to them. Once everyone was in this goat bridge formation, the goats began jumping up and walking across the participants. Despite the hooves, it didnt hurt, it felt more like a massage, especially because it was mostly the young, smaller goats that were excited about climbing on people. The older, larger goats seemed content just putting their front hooves on people or going to the other side of the space to headbutt and intermingle.

The goats clearly knew what they were doing and enjoyed yoga sessions. The instructor recounted taking goats on the road for yoga sessions. She explained that when the pen is set up and the goats are roaming in it, they will all leave the fresh grass they were munching to go sit on a yoga mat, patiently waiting, if one is placed in the pen.

Each goat at Have Ya Herd is a family pet. They are treated by the vet just as other pets are and have names (Linus, Lucy, Harry Houdini, Bunny, Moji, etc.). The instructor's favorite is Duke he received that name because he was born on the same day that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were married because she has known him since he was born.

When yoga came to a close, we were given time to take pictures with the goats, hold the babies and pet them without trying to do a stretching exercise. When most of the participants had left, the instructor opened the small door leading into the barn again, and the goats all filed into the pen as quickly as they had filed out an hour and a half earlier.

When the yoga session was done, the goats all funneled back into the barn through a goat-sized door, photo by Rachel Fergus, RiverTown Multimedia.

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Yoga's gone to the goats - INFORUM

Want to know where to go when it comes to yoga in New Orleans?

Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, there are plenty of great yoga options to sample in and around New Orleans.

To find the top yoga studios in the area, Hoodline analyzed data from Yelp, Facebook and ClassPass to identify which studios are the most popular. Read on for the results.

(Bonus: You can try them all out if you're a member of ClassPass, a monthly fitness membership that provides access to thousands of different studios, gyms and wellness offerings.)

Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions.

3705 St. Claude Ave., St. Claude

Open since 2012, Dancing Grounds is New Orleans' favorite yoga studio by the numbers, with 4.9 stars out of 750 reviews on ClassPass, five stars out of seven reviews on Yelp and 6,379 likes on Facebook.

The yoga studio's Yelp page states, "Dancing Grounds brings high-quality, inclusive, and accessible dance education programs to New Orleans residents of all ages and backgrounds. We use dance as a vehicle for developing youth change agents, inspiring health and wellness, and promoting social justice."

Learn more about the different classes at Dancing Grounds on ClassPass here.

2042 Magazine St., Lower Garden District

Also among New Orleans' favorites is Nola Yoga Loft, with 4.8 stars out of 2,368 reviews on ClassPass, five stars out of 17 reviews on Yelp and 1,377 likes on Facebook.

"Nola Yoga Loft is a boutique yoga studio and a special events space in the Lower Garden District of New Orleans," according to the business's ClassPass profile. "Their mission is to provide a unique space for people to celebrate life, heal, transform and come together."

Learn more about the selection of classes at Nola Yoga Loft on ClassPass here.

8338 Oak St., Leonidas

With 4.8 stars out of 7,536 reviews on ClassPass, five stars out of 15 reviews on Yelp and 1,021 likes on Facebook, Yes Yoga has garnered plenty of local fans. It's the top yoga studio in the entire New Orleans metro area, according to ClassPass' rankings.

"Yes, Yoga is one of the newest and hottest yoga studios in Uptown New Orleans," states the business's ClassPass profile. "They have a team of welcoming, knowledgeable yoga teachers who lead you through an inclusive yet challenging practice. They offer several styles, including hot vinyasa, classic hot yoga and yin yoga."

Check out reviews of the selection of classes at Yes Yoga on ClassPass here.

6516 Spanish Fort Blvd., Lake Shore-Lake Vista

With 4.9 stars out of 192 reviews on ClassPass, four stars out of 12 reviews on Yelp and 366 likes on Facebook, Vista Yoga & Wellness holds its own among the competition.

"Offering a variety of yoga traditions and holistic health services, Vista is a family-oriented studio serving all ages in the community. Classes are designed for all ages and range from restorative yoga to health coaching and reiki, Vista has something for everyone," states the business's profile on ClassPass.

See what people are saying about the selection of classes at Vista Yoga & Wellness on ClassPass here.

6113 Magazine St., Audubon

With 4.8 stars out of 2,695 reviews on ClassPass, five stars out of seven reviews on Yelp and 348 likes on Facebook, Live Oak Yoga is another popular local pick. It's been open since 2017.

"Live Oak Yoga is an inclusive studio that offers yoga for everybody," explains the business's profile on ClassPass. "At Live Oak Yoga, they offer classes for athletes and runners, those looking for a spiritual experience, beginners and advanced practitioners and children. You will find a class that makes you happy."

See what people are saying about the offerings at Live Oak Yoga on ClassPass here.

This story was created automatically using ClassPass and other local business data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.

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Here's where to find the top yoga studios in New Orleans - Hoodline

Yoga isn't all downward dogging laughter yoga is all about getting in touch with yourself through the joy of giggling.

Francine Shore is a laughter yoga coach, a practice that focuses more ondiaphragmaticbreathing rather than posture and seeks to help students heal and feel through a collective experience founded in laughter and silliness.

Shore began her journey in the practice over two decades ago on a somewhat of a whim:

"The light had gone out in me about 16 years ago and I saw an ad a doctor from India was coming to town offering a weekend workshop on something called 'laughter yoga.' I was hooked after taking the training with the master himself, Dr. Madan Kataria. Ithought This is so simple, this is effective, this is immediate. Its instant, it works and I can help others spreading joy and laughter."

Laughter yoga is full of both mental health and physical health benefits, such as strengthening of the immune system, a decrease in depression and anxiety and fostering a feeling of connectivity.

Shore describes laughter as "social glue -- it connects people, bonds people, brings them together" and asserts that "laughter is just the greatest universal language."

Today, there are over 16,000 laughter clubs around the world helping students from all walks and stages of life.

"I get to laugh every day, I get to meditate every day, I get to go to the park, I can do it at home -- Ithink I have the best job in the world," Shore proudly says.

To learn more about what Shore does and the practice of laughter yoga, watch the video above.

More from Aol.com: Odd jobs: Meet the people (and dogs) who chase geese for a living 3 best jobs for work-life balance Odd Jobs: This woman gets paid to cuddle with strangers

Link:
Laughter yoga is no joke see how this practice is helping tons of people all over the world - AOL

Chelsea Wolfe on meditation, yoga, and avoiding burnout as an indie musician

Categorizing Chelsea Wolfe's music isn't easy a combination of elements of goth, electronica, metal (both black and heavy), country, industrial, and folk. The 36-year-old made a name for herself covering black metal progenitor Burzum's "Spell of Destruction" in 2010, and since then she's released seven studio albums, including her latest acoustic effort, September's Birth of Violence. Think of her music as a witchy version of PJ Harvey, or what might happen if Marilyn Manson and Deftones' Chino Moreno had a baby and Trent Reznor was her godfather.

Wolfe says she wants to be a touring musician as long as she can, but the road schedule for her last record, 2017's Hiss Spun, saw her headlining clubs that autumn then playing support for industrial legends Ministry last spring. Over the summer she was in Europe opening for Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan's other project, A Perfect Circle. Then she headlined another tour last fall on the West Coast.

After a decade of writing music, recording, and touring, Wolfe needed a break.

"It didn't seem sustainable," she says. As of press time, she's played three shows this year and a private showcase for her label, Sargent House.

But taking time off from touring came with its own set of jitters.

"It was scary to do because I've been touring for the past nine years pretty consistently," Wolfe says. "I felt I had to keep that train rolling."

But she was close to burning out. Along the way, Wolfe started self-medicating with kratom, a legal herbal extract with opioid-like effects, as a means of treating anxiety. She took it whenever she felt anxious, which was far too often. When she wasn't taking it, she says she became edgy and aggressive. It was an ugly cycle that pushed her to eventually kick kratom entirely.

"I had to really focus on some addictions that were masking a lot of other problems," Wolfe says. It's better days now, though. In the months after turning in Violence, she took a sobriety break, began seeing a therapist, and practicing Forrest Yoga, which focuses on healing trauma stored in the body. She says meditation has had a massive impact on her mental well-being, too.

"It's a pretty magical tool to have in your pocket," she says. "Something to help you deal with the craziness of life. It's cool to find new ways to deal with anxiety."

The beginnings of this healing journey directly influenced Violence, she says. While Hiss Spun marked Wolfe opening up about her family history an "exorcism state," she says the new music is reflective.

"Birth of Violence is about taking this break to really focus on my mental health, take stock of the past 10 years, and see what I could look forward to as a touring musician," she says.

The album covers plenty of ground. Wolfe's lifelong love of the devil's music is on full display in "Deranged for Rock and Roll," while "Highway" is a fragile meditation about leaving yourself onstage every night as a performer. The primary instrumentation is acoustic guitar, but expansive soundscapes and textures abound and reach a brooding head on "Erde," named after a German word that translates to "all dirt" and "Earth."

"I love the visual of hands running through the dirt," Wolfe says. "It's this very primal, instinctual song." Each line is a vignette. One mentions a river so polluted it caught fire, much like the River Rouge did 50 years ago. Another speaks of historic buildings lying fallow, surrounded by new construction something Motown isn't short on.

"Detroit is probably a perfect example," she says. "There's obviously historical buildings that we should be restoring, but instead all these really cheap... just ugly, fast things go up. I wish there was the [same] investment in these historical buildings."

Wolfe previously played Pontiac's Pike Room and Detroit's El Club, but for the new tour she she's looking for something a little more intimate. Specifically, she told her booking agency she wants to play as many theaters and sit-down venues as possible rooms with history and character. Hence her show on Friday at Detroit's Senate Theater. The 800-seat theater turned 83 this month, and of late has seen a resurgence for themed movie nights.

She laments the amount of tours happening this fall means she won't get every venue she hoped for, but she's extremely happy she booked the Senate.

"It looks like a really beautiful space," she says. "I'm always honored when we get to play Detroit."

The last time Wolfe played an acoustic set here, it was in 2014 at the Royal Oak Music Theatre, when she toured with a string player. Now, though, she wants to strip it down even further. Longtime collaborator and bandmate Ben Chisholm will accompany her on a few songs, but part of her set will just be her on stage with an acoustic guitar. She's been rehearsing songs from her 2010 debut, The Grime and the Glow, and revisiting other older music songs like "Halfsleeper" and "Flatlands," specifically in addition to unplugging songs for the first time in front of an audience.

"It was cool to play those again and suddenly get dropped into this headspace or even the physical space of where I was when I wrote them in my little bedroom in Sacramento," she says. "I really feel like I came full circle. I've done so much work musically and on myself since then."

Chelsea Wolfe performs with special guest Ioanna Gika Friday, October 25 at the Senate Theater, 6424 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-894-0850; dtos.org. Doors at 7 p.m. Tickets are $23.

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Originally posted here:
Chelsea Wolfe on meditation, yoga, and avoiding burnout as an indie musician - Detroit Metro Times

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Yoga makes a splash in the Body Zone pool - Reading Eagle

Festivals

Nature Coast Seafood Festival: The festival will be from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 26 at Linda Pedersen Park at Jenkins Creek, 6300 Shoal Line Blvd., Hernando Beach. Featuring live music, a Halloween costume competition, rubber duck race, a childrens area with inflatables and other activities and plenty of seafood. An optional $10 wristband gives unlimited access to inflatables, or purchase three tickets for $8. This event is organized by the Rotary Club of Spring Hill Central. Admission $5, free for children 11 and younger. Visit naturecoastseafoodfestival.com

Columbus Day Festa: This second-annual event, hosted by the Order of the Sons and Daughters of Italy, Nature Coast Lodge 2502, will be from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 26 at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 1107 Commercial Way, Spring Hill. Includes vendors, music, raffles, a beer truck, Italian food, a cannoli-eating contest (2 p.m.), and a variety of entertainment throughout the day. Free. Call (352) 683-7713 or (352) 442-0238.

Wesley Chapel Fall Festival: The 15th-annual carnival will be 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 26 and 27 at the Grove, 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel. There will be rides, games, arts and crafts, live music, a pumpkin patch and pumpkin painting, a business expo and food. There will be a costumed Halloween party on Saturday only. Call (727) 674-1464.

Jazz at the Library: The Hernando Jazz Society will perform tunes from Broadway and the Big Band Era at 3 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Spring Hill Branch/Harold G. Zopp Memorial Library, 9220 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. The performance is free. Call (352) 799-9690.

Disco Freak: Get down and boogie! Disco Freak will perform hits from the 70s from 3 to 4 p.m. Oct. 27 at the South Holiday Library, 4649 Mile Stretch Road, Holiday. The free concert is part of the Passport Concert Series, made possible by the Friends of the Library and the Otis G. Pike Charitable Trust. Call (727) 834-3331.

Bill D. Williams concert: The Brookridge Mens Club hosts this concert. Williams will perform his songs, as well as country, oldies, reggae and more. He will pay tribute to Elvis, Johnny Cash, Louis Armstrong, Dean Martin and others. Guests may bring snacks and beverages. $9 at the door. 7 p.m. Sunday. Brookridge Clubhouse, 8150 Hampton St., Brooksville. (716) 583-1720 or (352) 556-2471.

Oy Vay Cabaret: Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show time at 7 p.m. Oct. 26, Temple Beth David, 13158 Antelope St., Spring Hill. Featuring Carla Becker and other singers and entertainers. Seating is limited. Tickets are $18 and must be purchased in advance; no tickets will be sold at the door. Visit tbdfl.org or call Carla Becker, (352) 428-9946.

Songs for a New World: The show wraps up Oct. 27 at Stage West Community Playhouse, 8390 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill. This theatrical song cycle features music by Jason Robert Brown. The show has snippets of stories, such as a pregnant womans expression of wonder at creation, the story of a would-be basketball star aching to escape failure and the lament of a couple who broke up, only to find their separate ways led to nowhere. Show times are at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 25; and 2 p.m. Oct. 26 and 27. Tickets are $25 adults, $15 students. Call (352) 683-5113 or visit stagewestflorida.com.

In the Heights: Gulf Middle Theatre Department presents In the Heights at 7 p.m. Oct. 25, and 2 and 7 p.m. Oct. 26, at the Center for the Arts at River Ridge, 11646 Town Center Road, New Port Richey. The cost is $5 at the door.

All About Landscapes: This is the Pasco Fine Arts Councils Pasco Member Show that will be on display Oct. 29-Nov. 16 at the West Pasco Fine Art Gallery, 4145 Fairford Drive, New Port Richey. A reception will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 8. Call (727) 845-7322 or visit pascoarts.org.

#AVGEEK exhibit: The exhibit continues through Dec. 11 at the Rao Musunuru, MD, Art Gallery at Pasco-Hernando State College West Campus, 10230 Ridge Road, New Port Richey. Artist Gabriel A. Wests passion of aviation, aerial photography and rare airplane models. Currently training as a pilot, West is an AvGeek and a four-time winner of photo contests hosted by major international airports in south Florida. Admission is free. Call (727) 816-3231.

Hometown Teams: How Sports Shape America: The multimedia traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian Institution is available through Nov. 9. at the Hernando County Mining Association Enrichment Center, 800 John Gary Grubbs Blvd., Brooksville. It is open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays and Saturdays. The exhibit showcases the role of sports and recreation in American culture. An HYL Day: Round Table Discussion, Shaping Lives Through Sports, will be at 11 a.m. Oct. 26. The roundtable discussion will include representatives from Hernando Youth Leagues and other local youth sports groups. The Smithsonian exhibit is hosted by the Historic Hernando Preservation Society and City of Brooksville Parks and Recreation. There is no cost to attend. Call (352) 540-3830 or visit hernandopast.org.

Big and Little exhibit: This exhibition of large and small scale artworks continues through Oct. 31 at the West Pasco Art Guild and Gallery, 6206 Jefferson St., New Port Richey. Call (727) 841-7732. westpascoartguildandgallery.org

Spectacular Color: The exhibit is on display through Nov. 9 at the Uptown Art Gallery at Brooksville City Hall, 201 Howell Ave., Brooksville. Admission is free. Call (352) 540-3810. cityofbrooksville.us

Kim McIntosh exhibit: Paintings of artist Kim McIntosh are on exhibit through the end of October at Gateway Gallery and Emporium, 6216 Grand Blvd., New Port Richey. Admission is free. Call (727) 815-1222.

Family Fun on the Farm: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 26-Nov. 17, at Jimmy Mcs Farm, 17430 Coon Hide Road, Spring Hill (Pasco County). Features a crop maze, farm animals, tire swings, a tree house, kids crafts, yard yahtzee, human foosball, life-size dominoes and other games. Closed-toe shoes recommended. Admission is $10 (cash only), free for ages 5 and younger. (904) 945-4411.

Hernando Audubon Beginning Birding: Join the Hernando Audubon on this short walk to learn how to identify birds at feeders. There will be binoculars and bird guides available for use. Free. 8 a.m. Chinsegut Conservation Center, 23212 Lake Lindsey Road, Brooksville. (352) 686-0460. hernandoaudubon.org

Academia Hernando Fall 2019 Lecture Series: The topic is Archeology: Just Diggin in the Dirt?, presented by Jack Herman. The lecture is part of a series that continues each Friday through Nov. 8. Sponsored by the Residence of Timber Pines and the Tampa Bay Times. $9 per lecture. 10 a.m. St. Andrews Episcopal Church Spring Hill, 2301 Deltona Blvd., Spring Hill. (352) 686-4035. academiahernando.org

Hernando Audubon Birding at Cypress Lakes Preserve: Meet at the park entrance (at Olancha Road). Jim King, retired land manager for Hernando Countys Environmentally Sensitive Lands, will lead the walk in this seldom-visited county park. After a brief introduction to the 331-acre park, King will guide the group about 1.5 miles on the Florida National Scenic Trail to look for birds and wildflowers. 8 a.m. Cypress Lakes Preserve, 33597 Ridge Manor Blvd., Brooksville. (352) 238-6226. hernandoaudubon.org

Craft Fair and Bake Sale: Includes handmade crafts by ladies of the church, as well as baked goods. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 8 a.m. to noon Sunday. St. Mary Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 18810 Broad St., Masaryktown. (352) 796-2792.

Gun Show: A show and sale of knives, firearms and firearm-related materials. $6. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Hernando Sportsmans Club, 16121 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee. (352) 799-3605.

Spring Lake Museum and History Center: Offering historic photos and artifacts, local family histories, school and lake histories. Free. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Old Spring Lake Community Center, 4184 Spring Lake Highway, Brooksville. (352) 796-4704.

Prescription Drug Take-Back Event: The Hernando County Sheriffs Office, Hernando County Fire Rescue, Hernando Community Coalition, RALI Florida, Code 3, and Walmart will join together for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. This event serves as a safe, convenient and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs. Free. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Walmart Neighborhood Market, 14344 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. 352-596-8000 or 850-224-0174.

Child Safety Awareness Day: With a goal to provide safety products to area families, the event will include free safety bracelets and identification kits. There will also be face painting and displays of cruisers and hook-and-ladder trucks with the Hernando County Sheriffs Office and Hernando County Fire Rescue. Free. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. American Legion Post 186, 12091 Cortez Blvd., Spring Hill. (352) 537-0880.

Water-Wise, Wallet-Wise Landscapes: Florida-Friendly Landscaping Coordinator Lilly Browning presents this class. No registration needed. Free. 10:30 a.m. Hernando County Utilities Administration Building, 15365 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. (352) 540-6230.

For Your Health Symposium: Oak Hill Hospital will host The Latest Treatments for Chronic Pain of the Shoulders, Elbows, Feet and Ankles. The panel includes Dr. Dragomir Mijic, who specializes in shoulders, elbows and general orthopaedics; and Dr. Dolfi Herscovici, a foot and ankle specialist. A complimentary hot meal will be served. Doors open at 4:45 p.m. The program is free, but seating is limited and reservations are required. 5:30 to 7 p.m. Heritage Pines Country Club, 11524 Scenic Hills Road, Hudson. RSVP to (352) 597-6333.

Free Laser Tag/Video Games - Friday Night Done Right: 7 p.m. Nov. 1, Hernando County Family YMCA, 1300 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill. There will be high school and middle school competitions. Giveaways and snacks will be provided. Prizes will be given to winners. Free. (352) 596-8000 or (352) 688-9622. hernandocommunitycoalition.org

Gamma Xi Master, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority hosts fundraiser: 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 1, Marker 48 Brewing, 12147 Cortez Blvd., Spring Hill. There will be hors doeuvres and craft beer tasting. Beer and wine will be available for purchase by the glass. This is a benefit for Veterans Heat Factory, a nonprofit organization in Brooksville. $15; donations welcome. (352) 796-6966.

Americas Day 2019: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Global Jetcare facility at Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport. The free event will include educational and aeronautical activities, music, a parade, free food, prizes and kid-friendly speakers. For information, contact Andrews at americasday2019@gmail.com or (321) 368-2249. Register at bit.ly/2kA1VzI

Designer Purse Bingo: 5 to 10 p.m. Nov. 2, Hernando County Fairgrounds, 6436 Broad St., Brooksville. Includes bingo, dinner, a chance to win designer purses and more. This is a benefit for the NICU at John Hopkins All Childrens Hospital and Hernando County 4-H. There will be a 50/50 raffle, door prizes and silent/raffle auctions. There also will be a cigar bar. Sponsored by the Hernando County Fair Association. $40, includes dinner, 10 bingo cards and dauber. (352) 796-4552. facebook.com

Brookridge Social Dance: 7 p.m. Nov. 2, Brookridge Clubhouse, 8150 Hampton St., Brooksville. This will be a Salute to Veterans dance, with At Large performing dance music from the 1950s to 80s. Coffee and ice provided. $7 per person. (352) 616-0242.

The Little Mermaid: Live Oak Theatre presents the Disney musical weekends, Nov. 8-24, at the Morsani Center for the Arts, 21030 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. Tickets are $20 adults, $5 for children 13 and younger (must be purchased with an adult ticket). Call (352) 593-0027 or visit mkt.com/liveoaktheatre

Feast of Mother Cabrini: Nov. 7-10, at St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church, 5030 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill. Includes food, entertainment, rides, contests, games, craft vendors and more. Call (352) 683-9666 or email info@stfrances.org.

Riverhawk Music Festival: Nov. 7-10 at Sertoma Youth Ranch, 85 Myers Road, Brooksville. General admission tickets range from $15 for a Sunday carload to $150 for 4-day pass. Features national and regional bands playing on three stages. Includes Americana, Rockabilly, bluegrass, Celtic, Newgrass, roots rock and more. Craft exhibitors, music jams, jugglers, face painters, balloon artists, hayrides, food, drink. Visit riverhawkmusic.com

Think About It: Aging With Pride: The Alzheimers Association hosts this free educational event for those interested in LGBT as it relates to Alzheimers and dementia. The event will include a screening of the documentary, Gen Silent. Other topics include Embracing the Rainbow: Providing LGBTQ+ Inclusive Care, the Experience of LGBT Seniors - Same or Different? and Know the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimers Disease. Free, but registration requested. 8:30 a.m. Friday. Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Suncoast Parkway, 2155 Northpointe Parkway, Lutz. (800) 272-3900.

6th-Annual Special Operations Sporting Clay Shoot: Includes shooting clay targets, food, drinks, viewing the Pasco County Fire Rescue and SWAT Team demonstrations and hearing keynote speaker US Navy SEAL Team Six Commando Don Mann. Event proceeds benefit the Brian Bill Foundation. Sign up at brianbillfoundation.com. $300 per person. 12:30 p.m. Tampa Bay Sporting Clays Facility, 10514 Ehrens Cutoff, Land O Lakes. (813) 625-0180. brianbillfoundation.org

About Boating Safely: This is the Florida state-mandated class. Successful completion earns the Florida Boating Safety education card. Advanced registration is appreciated. $40; $20 for additional family members. 8 a.m. Hudson Flotilla U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Center, 9135 Denton Ave., Hudson. (727) 697-8013.

Frayed Feather Fall and Holiday Market: The third-annual event will include one-of-a-kind pieces, antiques and home decor. The Rustic Pearl, a boutique in San Antonio, will participate in the market. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Frayed Feather Design Co., 36315 Tomkow Lane, Dade City. (813) 401-9388 or (813) 731-6848.

Community Resource Fair: Pasco seniors will have an opportunity to learn about county services, recreational activities and local wellness and social organizations in the community. Representatives from Pasco County Community Services, libraries, public transportation, SHINE, Pasco Fire Rescue, Lighthouse for the Blind and others will be on hand. Free flu and hepatitis A vaccines will be available. Complimentary refreshments will be provided. Visit bit.ly/CommFair2019. 8 a.m. to noon. Dade City Senior Center, 13853 15th St., Dade City.

Pasco County Out of the Darkness Walk: This walk to fight suicide is part of a nationwide effort to raise awareness and funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Register at afsp.org/Pasco. 9 a.m. Sims Park, 5547 Main St., New Port Richey.

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day: The Pasco County Sheriffs Office and Pasco County Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention will participate in the 18th-annual take-back day at two locations: Walmart, 8745 Little Road, New Port Richey; and the Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel (first floor of the parking garage, next to car detailing services). Unused and expired medications can be dropped off at either location for proper disposal. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. facebook.com/PascoASAP/

Build Your Own City Contest: Youth ages 6 to 15 are invited to use their community planning skills by designing and building their own cities. Participants will have 45 minutes to design, build and name their city. After a brief community planning presentation, each junior planner can discuss his or her city. Kids can create and build as individuals or as a group. Parents must remain on site. All building materials provided. Free. 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. Hudson Regional Library, 8012 Library Road, Hudson. (727) 861-3040.

Country Music Jam: Hosted by Sonny Oden. All are welcome. $3. 2 p.m. King of Kings Lutheran Church ELCA, 10337 U.S. 19, Port Richey. (727) 741-7470.

Card Party and Luncheon: The Ladies Auxiliary of St. Vincent de Paul Church host this card party and luncheon. $7. 11 a.m. Father Farrell Hall, 4843 Mile Stretch Drive, Holiday. (727) 389-0518.

Cattle Workshop: The Pasco County Extension Service will provide this workshop on dealing with calving difficulties using the Dystocia (difficult birth) Simulator. Participants gain hands-on experience in recognizing calving problems, correcting issues and knowing when to call the veterinarian. Register at bit.ly/calving2019. $12 registration fee. 6 p.m. Clayton Hall at Pasco County Extension Service, 36702 State Road 52 (at Pasco County Fairgrounds, Dade City. (352) 523-5023.

Character Development Workshop: Join Florida native, teacher and self-published author, Latoya Desamour, as she leads this interactive discussion about bullying and self-confidence. The program is geared for students in the first through fifth grades. Dinner will be provided. Registration required. Free. 6 to 7 p.m. Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., Dade City. (352) 567-3576.

Pretzel Creations for Tweens: Get into the Halloween mood with a movie and snack creation, such as a mummy, zombie and pumpkin pretzels to snack on. Geared for youth in the fourth through seventh grades. Free. 4:30 to 6 p.m. Regency Park Library, 9701 Little Road, New Port Richey. (727) 861-3049.

Kitty Cats and Yoga Mats: Celebrate National Cat Day in this easy-going yoga class led by a certified yoga teacher, surrounded by kitties available for adoption. For ages 18 and older. A signed liability waiver is required. Space is limited; registration is recommended (but walk-ins will be allowed if there is space). Free. Land O Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, Land O Lakes. (813) 929-1214.

Flu Shots: CVS is providing flu shots. Free to seniors with insurance cards. Bring your insurance card. 10 a.m. CARES Elfers Center, 4136 Barker Drive, Elfers. (727) 847-1290. CARESFL.org

Portraiture Demonstration: Artist Pat Roguz will offer this free demonstration. Free. 10 a.m. Pasco Fine Arts Center, 4145 Fairford Drive, New Port Richey. (727) 845-7322.

Turkey Dinner: 5 p.m. Nov. 1, Our Lady Queen of Peace, 5340 High St., New Port Richey. Turkey Dinner with all the trimmings, includes special dessert and drinks. All are welcomed. Take-outs available. Adults $10, children $7. 5 p.m. Friday. RSVP to (727) 849-7521. ladyqueenofpeace.org

One Community Now Diamond Gala 10th Anniversary: 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Nov. 1, Spartan Manor, 6121 Massachusetts Ave., New Port Richey. Includes dinner, live and silent auctions, exhibits and entertainment with the Black Honkeys. Tickets are $75. Contact Patti Templeton at (727) 858-6117.

Wishing Well Bazaar: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 2, CARES Rao Musunuru, M.D. Enrichment Center, 12417 Clock Tower Parkway, Hudson. An indoor-outdoor yard sale with vendors, crafters, live music by Marla Jo and food from Gramma Tonis Food Truck. Benefits CARES. (727) 863-6868. caresfl.org

Pasco Kids First Family Fun Day: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 2, Sims Park, 5547 Main St., New Port Richey. Includes a family fitness walk around Orange Lake with large storybook pages, touch-a-truck, inflatables, fire hose shoot, giveaways and more. (727) 967-7509.

Casino Royale: 6 p.m. Nov. 2, St. Anne Catholic Church, 7120 Massachusetts Ave., New Port Richey. A night of casino gaming with slot machines, black jack, poker, craps, roulette, a raffle and prizes. Benefits HPH Hospice, Food Pantrys in West Pasco and St. Annes Catholic Church. Tickets $35-$55. (727) 810-3545.

Richey Concert Band concert: 2:30 p.m. Nov. 3, at River Ridge High School Auditorium, 11646 Town Center Road, New Port Richey. A suggested $2 donation is asked. (727) 236-9897.

Narcotics Overdose Prevention and Education Task Force Candlelight Vigil: 6:30 p.m. Nov. 5, Pasco-Hernando State College, West Campus, 10230 Ridge Road, New Port Richey. Hosted by Pasco ASAP (Alliance for Substance Addiction Prevention).(813) 502-9474 or asap@pascoasap.com.

To submit an event, please visit tampabay.com/things-to-do and click on the Add Event tab. Please be sure to submit it at least two weeks prior to the event to ensure publication. For further information, contact Phyllis Day at pday@tampabay.com. Follow @pdaytimes.

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From seafood and Columbus fests to yoga with kittens - Tampa Bay Times

2-IN-1 HYBRID laptops-come-tablets seem to be improving each year, with slimmer designs and enhanced performance making them compelling alternatives to normal laptops, where once they felt a little faddish.

Case in point is the fourth-generation ThinkPad X1 Yoga, which offers a design and spec refresh of Lenovo's premium 2-in-1.

Seemingly designed as a machine for the professional with a bit of creative flair, the ThinkPad X1 Yoga can come with a hefty price tag that sails past the two grand mark. Is it worth it? Read on to get out skinny on the premium machine.

Design'High-end utilitarian' is probably the best way to describe the 2019 version of the ThinkPad X1 Yoga. It blends the rather unassuming aesthetics of ThinkPad X1 line with a premium aluminium and magnesium frame, looking very much like the business machine ThinkPads tend to be.

A 360-degree hinge that allows the ThinkPad X1 Yoga to earn the last part of its name, slickly transforming the laptop into a 14in chunky tablet, and enabling it to bepropped up in tent or picture frame modes.

But unlikethe Spectre x360, for example, there are no fussy accents on the hinges or elsewhere on the ThinkPad X1 Yoga's body.

In many ways it's a bit dull; the ThinkPad logo's red dot on the lid does light up when the machine is on, but otherwise the whole thing is an unflashy affair. However, the slate grey colour scheme and premium feel of the ThinkPad X1 Yoga grew on us pretty quickly.

Choosing practicality over aesthetics means the ThinkPad X1 Yoga has a strong suite of ports for a machine that's smaller and lighter than its predecessor; it measures 323x218x15.5mm and weighs 1.36kg.

A pair of USB Type-A 3.1 ports join a brace of USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, while there's a mini Ethernet network extension and even an HDMI 1.4 port and 3.5mm headphone jack.

A Kensington lock, integrated stylus and optional nanoSIM slot complete the port selection.

Our only gripe is that we'd have liked to have seen a full-sized SD card reader, but those can be a bit of a rarity in such thin and light 2-in-1s; the sizable air intake on the machine's right-hand side probably took up space for such a slot.

Above the keyboard, there's an unassuming Dolby Atmos speaker system, which kicks out some decent sound, with bottom-firing woofers adding some bass into the mix. But don't let the Atmos support trick you; the speaker setup is decent but far from class-leading, with some aural performances being a tad hollow, albeit passable for laptop-level sonics.

Speaking of laptops, we found ourselves mostly using the ThinkPad X1 Yoga in its laptop form. Sure, it was handy to flip it into tablet mode while stuck in a cramped plane seat, but the machine felt like a laptop first and a 2-in-1 second.

That's no bad thing, as the ThinkPad X1 Yoga does being a laptop very well and it's nice to have the option to prop it in a picture frame like fashion and watch a bit of Netflix after a hard day of tech journalism.

Overall, we very much liked the practical yet premium design of the ThinkPad X1 Yoga; there are flashier hybrids, but few feel this good to simply hammer through work on,

Keyboard and trackpadThe use of high-quality frosted glass and Windows Precision drivers means the ThinkPad Yoga X1's trackpad is rather good.

At 10cm x 5.5cm it's not particularly spacious but it's responsive and accurate to use.

We're not completely convinced there's much need for the trio of buttons for left, right and middle mouse buttons above the trackpad. Diehard ThinkPad fans might like them, but we felt they look a bit dated and we didn't end up using them.

The same can be said for the nubbin-like TrackPoint mouse pointer, asort of in-the-middle-of-the-keyboard alternative to the trackpad.

While we appreciate it has its place in the ThinkPad's DNA, we never found ourselves using it and it seems a little pointless when the trackpad isdecent.

We did appreciate the use of an unassuming fingerprint scanner for biometric unlocking to the right of the trackpad, for those who don't fancy signing in with their face using the webcam's IR scanner or typing in passwords. Ideally, we'd have liked the scanner to be integrated into the power button, but that's the most minor of gripes.

ThinkPads, especially X1 variants, have always offered excellent keyboards, and the same can be said of the ThinkPad Yoga X1.

The slimmer design of the machine means key travel has been reduced from 1.7mm to 1.5mm, but the typing experience feels simply excellent.

The slight convex indent the keycaps seem to welcome the taps of touch-typing digits skipping across the keyboard. And the feedback is superbly tactile, leading to precise yet fast typing.

In fact, the ThinkPad Yoga X1 has one of the best keyboards we've used, beating the likes of the XPS 13 and on par with the Surface Laptops 2's wonderful keyboard.

There is one caveat; the CTRL key sits where one might expect to find the function key and vice versa. That means when rapidly touch typing we found ourselves often hitting FN + C rather than CTRL + C for copying and pasting shortcuts.

This went from being a minor irritation to quite frustrating at times. If you are good at retraining your typing technique then it won't be a big deal, otherwise it could end up being a pain in the neck.

Nevertheless, the keyboard is a proper standout feature for the ThinkPad Yoga X1.

DisplayThere are four panel options for the ThinkPad X1 Yoga's 14in display; an FHD 400nits panel, the same panel but with privacy tech to mess things up for over-the-shoulder snoopers, a 2,4560x1,440 WQHD screen, and a 4K panel. Our review model came with the top-end 3,840x2,160 IPS display.

While it ramps up the price, the 4K screen is lovely. Everything is pin-sharp and there's plenty of brightness providing you crank up the screen's settings.

Colours are vivid and punchy but don't err into oversaturation, with plenty of contrast to boot thanks to the hybrid's support for high dynamic range.

Though this is not quite a panel for professional-grade photo editing, viewing everything else from content-rich web pages to movies and Netflix, is a very pleasant experience, especially when it comes to watching stuff with the machine propped up in its picture frame or tent orientation.

And given the reasonably trim bezels, the screen has plenty of space to shine, though it lacks any really slick design features like Dell's bezel-eating InfinityEdge display.

It also has a very glossy finish that can be a bit of a pain when you're sitting outdoors on a bright day or have a bright light above you.

The glossy finish might help make colours pop, but it reflects a heck of a lot, which is distracting and at times had us wishing Lenovo had opted for a matte finish on the panel.

Despite this caveat, the 4K display is still very good and the touchscreen side of things is responsive, meaning scribbling things on it with the basic but functional stylus is a doddle.

Performance, storage and battery lifeLike many other ultraportable-sized laptops and 2-in-1s in 2019, the ThinkPad X1 Yoga makes use of Intel's eighth-generation processors, with options for the Core i5-8265U, Core i7-8565U, and Core i7-8665U; our review unit came with the Core i7-8565U.

We've already seen this chip pop up in the likes of the Dell XPS 13, and inevitably the ThinkPad X1 Yoga's CPU kicks out similar performance. When paired with 16GB of LPDDR3 RAM - there's 8GB on offer as well - the ThinkPad X1 Yoga racks up a score of 5,154 in the Geekbench 4 single-core benchmark, and 15,038 for the multi-core score.

That's around the same as the aforementioned XPS 13, and in real-world use the ThinkPad Yoga X1 performance pretty much the same.

In day-to-day tasks, there's no sign of any slowdown, and plenty of RAM means you can have a whole host of apps and Chrome tabs open without the ThinkPad Yoga X1 struggling. Fan noise can be noticeable when the machine is being pushed but it's hardly a distracting din.

And like other machines using eighth-gen Intel CPUs, the integrated UHD Graphics 620 can run a few 3D games at reduced settings, which is neat if one fancies a break from cranking out emails.

Storage in our review unit came in at 500GB of PCIe NVMe SSD space, which we felt was plenty for an ultraportable; there are options to drop down to 265GB or jump up to 1TB or 2TB depending on how much you think you'll be storing locally.

Battery life is ok. With brightness cranked up on the 4K display, the ThinkPad Yoga X1 delivered some six to seven hours of general everyday use before it cried out for electrical juice. Charging is delivered through one of the left-hand USB-C ports, which is handy as the charger can be used to juice up modern smartphones as well; it also supports rapid charging.

In short A lack of fuss might not make the ThinkPad X1 Yoga the most eye-catching bit of tech around, but it turns out function over form isn't a bad way to go.

The stellar keyboard, albeit with the CTRL-key caveat, strong display, and proper ultrabook performance makes the ThinkPad X1 Yoga well worth considering if you want a machine for business rather than pleasure.

It's worth noting that Lenovo is refreshing the ThinkPad X1 Yoga and the rest of the X1 line with Intel's tenth-gen Comet Lake processors, which offer more power and efficiency over the older CPUs, so they might be the machines to go for one they become available in the UK. But if you can find a current-gen machine at a discounted price, then you could be in for a bargain.

The very best ThinkPad X1 Yoga costs some 2,200, which is a heck of a lot of money for a 2-in1; Dell's refreshed XPS 13 2-in-1 with an Intel Ice Lake processor is some 300 cheaper at the time of writing. But models with a slightly lower spec and FHD display come at a more reasonable, yet still not cheap, 1,450.

We feel you do get what you pay for with the ThinkPad X1 Yoga, and thus it's certainly a 2-in-1 machine we can wholeheartedly recommend.

The good Fantastic keyboard, great display, premium finish.

The badExpensive top-spec, some design features are dull and arguably outdated.

The uglyBaffling placement of the CTRL key.

Bartender's score8/10

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Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 2019 review - The INQUIRER

Happiness experts agree that one of thekeys to long-termmental and spiritualfulfillment is to regularly express gratitude. "It's important to practice gratitude because it increases your well-being by clearing your mind, focusing on all the gracious and good things in your life, and to appreciate all the simple things in life that we usually take for granted," saysJessy Chang, a teacher at Evoke Yoga in Los Angeles.Emily Cummings, a yoga instructor atL.A.'sSet & Flow, agrees that making a habit of focusing on what you're grateful for is important because it shifts the way you respond to the world dramatically. As she explains, "Things that were once challenges become teachers. When you're grateful, you always have enough. That insatiable desire to constantly be chasing the next thing goes away and you are able to fully enjoy the moment, which is really all we ever have."

So how exactly does one "practice gratitude"? Turns out that a few simpleyoga poses andtechniques can help. We solicited the advice of Chang, Cummings, and a couple other seasoned yogis to figure out how to involve "gratitude yoga" into our daily lives. "These practices work to help you express gratitude simply by shifting your perspectiveand bringing a sense of mindfulness to your practice," says Cummings. Keep scrolling for five easy, yoga-inspired ways to feel more gratitude.

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There are afew easy yoga poses essentially designed to enhance your gratitude goals, including Child's Pose, forward folds, and heart openers.

Take a wide Child's Posewith your knees out to the side for a gentle hip opener. "This beautifully humble pose is not only restorative to the body but is basically a gentle bow; a sign of respect and honor," saysLindsey Lekhraj, a Kundalini yoga and meditation expert and founder of Wellevation. By sitting over the heels withyour forehead on the mat, you're able tofocus on intention and gratitude for the day.

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Forward folds are also a yogigo-to for expressing gratitude: "As you fold into yourself, you are able to feel your own energy, to connect deeper with your body, and to take deeper notice of the mind-and-body connection as you tune out of external stimulation," says Cummings.

Gaiam Yoga Mat ($28)

Looking for a more empowering pose? Cummings suggests trying a heart opener. "Opening the heart requires a sense of trusting yourself, it requires surrender, and when achieved in harmony and connection with the breath, heart openers create space for energy to flow through the heart," she says. Cow Pose, Fish Pose, and Camel Pose are all great heart openers. Cummings suggests really dialing into your breath as you engage with these poses. "Imagine as you breathe in that you are creating space for something in your life that you are grateful for," she says. "As you enter into the heart-opening posture, maintain your focus and connection to the breath. With each breath in,imagine that space of love and gratitude expanding into your heart and radiating out into the world with each exhale."

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"Each breath that we take is a reminder of what it means to be alive,"says Cummings. "Each breath is a gift, and there is alwaysgratitudeto be found and practiced within that. The breath is like an anchor to the present moment."

Pranayama is the word for breathwork inKundalini yoga, and our experts agree it's possibly the most important thing you can do in your gratitude practice. "Using the breath has been such a powerful healing tool that it can literally break up negative thought patterns in the brain," saysLekhraj. "Just a few minutes of intentioned breathing can produce dopamine and euphoric feelings, with the ability to brighten the outlook on nearly any situation."Your body has the power to heal itself from the inside out just with breath. "This gives you the option of choosing gratitude even when faced with stress and adversity," saysLekhraj, whose favorite type of Pranayama is called Breath of Fire.

"This is a highly cleansing and energizing breath that can be practiced mostanywhere, even sitting on the sofa,"Lekhraj says. Start bysitting up straight with a tall spine. Breathe quickly and powerfully through the nose with an even inhale and exhale. "It should sound a bit like a puppypanting,but through the nose," saysLekhraj. "The navel will start to pump a bit. You may even start to break a sweat if you do it long enough!" Thisexercise pumps the lymphatic system, giving you an immunity and circulation boost, which not only makes you feel powerful but also makes your skin glow.

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LucyWilson, ayogateacher at Samarasa Centerin L.A., suggests taking a simpletwo-minute Sukhasana or seated meditation, whenever you get the chance, focusing your intention on what you're grateful for, even if it's just that you have a living body. "Place your hands over your heart and takefive or 10 breaths to find pure gratitude; unconditional, all-consuming gratitude for your physical self," she says. "Thank your body for all that it allows you to do. If you find yourself adding conditions ('I'm thankful for my body,except' or 'I love bodywhen'), try again, and then just focus on your breath."

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We so often deprive ourselves of true, meaningful rest, but yogis say it's essential for focusing on gratitude.Savasana, or Corpse Pose, is simply a time for your body to integrate and rest, says Wilson. "You can do this with your arms wide, or with your hands placed lovingly somewhere on your body," she says. "Just focus your attention on your breath as you observe your body absorbing all that you've practiced."

After two to five minutes of Savasana, Wilson suggests giving yourself permission to hold onto any amount of that love and gratitude you found while in the pose, no matter how small. "Let it seep into you so you can carry it with you into the rest of your day, and share it with the people around you," she says.

Gaiam Essentials Yoga Block ($11)

Neil Pasricha Two Minute Mornings ($14)

This isn't something you'll find yourself doing in most yoga classes, but it incorporates the intention of a yoga pose or breathing exercise, simply through a different medium. Cummings recommends starting each day by writing down a simple list of things that you are grateful for, even if it's just one or two things. "Some days may be harder than othersmaybe some days all there is to write down is the fact that you're alive; you're here; you're breathing," she says. "But the simple of act of acknowledging what you are grateful for each day is a powerful shift in perspective."

Catherine Price Gratitude: A Journal ($13)

Next up: 7 Hot Yoga Tips for Beginners

Thisstory was originally published at an earlier date and has beenupdated by Sarah Yang.

This article originally appeared on The Thirty

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How to Express Gratitude With Yoga: 5 Happiness-Boosting Tips - Yahoo Lifestyle

Yoga, which gained global popularity after the United Nations in 2015 declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga, continuous to fascinate and evoke interest among the common man as well as the aficionado.Grand Master Akshar became the latest spiritual guru to unveil his book 'Yoga Namaskar', in Bengaluru on Wednesday, to unravel the yogic secrets of the majestic Himalayas.Published by Dorling Kindersley-Penguin Random House, the 296-page book documents seven yoga namaskars -- a gesture with hands folded in the Indian tradition, with 290 asanas (postures).

The seven namaskars are: Surya Namaskar (sun salutation), Chandra Namaskar (moon salutation), Prithvi Namaskar (earth salutation), Vayu Namaskar (air salutation), Agni Namaskar (fire salutation), Akash Namaskar (universe/space salutation), and Jal Namaskar (water salutation).

"The book is the first part of a series, which will reveal the secrets of yoga the way to attain spirituality," said Akshar, adding he would spread the ancient science all over the world and share its fruits with everyone.

According to the book, the yogic process is more than a physical or mental practice and is a deep-rooted culture that nourishes the soul.

To connect with the five tattvas or elements, nature, physical and metaphysical is the endeavour of any spirit. Through the yogic postures, the flow of prana (life), the stillness of dhyan (meditation) and the focus of dharana, any individual can evolve to a higher spiritual plane.

"Yogis must grow and evolve in practice daily to become complete. The more they fill with teachings and practices of yoga, the closer they are to perfection," asserted Akshar.

The book also has wealth of information on beneficial yogic processes. Endowed with mystical arts, Akshar has capacity to convert negative energy into positive energy. Armed with meditation techniques, he is familiar with parallel life and transcendence.

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Book on yoga exercises unveiled in Bengaluru - Times of India