Tag Archives: Amy Younkman

Class Highlight: Vinyasa Yoga

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Vinyasa Yoga

Amy Younkman

Leader Amy Younkman

I often see people pop into yoga class when they feel stiff, sore, or side-lined by injury. What I have found is, the real jewels of this ancient healing art truly begin to surface when one maintains a consistent yoga practice. Just like anything we want to “get good at”, we need to regularly put the time into practicing. When we consistently show up on our yoga mat, we deepen not only our ability to perform different postures, but more importantly, we deepen our internal awareness of what is going on in our bodies; right here, right now. Instead of muscling our way through exercise, we slow down to connect breath with movement, and pay attention to what got us stiff, sore or injured in the first place. If we stick with the practice, the answers are revealed to us.

unspecified-21I love sharing my passion for yoga with others because yoga has literally changed my life, and continues to do so. My practice keeps me true to myself and I love that after a decade of teaching, I am still a student dipping my toe into a deep well on knowledge. When I show up on my mat and allow myself to be vulnerable, rather than performance based and trying to “get it right”, I learn how to work through discomfort, frustration, lack of confidence and feeling the need to be in control. I learn to lighten up on myself and go with the flow. When I can deal with these things on the mat, I can deal more effectively with life off the mat.

My Vinyasa Yoga class is tailored to my students’ needs each Friday morning. Choosing a theme for the class, I like to share insights and inspirations to ignite body, mind and
unnamed-11spirit. I try to strike a balance between fun, creative sequencing and simple, safe alignment. I consider our yoga mats like an adult playground where we can explore fun poses like Eagle, Crow, Flamingo and Camel. The focus of my classes is building core stability and strength, breath and body awareness, proper technique, balance and “getting out of your comfort zone”. You will feel nurtured, safe, and taken care of in my Vinyasa yoga class.

Deepak Chopra says, “Life is like a river; you cannot step into it in the same place twice.” Our yoga practice is no different. We are constantly evolving, and I don’t know of a better system of exercise to calm our central nervous system while giving us tools to grow stronger and more flexible in body, mind and spirit.

“Slowing down is the same thing as waking up.” —Judith Lasatar

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Being “Good Enough”

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Encouragement from the iGnite Archives: March 2012

jan29_2017

Point to Ponder:
Do you struggle with feeling “good enough”?

Amy Younkman

by Amy Younkman

Have you ever struggled with the feeling that you are not “good enough”?

I recall being in 3rd grade and feeling sadly disappointed with all A’s, and a B in Penmanship on my report card. I thought my handwriting was good, but it wasn’t “good enough.” As a teen I struggled with feelings of self-worth and self-acceptance. I was never “thin enough” or “confident enough.” Then, as a busy Mom of three, one of my favorite free-time activities was training for triathlons. One year, I placed 3rd (in my age group) in a sprint triathlon and decided I could do better, so I trained harder. The next year I came in 2nd place and elusive 1st place was never an option, as the triathlon series was discontinued. Equally elusive were my feelings of being “good enough.”

I now know why God graced me with my three children. They were pre-destined to be some of my greatest teachers. At age 16 and in a fit of frustration, I recall my oldest daughter blurting out “Nothing is ever good enough for you!” Taking the comment to heart, I began a long, slow journey of learning to let go of desired outcomes and needing to control what I perceived as the necessary end result. I passionately want the best for my kids and for myself, therefore I continually struggle to ease up on my expectations and instead, to learn the lessons the present has to offer.

Meanwhile, the little voice in my head continues to taunt me… “Are you really a good enough Mom, wife, friend, yoga teacher??”  I have to stop, breathe and ask for help. I realize I am an imperfect human who, though flawed, does the best she can with a faith-filled heart. And then I offer the rest to God. Doing this frees me from the need to be perfect and in control. Divine design is constantly working through me, and I am only a small vessel amidst a fleet of God’s angels.

My yoga mat is a laboratory for my life. Every day offers new experiments and discoveries. I have found immense peace of mind through merely showing up on my mat, paying attention to my breath, and letting my body guide me as it opens and unfolds in it’s own time to receive grace. Learning to receive is a lesson unto itself. I don’t have to be a superstar on the mat; just showing up, willing to learn is “good enough.”

The beauty I have found in iGnite is that we don’t measure success by inches lost, pounds shed, or winning times; instead we focus on nurturing relationships, finding fun in the every day, and being fed in body, mind and spirit. If we can do that, it is most definitely “good enough.”

I challenge you to look at your own life vocation and ask yourself, “Am I good enough?”  Today may be different from yesterday, or tomorrow. Accept yourself in the here and now, realizing you are a work in progress and God is not yet through with you.

Action Item:
Accept yourself in the here and now, realizing you are a work in progress and God is not yet through with you.

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Love Yourself! Inspiration for Your New Year

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jan15_2017

Point to Ponder:
Do you love yourself as God loves you?

iGnite Neissa

by Neissa Brown Springmann

Since the New Year, I set a soft goal to find new and meaningful content that would not only challenge, encourage and inspire growth within myself, but that I would also want to share with you. I didn’t take formal goal action, like write it down and visualize finding this information, but instead, I set an intention. Excitingly, the intention started to bear fruit last week when iGnite’s wise and wonderful Amy Younkman shared 4 Yogic Tips to Make Your Resolutions Stick. Amy’s advice was perfect, as it was important and bite-sized holistic information that is realistic to achieve.

Then, more inspiration came again last night in the form of a text message from the always spunky, and never-met-a-bad-day or stranger, iGnite member, Lisa Wade. Lisa shared an article by Simone Talma Flowers that was featured in the Austin American Statesman. Simone is the Executive Director of the Interfaith Action of Central Texas and this spiritually-based article may be one of the greatest articles I have ever read. Simone speaks beautifully to every woman’s heart and tendencies: care giving, selfless, critical of oneself and even insecure. Most importantly though, Simone shares her experience with hearing God and His encouragement: for her (and us) to not only love others, but for her (and us) to love herself and ourselves, like He loves us all:

Selflessness is a virtue admired by many. It is an aspiration countless try to achieve. We often praise acts of selflessness, as great human achievements. Witnessing the acts, the dedication and commitment by others like Martin Luther King, Mother Theresa or Gandhi, we have great admiration for a life dedicated for the advancement of others.

Selfless acts are perceived as acts of graciousness, discipline, humility and hospitality. The person who receives this grace knows how powerful an act of generosity is; and the person who is engulfed in the act of serving, knows the power of this experience, the energy, the flow, the connection to God, to source, to the universe. It is a powerful feeling of blessedness, that makes you want to continue to do even more.

Living a life of purpose, a life of selflessness in service to others, is what I aspired to. Growing up, I saw people like Martin Luther King and Mother Theresa as examples of living purposely and selflessly in this world. I appreciate people in my community who are gracious and hospitable.
Hospitality is another virtue I admire greatly and associate with selflessness. Hospitality is being welcoming, generous with an unwavering expression of love and acceptance, making sure others are taken care of. So, in a recent conversation with God, I was shocked at what He revealed.
Enjoying a few days of rest, one morning after I finished my morning prayers and meditation, I had a conversation with God.

I was in a very relaxed state, a state of stillness, in tune and conscious of everything around me. I told God how much I love this feeling of peace, well-being, love and kindness I felt for myself and my surroundings. I told God how I appreciate my purpose here in this world of loving and serving others. I love going beyond myself to serve and share love, without effort. It is as natural to me as breathing or drinking water. Yet, it is common for me to delay taking time for my needs, and neglect to give myself the luxury of pacing or caring for myself. These unhurried moments of pure blessedness were rare.

What I heard in answer from God, really shocked me. God said to me, “You are here on Earth not only to love and serve others, but to love yourself as I love you.” I wondered if it wasn’t selfish to love myself that much. God said, “No, you are here to love yourself – like I love you. Loving yourself like I love you is just as important as your other life purpose of loving and serving others. You are perfectly made, in you lives my light that can give you everything you need in this life. As you love yourself, you love others more, as you care for yourself, you care for others deeper, as you speak kind words to yourself, you speak kind words to others gentler, as you think loving thoughts of yourself, your loving thoughts of others increase.”

Living this life, loving myself is just as important and necessary as the gift of purpose in this life. So, why did it take me this long to fully realize this? I always knew love is the key, however, the extent of the love I have for myself, has limits. What God is saying to me, is that I need to remove these limits and conditions that I set for myself, and love all of me, wholeheartedly.

As I look in the mirror, I sometimes do not like all I see, especially if I see myself in comparison to others. Yet when I see and conceptualize that God’s creations are perfectly made, beautiful, whole, this gives me a different perspective, a perspective, that I am one of these creations. I am included in that: I am beautifully made.

How am I whole when I look at myself and see so much that needs fixing? Loving yourself is embracing all of you, knowing that God loves you, for who you are, and forgives you in spite of knowing what you have or have not done. God is not conditional. God forgives us, so we need to forgive ourselves. If we think we are on a wrong path, we can always try again; we can make amends. We can start over.

In my conversation with God, I realized that what I say to myself, I say to God. I love God, and I want to deepen my relationship with Him and enjoy God’s love. So I am going to speak kindly, and speak with the love that God has put in my heart.

As I live my life, selflessness, has a new meaning to me. It means I live fully, I live wholeheartedly, I live nourishing myself spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically – so I have more of myself to share with others.

Action Item:
Make a list of the ways you can begin spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically nourishing yourself.

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Four Yogic Tips to Make Your New Year’s Resolutions Stick

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jan8_2017

Point to Ponder:
Do you have a plan to make your New Year goals and resolutions stick?

Amy Younkman

by Amy Younkman

While the fresh start of the new year is always exciting, the pressure of being better than last year, setting new goals and resolutions can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when there is are infinite articles telling us “how to make it our best year, yet”. As a result, I have come up with my own four ‘yogic tips that help my New Years resolutions stick:

1. Satsaunga- Yoga tradition recommends satsaunga, or ‘keeping good company’.  Many of our habits are the indirect result of our social network.  Perhaps the most powerful thing we can do to change our habits are to hang out with people who have good habits and also encourage good habits in others. THIS is the biggest reason why I have chosen to be part of the iGnite team and lead iGnite Yoga and Pilates for the past eight years!

2. Create Good Habits– Rather than worry about your bad habits, pay attention to cultivating what is good for you, such as:

  • Exercise– Do something you really enjoy and feel better after doing it.
  • Be in Nature– The best medicine EVER!
  • Hydrate– Carry your iGnite water bottle with you everywhere you go and finish it as often as possible. Drink a large glass of water before each meal.
  • Eat Like a Real Person– It’s much better to eat three hearty and healthy meals each day than to be plagued by a late night snack attacks that pack on the pounds, or grazing throughout the day and never knowing what you really ate!
  • Put Your Legs up the Wall– Or find another restorative yoga pose that helps elicit the relaxation response.  Your body will say “why don’t we do this more often?!?!”
  • Go to Bed by 10:00 p.m.- Chinese medicine folks say that every hour of sleep before midnight is equal to two hours.  It’s really hard to stick to good habits when you are exhausted and worn out!

3. Visualize It, Believe It!- If you are plagued by a negative thought, cultivate the opposite.  Instead of thinking “Things are not going the way I would like; I’m not getting enough done,” say with conviction “Things are unfolding exactly as they should.” Instead of thinking “I feel out of control”, tell yourself “The universe supports me.” (and believe it!)  Dream boards are a powerful way to bring exactly what you want into your life.  Every year I design a bulletin board with the people/places I want to bring into my life, and they magically imbed into my heart and life.

4. Make Room for Silence–  If a regular meditation practice seems daunting, try just a few minutes twice a day, preferably upon waking and before going to bed.  It can be your prayer time, or your time to connect to your breath.  Clear the mind and put things into perspective before going through your “to-do” or “didn’t-get-done” list.

Good luck and be on the look out for the iGnite Body Re-Boot and some great yoga workshops in Austin to help support your efforts.  There’s still time to sign up for the iGnite Renewal Retreat in San Diego at the end of this month!

Wishing you a blessed new year!

Action Item:
To get the most out of your New Year’s resolutions, keep good company, create good habits, visual and believe what you want and make room for silence.

Lift Higher

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Point to Ponder:
Who lifts you higher and who do you lift higher?

iGnite Neissa

by Neissa Brown Springmann

With an unbelievable one hundred and five of us in attendance at our tenth birthday bash on Thursday night (crushing all previous party attendance!), all weekend I have contemplated the conversations, smiling faces and old and new friendships that filled the room. It was a humbling, exciting and inspiring evening that will be difficult top. While I continued to reflect, what keeps coming to mind is the quote listed in the picture above, by Oprah, “Surround yourself only with people who are going to lift you higher.” This describes the iGnite community, made up of both our leaders and members.

iGnite’s official birthday isn’t until October, but in addition to celebrating in a variety of ways, one thing we will commemorate during the next six weeks are the people in our lives who have and continue to lift us higher.

For the sake of today’s journal, I’m starting with our amazing iGnite team, who are some of my dearest and best friends. Some people may think that mixing business with friendships/pleasure is an irresponsible idea, but for me, working with people whom I admire, respect, love and want to “do life with” is non-negotiable. My personal philosophy is that if I’m going to spend my precious time that God has gifted me to work, it will only be with work and people I love.

Due to schedule and routines, it is difficult to get to every leader’s class and beyond that, getting to know each leader on the same intimate level as I do is challenging. As a result, below is insight from everyone’s bio that sheds light as to why they naturally lift myself and others higher. I also encourage you to click on each of their names, which will take you to their personal iGnite page where more inspiration lies.

Sha Klatt

SHA KLATT   I’m Most Inspired By: My parents are my inspiration! They are in their 80’s and still lead very active lives. They continue to try new things, eat well, exercise daily, travel and most importantly are very involved with their family. They have wonderful relationships with their 3 children and 6 grandchildren, who all adore them. Any gathering is more fun if my parents are there!

Favorite Passage: May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.

paula-hPAULA HARNISH   Personal mantra: Keep calm and carry on!!

My Favorite quote, from the book, The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz:

1. Be impeccable with your word
2. Don’t take anything personally
3. Don’t make assumption
4. Always do your best

Molly Daniels

MOLLY DANIELS  What Inspires Me Most: Like I mentioned above, I am inspired daily. Being one of the youngest on our team, I look up to all of the women I work with. I treasure and value their advice and take it to heart. The iGnite community inspires me. It is amazing getting to teach women from all different walks of life. I learn something new from them every day. My parents, who have been happily married for over 30 years, inspire me in a new way now that I am married. I seek their wisdom. And lastly, but not least, God amazes me and blesses me every single day. He calls us to serve, love and share, and I feel like I am doing just that in iGnite.

The Best Advice I’ve Been Given: My dad has always told me “You catch more flies with honey than vinegar.”

Kathleen Parker

KATHLEEN PARKER   What Inspires Me Most: Staying strong and healthy is the greatest gift we can give ourselves. I believe that if we make fitness a part of our lifestyle, it becomes increasingly easy to LIVE and be well. I am truly inspired every day by the men and women I am blessed to train, and strive each day to make a positive impact on their lives. This life God has blessed me with just gets better every year! I look forward to each day as a new adventure, just as my father does. I am truly enjoying the “ride” and can’t wait to see where He takes me next!

My Favorite Quote: “It is never too late to be what you might have been.” — George Eliot

babe-bio-4KATHLEEN “BABE” KEAHEY   Who Inspires Me Most: My mom and dad. My mom inspires me to always be true to myself. She is the most unique and caring person and is never afraid to be who she is -which can be a rare quality to find in this world. My dad because of his incredible patience and optimism. He had to deal with not only my mom, but three girls – that is a lot of women to handle in one house and I honestly don’t know how he does it! But he does it with so much kindness and patience, and for that, I thank him.

My Favorite Quote: “Let my faith be stronger than my fears.”

Jill Watts

JILL WATTS    Personal Mantra: “Everyday is a new day!” It’s pretty simple, but sometimes not so easy to live by. I have learned over the past few years as I have had some major changes in my life and as my children have become older (tweens and teens) that things just don’t always go as planned. You can’t waste too much time being stressed or upset. The day will come to an end no matter how hopeless it may seem at the time, and things always seem better in the morning. Each day you can have a fresh start with a new perspective. Teaching and participating in iGnite always helps me too!

Favorite Quote: “Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, its about learning how to dance in the rain!”

iGnite_JessieJESSIE D’ANDREA  Favorite Quotes:“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and now grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” Isaiah 40: 31 / “Everyone smiles in the same language”

What Inspires Me Most: I am inspired by God’s creations: sunrises and sunsets, family, relationships, children, my job I could go on and on. But when I think about who inspires me the most, my sister, Jacky, always comes to mind first. Jacky is a God fearing women who loves her Savior first and her family second. She is a devoted mom to four beautiful children, a loving wife and daughter, and an inspiring big sister.

DelaineTeeple

DELAINE TEEPLE   Favorite Quote: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and you minds in Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 4:7

My iGnite Experience: When I got involved with iGnite 6 years ago, my light began to fully shine again after the accident. My love and appreciation for the outdoors was rekindled. The positive and inspiring environment that iGnite provides led me out of my comfort zone and into a much more exciting way of living. I am very grateful for the opportunity to be on this team as well as learn from all of the amazing women in iGnite.

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BETTY CUNNINGHAM   The Best Advice I’ve Been Given: “Look up.” Between carpools and the crazy pace of having 10 children, my mother would pull things out of the air to make us think, especially when we were arguing over things like who had to ride in the “very back” of the station wagon. One of the things she said that has stayed with me is: “Now just think about this, what if God had decided not to share. There would be nothing. No people, no cars, no bikes, no schools, and not even the sun or the moon and the stars. Nothing.”

Personal Mantra: I think I can, I think I can

Amy Younkman

AMY YOUNKMAN   Personal Mantra: “Lord work through me, with me and in me.”

The Best Advice I’ve Been Given: Several years ago my mom, two sisters and I were on a “girls getaway” weekend during which my sister asked, “What is one piece of advice you would like to pass on to us, Mom?” I continue to reflect on my Mom’s reply: “Never look to someone else for your happiness. Find it for yourself.”

Amy Casual headshotAMY CHIBIB   What I Love: I believe life is a delicate balance! I have found that joy in helping others, which is why iGnite and my life and career coaching is the perfect balance for my life. I founded Creating Lives that Work and have passion for promoting people, products, and causes and helping others.

Favorite Quote: “Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness.” — Joseph Pilates

Alli Phillips

ALLI PHILLIPS   What Inspires Me Most: My 5 wonderfully rambunctious and active children, Delaney age 16, Sally age 13, Lucy age 13, Ellie age 13, and Liam age 8, along with their iron-man-daddy, David, to whom I’ve been married 21 years, inspired “Backyard Fitness” and continue to inspire me, every. single. day.

Favorite Quote: What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

Action Item:
Recognize somebody who lifts you higher and make an effort to elevate someone else.

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Favorite Finds from Trader Joe’s

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With back-to-school approaching, we asked our team to share some of their favorite go-to’s at Trader Joe’s. From microwaveable brown rice to yummy dark chocolates, this list will inspire you (and save you some money) on your next grocery run. We would love to hear your favorites in the comments below!

iGnite_Jessie

Jessie’s Picks

Frozen chocolate covered bananas – I love these frozen treats because they are a quick yummy frozen dessert for kids and adults!

FullSizeRenderCranberry-orange iced scones – These yummy treats only come out during the fall and I love them! They are great with a cup of coffee.


Cauliflower rice – The cauliflower rice is IMG_0303an easy substitute for normal rice and it tastes delicious.


Pizza sauce – We make homemade pizza every Sunday and we discovered that TJ’s pizza sauce tastes the best to us!

Sha Klatt

Sha’s Picks

Chocolates – Trader Joe’s is my go to for my favorite chocolate fix. I love the cocoa powdered almonds and the dark chocolate peanut butter cups! Healthy antioxidants right?

IMG_0296Flower department – It’s a great place to pick up a fresh potted succulent.

Birthday cards – There is a great selection of  greeting cards that are only 99 cents.

Amy Younkman

Amy’s Picks

Baby beets –  Found in the produce section, the roasted beets are great for salads and juices.

FullSizeRender-1Mini Brussel sprouts – These are found in a bag in the frozen section. The perfect size for roasting!

Wine – Trader Joe’s has a great wine selection that is very reasonably priced.  Perfect for your next party!

DelaineTeeple

Delaine’s Picks

Produce – The organic strawberries are much less expensive than at other grocery stores – as are the naval oranges and bananas, my kids’ favorites.  I always grab some avocados as well.

IMG_0307Organic Brown Rice – This rice is found in the frozen section and is easy to add to a quick family meal – usually fish and salad.

Frozen Turkey Bolognese with Organic Brown Rice & Quinoa Pasta – I tried this not too long ago in the back tasting section of Trader Joe’s. Great for a quick meal that FullSizeRender6is always on hand and something the whole family will love.  (I add sauteed onions and garlic to the bolognese) Include a green veggie or a salad and you have a 10 minute meal.


Mini Ice Cream Cones – My daughter and her friends have loved these tiny chocolate dipped cones as their summer treat.  They think they are great because they are so cute and I think they are great because the  portion size is much smaller!

iGnite Neissa

Neissa’s Picks

Dark chocolate – You cannot beat their Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt covered almonds, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter cups and dark chocolate IMG_0305covered mints. They all are to die for!

Fresh Flowers – Trader Joes has the best deals and their variety is always beautiful and fresh. I love treating friends with an occasional vase full of flowers and Trader Joe’s allows me to do that without spending a fortune.

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Shine Bright & Let Your Freedom Ring

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iGnite-Happy4th_2016

Freedom allows us to shine our brightest.  How do you let your freedom ring and shine bright? Here’s inspiration from some of our iGniters…

“I believe that we all have a light within us; I think of it as the Holy Spirit and I visualize a candle that burns steadily as we stay connected to our authentic, true source. Sometimes the candle flickers and gets dim and we need others to help us rekindle it. I believe I am shining brightest when my candle is able to light the way not only for myself, but to help light the way for others who may be struggling.” –Amy Younkman

“I shine bright when I can teach someone to do something they didn’t think they could do, or when I see three people in one day learn to surf that have never tried it. Women who said they would never water ski again and they do it! The smiles on their faces just makes me feel shiny! Also, seeing 50 plus year-old amazing women racing each other up one of the biggest and steepest hills and seeing women of all ages do pull ups and begin to love them! The freedom to lead the way I want to lead and teach the things I want to teach makes me so happy. Seeing the joy of accomplishment is the ultimate SHINE.” –Kathleen Parker

“I let freedom ring through education, religion, and relationships. Through my freedom I am able to shine bright by teaching young minds to be creative, to think for themselves and encourage them to chase their dreams. I am able to shine bright and grow daily in my relationship with my savior Jesus Christ. And, lastly, I shine bright when I am surrounded by friends (new and old) and family. I am inspired and encouraged by how bright they shine in their own way!” – Jessie D’Andrea

“I let my Freedom Ring & Shine Bright by being as healthy, independent, and self-sufficient as possible so that I can role model that for my daughters. I shine my brightest when I am connecting with other people whether it be enjoying fun times together, encouraging people through life, listening to live music, sharing a meal, or exercising outdoors in a group with other iGniters!” -Sarah Hamilton, iGnite member

“I shine my brightest in two ways, with one is when I am being someone’s cheerleader. I love to encourage, motivate and yell loud for anyone, whether it be in a competition, in a class or silently cheering in prayer! It makes my heart pound, and I get chills! The second is when I am around children. Kids make me smile and laugh. They teach me to practice patience and how to love hard. They enjoy the small, simple things in life, and they have crazy, amazing imaginations and dreams. I want to live like that.” –Molly Daniels

“I feel like I shine brightest, and that I am doing what God has called me to do, when I am with children and youth, specifically when I am leading and coaching them in living healthy, active lives, opening their eyes to the many different ways to do that, and helping them recognize their unique and special qualities and their talents and gifts. And I feel most fulfilled when I am connecting with my own children in this way, through “play,” moving in new and different ways with them and enjoying the miracle of our bodies, while also enjoying nature and God’s beautiful world around us.” –Alli Phillips

“One of the ways I let my freedom ring is by owning my own business. I love the freedom of getting to create a business that is an authentic expression of my heart and how I see the world, as well as the flexibility of working for myself and choosing who I get to work with. As for as when I shine my brightest? I feel I shine my brightest when I am leading, teaching, coaching, loving, encouraging, helping others, making people laugh and sharing God’s awesomeness. I am also super shiny when I’m spending sweet time my amazing family and friends, including my two precious children and husband, when there’s lots of playing and dancing.  –Neissa Brown Springmann

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Be a Novice, Keep Moving & Stay Young

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How to Stay Energized, Renewed and Balanced Throughout Your Summer, Part III

iGnite - June26_2016 2

Point to Ponder:
How often do you practice being a beginner?

iGnite Neissa

by Neissa Brown Springmann

This weekend I attended a portion of the Yoga Journal Conference in San Diego with iGnite Leader and friend, Amy Younkman. Amy leads our yoga and Power Pilates classes, has attended the Yoga Journal Conference for many years and always returns with excellent information. While we attended different classes, the one class that we took together was led by Bo Forbes and titled “Body Maps: The Road to Healthy Aging, Pain Modulation and Emotional Balance.”  Bo teaches yoga throughout the world, and, interestingly, she is also a psychologist. She is a yogi-brainiac, and she specializes in integrating yoga, mindfulness, neuroscience, psychology and movement studies and she has worked with professional sports teams, corporations, healthcare professionals worldwide. Obviously, she is a wealth of fascinating knowledge, all of which I am so eager to share with you because as Amy and I did, you are going to love it!

First, in regard to the physical aging portion of her class, what science is finding out is that unlike what we may have once thought or been told, aging is NOT what causes the loss of muscle mass or connective tissue. Instead, the loss of connective tissue and muscle mass is what causes aging! EUREKA!

As a refresher, the reason why connective tissue is important is because it connects, supports, binds, or separates all other tissues. And, muscles are necessary because muscles are the only tissue in the body that have the ability to contract and therefore move the other parts of the body. The muscular system’s second function is the maintenance of posture and body composition. Healthy connective tissue and muscle mass is what keeps us moving and physically thriving.

Next, as it relates to mental aging, emotional balance, memory loss, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety and depression–neuroplasticity is the key. According to Dr. David Hellerstein in Psychology Today, neuroplasticity is the ongoing remodeling of brain structure (or the re-wiring of our brain map) and function that occurs throughout life. And, our day to day behavior and activity can have measurable effects on brain structure, function and health.

The key ingredient to healthy connective tissue is daily stretching and movement in every and all directions. The main ingredient for having muscle mass is strength, body weight and resistance training; and the primary ingredient for neuroplasticity is becoming an “expert beginner” and striving to participate in new movements and new experiences every day. As Bo reminded us, “The body and brain do not learn and grow from repetitive movement. Instead, they learn and grow from new experiences.” Therefore, the more we participate in life as a novice, feel incompetent and even engage in awkward and uncomfortable experiences, the healthier we are mentally and physically. BRILLIANT!

So, why is this the best and most exciting news ever?! You can access all of this goodness through iGnite! As it relates to our summer theme of staying energized, renewed and balanced, when constantly re-wiring and expanding our brain map by means of being a beginner and trying new things, the scientific proven outcome is that we are energized and experience a boost in mood. Therefore, our emotional capacity is expanded and our spirit stays uplifted!

With July 1st only a few days away, the timing of our fun summer contest to Give It a Try In July, could not be more perfect. Throughout the entire month of July, we encourage you to try all of our 28 weekly classes led by our passionate, talented and amazing Leaders. This is the ideal opportunity to re-wire your brain and body map by mixing up your exercise routine, which includes driving to new areas of town, iGniting with new members and creating new relationships.

There has never been a better time to stretch beyond your comfort zones and get good at becoming a beginner. After all, it’s in the spirit of anti-aging and health, which is TOTALLY WORTH IT!

Action Item:
Try one new thing this week.

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A Time to Have Fun (but don’t go crazy)

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How to Stay Energized, Renewed and Balanced Throughout Your Summer, Part I

iGnite - June 12 journal pic

Point to Ponder:
What is something you have been hesitant to try, experience or say “yes” to?

iGnite Neissa

by Neissa Springmann

It’s summer!!!!, which means that you can take a deep breath, exhale, stay up late, sleep in, paint your toe nails and finger nails multi-colors and experiment with bright lipstick. I don’t know why it takes a change in season to give myself permission to do these types of things, however I suppose like in Ecclesiastes 3, 1-8, and also quoted in the song Turn!, Turn!, Turn! by the Byrds, there is a time for everything:

For everything that happens in the life–there is a season, a right time for everything under heaven. A time to be born, a time to die; a time to plant, a time to collect harvest;
A time to kill, a time to heal; a time to tear down, a time to build up; a time to mourn, a time to dance;
A time to scatter stones, a time to pile them up; a time for a warm embrace, a time for keeping your distance;
A time to search, a time to give up as lost; a time to keep, a time to throw out;
A time to tear apart, time to bind together; a time to be quiet, a time to speak up;
A time to love, a time to hate; a time to go to war, a time to make peace.

Reading a little further, in Ecclesiastes (3, 12-13) it says, “What good comes to anyone who works so hard, all to gain a few possessions. I know there is nothing better for us than to be joyful and to do good throughout our lives; to eat and drink and see the good in all of our hard work is a gift from God.” This is what I think summer is all about–it’s our season of harvest. A time to celebrate our seasons of hard work, to reap what we have sown, slow down, unplug, breathe, rest, be intentional with having fun, try new things, and chill out.

Throughout the next few weeks I am going to share a few tips that I hope will allow your body, mind and spirit to stay energized, renewed and balanced throughout the summer months. The objective is to minimize your need to achieve and be hyper-productive while maximizing the time you spend having fun and experiencing renewal.

My first tip is to Have Fun! (but don’t go crazy)- What I mean by this is to try new things and do more of what makes you laugh and smile. Paint your fingernails funky colors and experiment with shiny and different shades of lipstick. Turn music on throughout your house and play it loudly. Dance! Try new cocktails, eat ice cream and venture to new restaurants. Let go of self-induced expectations and judgments. Take a nap, read a book, and go to the movies. Be spontaneous. Say “yes” when you might otherwise say “no”. Say “no” when you might otherwise say “yes”.

Next, just as Amy Younkman suggested in the journal How Daily Discipline Can Set Your Summer Months Free, keep some structure throughout your summer. Even though you need to relax and focus more on fun, continue to prioritize your health. While on vacation, be sure to move. Embark in the organic activities within your destination, like hiking, and taking long walks and running on the beach, swimming, or exercising poolside or in a park. Long road trips as well as flying creates stiff and achy bodies, so be sure to stretch. (Click on our travel-friendly workouts: Pilates Stomach Series, HIIT Workout, Body Weight Circuit, 3-Step Workout, Swim Workout). (Click on our travel-friendly streches and yoga poses: Poses for Travel, Release Neck Tension during Travel, Tibetan Twisting, Flexibility Stretches , Heart Opening Yoga Series).

In addition, definitely splurge and indulge, but don’t over do it. Eat lean protein with each meal as well as fresh fruits and vegetables, and don’t forget to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and/or cranberry water. Flying in airplanes cause dehydration. Clean eating and adequate hydration will keep you feeling energetic and renewed, rather than bloated and puffy. And, for cleansing purposes, it never hurts to start and end your day with a cup of hot lemon water (1/2 juice of lemon with 8 oz of hot water). Hot lemon water, along with proper hydration will keep your bowels healthy. I know…bowel movements aren’t a desirable topic, but for many women this is a problem, especially when our daily routines and diets are thrown off. And, don’t forget about our delicious and high protein and fiber travel snacks: Black Bean Brownies and Peanut Butter Protein Bars.

There’s no doubt that every season (fall, winter, spring and summer) is a gift and should be celebrated, but summer is the season where fun and renewal must be a daily priority. It’s the season of absorbing the sun’s energy and letting loose so your body, mind and spirit can illuminate and you can shine bright throughout the remainder of the year.

Shine Bright this summer with our *new* summer bundles, apparel and goodies and I hope that during the summer you will Try Everything!

Action Item:
Minimize your need to achieve and be hyper-productive while maximizing the time you spend having fun and experiencing renewal.

How Daily Discipline Can Set Your Summer Months Free

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Inspiration from the iGnite Archives

iGnite Journal - May29_2016

Point to Ponder:
Where can you exercise daily discipline so you can find greater enjoyment in your summer months?

Amy Younkman

by Amy Younkman

When I first read the quote above several years ago it struck me – I had always thought of discipline as willful containment, or reigning in, whereas freedom represented wide-open, “the sky’s the limit” possibilities. As I pondered this quote and it begin to sink in, I realized it was absolutely spot on.

Within freedom lies the ability for new discoveries and transformation. However, if freedom is not balanced with the right amount of self-discipline, there is no internal container or self-regulation process in place. We have to learn about limitations through self discipline in order to learn about (and earn) the truth about freedom. Discipline requires an intentional commitment to connect with what’s important to us. Over time, practicing daily disciplines, or acts of diligence, earns us our freedom.

For me, the discipline of meeting a best friend at 6 AM to run around the lake 2 – 3 times a week for over 20 years has certainly brought more energy, passion, peace and contentment to my days and to my life, much like an iGnite workout with friends. Every Monday, I discipline myself to do laundry (ugh!), plan dinners for the week, and spend time on my yoga mat listening to my inner advisor and preparing my yoga classes for the week. When I do these things, my family life runs smoother for the week and I enthusiastically look forward to my yoga and Pilates classes with renewed inspiration. No one can give me personal freedom; I have to earn it for myself.

While I love the looser schedules, less structure and vacation days of summer, I also realize I can’t truly enjoy “lazy days of summer” without my personal disciplines in place. In summer I loosen up on some of them, allowing more time for spontaneity and creative escapes. I find if I rise early to workout, get to bed at a reasonable hour, eat and drink in moderation and keep healthy food on hand, I am more apt to be a vital, happy and healthy person laying fertile ground for personal growth and freedom to take root.

As we enter into our summer season, I hope you will join me in creating a loose and less structured summer, while continuing to practice daily disciplines and acts of diligence as this will earn us freedom, health, happiness and even more fun.

Action Item:
Enjoy the loose and less structured summer days, however continue to practice daily disciplines and acts of diligence as this will earn you freedom, health, happiness and fun.

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