Hey, Baby, What's Your Mantra?

A mantra is a thought or intention expressed as a sound.  These sounds include syllables, words, or phrases, which may or may not have their own translatable meanings.  "OM" is the most popular mantra.

A mantra can be said aloud, repeated silently to oneself (as in meditation), sung with devotion (as in kirtan and bhakti yoga), or visualized in written form.  Many Sanskrit mantras, such as Om Mani Padme Hum, a central mantra in Tibetan Buddhism, are often captured in art, beautifully written or carved on stones and sculptures, or incorporated into clothing, jewelry, and talismans.

A yoga student and Buddhist friend of mine generously brought this stone back from Nepal last year; it features Om Mani Padme Hum (a mantra without direct, translatable meaning but believed to encourage enlightened awareness) on one side and the eyes of the Buddha on the other.  It resides on the bookshelf above my desk, where I write.

Mantras anchor the mind during meditation, soothe or energize the body in times of physical challenge, and connect the soul more deeply to God or spirit.

And yogis aren't the only ones to incorporate mantras into their lives.  Athletes, for instance, often use mantras or affirmations to improve performance, which is nicer than steroids, don't you think? World-class distance runner Kara Goucher chooses a new word while training for each race.  Words like "confidence" and "fighter" helped Goucher maintain focus in grueling races at the 10,000 meters and marathon distances last year, according to an article in the March 2010 issue of Runner's World.  

I'm not running any marathons this week, but I've chanted Om Namah Shivaya and repeated Catholic prayers under my breath, over and over, on multiple occasions.  It isn't intentional, which is the interesting part, and I realize, now, how much the brain craves the structure and repetition provided by mantras, especially in difficult times, such as the loss of a loved one.  For me, it's been one small, silent outlet for staying calm and remaining present.

Do you use mantras, as a meditation tool, coping skill, or sports performance enhancer?  What are your favorites?    

Free Running, Beers, & Roast Beef

Yesterday, I encouraged you to eat pizza, fried rice, and ice cream (wink, wink). Today, I'm endorsing Free Running, Beers, and Roast Beef, all of which have little to do with yoga, our prevailing theme on OmGal.com.

So, what gives?

A few things, actually. But, first, I should confess my disdain for all three. Yes, even running, a former love of mine. We're on the outs these days. I think we might be headed for a break-up. No, really. I've had it. Today, I traversed the entire Boston metro area in search of magical running shoes to rekindle my old running mojo and failed (no one carries a size "ski"), which brings me to my earlier point: Me + Running = So Over. I mean it this time . . .

Beers have never much been my thing. I'll drink one on a couple occasions: 100 degrees at Fenway Park (the beer must be chillingly cold) and a sunny beach in Mexico (lime, please!). I'm not trying to be a party pooper. I've tried to like beer. It didn't work out. We've both moved on. Everyone is better for it.

Beef and I have been estranged since I was 9. No loss, there.

However, I am a BIG fan of road races to benefit good causes, and I am also a fan of Dads. Perhaps you are too? If so (and you're in the vicinity of my hometown of Boston), you should run or walk the Father's Day 10K this Sunday along Revere Beach Boulevard (accessible via the T). All proceeds benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Revere Little League.

**Special perk: Post a comment with why you love to run (or walk), and Race Menu, the event organizer, will waive one lucky reader's registration fee. That's right: free running, plus free (optional) beers and roast beef sandwiches after the race. Not to mention all that deliciously good karma on Dad's Day.

Not able to make it to the starting line? Post a comment about why you love to run anyway. Please, I need all the inspiration I can get.

**One winner will be selected at random by noon on Thursday, June 17.

A Poor Gal's Pedicure

If you practice yoga, you spend a fair amount of time looking at your feet. The more often you practice yoga, the more you look at your feet, and with the arrival of open-toe shoe weather, others, too, will now be looking at your feet.

What does this mean? You need a pedicure.

Not so fast. Pedicures feel luxurious and look lovely; however, you can provide your tootsies with some of the same health benefits at home, for free. (Save your money for your yoga classes or health club membership).

Toes Pose is a very simple and potent stretch for toes and feet. It is essential for athletes, people who spend long hours standing (think: nurses, chefs, hair stylists, etc.), and/or fashionistas, who teeter around town in sky-high heels. All these activities have the potential to jam our toes and confine our feet until they cramp, contort, and ache.

I should forewarn you that although this pose is simple, it is not easy. I recommend doing it at home while you watch TV, before yoga class when you arrive on your mat, or during your home practice. Over time, it will get easier, and, eventually, it will feel divine . . .

Step 1: Start by standing on your knees, curling under all ten toes (you might need to help your pinky toe by folding it back with your fingers).

Step 2: Next, sit back onto your heels. Try to stay here for ten deep breaths. If the sensation is too intense for your feet, return to Step 1. Don't let your mind panic and become unwieldy. Your deep ujayi breath will support you.

Step 3: Release the pose by un-tucking your toes, setting your hands behind you, and lifting your shins and knees off the floor. The stretch in the tops of your feet, ankles, and shins will feel amazing . . . and keep your toes looking spacious, straight, and happy.

And, if you must splurge on a pedicure. Try Tart Deco by Essie, my current favorite color.

Hanging Out in Lululemon

The Lululemon store in Boston's Prudential Center recently did some redecorating, revealing posters that feature its latest selection of ambassadors, including yours truly. Here I am hamming it up with my photo upon seeing it for the first time this week. The ambassador shot shows me in a variation of ardha chandrasana on Commonwealth Avenue and was photographed by my friend, long-time fellow yogi, and standout New York based photographer Jonathan Pozniak. It was the hottest day of the year (a sweltering afternoon in mid August) but a fun and creative experience-- especially the part when I had to use my creativity to find ways of changing my wardrobe in public without getting arrested. (Some of the behind the scenes moments).

If you want to hang out with me (just a little poster humor there), come take a free class next Sunday at the Boston store. It's an abbreviated version of my specialty Yoga for Runners workshop in honor of next week's Boston Marathon. For runners, yogis, and runner/yogis, it will be a fun, free, inspiring way to spend Sunday morning. Plus, we'll send our positive intentions to all the runners readying for Boston's storied 26.2 mile race the following day.

If you miss next week's class, you can still swing by the store to point and laugh at my poster; it will be up for the coming year.

Yoga Helps Runners Stay Injury Free This Spring

With tomorrow marking the official start of spring* (who doesn't love spring!), many active types are feeling an additional springiness in their step. Yesterday, the Northeast experienced temperatures in the mid 60s, providing near perfect conditions for an array of outdoor activities, including running. For novice runners, this weather offers added motivation to get outdoors and greet the season with fresh air in your lungs and newly thawed ground beneath your feet.

For serious runners, this weekend kicks racing season into high gear with the L.A. Marathon and NYC half marathon, among many others. Here in Boston, the countdown to Marathon Monday has officially begun, with runners taking to the streets to squeeze in their final long training runs before April 19. (Though I won't be out there this time, I'm running with you in spirit!). Fundraising season, too, is in high gear, with many runners opting to raise money for local and national charities such as the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge Running Team, a cancer-fighting behemoth that has raised more than 30 million dollars in the past two decades. The team's coach, Jack Fultz and champion of the 1976 Boston Marathon, is an OmGal.com reader, who even dropped in on a yoga workshop of mine last year to prep yogi/runners for race day and talk about the psychological parallels between racing and yoga. He's Om Gal's go-to resource for running tips and insight, like his knee-preserving, calorie-scorching, running-simulating indoor running workout (one of my favorites), shown here.

Speaking of workouts, whether you are a recreational runner, Marathon Mama, or elite athlete, yoga is a perfect complement to your training. It helps keep you healthy and free of injury as you prepare to lace up your sneakers this spring, for a casual jog after a long winter hibernation or the culmination of months of arduous training. The video below, shot at Stil Studio in Dedham, MA before my Yoga for Runners Workshop last month, by Nabil Aidoud of FiVi.com, includes a few of my thoughts on how yoga can keep athletes fleet of foot this spring and beyond. [File under: Friday, I'm in Love with Spring!].

*In addition to being the first day of spring, tomorrow also marks Official Om Bro Day, as my "baby" brother turns 27. Happy birthday, Reece!