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Ewa Bigio

@ewabigio

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SMFT ™️ HUMAN SYSTEMS COHERENCE TRAINING ™️
Leader in Modern Somatics
Yoga | Weights | Pilates | Reformer
@vitalenergymovement
📍Newmarket , Akld

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3 IMPORTANT FACTORS: How to practice and progress in your backbends after 50 is the topic of my post here. It coincides with @sundayfundayyogis heart opening theme hosted by Vera @vera_zumba_pilates_yoga .

Generally speaking, as we age, our spinal discs start to thin out and any pressure placed on those discs can either be a strengthening or weakening force. Hence spinal twists, extension and flexion poses that go beyond the typical ranges of motion need special consideration after we hit 40. Consider:
1️⃣ Pre-existing spinal deviations and conditions eg, disc herniation, scoliosis require a more nuanced approach when practising poses. One of the greats - Iyengar had scoliosis and attributed yoga to helping alleviate the effects of scoliosis. But understand that when he began his practice, he was a teenager. Quite a different scenario from a 50 year old body with scoliosis starting a yoga practice.
2️⃣ Buffer with an aggressive core strengthening programme. Most people over the age of 50 need to work harder on core conditioning. This especially if your day job makes you desk bound. A strong core will consolidate your back bending practice.
3️⃣ Balance backbends against strength training ( body weight and weights based strength training ). Sarcopenia or age related muscle mass loss can impact critical parts of our muscular anatomy that support stability in our backbends. Eg. mid and rear deltoids support scorpion handstands and forearm balances . If you don’t continue to develop these after 50, excessive flexibility unsupported by muscle building will result in an occurrence of injuries.

If you pay attention to these things, age does not need to be a barrier to developing backbends! Check out my third slide which shows the evolution of my practice between 47 and 55. I feel stronger and more capable at 55 in managing my backbends precisely because I have paid attention and made adjustments around 52 when things started to go pear shape!

Share your #sfdyheartopener with us for #sundayfundayyogis. My co-hosts are tagged as I’ve run out of space!

#yogisover50 #yogaover50 #womenover50fitness #handstandscorpion #pinchascorpion

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And now this! I’ve always thought it strange that we jump on social media for networking opportunities but then get incredibly shy and embarrassed about talking about our business and what we do for a living! Well this challenge is all about that so let’s set the awkwardness aside and give your biggest shout out to yourself and tell us all about your business, work, occupation! Don’t be shy!

If you missed out on the last @abcyogis challenge #celebrateover50yoga - a +500 post challenge over 5 days - don’t miss out on this one. High participation count challenges give you greater visibility in a short space of time! This is one of the last 2 remaining challenges for 2023.

Basic challenge summary (for full details go to @abcyogis ):

NEW CHALLENGE ANNOUNCEMENT
#mindyourownbusinessyogis
Sept 25 - 29

“Small businesses are the heartbeat of your neighbourhood, the spine of your local economy and the spirit of your town.” @abcyogis has long supported small business owners and now we want to dedicate a challenge to you! Strong in their values, often reflecting the personalities of their owners and founders, let’s explore how small business can change the world one customer at a time. Non-business owners, join in and tell us what you do for a living and what you love about your job!

Daily programme:
Day 1: WHO AM I? Tell us about your business/work through a pose or a pose
Day 2: WHAT DO I LOVE MOST ABOUT WHAT I DO? Share a heart opening pose.
Day 3: WHAT MOST IMPORTANT VALUE UNDERLIES MY BUSINESS/JOB? Share a standing pose.
DAY 4: WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE TO MY BUSINESS/IN MY CAREER? Share a pose that exemplifies strength.
DAY 5: WHAT LIES AHEAD? Share a pose that captures your hopes for the future of your business/career

Relevant Tags:
#yogabusinessmarketing
#yogabusinessowner
#yogabusinesschicks
#smallbusinessbigideas
#smallbusinessbigdream
#thesmallbusinessrevolution
#smallbusinessbigimpact
#smallbusinessownersunite
#yogastudioowners
#girlbossbusiness
#mamapreneurlife
#mamapreneurs
#smallbusinesscollab
#yogacollab
#yogacollaboration

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I’m taking a stand against racism. This is a topic that has been a defining force in my life;
from my days as an art dealer representing indigenous artists, a film sales agent sharing the stories of under-represented communities and to the present day, a yoga teacher who sees the discipline as an opportunity for building bridges between communities.

On March 21 - 25th for the #diversityyogis challenge, I have assembled a group of diverse voices and together we will try and understand how yoga can be such a potent tool for creating self - awareness, and for elevating consciousness in the way we participate in community life. In addition to my wonderful co-hosts, we are excited to welcome an outstanding group of Super Guests (see 2nd slide) who will contribute a post on each of your challenge days to help stimulate your participation in this event on a deeper level.

Why do this challenge? Participate if:
- you have been affected by racism and want to find a way to deal with the outcomes
- have friends who have been affected and want to understand how to help them
- have never been affected by racism but would like to gain a better understanding of how the issues impact your community
- love a yoga challenge but crave a deeper experience beyond sharing poses

Follow @abcyogis the official challenge account for details and updates.

I hope you will accept my invitation and I look forward to sharing our practice next week ❤️🤎💛🤍🖤

#yogaforeverybody #yogaformentalhealth #yogachallenge #yogisfordiversity #diversity #yogachallenges #natajarasana #dancerspose #endracism #yogisofcolour #yogisofinstagram #yogisofig #yogini #yogalife #8limbsofyoga #inspiredyogis #dharmayoganyc #dharma

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My second post for #sundayfundayyogis into the wild theme in recognition of #worldwildlifeday with host the lovely Nikky @yogininicolette Check my other post on this 🐘
In this reel I share a series of arm balancing poses where I transition from #titibasana to #ekahastabhujasana in one seamless vinyasa finishing with #astravakrasana and #ekapadakoundinyasana2 Brief tips included in reel ❤️ Say hi to my friend #babartheelephant ! He wanted to join in on our fun this weekend 🐘

Why not try it? Let’s have fun with some arm balancing!

Follow your @sundayfundayyogis crew for ideas on this theme:
@irina.boeck @amightyo @ewabigioyoga @alexander.burriel @yogigico @zoe.yogafun @yogininicolette

#yogisinthewild #wildlifelovers #vinyasaflow #endangeredanimals #armbalanceaddict #elephantlover #armbalanceflow #yogaflow #yoginisofig #yogacommunity #yogachallenge #yogisover50 #fitover40 #fitnessover50 #yogashorts #yogareel #ashtangalovers #practiceandallwillcome

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This weekend #sundayfundayyogis go into the wild in recognition of #worldwildlifeday and your host is the lovely Nikky @yogininicolette Check also my second post and reel featuring a flow from #fireflypose to #elephanttrunkpose

An elephant never forgets. In that sense I am like an elephant. I forget names and birthdays but I never forget a face, a deed or a mis-deed.

The elephant is celebrated in many cultures and religions, admired for its magnificence, sensitivity and intelligence. But underneath this apparent reverence lies an ugly truth - our mistreatment of this animal in pursuit of commercial gain and ironically for cultural reasons that relate to our worship of this animal. I have never considered myself to be an animal activist. However I do think the way we treat animals holds a mirror to humanity. The African Forest Elephant is high on the Critically Endangered Species List with around 415,000 in existence. The threat to its viability is mostly man made - the ivory trade and deforestation.

I’m not preaching today and it’s just not my style but I did want to share with you some striking images of this gentle giant of a creature which captivated me. They show you that both humility and grandeur are two characteristics that can co-exist in the same body. No other 4 legged sentient being inspires this sentiment and and in our ego-driven march towards self-destruction, we would do well to capture this lesson in our hearts. The day that we no longer have elephants in the world is the day that the gods will weep for it will be a sign that humanity has abandoned the one unique thing that defines us - morality.

Follow your @sundayfundayyogis crew for ideas on this theme:
@irina.boeck @amightyo @ewabigioyoga @alexander.burriel @yogigico @zoe.yogafun @yogininicolette

Though a less literal choice, I wanted to share a low lying dancers pose with the extended arm as the shape reminds me of the elephant.

#yogisinthewild #wildlifelovers #wildlifephotos #endangeredanimals #sepiaphotography #elephantlover #dancerspose #yoginisofig #yogacommunity #yogachallenge #yogisover50 #fitover40 #fitnessover50 #yogaphotography

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This week the theme for #sundayfundayyogis is “Favourite Quotes” and I am so happy to be your host.

It was a tough process to narrow down to one quote but I feel the one that most closely reflects my aspirational journey since I turned 40 can be summed up by Chinese sage Lao Tzu:

“If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present.”

When I turned 40, I got inked. On my left arm is inscribed the Latin phrase “Carpe Diem”. It’s no surprise that since then yoga called upon me and I responded to the call. Timing is everything as they say. Time is a funny thing. It can fool and deceive you as our 5 senses collaborate in a most powerful way to assault that part of the brain known as memory. When memory can no longer separate the past and the future from the present, time becomes an enemy. Slowly, insidiously, we lose sense of reality. Yoga breaks that cycle. Today, after teaching my class I went to the cafe next door to have some me time. The cafe has a beautiful courtyard which was empty at the time I was there. I saw the sunlight streaming down so serenely against the grey concrete. It was an invitation to express myself; the joy I was feeling in that present moment. I kicked my shoes off and went into a handstand. So here we have it, my pose for you today for #sundayfundayyogis . #carpediem

Share with us your favourite quote and a yoga pose that captures it!

Your @sundayfundayyogis crew:

@irina.boeck
@amightyo
@ewabigioyoga
@yogigico
@zoe.yogafun
@yogininicolette

#livinginthemoment #bepresent #meditatetoelevate #yogaformentalhealth #yogaover40 #yogaover50 #yogalifestyle #handstandseverywhere #handstandlove #bowandarrow #inkedyogi #handstandsfordays #yogiclife #yogafriends #yogachallenge

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It’s “Flip Your Perspective” week at #sundayfundayyogis and your host is Alex @alexander.burriel

Let’s play a game. 1,2,3. The game is this - you flip upside down on to your forearms and try and touch your head with your feet. If you succeed, you get 3 million dollars. You have 6 months to train for this? Would you do it? Most of us, even those who have never done a scorpion forearm stand before would readily have a go at this life-changing opportunity I would think! External incentives can change your perspective on life in the short term.

Yoga is known to expand your consciousness. Some poses can change your viewpoint in the short term also - like inversions and backbends. They do it by changing your view of yourself. Long term yoga practice where you embrace the full context of the physical, spiritual and intellectual leanings of the practice can also shift your views of the world. Here the effects are more long lasting. It’s the only discipline which I have experienced which evolves your perspective of the universe without an external or material motivation, and changes you from the inside. It’s my kind of #squidgame . Brutal, beautiful, poetic, insane, life-changing.

I am sharing a scorpion pincha as one of the two asanas that has had the greatest impact on the way I view the world. First it altered my own perception of myself and through that I began to see the world differently. But yoga poses can’t be seen in isolation like this. For it’s true impact and beauty, embrace all aspects of yoga, from the physical practice to the articulation of its values into your heart and life.

For more inspo, visit the crew:
@irina.boeck
@amightyo
@ewabigioyoga
@alexander.burriel
@yogigico
@zoe.yogafun
@yogininicolette

#pinchaplay #pinchascorpion
#forearmscorpion #yogachallenge #upsidedown #flipyourperspective #sundayfunday☀️ #yogaforeverybody #yogalife #yogisofig #yoginis #inversionjunkie #inversionaddict #upsidedown

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#sundayfundayyogis “The Radiant Star” this week explores how astrology and old age wisdom intersect to help bring us closer to nature! Your host this week is Mighty @amightyo

My astrological sign is Capricorn. There is a joke about how you should hire a Capricorn to organise your party but that the Capricornian is probably not the guest that’s going to light up the party when it gets going 😏 Capricorns are said to be conservative, maybe to the point of being slightly boring, but that their greatest attributes are loyalty and dependability. I read somewhere that apparently the Capricorn is a sea-goat; half mermaid and half goat, representing both the Yin and Yang qualities of the sea and land. But over time the Yin aspects were diminished as patriarchal society had a way of magnifying and interpreting things through the masculine lens. As such the masculine characteristics of the Capricorn have become dominant over time - narcissism, ambition, judgemental bias, unforgiving when wronged. I think these are characteristics that we can fall into when we are at our worst. But Capricorns like others are at their best when they take time to reflect and find balance. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learnt how to re-prioritise by taking time to connect with my self through practice. Another important change is taking more time in nature. These changes have helped me find the softer Yin qualities within me. These days the sea goat is more sea that land goat! Here is my symbolic pose for today, a backbend looking out towards the ocean - a position that you would never have found me in, as a work-driven 20 something back in the day. Take time to look up at the stars - the answers are always there 🌟🌟🌟

Check out the @sundayfundayyogis crew: @irina.boeck @amightyo @alexander.burriel @ewabigioyoga @yogigico @zoe.yogafun @yogininicolette

#bowpose #dhanurasana #yogachallenge #yogachallenges #capricorn #capricornwoman #astrologylover #connectwithnature #lookupatthesky #stargazer #yogisofinstagram #yogisofcolor #yogilife #yogaeveryday #yogaover50 #strongbodies

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This week @sundayfundayyogis features special guest host Rose of @flowith_rose_tran and her chosen theme which is Musicals! My inspiration is #cabaretthemusical and the 1972 movie of the same name!

First about the pose! #lizaminelli ‘s performances on the chair at the Kit Kat is at the musical heart of the movie ( see the 5th slide ). I was inspired to use the chair for my #yogadandasana #yogistaffpose #hipopener and of course you had to have a hat! I didn’t have a bowler but I had my husband’s vintage fedora which he used to wear as a student back in Montreal. I couldn’t decide on which photo so have shared 3! Which one do you like best?

I chose Cabaret as its music, complex characters and dark political narrative combine to bring together compelling story telling that stands the test of time. Besides, its success it has been said comes from not falling for the cliche that musicals have to make you happy. Weimar Republic Berlin during this period was a time of freedom, experimentation and avant- garde expression. At the same time, political extremism was percolating which would eventually see the collapse of the Republic and democracy. The calm always precedes the storm. We must always be vigilant.

I want to thank the lovely Rose for coming up with this wonderful theme. Tell me, is there a musical out there that inspires you? And can you share that through a yoga pose? Take the challenge!

Check out @flowith_rose_tran , the hashtag #sundayfundayyogis gallery and finally my amazing co-hosts for inspiration:

@irina.boeck
@amightyo
@ewabigioyoga
@alexander.burriel
@yogigico
@zoe.yogafun
@yogininicolette

#yogachallenges #yogachallenge #yogacommunity #yogastories #yogacommunity #yogisofinstagram #instayogis #creativeyoga #yogaposes #yogaeveryday #yogalife #yogalifestyle #yogaforeveryone #yogaover50 #storyteller #yogatribe #ilovemusicals #bowlerhat #hatstyle #tattedyogi #grasshopperpose

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I woke up early and this is the view I saw. Welcome to the first edition of #sundayfundayyogis “January Fire” and thanks to our lovely host Irina @irina.boeck for kicking things off.

Your elements:
1. A yoga pose reflecting the theme ( check @sundayfundayyogis for details ) and/or
2. The colour red

I live in New Zealand where Dec and Jan are our best summer months. Now it’s balmy, blue skies and like Louis Armstrong sang, summertime and the livin’ is easy. I thrive in the heat. It makes me feel alive. For 3 months in the year I feel like I’m in my element. My backbend represents my heart opening up to all the possibilities in the New Year and my left arm up in salute to the sun - the source of all life, alongside water, which I dip my body into. When I emerge I am restored, whole again.

Share with us your Red January pose and how that colour fires you up and intersects with new beginnings for you in the New Year. Please follow the @sundayfundayyogis crew for ideas and inspiration:

@irina.boeck
@amightyo
@ewabigioyoga
@alexander.burriel
@yogigico
@yogininicolette
@zoe.yogafun

See you in the gallery and a Happy New Year to all ❤️🥂🌺🌟

#anjeneyasana #crescentlunge #ekapadarajakapotasana #redaesthetic #yogini #yogiswithopenhearts #openheart #chestopener #bellaciao #beachyoga #yogaeverywhere #backbendpractice #ibendsoidontbreak #flexibilityposts #yogaover50 #50andfabulous #beachlife

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This weekend’s theme for #sundayfundayyogis is “GAMES WE PLAY” and we are sharing stories about games we play with our family and friends. Our lovely host is Zoe @zoe.yogafun

I’m highlighting the 70s game Twister! I remember this game when it first hit mainstream and along with the #hulahoop these two games were the most iconic pastimes of my early childhood. They originally wanted to call it Pretzel 🥨 but couldn’t because it clashed with another game but imagine that - it’s a game made for yogis! This theme made me nostalgic for a different time in our lives. I’m sure in the 70s, parents lamented the loss of innocence ( think about the experimental decade that their kids put them through in the 60s ). They even thought the Beatles were evil. But living in 2020, the 70s feels like my decade of innocence - wholesome tv shows like #thebradybunch and #marytylermoore (show) and music of #thedoobiebrothers #fleetwoodmac #abba and the #electriclightorchestra permeated the radio waves and charts. Drugs and bad things happened in the 60s and 70s too but doesn’t it seem like a very different time and place from what we are living through right now? Perhaps I’m over romanticising from a distance but this week’s theme has made me long for the games of my childhood.

Other cool games from my childhood in Malaysia - #takraw which is a small rattan ball which we would try and bounce and kick with our feet, as well as home made #knucklebones - made with small squares fabric and filled with grains of rice. Speaking of poses I have to credit this twisty pretzel pose to @liakristinamaya ! Thanks for the idea ❤️ Sharing a report courtesy of @nbcnews about the 50th anniversary of Twister and how #johnnycarson and #evagabor played Twister on TV causing sales to ⬆️

Share with us any cool games that you love playing with your family and friends especially any cultural ones we may not hear about in mainstream!

Your @sundayfundayyogis crew is tagged in the photo as I have run out of room today!

#yogapretzel #yogawithfriends #yogagames #yogachallenges #yogaforeverybody #yogafun #yoginisofinstagram #yogalife #yogaposes #legbehindthehead #weekendyoga #theseventies

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