yoga on my mind

Yoga is an ancient practice that helps create a sense of union in body, mind, and spirit. It brings us balance. Lately I've been obsessed with the yoga classes I attend... This practice helps my mind feel at ease and find peace within my self. I feel like my body is highly benefiting from all of these exercises. I'm not trying to lose weight, but I would love it if I can tone up for the summer. I stopped doing workouts with only one thing on my mind, and that is to lose weight. I feel like I concentrate so much on one detail it only stresses me out. Yoga helps me relieve the tension which I so easily build up and also helps me tone my muscles and improve my flexibility. I honestly wish it wasn't so expensive.... I'm lucky enough that the Nike campus offers the classes at such an affordable rate. If only that wasn't so far..... Gas here is double the price as to what it is in the states. It makes me laugh to hear people complain about how expensive it is to fill up their cars, when they have no idea how good they have it compared to the rest of the world. But anyway, off topic......

Benefits of yoga practice:

^ decreases blood pressure
^ helps lower pulse rate
^ improves blood circulation
^ increases flexibility
^ speeds metabolism
^ strengthens immune system
^ detoxification process
^ improves ones posture
^ increases energy
^ keeps your weight in check! tones muscles
^ improves sexuality
^ elevates your mood and over all well being
^ reduces stress, anxiety and depression =)

.... so many more to mention! 

> helps improve person's sleep/wake cycle
> mind - body connection
> balance of hormones and nervous system, provides stability and a positive outlook on life
> lowers blood glucose levels, sodium levels
> increase red blood cells
> improves memory through increased blood flow to brain and lowering stress levels
> improves attention span as well as focus
> reduces back pain through alignment of body
> helps regulate and control hormone secretion
> bring calmness through meditaion
> controlled movements of yoga teach self-control to all aspects of life =)






To all of the aspiring yogis out there, don't let yoga practice scare you! Yoga welcomes all body types, shapes, levels of flexibility. Anyone can practice yoga and discover the power and concentration of your body. I'm glad that my best friend Kalina introduced this practice to me, and now I have made it part of my daily life. I recommend you do the same, you won't be sorry! Namaste!

a person without roots

Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to have lived in one place my whole life. I walk down the street and see girls who have known each other their whole lives and are living in this one place they call home, and I envy them. I have changed so many homes in the past 14 years, that I honestly don't know what to call home anymore. I change schools, cities and friends like there is no tomorrow. I've met so many people throughout my life, and only the true friends stick around.... which are hard to keep over a long distance... I've gone to seven different schools, lived on two continents and eight diff cities. I wish I can remember all of the people that have come in and out of my life, but with my vague memory, not much is possible. At least I got the opportunity to travel and see the different sides of the world. Its so funny how different people are when they come from diff parts of the globe. Not just their outer appearance, but personalities, gestures and way of life.. Sounds like common sense, but you don't even realize it until you experience it. Sooner or later you learn how to adapt to various cultures and make them your own.... But I still want to know what its like to have grown up in one place, know the same people my whole life, have really good friends and even best friends. But for now I guess I will keep roaming till I find a place I can call home...


One of my favorite sayings of all time is "Home is where the heart is"

such a dreamer

Such an off day

These past couple of days the wind has been blowing like crazy.. Honestly it felt like a tornado coming.. After three days of intense weather, its finally sunny. Its amazing how much the sun can change a person's mood. Living so up north, the sun just doesn't seem to be out as much... But today was a gorgeous day. I'm glad the sun was out for half of the day and warmed up these freezing temperatures. I can't wait for Spring! It is my absolute favorite season.. After such a long and brutal winter, the most beautiful thing is regeneration of new life. All of the flowers that have been sleeping through the heavy months are finally waking up and embracing us with their beauty, the trees are finally getting back their green color, and the birds hearts are filled with such beautiful songs and melody! Of course with all of this lovelyness, comes the down side... allergies! haha, Not looking forward to those, I don't think anyone is!

My absolute favorite flowers that welcome Spring! Kokicheta.

Such small and delicate flowers, represent true beauty

















OFF TOPIC - Sometimes I get so bored with my hair, I want to change pretty much everything about it.. Lately, all I've been wanting to do is to chop it all of and not deal with it anymore....... Maybe shoulder length? I really want to! Tony isn't too happy about that, but its just hair, it will grow back.. I still haven't made up my mind though...

Desired Length.. My hair is pinned up

My length at the moment.. Actually its longer..

TAG!! Whats on your Bucket List??

Whats on your Bucket List? What are the things that you want to accomplish in your life time? Have you made a list? I think its a good idea to make a list and update it once in a while.. You can even set a deadline! Of course my bucket list doesn't have a deadline, I'll just leave it open for now ;)









1] Discover internal happiness
2] Have more confidence
3] Buy a guitar, learn how to play it
4] Graduate with a Bachelors degree
5] Visit Spain, Portugal and Italy
6] Swim in the Mediterranean Sea
7] Work in a hospital and help the less fortunate
8] Have a big family, lots of kids!
9] Experience New York City
10] Own a Scion TC
11] Open up my own yoga studio
12] Have a romantic day in a hot air balloon with my love
13] Go sky diving... even though I'm scared to death from that..

Getting back into blogging

It has been a while since I last posted. So many things have changed...


We moved to Amsterdam! One of the toughest transitions of my life because I find it a complete culture shock...











It is such a beautiful city, but I don't feel a full connection with this place.. I am completely disconnected from the people. Everything is so different.. I know nothing of the Dutch language or the Dutch way of life. How can I overcome this feeling of being lost? I miss being home.. I guess all I need is time! =)

Some of the most beautiful canals surround Holland

I call them, луди крави, because thats what they are..

Of course its Heineken..

The city at night is like a masterpiece

when a door closes...

There are bumps in the road, many that we just cant get around.. Go under, go over, go around or go through... but never give up.. There are many people in our lives that will try to bring us down, that will step all over you only to get higher in life. Forget those people. Don't let them bring you down. They only bring unnecessary negativity in your life. Who wants that? Sad how the whole world revolves around money, people have forgotten what family is.


Don't forget who you are in life, and remember that you are here for a reason. Even if you dont know what that reason is, you do have a purpose. I love my family and I love my friends! Keep your head up and dont forget that there is a whole lot more to life than our "daily" problems. God bless.

after the long trip

It feels like I am in a whole new world.. Nothing seems familiar, can't compare this place to any other places I've lived. But it is Rotterdam! Very lovely city, very well put together =)

I will add other pictures some other time. Enjoys these in the mean time =)



xoxo

Martina