Melanie

Food obsessed, world nomad

[melanielsln-blog]

I’ll be on pause for a couple of weeks.⁣ ⁣ I will take part in a 10 days silent meditation retreat, following the Vipassana method of S.N. Goenka.⁣ ⁣ Vipassana means "to see things as they really are".⁣ It is an ancient method to purify the mind of the mental factors that cause distress and pain.⁣ It was already taught in India 2500 years ago 😮⁣ ⁣ This is definitely an intense practice and if you're into meditation or want to start meditating, you don't need to go to this extent.⁣ Actually, you can meditate anywhere, anytime, doing anything!⁣ You don't need to sit still for 1h every day.⁣ ⁣ I usually meditate when practicing my yoga asanas.⁣ To be honest, I haven't done any form of seated meditation for a long while!⁣ But I am still interested to see where such a practice might lead me.⁣ And I can use a break on all the talking!⁣ ⁣ Hope I finally let go of all the ballons!⁣ See you in 2 weeks ❤️⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #melyogi #vipassanameditation #vipassana #meditatedaily #meditationtime #meditationpractice #selfwork #meditation #meditate #spiritualjourney #innerpeace (at Chengannur) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4T98IHjg7b/?igshid=a2l53nuka1we

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Giving a healing massage is a lot based on trust and honesty.⁣ ⁣ As the giver, you are providing a therapeutic skill.⁣ You are there to make the other heal and get better.⁣ You touch needs to be honest, dedicated to the other.⁣ ⁣ As the receiver, you place your trust in the skill of the giver and his/her ability to create a safe space where you can relax and let go.⁣ ⁣ I must admit that the safe space has long been an issue for me.⁣ For many years, I didn't like being touched.⁣ Clammy handshakes, suffocating peak hours in metros, people grabbing you for no reasons....everything felt like an assault.⁣ ⁣ Traveling the world and experiencing other culture's body languages and forms of contact has (quite forcefully) helped me to get over this aversion.⁣ And now that I am regularly giving and receiving massages, my perspective on this subject has once more evolved.⁣ ⁣ Of course, I'm still careful and not accepting a massage from the first person who tells me they have some vague massaging skills (man, the number of guys serving you this trick is out of control 🤦).⁣ But as I have learned to myself create a safe, trusting space for the people I'm massaging, I now happily accept massages from people creating the same kind of conditions for me.⁣ ⁣ Ayurvedic massage anyone? Check in my bio where in the world I am and book your next Ayurvedic walking massage!⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #melyogi #massagebenefits #ayurvedicmassage #ayurvedicwalkingmassage #healingmassage #massagelife #therapeuticmassage #naturalhealthcare #healthbenefits #massage https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Pw4aXFuZj/?igshid=uyleh9dshgmz

[melanielsln-blog]

What do you hope to get out of yoga?⁣ ⁣ Wether you have just started or are a seasoned yogi, most of us have an idea of why we're doing yoga.⁣ All reasons are valid, as long as it makes you feel in touch with the amazing being that you are!⁣ ⁣ Maybe you want to find a healing practice after an injury.⁣ Maybe you want to dig deeper into spirituality.⁣ Maybe you want a safe space to rest and relax.⁣ Maybe you want to be more fit or flexible.⁣ Maybe you want to find more balance in your life.⁣ ⁣ Whatever it may be, you're doing it for you and you only! ⁣ Little by little, as you more regularly practice, you'll realise that all these goals will slowly start to fade.⁣ No expectations, no finish line, just a constant enjoyment of what you are presently doing 😌⁣ ⁣ I started for the workout 5 years ago. Then I found out it would be a good way to treat my knee issues.⁣ Now I'm more in a perspective of taking care of my whole self.⁣ Tomorrow, it will evolve again and it's what makes this journey so freaking awesome!⁣ ⁣ Don't forget to treat yourself with love and have fun! 💙⁣ ⁣ Share what do you hope to get out of yoga below 💯⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #melyogi #inclusiveyoga #bodypeace #yogaforall #yogaforeverybody #appreciatelife #empoweryourself #innerhealing #honoryourself #selfwork #holisticlife #healthylifestyle #spiritualjourney #innerpeace #selfhealing #yogagoals (at Budapest) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4M9ygTjt2Y/?igshid=bq3xkww40mog

[melanielsln-blog]

Yoga is all together physical, mental and spiritual.⁣ ⁣ For a lot of people, yoga is usually considered as a physical exercise, a workout.⁣ What we commonly know as yoga is actually just the asana (posture) part of the yogic lifestyle.⁣ But fear not! Maybe the whole lifestyle isn't for you (now or ever) and you just want to integrate aspects of it in your daily life.⁣ ⁣ There is no right or wrong way.⁣ Only your way.⁣ Find whatever works for you, what brings you to a place of love and joy 💙⁣ ⁣ How you express it in your daily life can take many forms!⁣ 🔸Meditation (seated, while walking your dog, practicing asanas, doing dishes...)⁣ 🔸Breath expansion and control (Pranayama)⁣ 🔸Living a selfess life and serving others ⁣ 🔸Expressing gratitude⁣ 🔸Dancing⁣ 🔸Taking care of your mental and physical health⁣ 🔸Pursuing your passion, studying something your passionate about ⁣ 🔸Consciously enjoying a great healthy meal made with love⁣ ⁣ And many more!⁣ ⁣ What is your expression of yoga in daily life? Share your favourite in the comments⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #melyogi #accessibleyoga #frenchyogi #yogaontheroad #startyoga #yogaforall #yogaforeverybody #yogaprogress #yogabeginner #yogaforbeginners #dailyyoga #meditatedaily #appreciatelife #begoodtoyou #feelyourbest #myyogajourney #yogainnature #yogalifestyle #yogapractice #innerpeace #skinhealth (at Dubai, United Arab Emirates) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4C9iSCDshF/?igshid=1dvweeidxv92f

[melanielsln-blog]

Sharing is caring 🧡⁣ Saluting the sun with my favourite yogini @artlifetranslations at @remeneyfarm⁣ ⁣ As much as I love having my own practice, there's something very special about practicing with someone or in a group. ⁣ ⁣ The energy you can feel when flowing together is something so powerful and beautiful!⁣ You don't have to see the others to sense them.⁣ ⁣ I feel this shared energy is even stronger when you know the people well and have been sharing a practice for a bit.⁣ ⁣ Flowing with your bestie is always a special moment 💛⁣ Same goes when you regularly attend the same class or enroll in a retreat or a training. ⁣ You create a bond with the people you're sharing this experience with.⁣ ⁣ Would it make it easier for you to start your yoga journey if you had a partner to share it with? Tag your yoga buddy below ⬇️⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #melyogi #yogafornormies #frenchyogi #yogaseries #suryanamaskar #sunsalutation #yogatribe #empoweryourself #highenergy #selfwork #feelyourbest #asanapractice #myyogajourney #travellingyogini #yogainnature #yogafamily #yogini #yogapractice #yogaflow #farmyoga (at Hungary) https://www.instagram.com/p/B397QNqB5RX/?igshid=hv2wyig82d7k

[melanielsln-blog]

What are your preconceived ideas about yoga?⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ❌ I need to be flexible to start⁣ ❌ It's only for young people⁣ ❌ It's for fit, slim people⁣ ❌ I need the matching yoga pants/bra and that high tech mat⁣ ❌ It's just a workout to get fit⁣ ❌ I have to be spiritual to start⁣ ⁣ ⁣ What about NO to all that?!⁣ ⭕ It really doesn't matter if you can touch your toes⁣ ⭕ Yoga is for all ages, as long as you can get on and off your mat by yourself⁣ ⭕ Yoga is for all body types, just follow your own rythm and listen to yourself⁣ ⭕ You don't need anything else that comfy clothes to start. Even a towel can serve as a mat.⁣ ⭕ Yoga is a whole lifestyle, and once you start digging a bit deeper, it's a system that embraces all the aspects of life. Sure you may get fitter if you practice regularly your asanas! But know that there's more to it than a workout. ⁣ ⭕ You can be of any religion to do yoga. You can also be an atheist or absolutely not spiritual. You may just be looking for the postural benefits of the Asana practice. And who knows, maybe you'll find yourself in the path of spirituality after practicing for a while (that's what happened to me). Or not.⁣ ⁣ ⁣ A yoga practice is YOUR practice.⁣ There's not one universal formula.⁣ You do you, you amazing human being 💗⁣ ⁣ ⁣ I'd love to hear about what is yoga to you? Share in the comment 💯⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ 📸 Hala Asana - Plow pose⁣ ⁣ ⁣ • Start from shoulder stand (sarvangāsana) and lower your feet back behind your head⁣ • Keep your knees straight⁣ • Support your back with your hands if your feet don't touch the ground⁣ • Spread a little your legs if your lower back hurts⁣ • Breath deeply and enjoy being in your sacred space 💛⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #melyogi #yogafornormies #halasana⁣ #inclusiveyoga #yogaflexibility #yogaforall #yogaforeverybody #yogaprogress #yogabeginner #yogaforbeginners #findwhatfeelsgood #asanas #empoweryourself #begoodtoyou #feelyourbest #treatyourbodyright #asanapractic #myyogajourney #yogapractice #yogapose #spiritualjourney (at Budapest, Hungary) https://www.instagram.com/p/B34ovLqjcRc/?igshid=1qzqqkninffln

[melanielsln-blog]

What are the benefits of the Ayurvedic walking massage?⁣ ⁣ Maybe you've already familiar with this practice, maybe it's the first time hearing from it.⁣ ⁣ This traditional massage is based on the principles of Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicine system. ⁣ It is given by precisely stepping on key pressure points located along the energy channels.⁣ ⁣ Benefits⁣ 🔹Warms up the body before yoga Asana practice.⁣ 🔹Brings the energy back to balance.⁣ 🔹Make the prana flow (vital energy).⁣ 🔹Helps the lymphatic system eliminate toxins.⁣ 🔹Maintains the quality of muscle fibres.⁣ 🔹May relieve many forms of pain and discomfort.⁣ 🔹Helps you relax deeply. ⁣ ⁣ This massage is one of my favourite practice to share! I learned it at @shri_kali_ashram_official ⁣ If you want to book a massage for yourself or want to learn how to do it yourself, check in my bio where I am traveling and send me a DM if I'm passing by your place! 🔝⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #melyogi #yogafornormies #energybalancing #massagebenefits #ayurvedicwalkingmassage #ayurvedicmassage #mentalhealthsupport #innerhealing #honoryourself #selfwork #begoodtoyou #feelyourbest #treatyourbodyright #yogatherapy #selfcare #innerpeace #prana (at Fort Cochin) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3w8tTIjmve/?igshid=mtacacv7jfx3

[melanielsln-blog]

Anyone with knee problems? 🙋⁣ ⁣ I imagine it's a big YES, considering the fact that billions of people suffer from knee pain in the course of their lives.⁣ ⁣ From achy joints to severe injury, this little part of our body handles so much, it can easily ruin your quality of life when something is wrong.⁣ ⁣ I've been suffering from knee issues for many years now. It's one of the main reasons I started practicing yoga 5 years ago.⁣ ⁣ It actually took me a while to find a yoga practice that wouldn't put even more strain on my knees.⁣ Ahstanga was too intense, I would be all tensed when practicing hatha, yin wasn't helping me build muscles to protect my knee.⁣ ⁣ When I finally found @shri_kali_ashram_official a year ago, I still had in mind to find a supportive practice that would help with my pain. ⁣ And it did. ⁣ ⁣ A year ago, it would have been impossible to imagine myself sitting like that between my legs. But this is happening now!⁣ ⁣ Without forcing, without pushing.⁣ Just by trying a little bit every day, with care and gentleness.⁣ ⁣ This is a message of hope for everyone experiencing the same issue! 🧡💛🧡⁣ The key is patience and trust in a slow process.⁣ ⁣ If you try pushing yourself in painful Asana for the sake of competition, or making it look good or whatever, you will end up injuring yourself more deeply. I know, I did it!⁣ ⁣ So take it easy homey! The magic is not going to happen in a day but it's worth taking the extra step to improve your daily life.⁣ ⁣ You only have one body and it's going to last your whole life, so why not start now to take care of it now?⁣ ⁣ What are you doing for your knee issues? Share your valuable tips in the comments 💯⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #kneepain #painmanagement #kneepainrelief #melyogi #yogafornormies #shrikaliashram #traditionaltantrayoga #tridosha #yogaprogress #findwhatfeelsgood #healthyalternatives #selfwork #begoodtoyou #feelyourbest #treatyourbodyright #naturalhealthcare #healthbenefits #yogatherapy #yogapractice #selfcare #selfhealing (at Budapest, Hungary) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3rhz2oD20u/?igshid=har7oemwexqa

[melanielsln-blog]

Supta vajrasana ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ How do you get in and out of this Asana?⁣⁣ • Sit in vajrasana (sitting on your heels, spine straight)⁣⁣ • Inhale, take a deep breath and as you exhale flow backward⁣⁣ • Rest the crown of your head on the ground and breath deeply, directly through your glottis⁣⁣ • Totally relax while resting in the pose ⁣⁣ • Hold the pose for how long if feels comfortable and gently get out of the asana⁣⁣ • You can follow by child pose (your forehead coming to the floor in front of you) to counter balance it.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ➡️ Swipe right to check an easier variation of supta vajrasana.⁣⁣ Work your way there by resting on your elbows, your head hanging relaxed, if it feels comfortable.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ You don't have to stay for a long time, especially if your knees are sensitive.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ I love this posture because of the openess and the deep relaxation it brings. ⁣⁣ You completely surrender to the breath, letting it nourish your whole system.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ On or off your mat, remember to take a moment in your day to really breath! ⁣⁣😌 ⁣⁣ Feel the sensation of the air flowing through your nose, how your lungs expand on all sides, the temperature of the air flowing in and out and your nostrils, how the fresh clean energy fills up your body...⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ When I'm being overwhelmed by thoughts or a stressful situation, I usually stop and take 3 deep conscious breath.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Try it right now! Stop reading and breath in and out 3 times 🌬️⁣⁣ .⁣⁣ .⁣⁣ .⁣⁣ .⁣⁣ .⁣⁣ #melyogi #suptavajrasana #tridosha #energybalancing #accessibleyoga #yogaforall #yogaforeverybody #yogaprogress #yogabeginner⁣⁣ #yogaforbeginners #honoryourself #selfwork #begoodtoyou #feelyourbest #treatyourbodyright #asanapractice #myyogajourney #backbends #backbending #yogastrength #travellingyogini #yogapractice #yogaeverydamnday #yogapose #backbend #breath (at Budapest, Hungary) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3ms_iiD4pZ/?igshid=tw4fo4qk4h1v

[melanielsln-blog]

Do you meditate while flowing?⁣ ⁣ After trying many sorts of yoga, I found that there would be 2 different ways taught to achieve meditation while practicing asanas. ⁣ ⁣ 1️⃣ You can practice until you master the postural aspect of the asanas, and then you're able to meditate, your body being shaped through repetitions and conscient work to learn how to place itself. ⁣ 2️⃣ You can aim first for meditation and leave your unconscious mind guide you from asana to asana, letting go the idea of "perfect" asana and listening to your body.⁣ ⁣ The second option works best for me!⁣ ⁣ At first, it may feel difficult when you don't know the series. ⁣ You follow more attentively the instructions and overthink a bit too much!⁣ ⁣ But at some point, you let go. ⁣ Does it really matters if your right hand is 10cm to low or your left hip 15cm not enough to the right?⁣ ⁣ To start, you can try to find little spaces in between or during asanas to empty your mind.⁣ ⁣ I can hear your scream: "Thinking about nothing?! What the hell Mel? It's impossible!"⁣ ⁣ I thought the same not even a year ago.⁣ But you'll see that with a little bit of practice, IT IS actually possible!⁣ And you're even able to practice asanas while doing it!⁣ ⁣ I read a passage of Tantra Illuminated by @hareeshwallis that reminded me a lot of that:⁣ "In this type of meditation, instead of focusing on a mantra or the breath for the whole time, you spend some time sitting in a space of complete openness, neither seeking nor pushing away thoughts but simply whatching nonjudgementally whatever arises."⁣ ⁣ What do you think of it?⁣ Do you feel you'd prefer option 1 or option 2?⁣ Did you ever meditate while flowing? Share you experience below 💯⁣ ⁣ 📸 Blurry Ustara Asana - Camel pose⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #melyogi #yogafornormies #ustarasana #inclusiveyoga⁣ #meditationinmotion #camelpose #yogaforall #yogaforeverybody #yogabeginner #yogaforbeginners #asanas #meditatedaily #meditationpractice #selfwork #feelyourbest #asanapractice #myyogajourney #backbends #backbending #yogapractice #yogaeverydamnday #yoga_day_every #backbend (at Budapest, Hungary) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3ep7gvjEGS/?igshid=1ex29yde580gy

[melanielsln-blog]

Nadis refers to the subttle channels or energy pathways that carry Prana (vital energy) throughout your body.⁣ The nadis also connect to your chakras.⁣ ⁣ It is said that you have 72000 nadis in your body! That many ways to bring healthy strong Prana to every corner of your system!⁣ ⁣ When your Prana becomes weak or congested, it may lead to poor mental and physical health. ⁣ Difficult life experiences can lead to blocages and affect your Prana, so opening up these channels is important for your overall well-being.⁣ ⁣ The most important nadis are considered:⁣ • the Shushumna: runs from the base of the spine to the crown of the head, goes upward centrally the vertebral column, carrying Kundalini energy.⁣ • the Ida: left nostril. It conveys lunar, cooling, feminine energy.⁣ • the Pingala: right nostril. It conveys the solar, masculine energy of action. ⁣ ⁣ You can work on the harmonious flow of Prana by doing Pranayama for example. ⁣ These breathing exercises can help balance your Prana system by alternating nostril breathing in a specific way. ⁣ ⁣ If you don't know about Pranayama, don't improvise! ⚠️ You can quickly mess up your Prana system by doing it the wrong way.⁣ ⁣ You can check my Stories Highlights for a couple of ideas, or feel free to message me for more information. ⁣ You can also reach out to your usual yoga teacher, s/he can probably guide you into a safe practice 💯⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #melyogi #yogafornormies #nadis #nadisystem #energybalancing #yogaforeverybody #mentalhealthsupport #mentalwellness #innerhealing #honoryourself #selfwork #begoodtoyou #feelyourbest #pranayama #prana #kundalini https://www.instagram.com/p/B3UquYQD707/?igshid=pso0imbe1etw

[melanielsln-blog]

I often hear "I can't do yoga, I'm not flexible enough"... WRONG! 🙅❎🙅⁣ ⁣ You wouldn't expect to perfectly know how to play the guitar without practicing before no?⁣ ⁣ Well breaking news, same goes for yoga! ⁣ You don't have to be flexible AT ALL to start but with time, by cultivating your body, you will see your flexibility increase.⁣ ⁣ Without even pushing, pulling or painfully twisting yourself in all directions.⁣ Just by relaxing in each asana, breathing normally, trusting your body in each posture, you will see changes. ⁣ ⁣ It may be a slow process but you have your whole life to progress no? ⁣ ⁣ Some people will naturally be more flexible than others, so don't compare yourself to your neighbor. ⁣ WHO-TF-CARES!?⁣ Just do you.⁣ ⁣ Maybe you have naturally more open hips and your neighboor a more flexible spine.⁣ Or maybe you're just completely stiff and can just work from there!⁣ Your journey is unique and amazing!⁣ ⁣ Is flexibility something preventing you to start yoga? If you've already started your yoga journey, inspire others by sharing in the comments how your flexibility has evolved over time! 💯⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #melyogi #yogafornormies #inclusiveyoga #bodypeace #accessibleyoga #yogaforall #yogaforeverybody #yogaprogress #yogabeginner #yogaforbeginners #findwhatfeelsgood #asanas #healthymotivation #empoweryourself #selfwork #begoodtoyou #feelyourbest #asanapractice #myyogajourney #flexibility #flexible #yogapractice #healthylifestyle #flexibilitytraining⁣ (at Budapest) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3NBHXZjcSy/?igshid=1kcanx55vrbqw

[melanielsln-blog]

Floating . . . #cambodia #kampongphluk #visitcambodia #beautifulcambodia #explorecambodia #siemreap #angkortemples #angkor #travelcambodia #cambodiatravel #siemreapcambodia #natgeotravel #travelmemories #worldnomads #lonelyplanet #guardiantravelsnaps #bbctravel #travel_drops #livetravelchannel #travelawesome #roundtheworld #ourplanetdaily #beautifuldestinations #discoveryglobe #neverstopexploring #theglobewanderer #traveldeeper #traveljunkie #adventure_time #exploremore (at Kampong Phluk) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzs_rWGgLSD/?igshid=yd8d2fvusofx

[melanielsln-blog]

Mood of the day 🇰🇭 . . . #cambodia #visitcambodia #beautifulcambodia #explorecambodia #siemreap #angkortemples #angkor #travelcambodia #cambodiatravel #siemreapcambodia #natgeotravel #travelmemories #worldnomads #lonelyplanet #guardiantravelsnaps #bbctravel #travel_drops #livetravelchannel #travelawesome #roundtheworld #visualambassadors #ourplanetdaily #beautifuldestinations #discoveryglobe #neverstopexploring #theglobewanderer #traveldeeper #traveljunkie #adventure_time #exploremore (at Angkor Wat Temple) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzl81oggrNW/?igshid=hgx8pvdj3bp1

[melanielsln-blog]

Awesome afternoon with a fine crew at Kampong Phluk floating village. Dry season dried the lake to the extent you actually see the "legs" of the houses. But you can imagine that during rainy season, the houses are just floating on the water! Picturing 5-7m of water above the road we were riding was really impressive! 😯 . . . #kampongphluk #floatingvillage #cambodia #visitcambodia #beautifulcambodia #explorecambodia (at Kampong Phluk) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx14J2KAw-o/?igshid=o6vtfowkrbhl

[melanielsln-blog]

Bayon Temple was definitely my favourite of Angkor 💯 There's just something in the vibe of this place that makes you forget about the crowds 🙏 . . . #angkor #bayontemple #cambodia #visitcambodia #beautifulcambodia #explorecambodia (at Bayon Temple ប្រាសាទបាយ័ន) https://www.instagram.com/p/BxUxvIAn-EI/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=ijl7f3d6omrn

[melanielsln-blog]

Brace yourself, tons of pictures of my trip to Siem Reap and Angkor coming soon! 🇰🇭 . . . #angkor #siemreap #cambodia #visitcambodia #beautifulcambodia #explorecambodia (at Angkor Wat Temple) https://www.instagram.com/p/BxP1SgBnOGA/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=ard5mc8l7dxy