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Carmen Lee-Schneider - How Yoga Ruined My Life Forever and Why I Keep Doing itCarmen Lee-Schneider

How yoga ruined my life forever and why I keep doing it

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Yes, it’s true. Yoga has completely ruined the life I was living. It absolutely smashed my previous beliefs, destroyed old paradigms and kissed my ‘happy’ life goodbye.

For the better.

How? Just over 10 years ago, I lived a pretty happy life. So I thought. I had a secure 9-5 job as a fashion designer, a stable income and my precious car. Every week, my friends and I would wait for the weekend to come so we could go out and spend our hard-earned cash in the bars and nightclubs of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Let’s just say, I was living comfortably. We worked hard and played hard. It was fun – for a while…

But then came the day where it all changed. I was tired and uninspired. Surely, there must be more to life than 9-5 and shallow friendships. I was longing for more meaning in my life. I was longing to live with passion. I was longing for adventure.

During that time I made a simple decision. I dropped everything, packed my bags and left for Australia. Yes, just like that! Never had I left my own country before. I was scared. But that couldn’t stop me anymore. I had made my decision.

Now, I could go on about my travelling adventures and how I got stuck at the airport when I arrived, but this post is about yoga.

So, after a few months in Sydney, still working in fashion design, I decided to join one of the local yoga classes in Paddington. It was great to meet new people and I made some progress, but then one day it suddenly hit me. Something changed. I changed. Week after week I started feeling more alive. I was happier, had more energy, but most importantly, I was living with passion! How did I know? I could feel it!

I fell in love. not only with yoga but with myself again. It was as if I had finally woken up. My old ‘life’ was destroyed. I was experiencing a new version of myself and still do so today. Yoga has changed my entire belief system. Through yoga, I have been able to expand my mindset, push myself to new heights and achieve things I previously thought impossible.

Ask me now, and I will tell you that nothing is impossible. Life is one big miracle that allows each of us to manifest our dreams in ways you can’t even imagine, if you learn to let go of the old and allow for change in your life to happen.

Our biggest enemy in life is inaction. To welcome the change you are longing for, you need to start acting, start believing. Now I know that the thing holding me back was my mundane daily routine.

It’s when we start listening to our hearts again – as we all did as children – and align our actions with our deepest values and desires, that life doesn’t only get better, but it becomes magical.

How can yoga do all that, you ask? When we practice yoga, we focus on within. We learn to align our movement with our breath, our body with our mind. With regular practice, you will learn to put yourself in a more harmonious state. A state of mind that allows us to be more positive, more resourceful and compassionate. A state that allows us to see more clearly and make better decisions in line with our values. Life-changing decisions.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my journey. I hope to see you on the mat soon!

Namaste,
Carmen

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Eat, Pray, Love & my dream of going to Bali

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Since watching this beautiful movie, I have been wanting to follow Julia Roberts’ foot steps and visit Bali. In March I’m finally making this dream reality with our upcoming yoga retreat.

Come and join me at the Love Live Live Yoga Retreat 2017 in Ubud, Bali, where for a total of 8 days and 7 nights we will be staying at one of Ubud’s most serene 5-star luxury resorts, located just minutes away from the famous monkey forest and down town Ubud. And with two yoga sessions each day, you are sure to escape your daily routine and find inner peace and balance.

If you would like to find out more about our upcoming retreat, click here: https://bundyyoga.com.au/product/ubud/

What was your favourite part of the movie? Let me know in the comments below 🙂

 

If you haven’t seen the movie, be sure to check it out! Here is the plot…

Eat Pray Love

Liz Gilbert (Julia Roberts) is a modern woman on a quest to marvel at and travel the world while rediscovering and reconnecting with her true inner self in Eat Pray Love. At a crossroads after a divorce, Gilbert takes a year-long sabbatical from her job and steps uncharacteristically out of her comfort zone, risking everything to change her life. In her wondrous and exotic travels, she experiences the simple pleasure of nourishment by eating in Italy; the power of prayer in India, and, finally and unexpectedly, the inner peace and balance of love in Bali. Based on an inspiring true story, Eat Pray Love proves that there really is more than one way to let yourself go and see the world.

Community Beach Yoga Session at Moore Park Beach – Video by Pluggas

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Video Credit: Pluggas.com

 

Sabby & Fisch from Pluggas came along to capture this beautiful community yoga session at Moore Park Beach, Austalia. Yoga enthusiasts and people who have never done yoga before from Bundaberg, Bargara, Childers and surroundings all got together for the love of yoga.

Keen to try a yoga class at our Bundaberg Yoga Studio? Click below to claim your free $25 yoga gift card to use at any of our yoga classes, workshops and retreats!

 

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2016 Yoga Teacher Training & Mentoring Program

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After spending two months with this group of awesome folks, we are close to finishing this mentoring program. It is amazing to witness the progress of each individual and how far they have come.

There is no one teacher for everyone, but everyone of you can share your love of yoga with others. Everyone of you is so special and unique, we will never be the same but we will always have something to offer to the yoga community. Do what you love and share your passion and knowledge of yoga and inspire others.

“Not everyone can teach everything, but everyone can teach something. Teach what you love and people will come to you because of you.” ~Carmen Lee-Schneider

 

CONTACT US and secure your spot for the next New Yoga Teacher Training & Mentoring Program in July 2016.

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Smiling is the most important yoga pose you will every practice.

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Smiling as a Way of Life.
“Smile you guys, it is just yoga.” One of my yoga teachers often said it in class, her voice will always come to my head especially when I am working very hard on my practice. Sometimes I asked myself why I am practicing so hard, I don’t want to do this anymore. But and again, I let go the moment and practice my smile. Smile helps me find my smile again, find me again.
A smile is not just about curling the corners of our lips, but rather an approach to life.
We can’t take ourselves so seriously all the time. We have to laugh at ourselves, because isn’t it silly that our legs are behind our heads? 😉 At least for me it is funny!
Sometimes I will give myself a laugh and tell myself it is ok that I will never be able to do that yoga pose ever or maybe try it another time.
” Even though yoga is filled with complex ideas, intricate philosophy, and profound spiritual meaning—happiness is still the most important part. What is the point of all the work, commitment, dedication, and sacrifice if you are not happy?
There is nothing sadder than a yogi who only eats bark, wakes up at 3 am to meditate, chants instead of talks, and is miserable.
Life is not easy, but yoga helps us to appreciate the little things, have gratitude, and always remember to smile.” Said by Toni Nagy who is a comedy writer.
Namaste,
Carmen
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SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE: How yoga helped recover a long-lasting shoulder injury in less than a year.

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If you had only one word to describe what yoga is to you, what would it be?

“Invigorating. I’m 36 years old and I work as a Client Support Officer in Disability Employment Services and also a pole dance instructor. I had pretty strong shoulders beforehand due to years of pole dancing, however after sustaining an injury to muscle in my left shoulder I was still left with niggling pain even after it had healed.”

“After 12 months of practicing yoga, I noticed the pain has stopped and I feel stronger than ever.”

When did you start doing yoga and what makes you want to continue?

“I started over 12 months ago after attending the 3hr Yoga Base Camp workshop in 2014 with Carmen. I love feeling challenged, I love to see the progression in my practice and I love how I feel afterwards. ”

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(2014 Yoga Base Camp in Bundaberg, Queensland)

How often do you attend yoga classes?

“After completed the 2-week Yoga Challenge in 2014, I was been able to attend two classes a week before I have changed my job. I miss attending more often. I was lucky enough to be able to attend the yoga retreat in Koh Samui this year and it was a fantastic experience. It was such a precious experience to practice yoga in a beautiful part of the world but I really felt like I connected and made some lovely friendships with the other participants, Carmen and her family. ”

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(2015 Yoga Retreat in Koh Samui, Thailand)

What is you next goal or challenge?

“I’m working on the transitions from pose to pose.  As being able to transit from Crow pose and Chaturanga. I’m also working on handstands, I do as instructed in class but I do kick up when I’m practicing at home and I have noticed some progression…..although I’m a very long way off being able to just lift up into it as Carmen so brilliantly demonstrates in class. I’m still working on accomplishing my first tripod headstand .” 😉

“It really is harder than it looks but is also quite gentle on the body. Yoga is definitely something for all ages, shapes, sizes and abilities.”

“Carmen is an amazing and inspirational woman!”

Would you like to share something with those who might be thinking about doing yoga in the near future?

“You will feel awkward for the first few classes but Carmen guides you through your journey very gently….and it is YOUR journey.”

Rebecca Spencer
Millbank, QLD

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SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE: A city girl who moved to Bundy for her love.

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If you had only one word to describe what yoga is to you, what would it be?

“Grounded. I just turned 35, I moved from Sydney to Bundaberg 2 years ago after I met my fiancé. I work as a sales assistant at haight and Ashbury and help my fiancé with his own business ‘Just Tinting’.”

“I truly can say I’m a better person, I handle life better, I feel happier and I can breathe better.”

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When did you start doing yoga and what makes you want to continue?

“I continue to practice as i like the way I feel during and after class. I start practicing yoga in Sydney for some time with my friend who is a yoga teacher. I have tried different yoga classes but I couldn’t find one that I enjoyed until I heard about Carmen who is from Sydney and she moved to Bundaberg. Since then I feel like I have been practicing yoga forever with Carmen.”

Carmen is my number one inspiration as I can see how hard she works to be able to do the poses and how hard she works to run a business be a mum and a wife. I feel like other regular yogis inspirer me as well as I can see how practices equals progression so I guess I inspire myself when I achieve something new!  ”

How often do you attend yoga classes?

“I try to practice as often as I can I even challenge myself to do every class in the week which I have achieved but as a rule if I get to three classes a week I’m happy but most of the time I manage more it just depends on what’s going on in my life! ”

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(My first 30-Day Yoga Challenge, It was amazing and proud of myself! )

What is you next goal or challenge?

“My main focus is do not fear anything in yoga I worry I will hurt myself when I’m upside down! I’m still working on the tripod headstand I feel I can physically achieve this but fear gets in my way! ”

“I like Carmen’s way of teaching I find her class to be strong but gentle and I love her sense of humour!”

 

“Carmen is a fantastic teacher of yoga i believe she was born todo this she is very knowledgeable, tough and kind at the same time.”

Would you like to share something with those who might be thinking about doing yoga in the near future?

“I believe Carmen is a genuine person that wants the best for her fellow yogis. You will always feel welcome in the classes with the lovely teachers from Love Life. Live Yoga.”

Melisa Godbee
Burnett Downs , QLD

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SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE: A young girl discovered Yoga in her early 20s.

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If you had only one word to describe what yoga is to you, what would it be?

“Inspiring. I am 22, I am a front office manager from one of the motels in Bundaberg. I started practicing Yoga in 2014. It is just simply what I love doing now, I started feeling and seeing the benefits in yoga. I feel amazing, will only continue to improve and grow in my yoga journey.”

“Yoga has taught me a whole new way of being. I learn to relax and manage stress. Yoga teaches me to control my breathing which helps me control my body and stay focus.“

When did you start doing yoga and what makes you want to continue?

“I started practicing yoga with Carmen in late 2014. I can definitely feel that I am getting stronger, my mind is so much clearer through regular practice.”

How often do you attend yoga classes?

” I am doing 2-3 classes every week as well as all the workshops and yoga challenges with Carmen. I have also just booked my first yoga retreat with Carmen in Cambodia next year!”

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(I completed the 30-Day Yoga Challenge with Carmen! Yay!)

What is you next goal or challenge?

“At the moment I am mainly still working on the basics to build a strong foundation like deepen my forward fold and warrior poses as I feel that I need to have the basics right to be able to move forward in my practice. I like to work on my inversions(headstand/tripod headstands), I like the feeling of being upside down. Improving my core strength to be able to control my inversions well. It is important to me that through asana, I can see just how powerful and purposeful my body is. Yoga is one of the few things that bridges my body and my mind. I would like to step out my comfort zone, and challenge my body. I have never stood up and really done something that I REALLY enjoyed before, especially any physical activity because I was not active when I was young. I have found a new me and being able to spread my wings through regular yoga practice. It’s an awesome feeling, I am very proud of myself.”

“Carmen is AMAZING! She is very helpful, kind and truly beautiful. It is so lovely to be around her.”

 

“Carmen is very inspiring me with her strong practice and all the things that she can do with her body, simply beautiful control and confidence. (whilst talking and teaching us all through it!) ”

Would you like to share something with those who might be thinking about doing yoga in the near future?

“Don’t just give up after the first couple of classes, give yourself some time to get to know well about yoga. It is hard at the beginning but your body will thank you in the future.”

Kirsten Neller
BUCCA , QLD

Video: How practicing arm balance changed my life

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The first time I walked into a yoga class with a couple of friends in Malaysia, I had no idea what I was getting myself into and simply followed the group. I used to be very active back to school, but after I started working as a fashion designer with long hours everyday in front of the computer or the sewing machine, I didn’t do much to look after my body for over 5 years. I couldn’t even touch my toes during forward fold and had never done a proper handstand before.

So I went to my first yoga class thinking I was there for some relaxation and stretching. It turned out I was sweating in ways I never knew possible from just yoga postures. The first arm balance pose the teacher showed us was Bakasana. It looked so easy but I failed over and over again. How could she balance just on her palms, and with her knees on her triceps? Next, when she got us to do handstand. I thought that won’t be hard since I had done many cartwheels before. So, surely I could do a simple handstand! But what do handstands have to do with yoga? So I tried and kept kicking my legs up against the wall repeatedly. I couldn’t believe it when I realised that I wasn’t even able to stay in place for more than two seconds. I was exhausted. Physically and mentally. How could the lady next to me do it all so peacefully and with her eyes closed for over a minute? My arms were shaking while I was trying to catch my breath again. My face was red as a tomato.

After an hour-long yoga session the teacher called for Savasana. I asked myself what the hell that meant? So I just did what everyone else did, lay down and rested on my mat.

Unexpectedly, I felt relaxed. I felt like I didn’t just do a workout with my body, but my mind as well. I walked out of the room with a brand new body, all the clutter in my mind had disappeared! After just one class I felt like I had pressed the reset button and felt totally peaceful and calm.

Focusing on arm balance in my yoga practice has changed my perspective of life. It is so important in life to find balance, to let go, refocus, to increase your confidence and to start seeing all the possibilities that are waiting for you. But the most important thing is to have fun in life. Fun makes us happy and keeps us young. And when you’re having fun, those good vibes and positive energy will spill over into the lives of the people around us, which in turn will increase happiness and well-being for all of us. Don’t take life to seriously. Have fun and yoga on!

“Live your life and risk it all. Take some chances, take the fall. Take your time, no need to hurry. Have some fun and never worry. Stay young!”

 

Namaste,

Carmen

Yoga Pose: Monkey Pose (Hanumanasana)

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Monkey Pose/Full Split (Hanumanasana)

There are few ways to practice, you can always do your pose variations. Modified arms and hips with using props (block or rolled blanket/towel).

It is one of my favourite poses that I will practice it everyday. It makes me feel open and prepare my body into other poses for example Eka Pada Rajakapotasana, Standing Split, Eka Pada Koundinyasana II, kick up to handstand and many others.

Benefits:
-stretches the thighs, hamstrings, groins.
– stimulates the abdominal organs.

Happy practicing!

 

Namaste,

Carmen

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