Krista Oakes
What does Namaste mean?

Namaste is a very trendy word that is used on t-shirts and in coffee shops and of course in yoga classes. But what does it actually mean? …Click here to find out.

What does Namaste mean?
Krista Oakes
Yoga for Foot Pain

Do you suffer from plantar fisciitis? Many of us have suffered from some sort of foot pain either currently or in the past. And unfortunately, many of us will experience it in our future. But yoga offers a natural way to combat this problem that doesn’t require doctor visits or expensive shoes.

Yoga for Foot Pain

Start the Year with Intention: A Simple Practice to Reflect, Celebrate, and Manifest

As the New Year begins, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and set the tone for the months ahead. This isn’t just a resolution or a fleeting promise—it’s an intentional practice that can bring clarity, gratitude, and purpose to your life. Whether you’re stepping into 2025 or reading this at any point in the year, this exercise can be transformative.

Here’s how you can use this practice to close one chapter with gratitude and excitement while opening the door to new opportunities.

Step 1: Celebrate the Year Behind You

Before jumping into new goals, take a moment to reflect on everything you achieved or experienced in the past year. What were your victories, big or small? What are you proud of? Maybe it was a career milestone, personal growth, or even a simple moment of joy that made an impact.

Write them down—every single one. Celebrate your wins. This exercise isn’t about perfection; it’s about acknowledging the progress you’ve made and the beauty of the journey.

Ask yourself:

• What did I get right in the past year?

• What can I celebrate about myself and my experiences?

• What brought me joy or a sense of accomplishment?

Step 2: Gratitude for What Was

Next, shift your focus to gratitude. Reflect on the people, situations, and experiences that made the past year meaningful. Gratitude helps us ground ourselves and appreciate what we already have.

Make a list of everything you’re thankful for. Don’t rush—take your time to go deep and include even the smallest things that made an impact on your year.

Ask yourself:

• Who or what am I most grateful for from the past year?

• What lessons or challenges shaped me for the better?

• What experiences brought light into my life?

Step 3: Dream Big for the Year Ahead

Now comes the fun part—shifting your focus to what you want in the year to come. Start with practical goals: What do you want to achieve, improve, or create? Then, let your imagination take over. This is your chance to dream without limits. Write down every desire, big or small, without worrying about how it will happen.

Ask yourself:

• What are my practical goals and intentions for the year?

• What desires excite me or light me up?

• If anything were possible, what would I wish for?

Why This Practice Matters

Taking the time to reflect on the past and plan for the future isn’t just a nice exercise—it’s powerful. By celebrating your wins, expressing gratitude, and dreaming big, you create space for clarity, energy, and focus. It helps you move forward with purpose and confidence.

This practice can be done at the start of any year, any month, or even every day. It’s a way to reset, reconnect, and remind yourself of what’s possible.

Your Challenge

Set aside 30 minutes today or in the coming week to do this exercise. Don’t just think about it—write it down. Whether it’s in a journal, on your computer, or even a scrap of paper, the act of writing solidifies your intentions and sets them in motion.

Celebrate. Be grateful. Dream big.

And remember, this isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. You’ve got this!

Here’s to a New Year full of purpose, joy, and limitless possibilities.

Check this out! Added Bonus!

Download this free PDF guide which will walk you through this process step by step.

Developing Ability to Take Risk

Developing Ability to Take Risk

I was asked a question about taking risks as a part of an interview with Bold Journey Magazine. This is my take on risk.

I believe to take risk you have to find courage. To find courage you have to acknowledge what’s at stake and determine that what’s on the other side of the risk is worth taking the leap. Courage means taking action despite the feeling of fear and without any guarantees.

Yoga is the Answer to All Things

Yoga is the Answer to All Things

I find myself often in situations of being asked for advice. It's part of my role as a yoga instructor. And probably as a mom. And a woman in her 50's and as a divorced woman. I've had a lot of life experience and for whatever the reason, people turn to me for my perspective on things.

And the funny thing is Krista, my answer is almost always, yoga. It doesn't even really matter what the questions is. My answer ultimately boils down to "YOGA!"