Who doesn’t love puppies......and yoga?

A dear, sweet student of mine showered me with such an adorable gift that I am compelled to share it with all of you...each month. You guessed it, it’s a yoga calendar with a twist: Puppy Poses!

Our puppy model for January is named Hoover and he is demonstrating Virabhadrasana II (Warrior 2). Hoover has such an adorable drishti (gaze) over his front paw! 

Puppy Notes about Vira II:

• Strengthens the arches, ankles knees and thighs
• Stretches the hips and shoulders
• Broadens the chest
• Increases lung capacity
• Lengthens spine
• Enhances muscular endurance
• Stimulates digestion

Could the reason it is named Warrior because it builds focus, develops willpower and stimulates the mind- what every strong Warrior needs in order to succeed?

The next time you do Virabhadrasana II, think of Hoover and let yourself smile from the inside out.

Namasté

Begin again...from the beginning (part 2)

Allow me to flip the calendar back several weeks to November 18, 2011- the night of the Yoga Woman screening at Lifetime Fitness. I suppose I was too blissed out to realize that I left my yoga mat at the movie until the next morning when it was time for me to teach my vinyasa class.  I was frantically running around the house trying to find my mat and then I stopped dead in my tracks and said “Oh, no I didn’t.”  I called the gym asking if my mat had been turned into lost and found; nope, it couldn’t be found anywhere. With my head hanging low, I headed off to class and used a house mat to teach class. For 24 hours I fretted and then, reluctantly, went online and ordered another mat, as I could not stand the idea of not having my own mat. I wanted my old mat more than anything; there were just too many memories embedded in that dense olive rubber: workshops, faint pen marks from teacher trainings, and “aha!” moments. I dreaded that I would never see my old friend again, so I tried to stop the aching by ordering another mat. 

Two nights later, I was reunited with my mat! I stopped into the gym to take a class and someone had found my pal and lovingly propped it alongside the cubbies outside the yoga studio area; oh bless whoever that was!  As chance would have it, my new mat showed up at my front door the very next day (love that amazon prime free 2-day shipping), but I no longer need a new mat -I had my buddy back. I let that new mat sit in its box for seven days and I stared at it ...a lot. 

Something was a-brewing at my core and wouldn’t  let go. An inner calling suggested that I make a tangible distinction between the yoga teacher and the yoga student in me. This idea really ignited me because a handful of teachers in my community have either cut back on classes or taken a break from teaching in order to make more time for their families and their own personal practice. I had already dropped one yoga class and a fitness class off of my schedule this year. I was feeling good with the amount of time that I was teaching, but I just needed a compass or guide to help grow my yoga. I felt this symbol (new mat) would amplify my aspiration of an abundant student practice.  So, I kept it and threw away the shipping box!

Now, let’s fast forward to January 2012: my first few home practices on the new mat in this New Year brought back some old memories. Remember the ‘break-in’ period, the constant slide-y down dogs and triangles, and the peculiar odor? Not only do I feel nostalgic but also very uncoordinated and off balance. I am sensing that this fresh pursuit of the yoga student may assist the yoga teacher in me as the new yoga folks show up to practice for the first time ever, or the first time in many years. Some of those awkward scenarios will be fresh on my brain...I remind myself that these moments can be frustrating and disheartening because we are human and we have an ego and that I should find a way to communicate this to the class. Each practice I’ll encourage them to just show up and do what you can-when you can -and let everything else go. 

I really love being a student

Namaste

Begin again.....from the beginning (part 1)

My Christmas holiday was great. I got to spend quality time with friends/couples that I have not seen in a while: one on one over dinner versus the hectic open house party. These dinners were so meaningful and intimate that I would not trade them for anything. Yes, the holidays were blissful... until I got sick. Not a major illness (for a time I thought it was an allergy based on my symptoms) but it turned out to be some kind of cold that refused to respond to any kind of medication or tonic. I was already nursing two guys on crutches (my son and husband--long story), so I guess it should not have been a surprise that I was running down.

The greater surprise came when I tried to keep a regular schedule of teaching, practicing, and working out. I was about halfway through the bug when I went back into the gym to work out and could barely drag myself around. I actually had a sort of epiphany and realized that there will be tens of thousands of people who are going to feel out of energy, lack inspiration, and basically suck wind as they try to create a new lifestyle and intentions for the New Year. This realization came as a surprise because I know that once I am in shape, those thoughts of the struggle and despair fade quickly as I begin to live in an upward spiral and I no longer breathe in that plane of existence...that downer, lifeless feeling that just sucks and drains you. As a result of this, I felt like I may be out of touch with new students coming into my yoga classes next week who are adding yet another layer of change into their lives. These students may be trying to get back into cardiovascular shape, incorporate a holistic lifestyle change (yoga) AND try to change their diet all at the same time. I have been feeling inept during these days of trying to get back into my groove physically and mentally, but I decided to hold fast to the thoughts and feelings to help me help others in the coming weeks of “New Year frenzy”. I also reminded myself that the older I get, the harder it may be to bounce back; if I have difficulty bouncing then many more walking into my class may face the same situation. 

It has been a blessing being a sickie during the holidays; there’s nothing that I would change. My intention for 2012 is to help current and new students feel healthier, happier, and more at peace, not fit into some pair of jeans, become a yoga rock star, or reach some number on a scale. I am not insinuating that was my intention in the past, I just need to say it out loud because so many people really need to hear it- and believe in it!

Om Shanti Om friends

Love for the Teacher

I love that feeling I get when I read something that touches my heart. The words just click with me and makes me think “Wow, I mean really WOW!” The intention of the words just melt into my soul and the feeling stays with me for some time.  This feeling also makes me want to pay it forward- to pass this wonderful quote, poem, or passage on to others so they may share in the same splendor. So here it is, coming straight from a Christmas Card from one of my students:

“Christmas is

that deep feeling of peace 

that quiets all the noise, 

reminding us that love and gratitude

are what matter.”

I dedicate the second part of this passage to anyone who is a teacher. It does not matter what you teach, present or lecture, what matters is you possess the heart and loving kindness to share, advise and help others.

“You have a part in making

every season of the year

warm and wonderful...

and part of what makes 

Christmas so special is the chance it brings

to thank you.”

May you experience abundant love and joy this holiday season. 

Juiced for the Holidays!

I have been stopping by an Organic Juice and Smoothie shop in East Memphis called The Cosmic Coconut, and I have to tell you I am hooked on fresh pressed juices combined in extraordinary ways.  These experiences got me curious and sent me on a mission to investigate juicing machines. After speaking with a couple of local retail sales associates (Dillards and Williams Sonoma), the Juicer appears to be a strong sell this holiday season in the Mid-South. 

I admit that I am not the juicing expert and would refer you to best-juicer-reviews.com for more technical reviews. However, the Juicers that I am posting cover broad price points, which makes it a bit easier to continue your search for the best Juicer for you.

Best Budget Juicer- $75

The Hamilton Beach Bigmouth 67650 is the top pick of Consumer Reports, Food and Wine Magazine, and consumerguide.com. The reviews state that this Juicer is easy to use and easy to clean. However, some reviews note that the pulp comes out wet- a sign of inefficient juicing. Additional comments were complaints about plastic parts breaking. 

Best Endorsed Juicer- $100

The Jack Lalanne Juicer is ranked the best Juicer in several polls. For one hundred dollars at your local department store, this may be a suitable purchase for someone primarily interested in juicing fruit. It can’t juice leafy greens (wheatgrass, spinach, etc.) and oxygen gets into the juice- meaning foam in the juice. Just like the Hamilton Juicer, the lower priced Juicers have complaints about plastic parts breaking. 

Most Efficient mid range Juicer -$149

The Breville JE98XL will press eight ounces of juice in five seconds. This Juicer has a wider mouth which equates to less time involved in chopping fruits and vegetables into smaller pieces in order to load them into the Juicer. Like other mid-range Juicers, the Breville does not do a great job of juicing leafy greens or wheatgrass. As a plus, this Juicer ranked very well with consumers on Amazon. 

Price is not a factor- $379.00

The Omega-VRT350 Juicer will do just about all that you desire, without the loud noise or the enzyme killing heat and little/no foam. Yes, this premier Juicer will juice your leafy greens and wheatgrass without a second thought. Some of the other noteworthy features are:

Easy to assemble, operate and clean

High juice yield ­ very dry pulp

Two juicing screens for firm and soft produce

**Per juicingperfection.com, this Juicer weighs 25 pounds and has an unheard of 10-year warranty.  Considering the size, this is a monster small appliance that will remain on top of your counter along side the stand up KitchenAid mixer.

If a Juicer is a top pick on your wish list, let Santa know ASAP. The local Williams Sonoma outlet is already sold out of Breville Juicers, and other well rated Juicers are becoming difficult to find in our area. 

Get your winter boost!

I just received my December issue of Whole Living magazine in the mail and I am excited with all of this month’s healthy eating articles. I suppose you can say that I went a tad bit overboard when I decided to ‘combine a few of the articles together’ to form a quick and healthy breakfast/snack. 

First Ingredient: 1 cup Blueberries

So much has been written about the power of dark berries (cherries, blackberries, raspberries, etc.)  and that they are powerful anthocyanins that prevent collagen breakdown --- call them super antioxidants. Load up on these babies.

Second Ingredient: 1/2 cup Walnuts

The only nut that contains a large amount of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega 3 that is an awesome ‘memory food’. It also contains a derivative of Vitamin E. They are loaded with protein and help fill you up, it’s a great snack food. 

Third Ingredient: 1 teaspoon Cinnamon

Go the extra mile and freshly grate your cinnamon, it is an absolute treat. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a daily teaspoon of cinnamon can lower blood sugar levels-possibly helping control diabetes.

Fourth Ingredient: 1/2 teaspoon of Cocoa

Try purchasing an organic dark cocoa powder with 70% or higher natural cocoa. A powerful antioxidant, this food protects the skin from sun damage, something we still need to keep mind of in the winter months.  

To prepare:

Rinse blueberries and drain them. Chop or break apart walnuts so they will be a good bite size portion. In a small/medium bowl, blend the cinnamon and cocoa together. Pour walnuts in the bowl and then gently add the blueberries. Gently toss all of the ingredients together to coat and grab a spoon so you can enjoy and quick, yummy dish!

Girls Night Out At The Movies

Another great event going on in town is the biggest yoga party in Memphis, sponsored by LifeTime Fitness in Collierville. Grab some gal pals and head out to this festive event in the 'burbs on November 18th at 7pm. There is no admission fee, but donations will be accepted and presented to the Memphis Chapter of the Susan Komen Foundation.