New Year

What if you could let go?

You've probably heard at least one of the teachers at Awakened Yoga tell you to let go during your practice; maybe during a hip opener, or just during a difficult pose when we can see your jaw clenched.

But really, what if you could and DID let go?

In yoga, as in life, holding on rarely provides any benefit; unless, perhaps, you are hanging on to the edge of a cliff. When you let go, real change can and does happen.

So give yourself permission to let go. Let go of any poison in your life in relationships, thoughts, feelings, or reactions. Release negativity, fear, and harmful habits. Make way for positivity and love for this upcoming year. For every bad thing you let go of, you make way for new, beautiful, and exciting changes in your life.

Let 2012 be the year that you cross boundaries, command your fears to get out of your life, and open your heart to all the good that there is.

Breathe into the difficulty that letting go faces you with. Match the intensity of your breath to the intensity that you might experience. And wait for openness, because it IS there. 

Here's to 2012 being the best year yet-and may you keep all the resolutions you make. 

Student of the Month-Dave Keller

What do you do for a living and/or what is your life’s work/purpose?

       I am co owner of an ocean shipping company based in Houston 

 What keeps you up at night?

        trying to answer overseas clients’ emails before going to bed

How long have you been practicing yoga?

       practicing since 2010, at awakened yoga since October 2010

   What is the TV show you can’t turn off?

        sportscenter

   Have you ever done yoga on the road/while on vacation?  What did you do?

yes I do yoga on the road and on vacation , usually a combination of sun salutations and a series of poses that Sharon Mariani has taught me

   What is the most important physical benefit you have gained from your

   practice?

 I feel  much stronger and have had a much improved posture. I used to have a lot of pain in my neck, back, and shoulders which is completely gone after a year of practicing yoga.

      What is the most important spiritual/mental benefit you have gained from 

   your practice?

I think I am less reactive and  more accepting of things I cannot control

 What is your favorite pose?  Why?

dolphin— it is challenging to me head to toe, and I feel a lot of energy after staying in the pose

 What is your favorite holiday tradition?

      having thai food with my wife Janine on thanksgiving

    What is your favorite class at awakened yoga?  Why?

     i enjoy both the iyengar class and also the private lessons I take— these classes have been very helpful to me to learn the correct posture for poses. And have taught me to ‘breathe’ when a pose gets challenging. The private lessons have helped me get much stronger and to rehab after surgery.

 Do you practice meditation?

         yes- I took a meditation class at the studio. It was a great learning experience.

  What is on your nightstand?

      reading materials ( and glasses :)) 

  If you have purchased any products at the studio for your practice – what   

Is your favorite?  Why?

 have purchased mats and t-shirts and shorts. The t-shirts were made of a nice light weight material that was great to wear in the summer.

Teacher of the Month-Sharon Mariani

  When did you start practicing yoga and what brought you to yoga?

 In 2006, I was pregnant with my 2nd son and I was practicing prenatal yoga 3x/week.  At the last minute I heard about a Mother's day weekend yoga retreat, I signed up with Tracie Brace.  I was 4 months pregnant and I loved the experience.  I remember saying to myself "I can see myself leading yoga retreats".  The seed was planted.  One year after I gave birth, I signed up for Robert Boustany's year long teacher training.  Excited, nervous, breastfeeding, filing for a divorce and not a clue to how my life and my body would change on every level with yoga's influence.

 How long have you been teaching?  What do you love about teaching?

 Not counting past lives... ;-)  I am in my 2nd year of teaching.  I love connecting to others and helping others realize their not alone, we all have issues no matter what we look like, our profession, age, background, religion....  You can feel better and relieve physical and emotional pain.  You can change lousy habits, it's a process.  You can get crazy strong, there is no age limit!  

What do you like about Awakened Yoga Studio and its students?

  I'm thrilled we have a great yoga studio in Sugar Land.  In addition, Grace and the awakened staff are supportive, enthusiastic, creative and organized.  The students inspire me to continue to grow, be compassionate towards everyone and be present.  When I teach I am present, in the moment, in the now, not rehashing yesterday or worrying about tomorrow.  This is where "peace" exists.  It's part of the practice, noticing when the brain/ego won't turn off.  The mind is a useful tool for everyday tasks but the ego's complaints, fears, incessant desires, need for control etc... can cause ourselves misery.  Yoga tells you to bring your attention to your breath and to feel your body, this awareness is presence, presence is freedom from the mind, freedom is the beginning to reconnect to your sweet, young, true self.  yes, I said "young" :) No age limit!

Please finish these sentences:

My favorite rainy day activity is…
     cooking, reading or laying low with my boys

      I wish I could tell my 12-year-old self to…

        Not to be so hard on myself, I'm perfect and beautiful just the way I am.  We are all the same, no one is better than the next person.  Everyone has a story.   

     No one knows that I…

       No one knows that I am a triplet.  Thanksgiving day, my mother birthed 3 turkeys naturally!  5.0 lb, 6.13lb and 7.11lb  I have two, fraternal brothers who are the same age as me.  I love my brothers and I am grateful we were Womb Mates! 

      My guiltiest pleasure is…

        My pleasures:  Homemade cookies  (try not to feel guilty, hard on the nervous system!)

     This morning I ate…

     This morning I ate homemade steel cut oats w/cinnamon, pure maple syrup, splash of milk with a mug of homemade hot, ayurvedic Chai.  

       My advice to students is…

      No one is better than the next person, even it appears that way on the surface.  Even advanced yogis/practicioners have heartbreaks and body aches.  Our strenth in a pose and our strength in our life will vary from day to day.  Every day life will test us.  Even when we master handstand, we will still mess up in life.  My teacher always says "Don't React to the Reaction.  Don't let your mind eat you."  It's a process.  It will get better.  Tomorrow is a new day. 

christmas crazy, or my 5 step plan from going insane*

So in an effort to not go completely crazy in the next month, I've made a few decisions.

1. I'm challenging myself to not gain any weight between now and Christmas. In fact, I'm challenging myself to lose weight between now and Christmas. I'll put the goal at 7 lbs. (the holidays are a time when people excuse themselves from eating well and healthy just because it's the holidays. my body is worth more than the pain and regret of a sugar cookie. is yours?)

2. yoga will be practiced at least 3 times a week. in my home or at the studio. practicing yoga is a much better use of my time than a lot of other things I can think of. like spending too much money, or eating too many cookies (see above).

3. Very few presents will be bought. One reason is I'm making a few this year. Another reason is that my family and I are traveling this year, and will spending money on activities and experiences in our location, rather than stuff.

4. Lots of rest will be had. I tend to get sick around this time of year (although not as much since I'm not in school anymore). Lots of rest, vitamin c, healthy foods, and water, will help me from getting sick. I don't want a cold to get in the way of my practice. (have you ever tried doing a downward dog with a head full of goo? it's misreable.)

5. Books will be read. I think I had on my new years resolution list last year to read 2 books a month. I don't think I've done that-not because I'm a slow reader, or don't have the books (I definitely have enough books...), it's because I got lazy. (laziness seems to be the root of a lot of my problems...) I love reading, and getting lost in a book. So, I plan on reading lots over the next month. Plus, I've noticed that sitting down to read a book will slow you down a lot more than watching a movie. Slow = good. If you don't like reading, then do something else you really like to do. knit, sit outside, jump rope...

any goals for the next month? any ideas on how to stay uncrazy?
*reposted from my other blog

Why I became a teacher-and finding what you love

I knew it was always something I had wanted to do. I had the desire to reach out to people and tell them all the things I knew. I had a calling to enhance the lives of others in any way that I could. I wanted to help people become better than they were or thought they could be. So I became a yoga teacher. 

In a world where our society is getting bigger; in pounds not in people; I wanted to be able to help people find a way to be healthy, recognize the power they had in their bodies, and understand how to live more peacefully in our world.

I'll be the first one to admit that it isn't easy to make a life change-or a big decision. I fought against myself for a while while I tried to decided whether I was good enough (see also: strong enough, skinny enough, flexible enough) to be a yoga teacher. But I did it, because I wanted to. Not because I was waiting for somebody else to validate my decision or me. It was something I knew in my heart I wanted to do-so I did. 

I long ago realized that there is no time like the present. No matter how cheesy that sounds-it's true. If you're waiting for a wake up call or sign from God, the universe, or some other entity-this may be it! There is no perfect time to start your life, to make a change, to do what you want to do. This is your life. I wish for everybody what I have found. Happiness in your career choice. Whatever it is that you decide-love it, and embrace it. 

Nobody is guaranteed any amount of time. Take a chance on something new, before all the chances are gone.  

Student of the month-Keanyatta Jones-Green

What do you do for a living and/or what is your life's work/purpose?
I am a project mentor.

How long have you lived in the Houston area?
I have lived in Houston for 13 years.

How long have you been practicing yoga?
I have been practicing 3 years.

How many times do you practice per week?
Prior to returning to work I practiced 6-7 days and most times twice a day. Since returning to work, 4 times a week.

What is the most important physical benefit you have gained from your practice?
I have truly learned to breathe. Through practice and in all stressful situations.

What is the most important spiritual/mental benefit you have gained from your practice?
That at least for 60-75 minutes to let go, truly let go. Every worry, concern, fear...Let go.

What is your favorite pose? Why?
Corpse-I can look the way I feel.

What is your least favorite pose? Why?
Crow is difficult-the thought of falling on my face.

Which pose is most relaxing?
Savasana is the most relaxing pose. The last pose signals final rest/relaxation.

Have you experienced fear of a pose at any point? If so, did you overcome that fear and how?
Crow is a fearful ose because you are bound to fall on your face. I continue to try and breathe.

What is your favorite class at Awakened Yoga? Why?
Every class I take is my favorite. The teachers bring strength and insight to each class. I truly love each class I take.

What is the intention you most often set for your practice?
My my sought intention cor each class is peace. I pray for peace for all those in class. I pray that even for just this short time we have in class, we all find a divine level of peace.

Staff of the month-Jenny Noonan

1. When did you start practicing yoga and what brought you to yoga?

I took my first yoga class almost 10 years ago, when I was 16. I can't remember exactly why I started taking yoga, I guess it was something I was interested in doing. I remember that was the summer I also took drivers ed, and was becoming more independent. My mom would drive me to yoga in the morning and we would argue about something-probably me sleeping too late-and after I was done with yoga, I was in a better mood and always apologized for being difficult. This demonstrated the power of yoga to both me and my mom. I didn't take much more yoga in high school, but dabbled with it more in college. Ever since my first yoga class, I wanted to become a yoga teacher. 

2. How long have you been teaching and what brought you to teaching yoga?

I have been teaching yoga since earlier this year. I always knew I wanted to teach something and teaching yoga had been in the back of my mind since I took my first class. I had thought about taking teacher training last year before, but for some reason didn't go through with it. I think I was afraid of something. Finally at the end of 2010, I decided that 2011 was the year I was going to do things I wanted to. Becoming a yoga teacher topped my list. I think second was learning to play the guitar. 

3. What do you like about Awakened Yoga and its students?

I love Awakened Yoga because it feels like my yoga home. I'm up at the studio almost everyday for something-practicing, teaching, working, visiting. I think there are so many amazing people who practice and work at Awakened Yoga, who all have amazing stories to tell. I love learning from other people's life experiences, and gaining wisdom from people who have more life experience than me. I love being around people, and could never imagine myself sitting at a desk all day-interacting with people gives me energy!

4. Do you have any advice for keeping up a practice?

My advice for keeping up a practice is to find what you like. There are so many different kinds of yoga available in this city and so many different teachers. Figure out what you want out of yoga, then find a class and teacher who can help you achieve it. Explore a home practice. Sometimes practicing at home can be just as beneficial as practicing in a studio. As your practice deepens, continue exploring different types and aspects of yoga so your practice is always fulfilling. Taking care of yourself is really important-so get over your excuses and do it!

5. What other things do you enjoy doing besides yoga?

I love being creative. If you've ever walked into the studio or the boutique and something looks different, it's probably because I've done something to it. I like to do things with my hands, and lately I've gotten into sewing and crafty type things. I'm currently working on a couple of quilts for Christmas presents. I also love cooking and experimenting with new recipes and types of food. Eating healthy is really important to me, because a lot of foods make me feel icky-so I try and do as much cooking as I can. 

Other than that I love getting lost in a good book, spending time with my husband and dogs. Family time is really important to me, and I enjoy any time I get with my family and try to teach them yoga when I can. :)

6. Any other things you would like to share with our yogis?

Give yourself permission to take your practice at your own speed, every time you come to your mat. There is no higher standard to compare yourself to-that is the beauty of yoga. Approach every class like it is your first and have no expectations for yourself or the class. Be kind to your body, and remember to tune into your breath and let it guide your practice. Breath is the most important thing in your practice-without it, where would you be?

Change the way you think-and you can change the world. Those are some of the most powerful words I've ever heard.

travel and yoga

I love to travel. Fortunately I've been able to do so-I think I've traveled 9 times so far this year, and I'll be taking my 10th trip next week.

Every one of those trips my mat came with me. I think I pulled it out and used it 8 of those 9 times.

Yoga on the road can be a really rewarding experience, whether you practice in your hotel room, or go out into the city and explore a new studio. I've been inspired by meeting new people, and allowing myself time to stretch and breathe at my own pace. My body has become accustomed to moving, stretching, and working daily, that I'm not sure I could go a whole weekend without practicing.

So my mat travels with me. I've been taking my manduka pro with me lately and let me tell you-it's no picnic to carry around. It seems to weigh in the neighborhood of 1000 lbs, although their website says it only weighs 7.

Travel can be exhausting and draining-both physically and emotionally. My mat has become a home for my practice. It's a familiar place to plant my feet for 30 minutes or so during my day.

Although I travel fairly often, I am by no means an expert. The only thing I can seem to remember to bring with me is my mat and my toothbrush. 98% of the time I forget my hairbrush, thus I have about 10 scattered around my house. I am usually short on something: tops, bottoms, or sweaters...but I always have my mat.


A few travel tips I have had success with:

• Bring a travel size candle with you to burn in your room-I take the 7 oz. Olive Blossom candle with me when I travel, because it reminds me of home. (check with your hotel and make sure this is allowed...)
• To attempt lighter travel, take a few items that can be mix and matched with other pieces.
• Drink lots of water and take some C! Traveling in an airplane can dry out your skin, and leave you feeling dehydrated. Make sure you drink lots of water while you travel. Take your vitamins as travel can be stressful and stress can lead to a weaker immune system.
• Set some time aside each day to sit still and breathe. Even if you don't take your mat and practice chaturangas, being still and breathing will reconnect your mind, body, and spirit. (note: for more stressful travel, take deep breaths, and hum on your exhale. This is called Bee breath (because you sound like a little bee) and has tremendous calming effects on the nervous system. Try it out!)
• Don't forget to sleep! As I've previously mentioned 101 times before in this post, travel can be exhausting, and nothing is worse than coming home from a trip and being even more exhasted than when you left. After travel, you still have to come back to your everyday routine.

Good luck with all your traveling this Holiday season. Yes I am trying to get better about packing like an adult. I'll let you know if I remember my hair brush next week.

Food

I hesitated a while before deciding to write about food.


It seems to be a touchy subject for some people-but maybe that's just me. I don't want somebody telling me what or how to eat, and I don't want to be guilted in to a particular way of eating.


However, there are a few things I feel like everyone can agree on.


1. Food should taste good. No matter what you're eating, it should be yummy to you.
2. Food should make you feel good. Food is our source of energy, and it should give you energy after you're done eating it. Not feel like you need a nap.
3. Digestion shouldn't be a pain. Literally. Again, eating foods shouldn't be hard on your gut. If you feel gassy/bloaty/belchy when you're done eating a certain food, or like you have to run to the bathroom, or pop a pill, maybe it's time to reevaluate your choices.

I'll be the first to admit having an attachment to food. I like to eat foods because they remind me of my childhood, special times, or because they taste so darn good...
...but not all of them make me feel darn good. In fact, the more I've paid attention to my body's reaction to certain food groups, the more I've noticed how sick I felt. I didn't like feeling tired all the time, or like all the disgestive distress.

so I made a change. I gave up things I didn't necessarily want to. I learned I could stand drinking my coffee black. (i actually like it). I gave up sugar for a month. (Not just sugar, but all sweeteners including honey, agave, and anything that came in a packet.)

Yoga makes us more aware of our bodies. If you want your body to take good care of you-take good care of your body.

Balance

As with everything else in my life, finding a balance between a home and studio practice is important.

You might think that as a yoga instructor, I would tell you to only come to practice at a studio; more students in the studio offer more teaching opportunities and therefore insure that I have a job.

However, because I am a yoga instructor, I have seen the benefits of having your own home practice as well as a studio practice.

Home Practice:
I love to practice at home. There are some days that I need to take it easy, or can't make it into the studio because life gets in the way. Don't think that just because you aren't in a studio performing some specific type of yoga, that your practice doesn't count. Anytime that you take time to sit and breathe is worth it. When I practice at home, I usually like to focus on things I didn't get around to practicing in the studio. For instance, I'll take a restorative practice, (never underestimate the power of lying around in a yoga pose), a yin practice, (the chinese form  of yoga that can be extremely intense while you lie around and wait for various muscle groups to open), or I'll work on poses I've seen in the Yoga Journal, that I've never had the opportunity to try in a class. 
I remember once earlier this year I was too afraid to let my feet touch the ground in plow (post on fear in yoga coming soon!). So in classes whenever we did plow, I let my feet hover fearfully over the ground, afraid to drop them too far. I was afraid I wasn't going to be able to breathe. So I decided to help myself overcome the fear and work on it at home. So one night, accompanied by my 2 dogs (who think anytime I get down on the floor is to pet them, and also like lying on my yoga mat), I began a home practice with a few Sun Salutations before venturing into a shoulder stand. Because I was afraid of what might happen if my toes touched the ground, I made my husband come watch and tell me when I was getting close.

I made it. It was in there all along, it just need a little extra coaxing and attention.

Studio Practice:

I love practicing at the studio. Especially Awakened Yoga. Maybe because this is where I work and has become a home away from home. Maybe because I know people here, and I can count on a community of people trying to achieve a similar goal. Maybe because during a certain point of my life, I found comfort in my yoga practice within these walls, that I never had before.

There is something nice about practicing at a studio, where you can leave all your cares and worries at the door, turn your brain off, move your body and breathe.

With a studio practice comes a sense of camaraderie. Being an extrovert, I generally like to be around people, and I enjoy the community that the studio has to offer. I like to hear other peoples stories and journeys, and gain wisdom from them.

I also learn from other teachers about how and what to teach. Every teacher has their own lessons to teach, and whether you are a yoga instructor or just a student, there is something to learn from every class.

So I encourage you to balance out your practice. Try something you haven't tried before. Push yourself to learn and grow. And remember to breathe.

Staff member of the month: Nancy Sheridan

1. When did you start practicing yoga and what brought you to yoga?

I took my first yoga class when I was eighteen years old as research for a school project about Indian culture. It was a class at a gym, and the women in the class had these great stories to share about how transformational yoga had been for them. I remember thinking that the stories were great, but not really "getting" why yoga was so powerful, but I was intrigued. I dabbled in yoga for a few years through college, until a friend introduced me to Baptiste Yoga in 2005, and I was hooked. I was initially drawn to the practice because of the physical workout and the stress relief, but now the practice has become a way of life and being. I am amazed on a daily basis at how beautiful the process of yoga is.

2. How long have you been teaching and what brought you to teaching yoga?

I have been teaching yoga for two and a half years, and feel so blessed to be able to share what I love. I began teaching yoga because one of my first teachers asked me if I would be interested in training to teach at his studio. I was doubtful of my ability to actually teach yoga, and at first resisted the offer. I am so grateful that this teacher believed in me and gently pushed me to do the training, because teaching yoga and becoming a more dedicated student of yoga have changed my life.

3. What do you like about Awakened Yoga and its students?

I absolutely love the community at Awakened Yoga- the students, the staff, and the teachers. Awakened is so much more than just a place to practice yoga poses. When Grace opened Awakened, she created a space for people to come connect with themselves and each other, and it has been so amazing to be a part of that.  New friendships are always forming, people are leaving feeling lighter and more inspired, and most importantly, loving themselves, each other, and having fun. I always know I am going to feel inspired after leaving the studio. 

4. Do you have any advice for keeping up a practice?

My advice for keeping up a practice would be to make sure you are having fun on your mat. Let your yoga practice be a space where you can practice being playful and kind with yourself. If something is fun and makes you feel good, why wouldn't you want to stick with it?!

5. What other things do you enjoy doing besides yoga?

I love anything crafty and artistic. I love creating art of any kind, and love being inspired through others' creations! I went to school for fashion design, so that is also a hobby of mine. I could read fashion blogs and magazines for days. I also love to read, spend time outdoors just relaxing or trying new things. I also love going out to eat with friends and cooking at home. I just like to have fun and experience life!

6. Any other things you would like to share with our yogis?

My two favorite quotes:

"What seem like problems, may actually be invitations for change."- Steve Ross

"The best yogi is not one who can do the most or go the furthest in a yoga posture. The best yogi is the one makes their practice the most enjoyable".- David Williams

-- 

Student of the month:Susan Simon

1.     What is your name?  Susan Simon

2.     What do you do for a living and/or what is your life’s work/purpose?  I am the Director of Sales for 3 radio stations in Houston.  My personal purpose in life is to grow, become centered and still and bring those qualites into my daily life.  My job is creative and intense.  I use my yoga practice to balance myself so I can integrate my personal purpose into my daily interactions with people.

3.     How long have you lived in the Houston area?  Since 1979.

4.       How long have you been practicing yoga? 2 years.

5.       How many times do you practice per week? Daily.  I do asana practice at the studio 3 days a week and my home practice is for meditation and restorative & healing poses.

6.       Have you ever done yoga on the road/while on vacation?  What did you do?  Yes.  I took a class and did sun salutations in my hotel room.

7.       What is the most important physical benefit you have gained from your

  practice?  I am more confident in my strength.  I used to lift weights and while I got strong doing that, it applied strength.  With yoga, my strength comes from within and is the physical is a manifestation of what's going on inside of me.

8.       What is the most important spiritual/mental benefit you have gained from 

   your practice?  Knowing we are all connected.

9.       What is your favorite pose? Downward Facing Dog.  Why?  It's restful, strengthening, challenging and humbling all at the same time.

10.                          What is your least favorite and or most challenging pose?  Headstand.  Why?  I'm nervous about doing it and injuring my neck again.

11.                          Which pose is most relaxing?    That would definately be half lotus with my right leg on top.

12.                          Have you experienced fear of a pose at any point?  If so, did you overcome

   that fear and how?  That's a good one.  Ok, I would have to say handstand on the wall caused me the most anxiety.  In the beginning going upside down made it difficult to breath and not being able to get air was not fun for me. 

13.                          What is your favorite class at awakened yoga?  I am equally split between Aaron's Thursday 5pm & Saturday morning classes and Sharon's Wednesday & Friday evening classes. Why? Both come from the same teaching root so I find their classes to by synchronous.  They are gifted teachers that respond to what is actually happening in the room.  They know when push and when to be gentle with a class.

14.                          What is the intention you most often set for your practice?  To be present and ok with whatever comes up.

15.                            Does your mind wander during class?  Of course!  If so, what do you to bring you back  to the present? Think "Duh" when the teacher says breath or stay within your body or if I notice I'm away before they do, try to focus on my breath after telling myself to focus on my breath.

16.                          Do you practice meditation? Yes, every day.

17.                           Have you attended any of the workshops at the studio? Yes several of them.  Did you enjoy the 

   workshop?  Yes, very much,  What benefits did you receive from the workshop?  Besides learning about the workshop topic the best part for me is the community and freedom to interact with everyone for longer than we usually have time for before or after class.

18.                          If you have purchased any products at the studio for your practice – what  

Is your favorite?  Why?  I'm candle & a clothing person...there's a good selection and you take credit cards...what's not to like?!

19.                        If you could use one word to describe what yoga means to you what would it be? Life.

Meditation and a recipe

Something that was scribbled down on my resolution list earlier this year was to spend more time in meditation.

It seems to be one of those things that slips my mind until I reach over at night to turn off my lamp. By the time I lay my head down on the pillow, I'm too tired to get up and situate myself to meditate.

I know all the reasons why I should, but it seems to be something that is hardly an aspect of my life. But I want it to be-so for the next 21 days, I'm setting aside 5 minutes (5 minutes!!! barely any time at all) and then graduating to 10 and to 15 minutes to quiet my mind, and let the voice within speak.

One of my favorite meditations is called a monkey mind meditation. It's a basic meditation, but great to show how your mind hops around like a monkey. So here's how you can practice it:

Find a comfortable seated position-better if your hips are a little elevated with a meditation pillow, regular pillow, or block. This makes it much easier to sit for an extended period of time. (something else that makes it easier-YOGA! For real-ancient yogis practiced yoga so that they could sit for hours at a time in meditation so they would be able to reach enlightenment. Your body has to be in pretty good shape for it. Don't believe me? Try it :))

Close your eyes and breathe your normal everyday breath.

On an inhale, think rising.
On an exhale, think falling.

Continue this for a few breaths, and then begin to count backwards from 100 on the exhale.

Rising...100...rising...99...rising...98...etc.

As soon as your lose track of your number, start back at 100. I did this last night, and got down to 75, then skipped 74 and 73, and went straight to 72.

Give it a try the next time you meditate and see what you think.

Now for a delicious recipe.

Applesauce:

5-6 lbs. Paula red or macintosh apples
cinnamon
nutmeg
allspice
water

Peel the apples and cut the fruit away from the core and place into a pot.

Add in spices to your delight! Above are 3 of my favorites.

Add in a little water to the pot so the apples don't burn. Remember you can always add more, but you can't take any out. Start with 1/2 a cup and go from there.

Cook apples on stove top on Medium-Hi heat until the apples are broken down.

I like really chunky applesauce so I turn off the heat when there are still lumps in the sauce. If you like really smooth sauce, you can put it through the blender.

Here is a website that categorizes apples and if they are better for baking or eating. Not all apples are good baking apples. Good baking apples should have a mealy inside-it means the sugar content is high enough for baking, and that the apples will break down nicely in sauce or even a delish pie! (both apples named above are my favorites for baking)

This apple sauce is yummy and could even be eaten for a healthy dessert. Also great for breakfast!

Enjoy!

A yummy recipe for you!

Here is a recipe for you that looks healthy and delicious! From the Whole Living Magazine. (and altered a little)**

Avocado, Beet, and Orange Salad

1 small bunch beets (1 lb.), trimmed
2 TBSP olive oil
2 tsp balsamic vinegar
2 TBSP orange juice
2 avocados
2  navel oranges, peel and pith removed, segmented
2 cups spinach
2 TBSP nut of your choice (not peanut-those are not nuts but legumes)
Salt and pepper for seasoning

1. Heat oven to 425 degrees. Wrap beets tightly in foil and roast until tender, about 1 hour. Once cool, remove the skin and slice. 2. Whisk vinegar, orange juice, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle over beets, avocados, oranges, and spinach. Top with nuts.

So maybe you think you hate beets. But give them a try-I used to think I hated them, and then I tried them and have loved them ever since. Anything that has that rich of a color is really good for you!

**Original recipe has bread, which I left out of this for the 21-day challenge participants during their fruit and veggie fast.

Change

Do you ever find yourself looking forward to a new season? 


Especially living in Texas, I always find myself ready for summer to be over and for fall to begin. I look forward to the temperature steadily dropping, days beginning to get shorter, and all the delicious things the earth has to offer in the fall- apples for applesauce, and pumpkins and squashes for a variety of amazing dishes. 


I am often ready for the seasons to change before they actually do. 


When I was in 6th grade, I learned the phrase "Change is inevitable". They pushed us to learn and accept the phrase and try to understand what it meant. Plus inevitable is a really good vocabulary for a 6th grader to learn. 


This concept isn't always easy to understand. Especially for most adults, who as we grow older, lose that flexibility that we once had as children to adapt to different situations. We like things a certain way, we like certain foods and habits, and it gets more difficult to change them as we age. 


The easiest kind of change is the kind you are ready for. Not something forced upon you by the cosmos, but something you picked for yourself. Maybe it's a new haircut, car, or realization that something negative in your life needs to be removed and you are prepared to remove it. 


Our culture seems to lack a tremendous amount of self exploration. And by this I mean sitting down at the end of everyday, or week, and taking a good hard look at yourself and everything that makes up your life. People eat unhealthy for years upon years and are then surprised when they wake up with a myriad of health issues. This is one thing I love about yoga. Yoga makes me more aware of my body, and the thoughts I think about myself and others. It makes me want to put good and whole foods into my body, so that I can perform all the things I want. 


Are you ready for change in your life? If so, embrace it! you have more power than you realize. If you aren't ready for a change, be ok with admitting it. Be there for those around you who are ready for a change and support them. 

Remembering

Today we remember a day that changed the course of history in our country. 


Recently there was an article in the Yoga Journal (I think) about how yogi's pulled together after the Trade Towers collapsed. They came together to gain a sense of peace during an otherwise frightening time , and out of the ashes yoga studios popped up around New York. Lying in savasana at the end of class suddenly had a new meaning. 


10 years has passed and many things have changed. Our children won't grow up in the same world that we grew up in, and around every corner there seems to be lurking paranoia, hurt, and fear. 


Gandhi once said, "Be the change you wish to see in the world". What if instead of talking about how our country and the world could be better, people actually lived out the changes we should take? 


Everyday we have options and decisions to make. Do you always choose peace, happiness, and joy? Or do you take what seems to be the easier option of anger, mistrust, and hate? 


What will you choose today? When somebody cuts you off, flips you off, hurts your feelings, or does something you disagree with, choose peace, happiness, or joy. You cannot control others actions, but you can control your reactions. 


Be the good in the world, and maybe, if enough people pitch in, our grandchildren and great-grand children can grow up in a better world than we could ever dream.