Pose & Repose

Spring green

2011-03-13T23:54:00.000-07:00

"Happiness? The color of it must be spring green..."
Frances Mayes

"Momma, your favorite color is green, right?" asks my daughter as we pop sunflower seeds into the ground. "Yes, baby it is," I say.

"Why?" she presses.

Before I can respond: "It's because green makes you happy?" she decides.

And, then: "Momma, you really can never have too many sunflowers. They have lots of green."

Agreed! And—yellow, too, is good!

7th Ave. Street Fair, Phoenix

2011-03-05T18:28:00.000-08:00

Look, and look again.
This world is not just a little thrill for the eyes...
You have this day, and maybe another, and maybe
still another... Mary Oliver

Feel like flying?

2011-02-10T20:26:00.000-08:00

Do you remember the feeling? I do.

Yesterday I watched my daughter lay belly down on our backyard swing, wind-up the rope as tight as it would go and then let it loose, allowing her to twirl until the twisted rope let out and snapped her slightly back in the opposite direction—legs dangling in the wind all the while and laughter flowing from every fiber of her being.

It sure feels good to fly. It's one of the reasons I love yoga. It certainly does not happen every time I take to my mat. But, sometimes it does—that feeling of effortless levity.

It comes without warning: An exhale that merges perfectly with the apex of a pose. Hands rooted so firmly to the earth that feet float into flight. The indescribable vibration after the sound "om" from dozens of voices merging into one. In the sweetness of silence when mind slides into heart.

Swinging, yoga, gardening, writing, cooking, painting ... whatever your loves and passions are ... allow them to let you take flight.

A chill in the air

2011-01-03T22:00:00.000-08:00

"He felt for a moment uncreated. Another kind of awake."
from Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann

It's been cold in central Arizona. Where have our "just right" sunshiny winter days gone?

Confession: Aside from losing half my winter garden to it, I love the cold spell. It reminds me of the Midwest—the landscape that will always be my heart's geographic home.

Growing up in the Midwest, while the cold of winter could be bone-chilling, I always loved how within a matter of hours a snowstorm could whitewash the landscape from sky to earth. Or, in the case of cold without snow, how parsed and plain everything could look, yet still be beautiful in a pretty girl without make-up kind of way.

In Arizona, we are more accustomed to nature's extreme rise in mercury, but whether it's a harsh, sun-drenched heat or an unusual chill in the air, the shifts serve as reminders of our aliveness and the blessing of embodiment.

Cracks, peels and imperfections

2010-11-27T17:20:00.000-08:00

Several years ago, by accident, my husband and I came across the Ten Thousand Buddhas Sarira Stupa near Niagara Falls.

Last week, while in the region, we came upon it again after a visit to the Falls with our children (once more as a result of happenstance, a wrong turn in search of the route back to Toronto).

The Stupa was as I remembered—welcoming and well-cared for, but not kept to perfection, with cracks and peeling paint in abundance.

I liked that about it.

88 Novembers

2010-11-17T19:33:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week, I was in the Midwest. The trip was unexpected. Quickly planned.

When I arrived in Wisconsin, the flashiness of fall had given way to autumn's silent slip into winter. The weather encouraged less, not more.

I did little asana. Instead, I gravitated toward long meditation practices wrapped in a quilt made by the hands of someone I loved—someone I had come to say goodbye to, a great spiritual being.

What constitutes a spiritual life?

I pondered this question throughout the days there and as I flew home to Phoenix. Fortunately, I had a good example to turn to for ideas, and my list was surprisingly short:

Endless love
Fullness in emptiness
Emptiness in fullness
Humility
Playfulness
Contentment
Living one's truth

Perhaps there is more. Certainly, this seems enough to me. Oh, yes, enoughness—that should be on the list, too.

It will take some time to say goodbye. To let go. I haven't yet. Eventually, I will. And, the light will continue on... But, of course, it already has...

A gift wrapped in prana

2010-11-10T18:07:00.000-08:00

I can't remember exactly when I started using this formula for my yoga practice (probably sometime after I had my first child and lost brain cells!), but I use it on days when I am really maxed out and too tired to think, plan or organize for one more second!

I start with a simple, basic posture (often adho mukha svanasana) and hold it for ten long breaths. Then, I shift into a counter or complimentary posture (say a basic lunge) and hold it for two breaths. I continue this pattern of one posture for 10 breaths and a counter or complimentary posture for two breaths for the duration of the practice. If a posture is asymmetrical, I hold it for the appropriate amount of breaths on each side.

The longer holds of 10 anchor me to earth's density, while the shorter holds create lightness and connection to spaciousness.

It's a clean, clear way to practice yoga.

No music. Just my breath and me. The asanas and me. Simple and sacred.

A funny thing always happens about halfway through the practice: The breath begins to lead the dance, and I don't have to give any thought to the next posture—it just shows up.

A gift wrapped in prana.

Rice Veggie Tofu Casserole

2010-11-06T20:54:00.000-07:00

For this casserole, the base recipe comes from Deborah Madison's Greens cookbook. I've changed it up to make it a complete vegetarian meal and feature some of my favorite flavors and combinations.

I love this dish because it's so versatile and open to many intepretations: Use any kind of rice you have on hand or even barley or quinoa; seize the opportunity to use up veggies on the verge of going bad before they go to waste; experiment with different oils, herb and spice combos (think Italian, Indian or Asian versions); replace the tofu with any kind of bean...

This is also a humble dish that is easy on the earth and nourishing and light for the body—always a good thing. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does!

Rice Veggie Tofu Casserole
Ingredients
2 cups brown or white basmati rice
1 medium onion (finely diced)
1 cup carrots (finely diced)
1 cup celery (finely diced)
2 tablespoons sun dried tomatoes (finely chopped)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
6 ounces firm tofu (drained and cubed)
1 and 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
3-4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
5 large basil leaves (julienned)
1 tablespoon garlic powder
5 tablespoons almond butter (whisked to smooth it out a bit; you many need to add a bit of canola oil to get a smooth consistency)
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
1/2 teaspoon paprika

Directions
Prepare rice. While rice is cooking, prepare veggies and tofu. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan and add onion, carrots, celery, sun dried tomatoes, garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of the oregano. Saute until veggies are tender. Add thyme and basil and combine. Set aside.

Lightly oil an 8"x8" glass baking dish. Layer about 1/2 the rice into the bottom of the dish. Top rice with 1/2 of the veggie mixture. Top veggies with 1/2 of the almond butter and sprinkle half of the tofu on top. Squeeze a bit of lemon juice over this layer. Repeat these steps one more time, but reserve about a 1/4 cup of the rice. Add the reserved rice to the top of the second layer. Sprinkle the rice with the remaining oregano and paprika.

Bake covered with aluminum foil at 350 for about 30 minutes.

Uprooted

2010-10-18T20:43:00.000-07:00

I recall the moment I realized that getting and staying grounded is not my strength. I was in a two-hour Anusara yoga practice in full backbend, and my teacher said, "Look back at your feet!"

Feet? At that moment, my feet had gone missing. They could have been on Mars for all I knew.

Collapsing out of the pose in a fit of laughter, I confessed to my teacher that I had no clue just then as to where my feet were exactly. What came next to remedy the situation?

Back into backbend. This time with encouragement to plug one foot firmly onto the earth and then extend the other one upwards toward the sky.

Eka pada urdhva dhanurasana. I love this pose.

The dynamic of one foot descending down like a taproot and the other ascending into endless space is a beautiful metaphor for a balanced life: Grounded, yet open.

Some of us naturally tend to be more "in the clouds;" some more "down to earth." That place in the middle sure is sweet!

Art and yogi tea

2010-10-03T19:49:00.000-07:00

For years, I have been making yogi tea. I don't know where I first learned about it, but I've seen variations of the recipe many times over. The version below is my favorite. This delicious tea is full of purifying spices, according to Ayurveda.

Typically, I make and enjoy this tea at night, after an evening yoga practice. Yesterday, however, I was in the mood for it about mid-day.

My son was napping and my daughter was happily painting at the kitchen table, so the odds looked good for a slice of uninterrupted time to myself.

The ritual of grinding the cloves, cardamom and black pepper in a mortar and pestle and then blending in the cinnamon and ginger is as wonderful as the tea itself. I never tire of it.

As it turned out, sipping tea and watching my daughter lost in creativity and color was the highlight of my weekend—a quiet, simple moment.

Yogi Tea

1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon cardamom
4-5 whole peppercorns
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
2 cups filtered water

In a mortar and pestle, grind the cloves, cardamom and peppercorns to a very rough consistency. Blend in the cinnamon and ginger. Transfer the mixture to the basket of a tea press. Boil water. Pour water into the tea press and allow to steep for 15 minutes. Press the spices and enjoy!

Leftovers and new beginnings

2010-09-29T20:40:00.000-07:00

A few nights ago I cleaned out the summer garden beds. Aside from a few lingering watermelons, I didn't expect to find much. By late July, I had abandoned the garden to August in Arizona, with its blistering temperatures and seasonal humidity.

Daily, I would look out and wonder how things were going in the untended garden. To my surprise, a month of abandon did the garden well.

Several new basil plants had sprouted up (time to make pesto); mint had taken over a corner of the garden; an artichoke plant from last winter that looked dead was developing tentative green shoots; and the sage was beginning to perk-up again.

I wish I could say I loved gardening. I don’t. I just like it, most days. What motivates me to tend the garden is my love of healthy cooking with whole, fresh ingredients.

I have big plans for the winter garden. In fact, my seeds from Seeds Trust in Cornville, Arizona just recently arrived. I selected seeds based on what will grow in the winter in Arizona, what I want to cook over the cooler months and what my daughter requested—nasturtiums (peppery and yummy!) and peas (which I think are pretty enough, but don't especially like).

It’s an ambitious plan, for sure. We’ll see how it all goes.

If all else fails, I pray the fava beans flourish. Oh, to have fava bean pureé made with garden garlic and fresh rosemary. Now, wouldn't that be wonderful!

Breath of beautifulness

2010-08-31T22:20:00.000-07:00

I love following blogs. It's probably what inspired me to start one of my own. It's sweet – others' willingness to share their creativity, passions and ideas with the world. I wish I could say I read super smarty political or intellectual blogs, but I don't. Those kinds of blogs deplete me. I am drawn to blogs that bring a breath of beautifulness into my day. Blogs with "pull you into the moment" photography and distinct, compelling writing.

Here are some of my favorite blogs. All of these blogs have a yogic quality, I think. Perhaps you will enjoy them, too!

La Tartine Gourmande - Beatrice Peltre's breathtaking food blog and photos are as unique as her voice. Stop over for a visit; you won't be disappointed.
Fresh 365- If you are a vegetarian, this blog offers a killer collection of recipes.
Deborah Madison - Madison's approach to food is pure yoga.
SouleMama - How is it possible for one woman with four children to be this creative?

Summertime blues

2010-08-12T20:24:00.000-07:00

Every August without fail it happens—the summertime blues take hold. Day after day of triple digit temps become just too much.

Without consciously thinking about it, my yoga practice always changes about this time of year. Intense backbend and handstand work fall by the wayside in favor of juicy complex twists, headstand variations and cooling forward bends.

I also find myself dusting off bluesy playlists nearly forgotten that pair-up nicely with the sultry summer heat. Here is a playlist I've been enjoying lately, all songs by the incomparable Nina Simone.

I Think It's Going to Rain Today
I Want a Little Sugar in My Bowl
In the Dark
Since I Fell for You
Sunday in Savannah
Isn't It a Pity

Vegan haystack cookies

2010-08-08T19:16:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago a dust storm blew in without warning one blistering summer night.

Our yard was left covered in pine needles from our pine tree that shades the front yard and canapies much of our roof. Every couple months, my husband gets up on the roof and sweeps the needles off. He had been planning to do it for weeks. The dust storm beat him to it.

After the storm, my daughter had such fun playing with the pine needles, spending nearly an hour gathering and making “nature sculptures” with them.

Her art reminded me of those haystack like no-bake cookies. So, I went online in search of a recipe and found several loaded with sugary ingredients. I’m not a purest when it comes to food, but I do like to try to healthy-up recipes whenever possible.

The version I came up with uses plenty of good-for-you ingredients. If you like the flavor of carob, you’ll likely love these. If not, well, you won’t. Personally, I often prefer carob to chocolate for its nutty, rich flavor and mild sweetness.

Vegan Haystack Cookies
1 bag carob chips (14 onces)
1 teaspoon canola oil
½ cup peanut butter (organic, natural)
½ cup stick pretzels, broken in half (I used gluten-free)
½ cup old-fashioned oats
1 cup brown rice puff cereal

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour carob chips into a large glass, microwavable bowl. Drizzle oil over them and stir to coat every chip. Microwave for approximately 2 minutes, stirring once at the halfway mark. Remove and stir in peanut butter. Add pretzels, oats and rice puffs. Combine well and drop in 1 tablespoon portions onto baking sheet. Allow cookies to set. If you put them in the refrigerator they will set within minutes.

Crazy for country

2010-08-01T15:10:00.000-07:00

Pick-up your crazy heart and give it one more try.
The Weary Kind, Ryan Bingham

The music from Crazy Heart is so simple, pure and heartfelt. This playlist includes several tracks from that movie and one of my all-time favorite songs, Crazy by Patsy Cline. Hope you enjoy doing your yoga practice to it—I sure do!

If I Need You, Townes Van Zandt
Fallin' and Flyin', Jeff Bridges
Two More Bottles of Wine, Emmylou Harris
I Hope, Dixie Chicks
Born to Run, Emmylou Harris
Hold on You, Jeff Bridges
Crazy, Patsy Cline
Easy Silence, Dixie Chicks
A Whiter Shade of Pale, Wille Nelson
Once a Gambler, Lightnin' Hopkins
The Weary Kind, Ryan Bingham

Who's afraid of the big bad chicken?

2010-07-29T19:54:00.000-07:00

I recently made a startling discovery: I am afraid of chickens.

A problem. Because for months, I've been attempting to get my husband on board with adding a couple chickens to our family, an idea to which he adamantly opposes. "Who will clean up their shit? Our dog will torture them. What will we do with them when it rains?" (A snapshot of his many objections.)

Not to worry. Because as it turns out, as I said, I am truly afraid of them. This minor obstacle to my chicken ownership campaign revealed itself at the Prescott Zoo, where chickens roam free and follow you around.

It began cordially enough, the chickens greeting us nonchalantly upon entering the zoo. At lunch, everything changed. My husband took the kids to the play area so I could set-up our picnic. Not two seconds into it, the chickens were everywhere, all over me.

Fearing an attack on my ankles, I jumped onto the picnic table (not the bench part, but the actual table, smack in the middle of our lunch). Simultaneously, a zoo caretaker came over and began to shoo those crazy chickens away. "City girl up from Phoenix, I guess?" she said, barely containing her laughter.

City girl? I grew up in Midwest farm country. "Well," I thought standing on the table looking down at my high-heeled sandals, "I guess 10+ years of city living have, well, citified me."

On the drive back to Phoenix, I debated whether or not to tell my husband what had happened. I decided to tell him and put to rest any concerns he might have about our future as chicken owners.

At first he said nothing, just laughed. Then, "You know, when you own chickens, you actually have to pick them up once in awhile."

Pick them up? I think not!

It was a lovely idea, though. I guess it's good to know what scares me. I just never expected it to be chickens.

p.s. This post is about yoga, very much so, actually.

A blessing

2010-07-24T19:00:00.000-07:00

My husband attracts hawks everywhere he goes—from our urban home to the hidden-away slot canyons in Arizona—they seek him out.

He seems to enjoy them as much as they do him, co-existing in silence.

Last week, my husband found this hawk feather in our yard.

Evidently, hawks had been hanging around the house for a few days. He was paying attention, noticing... I was not.

We love this feather. It fell upon our home following a hectic few weeks, offering its blessing.

Letting light lead

2010-07-22T21:13:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I like to do the exact opposite of what is considered good photography technique—which is to not use a tripod for precise focus, open the aperture as wide as it will go and let the light flood in via a long exposure.

This process then becomes a dance with light that allows an image to unfold very organically. Sometimes it works. Sometimes, well, it's just interesting—a playful experiment.

My home yoga practice is very much like this. In teaching yoga, I stick pretty close to the principles of sequencing a class (depending on who I am teaching to...). But, my personal practice is a process much like the one above. It's a time to set aside the "right" or "wrong" or even just a recommended way of doing something and just see how it all plays out.

What a nice shift I find this to be in a world full of regulations, rules and too much right or wrong.

Like a good novel...

2010-07-20T20:49:00.000-07:00

My favorite yoga classes I take as a student have much in common with a good novel.

For starters, they have a clear beginning, middle and end.

There is also an evident arc in the story in the form of an apex pose, coupled with lots of good foreshadowing leading up to that pose. The best is when I have a sense of what type of pose the apex might be, but can't peg it exactly. So, there is an element of delight and surprise.

Also, like a novel, the tone of the class is set right from the get-go—whether it be through a reading, music, lighting, the first few opening poses or a combination of these components.

Finally, like any good read, upon completion, the class leaves me with that odd combination of satisfaction and desire for it to never end!

Herb inspired smoothies, a perfect pre-yoga treat!

2010-07-11T10:49:00.000-07:00

Fresh herbs have the ability to make just about anything taste more flavorful. Smoothies are no exception. Smoothies are also one of my favorite treats an hour or so before yoga practice, providing something somewhat substantial, but also light and refreshing.

Here are three simple smoothie recipes that feature some easy to come by summer herbs. All are dairy-free.

Tropical Mint
1 cup frozen mango
½ cup frozen pineapple
1 cup vanilla rice or soy milk
2 tablespoons coconut
2 tablespoons loosely packed fresh mint

Peachy Cilantro
1 fresh peach (peeled and sliced)
½ banana
¼ cup vanilla rice or soy milk
1 cup crushed ice
1 teaspoon honey
1 tablespoon cilantro

Pear Berry Basil
1 fresh pear (peeled, cored and chopped)
½ cup lemon sorbet
½ cup crushed ice
6 large fresh strawberries
4 large basil leaves

Directions for all recipes: Combine all of the ingredients, except for the herbs, into a blender. Blend until the consistency of slush. Once blended, add the called upon herb and pulse the blender 5-6 times, just until the herbs are slightly broken up. You want bits of the herb to be visible. Makes one large smoothie or two smaller smoothies.

In honor of the nation's new poet laureate

2010-07-08T12:47:00.000-07:00

Let me imagine that we will come again
when we want to and it will be spring
we will be no older than we ever were...
the light will be as it is now in the garden...

W.S. Merwin, The Shadow of Sirius

Sunny, summery gifts

2010-07-05T16:57:00.000-07:00

In many places, now is the time when gardens begin to burst with bounty of all shapes, sizes and colors. In Phoenix, however, mid- to late summer is the time when only a few hardy, heat-lovers can withstand the blistering Arizona sun and soaring temps. While few crops thrive in this intensity, so far our zucchinis and pumpkins are hanging on and continue to supply us with exquisite, yellowey/orange blossoms each morning.

My daughter has developed a very endearing routine of gathering the blossoms in the early hours when they have just opened. It's so sweet to watch her cross the lawn to the gardens along the back wall, barefoot in her summery nightgown, in search of blossoms hidden like easter eggs.

July and August are not my favorite months in Arizona. However, our personal, fresh supply of squash blossoms that have made their way into salads and omelettes and fried stuffed with locally-made chevre and basil have made the heat just a bit more bearable. And, for this small, yet magnificent gift, I am grateful.

Thyme for peaches

2010-07-03T20:51:00.000-07:00

Today I went to the farmer's market and purchased just ripe peaches. Oh, how I love all manner of juicy stone fruits! Having been in the mood to make a galette, I decided that's what those lovely, little peaches would become—the summer's first rustic, fruity dessert.

My husband and daughter were on an outing, so it was just the baby and me. I chose the squishiest peach and diced it up for the little one to keep him happy while I went to work on the crust, working and forming it by hand. What a happy duo we were—my hands full of flour and butter, the baby's dripping with peach juice.

When it comes to peaches, in my opinion, thyme is its soulmate. Lemon thyme to be precise. So, I tossed the finely sliced peaches with the leaves from several sprigs of just-picked thyme, wrapped it up in the salty, flaky dough, and, with a wish and a prayer, placed it in the oven.

Peach Galette with Thyme (gluten-free)
1 1/2 c. white rice flour
.5 c. oat flour
1/2 tsp. salt (I like to use white sea salt and grind it by hand in a mortar and pestle)
1/2 tsp. xanthum gum (binder for gluten-free baking)
12 TB firm, unsalted butter (you could use vegan butter sticks)
1/2 c. iced-cold water
4-6 ripe peaches (peeled and sliced)
1 TB turbinado sugar (and a bit more for dusting)
white of one egg
5-8 sprigs of thyme

Combine the flours and sift once. Cut butter into 1/4" cubes. Add half the butter to the flour and work with hands until it is the consistency of cornmeal. Add remaining butter and work into flour mixture until remaining butter is broken up as well. Add the cold water slowly (you may need the whole 1/2 c. or it may be a bit less or a bit more). Pause a few times while adding water to check the dough—it should form a ball when squeezed. Once ready, divide the dough in half, form into two balls, wrap in plastic wrap, press into disks and place in the refrigerator.

Meanwhile, toss peaches with sugar and thyme leaves.

Remove one disk of dough (you can freeze the other, or just dust with sugar and cinnamon and bake alongside the galette) and roll it out into a larger disk. Arrange the fruit from the center out, leaving about 1 1/2" border all around. Fold the edges of the dough over the fruit. Brush the egg white onto the edges. Sprinkle with a bit more sugar. Bake at 400 for 30-45 min.

Bowl of grace

2010-07-02T15:38:00.000-07:00

I am drawn to bowls. I pick them up wherever I go—typically at flea markets or quirky, inexpensive resale shops. Used bowls are best, I think. They allow me to freely wonder about the bowl’s former life. Did it provide an element of color and cheer on a coffee table? Was it used to serve a homemade meal created with love? Or, was it placed in an entryway to catch the loose ends of a life at the day’s conclusion?

An empty bowl reminds me to soften and let go of useless thoughts and frustrations crowding my mind. A bowl full of beloved items—floating flowers, apples, my children’s nature treasures, elements from my alter—reminds me to appreciate the bounty in my life.

Often, when I practice yoga, I think of the concept of a bowl. Some days are days to empty out, with lots of forward bends that surrender mind to earth, seated twists to wring clean and long holds that let the dust settle. Other days are days to allow the fullness of life to wash over me, where handstands and backbends help me connect to the ever-present fountain of grace.

Rituals and the rhythm of life

2010-06-28T08:52:00.000-07:00

I love rituals—not extravagant ones, just simple, mindful activities that comprise the rhythm of daily life. One such ritual I've always loved is the process for properly cleaning greens, especially if they are sandy like the kale I purchased today and wilted with ginger, chile and a beautiful Himalayan sea salt, said to be the purest salt on earth (Recipe by Alice Waters).

The final step in the cleaning process is to roll the washed and spun greens gently in a clean dishcloth and allow them to fully dry.

Upon finishing this process, I noticed I felt extremely calm. No surprise, since working with beautiful, whole foods always relaxes me and is an important ritual in my daily life. In fact, whenever I feel stressed, I do one of two things: cook or do asana practice. For me cooking is like yoga and yoga like cooking—both have the ability to bring me right smack into the present, sweet rhythm of life.

Life's a bowl of cherries, sometimes...

2010-06-24T20:45:00.000-07:00

I've said it before - there's nothing like a home yoga practice. Tonight I did an hour of yoga, then sat on the back porch enjoying fresh cherries on a summery Southwestern night. Sometimes life really is a bowl of cherries!

Kitchen chaos

2010-06-23T12:45:00.000-07:00

This morning my daughter pulled pistachios from the pantry and insisted we make a recipe with them. I love pistachios, so wholeheartedly agreed.

Our next trip was out to our patio herb garden. We decided basil would be the best choice with pistachios. I also wanted to add a hint of mint, but my daughter insisted basil and mint would not work together at all. From the garden, we picked one big, fat zucchini.

Finally, to the frig, where we pulled out a bundle of asparagus, cherry tomatoes, spinach and a lime.

It's always crazy in the kitchen with the kids - my daughter is becoming quite the opinionated cook (like here mama!) and my son sits in his highchair, diaper only, talking a baby blue streak the whole time. So... due to all the kitchen chaos, not all our "recipes" are successes, but this one turned out great ... and we ate it for breakfast! There are no rules in my house about what constitutes breakfast food or not.

Here's what we came up with ...

Asparagus, Zucchini & Tomato Salad with Spinach, Basil & Pistachios

Bunch thin asparagus
Handful of spinach

1 large zucchini
Juice of 1 lime
10 large basil leaves (julienned)
1 TB olive oil (or to taste)
1 tsp. balsamic vinegar (or to taste)
1 tsp. honey (if using raw will need to warm and liquify)
1/2 tsp. lemon zest

1-2 tsp. turbinado sugar (or a bit more if you want more sweetness)
1/4 c. crushed pistachios (leave a few whole)
Salt and pepper to taste

Blanch asparagus in boiling, salted water for a few minutes. While asparagus is blanching, half tomatos and finely dice zucchini - combine in a large mixing bowl. Combine lime juice, olive oil, vinegar, honey and lemon zest to make dressing. Drain asparagus and cut into 1/2" pieces. Add asparagus to tomato and zucchini mixture, add spinach (the heat from the asparagus will be just enough to gently wilt the spinach). Add dressing, basil, sugar, salt and pepper. Top with crushed pistachios and a tiny bit more lemon zest.

Connection to light (tejas)

2010-06-22T08:37:00.000-07:00

Last night in a wonderful yoga class at Desert Song, I was reminded by Deb Kayatt, our instructor, that the summer solstice is the day with the most light of any day each year, a perfect day to look into the light of our own beings.

I had forgotten this connection between light and the summer solstice, yet for several days, I have been drawn to the light in my own garden, photographing in the mornings and evenings when the light is soft, playful and seamless with everything around it.

Tejas in the garden

2010-06-20T20:04:00.000-07:00

Today is a day to go deeper

2010-06-18T13:34:00.000-07:00

Mid-way through my practice, I slide my right knee toward my corresponding wrist. I bow forward and fill-in my waistline with breath. Firmly anchoring tailbone toward the earth and drawing outer edges to the physical and spiritual midline, I walk my hands back and come upright. For a moment I pause – eyes closed – waiting to feel the intelligence of my body answer the question, “What next?” Breathe. Settle. I outstretch my arms and bend into them like a great Saguaro cactus. Hips down, heart up, I arch back and pull my elbows toward my waistline. Breathe. Settle. Then, with the ease of water, my arms flow down by my sides, fingertips reaching toward the earth. From the back of my heart, I lift to the sky. Today is a day to go deeper.

To market to market

2010-06-17T20:11:00.000-07:00

"Markets are places of beauty. A sprig of jasmine is hung by a fishmonger's stall to perfume the air; a spray of pink blossoms is laid by a pile of garlic to lure our gaze. I see with fresh eyes in a market: I notice the curves of a squash, deep yellow and enormous, in Rajasthan. In the shiny skin of a fish at a sun-drenched market in Puglia, Italy, I see colors I didn't know existed."
Naomi Duguid, The Beauty of it All, Saveur, June/July 2010

Today I indulged in a luxury I have not partaken in for a very long time - en route on a flight home to Phoenix from Chicago sans kids, I read one of my favorite magazines, Saveur, from cover to cover. This month's issue is all about public markets worldwide. I 'gotta tell you: Reading the magazine like a novel in one delicious sitting was like a culinary adventure across the world.

Mike Madison's article about melons might be some of the best food writing I've ever read - the story about the Afghani grandson, his grandfather and the kharbouza melon brought me to tears.

You will immediately want to make Haleem after reading Eating Mumbai.

A Trip to Bountiful reminded me to buy what I'm drawn to at the farmer's market and let the food lead the dance in the kitchen as to what will unfold.

Sweet Revelation proves that the best recipes are always found by spending time with local cooks, watching and honoring their food traditions.

But, what I loved most about this summer's issue was the above quote by Naomi Duguid in the article The Beauty of it All. In it, she sums up one of the key principles of tantric yoga philosophy: That we should enjoy this auspicious world we live in - really enjoy it! - and cherish our connection to its source. What could illustrate that more primitively than the experience of delicious local food, grown by one human being and offered to another?

May your heart open like a flower

2010-06-12T21:38:00.000-07:00

~ Buddhist prayer

Can love neutralize butter?

2010-06-11T20:28:00.000-07:00

Full disclosure: There is nothing healthy about the ingredients in this recipe, except for love.

However, I have long believed that family recipes are a subtle force that connect us to our heritage. And, this recipe connects me to someone I love and respect. It was made alongside my daughter with much joy and laughter that I am pretty sure may have just neutralized all that butter!

I also gotta' say there is something very yogic in this decadent, gooey cake. Maybe it's all the sweetness.

Texas Sheet Cake - an old-fashioned recipe by Elsie Bryan

Sift together two times: 2 c. sugar, 2 c. flour (I used white rice flour), 1 tsp. baking soda

Bring to boil: 1 stick butter, 1/2 c. shortening, 1 c. water, 4 TB cocoa. Add to dry ingredients above.

Add to above 1/2 c. buttermilk and two beaten eggs. Mix by hand with a whisk until just combined.

Spread evenly on a lightly greased cookie sheet and bake at 400 for 15-20 min.

While cake is baking, bring to a boil 1/2 c. shortening, 6 TB milk, 4 TB cocoa. Remove from heat and add 1 1/2 c. powdered sugar, 1 tsp. vanilla, 1 c. walnuts. Spread on hot cake.

Spirituality in art

2010-06-09T19:44:00.000-07:00

When I was 20 years old, I had an experience that changed me - I saw a Mark Rothko painting for the first time. I was living in Washington D.C. for the summer, interning at the Children's Defense Fund. It was a wonderful summer. As a girl that grew up in small, Midwestern towns, spending the summer riding the D.C. Metro and experiencing a big, exciting city (I was there during Clinton's first term; got to meet Ted Kennedy and Mariann Wright Edelman; and hear Hillary Clinton and George Stephanopolous speak in small group settings), it was a time when the world opened up for me and I saw a glimpse of just how big, complex and intriguing it all was.

As an intern, I was only making $120 a week, so the many free museums were a real draw on the weekends. One weekend I decided to vist The Phillips Collection. Wandering through I suddenly saw a burst of soft, undescribable color peeking from a small room, that I would later learn was called the "Rothko chapel." I recall so vividly being pulled into that room like a moth to a flame and sitting down on the small, monastic bench.

I have no idea how long I sat there, periodically turning to view a different painting (there are four Rothkos - one on each wall). But, I must have sat for a very long time because a security guard finally came up and asked me if I was ok.

I was more than ok. There were no words and still aren't to describe what happened to me that day, but I have loved and adored Mark Rothko's paintings every since (Phoenicians - there is a small one in the new wing of the Phoenix Art Museum).

Later, I would learn that Rothko, who tragically died by suicide, was seeking to capture "spirituality" in his paintings. Well, I can only speak for myself, but, for me, there is God in those bold, unapologetic blocks of color whose edges bleed together like the sediment on canyon walls that can't help but respond to the effects of forces beyond their control.

Post-yoga treat (in my world): White chocolate bark with coconut, pistachios, orange zest and sage flowers

2010-06-06T19:25:00.000-07:00

One of the great things about the bulk of my yoga practice being a home practice (I'd love to get to class more than once a week, but between my work and family schedule, it's just not possible until the kids are older), is that I can make my practice exactly what I want and need, listen to whatever music I like and, occasionally, sit on my yoga mat after a great practice and eat something decadent and lovely. This dessert certainly fits that bill! I found this recipe on Deborah Madison's blog (the only thing I did different was use sage flowers in place of the lavender).

ps: I put this post under "Healthy Eating" - you decide -:)

Sweet, sattvic figs

2010-06-05T20:11:00.000-07:00

I love fresh figs - a good thing because according to Ayurvedic science, the sister science to yoga that considers the foods we eat a major contributor to our health and well-being, figs are a sattvic food. In Ayurveda, our diet should primarily consists of sattvic foods. These foods are fresh and light and help keep the mind clear.

Earlier this year, we planted a sweet, little white fig tree with a wish and a prayer that it would take off and survive the intense, Arizona summer heat. What a little gem of a tree it's proving to be - currently full of figs!

I love to cook, but as I've commented on this blog before, my cooking philosophy is that fresh, beautiful, wholesome foods need little adornment to taste wonderful. So, in honor of keeping sattvic foods simple, here's how I plan to make a meal out of my figs just as soon as they are ready. This recipe is a slight adaptation from Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone by Deborah Madison (winner of the James Beard and Julia Childs awards).

Arugula Fig Salad
2-3 handfuls arugula
10 fresh figs
1 shallot
Balsamic vinegar
Extra virgin olive oil
Raw, crushed walnuts or pecans
Shaved parmesan cheese
Fresh black pepper

Thinly slice one shallot and combine with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Toss arugula with half the dressing. Slice the figs into thin rounds. Arrange arugula in a large, shallow bowl (a rustic wooden bowl is wonderful, if you have one). Add figs on top of arugula and drizzle with remaining dressing. Sprinkle the crushed, raw walnuts or pecans and add shaved parmesan and fresh black pepper to taste. This pairs beautiful with a light, white wine.

The Velvet Underground & Josh Ritter - a really good mix

2010-05-30T20:20:00.000-07:00

I had a dream last night, I dreamt that I was swimming in the stars up above, directionless and drifting... Change of Time, Josh Ritter

There is nothing like crazy good music to breathe inspiration into my home yoga practice. This playlist is a mellow mix of The Velvet Underground (timeless, right) and Josh Ritter (can this guy write or what!?). It's just under 30 minutes, so I use it for a short practice or repeat it for a longer one.

Southern Pacifica, Josh Ritter
Oh! Sweet Nuthin', The Velvet Underground
Beginning to See the Light, The Velevet Underground
Some Kind of Love, The Velvet Underground
Beautiful Night, Josh Ritter
Change of Time, Josh Ritter

What's on your windowsill

2010-05-23T20:11:00.000-07:00

I once dreamed of a perfect house. I also dreamed about having kids someday. Well, as anyone who has kids knows, kids and a perfect house don't mix.

Today, I looked at my windowsill and immediately thought, "What a mess." Then I took a closer look and realized the contents of the windowsill were a perfect snapshot into my life at that very moment:

A jar filled with my daughter's hair accesories.
Ganesha, who always graces our kitchen window.
The potted flowers from my daughter for Mother's Day.
Half a packet of sweet corn that never made it into the garden due to my son's meltdown halfway through planting the other half.
The wooden, Polish box that my son loves to play with - it keeps him occupied just long enough for me to get dinner on the table.
The first two jalapenos from the garden picked just the night before.
A bowl of apricots from our neighbor's tree that I've been eating for breakfast every morning.
Hand sanitizer in an effort to keep us all from getting colds, flus, etc.

As one of my yoga teachers says, "Striving for perfection will put us quickly on the road to hell."

So, with that in mind, on second look at my windowsill, I guess it's a bit of a perfectly imperfect mess.

What's on your windowsill? And, how does it reflect your life right now?

A time to do and a time to be

2010-05-23T14:44:00.000-07:00

Clearly I am a very novice gardener - several months ago we planted our first artichoke plant and watched it grow and grow and grow. I had no idea what to expect, but I did expect to get at least one artichoke out of it. Yet, it just kept on growing, showing no signs of producing anything but enormous leaves that were taking over everything else around them, including the fledgling strawberries.

One morning I went out to the garden, looked at the gigantic plant and said, "So, are you just going to keep growing or what?" Perhaps shamed into "doing something," the very next day our first artichoke appeared. And, then another and another and another ... for weeks and weeks ...

Today, while watering the garden, I looked at the artichoke plant now in its final days of yielding nourishment and was reminded that sometimes things just have to get sturdy enough before they can "produce" anything - a process that takes time. There is also a time to rest and take a break from all that producing as our hard-working artichoke is about to do.

Amidst the very busy life phase I am in at present, my yoga practice is a constant refuge from the doingness of life, an opportunity to stop all the producing and just be.

My five As for everyday

2010-04-15T07:47:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I blogged here. Too long! And, I've missed my little blog with its small, but lovely following. Work has been crazy and the kids have been sick (don't they just always go together!). For awhile I wondered if I could continue doing it all. Here's what I've learned over the last few, crazier than usual weeks: So long as I remain dedicated to my yoga practices and implement the lessons and wisdom my teachers have provided me, I really can juggle all the roles and hats I wear in my life with some degree of grace (most days!). So, here's the top five things I've been trying to do daily to make sure yoga and other things I love are truly a part of each day.

1) Asana: Do at least 15 minutes of yoga every day and make it tailored exactly to what I need that day.
2) Attitude: Ask myself at least once a day if my actions are kind. The challenge with asking this question is that, yes, there are times the answer is "no," but it all starts with awareness, right?!
3) Awareness: Notice something beautiful each day. A couple days ago, it was the cat featured on this post, which our family saw on our evening walk.
4) Attune: Remember to breath deep into my belly and feel my feet on the ground at least once a day. A wonderful reminder from a fellow yoga teacher a few years ago as a simple, yet effective tool to get grounded quickly!
5) Act: Do something daily that I love and continues to move my life in the direction I want it to go.

Grace is fluid and the forecast is not always sunny

2010-03-10T18:55:00.000-08:00

"Of lakes I am the vast Ocean." Krishna, Bhagavad Gita

When I first started practicing and studying Anusara yoga, I learned about the concept of "opening to Grace." As I tend to do, I over-intellectualized the whole thing and was left stumped by what exactly Grace is or should be. Yet, despite all the "thinking," there was a small inner voice that kept saying not to worry, that Grace need not be neatly defined. That perhaps by defining it, it diminishes its magic and, well, Grace.

Funny how after you let go of trying to figure something out, things start to get clearer. So, once I let go of my effort to define Grace, sure enough Grace revealed herself to me one beautiful night on the edge of the Pacific Ocean (incidentally, my favorite place in the world to be). I remember closing my eyes to hear the Ocean and feel the salt air ... and, at that moment, I realized Grace is as fluid and deep as the Ocean—constantly changing forms, always manifesting, giving and receiving, wild and calm, overt and subtle, simple and complex, dark and light.

Sometimes I try to remember this when things get stormy. It helps me see that Grace is not always all about sunshine.

Humble offerings

2010-02-25T12:52:00.000-08:00

He who offers me with devotion only a leaf, or a flower, or a fruit, or even a little water, this I accept from that yearning soul, because with a pure heart it was offered with love.
The Bhagavad Gita, 9.26

Several weeks ago, my daughter and I planted the seeds for the carrots pictured here. Watching her check the carrots each week to see if they are "big enough" has been so sweet. This week's crop was the "hugest" yet! The bundle she is holding in her hand in this picture she asked me to cut up into "itty bitty pieces," steam and serve to her little brother. "He will like the carrots his sissy grew best," she said. All week I have held this image of her hand offering forth the carrots in my heart (I am so glad my camera was nearby and I could take this photograph). What a beautiful reminder it was to me that the most humble offerings given with love are the sweetest of all.

When I care, I cook

2010-02-24T18:47:00.000-08:00

When I care for people, I cook for them.

Last Sunday night, I had the good fortune to spend time with some friends who have taught me so much by the way they live their lives.

I wanted to bring something sweet, and relatively healthy, to the gathering as a token of my appreciation for each of them. So, earlier that day my daughter (my constant cooking companion) and I made gluten- and dairy-free sugar cookies (of course, half stayed home—four-year-olds don't give up their cookies easily!), but the other half made it to the event.

Here's the recipe. Enjoy!

Classic Sugar Cookies
(Makes about 24 small to medium cookies. These freeze great.)

1/2 lb vegan butter (2 sticks of Earth Balance)
2/3 c. turbinado sugar (you can get by with 1/2 c. if you want to lesson the sugar)
1 large egg (I've used two by accident a few times and it still works, just need to add a bit more flour)
1 tsp. vanilla, lemon or almond extract
1 1/2 -1 3/4 c. brown rice flour (extra for dusting dough and work surface)
2/3 c. cornstarch
2/3 c. potato starch
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. xanthan gum

Preheat oven to 350. Use Silpat baking sheet liners or line baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a mixer with a paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla and mix until just combined. In a separate bowl, combine remaining dry ingredients. In two batches, add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low until well combined. Scrap bowl as needed. Divide dough into two balls, flour each ball and work surface lightly. Working with one ball at a time, roll it out to 1/4 inch thick and cut shapes using favorite cookie cutters. Add sprinkles and bake for 10-12 minutes. Or, bake plain, allow to cool and and frost and decorate as desired.

Yogic qualities of an Olympian

2010-02-20T19:37:00.000-08:00

I admit it. I love the Olympics. Watching them these last several days made me realize how much the process to becoming an Olympian aligns with yoga philosophy.

First, it takes a whole lot of tapas (yogic word for fire, intensity, passion) to train day in and day out. Second, to become an athlete at that level, much study of one's sport is involved. In yoga, we call this adhikara (the willingness to always be a student/always willing to learn and evolve). Third, the path to the Olympics requires endless, sustained practice over a long period of time (abhyaasa in yoga). In my opinion, this last one is a big one. It's the "stick-to-itness" factor—the doing it even when it's hard, boring, not coming with ease or tiring.

So, while I can safely say I will never be an Olympic athlete, their path sure inspires me. Indeed, each of us has within us the ability to find our life's passion, study it intensely and practice, practice, practice.

Simmering in silence

2010-02-17T08:28:00.000-08:00

Sadhana is like a seed ... If you want it to germinate, you have to leave it in the soil. If you dig it up to show your friends and neighbors how it is progressing, it will not grow any further, it will die.
Swami Muktibodhananda, commentary, sloka 1.11, Hatha Yoga Pradipika

In a culture that places tremendous value on accomplishments that can readily be seen, I've always appreciated yoga's focus on our inner being and its journey. Often, as yogis, the most dramatic changes occur through dedicated practice and much simmering in silence.

Although in the context of private conversations, on two occasions I have shared with others something that happened to me during my yoga practices. Immediately, I felt the magic of the experience slip away. While I don't necessarily believe it's wrong to keep every aspect of our yoga experiences private, there are some moments that are likely best kept to oneself and allowed to continue unfolding in silence.

Co-creating

2010-02-14T13:07:00.000-08:00

If you have not seen this amazing talk by Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love, check it out. Yogis will love the Tantric theme of co-creating with the Divine. Happy Valentine's Day!

http://www.ted.com/talks/elizabeth_gilbert_on_genius.html

PS-Thanks, sis, for recommending this great video.

Chasing rainbows

2010-02-10T13:03:00.000-08:00

I love rainbows. I remember as a child (when children were allowed to run wild through their neighborhoods) chasing rainbows in search of their end.

Last week, a rainbow appeared in the late afternoon Phoenix sky just as I set out for a walk with my son. Without realizing it, I began to walk toward the rainbow and ended up at one of my favorite old Phoenix homes—an early 1900, two-story beauty with an old-fashioned sleeping porch, carriage house and huge front lawn.

I've stopped and admired this house dozens of times on my walks, secretly wishing I could live in it someday, even envisioning from which window a Christmas tree might peer out. On this day, the house looked particularly beautiful with the rainbow overhead, its end seeming to connect to the home's rooftop.

And, then suddenly right before my eyes, the rainbow began to fade. Feeling a bit like something had slipped between my fingertips, I turned and walked toward home, the rainbow at my back. As I walked home, I realized I'm a bit of a rainbow chaser—always thinking about what's next in my life, not always seeing the magic in the moment.

Yoga helps us learn to stay present with what is happening in our lives—whether it's rainbows or heartaches. Rainbows are the easy part; heartaches are what grow us the most!

No sweet potato for me

2010-02-05T12:17:00.000-08:00

The other day I made a baked sweet potato for lunch. Even though both kids had already had lunch, my daughter decided she wanted half and my son started clamoring for some, too. So, of course, wanting to capitilize on their desire to consume a super food, I gave them three-quarters of the sweet potato. Then, our dog, always willing to take food off the table in exchange for being "put away in the office," took a few chunks as well. In the end, I had about three bites.

So, even though we're just talking sweet potatoes here, what's a yogi to do when she doesn't get what she wants? Or, better yet, when someone else has what you want?

I'm not really sure I have the answer to this one totally figured out, but the whole situation did make me recall the words to one of my favorite songs by The Rolling Stones: "You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might get what you need."

Some of the hallmarks of yoga are in these lyrics: surrender, persistence, dedication and acceptance.

Anyway, I ended up eating a delicious bowl of homemade chicken, vegetable and brown rice soup and was just fine. And, as an added bonus, I knew my kids were so jammed packed with Vitamen A they might just turn orange.

Valentine strawberry shortcakes (gluten-free, dairy-free and still yummy!)

2010-02-03T11:41:00.000-08:00

Last weekend my daughter and I really wanted strawberry shortcakes. As I so often do, I pulled out my well-worn Joy of Cooking for a “base” recipe, which I then adjusted to make gluten- and dairy-free. Here’s the adjusted recipe. My daughter and I whipped these up in 30 minutes.

¾ c. brown rice flour
¼ c. potato starch
1 ¼ tsp. baking powder
¼ tsp. salt
1-2 tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. xantham gum
3 tbsp. vegan butter, cut into small pieces
½ c. plain rice milk

Combine first six ingredients. Cut in the butter using a pastry blender or two knives until mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add and fold in the rice milk with a spatula (do not over mix). Lightly flour hands and work surface with potato starch. Knead dough into ball and roll out ½” thick. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter cut out biscuits and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Continue to re-roll dough and cut hearts until gone. Bake at 450º for approximately 10-15 minutes. Serve warm with sliced strawberries.

*Makes about six, using a medium sized heart cookie cutter.

Inside there are flowers

2010-01-29T19:57:00.000-08:00

I've been reading The Secret Garden with my daughter. I chose The Secret Garden as our first novel to read together because of my daughter's innate connection with flowers.

Even before she could walk and talk, my little one was drawn to flowers. Now at the tender age of four, she knows the name of every flower she has ever held in her sweet, little hands. Roses, however, above all others, are her favorite.

A few days ago in our wonderful secret garden story, Mary Lennox— the story's sad, contrite, lonely little girl—found the key to the secret garden. Tonight, she found the door, and behind the door, hundreds and hudreds of what appeared to be dead roses.

"Will they come back alive," said my daughter. "Yes," I said. "You'll see, they'll come back more beautiful than ever."And, indeed they do, if you recall the story. But, they don't come back without a lot of hard work in the garden on Mary's part. And, oh how Mary changes as she begins to work that garden!

Much like the story of little Mary Lennox and the secret garden, our job as yogis is to find the key to our own, inner secret garden. Once we start to hang out in that space and do some work, what once may have seemed hidden and dark begins to come alive with color and light.

Kabir says . . .

Don't go outside your house to see flowers.
My friend, don't bother with that excursion.
Inside your body there are flowers.
One flower had a thousand petals.
That will do for a place to sit.
Sitting there you will have a glimpse of beauty
inside the body and out of it,
before gardens and after gardens.

What do the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and an artichoke have in common?

2010-01-15T19:33:00.000-08:00

Each year for the last few years, I've selected one of the sacred, yogic texts to spend the year with. Last year it was The Bhagavad Gita. There's no real process for how I make my selection—whatever keeps coming up intuitively is what I choose.

This year my heart is calling me to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. I've never read it, mostly because it seems like a big task. But, I've found that by allowing myself a full year in study and contemplation with one text, there is ample time to read slowly, reflect, circle back and re-read until the teachings begin to come alive.

And, come alive they do! Yet, rarely does the magic in the words reveal itself quickly or upon first reading.

It’s a process much like eating an artichoke: You slowly peel off one leaf at a time, eating the delicious skin of its underside, each leaf getting meatier and tastier until you reach the heart, where all is revealed.

The fourth cut is the deepest

2010-01-10T13:32:00.000-08:00

You know the old saying, "The first cut is the deepest?" Well, I don't think that saying applies to the reading of The Bhagavad Gita, at least not for me. The last few weeks I have spent a few minutes each night in communion with this beloved, sacred Yogic text (translation by Juan Mascaro). While I've read it a few times before, this fourth time around felt like reading it for the first time - the words sliced clean and clear deep into my heart.

Here are a few of the passages that really stood out for me this time around. I invite you to pick up The Gita and read or re-read it and see how and what it unfolds to you.

Arise like a fire that burns all before it. (2.3)

When the heart has found quietness, wisdom has also found peace. (2.65)

When the sage of silence, the Muni, closes the doors of his soul, and resting his inner gaze between the eyebrows, keeps peaceful and even the ebbing and flowing of breath; and with life and mind and reason in harmony, and with desire and fear and wrath gone, keeps silent his soul before final freedom, he in truth has attained final freedom. (5.27-28)

Yoga is a harmony, not for him who eats too much, or him who eats too little; not for him who sleeps too little, or for him who sleeps too much. (6.16)

When the mind of the Yogi is in harmony and finds rest in the Spirit within, all restless desires gone, then he is in Yukta, one with God. The his soul is a lamp whose light is steady, for it burns in a shelter where no winds come. (6. 18-19)

Let the seaker quietly lead the mind into Spirit, and let all his thoughts be silent. (6.25)

And the greatest of all Yogis is he who with all his soul has faith, and he who with all his soul loves me. (6.47)

The Spirit is the Kingdom of Light. (8.4)

Consider my sacred mystery: I am the source of all beings, I support them all, but I rest not in them. (9.5)

He who offers me with devotion only a leaf, or a flower, or a fruit, or even a little water, this I accept from that yearning soul, because with a pure heart it was offered with love. (9.26)

Know that whatever is beautiful and good, whatever has glory and power is only a portion of my own Radiance ... know that with one single fraction of my Being I pervade and support the Universe, and know that I AM. (10.41-42)

If the light of a thousand suns suddenly arose in the sky, that splendour might be compared to the radiance of the Supreme Spirit. (11.12)

The body, Arjuna, is called the field ... know that I am the Knower in all the fields of my creation ... those with the eye of inner vision see the distinction between the field and the knower of the field, and see the liberation of Spirit from matter, they go into the Supreme. (13.1,2, 34)

Hast thou heard these words, Arjuna, in the silent communion of the soul? Has the darkness of thy desolution been dispelled by thine inner Light? (Krishna, 18.72). By thy grace I remember my Light, and now gone is my delusion. My doubts are not more, my faith is firm; and now I can say 'Thy will be done.' (Arjuna, 18.73)

An old-fashioned love story

2010-01-04T22:14:00.000-08:00

"In your love, my salvation lies." Alexi Murdoch, lyrics from Orange Sky

I am beginning to think I don't have much of a head for philosophy, even though I enjoy studying it very much. Finally, after reading The Bhagavad Gita for the fourth time, I see that it's a love story! Yes, an old-fashioned love story between the Divine and mankind.

Tonight as I did my asana practice, I played Alexi Murdoch's beautiful song, Orange Sky, letting it loop around several times. The above lyrics struck me as so beautiful and deeply connected to the teachings of The Bhavagad Gita: Love for and connection to the Divine is where true happiness resides.

Playlist for fellow Franti fans

2010-01-03T18:44:00.000-08:00

I was born botanical, the soul of an animal. Deep beneath the layers, I sink my roots. No need for mechanical, I come strictly organical. When I need to feast, I look to the East.
(Michael Franti, lyrics from Skin on a Drum)

I'm a huge Michael Franti fan. I love his voice and overall vibe to his music, but mainly I love the messages to his songs. Franti, a Jivamukti yogi, always reflects some of the juiciest teachings of Yoga in his music – mainly livin' from a place of light and love. Below is a playlist of Franti tunes that is one of my all time favorite practice playlists. It's short, just 30 minutes – great for days (like today for me!) when a quick practice will have to do.

Skin on a Drum
Nobody Right, Nobody Wrong
One Step Closer to You
Say Hey (I Love You)
I Got Love for You
See You in the Light
Is Love Enough

Simple is simply the best

2009-12-20T11:55:00.000-08:00

I love to cook, but I've learned over the years (mostly from cooking mishaps) that using whole, fresh foods and keeping recipes simple with a few key herbs, spices or other additions is usually best.

Below is a super easy and surprisingly delicious recipe that I took as a side dish to a party last night. I love squash and the combination of lemon, thyme and pepper is so basic, but so yummy!

2 butternut squash - skinned, seeded and cut into pieces
Juice of 1 lemon
3-4 TB fresh thyme (roughly chopped)
2-4 TB extra virgin olive oil (just eyeball it and use enough to coat the squash)
Freshly ground pepper to taste

Toss squash with lemon, thyme, pepper and olive oil in a roasting pan. Cover with foil and roast for 45 min. or until tender (you may want to check it and give it a stir once or twice while cooking). For the last 5 minutes, uncover, and turn on the broiler (this just browns up the edges a bit). Add a bit more pepper, if desired.

Enjoy!

Tejas in the house

2009-12-09T22:03:00.000-08:00

Last night I celebrated seven years of teaching at the same location. Many of the students who attend the class now are the very same folks that started with me seven years ago. Oh, how we've grown together!

Teaching last night, I was especially grateful for the Tantric principle of looking for the good first. I recall when I first learned this principle, thinking it was naive and impossible. Yet, teaching last night, I realized that seeing the good in each student first has become the primary lens through which I teach.

It's not that I don't notice misalignments in the postures and work collaboratively with students to address them, with the aim of helping them enjoy yoga to the fullest. But, it's honestly not the first thing I see. A quality of inner brightness or "tejas" is what I see first. We've all seen this - think of the light in a child's eyes that seems to come from deep within (and, indeed, it does).

Last night, midway through class, I looked around the room and had to pause in gratitude. Each student stood in mountain pose, hands at heart, eyes closed - tejas was in the house!

Memory and presence

2009-12-05T21:42:00.000-08:00

I just finished reading the last poem in W.S. Merwin's extraordinary newest book, The Shadow of Sirius. I am not certain if there is anything more beautiful than the words on those pages—no wonder he got the Pulitzer for this one!

Now in his early eighties, there is wisdom here. Yet, what struck me so profoundly about this body of work is that while each poem is unique in its subject matter, each shares the theme of remembrance.

Merwin's poems don't speak about what he's done in his life or what he's been; they speak about what he's experienced. And, because he writes like a man who has walked with awareness, there is deep clarity and tenderness reflected.

As I finished the final poem, I was reminded of what drew me to Yoga so many years ago: The practice of Yoga is an invitation to fully experience life—to be awake and present to what is really happening right here and now. It was a good reminder.

In thanks for embodiment

2009-11-25T12:30:00.000-08:00

One of the great contributions of Tantric yoga philosophy is the view that the human body is sacred and is a gift. In Georg Feuerstein's masterpiece book on Tantric yoga, Tantra: The Path of Ecstasy, he notes one Sanskrit word for body is sharīra, whose root is shri (resplendence).

As you celebrate Thanksgiving, take a moment to reflect on this precious gift of embodiment—and what a gift it is with all its ups and downs and in-betweens. How good it is to be alive!

In praise of slow

2009-11-17T19:30:00.000-08:00

A few weekends ago, I snapped this photo of my daughter setting up a sweet little Sunday morning "flower tea" as our family sat on the front porch watching the world go by. Sunday mornings are my favorite time of the week because it's a time when the world still seems to unplug just a bit. As we sat on the porch, we observed a man riding by on a bike with his dog running alongside him, an elderly couple holding hands, a few kids on scooters laughing and folks leisurely golfing (without carts) on the course across the street from our house. Everyone seemed to be slowing it down, and it was lovely to witness.

In praise of slowing it down, here are a few Web resources I've found full of good tips on slow living:

Slow Family Living: A great site for families (with or without kids) to gain tips on how to integrate the slow living movement into family life.
Alice Waters: Chef, author and the proprietor of Chez Panisse - and one of my cooking heroes. Waters is a pioneer of a culinary philosophy that maintains that cooking should be based on the finest and freshest seasonal ingredients that are produced sustainably and locally. Her website is gorgeous!
Slow Food: A non-profit, eco-gastronomic member-supported organization to counteract fast food and fast life, the disappearance of local food traditions and people’s dwindling interest in the food they eat, where it comes from, how it tastes and how our food choices affect the rest of the world.
The Slow Movement: Aims to address the issue of 'time poverty' through making connections.

Meditation in movement

2009-11-10T19:16:00.000-08:00

"My mind is empty, my body is like the vaste expanse of sky." (Source: Unknown)

I learned this meditation from one of my teachers. Try mentally repeating it while you do asana practice, particularly when holding poses and breathing deeply. I'm not sure the source of these words, and I've searched high and low. So, if anyone knows the source, please let me know.

Endless variety

2009-11-07T19:03:00.000-08:00

Today my daughter and I went treasure hunting at one of my favorite secondhand stores. Among our finds was a bag of vintage marbles. When we got home, we filled up a bucket of soapy water on the patio, washed up those lovely marbles and layed them out to dry in the Arizona sun.

As we waited for them to dry, we had quite a conversation. My daughter observed how some marbles were smaller than others, some had multiple colors, some were almost entirely clear with just a splash of color and some were nearly all white.

Looking at those beautiful marbles reminded me of the yogic principle of recognizing and respecting our differences. Much like marbles, we all share so much in common, yet the colors of each heart are unique. I posted this quote from the Śiva Sūtras once before, but it bears repeating as it's a good one!

“If the Highest Reality did not manifest in infinite variety, but remained cooped up within its solid, singleness, it would neither be the Highest Power nor Consciousness, but something like a jar.” Śiva Sūtras

Slow and juicy - practice and playlist

2009-10-30T13:20:00.000-07:00

Often after a long, challenging day (like yesterday!), I like to seriously slow my practice down by listening to some mellow, bluesy music and doing a slightly different style of practice from my norm - a mix of flow and holds. Here’s the practice (more or less), followed by the playlist.

Practice (about 45 minutes):
10 or so minutes of slow flow, focusing on long, fluid, yet rather simple movements connected to the breath.
5-7 minutes or so of hip openers held for a minute or more each.
15 minutes of more complex standing poses, emphasizing lengthy holds and full, deep breathing. Usually includes at least one deep standing twist to wring out the day!
5 or so minutes of full backbends held for 30 seconds to a minute each. I like to do the pose in its basic form and use the longer holds to refine alignment and breathe into tight spots. Sometimes I do a few backbend pushups – if I’m feeling motivated!
A seated twist or two.
Finale sequence (This may be my all-time favorite forward bend/twist mix): pachimottanasana, parivritta pachimottanasana to one side, pachimottanasana, parivritta pachimottanasana to the other side, pachimottanasana one last time (often a long hold of up to 3 minutes).
Legs up the wall for relaxation.

Playlist (45 minutes)
Slow Dancing In A Burning Room - John Mayer
Spoiled - Joss Stone
Searching - Erykah Badu
Since I Fell For You - Nina Simone
To Love You All Over Again - Madeleine Peyroux
Quelqu’un M’a Dit - Carla Bruni
Skin On the Drum - Micheal Franti & Spearhead
All The Way Down - Glen Hansard
Lullaby - Dixie Chicks
Gravity - Sara Bareilles
Hallelujah (Live at Bearsville) - Jeff Buckley

Soup saga

2009-10-25T16:46:00.000-07:00

10PM: Got a craving for Mediterranean White Bean Soup. Did not want to stay up for three to four hours to babysit soup. So, threw everything in the slow cooker and went to bed.

2AM: Awoke to the most magnificent smell - fresh sage, thyme, parsley and garlic bubbling away in the cooker. Well, what actually woke me up was the sound of the lid jiggling around from all the activity inside the pot. Got up, gave it a stir, tested it out (it needed more sage and pepper). Turned it to warm; went back to bed.

4:30AM: Woke up to husband saying, “I’ve gotten up with him every morning for a week.” (Well, not entirely true.). Like clockwork, baby boy up for his morning feeding. An hour later, he’s back in bed. I’m wide-awake.

5:30AM: Went outside, breathed in the day, picked more thyme from the garden. Went back inside, ladled up a bowl of soup, added fresh thyme. Ate for breakfast – really good!

7AM: Had a second bowl of soup; reflected on what an odd, but interesting night it had been.

Here’s the recipe (generously adapted from the All New Joy of Cooking, which I happen to think is a god among cookbooks!):

1c. dry white beans
veggie broth and/or water to cover beans 3" in slow cooker (I like to use 1/2 broth, 1/2 water)
8 cloves garlic (run through garlic press)
1/2 c. diced tomatoes with juices (fresh or canned)
1/4 c. fresh parsley
1/8 c. fresh sage
3-4 TB fresh thyme
salt and pepper to taste

Throw it all in the slow cooker. I like to put the cooker on slow setting for about 8-10 hours. Enjoy - great with a salad and crusty bread!

Home yoga practice playlist

2009-10-17T15:36:00.000-07:00

I have so many playlists on my iPod that I use for my home yoga practice. So, while I know music is very personal, I thought others might also like some of the music I enjoy during my yoga practice. In the spirit of sharing great music, here's the first of several playlists. This one features three songs by the amazing Trevor Hall, who I've been listening to a lot lately.

All playlists can be found under the category "Yoga and Music."

Happiness - The Fray
Chasing Pavements - Adele
The Lime Tree - Trevor Hall
Banana Pancakes - Jack Johnson
I Got Love for You - Michael Franti & Spearhead
Diamonds on the Inside - Ben Harper
Jago Ma - Trevor Hall
Spinning Around Over You - Lenny Kravitz
Unity - Trevor Hall
Krishna Dub - MC Yogi (feat. Sharon Gannon)
Roses & Cigarettes - Ray Lamontagne
Mr. Bojangles - Bob Dylan
Bridge Over Troubled Water - Quincy Coleman
Purnamadah - Shantala

(Duration: 1 Hour)

Bring on the bliss

2009-10-15T08:52:00.000-07:00

Before I had my two children, I was an avid, amateur photographer (and had even sold a few images!). I don't know that I was all that good at it, but I really loved taking pictures. After the birth of my children, I still took photos, but not like I used to. While certainly a worthy subject matter, the photos were mostly of the kids. Until I started this blog, I had forgotten how much I enjoyed using my camera as a way to see the world differently, literally through a new lens.

For some years now, I have photographed with a Nikon D70 and Speedlight SB-800. Yet, during the height of my photo-taking days, I loved to shoot with a beautiful, old Mamiya RB67. Pictured here, what a beauty this camera is – totally old school: all metal, heavy as a rock, a real workhorse.

The point here is that picking up a camera again to photograph whatever happens to catch my eye has brought me a lot of joy. And, in many ways, that’s what yoga is all about – finding your bliss.

So, head out today and do something that makes your heart sing. Don’t worry if it’s practical or not – taking pictures of pinecones and banana bread certainly isn’t, but for some reason it makes me happy.

Attitude. Alignment. Action.

2009-10-12T06:13:00.000-07:00

The three A's of Anusara Yoga are Attitude, Action and Alignment. My daughter made these "Pinecone Flower People" this weekend. When I saw them, for some reason or other, I instantly thought of the three A's.

Attitude: In Anusara yoga, attitude could be summed up as setting our intention to open to grace. Students new and old to Anusara yoga often ask the question, "What is grace?" Each of us will have a unique and perfect response to this question. And, it's a question worthy of much reflection, I believe. To me the idea of opening to grace correlates beautifully to a Sanskrit word I learned recently - Śāhasa, which means a sudden, unexpected happening ... idea of sudden spontaneous flash of Divine Self. Each of us has experienced such moments. They often occur during the most simple and pure experiences of our lives. Anusara yoga simply asks us to soften and be on the lookout to receive these moments again and again.

Alignment: In Anusara yoga, great focus is placed on good physical alignment of the body. From a practical standpoint, we do this not only to stay safe in our practice, but also to create greater physical health in the body. On a more subtle level, when the physical body is aligned, energy can flow more freely through it. We create the container to hold grace.

Action: Having to do with dedication, Action follows Attitude and Alignment for good reason. Our Attitude and Alignment create the foundation for not just our yoga practice, but also for our lives - strengthening our ability to act with clarity, focus, flow and compassion. Not an easy task, for sure!

Why I love yoga - the short list

2009-10-08T23:04:00.000-07:00

1. Moments of authentic bliss, once few and far between, are now more frequent.

2. Yoga reminds me that perceived failure might actually be profound growth.
3. However I feel – happy, sad, angry, joyful, heavy or light – yoga meets me where I am.
4. No need to be perfect – In yoga, I just have to show up and do the work.
5. Yoga has taught me there is no sweeter place than the stillness of my own heart.

Me in the moon and the moon in me

2009-10-04T15:00:00.000-07:00

Did you see the moon last night? It was so full and bright! As we often do when the moon is full, my daughter and I spread out a blanket in the backyard, looked at the moon and chatted about the day. Just before we went in she asked me, "Is God in the moon?" "Yes," I said. "Then, the moon is in me," she said. Later that night, I read these words:

As great as the infinite space beyond is the
space within the lotus of the heart, Both
heaven and earth are contained in that inner
space, both fire and air, sun and moon,
lightening and stars. Whether we know it
in this world or know it not, everything is
contained in that inner space.
Chandogya Upanishad

Which jar? The old or the new?

2009-09-27T10:59:00.000-07:00

Two things I always make time for no matter how busy my life gets are my yoga practice and reading. My love of books borders on obsession, and my taste is all over the place. At any given time, I have between eight to ten books on my nightstand of which I am somewhere between the first and last chapters of every one.

Last night I went to select a book off the tower beside my bed and found myself vacillating between two books: the Śiva Sūtras and The New Rules of Marketing and PR by David Meerman Scott. I paused, wondering how I could be equally drawn to two such radically different books at once.

One book, the Śiva Sūtras, is so chock full of ancient, timeless wisdom on ultimate reality and liberation that I’ve been working to get through it for almost two years. The other book, The New Rules of Marketing and PR, is full of lessons rooted in the present written by an incredible thought leader.

Just like these books, as a modern yoga practitioner, I often feel presented with a choice: Besides my own heart, where is the best place to look to for guidance—the old or the new? As soon as I heard the question, I heard the words of one of my teachers, “It doesn’t have to be either/or.”

So, I selected to spend five minutes finishing the chapter on podcasts in Scott’s great book. Then I opened up the Śiva Sūtras and was offered this bit of wisdom: “If the Highest Reality did not manifest in infinite variety, but remained cooped up within its solid, singleness, it would neither be the Highest Power nor Consciousness, but something like a jar.”

From knowledge and inspiration found online to offline, past or present, simple or complex, its forms are varied, many and all of value.

A little bit of sweetness makes the world go 'round

2009-09-25T13:31:00.000-07:00

My daughter and I made a sweet, new version of banana bread today. Sometimes when I play around with recipes they end-up a total flop. This one, however, all came together surprisingly well. Substituting oat and millet flour for regular flour and turbinado sugar for refined, it's a relatively healthy treat. Since it's Friday, we went for chocolate chips, but carob chips would also be a great option. You could add walnuts as well.

Here's the recipe. If you try it, please let me know what you think.

Whisk together:
1 1/3 c. oat and millet flour (equal parts each)
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. baking powder

In a large bowl, beat on high:
5 1/2 TB butter
2/3 c. turbinado sugar

Slowing add 2 eggs to above.

Gradually add flour mixture to above mixture until fully combined. (Note: do not over mix.)

Fold in two overripe and fully mashed bananas and 1/2 c. organic chocolate chips.

Cook at 350° until done.

Happy eating - My daughter and I found this to die for warm with the chips still gooey!

What was I thinking?

2009-09-23T12:56:00.000-07:00

It arrived last week – A Sanskrit English Dictionary by M. Monier Williams. Mind you, this is not just any old Sanskrit English dictionary. Never one to do things halfway, I ordered the motherload of Sanskrit English dictionaries – the one all the reviews said was the “must have” for a serious student of Yoga. I’m serious, right? Well, let’s just say this book will test that theory.

Since last week, I have sat with it on my desk, only opened once since I pulled it out of its brown UPS box. I am completely intimated, which is really quite scary, seeing as I work with words for a living.

I finally opened it today, and here was the word that jumped off the page – "Khyana," which means, “collecting or gathering (only for present needs).”

Well, I thought, “What do I need to gather right now to overcome my fear of diving into this truly extraordinary book?” I took a big, deep breath and turned the page. The word "Prasara" met me. I read the first definition. Ah … how fitting … “going forwards.”

PS: I was accidentally sent two copies (as if one weren’t enough!). Note to any of my Phoenix friends seeking a 1,300+ page Sanskrit English dictionary: Give me a call. I’m pretty certain I only need one copy.

Spreading the light and love

2009-09-17T13:46:00.000-07:00

My husband and I went down to Tucson last night to see Michael Franti and Spearhead in concert. What a great, fun show. As always, Franti was spreading the light and love and was amazing. A big surprise was the opening act, who totally blew me away - a young guy, but obviously an old soul and yogi at heart, named Trevor Hall. Check him out at http://www.trevorhallmusic.com/.

Here is a taste of his lyrics. Kabir is one of his influences. You gotta love that!

"My strength comes from the river. The Eternal River. A transcendent sight. Maintain internal heights. To see the transcendent being. Must keep both hands clean. Keep my heart light. Maintain internal heights."
(Song: Internal Heights)

Yoga to the People

2009-09-14T14:32:00.000-07:00

I have always loved this yoga manifesto by a group of yogis who clearly "get it." I often pull it out and read it when I'm feeling a bit down and out about life, my yoga practice or teaching. It always lifts my spirits and reminds me of what the practice is really about: in yoga, all are welcome!

There will be no correct clothes
There will be no proper payment
There will be no right answers
No glorified teachers
No ego no script no pedestals
No you're not good enough or rich enough
This yoga is for everyone
This sweating and breathing and becoming
This knowing glowing feeling
Is for the big small weak and strong
Able and crazy
Brothers sisters grandmothers
The mighty and meek
Bones that creak
Those who seek
This power is for everyone
Yoga to the People
All bodies rise

©Yoga To The People, 2005

Silence cures all

2009-09-08T19:44:00.000-07:00

Sometimes life is truly serendipitous. For several days, I have been struggling with a challenging decision. While I knew I was getting close to an answer, I was still uncertain about the best course of action.

Then, I received two emails: The first, an e-newsletter written by Rod Stryker, a teacher I enjoy studying with as often as I can. In it he quoted the Vedas – “silence cures all” – and went on to state in his own words, “For the yogi, silence is the doorway to the treasures of the Eternal.” The second email featured the Sanskrit word swasthya, which means “established in oneself,” the Self that can only be accessed via silence.

Was the universe sending me an age-old message via modern technology? I think so! So, I made time for some deep silence. I’m not saying the decision then became an easy one. No matter what I chose, something would have to be given up. However, my decision did become clearer after finding time for stillness.

It’s simple, yet true: silence is, always has been and forever will be the key.

Aging begins in the feet

2009-09-04T20:48:00.000-07:00

According to Chinese medicine, aging begins in the feet. As we get older, many of us literally “lose the spring in our step,” says Nischala Joy Devi in her book The Healing Path of Yoga. Problems in the feet can affect the ankles, knees, hips and lower back. Yoga is a great tool for keeping our feet strong and supple. In fact, the most foundational pose of yoga – Samasthithi (equal standing) or Mountain pose – is the starting point for good alignment and health in our feet.

Here are a few yoga tips and tricks for youthful feet:

Four corners: In yoga, each foot has four corners – two corners are at the top of the heel on the outside and inside edges; the other two corners are on the outside and inside of the ball of the foot. Stand on your feet. Look at your feet and bring them sitting bone distance apart (this is slightly narrower than hip width) and parallel to one another. Now, try to place equal weight on each corner of the foot. Practice this whenever you can and soon it will become habit. Most of us have a tendency to place more weight in one or more corners. Notice your tendencies and focus on equality through each corner.

Finding space: Come to standing again with the feet sitting bone distance apart and parallel to one another. Then leave your right heel on the floor and lift the rest of the foot off the floor just a bit. Without moving the heel, from the back corners of your feet, lenthen your foot forward through the ball and toes. You may only be able to lenghthen a very tiny amount, which is normal. Now, place the mound of your big toe down and begin to lenthen from that point to the little toe mound (this is the transverse arch). Gently release the toes to the floor – try to release them one at a time. Repeat on the other side. Now find the equality between the four corners again. This action will eventually create more space in the feet, leading to a more supportive foundation for your whole body.

Foot and ankle shake: Sit on the floor or in a chair. Place one foot on the opposite thigh. Weave your right fingers through your left toes (There will be some tight spots: Don’t force your fingers too much; the feet will open up with practice). Once you’ve woven your fingers and toes together, shake the foot forward and back and then circle it around in both directions a few times. Spread your toes wide to release the fingers. Repeat on the opposite foot. This is one of my all-time favorite ways to work the feet. It’s accessible to almost everyone and it’s a great thing to do everyday. If you’re feet or ankles feel stiff in the moring, do this before you get out of bed.

The Lovely List features The Milkweed Project

2009-09-04T07:20:00.000-07:00

The Milkweed Project (a large art collaboration that my lovely sister Shan Bryan-Hanson is working on) was featured on The Lovely List yesterday. The unique variety of things featured on this blog make it a worthwhile blog stop. The fact that The Lovely List gives away one cruiser bike per month is icing on the cake. Check it out at http://www.thelovelylist.com/2009/09/the-milkweed-project.html. Also, learn more about The Milkweed Project and how you can contribute.

Change your life - Anusara Immersions

2009-09-03T09:34:00.000-07:00

There are a few events in each of our lives that change us forever: That teach us about who we are and how to become more fully who we already are; that invite us to dive into life with enthusiasm and joy; and live without fear and reservation. Anusara Immersions with Meg Byerlein, BSN, CYI, E-RYT, Certified Anusara® Instructor, have been such events for me. A few weeks ago I completed the second of the three series of Immersions, and wish I could do it all over again - I guess I'll just have to wait for Immersion III! If you are or have ever contemplated doing an Anusara Immersion, I invite you to learn more about it. Anusara Immersion I begins at Desert Song Yoga in Phoenix, AZ on September 11th.

Today is a day to go deeper

2009-09-01T21:39:00.000-07:00

Mid-way through my practice, I slide my right knee toward my corresponding wrist. I bow forward and fill-in my waistline with breath. Firmly anchoring my tailbone toward the earth and drawing my outer edges to my physical and spiritual midline, I walk my hands back and come upright. For a moment I pause – eyes closed – waiting to feel the intelligence of my body answer the question, “What next?” Pause. Breathe. Settle. I outstretch my arms and bend into them like a great Saguaro cactus. Hips down, heart up, I arch back and pull my elbows toward my waistline. Pause. Breathe. Settle. Then, with the ease of water, my arms flow down by my sides, fingertips reaching toward the earth. From the back of my heart, I lift to the sky. Today is a day to go deeper.

Tingsha bell thief

2009-09-01T19:42:00.000-07:00

Every so often the Tingsha bells from my meditation alter go missing. The Tingsha bell thief is my daughter, who likes to use them to “ding” her “kids” (a.k.a. about 20 stuffed animals) out of sleeping angel, otherwise known as Savasana, at the end of her pretend yoga classes.

You will never encounter a bossier yoga teacher than my daughter. And, it’s a real trip to be her student of which, along with the “kids,” I am often one. We usually start on all fours with her pulling me by the hair back and forth into cat/cow. Next comes downward-facing dog, where she proceeds to hang yoga straps all over me like a Christmas tree. A bit odd, but at least I get to linger in dog before being asked to stand on my head so she can put legos on my feet. In her class, it’s headstand right into sleeping angel. Ouch! I beg for a child’s pose. Sometimes I get one and can even convince her to sit on my hips.

Finally, the pièce de résistance: While in sleeping angel, my daughter massages my feet. And, if I’m lucky, the class concludes with a kiss on the cheek and an “I love you, Mommy.”

This little story is all to say it’s worth Tingsha bells gone missing.

Hridaya

2009-08-31T09:16:00.000-07:00

Hridaya is the Sankrit word for heart. Georg Feuerstein writes in Tantra: the path of ecstasy that the human heart, according to age-old spiritual tradition, is the seat of consciousness. “The heart is the gateway to the Heart,” conveying the truth of who we really are. Yoga at its deepest level is about uncovering our true nature and living more from the heart. By diving into the mystery of our own hearts, we can playfully explore and unfold our unique gifts. When we move from true authenticity, the rest will fall into place.

Taproot

2009-08-30T13:52:00.000-07:00

Main Entry: tap·root
Pronunciation: \-,rüt -,rut\

Function: noun
Etymology: tap
Date: 1601
1 : a primary root that grows vertically downward and gives off small lateral roots
2 : the central element or position in a line of growth or development
(Webster.com)

Like that first tentative, yet decisive taproot that reaches into the earth to create a foundation, the taproots of our yoga practice are the support from which everything else unfolds. For most of us, including myself, we come into yoga through the physical practice. We learn to create the foundation of our poses through our feet, hands or pelvis – whatever parts of our bodies connect to the earth in the various poses. We learn to root down through these points, so we can then rise up with strength, clarity and stability; much like a well-rooted tree.

Sometimes in our practice, our taproot gets disturbed and we have to rebuild it. After the birth of both of my children, I had to work hard to find the stability and strength in my practice again. Other times in our practice, the locus of our taproot changes. While my physical yoga practice is still very important, the central element now is more the stillness I find in meditation.

There is no right or wrong place to grow that first taproot. It will be different for each of us. And, it will change over time.

What does the idea of a yogic taproot mean to you?

5 ways to inspire your home practice

2009-08-29T20:55:00.000-07:00

I love practicing yoga at home on my own. I equally love going to class in community with others. However, because the majority of my yoga practice occurs at home, due mainly to having two small children, I’ve experimented a lot with ways to keep my home practice fresh and inspired. Here are a few simple ideas. Please share your own ideas for an inspired home practice as well. This way we can all learn from one another.

Repeat, Repeat, Repeat
Pick a pose, any pose. Do a short warm-up. Come into your chosen pose. Do a few sun salutations. Come into the pose again. Take downward-facing dog. Do your pose again; notice what’s shifted and changed. Do a few standing poses. Take the pose again – this time take it to the edge a bit more. Experiment liberally with the pose, no one’s watching! Finish your practice with some twists and forward bends and then rest or meditate a bit.

Have a Default Practice
When I first started teaching, I had one all-purpose class sequence memorized cold for those times when I was feeling uninspired or just plain scared. Similarly, for my home practice, when I’m feeling stuck, I have a short sequence of poses I turn to often to help get me started. Sometimes these old standards serve as my entire practice, when short on time. However, usually after moving through them, inspiration kicks in and a juicier practice unfolds.

Attend the Classes of Really Good Teachers
Take at least one class a week with the best teacher you can find. Try to remember one or two new things you learned that you really liked. Then sprinkle those things into your home practice for the week.

Please, Break the Rules
I had an English teacher that once said after you’ve learned the rules of grammar really well you can respectfully break them. I think the same is true of yoga. And, what better place to experiment with unusual sequencing, a new take on a pose or making up something new all together than in your own body in your own practice. Always be safe, honor what you know and keep a good foundation, but don’t be afraid to try something new.

Bring on the Music
This is a pretty obvious one, but a few great tunes always help inspiration kick in. Let yourself get completely lost in the music, movement and breath. The best part about using music in your home practice is that you can choose anything you like. You don’t have to worry if you are the only one in the world who likes a playlist of jazz, reggae, folk, yoga chants and hip hop all mixed together – it’s your show!

My mala, your mala our mala

2009-08-28T20:03:00.001-07:00

A collection of malas, including one of my own, lay on the alter. That night as I did my practice, one bead at a time, I could not distinguish between my mala and the others. Whose mala was whose? How many beads? One-hundred-and-eight? A billion-and-eight? There are knots in between each bead, but beyond that, there is no separation.

Why this blog?

2009-08-28T19:48:00.000-07:00

First, let me thank the great yoga master Mr. Iyengar for the title for this blog. The words “pose” and “repose” appear in Iyengar’s book The Tree of Yoga in his discussion on asana (the physical practice of yoga), which he refers to as the branches of a tree. He says, “Pose” is the action and “Repose” the reflection. In my own practice, I interpret his words to involve the process of moving into a yoga pose or practice and then getting still for a moment and feeling what is really happening. Then, from a place of deep intelligence and integrity, we make choices: stay where we are; go deeper; change something; get out; or, just completely let go. Most importantly, we reflect on what the experiences teach us about who we are and how we are changing from deep within.

In my day job as a communications professional working in the public health arena, I write and edit a lot. Yet, my work has never offered me the opportunity to write in a structured way about anything personal. In truth, up until now, I have not wanted to write about my life or deep love of yoga. It has felt too personal to do so. Yet, after much “repose,” I realize that my passion for yoga needs a more public venue – a bit more of a voice, if you will. Yoga has been a part of my life for over a decade. In many ways, I feel like one of the lucky few to have found this practice that has nourished, challenged and changed me. So, I’d like to write a bit about it and offer some thoughts here on this blog.

Equally, I want to hear from others whose lives have been irrevocably shaped and changed by yoga, or touched in any way by the practice. One thing yoga has taught me for sure, is that we are all more alike than different. That there is a thread, or “sutra,” that links us all together in the most ordinary and extraordinary ways.

So, let’s begin! I’ll share a little. You share a little. And, we’ll see what happens. If my experiences with yoga are any indication, something magical might just occur.