Yoga is not just stretching!

Oh my goodness, the more I learn the more I realize how little I know. In all aspects of my life, but right now specifically about Yoga.

Yoga involves a lot of stretching, but it is not just about flexibility. Yoga involves strength, but it's not just a workout. Yoga involves breath work, relaxation, learning to be present, compassion for self and others, awareness, and so much more.

I recently read an article by Ganga White, "Standing Upon the Shoulders of the Past". One paragraph stood out to me. Ganga says:

One of the more valuable things I've learned is to listen to and trust is the intelligence of the body. After all it is millions of years old, which give it seniority to tradition! When I have been climbing mountains...I adjust my Yoga to a softer and more stretching practice which balances the tightening. If the body has been more sedentary I find that a more flowing, vigorous asana practice seems to "happen". There can be many ways to practice asana....

I'm learning BodhiFlow, an energizing evolution of Yoga Vinyasa; BodhiYin, a yummy healing and restorative practice; and soon BodhiSpin, a gentle blend of Kundalini style yoga. Along with Pranayama (breath practice) and Meditation. A grand adventure at Bodhi Yoga.

Becoming Ourselves

As part of my Yoga Training at Bodhi Yoga, I recently read a wonderful and thought provoking article, Yoga as Self-Transformation, by Joel Kramer. Yoga Journal, May/June 1980. 

Joel talks about how "for thousands of years yoga has been a tool to open the mind and body, bringing transformation". (I love moments of clarity that bring pure enlightment, and there are so many thoughts in this article that produced "Ahas" for me). He points out that "the transformation that yoga brings makes you more yourself and opens you up to loving with greater depth". 

I have been thinking about this. Have you noticed that we often refer to babies as being "perfect"? We instinctively know that they come into this world in purity and perfection, "trailing clouds of glory" as William Wordsworth describes in Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Chhildhood.  Children see life, nature, others, through pure eyes that still hold the magic of understanding their own divinity. But life happens, and we forget. We become jaded, burdened and hardened, our cares take up all our bandwidth and we no longer notice the beauty and magic of life.  How wonderful to have the yoga path to help us shed what we don't need and become more ourselves, to wake up once again to the magic of life and be able to enjoy it!

Then automatically we love with greater depth, because the more we realize our divinity, the more we recognize it in others. But that's a topic for another day. 

YOGA Post 2

I love to try new things and am sometimes overly confident about my abilities.

I don't know how to sew, but I decided to make a shirt for my husband many years ago. In fact I made two. With some help. They are great costume pieces my sons have worn. Recently I decided to make a jacket...I needed a lot of help to complete it. I realize I like to jump into things and figure out the "how to" during the process, rather than waiting till I know how to do what ever it is I'm doing.

Now yoga. I decided I could start teaching, after just a few weeks of studying. After all, I have been doing yoga for many years... Luckily my first class was for just one person, a sweet and supportive friend, so it turned out alright, but it was more difficult than I expected. Probably because I didn't make a specific enough plan. During the class I had to remind myself that I am an actor and could certainly act like a yoga teacher. Next week I will do better.

Eventually my skill will catch up to my confidence.

Thank you, Mandi, for doing yoga with me. And thank you, Syl, for your wisdom and for the wonderful Bodhi Yoga studio.

YOGA Week 1

I have been doing Yoga for nearly 20 years. A few years ago I began to consider getting certified as a Yoga instructor. This was not an easy decision, and not just because of the investment in time, effort and money involved. Yoga, to me, is a very personal, introspective, and meditative practice. I was not sure I wanted to share my yoga time by teaching others, and yet I was getting these nudgings.....

My thoughts and feelings shifted this past year and I decided to "dive in" and join the winter teacher training at Bodhi Yoga. I began studying in mid January and we met for the first time this past weekend. It was amazing! I am so thrilled to have embarked on this adventure.

I am learning so very much and have changed my mind completely about "sharing my yoga time". I am looking forward to sharing what I'm learning and assisting others in their Yoga experience.

KEFIR

I make kefir regularly. I add it to our smoothies to make sure my family is getting the good bacteria,  vitamin K, etc, that are found in fermented foods.

KEFIR

Kefir "grains" or culture (they are called grains only because of the texture)
Milk
glass container
stainless steel or plastic strainer
plastic or wooden spoon
glass jar

Add Kefir culture to the milk. Let it sit out at room temperature for about 24 hours.

Pour through strainer and stir with wooden or plastic spoon until all the kefir is separated from the "grains"/culture . The kefir is then ready to eat. You can start another batch by adding milk to the start, and repeating the process.

If you don't know someone who can share some kefir culture or "start" with you, buy it on line. Then, as it grows, you can share with your friends!

My friend Peggy wanted to learn how to make kefir. You can watch us go through the process in this video.

HOMEMADE RANCH DRESSING

Dear Family,

Here is my recipe for Ranch Dressing and, thanks to Brielle, a video showing how to make it. 

HOMEMADE RANCH DRESSING

1 1/2 cups Kefir (or buttermilk)

2 cups mayonnaise

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon coarse fresh ground black pepper

2 teaspoons parsley 

2 Tablespoons dried onion flakes

1/2 teaspoon celery salt

1/2 teaspoon Real Salt or sea salt

Blend well, refrigerate. It will taste even better after a couple of hours. Keeps well for several weeks. 

RAW CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

I love to play with my grandchildren and that includes cooking. I had a few opportunities this summer. Here is a video of the first, while visiting with my 2 oldest grandsons. 

Harrison, as a typical teen, is always hungry and of course he loves cookies. I came up with something a bit healthier than your usual chocolate chip cookie. 

RAW CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

1 cup quick oatmeal
1/2 cup peanut butter (or other nut butter)
1/3 cup honey
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/2 Tablespoon Chia seeds
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips 
1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix everything together till well blended. Make into little balls with your hands, spoons, or a cookie scooper thingy. If you have any left, keep refrigerated in an airtight container or plastic sealable bag.