19.6 Kg

"Anyone whose goal is ‘something higher’ must expect someday to suffer vertigo. What is vertigo? Fear of falling? No, Vertigo is something other than fear of falling. It is the voice of the emptiness below us which tempts and lures us, it is the desire to fall, against which, terrified, we defend ourselves."

(Milan Kundera, The Unbearable Lightness of Being)

I made it. Iceland here I am. How do you like me now?!! 

Alright. I made it without too many travel woes. I mean, I love to travel. Discovering new places, experiencing adventure, in all that it entails. On the other hand, it has it's draw backs.

The baggage weight requirements seem to shift like the tides. It's frustrating. Icelandair. I was only allowed a slim 20 kg (44lbs) for my two month stay. Lovely. I say that with much contempt, lol. It's interesting, the baggage allowances seems to ever so slowly, ever so subtly, decrease with various airlines.

When I checked my bag I was elated to have made it at a minuscule, 19.6 kg. Whew! I'm getting better at this. With all my bitching, it's actually a good thing I'm becoming a better, more efficient traveler. There might be hope for me yet!

But you know, I get so tickled by the all the airline pomp and circumstance. For instance, I had almost forgotten to put my godforsaken liquids in the required, airline regulated, clear plastic bag, to then have my stuff shoved through security as the screening agent ignored the monitor while gossiping with a co-worker.

The flight to Iceland was smooth sailing besides the fact I was seated in the middle of a sea of teenage, Swedish, hockey players. There's nothing cute about it. Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

As we touched down Keflavik International Airport I could see the vastness of the landscape. It's quite barren and beautiful at the same time. Took a 40 minute bus ride to Reykjavik and was amazed by the sweeping views of the country side. Feels like being on another planet. Moon like. No trees. Volcanic rock. It wasn't until we reached the city that trees dotted the area. Which I was told were planted.

The big news about town is the volcanic eruption. They say it's a beautiful site to behold. I'd like to see it at some point. The other news is the financial collapse Iceland experienced. Everything seems to be pulled to together from what I see, but what do I know at this point. Known for being expensive, living has been more of a strain on it's residents. A perfect opportunity for tourists however, as prices are reasonable for visitors.

Good thing is, the Icelanders are still up for some yoga! I'm looking forward to discovering this enchanted island, and all that it has to offer.

Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs - Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish
Uploaded by jmetos. - Videos of the latest science discoveries and tech.

Can't help it, I'm a fan of Steve Jobs.

Departure

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself."

(Friedrich Nietzsche)

The day I was confirmed to go to Iceland was the exact day a volcano became active on the island.  Interesting turn of events when heading to a new place. What does this mean exactly? Lol. My host said I'll have the opportunity to see this magnificent event. Well, well, well ... I'm looking forward to it. Experiencing an active volcano has yet to be checked off my to do list. In addition, there will be Northern Lights. Ahhh. Already, it's starting to sound magical and alive. I keep having this feeling Iceland will be a very healing place for me.

With that being said, for the first time I'm feeling a bit of homesickness before I leave. Little did I know that Stockholm would start to feel like home so quickly. I really do love it. Even without knowing the language, I feel my roots establishing themselves in this beautiful city. Spring in Stockholm is unbelievable, and it will be missed.

Embarking to a new place to teach always brings with it an abundance of learning and understanding. The most interesting part is the group dynamic. With various cultures to experience, along with the practice, it feels like this seesaw of connecting with something very familiar and at the same time unfamiliar. I enjoy it. I enjoy the fact that the practice melts down the barriers of age, race, and religion. All of it doesn't matter when moving and breathing. Then to become acquainted with a new culture only enriches the opening made through self-practice and teaching. It can be a wonderful ride, and I feel lucky to do it.

Unadulterated

"Size matters not. Look at me. Judge me by my size, do you? Hmm? Hmm. And well you should not. For my ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is."

(Yoda)

What a relaxing Easter weekend!

Last Friday was the evening of our liver/gallbladder cleanse, which blends into the next morning. Third time is a charm! I managed to get through with absolutely no nausea. I think my 2nd time was when I peaked. I was the most nauseous then, and a numerous amount of stones passed. This time I didn't have nearly as many release.

Since then, my digestion has revved up immensely, which had been my concern over the past year. Connecting to my food on a profound level, while clearing and managing parts of my system, has had an enormous affect on my well-being. I'm happy to have addressed these issues proactively before they became more of a problem, only having the choice to react. The good thing is, along the way I've learned invaluable information. 

The most interesting part about this journey is, with the clearing, when I see the changes that have taken place, it feels as if I'm truly seeing myself, for the first time, in a long time. I'm not sure if I'm making any sense. I guess what I'm driving at is I'm finally seeing the authenticity of who I am, healthy, vibrant, whole. Now, when I talk about changes, I'm not referring to fitting into some type of ideal fed by the external media or even into what a "yogini" is supposed to look like (whatever that is). I'm talking about looking, seeing me, unadulterated, and I like it. Pretty simple. It all goes hand in hand. When connecting on the inside, we become lit from with in.

Below I'd like to share the following video clips by Certified Ashtanga yoga teacher, David Garrigues. I've just recently been introduced to his blog, which has a wealth of information in regards to the practice of Ashtanga yoga. Well written, and insightful, it's not to be missed.

In the following clips he talks in regards to the practice of yoga and the importance of diet.

Food is Matter from David Garrigues on Vimeo.


Diet and the Three Gunas from David Garrigues on Vimeo.


Digestion from David Garrigues on Vimeo.


Diet and Progress from David Garrigues on Vimeo.

Faith

"As the sun, who is the eye of the world, cannot be tainted by the defects in our eyes, nor by the objects it looks on, so the one Self, dwelling in all, cannot be tainted by the imperfections of the world. This Self transcends all."

(Katha Upanishad)

(photograph source)

Spring Cleansing

"The best piety is to enjoy. You are doing the most then to save the earth's character as an agreeable planet. And enjoyment radiates. It is of no use to try and take care of all the world. That is being taken care of when you feel delight."

(George Eliot, Middlemarch)

The best time to do a cleanse is usually during the change of season. Since we've just entered into Spring my boyfriend and I will be doing another liver and gallbladder cleanse. Since this will be my third time it won't seem like such an undertaking. After all the reading and preparation it becomes a simple process.

With my constitution, fasting cleanses, where food is restricted, don't work well for me.  I tend to lean toward this cleanse and/or panchakarma cleanses. Juicing might be another consideration at some point, however since moving, I'm not as well equipped, at the moment. At any rate, I find the liver and gallbladder cleanse supportive towards improved digestion, and assimilation. We gotta take care of that liver of ours! It's a hard worker.

I've already written so much about the liver and gallbladder cleanse, so I won't go into much detail this go around for the sake of boring everybody. I realize there's a bit of controversy out there in regards to the validity of the cleanse, however for those whom I've known personally who have done so have felt the difference, especially with liver issues. I've felt a shift since embarking on them, and that's what I go by. So much of our culture is about putting a band-aid on something. Runny after symptoms and effects. Never getting down to the root. The why. The how. The cause. It's important.

I've always been drawn to Ayurveda. With basic principles such as bringing body balance and learning how to maintain that balance is a key part of the science. Which resonates with me. 

I came across the chart below from one of my favorite blogs, HeyMonica B, on Ayurveda. Has a good way of showing the difference between western and eastern medicine. Both have their place.

We are coming into an era where prevention is just as important as treating symptoms. Something, in Ayurveda tradition, 5, 000 years in the making, has understood.

Simple, informative, and straight to the point, below is the best book I've found on the liver and gallbladder cleanse.

Yoga Comic Relief

Timeless Quotes from the Buddha

Breath = Life

"Be clear like a mirror reflecting nothing. Be clean of pictures and the worry that comes with images. Gaze into what is not ashamed or afraid of any truth. Contain all human faces in your own without any judgment of them. Be pure emptiness. What is inside that? you ask. Silence is all I can say. Lovers have some secrets that they keep."

(Rumi)

Last weekend I had the pleasure of facilitating an Intro to Ashtanga Yoga workshop. Love beginners. Has a way of bringing me back to when I first started.  Everything was fresh and new. Learning how to breathe consciously was like a revelation. I remember thinking, wow, I've gone through years and years of taking the breath for granted. Except for the time I had the wind knocked out of me. I was a bit of a dare devil when young. I used to launch myself off the swings when they reached their peak, as I went flying through the air. I usually landed on my feet. Until one day, I slipped and landed straight on my upper back. Boom! All the air flew out of my lungs. Yeah. I quickly learned, Breath = Life.  


Then amnesia sets in, lol. 


The good thing is yoga reconnects us. We forget. We come back. We become complacent. The opportunity to reinvigorate, and inspire is always available. It's a natural part of the process. The pulsation of release and resistance. 


Since the roles of teacher and student are ultimately one and the same, I've learned to completely trust. Everything is revealed in time. Not much needs to added to the basic principles of the practice. I've learned how creating a space with presence goes beyond anything I can do or say. 


In a culture when many new genres of yoga are being created just about everyday I feel myself appreciating the simplicity and depth of diving into the core essence what it means to practice yoga. 


I'll never use this blog to debate what form of yoga is best for someone. It's a personal quest. Often if finds you before you find it. Interesting how it happens. I just knew. 


What I've learned is whatever one's practice, entering into the space of breath and mindfulness has a way of tapping into the truth, however that may be revealed to a student. It expresses it's self in a myriad of ways. I enjoy it. I enjoy the beginners mind, and then I learn the importance of looking and experiencing with fresh new eyes. Open awareness. 

Next Destination: Iceland

Well, in two weeks time I'll be heading to Iceland!

Generously, I was extended an invitation to teach at Yoga Shala Reykavik for two months. I've never been, and I'm looking forward to it. Everyone I've talked to who has traveled to the magical country of Iceland eyes light up when describing it. I'm really excited to experience it. I mean, who would have thought? With a name such as, ICE - land, it doesn't exactly come off as being a popular destination. Haha. However, quite literally it's like no other place in the world.

As usual, I always like to pick up a few fun and interesting facts before heading to a new place. It's kinda been the drill. Already there's been quite a few things that have piqued my interest.

Reykjavik

Hallgrimskirkja

• Iceland is alive with volcanic activity, sprouting geysers, waterfalls, hot steaming solfataras, and raging rivers. Sounds pretty awesome. Mother Nature is in full affect on this island nation about the size of Ohio. 

• Iceland is not as cold as one would think in the winter, and warmer than expected in the summer.  In January the average temperature in Reykjavik is higher than New York. 

• Iceland hosts more than 10,000 waterfalls, and numerous hot springs. With the country being a hot spot of geothermal activity, with 30 volcanoes erupting in the past two centuries, natural hot water supplies most of the population with pollution free heating. 

Opportunities to travel and teach yoga has been such a blessing over the past several years. To think teaching would take me to the ends of the earth to Iceland, never would I have guessed. Pretty cool stuff happens when letting go, following your heart and chartering into the unknown. Truly, when doing so, a higher power comes through, and doors open in ways you'd never expect.



To learn more about Iceland visit here. 

Oil Therapy

I hold quite a bit of vata in my joints. Everything pops, especially lately. With that being said, the use of oils have become important in my daily routine. Internally and externally. However, I just recently started something called oil pulling. Ever heard of it?

Oil pulling therapy is derived from Ayurvedic medicine. A natural therapy, by swishing oil in the mouth for several minutes while toxins are absorbed. This is one of the reasons why its important to never swallow the contents of the oil. I always spit out the swished oil in the toilet so my sink drain doesn't clog.

It's recommended to use sesame oil, however other oils can be used. I tend to stick with organic cold-pressed oils.

I've only been experimenting with the therapy for several weeks, as part of my morning routine. So, I can't really give a good assessment as to the effects. A month or longer will give more accurate detail. However, the most startling effect is how it whitens the teeth. Seriously, I'm talking about gleaming, sparkling white. Wow. Forget about using abrasive, whitening toothpastes, with harsh chemicals, and other methods of teeth whitening, this does the job. 

After doing a bit of research I've heard various recommendations as far as how long to swish the oil in the mouth. Anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes is given. Oh yeah, and you always want to oil pull on an empty stomach. Mornings seems to work well with my schedule as I'm preparing for the day. I've taken showers, checked email, washed dishes while swishing the oil.

Other alleged benefits include improvements in joint pain and/or arthritis, migraines, skin conditions, allergies, and digestive problems. Also helps in purifying and strengthening the body.

For more information on oil pulling visit here or google.

What I'm in to ...

Loving ...

Swedish design! I love, love, LOVE everything about Swedish design, even expanded to Scandinavian design. Being one who thoroughly appreciates good design, I couldn't be in a better place. Sweden is home of original inventions (for example the zipper), however I feel the Swedes have an exceptional talent for (among other things) making whatever is out there even better and more aesthetically beautiful. Though, it's a matter of one's taste. Minimalist, architecturally focused, clean, functional, modern, and spacious, are many of the ways to describe it.

I'm always tickled how even from buying things as minute as a toothbrush, I find myself enjoying the composition and beauty of simple objects, along with bigger items such as furniture and appliances. In everything, design and function are taken into account in perfect balance. Which I love. I don't think I mentioned that, lol.

Learn more about Sweden here.







Photos from lifeiscarbon.com



Reading ...



Right now I'm reading, Sea of Poppies, by the talented Indian writer, Amitav Ghosh. DF, and I picked out a handful of his titles while in India (since books are much cheaper there) and I've decided to start with his latest novel. Quickly I was taken in by the fluid and descriptive nature of his writing. I'm looking forward to devouring his other books as well.

Watching ...

I've just about given up on watching T.V. nowadays. There's nothing good on. Maybe it's just me. Anyway, I'm intent on watching Sweden come out of it's Winter slumber and into the aliveness of Spring. Quite honestly, I can't think of anywhere better in the world during this season. Following are a few pics a took last year.



My favorite place to walk in Stockholm.



Tulips are always make me smile! xoxoxoxox


Listening ...

I've been a bit lax on listening to music lately and discovering new stuff. However, I have the pleasure of hearing my boyfriend practice his vocals just about everyday. He has such a strong and powerful voice. In the not so distant future more will be able to hear how talented he truly is. It's exciting to observe one's creative process. The power of music has an affect like no other. It elevates our souls.

Eating ...

Coconut red lentil soup. Thanks to those in the blogosphere I came across a fabulous cooking blog named 101 Cookbooks. It came out absolutely, positively AMAZING. I know we're coming out of winter, and soup might not be on the minds of everyone's palate, but if you're up for it, I'd give it a go before entering into the lighter fare of spring.

Here are a few others I'll be trying in the coming weeks.

Wild Seaweed Salad

Massaged Kale Salad

Miso Slaw


Learning ...



Swedish. Unfortunately, my intense Swedish studies will be delayed for the time being. More about that later, however I'm still intent on learning the language. All I can say is, it's gonna take time.




Inspired ...

Since coming back from India I feel recharged, and filled with gratitude towards the practice. Yoga in many ways opens me up to discover, explore, listen, and reconnect as I walk through life. I've learned to slow down. Things I didn't see before, or places where I wasn't as receptive have opened new doors and lead me to exciting new adventures. I often remember as I started to deepen in these areas I felt as if my life were falling apart. Now, I've realized so much had to be let go so greater wisdom could play a more significant role in my life.

Three words continue to inspire me as I move forward.

Love

Appreciation

Open-mindedness

................................................

What have you been into?

A Portrait of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois

Guruji, A Portrait of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, Through the eyes of his students, by Guy Donahaye and Eddie Stern, is an inspiring new book giving personal accounts of nearly 30 of Guruji's earlist, most devoted students.

The publication date is set for July 25, 2010, during Guru Purnima. For more information visit here.

Spring Equinox

"When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy."

(Rumi)

Happy Spring Equinox everyone! Yay! After a harsh winter (yeah, I know I was in India for a month of it) it really makes me appreciate Spring!

So I was told this is a good time to mediate, aligning to one's vision and wishes, since new energy is coming in. Sounds good to me. Opportunities to get clear with what I'm creating in my life is always worth the time and energy.

Brighter days are ahead! Best wishes and much love extended to everyone! Enjoy!

What's been Cookin'?

The belly rules the mind.

(Spanish proverb)

Ok. My newest obsession. Cooking! Honestly, I don't know what's come over me, but it's been one of my newest joys. I'm lovin' every aspect of the process. To finding healthy delicious recipes, to picking out fresh ingredients, through the preparation, to of course, EATING! There really isn't one part of the process I haven't enjoyed - which I'm finding a bit odd, because previously I never spent much time in the kitchen.

It's been one of many evolving changes.

Expressed in past blog posts, though I felt I was "healthy," I wasn't connected to my food. I would shovel the stuff in because it was supposed to be good for me, fitting into a certain diet ideal, however totally missing the mark as to what it was I was needing. Connection. It really begins inward. Listening. Then going from there. We've all heard it before, no amount of fitting into an outer ideal is gonna do it, or give any lasting satisfaction. Once I came from a place of body balance, everything fell into place that go beyond words. And, somehow has translated into a passion for preparing healthy, satisfying, healing, seasonal, whole foods. I feel like it's been laying dormant inside all this time.

In many ways the yoga has helped me to listen. Entering a space of open awareness, strengthening the unexplained aspect of our being, I can then be guided as to what's next for me. Even in the yoga community, it can be so easy to be blinded by what I should, and need to be doing to fit into some type of box. The conclusion is clear. There is no box. The box is a made up structure that ultimately fails. With all that being said, the courage comes in when we listen, and then act from our higher self and purpose. Right now, I'm experiencing what this means, even if it may seem strange and unconventional to others. Then I remember, the strides people have taken in the past to cause progressive change had to always beat to the rhythm of their own drum. Exciting stuff. Obviously, more has been cookin' then food in my neck of the woods, lol.

Anyone have awesome recipes to share?

Ok. Back to food. A topic we all can enjoy. So, I came across a really awesome website. Cookus Interruptus. Ever heard of it? They offer great whole food recipes with video (they're kinda funny) that cater to vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free peeps as well. Check it out. I recommend the Asian Noodle Salad. Love, love, love it!

I've also come across a few other interesting blog/websites all centered around healthy cooking and food.

Sprouted Kitchen
Kiss my spatula
Culinate
Kitchenist

If you know of any other sites worth passing along, please let me know!

A Word From Pablo Picasso

"Each second we live is a new and unique moment of the universe, a moment that will never be again. And what do we teach our children? We teach them that two and two make four, and that Paris is the capital of France. When will we also teach them what they are? We should say to each of them: Do you know what you are? You are a marvel. You are unique. In all the years that have passed, there has never been another child like you. Your legs, your arms, your clever fingers, the way you move. You may become a Shakespeare, a Michelangelo, a Beethoven. You have the capacity for anything. Yes, you are a marvel. And when you grow up, can you then harm another who is, like you, a marvel? You must work, we must all work, to make the world worthy of its children."

(Pablo Picasso)

You talk when you cease to be at peace with your thoughts.

(Kahlil Gibrán)

Feel thy release in the air oh bird!
Let not thy wings be timid,
Seek not the lure of the nest,
But the enchantment of the sky!

(Tagore)

(photos by Deva Mecredy)

“I went from the floor of the deepest ocean up to the surface where I am now sailing on the water. There are still waves and storms, but I have found the air that I was searching for.”

(Christine MacDonald)

(Photos by Deva Mecredy)

(Photos by Deva Mercedy)

“The important thing is this: To be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become.”

(Charles du Bois)