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)

(Photos by Deva Mecredy)

"I am certain of nothing but the holiness of the heart's affections and the truth of the imagination."

(John Keats)

“I want to be magic. I want to touch the heart of the world and make it smile. I want to be a friend of elves and live in a tree. Or under a hill. I want to marry a moonbeam and hear the stars sing. I don’t want to pretend at magic anymore. I want to be magic.”

(Charles de Lint)

I made a dear friend while in Mysore who also happens to be a pretty darn talented photographer. One of her many, many talents took the photos above.

I've settled into real life alright. The weather in Stockholm is still cold, but the Sun is higher up on the horizon and everything shines with vibrancy and brightness. I don't know what it is, but the sky! The sky is so incredibly blue! This I love. A trait about Sweden that's undeniable.

There is possibility of more travels up ahead ...

Also, I enrolled in language school. Four hours a day, five days a week of Swedish!!! God bless.

Practice has felt good since back.

Whispers of the Beloved

I cannot sleep in your prescence.
In your absence, tears prevent me.
You watch me My Beloved
On each sleepless night and
Only You see the difference

Looking at my life
I see that only Love
Has been my soul’s companion
From deep inside
My soul cries out:
Do not wait, surrender
For the sake of Love.

If you can’t smell the fragrance
Don’t come into the garden of Love.
If you’re unwilling to undress
Don’t enter into the stream of Truth.
Stay where you are.
Don’t come our way.

All year round the lover is mad,
Unkempt, lovesick and in disgrace.
Without love there is nothing but grief.
In love… what else matters?

Love is our Mother and
The way of our Prophet.
Yet it is in our nature
To fight with Love.
We can’t see you, mother,
Hidden behind dark veils
Woven by ourselves.

Do you want to enter paradise?
To walk the path of Truth
You need the grace of God.
We all face death in the end.
But on the way, be careful
Never to hurt a human heart!

Do you know what the music is saying?
“Come follow me and you will find the way.
Your mistakes can also lead you to the Truth.
When you ask, the answer will be given.”

The Master who’s full of sweetness
Is so drunk with love, he’s oblivious.
“Will you give me
some of your sweetness?”
“I have none,” he says,
unaware of his richness.

You know what love is?
It is all kindness, generosity.
Disharmony prevails when
You confuse lust with love, while
The distance between the two
Is endless.

This Love is a King
But his banner is hidden.
The Koran speaks the Truth
But its miracle is concealed.
Love has pierced with its arrow
The heart of every lover.
Blood flows but the wound is invisible.

(Rumi)

Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga @ Yogayama

Introduction to the dynamic and transformational practice of Ashtanga Yoga in the tradition of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, hosted by Yogayama!

What: Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga
Where: Yogayama - Stockholm, Sweden
When: March 20th - 21st, from 10am - 12pm
For: Beginners and Newbies

Benefits: Unlock the inner potential residing inside all of us! Including improved physical, mental, and emotional health.

Mysore STOPS Traffick!

(photos by Sean Cleere)

Started in the heart of Mysore. Spread around the world. Offering support by moving through a series of sun salutations. Yoga STOPS traffick! Raising awareness around the plight of children affected by human trafficking. An unfortunate reality in this day and age. However, through the amazing organization, Odanadi, those affected can be healed. Through the arts, they can thrive.

To learn more. To become involved. To offer your support, please visit the following!

www.yogastopstraffick.org

www.odanadi.org

www.odanadi-uk.org

Kaśyapāsana to Dūrvāsāsana

The camera angle isn't the best in that my head was cut off for Dūrvāsāsana, but you get the point.

Mysore Scenes

"Not what one knows with the mind but that by which the mind is known. This is the reality that you should know."

(Kena Upanishad)

Yoga STOPS Traffick

YOGA STOPS TRAFFICK is a one-day global Yoga event to raise awareness about human trafficking in India and arcross the world.

On MARCH 13th 2010 Yogis everywhere will roll out their Yoga mats to take a stand against trafficking and show their support to its millions of victims.

Kicking-off from the grounds of the Mysore Royal Palace, YOGA STOPS TRAFFICK INDIA will be led by a group of young people from local anti-trafficking organisation Odanadi Seva Trust, many of whom are survivors of slavery, domestic abuse and forced prostitution. Over the years Astanga Yoga has come to play a vital role in their rehabilitation program: building their physical and mental strength, restoring a sense of peace, confidence and self-worth.

Get involved by organising your own YOGA STOPS TRAFFICK event at your local yoga centres, living rooms, parks or any other public spaces – just use your imaginations.

To request more information, promotional materials, fundraising suggestions or to find out more about Odanadi please contact Sean Cleere or Sarah Harris at yogastopstraffick@gmail.com. Or just visit our website www.odanadi-uk.org.
(excerpt taken from the yoga stops traffick website)

Visit: www.yogastopstraffick.org

Richard Freeman

A little taste of Richard Freeman.

Cheers!

The fact about embarking to India is even with some of the frustrations that come with it there's always the call to go back. Dunno why that is. I guess the only thing I can say is that it's really like no other place in the world.

I just finished reading, Holy Cow, by Sarah MacDonald. What a hoot. The book got me so tickled. The author's sarcasm, wit and candor really made it, along with India as the background. It suited me as a proper post-India read. Below are some of my favorite experts from the book. So true. Omg. Sooo true!!!

"It's a bizarre scene -- full of foreigners attempting to figure out India. I'm beginning to think it's pointless to try. India is beyond statement, for anything you say, the opposite it also true. It's rich and poor, spiritual and material, cruel and kind, angry but peaceful, ugly and beautiful, and smart but stupid. It's all the extremes. India defies understanding, and for once, for me, that's okay."

(Holy Cow, by Sarah MacDonald)

"I'm trapped by the heat and by a never-ending series of juxtapositions. India is in some ways like a fun house hall of mirrors where I can see both sides of each contradiction sharply and there's no easy escape to understanding ..."

"I think about all the things I love about India and will miss the most. The drama, the dharma, the innocent exuberance of the festivals, the intensity of living, the piety in playfulness and the embrace of living day by day ..."

(Holy Cow, Sarah MacDonald)

However, let's just face it. I've come to the realization there's nothing like practicing at KPJAYI. There just isn't. The biggest reason for my return. I feel as if my batteries are recharged! I feel as if there's no better ride to be on. It's not always easy. It never is. But, like I've said before I didn't sign up to skim the surface. It's all or nothing. Or nothing at all.

David and Stan

(Picture by Vera Simoes)

One of the best things about making the trip to Mysore is the people you meet. I can't think of a better fringe benefit. It truly is a community. A tribe, if you will. We breath together. We sweat together. We share a transformational practice together. Often the journey yoga takes one on can feel like a solitary endeavor, and connecting with other practitioners simply adds to the whole experience of deepening while in the shala. The vibrancy and contrast of personalities I've come in contact with has only added color to my life. It's a special thing, words cannot express.

I must share this beautiful couple above. David and Stan (Yes, her name is Stan, love it!). From Toronto, Canada, and soon expecting a baby, I had the pleasure of getting to know them while in India.

Stan is a highly gifted and talented writer. She hosts a blog at, missstan.com. Witty, fun, and insightful, whenever you get a chance check it out. I'll be adding her to my blogroll, as well.

David is a phenomenal and inspiring practitioner and teacher of Ashtanga Yoga. An authorized teacher, he is one of the few who has more than 80 students roll into his Mysore class on a daily basis, and it's growing! It's a true testament to his commitment, and dedication in creating such a community in the heart of Toronto. Whenever in the area I couldn't think of a better place to practice. Visit their website at, ashtangatoronto.com.

What a pleasure it's been meeting you two! Many blessings!

Holi

HOLI (Festival of Colors). The Indian rite of Spring. The kind of holiday that seems to get people a bit unhinged, if you know what I mean. It seems to bring out some type of carnal, innate (could be viewed as insane), wildness. I'm just sayin' ...

Learn more about Holi, here.

Never wear clothes you like on Holi. Like I did. I got so soaked with red gunk it went down to my bra and underwear. I can't say I was pleased when I first got doused, but I managed a smile for the above photo, lol. We definitely need a holiday like this in the West!