Yogi Tea: a Blissful Autumn Drink

Yogi Tea is SOOOO good.
Once you start drinking it you will want to drink it all the time. It is so nourishing and calming to the body. All of the spices in the tea, following the Ayurvedic tradition, have a health building, medicinal quality; and many of the ones mentioned in this post – like ginger, cardamon and cinnamon – are very warming and appropriate for autumn and winter. They cure what ails you, and even better, the help to prevent the ailing in the first place.

Tea is comforting, and it can be used as a part of wonderful daily rituals that cultivate mindfulness, and foster gratitude for each small moment. Tea after yoga class is often used as a way to build sangha (community) by giving people a reason to sit down together to talk and share.

YOGI TEASThese recipes came to me through a Kundalini Yoga yahoo group I belong to. Thank you, and Sat Nam, to RUTH SALDANHA, who posted them to the group. I have added some of my own notations as well.

This recipe comes from Yogi Bhajan, who introduced Kundalini to the west in the late 1960s. Yogi Bhajan is also the founder of the "Yogi Tea" brand, which is easy to find in health food stores.

Ingredients:
- 2 quarts water
- 15 whole cloves
- 20 black peppercorns
- 3 sticks of cinnamon
- 20 whole cardamon pods (split the pods first and be careful with the
tiny seed sticks that come from the inside)
- 8 fresh ginger slices (1/4" thick, no need to peel)
- 1/2 teaspoon regular or decaf black tea leaves (approximately 1 tea
bag)

Preparation:
Bring two quarts of water to a boil. Add cloves and boil one
minute. Add cardamom, peppercorns, cinnamon, and ginger. Cover and boil for
30 minutes. Reduce heat and simmer for two to three hours. Remove from heat,
add black tea, and let cool. Strain and store in the refrigerator. Reheat
when you want a cup and add milk and honey to taste.

Spiced green tea
- 1 tablespoon organic green tea leaves,
- 3 pods black cardamom (green cardamom will do if black cardamom is
unavailable), crushed
- 1 piece of ginger, crushed

Makes one large teapot. Do not brew for more than three minutes, as green
tea becomes bitter after that. Black cardamom has a slightly smoky taste,
very different from that of green cardamom. This tea is good for digestion,
but it is heating, and both ginger and cardamom are said to be aphrodisiac,
so don't have it before bed, unless you are planning not to sleep immediately.

Chamomile and ginger tea
- 1 tablespoon dried chamomile flowers
- 1 piece of ginger, sliced timely

Chamomile is a relaxing herb, calming to the nervous system. Add a teaspoon of honey and sip slowly before your evening meditation.

Thyme and mint tea
- 1 pinch dried thyme, or better, a few twigs fresh thyme,
- 1 pinch dried mint, or better, a few leaves fresh peppermint
- 1 small twig rosemary (optional)
- 2 pints boiling water

Mint can be grown in any garden, and even in pots on a window sill. This tea
taste much better with herbs freshly picked from the garden. Brew for a few
minutes.

Liquorice and fresh mint tea
- a few leaves fresh peppermint
- 1 piece of liquorice stick (it's actually the rood of the plant, and
looks like a twig), about 1 inch long
- 1 pint boiling water

Pound the liquorice stick with a mortar and pestle. Brew with the mint for
at least five minutes as liquorice take a while to release its delicious
bitter sweet flavour. A great digestive tea, excellent for Pitta constitution.

Spicy pink tea
- 1 large pinch of dried hibiscus flower
- 1 large piece of ginger, crushed
- 1 stalk lemon grass, chopped
- 1 pint boiling water

Hibiscus flowers give this tea a reddish colour, as well as a distinctive
tang, which complement very well the fieriness of ginger. Brew for a few
minutes.

Indian Chai
- 1 tablespoon organic black tea leaves
- 5 pods green cardamom, crushed
- 1 piece of ginger, sliced
- 2 cloves
- 1 small piece of cinnamon bark
- 2 pints of water
- 1 cup milk
- 3 teaspoons organic cane sugar

Put all the ingredients in a large pan, bring to the boil and simmer for
five minutes. Strain and serve piping hot.

Clare island punch
- 1 large pinch of dried hibiscus flower
- 1 small pinch Bancha tea (black tea can be used as a substitute)
- 6 pods green cardamom, crushed
- 1 thumb size piece of ginger, finely sliced
- 3 cloves
- 1 cinnamon quill
- 3 seed black pepper, crushed
- 1 piece of liquorice root, crushed
- 1 sprinkle of allspice powder

Put all the ingredients in a large tea pot, cover with boiling water, and
keep on the stove for 10 minutes before serving.

Drink in good health!
Jai bhagwan-
Teal Marie

SIDE NOTE:
One interesting, and to me VERY surprising piece of information I came across regarding cinnamon: "Coumarin is a flavouring which is found in higher concentrations in the types of cinnamon grouped together under the name “cassia cinnamon”. Relatively small amounts of coumarin can already damage the liver of particularly sensitive individuals. However, this is not permanent damage."

You can read more about it here, and find out more about Ceylon cinnamon that evidently does not have this component here.

Now cinnamon has been shown to be a very effective assistant in lowering blood sugar, and has many other healthy benefits, so I wouldn't get to panicked about the coumarin issue. This article discusses the health benefits and the coumarin issue as well. Like all of these issues it is going to take some research to get to the bottom of. I will try to get back with some posts with my findings, I welcome any information readers may have to offer.

This site has a lot of useful information on the medicinal uses of herbs and spices. And this one as well. Here is a site for buying organic herbs.

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Get in Touch with Your Inner Goddess

My mom called me the other night. She gets together with this awesome group of women who have the most incredible parties. Their big one is in June, and it’s called Estrofest…it’s quite an extravaganza. Anyway, they are having a “Goddess Party” this weekend and she, and my sis-in-law, were asking for some ideas for goddesses. I was just going to email them, but then I thought, hey, this is a great post…

So, before the concept of “God” started leaning toward the patriarchal, bearded grandfather concept that dominates many religions today, the goddess, in her many forms, reigned supreme. This is a vast and fascinating subject, and the archetypes represented in the pantheons of goddesses across cultures and millennia have a lot to offer to us. They show up in our dream minds, and inform our ordinary waking states. We can recognize some aspect of all of them in ourselves, and it can be helpful to contemplate them when we need a little support cultivating the energy or ideas that they represent in our own life.

Here are a few goddesses that come first to my mind in this autumn season:

Demeter: The Greek Goddess of Agriculture.
Her name means, “barley mother” and “earth mother”; she is a fertility goddess, and is often shown with a stalk of corn or grain, a torch, and a crown. She helps women harmonize with the ebb and flow of their life cycles. Her daughter, Persephone, was carried away in a notoriously bad relationship with Hades, god of the underworld. Demeter was so grief stricken that she caused the world to ebb into winter and to stay in that state of death until Persephone was returned, albeit for only part of the year (hence, the seasonal cycle.)

Hestia: Greek Goddess of Hearth and Home
Hestia represents purity, sincerity, sanctity and safety. She is responsible for the wholesomeness of a warm meal and a cozy hearth. We bring her energy into our lives when we express the “domestic goddess” inside of us.

Now, if you are looking for a goddess with energy a little less tame, meet a few of my favorites:

Durga: Hindu Warrior Goddess
Durga is my girl.

She symbolizes strength, valor and protection. The Hindu gods called her forth with a “breath of fire” when they found they could not defeat the Buffalo Demon, Mahisasura, who threatened the world. She rides on a lion in a sacred trance, brandishing a weapon given to her by the gods in each of her eight arms (click the link above for more on her weapons.) She is the slayer of evil, and is also referred to as "Triyambake" meaning the three eyed Goddess. The left eye represents desire (the moon), the right eye represents action (the sun), and the central eye knowledge (fire).

Here is kirtan (a sacred chant) to Durga


Lilith: Hebrew Goddess of Personal Power and Sexual Appetite
Take a walk on the wild side ladies. When God made Lilith (the first Eve) for Adam, and she told him, “I will not lie beneath you”, and he gave her the old “well, I won’t lie beneath YOU because you should always be in the inferior position…”, Lilith said, “Ah, no you din’it!”…or something like that. Anyway, Lilith doesn’t take any shit, so if you feel like you need to pull a little of that power into your aura, she’s ya’ girlfriend. Lilith is all about freedom of choice; she makes her own rules, and she doesn’t care what anyone thinks of her. She is also a sensual seductress, tempting men to follow her for her own pleasure’s sake. So, have at it ladies. YOu may also want to check out Lilith Magazine.

White Buffalo Calf Woman: Lakota Goddess of Peace
This sacred woman of supernatural origin gave the Lakota their "Seven Sacred Rituals". She is the ultimate role model for woman as facilitator, leader, healer and bringer of peace. You know the “Peace Pipe’? Yep, that was all her. The peace pipe was used in rituals within a sacred circle; it was passed from person to person so each could share their truth, and understanding and unity could be brought to the group. I love her because her way to peace and understanding is decidedly feminine, based in communication and tolerance.

Saraswati: Hindu Goddess of Knowledge and Arts
Saraswati is my patron saint, so to speak. I just love her. She dresses in white, and holds a mala (prayer beads) and a palm leaf scroll, indicating knowledge. Saraswati usually rides a swan or a peacock, while playing music on a veena. She is the mother of the Vedas, the ancient scriptures of India. She is identified with the Saraswati River and it’s nourishing and purifying aspects. She is the consort of Brahma, the Hindu god of creation. Saraswati Puja (celebration) is coming up in October, if you have a Hindu temple in your town, try to go, they are amazing rituals and celebrations.




None of these great goddesses resonating with you? Here are a few more to ponder:

Aphrodite: Goddess of Love
Green Tara: Buddhist Goddess of Compassion
Isis: Egyptian Goddess Magic and Life
Artemis: Greek Goddess of the Wilderness and the Moon
Butterfly Maiden: Native American Goddess of Renewal

Manditory Goddess Reading:
Goddesses in Everywoman, Gods in Everyman by Jean Shinoda Bolen, MD
A Goddess is a Girl's Best Friend by Laurie Sue Brockway
Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Ph.D.


Other Resources for Your Inner Goddess:
Goddessdownload.com
Inner Goddess Retreats
Art of the Divine Feminine
Goddess.com.au
Lush

Enjoy, and may the Great Goddess hold you in the palm of her hand always.

Teal Marie

P.S. Mom and Sarah, send in some pics from the party and I’ll put them in a follow up post.

Turning of the Seasonal Wheel: The Autumnal Equinox

September 21, is the Autumnal Equinox, the time when night and day are of equal length.

“This time holds the night and day in perfect balance… As the wheel turns towards the dark half of the year we honor the aging of the Great Goddess as she passes to the Crone stage…” says Natalie “Fox” Maisel in her ritual for Mabon, the autumnal equinox (available for download, here.) “At this time we give thanks as we yield our harvests and turn inward for the cold months. This is an auspicious time to finish old business and take time slowing down from the business of the past season.”

Autumn is my favorite time of year. I love it so much, I wish the whole year was autumn. When the air starts to turn cool it’s so invigorating to me. I feel this real internal pull towards center; a deep going in, and in, and in. I feel most creative at this time of year, and deeply intuitive. I also feel a real need to slow down. My yoga sadhanas get deeper, more meditative; lots of long holding postures and slow transitions. I feel especially grateful for fall this year, as it is the first year in many that I am living in a place that has a change of seasons. Last weekend my fiancé and I went to the Blue Ridge Mountains to hike in the cool mountain air and sip hot apple cider as the sun slipped behind those dusky blue ridges. It was incredibly beautiful and peaceful.



As Natalie’s words above highlight for us, this is a wonderful time to heed the natural instincts we are feeling. If you feel a little sleepy, and slow, like you need some time to rest and think, go with it, you are on the right track. This is the season for resting and thinking, for taking inventory of what we have been running around doing all year. I encourage you to take some time to take care of yourself, and give yourself the gift of some processing and transition time in your life. It is also a great time to leave behind things you don't need. Behaviors, relationships, or ways of thinking that are no longer useful to you. As the poet Rumi says, "Change rooms in your mind for a day."

This time of reflection is also a great opportunity to re-establish contact with Gratitude. As you make your inventory of the past year, consider starting a Gratitude Journal, and writing in it daily. I find just a few lines, even a word, helps to keep me rooted in mindfulness and gratitude for “what is”, and makes acceptance of “what isn’t” much easier.

During this change in seasons the body, as well as the mind and spirit, need some special care and assistance. Check back to my blog during the couple weeks. I will have several posts focusing on how to honor and assist your body as it rides this turn of the Seasonal Wheel.

May this autumn season of harvest bring you bounty and blessings in your life-
Teal Marie

Yoga master, 90 next month, says discipline makes him feel one-fifth his age

This is a beautiful and inspirational story about yoga and the positive impact in can make on our lives. This guy is my hero! I'm telling you, if we all did one hour of pranayama each day we would live in radiant health forever.

I was also excited to see that this gentleman did some of his studies with Swami Kripalu, who is the head of the Kripalu Yoga lineage that I teach. They were both from Gujarat, India.

Make sure you watch the slide show! To view it go to the original article by DAVID CASSTEVENS, here.

ARLINGTON — He spoke as if he were seated on an examining table, talking with his doctor.

"I am feeling very goood," he declared.

Any pains?

"No headache. No fever. Never."

Problem with medications?

Kantilal Talati smiled. "No med-i-ca-tion."

The polite, gracious man from India, who turns 90 next month, summarized his well-being in economical English. "I never fall sick. Due to yoga only."

Arpita Shah’s grandfather knelt on the living room carpet of an Arlington home where he has lived with his daughter and son-in-law since leaving Bombay, India, last summer. Limber as an Olympic gymnast, Talati curled his 5-foot, 125-pound frame into a tight ball, and using his head for balance, slowly raised both legs overhead until his inverted body punctuated the accomplishment, forming an exclamation point.

Then Talati lowered his bare feet, turning the soles inward until they met in a posture of prayer.

As he maintained the headstand — the king of yoga poses — his family watched with respect and admiration.

Daily devotion
Talati performs a variety of positions — asanas — as part of his disciplined daily yoga schedule.

"Never do I lapse," he said proudly.

Yoga, an ancient Hindu practice, is aimed at achieving a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility. Postures and breathing techniques induce relaxation.

Talati devotes one hour every morning to pranayam (breathing exercises), followed by an hour of yoga.

After breakfast he gives yoga lessons to his hosts.

In the afternoon he does another session alone, performing more challenging yoga poses and movements that massage internal organs, enhance blood circulation and act on the joints, increasing strength and flexibility.

According to a yoga philosophy, it’s not the number of years that determines a person’s age but rather the suppleness of the spine.

Talati credits his 30-year regimen for his good health and longevity.

"I am very young now," Talati said. "If someone asks me 'How old are you?’ I always say, 'I am 18 years!’"

Amused by his own statement, the man born Oct. 25, 1918, broke into a high-pitched staccato laugh..

"My grandfather," said Arpita Shah, a 33-year-old nutritionist, "is my hero."

Crisis spurs change
A native of Bharuch, a seaside city in the state of Gujarat in western India, Talati worked as a project developer for the government-operated Western Railway. As a young man he smoked heavily.

"Four packs a day," he said.

"What!" his granddaughter said in disbelief at this revelation.

After Talati suffered a heart attack at age 44, he made a commitment to dramatically change his lifestyle. He learned relaxation and meditation techniques, and yoga poses from famed guru Acharya Swami Krupalvaanandji and, after he retired, began teaching the discipline at schools, temples and public gardens.

Talati is registered with the Yoga Alliance to teach at the 500-hour level, the highest level available.

"He is a jewel, the perfect testimony for yoga," said Marinda Hollar, owner of the Arlington Yoga Center. "It’s not only his physical prowess, but his kindness. Humility. Authenticity. He’s not trying to get money or attention. He cares about others. That’s what a yogi is."

Talati hopes to open a yoga studio next year. For now, his daughter and granddaughter are his regular students.

Arpita Shah’s stamina has improved, but she has yet to master the headstand.

"My grandfather won’t let me use a wall to help balance," she said. "He tells me, 'There are no shortcuts.’ He says I must learn the right way. No matter how long it takes. I am so lucky. I have found my teacher in him."

A simple life
Talati lives simply, modestly, happily, at peace with himself and the world.

He sleeps in a small guest room furnished with a rattan bed and a dresser.

A photograph on one wall pictures the woman to whom he was married for 66 years.

After Padmavati Talati died last year at age 85, her husband left his homeland to live with family in Texas.

"I prefer it here," Talati said. "The climate is better. The atmosphere. The air."

Rising before dawn, the yogi bows before a brightly colored painting of a Hindu deity and then begins his regimented day with a body-cleansing cup of hot water with lemon juice and honey.

A vegetarian, he has whole-wheat toast, with egg whites, juice and Indian tea for breakfast.

He doesn’t require naps and spends hours each day reading and writing about yoga.

Before retiring at 10:30 p.m. he walks about two miles.

"He wants to start jogging," his granddaughter said.

How long will he live?

The question appeared to surprise and amuse the elderly man.

"As long as God gives me that bonus," he said, smiling. "It is not in my hand. I want to die healthy. That is always my prayer."

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Healthy Treats for Big and Little Yogis

As a yoga teacher, I get a lot of questions about healthy eating, particularly from parents who are trying to improve their own eating habits, and start their children out on the right track. In general I tell people:

A healthy diet for the yogi or yogini of any age should be moderate to help keep the body light and the mind calm; and full of vital nutrients to support and build Prana. A correct diet will strengthen the immune system, make meditation and yoga asana practice easier, and lead to a more equananimous approach to life.

I also tell people, "if it's green...eat it!" Basically, you can't go wrong if you make 70% or more of your diet living, whole food. Meaning something that grew in the ground, or on a tree and has had no processing other that you lightly cooking it. The salad pictured above is very typical of what we would have for dinner. My fiance Mike made this one. Isn't it gorgeous? How could you not want to eat that? It even had edible flowers on it.

This is doubly important for your littlest yoginis. I would highly encourage any parent to make their own baby food. I know you are extremely busy, but really it takes very little time, and the pay off is enourmous. Your child will grow up with "whole food tastebuds", instead of fat, salt, sugar, aka "Mickey D's", taste buds. This summer I spent an afternoon at each of my sis-in-law's homes making baby food for their little girls (see pic of eager eater Bella gazing at her stash of baby food). It took a few hours to make, literally, a couple months worth of food, and for a fraction of the cost of commercial baby food. Try it, and tune back into my blog, those baby food recipes will be coming soon.

Besides the baby food, over the next few months I’ll be sharing a lot of my day-to-day favorite recipes, but in the meanwhile these came to my email box and I thought I’d pass them along. If you’d like to see more recipes like these you can find them, here.

Namaste, and may your food nourish you-
Teal Marie

Peanut Butter and Granola Breakfast Wraps or Snack
This wrap recipe calls for bananas, but you could also use apple slices or another fruit instead. Omit the honey for a fully vegan version.

Ingredients:
* 1 flour tortilla (use whole wheat if possible)
* 1-2 tbsp peanut butter
* 1 banana, sliced thin
* 1/3 cup granola
* honey (optional)

Preparation: Spread the peanut butter on the flour tortilla. Place bananas and granola on the peanut butter. Drizzle with honey, if desired and wrap.

Baked Sweet Potato Fries.
If you're craving a high-fat and salty treat like fast food French fries, try this recipe for healthier baked sweet potato fries. Baked sweet potato fries are much lower in fat than a deep-fried version and are very quick to prepare. Kids will love these baked fries as well.

Ingredients:
* 3 large sweet potatoes, cut into wedges
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 tsp cumin
* dash cayenne pepper
* 1/4 tsp paprika
* 1/2 tsp salt or seasoned salt

Preparation:
Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees.
In a large bowl, toss together all ingredients until potatoes are evenally coated with oil and spices. Place potatoes on a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 30 minutes, or until done.

Thai Peanut Sauce
A basic Thai peanut sauce can be used for dozens of things. I like to use it as a salad dressing, to dip spring rolls in or as a sauce for noodles. This basic recipe isn't too spicy, so kids will especially love the peanutbuttery taste. You might also want to try this spicier Thai peanut sauce recipe or a Thai peanut sauce with ginger.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:
* 1/4 cup peanut butter
* 1/4 cup water
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 2 tbsp lime juice
* 2 cloves garlic, minced and crushed
* 2 tbsp rice vinegar

Preparation:
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over low heat (mixture will become easy to combine as peanut butter melts). Continue stirring over low heat until ingredients are combined and mixture is smooth and creamy. This recipe is perfect as it is, but you may want to thin it out a bit with more water, depending on what you're using it for.

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In the end if you stay happy...you win.

Book cover via Amazon I was thinking a bit about happiness today...maybe because I was feeling a little un-happy. And, I really had to ask myself, "Self...what's the point?" And then I remembered reading this...

Billions of things could happen that you haven’t even thought of yet. The question is not whether they will happen. Things are going to happen. The real question is whether you want to be happy regardless of what happens. The purpose of your life is to enjoy and learn from your experiences. You were not put on Earth to suffer. You’re not helping anybody by being miserable. Regardless of your philosophical beliefs, the fact remains that you were born and you are going to die. During the time in between, you get to choose whether or not you want to enjoy the experience. Events don’t determine whether or not you’re going to be happy. They’re just events. You determine whether or not you’re going to be happy. You can be happy just to be alive. You can be happy having all these things happen to you, and then be happy to die. If you can live this way, your heart will be so open and your Spirit will be so free, that you will soar up to the heavens. This path leads you to absolute transcendence because any part of your being that would add a condition to your commitment to happiness has got to go. If you want to be happy, you have to let go of the part of you that wants to create melodrama. This is the part that thinks there’s a reason not to be happy. You have to transcend the personal, and as you do, you will naturally awaken to the higher aspects of your being. In the end, enjoying life’s experiences is the only rational thing to do. You’re sitting on a planet spinning around in the middle of absolutely nowhere. Go ahead, take a look at reality. You’re floating in empty space in a universe that goes on forever. If you have to be here, at least be happy and enjoy the experience. You’re going to die anyway. Things are going to happen anyway. Why shouldn’t you be happy? You gain nothing by being bothered by life’s events. It doesn’t change the world; you just suffer. There’s always going to be something that can bother you, if you let it.

This choice to enjoy life will lead you through your spiritual journey. In truth, it is itself a spiritual teacher. Committing yourself to unconditional happiness will teach you every single thing there is to learn about yourself, about others, and about the nature of life. You will learn all about your mind, your heart, and your will. But you have to mean it when you say that you’ll be happy for the rest of your life. Every time a part of you begins to get unhappy, let it go. Work with it. Use affirmations, or do whatever you need to do to stay open. If you are committed, nothing can stop you. No matter what happens, you can choose to enjoy the experience. If they starve you and put you in solitary confinement, just have fun being like Gandhi. No matter what happens, just enjoy the life that comes to you.

As difficult as that sounds, what’s the benefit of not doing it? If you’re totally innocent and they lock you up, you might as well have fun. What good does it do to not have fun? It doesn’t change anything. In the end, if you stay happy, you win. Make that your game, and just stay happy no matter what.

©2007 Michael A. Singer. From the book The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself. New Harbinger Publications, Inc. www.newharbinger.com

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Yoga Meals for Cleansing and Health

Image via Wikipedia

When diet is wrong medicine, it is of no use.

When diet is correct, medicine is of no need.


~Ayurvedic Proverb

Kitcheree is a traditional Indian dish made from rice and daal (lentils).


Mung beans are often used, but many varieties of lentils and beans can be used. This site has some wonderful recipes for Kitcheree and other health building and cleansing recipes. This is not a "hot" spicy dish, but it is filled with aromatic herbs like cinnamon, cumin, and cloves. All of the spices provide vital health giving functions in the Ayurvedic tradition.

You can find out more about the ancient system of Ayurveda, here.

Happy Eating! May your food nourish and protect you.

Teal

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Interview with goddessdownload.com owner Natalie "Fox" Maisel from Pink Heels Blog

http://pink-heels.blogspot.com/2008/08/blog-post_25.html

If you have not yet visited goddessdownload.com go there now! It is a fabulous site with all things honoring the Divine Feminine in all of us. Natalie provides audio downloads of beautiful guided meditations and rituals that will help you tune into the uniquely feminine strengths and energies within you. Her Meditative Journeys CD is one of my favorites for use in my yoga classes, and for my own relaxation.

Her yoga classes are also available at yogadownload.com.

Check Nat out today!

Namaste-
Teal

Stop Trying to Be Perfect...Stop Trying to Be a Saint!

"Stop trying to be perfect...stop trying to be a saint. Just stoooop! Ok? Have some fun! Stop trying to be perfect, and make a mess...make a big mess!"

When I was at Yoga Teacher Training at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health this was my favorite thing to hear, and I got to hear it, often. Now you have to hear this in your own head with the most delightfully, lilting Singapore accent, because the speaker was Jovinna Chan, one of our teachers, and that is what she sounds like. Every time I heard her say these words it was like all the bones went out of my body. Ahhhh....I would just sink into that delicious release from the slavery of perfection. How long had I waited to hear those words? To be given permission to be "imperfect"; permission I would never fully give to myself? A very long time.

Perfection is a hard task-master. It keeps our nose down on a grindstone with singular purpose, believing in the end we wil grind out something of beautiful, polished perfection. But, all we end up with is a sore nose and a pile of grit.

On and off the mat, yoga is a great way to become, like myself, a "Recovering Perfectionist". Anything you carry with you will show up on the mat, and as you work with it you take the awareness, and the biological changes that occur in your mind and body, into your everyday life.

Dinabandhu Garrett Sarley, the CEO of the Kripalu Center, says that, "There is a physical analog for every spiritual experience." (You can read more about this in Dinadandhu's article in the current issue of Yoga Bulletin here).

Our work on the mat is transformational, bringing us in very concrete ways closer to our own humanness. And humans aren't perfect.

So, let's just let that one go... all together now...

one...two...three, deep breath...I N H A L E... and...E X H A L E.

All gone.

Hmm...perfectionism can be stubborn. So, if you feel some residue of that grimacing task-master left behind, maybe this offering which we read so often in Yoga Training will speak to you, as it did to me. Maybe you can read it to your task-master.

Wild Geese by Mary Oliver

You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting —
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.

from Dream Work by Mary Oliver
published by Atlantic Monthly Press
© Mary Oliver

May you be happy, May you be free from all suffering,

Teal

P.S. Check out the two related articles below, they are excellent.

Technorati Tags: yoga, Kripalu yoga, wellness, perfectionism, spiritual experience, mary oliver,

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Kripalu Yoga: Exploring the Yoga of Life

I am a Kripalu Yoga teacher, so I know I am biased, but I really think the Kripalu tradition is one of the most accessible and compassion-centered approaches to yoga.

If you are new to yoga, or just don't know about Kripalu Yoga, the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health Website is a great place to start. The center is located near Lenox, in the Berkshire mountains of western Massachusetts, and it is a fabulous place. They offer classes, workshops, retreats, and teacher-trainings in practically every yoga tradition in the world. World renown teachers come from around the globe to teach there. It is also an amazing place to just go relax, eat some healthy vegetarian food, take a yoga class, hike in the hills or swim in the lake, and just chill out! I spent a month there during my teacher training and it was one of the best things I have ever done.

Check it out...

Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health - Get inspired. Explore fresh perspectives emotional wellness, physical health, and spiritual sustenance. - :

Namaste-
Teal

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Meditation-In-Motion: a Kripalu Yoga Experience

Image via Wikipedia In this post I am going to set the stage for you to experience Meditation-In-Motion, which is a unique aspect of the Kripalu Yoga tradition. This type of "prana awakening" will open doors to new body wisdom for you. First a little background, and explanation.

Kripalu Yoga comes from the lineage of Kundalini yoga and so it is all about cultivating, releasing and harnessing prana, which is energy or life-force. (I will discuss the concepts of prana and Kundalini in greater depth in up-coming posts.) The idea is that as we practice the different components of yoga, like asanas (postures), prana is strengthened and focused. This in turn has great and far-reaching effects in every area of our lives.

Meditation is often an elusive term for most people conjuring pictures of yogis cross-legged in full lotus for hours, but really it is a mental, physical, and biological event that occurs quite naturally when the conditions are right. Creating the conditions is key.


If you have ever been so totally absorbed in work that hours passed without you realizing; have felt the absorption of oneness with a beloved; walked in the forest and had a sense of oneness with all things; participated in an ecstatic dance class, or just danced with reckless abandon by yourself (one of my favorite things to do!) then you have experienced a form of meditative absorption, or Dhyana.

Spontaneous posture flows are something that can occur as prana is released during these deep states of meditative absorption. In fact, this is how yoga asanas were developed. 5000 years ago, yogis living in seclusion, spending hour upon hour in meditative absorption, began to have spontaneous movements as a result of their increased prana. They began recording some of the most common movements, and I would speculate the ones that seemed most effective in harnessing prana, and helping the body to deal with excruciating hours spent in sitting meditation. These were eventually refined into common sets of postures and practices that moved forward with the evolving yogic tradition.

So... what Meditation-In-Motion is, simply, is to allow yourself to come into a relaxed, meditative state and then let your prana move you.

Not you doing yoga...yoga doing you.

To begin...

Find a space where you have room to move around, and lay out a yoga mat (if you have one-it's not required for this experience.) You can use music if you like, BIJA by Todd Norian is a favorite of mine for MIM. Begin on your back in Corpse Pose. Inhale and exhale deeply through your nose.

Feel the breath as it moves into your body and imagine it swirling in a spiraling motion in the center of your body. With each new breath, let this spiral expand, moving out into your limbs. Let the energy flow and grow with the breath as you inhale and exhale. Keep expanding until the energy is moving out through your finger tips, toes, and the crown of your head.

Now let the breath and the energy begin to guide your movements. Forget what you know of yoga postures, or dance movements; follow the waves of sensation and energy. There is no wrong way to proceed.

You may find yourself, moving a lot, or a little, staying on the floor, or transitioning to standing movements. You may sway, arc, make shapes, find yourself in long, holding positions - anything is possible, everything is good.

Notice your breathing, and feel free to release any sighs or vocalizations that may come through. Continue this way, riding the wave of sensation, allowing your prana to awaken and flow, for as long as you like. When you feel complete, make your way back down to the floor and end with a five to ten minute Sivasana (relaxation and integration time), in Corpse Pose.

I hope you enjoy dancing with your prana-
Blesssings,
Teal

Child's Pose: It's Child's Play...

A reader request...this one's for you K...

OK, no really, it's called Child's Pose (or, Garbhasana in Sanskrit). But, some of my awesome students back in Houston sort of inadvertently renamed it "Child's Play," and the name has stuck.

It's an apt renaming because this is a really, really easy pose, and the great thing is you have been doing it since you were a child, so no practice required.

This posture is a forward bending movement and so it is extremely calming to the central nervous system. This is something yoga really excels at: turning off the sympathetic nervous system which initiates our "fight or flight" responses, and turning on the parasympathetic system which makes us feel, "ah...relaxed...happy....safe." Too much of the former and not enough of the later leads to chronic stress syndromes, weight gain, adrenal depletion, and many other "dis-eases" of the body, mind and spirit.

So, lets practice together:

Come down on to your hands and knees on your mat, or the floor. Sink your hips back onto your feet and fold forward at your hips so that your hands come down in front of you and your forehead touches the floor; you can also move your hand to your sides with the palms facing up, still keeping your forehead on the floor. Experiment with both and notice the differences. Allow your tail bone to lengthen down towards the floor so that your spine feels very long.

Stay here breathing deeply in and out of your nose for at least three minutes. Allow your body to sink into the posture more deeply with each exhale. Repeat the mantra, "I have everything I need. I have everything I need. I have everything I need."

Notice the changes in your body and mind from when you start to when you complete your posture. Allow the sensations you feel at the end of the posture to resonate inside of you for a minute or two. Remember, as you move slowly out of the pose and into your day, that you carry this calm and equanimity within you...after all, it's just child's play.

Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti
Om Peace, Peace, Peace
-Teal

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Mountain Pose: Standing on Your Own Two Feet

Standing on your own two feet sounds like one of the simplest of tasks, but it is something I find challenging my students again, and again. Making contact with the ground in a firm and balanced way doesn't always happen automatically for a number of reasons.

Firstly, we all have our own habitual ways of standing, and the longer we stand the more pronounced these usually become. A teacher of mine used to say, "Let me see your best grocery store line stance." And there we'd all be, leaning on one foot or the other, maybe a heel rocked back; a slouch though the torso. When we get tired we tend to alternate putting more pressure on one foot, then the other, when in reality we would get heaps more energy if we would just push down into our feet evenly.

Secondly, these habitual patterns create, and reinforce muscle and skeletal imbalances. In turn we feel more fatigued, and this spreads throughout the whole body.

Thirdly, our footwear can be truly horrendous. Much of it fails to give adequate support to our feet and legs, some of it tips our pelvis and torso at odd angles (high heels, anyone?), and they can reinforce or exacerbate imbalances already present.

But, never fear...YOGA is here, and it provides an easy solution in the posture known as Tadasana, or Mountain Pose.

This posture is basically standing evenly on your own two feet. Try it out (get outside in the grass if you can, it will make this exercise even more yummy):

Come to a standing position in your bare feet (important so that you can feel them!) Stand with your big toes, heels and ankles together, if this is very uncomfortable for you, try separating your feet about 6 inches, but keep your feet parallel. Allow your hands to hang down by your side.

Begin to press your feet firmly into the ground. Can you feel each of the four sides, of each foot, touching the ground? Notice if there are any gaps, or if you are leaning a little more to one edge or another. Press down the balls of your feet and lift your toes; then spread them out as if they were fingers, and place them back down one, by one. Press fully into your feet again. Notice the sensations that come as the soles of your feet make contact with the earth; feel the energy that is being drawn up and into your body.

Notice what is happening in your legs as you press. Do you find a new firmness? An increase in energy? What has happened to the pelvis? Bring your awareness further up, and notice the position of your chest, shoulders, neck and head. Do you feel lighter? Straighter? Stronger? Take note of all these things and the way your entire body feels in its position in space.

In Yoga we use the energy of moving down, to rise up; this is the foundation of every posture.

If you are new to yoga, WELCOME, you are doing it, and can continue your sadhana (practice) every time you are standing on your own two feet.

May your feet always rest joyfully upon the earth,

Teal

Monday Mantra – August 19, 2008

Another Monday Mantra...on Tuesday. Do you think the Universe is trying to tell me something? Honestly, I tried to carve out a bit of time yesterday for this post, but it just didn't happen. Mondays are always just so busy. But, I love it, because the Universe does have a sense of humour doesn't it? I mean, my thought on posting a mantra each Monday was that it is such a frenetic day we could all use something to give us a mindfulness break, and opportunity to shift focus, to regain steadiness and concentration...and then, I couldn't find time to do that. Hmmm... will have to work on that, for now here is a new mantra for you.

Om Namah Shivay (Aum Num-ha Shi-vi-ya)

Om Namah Shivay, is a mantra of transformation. It is an homage to Lord Shiva, the Hindu aspect of the Divine responsible for the transformation of the Universe. Sometimes referred to as the Destroyer, but in the cyclical Hindu world-view nothing is really ever destroyed so much as it is transformed, changed, or "reborn" into something new.

So, one of the great and powerful uses of this mantra in personal practice is for transforming one energy into another. If you are feeling stuck in a certain mind state, Om Namah Shivya; if you are feeling tired and need to build some energy, Om Namah Shivya; if you are feeling stricken with grief that is weighing you down like an anvil on your chest...Om Namah Shivya.

It is critical that you say the mantra, out loud or in your mind, with the greatest intention, but be aware that the mantra will do it's own work after that. You may not feel that it is working, you may even feel it is making things worse, or just a lot of resistence or anger towards it; these are always good clues that the mantra is doing its work. Stick with it awhile.

Shiva, whos mantra this is, is also the symbol of the inner self that is left intact after everything else has been consumed, so in speaking it the chanter is bowing to her inner shelf.

Let this mantra vibrate in your heart.

May it bring you great transformation, a returning to that which you already are.
Abide in Peace.

Chanting of this sacred mantra from Krishna Das

Namaste,
Teal

A Mantra for Monday

This is a day late, but hey, what's a day in the great expanse of consciousness....

I've talked a little about Mantra, now here is my very favorite. I chant it every day and it brings great peace to my life. Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudeva, can be translated: I Bow to That Which Sustains Me. I find it is a beautiful way to bring mindfulness into my life. To stop, and think about what sustains me in my life, and to bow in honor of all those blessings.

Come into a moment of mindfulness, take a deep breath, and try it for yourself...

Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudeva
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudeva
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudeva

Here is a video of my favorite chanting of this precious mantra, by the lovely Deva Premal.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5-WaEwrXak

May you have peace,

Teal

My Review of Asolo Attiva Hiking Boots - Waterproof Gore-Tex?? (For Women)

Originally submitted at Sierra Trading Post

Closeouts . Asolo Attiva hiking boots provide the waterproof breathable protection of Gore-Tex??, superior support and comfort, and Old-World quality. Heel and toe bumpers Convenient rapid lacing system Padded collar Gusseted tongue Pull loop Suede and nylon uppers Removable insole Non-mark...

Asolo Attiva Hiking Boots - Waterproof Gore-Tex?? (For Women)

Incredible boots!

By www.blissfulbodyyoga.com from Gastonia, NC on 8/12/2008

 

5out of 5

Sizing: Feels half size too big

Width: Feels true to width

Pros: Stable, Comfortable, Durable, Breathes Well, SUPER comfy out of the bo, Warm

Best Uses: Wet Weather, Casual Wear, Hiking, Travel, Cold Weather

Describe Yourself: Comfort-oriented, Looking for good value, Looking for high-quality

Asolo was recommended to me by my cousin who is an avid outdoors man, and wears the boots for construction work all day. He said they were a great fit out of the box, warm and durable, and they are ALL those things. I literally put them on and went hiking for 3 hours and my feet and legs felt great. The tred gives good traction, the ankle stability is excellent and the weather proofing really keeps the moisture and cold out. I have worn them on 100 degree days as well and my feet have stayed comfortable, so they breathe well. I would recommend these to anyone and will definitely by them again. Also, the price at Sierra Trading Post was unbeatable (and I shopped around a lot!)

On the recommendation of other reviewers I ordered a half-size smaller then my normal size and they were a perfect fit.

(legalese)

My Review of SmartWool Adrenaline Cushioned Hiking Socks (For Men and Women)

Originally submitted at Sierra Trading Post

SmartWool's specially processed merino wool gives these socks soft, itch-free comfort, warmth and wicking that will surprise you. Merino wool is warm in winter, cool in summer Features include ankle and arch braces Contoured flex zone for all-day action and comfort Waffle knit instep for tempera...

SmartWool Adrenaline Cushioned Hiking Socks (For Men and Women)

The best socks EVER!

By www.blissfulbodyyoga.com from Gastonia, NC on 8/12/2008

 

5out of 5

Fit: Feels true to size

Pros: Wash and dry well, Wicks Away Moisture, Comfortable, Regulates Temperature Well, NO blisters EVER, Stylish, Durable

Best Uses: Daily Use, Travel, Team Sports, Backpacking, Hiking

Describe Yourself: Casual/ Recreational

These are wonderful, as are all the SmartWool socks. Your feet will be so happy! I usually get blisters ALL the time, and I never get them as long as I wear SmartWool socks (even if my feet get wet.) I wear them for hiking and running, and I put A LOT of miles on them. They are extremely durable and machine wash and dry well. Sierra Trading Post definitely has the best prices on them.

(legalese)

8 Greats!...in honor of 8.8.08

In honor of this auspicious date of 08.08.08 here are 8 great things that I hope will bring you a little joy:

1) Heritage Products Rose Petals Rose Water:
I use this everyday and it is SO refreshing, especially in the heat. Its great for hydration under make-up, and rose essence is famous for relieving depression and lifting spirits. You can find this rose petal water, essential oils, massage products and many other beautiful products at excellent prices at:
www.caycecures.com
www.heritagestore.com

2) DailyBuddhism.com
I discovered this as a podcast on i tunes and love it. It provides clear, simple information on Buddhism and related topics.
http://www.dailybuddhism.com/

3) Lavender and Peppermint Oil
I use this particular combination of essential oils in my bath a lot in the summer. The lavender is relaxing, and the peppermint leaves you feeling cool and tingly, and refreshed. You can get them both for a great price at:
www.vitacost.com

* Use source code: aetna608 and get an 8% discount of your total order (this code worked as of 8/8/08).

4) Poetry and Spoken Word by Joya Lonsdale
While your in the bath, listen to the CD or read the chapbook, My Mouth is Open to All Rivers, from this exquisite, emerging poet. Joya's poetry is silky, sensual stuff and her imagery will carry you away...
http://www.joyalonsdale.com/

5) Eye Pillows from Hugger Mugger
After all that you'll be ready for a nap! These eye pillows are my secret to napping, actually, I sleep with mine over my eyes at night. The coverage and weight of the pillow help with sense withdrawal making it easier to relax. Great for sivasana as well. BTW Hugger Mugger is a great resource for all things yoga. I order all my studio props and mats from them.
http://huggermugger.com/productDetailServlet?ProductStoreCategory=BO-EYEBG-SILK

6) Vitamins and Supplements
They do your body good, but not always your wallet! My brother introduced me to Vitacost.com years ago and it is still by far the best place I've found for vitamins, protein powders, essential oils, beauty items...all sorts of stuff. They carry lots of green and vegan products, and their house brand, NSI, is very good quality. Use source code: aetna608 and get an 8% discount of your total order (this code worked as of 8/8/08).
www.vitacost.com

7) Rainbow Light Protein Energizer
If you are hungry after you nap, try my favorite protein powder. I drink this almost every morning after my run, or sadhana (yoga practice.)
http://www.vitacost.com/Rainbow-Light-Protein-Energizer-Vanilla-Energy-Shake-17-oz?csrc=GPF-021888410019

8) Something Great from Teal!
Well, this list wouldn't be complete without a little shameless self-promotion. If you are looking for some yoga or green living inspired clothes and gifts, some fine art cards, or just some REALLY silly t-shirts, check out my ever evolving CafePress shop...
http://www.cafepress.com/blissfulbody

Hope you enjoy these 8 greats, and have many more than 8 blessings this day, and every day.
Teal

Monkeys & Mantras

In my last two posts I likened the ever fluctuating nature of Mind to the ever changing movements of ocean waves. "Monkey Mind" is another widely used metaphor for the frantic, sometimes seemingly haphazard trajectories of our thoughts. I like this one because, well, my mind at times really does feel like there is a wild monkey loose in it, and because I get a really awesome mental picture of a wild-eyed, bright orange monkey swinging from limb to limb inside the limitless spaces of my mind, and that in turn makes me laugh, and usually lighten up a bit. Lightening up, I think, is always a great thing.

So, if you imagine this wild little monkey, what would you do to quiet her down, to give her a bit of focus? One answer the sadhus (ancient yogis) discovered, was to give the "monkey" something to play with. Give it something to keep it focused and occupied, so that other states of awareness are allowed to unfold. If we give a real monkey a pile of blocks to put back in a basket she will stay quiet, and focused on the task. If we give Monkey Mind a singular and repetitive task, it too will settle down and create some space for our awareness to expand into.

One of the most effective techniques for doing this is repeating a mantra. A mantra is a word, sound, or phrase that is repeated over and over. The most well known of these is the Hindu syllable Om (sometimes spelled Aum, and also used widely in Buddhism). This syllable is said to be one of the great sounds of the Universe, echoing throughout all eternity. It is easy to remember, to say, and produces a deeply resonant feeling in the body.

Give the Mantra Om a Try...
Lie down on your back, or come to a comfortable seated position with the hands palms up, on top of your knees. Inhale, close your eyes, and begin repeating the sound of Om on each exhale. Begin the sound with your mouth wide in the shape of an "O", feel the sound filling your belly and your chest, then close in around the sound, finally completing it by pressing your lips together and allowing the final "Mmmm" sound to resonate in your sinus cavities. Start by repeating this mantra at least 7 times, and gradually increase until you can sit and chant mantra for many minutes. Let each breath and repetition be as long as possible. Let the mantra linger and savor the delicious vibrations.

Don't worry if you feel silly a first. You may even laugh out loud. Don't resist this! Have fun with it! Laughing is mightily good for your soul.

Om shanti, shanti, shanti (Om, peace, peace, peace),

Teal

Smoothing Out the Waves

What to do with a wavy, wavy mind...

So, in my last post I talked about the wavy, fluctuating nature of mind and how it can create a lot of confusion, feelings of separation, and general suffering of all sorts. So, what can we do about all that? It's a bit of a bold statement to say that yoga and meditation can help us to change something so innate to human nature. But, I have experienced in my own life, and seen in the lives of others, how very effective these modalities are, and the great thing is there are literally millions of approaches and techniques, so there really is something out there for everybody. Here are a couple to get you started.

Walking Meditation
If you have trouble sitting still than this is a great way to start. Choose a peaceful, restorative place to walk; in your neighborhood, out in the country, by the sea, where ever you feel the energy is best for you. As you walk, breath deeply and allow your awareness to rest lightly on everything that is around you. Use all your senses. What sounds are present? Are there scents? How does the air feel as it moves across your skin? How do your feet feel as they make contact with the ground? Take off your shoes, if you can, and take in the sensory experience of placing your bare feet upon the earth. Bring your attention, and your whole heart to every moment and sensation as you walk and breathe.

Meditation in Sivasana
This is a very restorative, relaxing way to meditate the only trick usually is not to fall asleep! But, you know what? If you do, that is just fine.

Start by lieing down on your back on a yoga mat, the floor, or any flat surface. Allow your toes to flop out to the sides, and let your palms face up about 6 inches away from your body. Close your eyelids gently. Begin by breathing deeply into your belly. Allow the breath to become very full as you begin to relax. Imagine your belly is like a giant balloon that fills with each breath, and then collapse back in on itself with each full exhale. Continue this cycle for at least 7 breaths and notice the sensations throughout your body. Continue to rest and breath in sivasana for 5-10 minutes, or longer if you like.

Both of these techniques help to still mind chatter by relaxing the body and bringing the mind into focus on inner and outer sensations. Try one or both of them at least once a day for 7 days and notice the changes in your thoughts and feelings.

May you be happy, may you be free from all suffering,

Teal

Do You Have The Citta Vrttis?

When I lived in Houston my morning walk took me down a long boardwalk overlooking an inland waterway connected to the Gulf. One morning as I passed by, the water was woven into an undecipherable pattern of tiny, fluctuating waves. I stopped on the edge of the boardwalk and sat down. I watched as the waves undulate in one direction and then another, often so quickly that it was hard to determine the direction of movement of any individual wave. Each wave definitely had a unique identity, but they also seemed to have a collective personality. There was a large expression in the whole that seemed to reflect the smaller movements of the parts. A sudden thought arose in my mind, “Ah…citta vrttis….”

If you read the title of this article and you have no idea what the “citta vrttis” are, then I think your answer may have been a resounding, “NO!”. At first glance it may sound a bit like an itchy skin condition, or something you would pick up in a foreign country with poorly treated water. But, in fact, the “citta vrttis” are something that none of us, save perhaps the great Buddhas or Christ-figures of our world, escape.

In the second verse of the Yoga Sutras, the great sage Patanjali states, “Yoga Citta Vrtti Narodhaha”, or “yoga is deliberately stilling the thought waves of the mind.” So we can understand “citta’ as mind, and “vrtti” as the ever changing oscillations, or waves of thoughts, that move through our minds.

Just like the waves that live off the edge of my boardwalk are part of the great expanse that is the ocean itself, mind dwells in a space that is Pure Consciousness: enormous, pure and expansive, and we are in no way separated from it, yet we suffer from the delusion that we are separate, struggling and alone.

Like the waves within the great ocean the movements of our mind are endless, and essentially in constant flux, featuring moment-to-moment modifications. We can see the changing nature of the modifications of mind as an incredibly positive thing, generating energy, new ideas…change. At the same time, the fluctuations can be viewed as turbulence that renders the holistic wisdom of Pure Consciousness obscured. As a result we are separated from the truth of our own nature; that we are in fact Consciousness, already whole and perfect. This misperception leads us to various states of suffering.

By using techniques that focus our concentration (like yoga and meditation) we give “mind” an opportunity to slow down and become less fluctuating, less wavy, so to speak. Soon the peaks and valleys between the waves become longer, and visions of the clear, seamless calm of Consciousness more apparent. Eventually, the mind becomes so still that it simply resides in its true nature, unchanging and eternal. No longer tossed to and fro on the choppy waves of changing mind states, we are simply One.

Yoga Sutra 1.2: Yoga Citta Vrtti Narodhaha (Yoga is deliberately stilling the thought waves of the mind.)

Yoga Sutra 1.3: Tada drastuh svarupe vastanam (United in the heart consciousness is steady, then we abide in our own true nature.)

May you be happy, may you be free,

Teal

Happy St. Patty's Day

A wee Irish Blessing for all my fellow Irish Yogis and Yoginis out there:

May there always be work for your hands to do,

May your purse always hold a coin or two,

May the sun always shine on your window pane,

May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain,

May the hand of a friend always be near you,

May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.

In celebration of my Irish heritage (I'm half Irish, half Italian), and my love for yoga :-) I created some fun merchandise in my Cafe Press store. See my IRISH YOGI line at the link below:

http://www.cafepress.com/blissfulbody

Namaste, and go mbeannaí Dia thú! (may God bless you!)

Teal Marie

3 Simple Things for Your New Year

A New Year, a fresh start, opportunities to do and be more of the things we are always dreaming of. It is an amazing energy, but it can also leave us feeling a little overwhelmed and wondering where to begin. As a yoga teacher, I get a lot of questions throughout the year about how to improve one's health, loose weight, sleep better, etc. There are always three things that I suggest people start with, and here they are:

Commit to getting 8 hours sleep every night. Pure and simple. Do whatever it takes to give yourself this gift. Sleep is an amazing tonic for so many maladies. Our bodies and brains need this time for integration and repair, without it we age faster, feel groggy and grumpy, and have trouble getting the most out of life. If you are sleep deprived like most Americans these days, break the cycle! You will be truly amazed what it feels like to be well rested.

Drink 3 litres of pure filtered water a day. For some this may seem impossible, but it is really quite doable with the small investment in a large water bottle that you can keep with you and fill throughout the day. Once your body feels the benefits of adequate hydration it will "ask" for the water and it will become much easier. If your goals this year include weight loss drinking 3 litres of water a day will greatly help you accomplish this goal. Chronic dehydration is often mistaken for real hunger, plus water helps you feel more full between meals, and gets you up from your desk to use the restroom which fuels your metabolism.

Take 7 deep breaths first thing in the morning and last thing at night. As soon as you open your eyes in the morning you can begin. Inhale deeply through your nose allowing your belly to fill with fresh air, then allow the breath to move into your chest, expanding your rib cage to the sides and then forward. As you exhale allow your belly to collapse and the chest to follow. If you have trouble doing this, think about the last time you saw a baby sleeping. This is the natural way that we breathe as babies, but time and stress may train this open, full way of breathing out of our bodies. This is also a beginning mindful breath meditation, so if meditation has ever been something you have been curious about, then you will be well on your way to your own practice.

Make a loving commitment to give these 3 gifts to yourself consistently for 40 days. I promise you it will transform your life in ways you may not think possible.

With loving-kindness,

Teal Marie