Lately breakfast has turned into my most interesting, healthy, and delicious meal. This inspiration started with Dr. Northrup explaining why 9 servings of fruits and vegetables a day are important, if not vital, for stellar health. Then Dr. Oz did a whole program on diet and the direct impact it has on your well-being. So, I began looking into this further and re-discovered the value of spices.
Over the past 20 years, my cooking habits have gotten lazier. Other than pepper, I don't add a lot of herbs or spices. This has changed quite a bit in the last few weeks; not only my body, but my taste buds are better off!
For example, I mixed waffles with cinnamon, anise, nutmeg, maple syrup, and walnuts. The next day I had bananas with cinnamon, anise, ginger, wheat germ, flax, honey, and raisins. All I can say is TASTE EXPLOSION!!!
The spices selected above were based on my own health challenges and taste preferences. Here are some other ideas on specific issues and spices that can help with them:
Aches/Pains: basil, ginger, chili pepper, turmeric
Alzheimer's: ginger, turmeric, sage, curry (yellow)
Anemia: cinnamon, turmeric, cumin
Antibacterial: basil, black pepper, oregano, garlic
Antioxidant: oregano, sage, parsley, turmeric, rosemary, ginger, paprika
Arthritis: ginger, curry, turmeric, sage, cloves, chili powder/peppers
Asthma: sage
Cancer: ginger, turmeric, red chili peppers, parsley, black pepper, curry, rosemary, garlic, paprika
Cholesterol: cinnamon, turmeric, garlic
Circulation: paprika, cayenne, cinnamon
Common Cold: garlic, black pepper, basil, thyme, sage, oregano, rosemary, cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, ginger, chili peppers
Concentration and memory: rosemary
Crohn’s: turmeric
Diabetes: cinnamon
Headaches: rosemary
Heart Disease: ginger, garlic, cinnamon, rosemary
Hypertension: garlic, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, pepper, cayenne pepper
IBS: peppermint
Immune System: garlic, ginger, chili pepper
Indigestion/Gas/Bloating: fennel, anise, cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, ginger
Inflammation: turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, sage, rosemary, cloves, chili powder/peppers, paprika
Nausea: ginger, cinnamon
Night Sweats: sage
Ulcers: wasabi
If you're interested in a personalized mix just for you, let me know.
As a meditation, close your eyes when you chew (not recommended when on a date) and take a least 30 chews for 1 bite of food. Take the time to be with the experience of the texture, taste, sounds, smells, and joy of eating.
Bon Appetit!
Kris
www.TotalHealthYoga.com
www.TotalHealthYogaClasses.Blogspot.com
Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
Monday, April 28, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
Neck Tension - How to Breath
When I was in kindergarten, my teacher used to warn us that she had "eyes in the back of her head." Considering how many times she knew just which student was misbehaving, we all came to believe this was truth.
At age 43, I'm no longer convinced this was the case. However, the eyes and the back of the head have a definite connection. Take your fingers tips and place them on your occipital ridge (at the top of the neck just beneath the skull). Touch only lightly. With the head still, move your eyes up, down, right, left, and in circles. See if you can feel a subtle movement beneath your fingers. Now stare intently at an object and notice the level of tension under your fingers and around your face. Soften your gaze and widen the peripheral vision. Notice what happens to the tension at the top of the neck and face area.
Throughout the day, watch your eyes and pay attention to how frequently it's piercing and realize this impacts not only your eyes, but your muscles in the face and neck as well.
Also, when the eyes are tight, the breath moves up into the chest and becomes shallow. As the eyes relax, so does the chest allowing the breath to deepen down to the belly.
Keep a soft gaze and enjoy the day,
Kris
http://www.totalhealthyoga.com/
http://www.totalhealthyogaclasses.blogspot.com/
Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
At age 43, I'm no longer convinced this was the case. However, the eyes and the back of the head have a definite connection. Take your fingers tips and place them on your occipital ridge (at the top of the neck just beneath the skull). Touch only lightly. With the head still, move your eyes up, down, right, left, and in circles. See if you can feel a subtle movement beneath your fingers. Now stare intently at an object and notice the level of tension under your fingers and around your face. Soften your gaze and widen the peripheral vision. Notice what happens to the tension at the top of the neck and face area.
Throughout the day, watch your eyes and pay attention to how frequently it's piercing and realize this impacts not only your eyes, but your muscles in the face and neck as well.
Also, when the eyes are tight, the breath moves up into the chest and becomes shallow. As the eyes relax, so does the chest allowing the breath to deepen down to the belly.
Keep a soft gaze and enjoy the day,
Kris
http://www.totalhealthyoga.com/
http://www.totalhealthyogaclasses.blogspot.com/
Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Halasana - Plow Pose
Last week, the continuing and deepening classes that I teach worked on halasana (plow pose shown above). Folks were wondering why they could come into a deep forward bend, such as paschimotanasana, but not plow?
What's interesting is that even though the pose takes flexibility (seems pretty obvious), it also take strength (less obvious). Even simpler poses, such as janu sirsasana (head to knee pose shown below) take some strength.
Taking a look at plow, we can break it down by what is required to perform such an asana with integrity and benefit to the body and mind:
1. Flexibility
Flexibility is needed in the backs of the legs, neck, low back, chest (to keep from collapsing), shoulders, and gluts.
2. Strength
To get the lift and maintain this pose, there must be strength in the shoulders, back, and backs of the legs.
3. Risk Factors
Plow is a more challenging pose and not recommending when you're starting out. Be certain you are comfortable in shoulderstand before attempting plow. Physical risks to watch for are in the neck, shoulders, and low back.
Knowing all of this, if you struggle with a posture, such as plow or janu sirsasana, break it down into where flexibility, strength, and risks for that pose lie. Then use simpler poses to determine where you can use more muscle building, lengthening, or integration. Also, based on past injuries or physical challenges you might face, some poses might do more harm than good; take a look at the risks.
Love Much,
Kris
http://www.totalhealthyoga.com/
http://www.totalhealthyogaclasses.blogspot.com/
Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
Kris
http://www.totalhealthyoga.com/
http://www.totalhealthyogaclasses.blogspot.com/
Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Open Your Heart
You might not have guessed it, but this is a sketch (complements of wikipedia) of an electromagnetic field. PBS recently hosted a program by Dr Christiane Northrup on menopause. (Don't worry, men, this applies to you too!) During her lecture, she mentioned that the "heart's electromagnetic field is 60x larger than the brain's."
This really caught my interest. Many people use affirmations or attempt to "think" their way into meditation without success. With only thoughts the magnetic current generated is 5000x weaker than the magnetic qualities of the heart.
As described by The Awakening Project: "The heart's ECG measurements are about 60 times as strong as that of brain EEG measurements. The magnetic component of the electromagnetic field is about 5000 times stronger than the brains and can be measured several feet away with a SQUID (Superconducting Quantum Interference Device). Rollin McCraty, Ph.D. "The Energetic Heart: Bioelectromagnetic Communication Within and Between People". "
The Institute of Heart Math comments on the power of the heart: "The heart's electromagnetic field--by far the most powerful rhythmic field produced by the human body--not only envelops every cell of the body but also extends out in all directions into the space around us. The cardiac field can be measured several feet away from the body by sensitive devices. Research conducted at IHM suggests that the heart's field is an important carrier of information."
A backbend practice is a wonderful way to open the heart area both physically and energetically. Check out Yoga Journal for a listing of various backbends. For beginner's, I'm particularly fond of Bridge; if you have more experience and are feeling strong and flexible, Upward Facing Bow is wonderfully invigorating and opening.
Love Much,
Kris
http://www.totalhealthyoga.com/
http://www.totalhealthyogaclasses.blogspot.com/
Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
What is Meditation
A couple of weeks ago, a small group of Yoginis were discussing meditation.
"I'm so bad at meditating."
"We all struggle with thoughts going through our heads."
"I try, but it just doesn't work."
"Can anyone really meditate?"
"It's hard."
Interestingly, so many people seem to be under the impression that if you think, you're not meditating. This is not necessarily true.
There are various forms and definitions of meditation. On one extreme the mind is to be completely void of any and all thought--good luck with that! The other extreme is to daydream and "go to your happy place." This is not truly meditating, but some would disagree with me.
Visualizations and meditations are different. Yet, many of us, me included, frequently use the word meditation to describe what is technically visualization. In the end, the word is not as important as what benefits you find from the method you use.
Posture is another element up for debate. When working with a disciple of Swami Rama, she recommending sitting in full lotus (padmasana) on an animal skin and a prayer shawl wrapped around the meditator. The skin and shawl were intended to keep the energy (Prana) inside the body. On the other hand, Erich Schiffmann once suggested meditating in a hammock under the shade of a tree in the summer time. Thich Nhat Hahn talks about mindfulness throughout the day, which in my opinion is like bringing meditation to every day life.
So what does meditation "do"? What are its benefits?
On a physical level, the heart rate slows, the breath becomes deeper without effort, and the whole body copes with stress in a healthier manner.
Mentally, you develop the ability to focus. With that said, if your mind is scattered all over the place like a messy house, then meditation will not immediately bring complete calm. Just as when you clean your home, it's a process to create order and structure within the chaos and disarray. If you continue to pick up, over time the house will become a bit cleaner and eventually, with discipline, it will be a more serene environment. The mind is like this too. The more you practice focusing your thoughts; over time they will begin to work for you and not against you. You will begin to choose what thoughts you'd like to maintain and what thoughts do not serve you.
Like magic, many people take up meditation to ease pain, be it physical or emotional, yet the spiritual benefits sneak in. With proper guidance and growing awareness, you begin to know you are not your thoughts or emotions. As you gain the ability to separate from thoughts, you experience oneness with others and sense a connection with the universe.
What's cool about this is that you are no longer controlled by negative things your parents or past lovers might have said about you. You are no longer sucked into the false belief that you are not good enough. Calm in what appears to be craziness is easier--not always, but it's a practice. Be patient.
Finally, what is "proper" meditation? Whatever works for you. Does repeating a mantra just become a drone in the back of your head while your thoughts take over? Does looking at a candle flame strain your eyes to the point of strong discomfort? If so, these techniques might not be best for you. On the other hand, if lying in a hammock brings you into complete awareness of the stillness in the ground below you and the sky above. If you feel the breeze on your skin and the aroma in the air sooths your soul, then you just might have stumbled upon a wonderful technique.
A teacher can help you to find a method that works, or you might find it on your own. My suggestion: Be very leery of anyone that tells you they have all the answers for how you should meditate. Only you will know when it's right. And be flexible with yourself. For years, I benefited from a longer early morning seated meditation. Now two brief periods a day with various focus objects each time work best for me.
Enjoy the practice. Don't beat yourself up. There is no "wrong" way; just sitting in silence for even a few minutes while watching your breath can have a positive impact on your life.
Love Much,
Kris
www.TotalHealthYoga.com
www.TotalHealthYogaClasses.Blogspot.com
Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
"I'm so bad at meditating."
"We all struggle with thoughts going through our heads."
"I try, but it just doesn't work."
"Can anyone really meditate?"
"It's hard."
Interestingly, so many people seem to be under the impression that if you think, you're not meditating. This is not necessarily true.
There are various forms and definitions of meditation. On one extreme the mind is to be completely void of any and all thought--good luck with that! The other extreme is to daydream and "go to your happy place." This is not truly meditating, but some would disagree with me.
Visualizations and meditations are different. Yet, many of us, me included, frequently use the word meditation to describe what is technically visualization. In the end, the word is not as important as what benefits you find from the method you use.
Posture is another element up for debate. When working with a disciple of Swami Rama, she recommending sitting in full lotus (padmasana) on an animal skin and a prayer shawl wrapped around the meditator. The skin and shawl were intended to keep the energy (Prana) inside the body. On the other hand, Erich Schiffmann once suggested meditating in a hammock under the shade of a tree in the summer time. Thich Nhat Hahn talks about mindfulness throughout the day, which in my opinion is like bringing meditation to every day life.
So what does meditation "do"? What are its benefits?
On a physical level, the heart rate slows, the breath becomes deeper without effort, and the whole body copes with stress in a healthier manner.
Mentally, you develop the ability to focus. With that said, if your mind is scattered all over the place like a messy house, then meditation will not immediately bring complete calm. Just as when you clean your home, it's a process to create order and structure within the chaos and disarray. If you continue to pick up, over time the house will become a bit cleaner and eventually, with discipline, it will be a more serene environment. The mind is like this too. The more you practice focusing your thoughts; over time they will begin to work for you and not against you. You will begin to choose what thoughts you'd like to maintain and what thoughts do not serve you.
Like magic, many people take up meditation to ease pain, be it physical or emotional, yet the spiritual benefits sneak in. With proper guidance and growing awareness, you begin to know you are not your thoughts or emotions. As you gain the ability to separate from thoughts, you experience oneness with others and sense a connection with the universe.
What's cool about this is that you are no longer controlled by negative things your parents or past lovers might have said about you. You are no longer sucked into the false belief that you are not good enough. Calm in what appears to be craziness is easier--not always, but it's a practice. Be patient.
Finally, what is "proper" meditation? Whatever works for you. Does repeating a mantra just become a drone in the back of your head while your thoughts take over? Does looking at a candle flame strain your eyes to the point of strong discomfort? If so, these techniques might not be best for you. On the other hand, if lying in a hammock brings you into complete awareness of the stillness in the ground below you and the sky above. If you feel the breeze on your skin and the aroma in the air sooths your soul, then you just might have stumbled upon a wonderful technique.
A teacher can help you to find a method that works, or you might find it on your own. My suggestion: Be very leery of anyone that tells you they have all the answers for how you should meditate. Only you will know when it's right. And be flexible with yourself. For years, I benefited from a longer early morning seated meditation. Now two brief periods a day with various focus objects each time work best for me.
Enjoy the practice. Don't beat yourself up. There is no "wrong" way; just sitting in silence for even a few minutes while watching your breath can have a positive impact on your life.
Love Much,
Kris
www.TotalHealthYoga.com
www.TotalHealthYogaClasses.Blogspot.com
Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Living in the Now
A few weeks ago, I took up knitting. To begin this adventure I collected about a dozen books from the local library and stopped by the craft store to purchase needles and yarn.
Sitting by the fireside, I pulled out the books thinking this would be easy. Within the first few minutes I realized that learn to knit via a book wasn't working very well for me.
My sons recommended YouTube. This proved to be a great idea. Mrs. Moskowitz's videos were very helpful. However, there was no mention of the importance of taking the yarn from inside the skein! Needless-to-say, I started knitting with the yarn on the outside.
Half-way into my first scarf, the yarn began to knot up; which I now know comes from starting on the outside of the skein. Information I could have used earlier.
As I'm struggling to de-tangle the messed up yarn, with only one end to work with, I found myself sighing (a lot). Finally Mike, my partner, came to help, but it seemed futile. He was patient; I was not. All I wanted was to knit, and all this de-knotting was getting in the way.
Finally, I took a break from this frustrating experience and read some Eckhart Tolle. As fate would have it, Echkart talked about three hindering viewpoint regarding time. That is, thoughts that take us out of the now. They were:
1. Viewing time as a means to an end (like the yarn incident).
2. Seeing time as an obstacle (such as when waiting for someone or something).
3. Time is the enemy resulting in complaining about whatever you are doing or your surroundings.
This may not be new news, but I needed to hear it at that moment. I returned to the project of detangling the yarn with a new perspective; instead of straightening out the yarn just to continue knitting, I considered the enjoyment of creating order out of chaos, the sight of the beautiful colors in the yarn, and the texture at my fingertips. Suddenly this "chore" became almost fun (I didn't say fun; almost fun). Without all the resistance I had brought to the table earlier, this time I was able to progress at a more rapid rate. Within 10 minutes the whole job was complete.
It's this attitude of accepting the current moment and being in it that our Yoga practice enhances. During a practice, we grow in awareness of the body, breath, and thoughts. This week in the classes I guide, we'll focus on this very idea.
Stop periodically and ask these three questions:
1. What is my body experiencing? Scan from the crown of the head to the tips of the toes. Is there tightness or pinching? Can you move or adjust in some way to create more comfort and expanse?
2. What is my breath like? Be the observer; do NOT judge, rather notice. Is the breath moving from the upper chest all the way to the navel? Is the breath free to fill the front, back, and side body?
3. What are the thoughts running through my head? Take a few moments to be still and just pay attention to what is going on in your head. Do not "run away" with the thoughts; rather watch them. As if the thoughts are a play and you are in the audience. You are not the thoughts; you are an observer of them.
Love Much,
Kris
www.TotalHealthYoga.com
www.TotalHealthYogaClasses.Blogspot.com
Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
Sitting by the fireside, I pulled out the books thinking this would be easy. Within the first few minutes I realized that learn to knit via a book wasn't working very well for me.
My sons recommended YouTube. This proved to be a great idea. Mrs. Moskowitz's videos were very helpful. However, there was no mention of the importance of taking the yarn from inside the skein! Needless-to-say, I started knitting with the yarn on the outside.
Half-way into my first scarf, the yarn began to knot up; which I now know comes from starting on the outside of the skein. Information I could have used earlier.
As I'm struggling to de-tangle the messed up yarn, with only one end to work with, I found myself sighing (a lot). Finally Mike, my partner, came to help, but it seemed futile. He was patient; I was not. All I wanted was to knit, and all this de-knotting was getting in the way.
Finally, I took a break from this frustrating experience and read some Eckhart Tolle. As fate would have it, Echkart talked about three hindering viewpoint regarding time. That is, thoughts that take us out of the now. They were:
1. Viewing time as a means to an end (like the yarn incident).
2. Seeing time as an obstacle (such as when waiting for someone or something).
3. Time is the enemy resulting in complaining about whatever you are doing or your surroundings.
This may not be new news, but I needed to hear it at that moment. I returned to the project of detangling the yarn with a new perspective; instead of straightening out the yarn just to continue knitting, I considered the enjoyment of creating order out of chaos, the sight of the beautiful colors in the yarn, and the texture at my fingertips. Suddenly this "chore" became almost fun (I didn't say fun; almost fun). Without all the resistance I had brought to the table earlier, this time I was able to progress at a more rapid rate. Within 10 minutes the whole job was complete.
It's this attitude of accepting the current moment and being in it that our Yoga practice enhances. During a practice, we grow in awareness of the body, breath, and thoughts. This week in the classes I guide, we'll focus on this very idea.
Stop periodically and ask these three questions:
1. What is my body experiencing? Scan from the crown of the head to the tips of the toes. Is there tightness or pinching? Can you move or adjust in some way to create more comfort and expanse?
2. What is my breath like? Be the observer; do NOT judge, rather notice. Is the breath moving from the upper chest all the way to the navel? Is the breath free to fill the front, back, and side body?
3. What are the thoughts running through my head? Take a few moments to be still and just pay attention to what is going on in your head. Do not "run away" with the thoughts; rather watch them. As if the thoughts are a play and you are in the audience. You are not the thoughts; you are an observer of them.
Love Much,
Kris
www.TotalHealthYoga.com
www.TotalHealthYogaClasses.Blogspot.com
Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
Friday, March 21, 2008
The Sounds of Silence
Communicating is a wonderful thing. Sometimes a phone call to a dear friend is just what the doctor ordered. Anyone that knows me, knows that I love to talk--maybe a bit too much!
At 43 years of age, I'm realizing the need to be quiet more. To listen. It's only when I'm silent that I stay fully aware of the moment and am truly open to receive what is around me.
Inspired by Eckhart Tolle, Deepak Chopra, Anodea Judith, and Dr. Wayne Dyer, I have been and will be blogging less frequently than in the past. Perhaps this will change one day, but at this phase in my life I want to hear more clearly; frankly I feel pretty sure that it's time to "just shut up" for a while. Less opinions and more openness. Less outpouring and more incoming.
Sounds like perimenopause talking; regardless here are some thoughts on silence to ponder:
Love Much,
Kris
www.TotalHealthYoga.com
www.TotalHealthYogaClasses.Blogspot.com
Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
At 43 years of age, I'm realizing the need to be quiet more. To listen. It's only when I'm silent that I stay fully aware of the moment and am truly open to receive what is around me.
Inspired by Eckhart Tolle, Deepak Chopra, Anodea Judith, and Dr. Wayne Dyer, I have been and will be blogging less frequently than in the past. Perhaps this will change one day, but at this phase in my life I want to hear more clearly; frankly I feel pretty sure that it's time to "just shut up" for a while. Less opinions and more openness. Less outpouring and more incoming.
Less thinking and more being!
Sounds like perimenopause talking; regardless here are some thoughts on silence to ponder:
Silence in the doorway to the soul.
“We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature - trees, flowers, grass- grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence... We need silence to be able to touch souls.” ~ Mother Teresa
“Silence is a source of great strength.” ~ Lao Tzu
“See how nature - trees, flowers, grass - grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence...we need silence to be able to touch souls.” ~ Mother Teresa
"It has been said God’s one and only voice is silence. No matter how you attempt to slice it up, silence is always silence. This indivisible root source of oneness is where the act of creation originates. " ~ Dr. Wayne Dyer
Love Much,
Kris
www.TotalHealthYoga.com
www.TotalHealthYogaClasses.Blogspot.com
Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Benefits of Yoga - The Twist
Monday morning making small decisions seemed difficult. A close relative was undergoing heart surgery and had just recovered from carotid surgery on Saturday. Overall, I'm blessed to stay pretty positive and faithful in challenging times. My belief is that things happen for reasons.
As Oriah says (something like this), "The best you can do is be there for people. There are not always words or cures. Maintaining a high vibration is the most valuable gift you can give."
However, come Monday my steadiness was hidden behind a muddle of cloudy thoughts and feelings. Twisting is one of the best ways I know to return to center and find balance in life. Here's a portion of the practice that brought me so much balance and that we're working on in classes this week:
Start with equal breathing, either 1:1 (inhale is the same length as the exhale) or 1:1:1:1 (pauses are the same length as the inhales and exhales).
Warm up the body with some joint rotations and a sun salutation.
Follow with twisting sun salutation. Use your imagination; here's one suggestion:
Start in Mountain and lift your heels. Keeping the heels lifted exhale and twist to the right. Inhale to center. Exhale to left. Continue alternating sides a few times.
Exhale into standing forward bend and hold the outside of the left ankle (or leg) with the right hand. Inhale, both hands on the ground. Exhale, left hand to outer right ankle/leg. Repeat a few times.
Exhale to a lunge with the left leg back and left knee on the earth. Inhale hands to front knee and on an out breath twist to the right. If you're more flexible, take the left elbow to the outside of the right knee. Stay for 2-4 breaths. Release the twist on an inhale.
Exhale both legs to plank. More experienced Yogis may take side plank on each side.
Laying on the front body, inhale to cobra and exhale as you look over a shoulder. Each in breath look forward and each out breath alternate shoulders to look over. Repeat several times.
If you need a break, come into child's pose until your breath is steady and even.
Exhale to twisting down dog on both sides. (From down dog, walk your right hand a bit to the left and lift the left hand off the mat--be certain that you feel strong and integrated in the right shoulder. Reach the left hand to the outer right leg/ankle. Let your head dangle and release the neck.)
Exhale to lunge with the left leg forward. Just like before, drop the right knee to the ground and hands onto the left leg. Inhale lengthen in the spine like a growing lotus flower and exhale as you twist to the left. Stay for 2-4 breaths. Inhale to release the twist.
Exhale to standing forward fold. Take the twist here as described above.
Next exhale come through a squat and lie on your back.
Rest here.
Enjoy the wonderful balanced sensations from the miracle of twists!
Kris
http://www.totalhealthyoga.com/
http://www.totalhealthyogaclasses.blogspot.com/
Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
As Oriah says (something like this), "The best you can do is be there for people. There are not always words or cures. Maintaining a high vibration is the most valuable gift you can give."
However, come Monday my steadiness was hidden behind a muddle of cloudy thoughts and feelings. Twisting is one of the best ways I know to return to center and find balance in life. Here's a portion of the practice that brought me so much balance and that we're working on in classes this week:
Start with equal breathing, either 1:1 (inhale is the same length as the exhale) or 1:1:1:1 (pauses are the same length as the inhales and exhales).
Warm up the body with some joint rotations and a sun salutation.
Follow with twisting sun salutation. Use your imagination; here's one suggestion:
Start in Mountain and lift your heels. Keeping the heels lifted exhale and twist to the right. Inhale to center. Exhale to left. Continue alternating sides a few times.
Exhale into standing forward bend and hold the outside of the left ankle (or leg) with the right hand. Inhale, both hands on the ground. Exhale, left hand to outer right ankle/leg. Repeat a few times.
Exhale to a lunge with the left leg back and left knee on the earth. Inhale hands to front knee and on an out breath twist to the right. If you're more flexible, take the left elbow to the outside of the right knee. Stay for 2-4 breaths. Release the twist on an inhale.
Exhale both legs to plank. More experienced Yogis may take side plank on each side.
Laying on the front body, inhale to cobra and exhale as you look over a shoulder. Each in breath look forward and each out breath alternate shoulders to look over. Repeat several times.
If you need a break, come into child's pose until your breath is steady and even.
Exhale to twisting down dog on both sides. (From down dog, walk your right hand a bit to the left and lift the left hand off the mat--be certain that you feel strong and integrated in the right shoulder. Reach the left hand to the outer right leg/ankle. Let your head dangle and release the neck.)
Exhale to lunge with the left leg forward. Just like before, drop the right knee to the ground and hands onto the left leg. Inhale lengthen in the spine like a growing lotus flower and exhale as you twist to the left. Stay for 2-4 breaths. Inhale to release the twist.
Exhale to standing forward fold. Take the twist here as described above.
Next exhale come through a squat and lie on your back.
Rest here.
Enjoy the wonderful balanced sensations from the miracle of twists!
Kris
http://www.totalhealthyoga.com/
http://www.totalhealthyogaclasses.blogspot.com/
Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
Friday, March 14, 2008
How to Cook Steel Cut Oats
(Sorry, no picture. I was too busy eating!)
Check out this delicious recipe for steel cut oats. Before you run the other way, if you like rolled oats, trust me, this is worth a try. Years ago, I actually tossed a large container of steel cuts oats because they took to ridiculously long to cook and the taste was so-so. Not anymore!
The trick is the crock pot. No more stirring and cleaning up the oven after the inevitable boiling over when you're trying to get the oats to soften enough for eating.
Trick number two, is the delicious added ingredients. Thanks to Stephanie Gallagher for this fabulous recipe. (I've made a few changes below.)
Oh So Good Oats
2 cups steel cut oats
8 cups water
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 Tbs. vanilla
2 apples, diced
1 cup raisins
1 cup sliced bananas
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (Toasted walnuts are extra yummy, but watch them closely to prevent burning.... Hum, wonder how I figured that out.)
Add the first 7 ingredients (oats to raisins) in a crock pot. Stir. Set the pot on low and go to sleep. (This is what makes it so cool!) Wake up and brush your teeth. Shower, etc. Go to kitchen and enjoy a wonderful bowl of steel cut oats with some banana and chopped walnuts sprinkled on top.
Check out this delicious recipe for steel cut oats. Before you run the other way, if you like rolled oats, trust me, this is worth a try. Years ago, I actually tossed a large container of steel cuts oats because they took to ridiculously long to cook and the taste was so-so. Not anymore!
The trick is the crock pot. No more stirring and cleaning up the oven after the inevitable boiling over when you're trying to get the oats to soften enough for eating.
Trick number two, is the delicious added ingredients. Thanks to Stephanie Gallagher for this fabulous recipe. (I've made a few changes below.)
Oh So Good Oats
2 cups steel cut oats
8 cups water
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 Tbs. vanilla
2 apples, diced
1 cup raisins
1 cup sliced bananas
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (Toasted walnuts are extra yummy, but watch them closely to prevent burning.... Hum, wonder how I figured that out.)
Add the first 7 ingredients (oats to raisins) in a crock pot. Stir. Set the pot on low and go to sleep. (This is what makes it so cool!) Wake up and brush your teeth. Shower, etc. Go to kitchen and enjoy a wonderful bowl of steel cut oats with some banana and chopped walnuts sprinkled on top.
Love Much,
Kris
http://www.totalhealthyoga.com/
http://www.totalhealthyogaclasses.blogspot.com/
Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
Monday, March 10, 2008
Anger Management Tips
When BJ (my firstborn) was an infant, there were days that I would call Scott (BJ's dad) and tell him to get home soon or I just might throw BJ through the window. (Don't worry, I never followed through!)
Looking back, and even at the time, I was filled with guilt and shame at not being able to calm this baby. He cried most of the time and suffered from chronic 3d degree colic. It was over four years before we actually slept through the night.
At the time, Yoga and meditation were foreign to me. I led a relatively unconscious life. I fully identified with my thoughts and emotions--not realizing they were not who I am.
Today, I believe that I would handle a challenging baby very differently. And I did handle my second child with more patience and centering.
What do you do when your emotions get the better of you? As one woman put on her blog, "What do you do when you can't take it any more?" The suggestions this blogger suggested in her poll are as follows:
I leave the situation.
I talk about it to whomever will listen.
I seek counseling.
I just suck it in and accept it.
I get it worked out on the spot.
I'd like to suggest some other ideas. In order to live a conscious life, which is truly what Yoga is about, consider other options to address feelings that storm in and want to take over:
Lie in savasana (on your back) and watch the feelings as a curiosity. See them for the energy that they are; not who you are but rather an energy passing through. Allow the feelings to pass and flow.
Meditate and find yourself re-connecting to Source. When you act from this place of peace, you separate yourSelf from emotions and act with more compassion and love.
Take a warm bath with the focus to renew. Use candles and soft music.
Take a walk in nature. If you stay present and notice the trees, birds, dirt, clouds, and sky, then you will begin to re-connect with who you really are.
In the throw of things, so to speak, stay aware. Resist getting pulled into your emotions. Watch them. Witness them. But always remember, you are not your feelings.
This all comes easier with a strong meditation practice. One might compare it to attempting to sail for the first time during a turbulent storm at sea. Odds are you'll sink. However, if you've been sailing in smooth waters and perhaps choppy ones, when the big storm comes you'll stand a good chance of surviving.
Love Much,
Kris
www.TotalHealthYoga.com
www.TotalHealthYogaClasses.Blogspot.com
Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
Looking back, and even at the time, I was filled with guilt and shame at not being able to calm this baby. He cried most of the time and suffered from chronic 3d degree colic. It was over four years before we actually slept through the night.
At the time, Yoga and meditation were foreign to me. I led a relatively unconscious life. I fully identified with my thoughts and emotions--not realizing they were not who I am.
Today, I believe that I would handle a challenging baby very differently. And I did handle my second child with more patience and centering.
What do you do when your emotions get the better of you? As one woman put on her blog, "What do you do when you can't take it any more?" The suggestions this blogger suggested in her poll are as follows:
I leave the situation.
I talk about it to whomever will listen.
I seek counseling.
I just suck it in and accept it.
I get it worked out on the spot.
I'd like to suggest some other ideas. In order to live a conscious life, which is truly what Yoga is about, consider other options to address feelings that storm in and want to take over:
Lie in savasana (on your back) and watch the feelings as a curiosity. See them for the energy that they are; not who you are but rather an energy passing through. Allow the feelings to pass and flow.
Meditate and find yourself re-connecting to Source. When you act from this place of peace, you separate yourSelf from emotions and act with more compassion and love.
Take a warm bath with the focus to renew. Use candles and soft music.
Take a walk in nature. If you stay present and notice the trees, birds, dirt, clouds, and sky, then you will begin to re-connect with who you really are.
In the throw of things, so to speak, stay aware. Resist getting pulled into your emotions. Watch them. Witness them. But always remember, you are not your feelings.
This all comes easier with a strong meditation practice. One might compare it to attempting to sail for the first time during a turbulent storm at sea. Odds are you'll sink. However, if you've been sailing in smooth waters and perhaps choppy ones, when the big storm comes you'll stand a good chance of surviving.
Love Much,
Kris
www.TotalHealthYoga.com
www.TotalHealthYogaClasses.Blogspot.com
Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Pranayama Techniques - CD Review
Have you ever wondered if your breathing "right" in your Yoga class? Some teachers encourage the Ujjayi (victorious uprising or breath of sound) to be loud enough to be heard across the room; others suggest maintaining a low gentle hum.
In Doug Keller's Pranayama CD, his soothing and gentle voice leads you into a state of deep relaxation and awareness by using the breath. There are 8 tracks on this CD taking about one hour. You can use any of these tracks on their own or together.
The CD opens with a mantra and then gets into the Ujjayi breath. From there Doug teaches a modified Viloma (interrupted breath) and 3-part breathing. Finally, he incorporated Kumbhaka (breath retention).
Mr. Keller's explainations are deeply rooted in philosophy. His poetic, yet practical, instructions offer the perfect means to deepening your pranayama practice. If you have never practiced pranayama, this CD is a wonderful way to start. At the same time, after years of devotion to pranayama, Doug enlightened me to many new aspects of this fine art.
Love Much,
Kris
http://www.totalhealthyoga.com/
http://www.totalhealthyogaclasses.blogspot.com/
Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Inspirational Story
A dear and wonderful friend just emailed this to me. Perhaps you've seen it before, but if you're like me a reminder is always nice.
John is the kind of guy you love to hate. He is always in a good mood and always has something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, "If I were any better, I would be twins!"
He was a natural motivator.
If an employee was having a bad day, John was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation.
Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up and asked him, "I don't get it! You can't be a positive person all of the time. How do you do it?" He replied, "Each morning I wake up and say to myself, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or...you can choose to be in a bad mood. I choose to be in a good mood. Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or...I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it. Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or...I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life. "
"Yeah, right, it's not that easy," I protested.
"Yes, it is," he said. "Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people affect your mood. You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It's your choice how you live your life."
I reflected on what he said. Soon hereafter, I left the Tower Industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it.
Several years later, I heard that he was involved in a serious accident, falling some 60 feet from a communications tower.
After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, he was released from the hospital with rods placed in his back.
I saw him about six months after the accident. When I asked him how he was, he replied, "If I were any better, I'd be twins...Wanna see my scars?"
I declined to see his wounds, but I did ask him what had gone through his mind as the accident took place. "The first thing that went through my mind was the well-being of my soon-to-be born daughter," he replied. "Then, as I lay on the ground, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or...I could choose to die. I chose to live."
"Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?" I asked.
He continued, "...the paramedics were great. They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the ER and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read 'he's a dead man'. I knew I needed to take action."
"What did you do?" I asked.
"Well, there was a big burly nurse shouting questions at me," said John. "She asked if I was allergic to anything 'Yes, I replied.' The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breath and yelled, 'Gravity'" Over their laughter, I told them, "I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead."
He lived, thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude...I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully. Attitude, after all, is everything.
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34.
Love Much,
Kris
http://www.totalhealthyoga.com/
http://www.totalhealthyogaclasses.blogspot.com/
Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
John is the kind of guy you love to hate. He is always in a good mood and always has something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, "If I were any better, I would be twins!"
He was a natural motivator.
If an employee was having a bad day, John was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation.
Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up and asked him, "I don't get it! You can't be a positive person all of the time. How do you do it?" He replied, "Each morning I wake up and say to myself, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or...you can choose to be in a bad mood. I choose to be in a good mood. Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or...I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it. Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or...I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life. "
"Yeah, right, it's not that easy," I protested.
"Yes, it is," he said. "Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people affect your mood. You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It's your choice how you live your life."
I reflected on what he said. Soon hereafter, I left the Tower Industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it.
Several years later, I heard that he was involved in a serious accident, falling some 60 feet from a communications tower.
After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, he was released from the hospital with rods placed in his back.
I saw him about six months after the accident. When I asked him how he was, he replied, "If I were any better, I'd be twins...Wanna see my scars?"
I declined to see his wounds, but I did ask him what had gone through his mind as the accident took place. "The first thing that went through my mind was the well-being of my soon-to-be born daughter," he replied. "Then, as I lay on the ground, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or...I could choose to die. I chose to live."
"Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?" I asked.
He continued, "...the paramedics were great. They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the ER and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read 'he's a dead man'. I knew I needed to take action."
"What did you do?" I asked.
"Well, there was a big burly nurse shouting questions at me," said John. "She asked if I was allergic to anything 'Yes, I replied.' The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breath and yelled, 'Gravity'" Over their laughter, I told them, "I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead."
He lived, thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude...I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully. Attitude, after all, is everything.
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34.
Love Much,
Kris
http://www.totalhealthyoga.com/
http://www.totalhealthyogaclasses.blogspot.com/
Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
To Do Lists
What's worse than throwing up? Worse than diarrhea that feels like Niagara Falls of the colon? How about both at the same time?
That pretty much describes my weekend a couple of weeks ago. After spending 48+ hours in bed (and in the bathroom), I was 5 pounds lighter and had a "to do" list that had grown to monstrous proportions.
Not only were there emails, phone calls, and bills coming in, but ideas constantly floated in my head as I lay on my bed in this half-dream state. I found myself jotting these thoughts down on dozens of post-its which are now all over my desk and bedroom floor.
So, what do you do when your inbox is overwhelming? My first impulse is to go out for a walk, coffee, tea, or anywhere but having to deal with the daunting task of an impossibly large inbox. This doesn't get anything done, but at least my mind can relax.
Can you help with this? What do you do when snail mail, email, phone calls, requests or ideas from friends, and inspirations from your own mind pour in at a rate much too fast for you to keep up with? When there are literally a hundred plus ideas to be carried out, how do you determine which ones to pursue and scarier which ones to let go?
I find that frequently there are so many ideas or suggestions that instead of letting them go, I become paralyzed and unable to fully follow through on any of them.
This is not how I want to live my life and I turn to you for ideas on handling ideas. Ironic, I know.
Any suggestions regarding shortening that inbox so that the real gems can become reality are much appreciated.
Love Much,
Kris
http://www.totalhealthyoga.com/
http://www.totalhealthyogaclasses.blogspot.com/
Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
That pretty much describes my weekend a couple of weeks ago. After spending 48+ hours in bed (and in the bathroom), I was 5 pounds lighter and had a "to do" list that had grown to monstrous proportions.
Not only were there emails, phone calls, and bills coming in, but ideas constantly floated in my head as I lay on my bed in this half-dream state. I found myself jotting these thoughts down on dozens of post-its which are now all over my desk and bedroom floor.
So, what do you do when your inbox is overwhelming? My first impulse is to go out for a walk, coffee, tea, or anywhere but having to deal with the daunting task of an impossibly large inbox. This doesn't get anything done, but at least my mind can relax.
Can you help with this? What do you do when snail mail, email, phone calls, requests or ideas from friends, and inspirations from your own mind pour in at a rate much too fast for you to keep up with? When there are literally a hundred plus ideas to be carried out, how do you determine which ones to pursue and scarier which ones to let go?
I find that frequently there are so many ideas or suggestions that instead of letting them go, I become paralyzed and unable to fully follow through on any of them.
This is not how I want to live my life and I turn to you for ideas on handling ideas. Ironic, I know.
Any suggestions regarding shortening that inbox so that the real gems can become reality are much appreciated.
Love Much,
Kris
http://www.totalhealthyoga.com/
http://www.totalhealthyogaclasses.blogspot.com/
Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Exercises for carpel tunnel syndrome
If you suffer from carpel tunnel in the wrists, Yoga can be a blessing or a curse. Avoid hand balances and keep the base of the wrist lifted in poses such as downward facing dog (adho mukha svanasana). If it's not possible to lift the wrist base, then just keep the hands off the floor--no, not a down dog with no hands! Rather, no down dogs at all until you build the strength to lift the wrists.
Following are some great poses to help with this syndrome. Remember, I am not a doctor and don't claim to be one, please verify with your doctor prior to any exercise program.
1. Take a comfortable seat and bring the hands into anjali mudra. Keeping the fingers together, slowly draw the base of the wrists slightly away from one another. Hold for at least 6 long steady breaths.
2. Come into staff (dandasana) with the palms on the ground. If your arms are shorter, then place the palms on blocks. Stay about 6 breaths.
3. Stand in mountain (tadasana). On inhale lift the arms overhead, as if your arms are hands on a clock and they are pointing at the 11 and the 1. On exhale, bring the arms back down to your sides. Do this 6 times.
4. Standing or sitting bring the arms out straight in front of you. Palms facing down, widen the fingers as if you are wrapping your hand around a basketball. Hold for 6 breaths. Keep the shoulders relaxed.
5. With the arms still in front of you, inhale and bring the fingers together and point them at the sky; exhale making gentle fists and face the knuckles downward. Repeat 6 times. On the 6th time, pause in each of these positions for a couple of breaths.
6. Rise the arms over head and interlock the fingers; palms facing away from you. Hold for about 6 breaths.
7. Come into eagle pose (garudasana). If balance is preventing the arm position, then skip the legs and focus on the arms today. Hold each side for 2-3 breaths.
8. Take half forward fold (ardha uttanasana) at the wall for 6 breaths. Keep the fingers, especially the root of the index finger and thumb, against the wall as the center of the wrist base is lifted.
9. With or without the legs move the arms with relaxation into warrior I and then warrior II (virabhadrasana I & II). Move back and forth with your breath about 6 times. Pause the last time in each position for 2-3 breaths.
10. Downward facing dog (adho mukha svanasana) on a chair for 2-6 breaths. As before, keep a lift in the carpel tunnel (the center of the wrist base).
11. Sit on a chair and twist from side to side. Twist as you exhale and release the twist on inhale. Repeat on one side 6 times and then 6 times on the other side.
12. Take anjali mudra behind your back.
13. Relax in a supine position (savasana) for at least 10 minutes.
Note that some of these postures may be difficult. Instead of forcing or frustrating yourself to do them, take your time and start with a just a few that you find simple. As you gain flexibility, awareness, and strength, the others will come easier.
Enjoy and the best of luck to you!
Love Much,
Kris
http://www.totalhealthyoga.com/
http://www.totalhealthyogaclasses.blogspot.com/
Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
Kris
http://www.totalhealthyoga.com/
http://www.totalhealthyogaclasses.blogspot.com/
Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
Friday, February 22, 2008
Relieve Neck Tension
A lovely neck release that your puppy might love as well!
Lay out some pillows or blankets at least 4 inches high and lie on them. Let the shoulders and head come off the support. Place a rolled up hand towel under the neck for support and enjoy the inversion. Stay for 5 to 15 minutes. A little Mozart in the back ground and an eye pillow do wonders for this restorative.
Love Much,
Kris
http://www.totalhealthyoga.com/
http://www.totalhealthyogaclasses.blogspot.com/
Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Great Blogs
A great post at Just Breath reminds us that it takes courage to make decisions that bring us closer to our "real" Self. Sometimes what appears to be running away is really finding what we need in order to return to our true nature and share that with others. I salute Nadine's courage to move across the globe and to spread the news about South Africa. Here is the comment I left on her post:
"Very touching post. Your comment "I am in some ways less than I thought, and in other ways more."It is commendable to make efforts to help the world as a whole; one thing Yoga teaches us over and over is that we must feel inside what we strive to bring to the world. So to safety and faith; only then can you truly offer them."
Nadine's issues are global and something we can all take concern with, but this same principle applies in all of life. I maintained a friendship once because I thought this lady "needed me." It was very draining and took almost six months, before I realized that I wasn't helping anyone by staying in it. After breaking the ties, my energy returned and not only did I feel better, but my ability to share these great feelings with those around me spread.
Love Much,
Kris
www.TotalHealthYoga.com
www.TotalHealthYogaClasses.Blogspot.com
Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
"Very touching post. Your comment "I am in some ways less than I thought, and in other ways more."It is commendable to make efforts to help the world as a whole; one thing Yoga teaches us over and over is that we must feel inside what we strive to bring to the world. So to safety and faith; only then can you truly offer them."
Nadine's issues are global and something we can all take concern with, but this same principle applies in all of life. I maintained a friendship once because I thought this lady "needed me." It was very draining and took almost six months, before I realized that I wasn't helping anyone by staying in it. After breaking the ties, my energy returned and not only did I feel better, but my ability to share these great feelings with those around me spread.
Do what brings you closer to God/Self/True Nature;
not what you think you are obligated to do.
Love Much,
Kris
www.TotalHealthYoga.com
www.TotalHealthYogaClasses.Blogspot.com
Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
Monday, February 18, 2008
What is this ?
What is this a picture of? Could it be anything else? Is it too hard to tell?
Over the weekend I was reading The Healing Path of Yoga by Nischala Joy Devi. In her introduction she says,
"In the space and aeronautics field as a spaceship goes up it gains altitude. If you look out of the window you may not see the moon. If the ship rotates it is called changing attitude. With an attitude change you can now see the moon."
This is so perfectly said, I don't think I can add more to it. If you'd like a change in attitude and see the picture above from a different viewpoint, click here.
Love Much,
Kris
http://www.totalhealthyoga.com/
http://www.totalhealthyogaclasses.blogspot.com/
Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
Kris
http://www.totalhealthyoga.com/
http://www.totalhealthyogaclasses.blogspot.com/
Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
And now for something completely different.....
WARNING: Swearing and an unusual tone for me follows!
I wrote this last summer while sitting on my back porch after being hearing a group of people talk about how hopeless life is; how there are no real choices. As you can tell, this got my goat.
Why take over six months to post this? Because it was a rant: an out-of-control rant. Sometimes I find it healthy to just get all my frustration out on paper (instead of in someone's face) and then go to exploring my feelings and finding compassion.
I debated on posting this, but I remember once how a student was amazed when I talked about losing it with my dog one day. She commented what a relief it was to see her Yoga teacher had bad days too.
So, here's my very human and angry rant. Anger at my own fears, hesitations, and uncertainties. Anger at those around me that encourage or justify these limitations. I don't expect you'll see a lot of these as fortunately meditation has helped them to become fewer and fewer.
****************************
Belief, Man, that’s where it’s at.
Forget the crap about hard work and nose to the grindstone. What were these guys thinking? If you don’t have faith, if you don’t believe in yourself and what you’re doing, you don’t stand a chance. Why bother to pour your sweat and tears into something that you don’t even have believe in? It’s insane. The way we’re raised is insane. What the hell is going on here?
Life is more than working for the Man. It’s being the Man! You heard me, being the Man. Wrap you’re brain around that one for a minute. You. The Man. One in the same.
Don’t bail on me just yet. Think about it. You have the power. You make the decisions. You create the plans. You show your creative genius!
It’s there, trust me. I know you’re a creative genius. You know you’re a creative genius. So, what’s stopping you?
Fear, I tell you. Fear that you’re not good enough. Fear that you don’t have any new ideas. Fear that it’s all been done before.
Bull shit!
There are new ideas and discoveries cropping up every day. Just this year a whole new breed of shark was discovered off the coast of New Zealand. Scientists thought they had it all figured out and then quantum physics came in and questioned everything. Literally, everything! Even the way we think.
How’s that for new shit?
Pretty powerful stuff and here you are sitting on your ass saying there’s nothing new to be said.
Again, bullshit!
Take a chance. Follow an impulse. Do what makes your heart sing.
And don’t you dare tell me, you can’t. Family to support, not enough time, pension, whatever.
Stop the excuses now. Grab life by the balls and go for it!
Kris
www.TotalHealthYoga.com
www.TotalHealthYogaClasses.Blogspot.com
Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
I wrote this last summer while sitting on my back porch after being hearing a group of people talk about how hopeless life is; how there are no real choices. As you can tell, this got my goat.
Why take over six months to post this? Because it was a rant: an out-of-control rant. Sometimes I find it healthy to just get all my frustration out on paper (instead of in someone's face) and then go to exploring my feelings and finding compassion.
I debated on posting this, but I remember once how a student was amazed when I talked about losing it with my dog one day. She commented what a relief it was to see her Yoga teacher had bad days too.
So, here's my very human and angry rant. Anger at my own fears, hesitations, and uncertainties. Anger at those around me that encourage or justify these limitations. I don't expect you'll see a lot of these as fortunately meditation has helped them to become fewer and fewer.
****************************
Belief, Man, that’s where it’s at.
Forget the crap about hard work and nose to the grindstone. What were these guys thinking? If you don’t have faith, if you don’t believe in yourself and what you’re doing, you don’t stand a chance. Why bother to pour your sweat and tears into something that you don’t even have believe in? It’s insane. The way we’re raised is insane. What the hell is going on here?
Life is more than working for the Man. It’s being the Man! You heard me, being the Man. Wrap you’re brain around that one for a minute. You. The Man. One in the same.
Don’t bail on me just yet. Think about it. You have the power. You make the decisions. You create the plans. You show your creative genius!
It’s there, trust me. I know you’re a creative genius. You know you’re a creative genius. So, what’s stopping you?
Fear, I tell you. Fear that you’re not good enough. Fear that you don’t have any new ideas. Fear that it’s all been done before.
Bull shit!
There are new ideas and discoveries cropping up every day. Just this year a whole new breed of shark was discovered off the coast of New Zealand. Scientists thought they had it all figured out and then quantum physics came in and questioned everything. Literally, everything! Even the way we think.
How’s that for new shit?
Pretty powerful stuff and here you are sitting on your ass saying there’s nothing new to be said.
Again, bullshit!
Take a chance. Follow an impulse. Do what makes your heart sing.
And don’t you dare tell me, you can’t. Family to support, not enough time, pension, whatever.
Stop the excuses now. Grab life by the balls and go for it!
Kris
www.TotalHealthYoga.com
www.TotalHealthYogaClasses.Blogspot.com
Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Yoga Therapy
Yoga Therapy by AG Mohan and Indra Mohan is a truly wonderful book. It describes a "true" Yoga; not one that forces and demands. A Yoga rooted in breath and honor of the body and mind.
The style is Viniyoga, one of my personal favorites. This style emphasizes a therapeutic approach and stressed the need for individual classes. As popular as group classes are in the West, a personalized class becomes even more important when dealing with specific therapies.
I think this book is a wonderful collection of suggestions that can be applied to any practice or style. The first chapter is an introduction followed by the second chapter detailing breath and asana. Here's a quick example demonstrating how your breathing affects posture:
Start your inhales from the top of the chest and then continue inhaling all the way down to the navel. Emphasize the chest expansion. This helps to straighten out rounding in the upper back. As you exhale, begin in the belly and then work your way up to the collarbones. Focusing most of the exhale in the belly brings length to the low back and prevents sway back or over-arching the lumbar area.
Chapter 3 suggests methods of assessing a body. When developing a personal practice, assessment guides you away from what you just "like" and into what will provide you with the most benefits. This is key is creating a successful practice and injury prevention.
Next comes sequencing, which is a whole topic unto itself. I've worked in a Iyengar, Anusara, and Ashtanga--all with differing opinions on sequencing. What I've learned is that no one really knows for sure the best route. Some things, like ending with a symmetrical posture, make sense; but each situation is different. One thing unique to Viniyoga, and paramount in my opinion, is to rest periodically between postures. Take mini-savasanas ever so often to release tension before moving on.
Chapter 5 is about personalizing the practice and taking into account someone's fitness level, age, and condition. Next comes pranayama followed by Ayurveda, covering diet, doshas, and the mind.
Chapter 8 is a collection of case studies. Personally, I prefer the case studies in Gary Kraftsow's book, Yoga for Wellness; because Gary outlines why each and every posture/movement is chosen. Mohan's do this to some extent, but not as thoroughly.
Overall a great reference to gaining a deeper and practical understanding of breath and movement.
Love Much,
Kris
http://www.totalhealthyoga.com/
http://www.totalhealthyogaclasses.blogspot.com/
Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Change the World - Commit Random Acts of Kindness
I ran into a couple of great quotes the other day:
Every time we perform a random act of kindness to a stranger, we have the potential to shift their view of the world as a more loving and kind place.
In the last year or so, I heard a story of a family that had a bicycle stolen from their front lawn. The police were unable to find the thief and the family was told there was nothing that could be done. So, they posted a sign on in front of their house expressing their disappointment with the person(s) that took the bike and asking for its return.
The bike was never returned. However, an anonymous envelope with money for a new bike and a note was left at the front door. The note said something like this:
What can you do to shift someone's experience and see the beauty all around us? Buy the checkout gal at the grocery store a bag of apples? Pay for the person behind you at a toll booth? Give flowers to a neighbor? Hand out $5 bills to strangers?
Go ahead; Change the world!
Love Much,
Kris
http://www.totalhealthyoga.com/
http://www.totalhealthyogaclasses.blogspot.com/
Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
"You write in order to change the world, knowing perfectly well that you probably can't, but also knowing that literature is indispensable to the world.... The world changes according to the way people see it, and if you alter, even by a millimeter, the way .... people look at reality, then you can change it." ~ James Baldwin
"I feel the vacuum, the loneliness, the silence, the dehydration of the soul as people who want desperately to save our constitution, country and planet still wander the streets without knowing how to say hi to one another." ~ Sam Smith
Every time we perform a random act of kindness to a stranger, we have the potential to shift their view of the world as a more loving and kind place.
In the last year or so, I heard a story of a family that had a bicycle stolen from their front lawn. The police were unable to find the thief and the family was told there was nothing that could be done. So, they posted a sign on in front of their house expressing their disappointment with the person(s) that took the bike and asking for its return.
The bike was never returned. However, an anonymous envelope with money for a new bike and a note was left at the front door. The note said something like this:
"Please don't think the world is just made up of thieves and criminals. There are many more open-hearted and kind people all around you."
What can you do to shift someone's experience and see the beauty all around us? Buy the checkout gal at the grocery store a bag of apples? Pay for the person behind you at a toll booth? Give flowers to a neighbor? Hand out $5 bills to strangers?
Go ahead; Change the world!
Love Much,
Kris
http://www.totalhealthyoga.com/
http://www.totalhealthyogaclasses.blogspot.com/
Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
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