Blogs

Sunday, March 1, 2009

My recent trip to India gave me opportunities to practice acceptance. Being in crowded places where everyone seemed to want the same thing, I watched my mind go to disdain and sometimes fear. I could see the benefit of my practices when I quickly became aware of these reactions and shifted my focus to a relaxed and expansive place. In one temple where there were clouds of cum cum(red powder) flying through the air toward Krishna,it was so crowded that my feet were no longer touching the ground and my face and clothing were red from the powder. I remembered that divine is ever present. All is well. It was intense, and I was also relaxed and laughed. I wouldn't want to do it every day.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Many people feel they "fail" at meditation because they are not able to sit down and quiet their mind on the first try. This is similar to expecting an untrained puppy to sit the first time it is asked. Most people have never asked their mind to be quiet. So the normal state of the mind is a constant chatter. It is easy to let yourself jump up to go do something the mind tells you is more important than meditation. The first attempts at meditation brings your awareness to the extent of your mind chatter. These are common feelings in the beginning of a meditation practice.

First realize that it is a practice and not a performance. There is no where to get to, so giggle at yourself for making it into something to conquer. The benefits and blessings of meditation come over time.

Meditation in the beginning is an external practice. Learning to sit still for a period of time can be very challenging. Be sure to designate a specific time and place to practice regularly. A corner of a room with a special chair or pillow works well.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Most of the symptoms that we attribute to menopause are a result of existing imbalances within us that become exacerbated by the natural changes taking place. It is easy to focus on symptoms such as hot flashes, feeling uncomfortable, resistance to the change, and sometimes anger, frustration and low energy. We have come to treat this transformation like an illness rather than a natural passage.

There are physical, emotional and psychic changes to take place during this phase of life. It can be an interesting and expansive time when we remember who we are as eternal spirit and work with the body. Everything we do either takes us toward a state of balance or away from it. Treat the body and mind with respect, kindness, and love and it will become an amazing experience.

Realize that the natural state of being for body and mind is one of peace and harmony. We move toward that state when we take supportive action in a willing way. Meaning our thoughts and beliefs are also moving in that direction.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Ayurvedic self massage with oils(abhyanga) is recommended daily or as often as possible. It is relaxing, energizing, nurturing, and nourishing for the body, mind, and soul. It can be as short as 5 minutes and 20-30 minutes is quite nice.
The massage is best done in the morning and will support an even energy level throughout the day.

Some of the benefits of regular self oil massage include:

*Radiant skin!

*Reduces anxiety, spaciness and feelings of overwhelm. These are signs of excess Vata dosha(air and ether elements) in your system. The soothing touch and warm oil also pacifies Vata and promotes restful sleep.

*Calms the mind and nervous system promoting better focus and balanced emotions.

*Enhances circulation in the body and rejuvenates the body and mind.

*Releases deep-seated toxins in the skin, joints, and tissues for elimination. Helps keep joints nourished and lubricated.

*Adds resilience to muscles and slows the aging process.

Choose a body oil that is best for you:
Using a base massage oil such as sesame oil, coconut oil, or almond oil is a good place to start. Raw, cold-pressed, organic oils provide maximum benefit. Realize that your skin is "eating" whatever you put on it, so only use body products that would be clean and healthy choices to put in your mouth.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

When Yoga and Ayurveda first appeal to us, it is usually because we are looking for something that helps us feel better, more connected to our Self. A way of feeling more of the richness of life. It may come unexpectedly when a friend introduces us. Or when we are looking for relief from the pain of doing things we know are harmful to us. Sometimes we just have a feeling of emptiness and are seeking more in life.

Even when we have had the experience of our Higher Self we still may not do the things in life that take us in that direction. Often we know the answer, understand the direction, and still don't take the first step.

Fear of the unknown is at the root of this stalemate. We continue the old ways because they are familiar and feel comfortable, even when we don't like the results. Learning to walk into the unknown with enthusiasm takes practice. Consider that the unknown is what keeps life fresh and interesting.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

3 cups flour (2 - barley and 1 - brown rice)
1 cup coconut flour
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cardamom
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
pinch of rock salt or 1 tsp mineral salt
one - two handfuls large raisins
3 medium bananas
one handful chopped pecans
sprinkle of rose water
2-4 tbsp coconut oil
rice milk or rooibos herbal tea

Mix dry ingredients together with raisins. Mash in bananas and nuts and place in with dry ingredients. Add rose water, coconut oil, rice milk, and or tea until the batter is moist and thoroughly mixed. Be sure to put your love into them.

Using a soupspoon, gently spoon the batter onto a stainless cookie sheet or glass baking dish. Handle the dough as little as possible. The shape may be irregular and this is okay.

Bake at 360 degrees for 15-20 minutes until lightly brown and toothpick comes out clean. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your muffins, thickness of the pan, your oven, and the amount of moisture in the muffins. Don't think too much. Let your intuition guide you. There are an infinite number of variations.

Enjoy!

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Two servings

1 cup bulgar wheat
1-2 cups water
1/2 handful raisins (optional)
pinch of rock salt
pinch of cinnamon
pinch of cardamom

Pour water over bulgar wheat, raisins, and salt, cover, and let sit over night. The amount of water will vary depending on the humidity where you live and how moist you like your grains. I like mine soupy and I live in a dry environment, so I go with 2 cups of water. If you are not able to soak it, cook the grain for 15-20 minutes until soft but chewy.
If you live in a warm climate you may like to eat the cereal at room temperature. If you live in a colder climate then place the bulgar into a small pot and warm. During the autumn to winter season it will be nice to have it warmed. A small amount of warm milk, soymilk or rice milk may give you the ideal touch.
This is an excellent breakfast for calming vata dosha.
You may also like to vary the spices according to your needs and interest. Try some cumin, coriander, and ginger.
Enjoy! Remember, any grain that supports your constitution is an opportunity for a great breakfast.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

This is an easy recipe that can be prepared easily for one person or expanded for a crowd.

1/2 cup millet
1/4 cup split mung dhal
pinch rock salt
1/4 tsp black mustard seeds
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp coriander seed
1/4 tsp asafoetida
2 Tablespoons ghee
2 cups water (more for dry climates or when not using a pressure cooker)
one prayer of love

Place ghee in pot and warm, add spices and salt, and cook until aroma is present. Add millet and split mung dhal and stir. Allow the millet and dhal to simmer a few moments, then add water and stir. If using a pressure cooker close the lid, bring to pressure and let cook with pressure for 15-18 minutes. If using a regular pot, then bring to a boil, lower to simmer and cook with lid tightly on the pot for 30-40 minutes. Stir in a pinch of black pepper before eating.

Have this highly nutritious grain and legume with beets and greens cooked in the same pot or their own pan.

1 small beet cut into strips or cubes
3-6 small leaves of collard greens cut or torn into small pieces
1-2 Tablespoons ghee
pinch of rock salt
1/2 tsp ginger - fresh
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 - 1 tsp cumin powder
1/2 - 1 tsp coriander powder
water as needed

Thursday, October 29, 2009

It may be that you are often more interested in what other people think of you than how you feel. Doubt arises when you regard someone else's opinion, or perspective, as more valuable than your own. Others energy/information can easily get into your space when you are feeding feelings of insecurity. This makes it difficult to remain in contact with your own information and priorities.

Once you become aware that you have "taken on" someone's stuff, you can release that foreign energy. One easy technique is to flush it down an energetic grounding cord for recycling back to its source. Imagine the cord. Make it as large as you would like and slick on the inside so it is easy to let go. :)

After grounding and releasing, replenish with a color, or vibration. Just ask and that color will be revealed. Then move it throughout the solar plexus area of your body. Notice how it feels. If the mind stays overactive, giggle at it. Or at least smile. The mind and body will start to relax.

Sometimes it may feel like something successfully flushed out, yet it quickly returns. Be willing to let go again and replace it with what is desired. Habituated patterns can only be replaced by practicing different ways of being. Replenishing and connecting to your own vibration will create a sense of security from within that cannot be easily blown about by the winds of life.