This really hits home for me. In my holistic health program, we just talked about this in class last night. I have such a weird relationship with food and for many, we don't realize we do. we figure that's bad because it has this much fat, carbs, calories and this food is better b/c of A, B and C. If we really be present with what we're putting into our body's when we need nourishment, perhaps we can understand ourselves and our bodies more....
Be Present, Three Meals a Day
We've all heard that "we are what we eat." A more specific way to translate that axiom is to say that what we eat, to a great extent, determines our health. More complex is the idea that how we eat affects our health. When we appreciate and are conscious of our food, we derive incredible benefits from eating, in part because such awareness makes it difficult for us to eat food that is bad for us.
Discover food anew every time you eat. What you will find is that every apple, slice of toast, or meal in your favorite restaurant has its own unique, subtle qualities that often slip by, unnoticed, when you eat habitually or in a distracted state of mind.
If you can bring yourself back to the present moment for just an instant and pause to see how your food aligns with you deep in your core, you'll find you have an unfailing tool for knowing what is truly healthy and satisfying for you.
IN THIS ISSUE
Healing with Food
http://www.yogajournal.com/health/54
Yoga Recipes
http://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/food
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Balance in Opposition
Find Balance in Opposition
When we think of yoga in the West, we are generally referring to hatha yoga, which is only one branch in the larger system of yoga. Hatha yoga is the branch of yoga that focuses primarily on work in the physical body through postures and breathing exercises.
The word hatha is comprised of two parts: Ha, which means sun, and Tha, which means moon. It's no accident that the sun and moon are basically opposites, because hatha yoga is all about balancing and uniting opposites. For example, the practice involves joining the opposing energies of warming and cooling, of activity and surrender.
In more specific terms, all balance is created by opposition. If you're balancing on one leg, you need to press your standing foot into the floor as you lift your head up toward the ceiling. If you lift up without pressing down, you'll lose your balance and topple over.
IN THIS ISSUE
Count on Yoga: 38 Ways Yoga Helps Keep You Fit
http://www.yogajournal.com/health/1634
Plumb Perfect
http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/1242
When we think of yoga in the West, we are generally referring to hatha yoga, which is only one branch in the larger system of yoga. Hatha yoga is the branch of yoga that focuses primarily on work in the physical body through postures and breathing exercises.
The word hatha is comprised of two parts: Ha, which means sun, and Tha, which means moon. It's no accident that the sun and moon are basically opposites, because hatha yoga is all about balancing and uniting opposites. For example, the practice involves joining the opposing energies of warming and cooling, of activity and surrender.
In more specific terms, all balance is created by opposition. If you're balancing on one leg, you need to press your standing foot into the floor as you lift your head up toward the ceiling. If you lift up without pressing down, you'll lose your balance and topple over.
IN THIS ISSUE
Count on Yoga: 38 Ways Yoga Helps Keep You Fit
http://www.yogajournal.com/health/1634
Plumb Perfect
http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/1242
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Benefit for BUTOHSanFrancisco May 31st!
BUTOH SanFrancisco Benefit:
MAY 31 8pm
Studio 210,
3435 Cesar Chavez, SF 94110 (at Valencia and Mission-near 24th ST. BART) SF 94110
At this event Studio 210, you can see Koichi and Hiroko Tamano's Harupin-ha Butoh, young performance artists, Deborah Butler's Kitsune Butoh and rare butoh film curated by Richard Wara.
At this May 31st benefit, you can purchase special VIP tickets to BUTOH SanFrancisco's performances Friday and Saturday, June 27 & 28.
Please visit our website: www.BUTOHSanFrancisco.net for more info on the Butoh dance workshops June 21-22 and 29, the fantastic shows June 27-28 with pre-show film at 7:30 and post-show artist talks. Ledoh, Shinichi and Hiroko and Koichi will teach AND perform!
MAY 31 8pm
Studio 210,
3435 Cesar Chavez, SF 94110 (at Valencia and Mission-near 24th ST. BART) SF 94110
At this event Studio 210, you can see Koichi and Hiroko Tamano's Harupin-ha Butoh, young performance artists, Deborah Butler's Kitsune Butoh and rare butoh film curated by Richard Wara.
At this May 31st benefit, you can purchase special VIP tickets to BUTOH SanFrancisco's performances Friday and Saturday, June 27 & 28.
Please visit our website: www.BUTOHSanFrancisco.net for more info on the Butoh dance workshops June 21-22 and 29, the fantastic shows June 27-28 with pre-show film at 7:30 and post-show artist talks. Ledoh, Shinichi and Hiroko and Koichi will teach AND perform!
Upcoming Butoh Workshops in SF
Butoh Dance Workshops
Saturday, June 21 & Sunday, June 22
10am–2pm Koichi & Hiroko Tamano
3pm–7pm Ledoh
Studio 210, 3435 Cesar Chavez St
San Francisco, CA 94110 map
24th St Bart, Muni bus 14 or 26
Sunday, June 29
10am–2pm Shinichi Iova-Koga
Margaret Jenkins Dance Lab
301 - 8th St, 2nd Floor, Studio 200
San Francisco, CA 94103 map
Civic Center Bart
For more info and registration, go to www.BUTOHSanFrancisco.net.
Saturday, June 21 & Sunday, June 22
10am–2pm Koichi & Hiroko Tamano
3pm–7pm Ledoh
Studio 210, 3435 Cesar Chavez St
San Francisco, CA 94110 map
24th St Bart, Muni bus 14 or 26
Sunday, June 29
10am–2pm Shinichi Iova-Koga
Margaret Jenkins Dance Lab
301 - 8th St, 2nd Floor, Studio 200
San Francisco, CA 94103 map
Civic Center Bart
For more info and registration, go to www.BUTOHSanFrancisco.net.
Thinking about Not Thinking?
The capacity to think is an essential element of our lives. We need to plan, make decisions, and communicate. The problem is not that we think, but that our thinking is fixed. Rather than eliminating thinking, one of the basic skills to develop in meditation is to be able to hold and sustain contradictory thoughts—calming the impulse to eliminate the opposition. It's important to keep in mind that the goal is not to eliminate your thinking. Always be mindful that you and your thoughts are aiming to discover engaging, creative, enjoyable ways to meditate—as well as ways to live, awaken, and benefit each other. Think of your thinking not as an adversary but as a spiritual friend.
IN THIS ISSUE
Thoughts on Thinking
http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/587
Applied Yoga
http://www.yogajournal.com/wisdom/847
IN THIS ISSUE
Thoughts on Thinking
http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/587
Applied Yoga
http://www.yogajournal.com/wisdom/847
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Strength within
Build Strength from the Inside Out
Many of us come to yoga to build strength. There's no question that when you're physically strong, you're better able to handle the demands of your day with grace and ease. But you can build endurance and power through almost any athletic pursuit. The beauty of practicing yoga is that it builds inner strength—which you need to ride life's emotional currents with faith and equanimity—even as it tones your body.
One way to build inner strength is by practicing regularly, whether you're feeling inspired or not. That simple act develops your capacity for commitment and for not letting the rest of life get between you and what you know to be essential to your well-being. By being true to yourself in your yoga practice, you enhance your ability to be true to yourself in other situations.
Of course, maintaining a consistent home practice is, in itself, an exercise in strength. At home, the notorious obstacles of procrastination, distraction, and skepticism come up all the time. To help dispel these stumbling blocks, choose a regular time and create a sacred space for your practice. It also helps to have several sequences on hand for those days when you're unsure of what to do next.
IN THIS ISSUE
Block Steady
http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/1742
Home Practice 101
http://www.yogajournal.com/basics/1582
Many of us come to yoga to build strength. There's no question that when you're physically strong, you're better able to handle the demands of your day with grace and ease. But you can build endurance and power through almost any athletic pursuit. The beauty of practicing yoga is that it builds inner strength—which you need to ride life's emotional currents with faith and equanimity—even as it tones your body.
One way to build inner strength is by practicing regularly, whether you're feeling inspired or not. That simple act develops your capacity for commitment and for not letting the rest of life get between you and what you know to be essential to your well-being. By being true to yourself in your yoga practice, you enhance your ability to be true to yourself in other situations.
Of course, maintaining a consistent home practice is, in itself, an exercise in strength. At home, the notorious obstacles of procrastination, distraction, and skepticism come up all the time. To help dispel these stumbling blocks, choose a regular time and create a sacred space for your practice. It also helps to have several sequences on hand for those days when you're unsure of what to do next.
IN THIS ISSUE
Block Steady
http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/1742
Home Practice 101
http://www.yogajournal.com/basics/1582
Monday, May 19, 2008
Bridge pose
Bridge to Presence
One of the best postures for awakening the senses to the here and now is Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose), a beginning backbend that strengthens the legs and hips, massages the spine, and opens the heart. Methodical practice of this asana also offers an opportunity to explore the body and its movements with attention and care. In the process, the mind is calmed and the body becomes energized, leaving the practitioner feeling revitalized and refreshed.
To begin, lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet hip distance apart on the floor, 10 to 12 inches from your pelvis. Rest your hands near your hips with the palms up, which helps open the front of the shoulders and collarbones. Invite your body to settle thankfully into the ground. Take several easy breaths, noticing which parts of your body rise and fall to the tune of the inhalations and exhalations. Now send a gentle rooting action down through your legs, as if you were trying to press the floor away from you and into the earth. Press down evenly, envisioning the deep footprints you are making in your mat as you do this.
Curl the tailbone up and allow the pelvis to float just an inch or two off the ground. Breathe easily for a few moments, keeping your mind focused on those strong and steady feet, then slowly allow your hips to melt back downward. Gently sweep your tailbone away from your waist as you return to the earth, inviting your spine to feel long and unwrinkled.
IN THIS ISSUE
Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose)
http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/472
For Beginners: Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose)
http://www.yogajournal.com/basics/1238
One of the best postures for awakening the senses to the here and now is Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose), a beginning backbend that strengthens the legs and hips, massages the spine, and opens the heart. Methodical practice of this asana also offers an opportunity to explore the body and its movements with attention and care. In the process, the mind is calmed and the body becomes energized, leaving the practitioner feeling revitalized and refreshed.
To begin, lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet hip distance apart on the floor, 10 to 12 inches from your pelvis. Rest your hands near your hips with the palms up, which helps open the front of the shoulders and collarbones. Invite your body to settle thankfully into the ground. Take several easy breaths, noticing which parts of your body rise and fall to the tune of the inhalations and exhalations. Now send a gentle rooting action down through your legs, as if you were trying to press the floor away from you and into the earth. Press down evenly, envisioning the deep footprints you are making in your mat as you do this.
Curl the tailbone up and allow the pelvis to float just an inch or two off the ground. Breathe easily for a few moments, keeping your mind focused on those strong and steady feet, then slowly allow your hips to melt back downward. Gently sweep your tailbone away from your waist as you return to the earth, inviting your spine to feel long and unwrinkled.
IN THIS ISSUE
Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose)
http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/472
For Beginners: Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose)
http://www.yogajournal.com/basics/1238
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Tips for easing tension
Tension Tamer
The first step to "undoing" tension and finding relief for neck pain is deep relaxation. Relaxing deeply is a sanctuary, yet few of us allow ourselves to enter it. It feels so good that you'd think it would come easily, but many of us are so accustomed to tension that we have to relearn the natural process of letting go.
First, simply lie down on your back on a firm, comfortable surface and let yourself rest. Almost certainly you'll feel your muscles naturally releasing tension, because they no longer have to work to hold you upright. You may notice you spontaneously let out a sigh of relief. To relax more deeply, though, you have to consciously build on these natural responses. The secret to doing this is to focus on the movement of the breath in your body, using it to uncover and melt away tension.
IN THIS ISSUE
Crick Fixes
http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/1969
13 Poses to Relieve Tension
http://www.yogajournal.com/health/120
The first step to "undoing" tension and finding relief for neck pain is deep relaxation. Relaxing deeply is a sanctuary, yet few of us allow ourselves to enter it. It feels so good that you'd think it would come easily, but many of us are so accustomed to tension that we have to relearn the natural process of letting go.
First, simply lie down on your back on a firm, comfortable surface and let yourself rest. Almost certainly you'll feel your muscles naturally releasing tension, because they no longer have to work to hold you upright. You may notice you spontaneously let out a sigh of relief. To relax more deeply, though, you have to consciously build on these natural responses. The secret to doing this is to focus on the movement of the breath in your body, using it to uncover and melt away tension.
IN THIS ISSUE
Crick Fixes
http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/1969
13 Poses to Relieve Tension
http://www.yogajournal.com/health/120
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
I can relate
"Whatever you're thinking about is literally like planning a future event. When you're worrying, you are planning. When you are appreciating, you are planning...What are you planning?"
Excerpted from a workshop in Silver Spring, MD on Saturday, April 19th, 1997
www.abraham-hicks.com
Excerpted from a workshop in Silver Spring, MD on Saturday, April 19th, 1997
www.abraham-hicks.com
Monday, May 12, 2008
Eat in the moment
Eat to Live in the Moment
A little indulgence is natural when you're with friends. But get carried away and you'll end up bloated, tired, and bummed out. According to Ayurvedic principles there's a physiological reason for this: When you eat in moderation, your body and mind are happy. But when you eat too much, you overwhelm your agni (the digestive fire), creating chaos in your belly and inviting unpleasant imbalances such as gas, weight gain, and depression.
Thankfully, you don't have to possess superhuman strength to tame your urge to overeat. Even as your favorite dessert beckons, a few simple strategies can help you resist. Be mindful of multitasking, for instance, and try to avoid too much stimulation. If you find yourself mingling, chatting, noshing, and sipping all at the same time, you're less likely to enjoy your food, which will leave you hankering for more. What's more, you probably won't recognize when you're full. So take a few moments to let someone else be the life of the party while you eat silently. There's nothing wrong with enjoying delicious food—the key is finding ways to be present so you can enjoy but not overdo.
IN THIS ISSUE
Eat, Drink and Be Healthy
http://www.yogajournal.com/health/1925
A little indulgence is natural when you're with friends. But get carried away and you'll end up bloated, tired, and bummed out. According to Ayurvedic principles there's a physiological reason for this: When you eat in moderation, your body and mind are happy. But when you eat too much, you overwhelm your agni (the digestive fire), creating chaos in your belly and inviting unpleasant imbalances such as gas, weight gain, and depression.
Thankfully, you don't have to possess superhuman strength to tame your urge to overeat. Even as your favorite dessert beckons, a few simple strategies can help you resist. Be mindful of multitasking, for instance, and try to avoid too much stimulation. If you find yourself mingling, chatting, noshing, and sipping all at the same time, you're less likely to enjoy your food, which will leave you hankering for more. What's more, you probably won't recognize when you're full. So take a few moments to let someone else be the life of the party while you eat silently. There's nothing wrong with enjoying delicious food—the key is finding ways to be present so you can enjoy but not overdo.
IN THIS ISSUE
Eat, Drink and Be Healthy
http://www.yogajournal.com/health/1925
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Do we all exaggerate to make ourselves feel better about ourselves?
This is such an interesting article and if you're into psychology, you'll love it.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/06/health/06mind.html?ex=1367812800&en=181a414effaec2b8&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/06/health/06mind.html?ex=1367812800&en=181a414effaec2b8&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink
Monday, May 5, 2008
Creating that "calm" in your life
If it's hard for you to still your mind to meditate, the senior teachers at Kripalu Center have developed a five-step approach that could help. Follow these steps and allow yourself to fall into a deep meditative state that will reveal a closer connection to the present and help calm you when you're upset.
Breathe—Focusing on your breathing is an essential practice that draws your awareness inward and helps you experience the presence and flow of energy.
Relax—The more you relax, the more you deepen awareness of sensation.
Feel—Let your sense of feeling move beyond physical sensation. Acknowledge who you are as a being of energy.
Watch—Sense who you are as a witness; be a scientist observing phenomena arising in and around you.
Allow—Sense who you are with no preferences. Be present to the process of your life unfolding moment by moment.
IN THIS ISSUE
Let's Meditate
http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/877
Breathe—Focusing on your breathing is an essential practice that draws your awareness inward and helps you experience the presence and flow of energy.
Relax—The more you relax, the more you deepen awareness of sensation.
Feel—Let your sense of feeling move beyond physical sensation. Acknowledge who you are as a being of energy.
Watch—Sense who you are as a witness; be a scientist observing phenomena arising in and around you.
Allow—Sense who you are with no preferences. Be present to the process of your life unfolding moment by moment.
IN THIS ISSUE
Let's Meditate
http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/877
Why can't this always happen?
On Saturday, I decided to celebrate cinco de mayo with a few margaritas w/ friends at my fav mex resturant, Puerto Allegre in the Mission. We had a yummy feast and yes, a few pitchers of margaritas between the 5 of us. Then off to another bar down the street for beer. I knew what I was getting into (especially when you've read my past blogs about drinking alcohol).
It was a fantastic day! I set an intention for myself for the day that I would create laughter, fun, play and community. When we got to the bar we joined in on a fabulous dice game with some people. Even though some of them were the hipster-type, they were super friendly cool! We were playing this game, laughing, connecting and having fun.
My husband and i left around 6ish and yes, I was drunk! But just enough, that I do remember the walk home, the route I went etc. I also remember the conversation I had with my husband, so this is good! (hee hee hee)
When we got home, we decided to order chinese food. As I sat on the couch, that's when the motion started. I wasn't actually moving, but it sure felt like it. So I decided to go to the bathroom and hang out there for a bit. I did the classic position: kneeled down beside the toilet bowl and rested my arm on the side and then my head. Then 10 min later I puked. When I was finished, I went to bed. this was 7:30 I think.
The next morning I woke up feeling like a million bucks! A little dehydrated, but no headache and no queasiness. Wow I thought to myself, "Why can't I do this everytime I drink too much?". I had friends in college who could do this on command if they felt the need. I personally hate puking, so would avoid it as much as possible.
Anyway, I actually did stuff on Sunday w/o feeling horrible. Still, I wouldn't do this every weekend....;-)
It was a fantastic day! I set an intention for myself for the day that I would create laughter, fun, play and community. When we got to the bar we joined in on a fabulous dice game with some people. Even though some of them were the hipster-type, they were super friendly cool! We were playing this game, laughing, connecting and having fun.
My husband and i left around 6ish and yes, I was drunk! But just enough, that I do remember the walk home, the route I went etc. I also remember the conversation I had with my husband, so this is good! (hee hee hee)
When we got home, we decided to order chinese food. As I sat on the couch, that's when the motion started. I wasn't actually moving, but it sure felt like it. So I decided to go to the bathroom and hang out there for a bit. I did the classic position: kneeled down beside the toilet bowl and rested my arm on the side and then my head. Then 10 min later I puked. When I was finished, I went to bed. this was 7:30 I think.
The next morning I woke up feeling like a million bucks! A little dehydrated, but no headache and no queasiness. Wow I thought to myself, "Why can't I do this everytime I drink too much?". I had friends in college who could do this on command if they felt the need. I personally hate puking, so would avoid it as much as possible.
Anyway, I actually did stuff on Sunday w/o feeling horrible. Still, I wouldn't do this every weekend....;-)
Friday, May 2, 2008
Nia Rocks!
I just took a Nia class last night at City Dance in SF. It was my 2nd time taking one and I couldn't believe the energy that was pulsating out of me. Nia is a low-impact aerobics including dance, movement, martial arts and yoga. I also hadn't gotten my heartrate up like that in a long time and all I can say is WOW!
I so recommend this to anyone who just wants to move and have fun. I took my class with Monica Welty and she teaches all over SF.
I'm so glad I went because I knew I needed it. I have been too much in my head in this week and felt disconnected from people and myself. So bringing movement, music and community into my life again was the best thing ever!
My intention is to continue to create community, connection, movement and play into my life and in others.
Namaste.
I so recommend this to anyone who just wants to move and have fun. I took my class with Monica Welty and she teaches all over SF.
I'm so glad I went because I knew I needed it. I have been too much in my head in this week and felt disconnected from people and myself. So bringing movement, music and community into my life again was the best thing ever!
My intention is to continue to create community, connection, movement and play into my life and in others.
Namaste.
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