Category: Adventures In Yoga

Alright. I’m convinced. All this meditating and yoga is truly the best natural high.

Yesterday I woke up, did an hour of meditating, chanting, and being with nature. Then, after my green smoothie and a yoga practice, I got ready for an adventure into downtown New Orleans.

What I find is that, when I keep up with my meditation and asana practice, I’m more consistently happy. Content. Centered.

It makes for a much more enjoyable life. I walk around smiling at people, and then (generally) they smile, and the whole happiness thing expands.

Yesterday was the first time I’ve been to New Orlean’s French Quarter since I was here last spring.

Read More “Enlightenment In New Orleans”

Okay, I’ve got a new favorite.

This morning’s green smoothie developed from whatever I could find to put in the Vita Mix. Since I’m visiting my parents at the moment, and my dad brought home some kiwis, I thought I’d throw one in.

At some point this summer I ate my first kiwi with the skin on. I know, if you haven’t done it this seems very strange, but it doesn’t taste bad at all, and gives you more fiber and other goodness. So for my smoothie this morning all I did was cut the very tips of the kiwi off (the hard bits) and toss the rest in.

Kiwi is very low on the glycemic index (meaning it’s less likely to spike your blood sugar and insulin levels). It also is high in potassium and vitamin C, as well as other minerals and vitamins.

Read More “Kiwi Goodness Green Smoothie Recipe”

Today is Peace One Day. Around the world people are celebrating and participating in peaceful activities. In places of conflict soldiers are putting down their guns and allowing humanitarian aid to take the starring role.

There are even soccer games being played in the most unlikely places – a mall in Tokyo, the desert in Africa – all in celebration of peace.

Ahimsa, non-violence, is the first guideline of yoga. It reminds us that, since we are all interconnected, harm to one is harm to all.

One of the most important steps in global peace is finding peace with yourself. Coming into a place of self acceptance and practicing treating yourself with kindness can sometimes be a challenge, but it is one of the best possible choices you can make.

Read More “Happy Peace Day!”

World peace is the ultimate dream. Ask any beauty contest contestant, 11 year old kid, war ravaged grandmother, or the Dalai Lama. Even better, ask your own heart.

Here’s the thing – we have a chance to make this dream a reality! When you read this article in its entirety you will understand how.

Karma yoga is the practice of yoga as service. It’s yoga in action.

Now, this can happen in any number of ways. It can be as huge as dedicating your life completely to selfless service like Mother Theresa, or it can be as simple as making people smile.

Read More “Karma Yoga: What Would You Do For World Peace?”

At first glance a green smoothie might not look apetizing. I mean, it’s green! This generally evokes a child-like face with a scrunched up nose as a reaction.

But then you taste it. And very soon after that you FEEL it.

And lo and behold, it’s really good!

Green smoothies are one of the very best ways to get a whole lot of nutrients, anti-oxidants, and healing green leafy veggies into your system. When you do this, your body responds with energy and vitality.

Read More “Green Smoothie Recipes”

Indulge the creative raw foodist in you, or  inspire another with a recipe.

Raw food isn’t just about salad, though you can get deliciously creative with salads and dressings. It’s important to have diversity and enjoy a wide variety of foods. This makes eating healthy and raw very satisfying.

There are a ton of raw recipe books out there, plus lots of raw foodie websites to explore. Another fun way to explore eating raw is to find people in your area who also eat raw food. Often you can attend a raw food potluck where you’ll find great ideas and get to taste different dishes to see what you like. Ask around your community health food store or vegetarian/vegan restaurants to see what you can find.

Let’s make this another raw resource. Add your favorite recipe below!

How much food do you eat in its natural state?

Fresh fruits, salads, and cut up veggies for snacks are the most common raw foods for the majority of people. This is a great start, especially if you include them in your diet regularly.

However, there is a whole world of culinary delights most of us have never even considered.

The raw food movement has been growing at an exponential rate. Some of the reasons people choose to eat raw food include:

Read More “Adventures in Raw Food”

The awareness of yoga extends to how you choose to fuel your body.

How much better is a meal that is savored, rather than rushed through without appreciation?

How good do you feel when you enjoy the creative expression of cooking and eat wholesome food?

Food is energy. The things we eat absorb that which nurtures them. The next time you have fruit or vegetables before you, contemplate what contributed to their lives before they became your food. All elements participate in life.

Read More “The Yoga of Eating”