Everything listed under: yoga

Note: This was originally written last week, while I was still traveling in Nicaragua. While I've settled back home, I am keeping this in its original tense. 

After a month of traveling - with the exception of a whopping 48 hours in NYC - I'm read to go home. I usually never say that. I'm usually the one that wants to stay somewhere anywhere other than 'home' (now NYC) and continue traveling. Just the thought of NYC and the cold would, typically, be enough to make me shudder. I never want to go back to the craziness, throwing my already imbalanced 'Vata' more out of balance. But something is different this week. I'm itching to get back and settle down for a while. To stay in one place. A shift has occurred.

I'm ready to stop running around. And start living my life and creating it. That's hard to do when much of your time is spend moving around just getting from one destination to the other. 
Don't get me wrong, I love to travel, have new adventures, see new things and meet new people (See photo. Who wouldn't love this?!?). I don't think that will change and I can't begin to imagine my life without these experiences. This past month alone I have been blessed to begin new friendships that have already supported and filled me up in countless ways (shout out to my ParaYoga peeps and Kate and Bill!)

But this week, I've been embracing change. Which may seem contradictory to everything I've just proclaimed. But it's not. Because, now, I'd prefer to embark on change that is more internally directed than externally. Rather than looking to external circumstances to alter my situation and life, I now understand the true transformational power of changing what counts - ME. I feel I can best accomplish my goals, at least for now, by staying put. Building relationships, creating new habits, patterns, and a whole different life for myself.

Traveling takes time. Heck, I can spend half my day on a subway just getting from here to there in this city, not to mention the time it takes to get to JFK, fly to a foreign country, hop on a bus, get in a car and lord knows what else I've done to chase the 'perfect place'. All of this to and fro diminishes my ability to invest and dedicate my time to the change that really matters and will create the most impact. I have a life and a purpose I need to embrace. I don't want to postpone any longer.

I know there will be challenges ahead. I will have to stay put when I want to run. This will require dedication to grow, learn and expand . . . and to be uncomfortable. It will take effort and, most importantly, patience.
But I feel ready. Ready to let go of the old habits, patterns and, yes, even people that no longer support my purpose and new goals. I've been preparing myself to do that for a few months now, though. I've been surrounding myself with more like minded people who understand my work and will love me unconditionally. It feels good to know that I am attracting more of that in my life. And it makes me want to stay where I am to cultivate and nurture those relationships, habits and actions that will propel me onward to success and wisdom. 
Which for me, is a change. And like the old adage says, the only thing constant, is change. 

I recently got REALLY fired up about a post a colleague, friend, and trainer I respect very much, Dale Dymkoski, posted on his blog this week regarding yoga. I tried to write my 'comment' on his page, but because it was so long, it didn't fit. I had lots to say and carefully thought out my retort. To get the full picture, please read Dale's blog and then read below for what I have to say about it. 

I'd like to respectfully, offer a contradictory view, as I have to disagree. This article demonstrates a lack of understanding of what the discipline of yoga is truly about and how to practice it properly. Unfortunately today, many instructors are not teaching as they should or offering proper cuing to ensure students engage their muscles and foster strength in the body. Yoga is not all about being Gumby and forcing yourself into pretzel like positions. Yes, practicing yoga properly may emphasize the elongation of the muscle. But to equate that with ‘loose = weak’ muscles, as you do, is a fallacy. If properly taught, a student can discover both strength and flexibility in any pose. I ALWAYS discuss the concept of ‘strong stretching’ in my classes, whether it’s yoga or sculpting.

I agree that there are many poses most people should NOT be attempting. However, in this case, it's the opposite of the traditional saying, "Don't shoot the messenger". It is ABSOLUTELY a yoga instructor's responsibility to assess every student’s ability, and teach proper alignment and how to build a safe and STRONG practice. I cringe when I see instructors leading poses that, as you mentioned, are unsafe for a 99.5% of their students. Typically, there is a lack of understanding on the student's part of how to effectively practice not only advanced, but even the most basic of poses, which most certainly, can lead to injury and pain.
And again, it is the instructor’s duty to guide a student to more difficult asanas to ensure the student is moving into them safely and effectively, balancing the fine line between ‘discomfort’ and ‘pain’, just as it is the student’s responsibility to heed their own body’s communication.

What causes injury and pain is the practitioner NOT the practice. (As a note, I myself have experienced much relief from joint aches and muscle tears by practicing yoga.) Both the instructor and the student must share equal responsibility for a safe and effective yoga practice. Students should understand the true meaning of yoga and recognize it as a process. Teachers bear the burden of effectively communicating that message and fostering the proper environment in which the practitioner is safe to progress at their own pace and level of understanding.
One must move MINDFULLY in yoga. A practitioner CAN NOT check out and just soar through the class. That is the greatest challenge. To find the mind body connection. We as instructors, trainers and guides, give a lot of lip service to that philosophy, but rarely do we foster it or encourage it. And that’s a shame.

Addressing your point of 'functionality'. No, placing your foot behind your head is not, at first glance, particularly ‘functional’. But just like many exercises, more advanced yoga poses (or asanas) offer a challenge that can be beneficial to the body as well as the mind, similar to any advanced level of physical training. Learning how to use the breath to calm the body and the mind under situations of slight duress is EXTREMELY beneficial in the real world. There is no better preparation for everyday challenges than the yoga mat. If you can manage to stay calm when your hand is under your leg which is over your head in a room that’s 75*, you can certainly handle the stress of bumper to bumper on the 405. I don’t know anything more practical than that.

Unfortunately, our fitness culture, with it's result oriented focus, promoting that harder, faster and MORE is always better, has bastardized what yoga is meant to be. We have lost the joy of the process of getting from A to B, fostering the concept of what many in the yoga community like to call “gym yoga”. After three classes, students are expecting to do handstands and place their legs around their necks. It’s like asking someone who just began jogging to run a marathon tomorrow.

I also strongly feel we would all be better served to adopt a more holistic approach to training and fitness. I for one am so exhausted by the mindset that we only workout for a tight ass and great muscle tone. Exercise should be a complement to life, not another thing to do on our task list. It should enhance what we do and be a source of joy, not struggle.

I am not dismissing cross training or varying one’s fitness routine. I think it is EXTREMELY important, as you mentioned, for a healthy, well rounded approach to exercise. More importantly, including various disciplines into your fitness routine prevents boredom, which can lead to a lifetime practice of health and wellness as opposed to something we do to lose ten pounds.
However, your take on yoga is misguided. Yoga is not a means to a tight ass or extraordinary abs, although, when practiced properly, those ends can certainly be achieved. I agree with you 100% that balance is key. But you will find no better way to achieve a connection between the mind body and spirit than from the timeless and always evolving discipline of yoga.

It's one of those evenings I truly wish I did have a television. I spent all last week cleaning up my receipts from 2009, getting my numbers in order, and, at the same time, getting my apartment in order. I was ready to rock and roll come Friday afternoon to face my accountant. Prepped as could be. And then he got on a call that went late . . . and later . . . and later. No appointment for me. So we had to punt until tonight, Monday. And wow. Let's just say the government does NOT make it easy for an entrepreneur (ah-hem, ME) to set up a business. I just found out a WHOLE bunch of stuff I didn't really want to know and it completely overwhelmed me. I feel like I've taken two steps forward and eight steps back. Between that and an intense rolfing session today, all I want to do is collapse on the couch and veg out. In the absence of a television, I figured I'd make some tea, indulge in my favorite chocolate chip cookie (that would be Nana's No Wheat) write a blog and tell you all the news that's fit to print (and there is some that isn't!) from the weekend, including my favorite new sandwich and other recipes I've had fun with. So here we go . . . 
Friday, in preparation for the tax appointment that never happened, I was getting shit done. Organizing, filing, cleaning up. Had a lovely late morning visit with a good friend who stopped by (I love NYC for that reason. No one ever just 'stops by' in L.A.!) an appointment here at home and finally, once I learned of the unfortunate (or fortunate, depending on how you look at it. To me, it was just delaying the inevitable feeling of dread and depression that came this evening.) non-appointment, I was off to the gym to work on a new project. A little shopping for a new pair of sassy shorts I needed for a date that evening and I was feeling fine and ready for some wine! Or sake as the evening would have it. The special evening at Pure Food and Wine, my FAVORITE raw restaurant not only in the city but ANYWHERE, was meant to celebrate my supposed tax return. So much for that. So we drank to my date's (Let's call him JT. And no, while I wish it was the real JT, I'm not that good) bonus! And trust me, you need something to cover the bill at Pure. But it's worth the splurge. We scored a wonderful table in the outside patio area, perfect for a spring evening in the city. Magical actually. Or maybe it was just my White Light Tini, a fine combination of unfiltered sake, green tea, lemongrass and ginger. OH, how I love me some ginger. We started with the Organic Iceberg and Watercress Cobb Salad with Smokey Portabella crisps. HEAVEN! And the Nori Rolls. Once again, SCORE! So tasty. We moved on to the King Oyster Mushroom Scallops with Hijiki Seaweed Caviar (one of my faves) and the Sweet Pickled Tri Colored Beet Ravioli entree. THIS was pure food bliss. It was so amazing, so fresh and all raw. If I had someone preparing food like this for me every day, sure! I'd be all raw too. Not likely. Before I get on my soapbox on how f'd up it is that good, healthy, wholesome and nutrient dense food is inequitably more expensive than SHIT food that kills people, let me just conclude by saying we finished with the only reason to live. Pure's Mint Sundae. I don't care if you are raw, vegan, carnivore, omnivore, whatever! You'd swear you died and gone to heaven after just one sensual bite. (JT did!) It truly is an experience to be had. I apologize for the sub par photo. It should only provide incentive for you to go try it yourself. Thank goodness we ventured on after Pure to do . . . well what else do you do after a cocktail and a couple glasses of wine? DANCE! Somehow, JT and I stumbled upon this place called "Butter" (still not quite sure how we found this place...) which once downstairs, opened up to a club/lounge type venue. JT and I were in our own little world down there, dancing our silly asses off, albeit to a very random mix of tunes from the dj. Couldn't quite find one groove, but it was enough to keep us out until 1am. What is up with me and these late nights? Ugh. It has to stop. I need to buckle down and get to work. But there's plenty of time for that. Saturday found me with a client and then off to practice my own yoga sequence. By the time I retuned home I was famished. My plan was to head out to meet my girlfriend and new pimp, Lisa (she was the culprit of last weekend's debacle) and one of her friends later that evening (he'll remain anonymous unless it's time to introduce you to him . . . ) but I was beat. So why didn't I stay home and nap you ask? Because I'm obsessive, compulsive (yes, you heard it here first. and it won't be the last time) and felt I had to DO something. So after my new favorite sandwich (see recipe and photo below!), and some way too expensive but fabulously yummy raw Kale Chips (again, healthy=money. I can't seem to get away from this equation) I put on my Louboutins (ha, just kidding). My version of those would be my running shoes to brave the brutal wind that was blowing in the city and headed down 2nd Ave. to the Lower East Side to run some errands. Picked up some of the best beans ever for my morning lattes at Puerto Rico Importing Co. These guys aren't messing around. And it's the type of place I live for at prices that make conventional coffee sellers prices look like highway robbery. (which also makes you realize how OVER PRICED most beans are) You can't take photos and in true NYC style, they make the most out of their real estate cramping the space with wall to wall bins of freshly roasted coffee. They have a few locations here in the city and it's a must visit for any java lover. Despite the fact I popped a few dark chocolate covered espresso beans to add some pep in my step, I was still exhausted. I opted for the subway home and decided, by golly, my feet deserve a pedicure. A nice one. Yes, I'm the girl that keeps the same chipped and worn polish on her toes for two months. Whatever. I'm a dancer and my feet can't look pretty. It's a contradiction. But those toots were tired and deserved some TLC. Sixty bucks later, I walked out with pretty, smoothed, polished and somewhat relaxed feet and toes. Again, why does eating healthy and taking care of myself = BIG BUCKS?!? I vote for government subsidies of avocados, kale, onions, sweet potatoes, brown rice, tahini, hummus and PEDICURES. Only to squeeze them into heels for my evening appointment. Honestly all I wanted to do was curl up on the couch and watch a flick. But in order to have the guy to cuddle and watch the flick with me, I must continue to endure dates and set ups and, yes, assholes. (That's a whole other story . . . I'll save it for the book. But what do you say when a supposed 'man' says to you "I guarantee my day was a lot worse than yours."? I was at a loss.) Ugh. I have a confession to make. I don't like getting ready. I am not one of those girls who lives for make up and getting dressed. I hate washing my hair. I dread doing my hair. I would stick it up in a ponytail every day of my life if I could. Make up, sometimes, I can handle. Tonight was not one of those times. Dread, dread, dread. Of course once I found something I felt slightly comfortable in and did all the requisite primping, I felt better and actually thought I looked quite nice. I got to the bar and ordered water. Wow, I was going to be a barrel of good times tonight. But I actually began to enjoy myself and after one glass of wine and many club soda and cranberry cocktails later. (the bartender thought I was crazy . . . I was sucking them down!) discovered I was hungry. The scent of bacon was wafting from behind the bar, and I'll tell you. I don't eat bacon but once in a blue moon. But damn, it smells good. I finally got some grub at another venue that was actually very cool called Schiller's. I was discovering a whole new world with this going out thing and enjoying it. Although a part of me longed for the days with my ex, not needing to do anything, go anywhere, get dressed up, drink beers, etc. Truth be told, a BIG part of me. Ok, back to the food. I am living proof you don't have to blow your eating habits just because you are out. Yes, it was 11pm, not the ideal time for dinner, but I knew I was going to bed no earlier than 1am and I was starved. Which was probably one of the reasons I was a little cranky. One deviled egg, 2 oysters and a KILLER artichoke salad later, I was feeling fine and had some pep in my step again. Plus, our bartender, John, was absolutely adorable and thoroughly entertaining. Good times. But time to go home and sleep. And sleep I did. Until 10:30am. Man, I needed that. I had still been battling the cold I caught from last weekend and I just needed to rest with no alarm, no agenda, no nothing to do. Couldn't really tell you what I did on a chilly, lazy Sunday (apparently nothing too good) but found myself at dance class in the afternoon (thank you James!) which always makes for a good day. I need to start going to different classes and dancing more. I forget how much, no matter what I eat, it FEEDS me more. Grocery trip to Whole Paycheck (Do you see the running theme in this blog?) and relaxing with another yummy sandwich (I'm addicted) and some "Breaking Dawn" (Hey, I don't have a television. It's the closest thing I get to trash.) and I was ready to call it a weekend. Done. And ready for Monday. And here I am, cursing the IRS and finished with the blog. Goodnight. Oh wait! Forgot my favorite sandwich! Pulls together some of my favorite foods EVER! And it really is so easy.

Hummus and Avocado Open Face Sandwich: 
1 slice whole grain bread (my new favorite is Hemp Seed Bread from French Meadow Bakery )
Generous slathering of hummus (I prefer my homemade hummus, but I'm a snob like that! Any fresh, store bought is fine. Remember, the less ingredients, the better!)
3 slices avocado
2-3 slices ripe juicy tomato of choice (heirlooms are coming around!)
Generous helping of fresh sprouts
Salt and pepper to taste

In case I really need me to tell you, here's what you do. Grab that piece of bread. Slather on that hummus. Place tomato slices on top, then avocado and top with the sprouts, sprinkling with pure sea salt and some pepper here and there in between. LOVE LOVE LOVE on your easy delicious 'sandwich'. If you're feeling crazy, grab another piece of bread, slather on some more hummus and top that sucker off for a true sandwich. 
Ugh, I forgot to give you the other recipes. (A new Tahini dressing and my homemade hummus recipe . . . ) But I'm tired. I'll post another blog just with those. G'night!

I wish I could say that I haven't had anything to write about the past few weeks which would explain the lag in blog space. But that is not the case. I've had plenty to write about. I've been cooking quite a bit, wanting to post a hot chocolate recipe, yearning to brag about what I like to consider my now famous Krispy Kale Chips, and talk about my trip home for the holidays from where I am definitely going to steal my father's Spinach and Cannellini Bean dish. (More on this to come) But the truth is, I've been sad. Just before the holidays, the BF and I decided to take a break, or as most people would say, simply, break up. My heart has felt heavy and I've also felt very lonely. Oddly enough, work is going great but it's difficult to get excited about anything when you all of a sudden stop sharing your life with someone you've spent the past nine months getting to know. Becoming close to. Opening up to. It took me a long time to allow myself to be open and vulnerable to this relationship and then POOF! Before I know it, it's gone. No more considering someone else when making travel plans or figuring out social arrangements. It was the holidays, and I was heart broken. No secret smiles across the dinner table when a family member says something crazy. No snuggling by the tree. No sharing all the insanity of being home with the person I love. All the romantic scarnarios I so looked forward to that seemed easily within my reach were gone in no time at all. I can feel the lump in my throat as I type this and small tears filling my eyes. 
So yes, I have been spending more time on my own, trying to get back to what I used to know as me. Cooking more. Filling up time and space. So I have plenty to share as far as recipes. However, the plain old truth is I haven't felt like sharing anything. 
But every day gets better and I get more and more used to being on my own again. I took a trip to the Greenmarket in Union Square this afternoon. After the rush of the holidays it was fairly mellow and I basked in a late afternoon glimpse of the sun. Followed by a trip to Trader Joe's, which is always a test of patience and determination to get through the lines, to stock up for the week on healthy, wholesome items like brown rice, spinach, light coconut milk, sweet potatoes, almond milk, etc. Plus a last minute purchase, the only carbonated sweet beverage I will buy (I refuse to call it 'soda'), 

REED'S EXTRA GINGER BREW.  This stuff is the real deal. Like they make in Jamaica, 'mon'. Imagine standing in a line wrapped all the way around the store for a half hour. You're bound to pull some items off the outer rim shelves that weren't on your list. 
Then off to a hot, sweaty, lovely and divine yoga class at NewYorkYoga. It was the first time I had been to this studio and I loved it. My friend and amazingly beautiful and talented teacher, Rachel Page was leading this class and I love her flow and sequencing. It always feels so right on my body. I came home to cook and enjoy an evening with a little Monday Night Football, a little chat with Mom, and this blog entry. I'm getting back to me. Slowly but surely. 
Here is what I made tonight, which I thought was lovely and simple. I 'cheated' and used a bag of pre-washed and pre-cut root vegetables consisting of parsnips, sweet potatoes and butternut squash that I picked up during my Trader Joe's visit. And I couldn't be happier about it. 

ROOT VEGETABLE ROAST:

Variety of root vegetables cut in cubes (Parsnips, Sweet Potato, Winter Squash, Rutabaga)
Brussel Sprouts (washed and halved)
4-5 Garlic Cloves 
Yellow or Red Onion
Olive Oil
Quality Sea Salt and Pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 375*. Place all vegetables in large mixing bowl and pour olive oil liberally over vegetables. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and stir and mix with hands (I've said this before . . . it makes an AMAZING salt scrub for your hands! Who needs a manicure?!?) Dump mixture into baking dish or casserole dish large enough so all are touching bottom of dish. Bake for 35-45 minutes, depending how thick your cuts are or how well done you like your vegetables. Serve warm. Excellent side dish for hearty winter meat dishes. But me? I just dumped them over a wild brown rice mix. To me it was heaven. Simple and beautiful.

All is quiet in the apartment. My phone doesn't ring as often and my messages are fewer. But I have many more recipes to post and blogs to write. This is the healthiest way I can think of to help myself and help others, too.  Thank you.

Something has been on my mind ever since I subbed a yoga class last week here in NYC.  I delivered what I thought was a pretty strong class. I am big on technique and proper alignment and to me, sometimes that is a greater challenge than jamming through a sequence of twists, turns and balances.  It was the second time I had filled in for this particular instructor so I saw many of the same people in class I saw a few days prior.  Many of the students enjoyed my class and let me know. It was very gratifying, as it had been a while since I had taught a yoga class. One of the 'regulars' kind of hung around after until everyone else had left the studio. He said thanks for class, followed by a "I just want to  let you know that this class is used to a more challenging workout. They are really advanced." I nodded and thanked him for the feedback and input.  I wish I could say that I didn't dismiss his comment or consider it trivial.  But I did. Especially given the fact that many of the students, him included, were not as advanced as I think they believed themselves to be. 

And then I realized that I was being somewhat hypocritical and how often I want, and often expect, things to be difficult. This has been a particular challenge of mine. To overcome this idea that nothing comes easy. That anything worth doing must be a struggle of some sort. As if the harder I work, the bigger the reward.  So I work and work and work. And wait for that big reward. And rewards do come, but often they are not directly correlated to the amount of effort I put in. And most often, the biggest rewards can not be measured. 

The worse part is that when something is going right and it's 'easy' so to speak, I question it.  Why?  Yes, life definitely presents us with challenges. There is no denying that. But to question the greatest gifts in life?  That's just crazy. And I do it. 

So, if you often find yourself thinking the same thing I present a challenge (!) to myself and to you: Work when you must, rise to the occasions that call you to action. However, know that often, it is more about the intention and mindfulness we direct toward any desire, task, or job that will truly dictate the outcome.  For whatever you want, whatever you desire, whatever you intend, the Universe will grant to you if you are open to it.  No struggle required.

I am excited to announce my very first OPTIMAL HEALTH AND HEALING retreat will take place in Costa Rica in from August 15th - 22nd in Costa Rica at the beautiful Pura Vida Spa!  Make sure you check out the website above to get all the details. 

While I am thrilled to finally host my very own retreat in one of the most beautiful locations in the country, I must admit, such an undertaking can be a little nerve wrecking.  Getting caught up in the 'what if's?' "What if flights don't go smoothly?" "What if no one signs up?" And the biggest 'What If?' of all:  "What if I fail?" The preparation for something like this is daunting. Almost to the point where I've considered running the other way. 

But then the famous quote "Feel the fear and do it anyway" keeps coming back to me. I had to commit to this. Commit to the dates and moving forward with the planning or else I would always look back and regret I never did something I've always dreamed about. And it's scary. But now that I've written a blog about it and listed it on the website, it's official. I can't back down now, can I?

So check out the details of the retreat and join myself and Dr. Derek Abbassi for a week of sun, fun, relaxation, adventure, fitness, healing and total health.  At the very least, we'll all have a great vacation and hopefully you'll go home happy you came!