Flashback to my days in middle school & high school....
My best friend Meghan & I spent A LOT of time together. & we loved food.
We loved to make food & eat said food while watching Saturday Night Live. Then we might make & eat some more food, then listen to music, talk for hours & probably eat more food. We totally bonded over one of our favored meals, Beef Stroganoff.
(we always referred to it as 'Beef Strokinoff'.... immaturity at its finest!).
I haven't had Beef Stroganoff in years & honestly when I have had it, it never meets my expectations.
Now, being pregnant, I had a hankering for something hearty, filling, tasty & nostalgic.
So I re-created the classic Beef Stroganoff with some minor alterations, mostly the addition of grass-fed beef, fresh herbs & the swapping of greek yogurt for sour cream. It's literally the best Beef Stroganoff I've ever had!
Enjoy!
(these are rough measurements. I rarely cook from recipes & love to use my culinary intuition. I hope you use yours too!)
Best Beef Stroganoff
1 lb Beef --- grass-fed, free-range, high-quality chuck roast, steak or your favorite tasty cut
(pre-roast, crockpot, grill...however you like to cook your meat)
16 oz Amish-homestyle wide egg noodles
(you can sub gluten-free varieties if needed, but egg noodles are the classic if you can have em)
8 oz full-fat Greek yogurt
(don't skimp with 0%....fat is your friend!)
1 Tbsp. grass-fed butter
(alternative is unrefined, virgin coconut oil)
1 - 2 big Portobello mushrooms
(rinsed & coarsely chopped)
1 sweet yellow onion, chopped
(white onions work too)
1 c. beef broth
(try to make your own! I added 1 cup of water to my beef & onions in the crockpot & was left with tasty homemade broth)
1 Tbsp. flour
(to thicken the beef sauce....use all purpose flour; alternative is all-purpose gluten-free flour)
2 cloves garlic
(crush & finely chop garlic & let sit in open air for 5 min before using; alternative is to use a couple teaspoons of dried garlic powder)
1-2 stalks green onion
(rinsed, sliced lengthwise & chopped, ends removed)
1/4 c. fresh parsley
(rinsed, patted dry, finely chopped)
1-2 Tbsp. fresh dill
(rinsed, patted dry, finely chopped; alternative is to use a couple teaspoons of dried)
Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste
a few dashes of Worcestershire Sauce on top
Directions:Cook your meat ahead of time, either the day of or day before.
When ready to prepare the meal, saute mushrooms & onions in butter or oil until fragrant & brown. Thinly slice the beef & add to the skillet. Add the garlic & beef broth. Bring to a simmer & stir in the flour, making sure there aren't any clumps. Turn down to a low simmer & cover with a lid. Boil water in a separate pot for noodles. Cook noodles according the directions on package. Strain noodles & add back to the cooking pot.
Return to the skillet, stirring as needed during simmering time. Stir in the greek yogurt & dill. Add salt & pepper to taste. Pour beef mixture over noodles in cooking pot & heat to low-medium to fully coat the noodles & warm everything up. Serve warm with green onion & parsley on top & add a few dashes of Worcestershire Sauce (that takes it to a new level). Excellent with a fresh green salad & warm bread & butter. mmmmm deeeelish!
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Vibration: the Underlying Truth
Every single person, place, creature & thing on the planet, including the Earth herself, is vibrating at a certain frequency. Consider the birds singing outside your window, the seemingly solid sofa you rest on, the food you eat, the sound of your voice...they all possess a vibratory frequency, whether it is obvious or very subtle. There are also many many sounds which are inaudible & unheard by the human ear, yet they still exist & emit a vibration. (The human really only perceives one millionth of the electromagnetic spectrum).
Since we now know through the advancements in Quantum Physics & Mechanics that everything in reality has a vibration, the gates of potential for altering any given frequency for positive or negative have been opened. The power of sound, vibration, toning, singing, chanting, speaking & music in general is immense. Sound has a profound effect upon our psyche, physiology, emotional well being & mental functioning. Music & sound therapy is an up & coming form of healing which has a lot of science & research behind it.
The outstanding work of Dr. Emoto, a Japanese scientist & researcher, has found a way to validate the power of vibration & other various stimuli upon the molecular structure of water. His testing was based upon exposing water (remember WE are primarily composed of water, as is the Earth) to different types of sound, music, written word, technology & environmental situations, freezing it, then viewing its crystalline structure under a microscope. The results were incredible!
In general, the water which was exposed to microwaves, hurtful words, angry music & negatives forces, produced mutated & deformed crystals, very similar to what a cancer cell might look like.
Conversely, the water which was exposed to positive affirmations, soothing music, uplifting prayers & mediations were beautifully shaped, forming sacred geometrical crystals. Divine!
And also very compelling were the vibratory frequencies of the words LOVE & GRATITUDE. Those words, when exposed to the water, consistently produced the most outstandingly beautiful & "perfect" crystal shapes. Wow! That's scientific proof that love can conquer all!
This is just one fine example of how the frequencies of our thoughts, environmental exposure, sounds & practices of daily living can impact our well being.
With that being said, let's take a look at the energetic space of the throat chakra, Vishudda. If you are not yet familiar with the chakras, consider them wheels of life force energy. These are special areas within the body which you cannot see, but like revolving doors they receive & absorb energy, emit & release energy. We have 7 major chakras, which run along our spine from root to crown, in coordination with the location of our endocrine glands. Each chakra is related to a different body system & various aspects of our psychology, behavioral & spiritual health. The throat chakra specifically, is directly related to the element Ether, governs the throat, neck, shoulders, ears, nose & mouth, & is the seat of sound, vibration, communication, listening & how we express ourselves in the world.
The fascinating part of this is learning how to use to positive, uplifting healing Sound & Vibrational tools & techniques to open this chakra & bring balance to our whole being. Vishudda roughly translates to "purify". When we learn to speak our Truth, freely express ourselves creativity & articulately, we purify our expression between the mind & the heart. We begin to develop a stronger relationship with the concept of Vibration & harness the power of our throat chakra. Additionally, the effects of sound & vibration are not exclusive to just the throat chakra. If we know all things are vibrating, then your whole being will receive the benefits!
Awakening our inner voice & allowing it to come forth into the world is potent medicine. Think back to the most beautiful song you ever heard, a compelling speech or your favorite book. All throat chakra stuff! Remember how good those moments made you feel! Now consider a time in your life when you so badly wanted to share a joke or story to a group of friends at a party but didn't feel confident enough to believe that your words had value. Or perhaps you continually get shut down at your workplace, never getting the chance to speak up for yourself & your views. Or maybe as a child you were often told to be quiet. How do those experiences make you feel?
Whether we realize it or not, the way we communicate & listen dramatically affects our self-confidence, willingness to relax, go with the flow, express our passions & emotions & live an authentic life. Additionally, a healthy balanced throat chakra relates to a healthy balanced thyroid gland, less neck & shoulder tension, less mental chatter, reduced headaches & jaw pain.
This is exactly why I'm bringing my sound healing tools to the Magical Mamas Retreat! My gong & quartz crystal singing bowls are magical instruments to help reduce inflammation, ease stress & tension, remove energetic blockages & realign the chakras. I can't wait to share with you the beautiful experience of inviting healing sounds into your body, mind & spirit!
Since we now know through the advancements in Quantum Physics & Mechanics that everything in reality has a vibration, the gates of potential for altering any given frequency for positive or negative have been opened. The power of sound, vibration, toning, singing, chanting, speaking & music in general is immense. Sound has a profound effect upon our psyche, physiology, emotional well being & mental functioning. Music & sound therapy is an up & coming form of healing which has a lot of science & research behind it.
The outstanding work of Dr. Emoto, a Japanese scientist & researcher, has found a way to validate the power of vibration & other various stimuli upon the molecular structure of water. His testing was based upon exposing water (remember WE are primarily composed of water, as is the Earth) to different types of sound, music, written word, technology & environmental situations, freezing it, then viewing its crystalline structure under a microscope. The results were incredible!
In general, the water which was exposed to microwaves, hurtful words, angry music & negatives forces, produced mutated & deformed crystals, very similar to what a cancer cell might look like.
Conversely, the water which was exposed to positive affirmations, soothing music, uplifting prayers & mediations were beautifully shaped, forming sacred geometrical crystals. Divine!
And also very compelling were the vibratory frequencies of the words LOVE & GRATITUDE. Those words, when exposed to the water, consistently produced the most outstandingly beautiful & "perfect" crystal shapes. Wow! That's scientific proof that love can conquer all!
This is just one fine example of how the frequencies of our thoughts, environmental exposure, sounds & practices of daily living can impact our well being.
With that being said, let's take a look at the energetic space of the throat chakra, Vishudda. If you are not yet familiar with the chakras, consider them wheels of life force energy. These are special areas within the body which you cannot see, but like revolving doors they receive & absorb energy, emit & release energy. We have 7 major chakras, which run along our spine from root to crown, in coordination with the location of our endocrine glands. Each chakra is related to a different body system & various aspects of our psychology, behavioral & spiritual health. The throat chakra specifically, is directly related to the element Ether, governs the throat, neck, shoulders, ears, nose & mouth, & is the seat of sound, vibration, communication, listening & how we express ourselves in the world.
The fascinating part of this is learning how to use to positive, uplifting healing Sound & Vibrational tools & techniques to open this chakra & bring balance to our whole being. Vishudda roughly translates to "purify". When we learn to speak our Truth, freely express ourselves creativity & articulately, we purify our expression between the mind & the heart. We begin to develop a stronger relationship with the concept of Vibration & harness the power of our throat chakra. Additionally, the effects of sound & vibration are not exclusive to just the throat chakra. If we know all things are vibrating, then your whole being will receive the benefits!
Awakening our inner voice & allowing it to come forth into the world is potent medicine. Think back to the most beautiful song you ever heard, a compelling speech or your favorite book. All throat chakra stuff! Remember how good those moments made you feel! Now consider a time in your life when you so badly wanted to share a joke or story to a group of friends at a party but didn't feel confident enough to believe that your words had value. Or perhaps you continually get shut down at your workplace, never getting the chance to speak up for yourself & your views. Or maybe as a child you were often told to be quiet. How do those experiences make you feel?
Whether we realize it or not, the way we communicate & listen dramatically affects our self-confidence, willingness to relax, go with the flow, express our passions & emotions & live an authentic life. Additionally, a healthy balanced throat chakra relates to a healthy balanced thyroid gland, less neck & shoulder tension, less mental chatter, reduced headaches & jaw pain.
This is exactly why I'm bringing my sound healing tools to the Magical Mamas Retreat! My gong & quartz crystal singing bowls are magical instruments to help reduce inflammation, ease stress & tension, remove energetic blockages & realign the chakras. I can't wait to share with you the beautiful experience of inviting healing sounds into your body, mind & spirit!
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Death is Thy Master
Death is a cruel but necessary master of our entangled fates.
Dismantling, dissolving & surrendering to the powers beyond our limited control offers us a strange & blessed gift...an opportunity to experience a deeper sense of connection: and paradoxically, the freedom from attachment.
Death is the phenomenal teacher of impermanence. Death seeks no award of recognition for its difficult task. Death knows it is a tough but beautiful job, as death, change, movement keeps the cycles flowing.
Death knows its purpose purely & without hesitation.
Its honor is in the cataclysm & surge of force it commands.
Death stuns & shakes, humbles & awakes.
Death is beyond time or logic, ego or mind, beyond any volume of supposed information.
Death is the twisted knowledge of the darkness. YOUR darkness. MY darkness.
OUR inevitable darkness.
Consider....
Birth extends invitation for death. Death RSVPs & bring it's special guest, rebirth.
Do you see the connection? There cannot be one without the other.
Black & White.
Mother & Father.
Moon & Sun.
Yin & Yang,
Inward & Outward.
Cycles, cypers, circles, chakras....
everything is in its right place!
Revel in the explicit & ecstatic dance of duality!
This balancing act sets the stage for the human drama.
And you my dear are the Star!
(But who is directing the film? Who wrote the script?)
The inquiry beyond birth & death opens a flow of infinite potential, a greater Source of wisdom, the curious wonder of the ONEness.
To explore a Truth beyond birth & death requires courage to bravely travel the Void,
the Womb of Creation.
Descension. Crescendo. Explosion. Ascension.
To fear not death is to accept the challenge of simply being.
Do not be afraid to explore the spectrum of light & dark.
Be completely alive!
& Always be prepared for death.
Proverbial - Metaphorical - Figurative - Literal.
The pain & suffering of love & loss teaches the beauty & grace of life itself.
Yes it is mysterious.
Yes it is a conundrum,
But this is our work.
This is the mystery of our inevitable fate!
Oh what a tangled web we weave...
Dismantling, dissolving & surrendering to the powers beyond our limited control offers us a strange & blessed gift...an opportunity to experience a deeper sense of connection: and paradoxically, the freedom from attachment.
Death is the phenomenal teacher of impermanence. Death seeks no award of recognition for its difficult task. Death knows it is a tough but beautiful job, as death, change, movement keeps the cycles flowing.
Death knows its purpose purely & without hesitation.
Its honor is in the cataclysm & surge of force it commands.
Death stuns & shakes, humbles & awakes.
Death is beyond time or logic, ego or mind, beyond any volume of supposed information.
Death is the twisted knowledge of the darkness. YOUR darkness. MY darkness.
OUR inevitable darkness.
Consider....
Birth extends invitation for death. Death RSVPs & bring it's special guest, rebirth.
Do you see the connection? There cannot be one without the other.
Black & White.
Mother & Father.
Moon & Sun.
Yin & Yang,
Inward & Outward.
Cycles, cypers, circles, chakras....
everything is in its right place!
Revel in the explicit & ecstatic dance of duality!
This balancing act sets the stage for the human drama.
And you my dear are the Star!
(But who is directing the film? Who wrote the script?)
The inquiry beyond birth & death opens a flow of infinite potential, a greater Source of wisdom, the curious wonder of the ONEness.
To explore a Truth beyond birth & death requires courage to bravely travel the Void,
the Womb of Creation.
Descension. Crescendo. Explosion. Ascension.
To fear not death is to accept the challenge of simply being.
Do not be afraid to explore the spectrum of light & dark.
Be completely alive!
& Always be prepared for death.
Proverbial - Metaphorical - Figurative - Literal.
The pain & suffering of love & loss teaches the beauty & grace of life itself.
Yes it is mysterious.
Yes it is a conundrum,
But this is our work.
This is the mystery of our inevitable fate!
Oh what a tangled web we weave...
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Savasana may be the most important pose our world needs right now
There's a whole lot going on during a yoga practice...
Whether it's the resonant sound of AUM, a sweaty booty, desire for spiritual enlightenment, a physical breakthrough or perhaps the admiration of a yogi in a wild & crazy upside down pose,
your mind has a lot to concentrate on. Your body is being called to dynamic action.
You came to your practice for a purpose. So when it's all over, do you hit the ground running? Or do you take time to process what the heck just happened?
No matter where or why or how you practice, you certainly want to include into your routine the best posture ever :::
... S A V A S A N A ... {pronounced SHA-VA-SA-NAH|}. AKA Corpse Pose. Yes it sounds morbid but we are literally practicing "dying". . . as in letting go, releasing, surrendering unattached.
Essentially, you get to lay down on your back & do nothing. Sounds good right?
So why do so many people skip it?!
Savasana is basically the rest after a race, the enjoying of a meal you just cooked, the happy hour after work, sleep after a long day....the peaceful harbor of love after a crazy thunderstorm.
Without confusing cocktails with clarity, you get the point.
Savasana is the much deserved integration, soft space, rest, rejuvenation, relaxation, unplugging, & reaping the fruits of one's own labor....
it's the cherry on the top of a badass practice!
One time years ago I went to a Bikram yoga class...you know the kind where you feel totally out of place, way OVER dressed, completely wimpy next to that eldery man who has been practicing for years, & unable to breathe because of the hot, sweaty, junior-high-boys-locker-room smell that has permeated every square inch of the carpeted floor.....
yes I said carpet....weird.
What I heard was the instructor saying that we should all take at least a 2 minute Savasana after a long, hot, grueling & quite physically challenging practice. TWO MINUTES? are you kidding me? I mean, at least Savasana was recommended. But 20 minutes sounded way better to me.
Only 2 minutes of rest after a deeply detoxifying practice was the minimum, but in my opinion not nearly enough. It's been recommended by many teachers to offer 5 minutes of Savasana/rest for every 30 minutes of practice. If I just powered my way through 1 1/2 hours of staring at myself in the mirror (locking my knee in dancer....PLEASE DON'T LOCK YOUR KNEES!).....sweating my ass off in the company of 35 determined & somewhat militant folks....my God I need to take it easy for a bit! INTENSE!
Now to each his or her own. A little Savasana is better than none. My homegirl Angela, a most excellent massage therapist, friend & wise ole soul in a young gal's body, said that some people in her hot yoga class don't even take Savasana! We joked how that's like running a race only to run home & do the dishes, take care of kids, pay the bills, what have you. Is your Nervous System even ready for that shit? Hell no. You are totally in fight-or-flight mode / Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS). Most folks are living in that mode already, so give your Nervous System a break! That precious time at the end of class is YOURS TO CHERISH! YOU EARNED IT! YOU DESERVE IT! BY GOLLY, TAKE IT! Get yourself into rest & relax mode / Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) & enjoy the calmness of life.
There was a period of time where I would skip Savasana in my personal practice. I didn't have time for it. I thought I didn't "need" it. Within a few weeks my muscles were aching, my body stiff & the progress of my triangle pose was zilch. I was more anxious & I felt like I was wasn't progressing, but rather regressing! At first I thought, "Oh this is when it gets worse before it gets better. Yeah that's it!"
Well it wasn't.
It was just me skipping the integration, the rewiring, the recalibration of my physical & energetic body. There's a lot going on during a yoga practice...yeah that hot girl in tight pants or your powerful sweaty hot yoga moves.....but really you're making changes, moving breath & offering vital life force energy to various parts of your body. You're strengthening your physical form, expanding your perspective, increasing flexibility & getting grounded in your center. You're improving concentration, focus & intention.
But if you skip that seemingly pointless end part....do you really allow those very dramatic changes (they're happening whether you realize it or not) to sink in? Do you let your body, mind, spirit... your life, actually RECEIVE your awesomeness? Your whole practice was probably YANG or physical, masculine, moving & working. The YIN side comes in at the end! This is the cooling, the relaxing, the receiving, the surrendering. Embrace the duality.
. . . Savasana may be the most important pose our world needs right now. . .
. . . So much that I'm reassessing how I offer Savasana in my weekly Hatha Gong. My intention is to share a Gong meditation, THEN offer a quiet Savasana.....ample time to let it all meld together into a delicious cocktail of YOU :) Drink it up....you earned it!
Whether you practice yoga, hot yoga, work out in the gym, hit the weights or walk the treadmill.....consider giving yourself AT THE VERY LEAST 5 MINUTES OF REST AFTERWARD. DON'T SKIP IT! Let your body heal.
On that note....I'm gonna go lie down.
WORD! XOXO
Whether it's the resonant sound of AUM, a sweaty booty, desire for spiritual enlightenment, a physical breakthrough or perhaps the admiration of a yogi in a wild & crazy upside down pose,
your mind has a lot to concentrate on. Your body is being called to dynamic action.
You came to your practice for a purpose. So when it's all over, do you hit the ground running? Or do you take time to process what the heck just happened?
No matter where or why or how you practice, you certainly want to include into your routine the best posture ever :::
... S A V A S A N A ... {pronounced SHA-VA-SA-NAH|}. AKA Corpse Pose. Yes it sounds morbid but we are literally practicing "dying". . . as in letting go, releasing, surrendering unattached.
Essentially, you get to lay down on your back & do nothing. Sounds good right?
So why do so many people skip it?!
Savasana is basically the rest after a race, the enjoying of a meal you just cooked, the happy hour after work, sleep after a long day....the peaceful harbor of love after a crazy thunderstorm.
Without confusing cocktails with clarity, you get the point.
Savasana is the much deserved integration, soft space, rest, rejuvenation, relaxation, unplugging, & reaping the fruits of one's own labor....
it's the cherry on the top of a badass practice!
One time years ago I went to a Bikram yoga class...you know the kind where you feel totally out of place, way OVER dressed, completely wimpy next to that eldery man who has been practicing for years, & unable to breathe because of the hot, sweaty, junior-high-boys-locker-room smell that has permeated every square inch of the carpeted floor.....
yes I said carpet....weird.
What I heard was the instructor saying that we should all take at least a 2 minute Savasana after a long, hot, grueling & quite physically challenging practice. TWO MINUTES? are you kidding me? I mean, at least Savasana was recommended. But 20 minutes sounded way better to me.
Only 2 minutes of rest after a deeply detoxifying practice was the minimum, but in my opinion not nearly enough. It's been recommended by many teachers to offer 5 minutes of Savasana/rest for every 30 minutes of practice. If I just powered my way through 1 1/2 hours of staring at myself in the mirror (locking my knee in dancer....PLEASE DON'T LOCK YOUR KNEES!).....sweating my ass off in the company of 35 determined & somewhat militant folks....my God I need to take it easy for a bit! INTENSE!
Now to each his or her own. A little Savasana is better than none. My homegirl Angela, a most excellent massage therapist, friend & wise ole soul in a young gal's body, said that some people in her hot yoga class don't even take Savasana! We joked how that's like running a race only to run home & do the dishes, take care of kids, pay the bills, what have you. Is your Nervous System even ready for that shit? Hell no. You are totally in fight-or-flight mode / Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS). Most folks are living in that mode already, so give your Nervous System a break! That precious time at the end of class is YOURS TO CHERISH! YOU EARNED IT! YOU DESERVE IT! BY GOLLY, TAKE IT! Get yourself into rest & relax mode / Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) & enjoy the calmness of life.
There was a period of time where I would skip Savasana in my personal practice. I didn't have time for it. I thought I didn't "need" it. Within a few weeks my muscles were aching, my body stiff & the progress of my triangle pose was zilch. I was more anxious & I felt like I was wasn't progressing, but rather regressing! At first I thought, "Oh this is when it gets worse before it gets better. Yeah that's it!"
Well it wasn't.
It was just me skipping the integration, the rewiring, the recalibration of my physical & energetic body. There's a lot going on during a yoga practice...yeah that hot girl in tight pants or your powerful sweaty hot yoga moves.....but really you're making changes, moving breath & offering vital life force energy to various parts of your body. You're strengthening your physical form, expanding your perspective, increasing flexibility & getting grounded in your center. You're improving concentration, focus & intention.
But if you skip that seemingly pointless end part....do you really allow those very dramatic changes (they're happening whether you realize it or not) to sink in? Do you let your body, mind, spirit... your life, actually RECEIVE your awesomeness? Your whole practice was probably YANG or physical, masculine, moving & working. The YIN side comes in at the end! This is the cooling, the relaxing, the receiving, the surrendering. Embrace the duality.
. . . Savasana may be the most important pose our world needs right now. . .
. . . So much that I'm reassessing how I offer Savasana in my weekly Hatha Gong. My intention is to share a Gong meditation, THEN offer a quiet Savasana.....ample time to let it all meld together into a delicious cocktail of YOU :) Drink it up....you earned it!
Whether you practice yoga, hot yoga, work out in the gym, hit the weights or walk the treadmill.....consider giving yourself AT THE VERY LEAST 5 MINUTES OF REST AFTERWARD. DON'T SKIP IT! Let your body heal.
On that note....I'm gonna go lie down.
WORD! XOXO
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
the luminous bridge between the ego & the heart
It's time for the realness to come through. It's time for an Energetic Breakdown!
Personally I've been feeling somewhat of an internal struggle for a little while now. It's a vulnerability I thought I'd successfully hidden beneath a thick layer of pretending everything is ok. I had been telling myself I don't deserve to be so bold, so bright, so open about my authentic self, probably for fear of what others might think, how I'd be judged & what kind of impact my personal growth may have on my closest relationships. But what you resists persists & by golly I cannot resist any longer! Now these conflicting feelings have reared their heads & are holding me accountable to live out my dharma & be my authentic self. I've got some fears about making big changes (huge lift shifting changes) & often plagued by self doubts of inadequacy, lack of self-worth, old programmings of poverty as more noble than wealth & abundance....they all seem to love the dark stormy dance between my Ego & my Heart.
I literally feel this area of my body, the diaphragm, pulsing like a heartbeat, begging to be acknowledged, breathed into, to be nurtured & awakened. Yes as a yogini I breathe consciously & yes I definitely know the correlation between the depth of our breath & the depth of our being. Still, I am a human, a person who is here on Earth to learn & figure shit out. There are times when it can be so hard to breathe into the uncomfortable places of complacency, to breathe into the uncertainty of change. It's feels even more intense especially since I'm teaching it other folks on the regular.
With that being said, my personal practices of yoga & spirituality as well as my professional teachings & offerings tend to revolve around the connection to & awareness of Energy. Hence my intrigue & magnetism to diving into the Chakra System. Now if you are new to Chakras this might sound a bit "out there," but trust me everyone has Chakras...even you! Perhaps you're just not tuned into them yet or have not had the exposure or education to understand their significance.
Consider Chakras as revolving doors of life force energy, running along your spine (Sushumna) which is your biggest energy channel (Nadi). From root to crown (and beyond!) each energetic center pulls energy in & sends it out. We absorb & emit frequencies, colors, sounds & more. The Chakra System is the inner journey of the Self, an internal blueprint of energy. I liken it to a navigational system for expanding our awareness of physical, emotional, psychological & spiritual growth & understanding. If one or more of these energetic centers is stagnant, blocked, excessive or deficient, the result is you guessed it.....dis-ease. Sound familiar?
So naturally I think to myself....I'm feeling a bit crazy lately, I'm so busy with all these projects yet I'm low on funds & feeling drained. I'm having a hard time deciphering for myself what's Ego-driven & Heart-centered, what's fair?.....fair to whom? Where's my place in this crazy world?
What's going on with my Chakras? I have a hunch....
Let's take a snapshot of 2 specific Chakras:
the 3rd Chakra / Manipura: Personal Power, Independence, Fire, Light, Charisma, Forging the Path, Purpose, the Ego, Autonomy, Digestion, Liver, Pancreas;
& the 4th Chakra / Anahata: Unity, Balance, Love, Joy, Compassion, Air, the Breath, Thymus Gland & Heart.
But there is more....there is an energetic space between these two Chakras. It's an evolving Chakra center....the luminous bridge between the Ego & the Heart. This Chakra is known as the Diaphragmatic Chakra.
When the Diaphragmatic Chakra is in balance we're able to breathe deeply into our awareness of the Self, uniting how we feel with what we need to do. We then are able to liberate that energy upward into the space of the Heart. This way we don't get stuck in our passions or power, and learn to harmonize our personal wisdoms with the good of the whole. Our capacity to release self-doubt & the need to be validated by others for approval resides here. Deeply breathing into the space between the 3rd & 4th Chakras supports us in opening the tightness, the rigidity, the tension & stress which can accumulate into an unhealthy roadblock when one is not living authentically as one IZ. (did ya get that joke there?)
When this Chakra is blocked we cut off the intelligence of our emotional wisdom, unable to feel deeply who we are & what we stand for. And often times the Ego gets a bad rep because of the potentially extreme behaviors guided by arrogance, greed & self-centeredness. Yet the Ego is NOT BAD...it's a necessary component to recognizing the power of your being. Those potentially unhealthy qualities of the Ego are distinctly different than healthy expressions of authenticity, confidence, abundance & self-care.
So how do you & how do I, cultivate the balanced qualities of a healthy Ego & open Heart?
We practice working with the breath.
Check out my video (my first ever video!) titled, "4 square healing breath" to learn this technique.
I've been practicing this technique & it really works! You can feel everything slow down & come back into balance, calming the wasteful worries of the mind & truly focusing on the present moment & the fluidity of the breath.
Funny the other day one of my students said, "You probably never need to take a yoga class since you are such an amazing yoga teacher!"
I couldn't help but laugh out loud. "Au contrare!" I replied. "That's like saying once you are a chef you never need to eat food again!" We both cracked up at the realization ....
We are never done learning.
Keep on breathing & keepin' on growing my friends!
love, IZ WORD
Friday, June 27, 2014
Sweet & Spicy Holy Moly Guacamole!
Sweet & Spicy Guacamole Recipe
2 large ripe avocados, peeled & deseeded
Juice of 1 medium sized lemon
2 shallots, finely minced
1 ripe yellow or white peach, finely chopped
2 tsp Chipotle sauce (adjust for heat preference)
4 turns of the pepper grinder
1/4 - 1/2 tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
1-2 tsp ground cumin
1/8 c chopped cilantro (I do 1/4 c because its my fave!)
Combine all ingredients in a bowl & mix well. Enjoy with tortilla chips, fresh veggies, on fish tacos....get creative!
As with any of my recipes, make room for creativity, experimentation & innovation!
This is a general guide but make adjustments as you see fit. Perhaps you substitute mangos, nectarines or oranges for the peaches. Play around & have fun!
cheers
2 large ripe avocados, peeled & deseeded
Juice of 1 medium sized lemon
2 shallots, finely minced
1 ripe yellow or white peach, finely chopped
2 tsp Chipotle sauce (adjust for heat preference)
4 turns of the pepper grinder
1/4 - 1/2 tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
1-2 tsp ground cumin
1/8 c chopped cilantro (I do 1/4 c because its my fave!)
Combine all ingredients in a bowl & mix well. Enjoy with tortilla chips, fresh veggies, on fish tacos....get creative!
As with any of my recipes, make room for creativity, experimentation & innovation!
This is a general guide but make adjustments as you see fit. Perhaps you substitute mangos, nectarines or oranges for the peaches. Play around & have fun!
cheers
hangin with the super stoners
This is a post I wrote back in April but never published but felt compelled to pull it out of the archives for your reading pleasure. ENJOY!
Dang y'all....I had such an awesome weekend at Cannabis Cup, presented by High Times in Denver.
It was the first legal & open to the public Cannabis Cup in the US!
WOOP WOOP WOOP WOOP!
We took the trip because my man & his business partner were launching their hilarious new comic book, The Adventures of Super Stoner. It's a series of stories about a regular ole dude who loves & grows weed. He has a magical bong that he uses to fight off evil vilans such as "Meth Man" (a nasty meth cooker) & "Kandy Kane" (a cocaine-addicted stripper). Super Stoner wants to keep the streets clean so he always comes in to save the day from the poisonous, toxic chemicals of horrible man-made drugs which are destroying our world! Its full of fun, campy humor & educational information about the benefits of Cannabis. What a hit! (har har har)
The event was an intense experience of meandering through a crowd of some 30,000 people...all hazy, smily & friendly folks excited about the green!
This was the most calm event I've ever been to...
No one fought.
No one got out of control.
No problems, no issues.
No EGO.
Just really chill people.
This is what happens when you invite the green goodness of Mother Nature's magical bounty into your life. If you still believe in the propaganda of Reefer Madness, well it's "high time" you cross over the rainbow bridge of happiness! I won't even begin my endless list of why good ole Mary Jane should be your homegirl, but I will say that everyone at Cannabis Cup was so damn kind.
Yes it was pretty wild to explore the 1,000 vendors & hop in & out of circles of really awesome people only to turn a corner & see something totally spectacular like a Cheech & Chong sized joint. The novelty was on-point. It was like a hanging out in weed city within a city. Needless to say, the people-watching was incredible!
It was interesting to witness the multitude of various approaches for communing with Marijuana. It seemed there was less focus on the flowers, the classic plant part which you may or may not have smoked at some point in your life, and there was much more attention on wax (aka DABBS), which is a butane-based extraction process which, if prepared by professionals with appropriate machinery, is purged of as much butane as possible to create a very high in THC/low CBD content material. For you herbalists out there, I equate it with a type of solid extract with certain chemical constituents still held in place, in this case a very concentrated amount of THC. Apparently the high is 10 times more potent than your typical hit of flowers. That kinda freaks me out. Does anyone need to get "that high"?
I don't feel there is as much safe, consistent, holistic medicinal value in this delivery system, although many will disagree. To me it seems to attract more of those who just wanna get out there....numb out of reality for awhile.....ehh....that's another topic all together!
I don't dabble in the dabb for many reasons, one being it's such a recent fad with not a lot of long-standing support behind it. I will continue to research this preparation method out of shear curiosity & for it's viable application in a healing setting with disease & chronic pain. Granted, the wax has been around for years. However, I prefer old fashioned raw plant medicine in its natural state in general. For instance, do I take supplements of Beta-carotene or do I eat the whole carrot? I eat the carrot!
I love the adage, The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.....
Cannabis Cup wasn't just faded out stoner kids & smoke & mirrors though. A wide variety of celebrities, health specialists, medical professionals, growers, advocacy groups & big time people showed up! There were classes, lectures & seminars each day, sharing the medicinal research, health benefits & political awareness for the attendees. Hot topics were: support for veterans & PTSD, children, trauma, cannabis & yoga, edibles & more.
Twas a wonderful & interesting experience to say the least & I'd definitely go back again.
And how interesting to consider the amount of money Colorado has made already since legalization. I wonder which state will be next?!
Dang y'all....I had such an awesome weekend at Cannabis Cup, presented by High Times in Denver.
It was the first legal & open to the public Cannabis Cup in the US!
WOOP WOOP WOOP WOOP!
We took the trip because my man & his business partner were launching their hilarious new comic book, The Adventures of Super Stoner. It's a series of stories about a regular ole dude who loves & grows weed. He has a magical bong that he uses to fight off evil vilans such as "Meth Man" (a nasty meth cooker) & "Kandy Kane" (a cocaine-addicted stripper). Super Stoner wants to keep the streets clean so he always comes in to save the day from the poisonous, toxic chemicals of horrible man-made drugs which are destroying our world! Its full of fun, campy humor & educational information about the benefits of Cannabis. What a hit! (har har har)
The event was an intense experience of meandering through a crowd of some 30,000 people...all hazy, smily & friendly folks excited about the green!
This was the most calm event I've ever been to...
No one fought.
No one got out of control.
No problems, no issues.
No EGO.
Just really chill people.
This is what happens when you invite the green goodness of Mother Nature's magical bounty into your life. If you still believe in the propaganda of Reefer Madness, well it's "high time" you cross over the rainbow bridge of happiness! I won't even begin my endless list of why good ole Mary Jane should be your homegirl, but I will say that everyone at Cannabis Cup was so damn kind.
Yes it was pretty wild to explore the 1,000 vendors & hop in & out of circles of really awesome people only to turn a corner & see something totally spectacular like a Cheech & Chong sized joint. The novelty was on-point. It was like a hanging out in weed city within a city. Needless to say, the people-watching was incredible!
It was interesting to witness the multitude of various approaches for communing with Marijuana. It seemed there was less focus on the flowers, the classic plant part which you may or may not have smoked at some point in your life, and there was much more attention on wax (aka DABBS), which is a butane-based extraction process which, if prepared by professionals with appropriate machinery, is purged of as much butane as possible to create a very high in THC/low CBD content material. For you herbalists out there, I equate it with a type of solid extract with certain chemical constituents still held in place, in this case a very concentrated amount of THC. Apparently the high is 10 times more potent than your typical hit of flowers. That kinda freaks me out. Does anyone need to get "that high"?
I don't feel there is as much safe, consistent, holistic medicinal value in this delivery system, although many will disagree. To me it seems to attract more of those who just wanna get out there....numb out of reality for awhile.....ehh....that's another topic all together!
I don't dabble in the dabb for many reasons, one being it's such a recent fad with not a lot of long-standing support behind it. I will continue to research this preparation method out of shear curiosity & for it's viable application in a healing setting with disease & chronic pain. Granted, the wax has been around for years. However, I prefer old fashioned raw plant medicine in its natural state in general. For instance, do I take supplements of Beta-carotene or do I eat the whole carrot? I eat the carrot!
I love the adage, The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.....
Cannabis Cup wasn't just faded out stoner kids & smoke & mirrors though. A wide variety of celebrities, health specialists, medical professionals, growers, advocacy groups & big time people showed up! There were classes, lectures & seminars each day, sharing the medicinal research, health benefits & political awareness for the attendees. Hot topics were: support for veterans & PTSD, children, trauma, cannabis & yoga, edibles & more.
Twas a wonderful & interesting experience to say the least & I'd definitely go back again.
And how interesting to consider the amount of money Colorado has made already since legalization. I wonder which state will be next?!
Thursday, March 20, 2014
what do you do when the wolves come for you?
what do you do when the wolves come for you?
...in your sleep...
what do you do when the willows sway for you?
...in your dreams...
what do you do when the wolves come for you in your dreams?
...in your deepest sleep...
what do you do when the eyes of the beloved,
whom will never care to see they are the object of a willow's desire,
....look into you.
dark. mysterious. unmoving. unnerving. unswayed by the breeze.
I bet you think this song is only about you. don't you?
are you even listening to your dreams?
those eyes...they're full of a secret life & perhaps the most honest life.
I contemplate the depths of those eyes,
of the beloved being
& wonder of their dreams...
...of the wolves in their sleep...
...of their willows swaying in the breeze.
Can you pierce the night sky with the vision of a wolf?
Can you feel the wonder of the wind?
...swirling, spinning, dancing laughs around you,
propelling your iron-fist
& knocking on the door of your stone-cold heart?
what would you do if a lemon tree whispered to you,
"pick my flower sweet child & let me enchant your deepest desires..."
do you pick her or leave her be?
what do you do when the willows sway for you?
do you feel it or leave it be?
...in your sleep...
what do you do when the willows sway for you?
...in your dreams...
what do you do when the wolves come for you in your dreams?
...in your deepest sleep...
what do you do when the eyes of the beloved,
whom will never care to see they are the object of a willow's desire,
....look into you.
dark. mysterious. unmoving. unnerving. unswayed by the breeze.
I bet you think this song is only about you. don't you?
are you even listening to your dreams?
those eyes...they're full of a secret life & perhaps the most honest life.
I contemplate the depths of those eyes,
of the beloved being
& wonder of their dreams...
...of the wolves in their sleep...
...of their willows swaying in the breeze.
Can you pierce the night sky with the vision of a wolf?
Can you feel the wonder of the wind?
...swirling, spinning, dancing laughs around you,
propelling your iron-fist
& knocking on the door of your stone-cold heart?
what would you do if a lemon tree whispered to you,
"pick my flower sweet child & let me enchant your deepest desires..."
do you pick her or leave her be?
what do you do when the willows sway for you?
do you feel it or leave it be?
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Quick Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
Here's a tasty recipe for y'all, and ya don't even need to be "gluten-free" to enjoy. Trust me, what came outta my oven was delish. Top her off with a glass of almond milk, coconut milk ice cream &/or some fresh raspberries or blueberries. I ate this alongside some fresh ginger root tea, (which I started brewing before I made this yummy dessert)....and dang! So good! Plus my digestion was on par too!
(see Ginger Root Tea recipe below)
Measurements are rough since I let the Powers-that-Be take over and I forget to document exactly.
I feel it's one of those recipes that forgives and then gives some more, in terms of flavor and texture.
It's easy, simple and you can make this in a pinch with an array of ingredients. I've been running low in the cupboards and fridge so this was drawn from my imagination, limited ingredients and resourcefulness. There's plenty of room to expand, vary and experiment. Try fresh peaches, plums or pears instead of apples. See what comes about!
Check it out...
Quick & Easy Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
2 medium-sized Apples (granny smith, fuji, honey crisp, pink lady)
3-6 dashes of Cinnamon Powder
2 Tbsp. Coconut Oil (stick with coconut here...it offers the perfect sweetness like other oils cannot; plus coconut oil is anti-viral & full of perfect fat )
1-3 Tbsp. Raw Honey, Agave Nectar, or Organic Raw Cane Sugar
1/2 - 1 1/2 c. Rolled Oats (more the thicker & crunchier; less more of the apple-ness goin' on)
1/3c. chopped walnuts, pecans, toasted almonds, GF cereal or hemp hearts *optional but really good
dash sea salt
dash nutmeg
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Swirl 1 Tbsp. of the Coconut Oil over the bottom of a medium-sized baking dish. Wash, core & slice Apples 1/4" thick. (you may want to peel; I like them so I keep 'em on). Combine Apples, Cinnamon Powder, Nutmeg, Sweetener & Sea Salt with remaining Coconut Oil in a mixing bowl & toss until coated. Transfer to Oiled baking dish & evenly spread Rolled Oats & Nuts over the top. Cover with foil & bake 15 min. Remove foil & bake another 20 min. Serve warm with desired toppings or accouterment, ideally Fresh Ginger Root Tea.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fresh Ginger Root Tea
The key to an effective herbal tea is 1) the amount & quality of raw materials & 2) how you prepare it.
This particular herbal preparation is called a "decoction". That basically means you are simmering a course, fibrous, thick or dense herbal material for quite some time. This process is what draws out the medicinal constituents we seek from herbs. Light fluffy herbs such as Peppermint or Lavender, only need to infuse or steep in water. Tough fibrous plant parts such as Ginger or Dandelion Root require simmering. A-Ha!.....you have become an educated herbalist!
2 thumb-sized pieces of Fresh Ginger Root (preferably Organic)
6 c. Filtered or Distilled Water (distilled water holds minerals & nutrients better because it's "empty")
a few Tbsps. Raw Honey
If not Organic, peel....if Organic, skip. Thinly slice the ginger root. Combine ginger & water in a cooking pot on the stove with matching lid. Cover & bring to a boil, then turn down to a low simmer. You are now making an herbal decoction! This is way different than steeping a tea bag in a cup of water for 3 min. You're actually making medicine!
Set the timer for 1 hour. (15-20 min is minimum if you're short on time, or up to 2 hrs if you're home & free). Then turn off heat & strain the ginger tea away from the spent herbal material. Yes, you'l have reduced the amount of liquid. That's the point! We've concentrated Ginger's healing qualities....
Compost the ginger if you can. Return ginger tea to the pot & add a couple Tbsps of Raw Honey. Stir until melted, turning heat on low if needed. You've got yourself a fairly spicy tea, perhaps. If it's too much just dilute with some filtered hot water. Enjoy with the Apple Crisp!
Store leftovers in a jar in the fridge for no more than 3 days. After that time the herb has most likely lost it's medicinal quality. In the meantime, you can reheat the tea on the stovetop, always avoiding the microwave.
Ginger Root is fantastic & does so much more than I can say here. But please know Ginger helps with efficient digestion (especially processing dairy), relieves cramps & bloating, supports metabolism & detoxification, engages the immune system, fights bacterias & unwanted foreign invaders, plus works on the whole body! Ginger is a staple in the kitchen.
XOXOXOX
(see Ginger Root Tea recipe below)
Measurements are rough since I let the Powers-that-Be take over and I forget to document exactly.
I feel it's one of those recipes that forgives and then gives some more, in terms of flavor and texture.
It's easy, simple and you can make this in a pinch with an array of ingredients. I've been running low in the cupboards and fridge so this was drawn from my imagination, limited ingredients and resourcefulness. There's plenty of room to expand, vary and experiment. Try fresh peaches, plums or pears instead of apples. See what comes about!
Check it out...
Quick & Easy Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
2 medium-sized Apples (granny smith, fuji, honey crisp, pink lady)
3-6 dashes of Cinnamon Powder
2 Tbsp. Coconut Oil (stick with coconut here...it offers the perfect sweetness like other oils cannot; plus coconut oil is anti-viral & full of perfect fat )
1-3 Tbsp. Raw Honey, Agave Nectar, or Organic Raw Cane Sugar
1/2 - 1 1/2 c. Rolled Oats (more the thicker & crunchier; less more of the apple-ness goin' on)
1/3c. chopped walnuts, pecans, toasted almonds, GF cereal or hemp hearts *optional but really good
dash sea salt
dash nutmeg
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Swirl 1 Tbsp. of the Coconut Oil over the bottom of a medium-sized baking dish. Wash, core & slice Apples 1/4" thick. (you may want to peel; I like them so I keep 'em on). Combine Apples, Cinnamon Powder, Nutmeg, Sweetener & Sea Salt with remaining Coconut Oil in a mixing bowl & toss until coated. Transfer to Oiled baking dish & evenly spread Rolled Oats & Nuts over the top. Cover with foil & bake 15 min. Remove foil & bake another 20 min. Serve warm with desired toppings or accouterment, ideally Fresh Ginger Root Tea.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fresh Ginger Root Tea
The key to an effective herbal tea is 1) the amount & quality of raw materials & 2) how you prepare it.
This particular herbal preparation is called a "decoction". That basically means you are simmering a course, fibrous, thick or dense herbal material for quite some time. This process is what draws out the medicinal constituents we seek from herbs. Light fluffy herbs such as Peppermint or Lavender, only need to infuse or steep in water. Tough fibrous plant parts such as Ginger or Dandelion Root require simmering. A-Ha!.....you have become an educated herbalist!
2 thumb-sized pieces of Fresh Ginger Root (preferably Organic)
6 c. Filtered or Distilled Water (distilled water holds minerals & nutrients better because it's "empty")
a few Tbsps. Raw Honey
If not Organic, peel....if Organic, skip. Thinly slice the ginger root. Combine ginger & water in a cooking pot on the stove with matching lid. Cover & bring to a boil, then turn down to a low simmer. You are now making an herbal decoction! This is way different than steeping a tea bag in a cup of water for 3 min. You're actually making medicine!
Set the timer for 1 hour. (15-20 min is minimum if you're short on time, or up to 2 hrs if you're home & free). Then turn off heat & strain the ginger tea away from the spent herbal material. Yes, you'l have reduced the amount of liquid. That's the point! We've concentrated Ginger's healing qualities....
Compost the ginger if you can. Return ginger tea to the pot & add a couple Tbsps of Raw Honey. Stir until melted, turning heat on low if needed. You've got yourself a fairly spicy tea, perhaps. If it's too much just dilute with some filtered hot water. Enjoy with the Apple Crisp!
Store leftovers in a jar in the fridge for no more than 3 days. After that time the herb has most likely lost it's medicinal quality. In the meantime, you can reheat the tea on the stovetop, always avoiding the microwave.
Ginger Root is fantastic & does so much more than I can say here. But please know Ginger helps with efficient digestion (especially processing dairy), relieves cramps & bloating, supports metabolism & detoxification, engages the immune system, fights bacterias & unwanted foreign invaders, plus works on the whole body! Ginger is a staple in the kitchen.
XOXOXOX
Thursday, February 20, 2014
PERSONAL RELFECTIONS IN REGARDS TO ART
"Talent is just an opinion. But creativity is a necessity."
- Chippewa Injin Byrd: my main squeeze, artist, creative genius
------------------>>>>>>>-------------------------------------------------------------->>>
I love this so much. Personally, I could care less how well you can reproduce an image or recreate someone else's muse.
What strikes my fancy is the realness of someone's style, their unique voice & the pure love & desire to create!
This definitely applies to, but travels well beyond the generalized assumption of ART as in reference to painting, drawing, shaping & forming. It trickles throughout our entire lives. SO WHAT if others do the same kinda thing that you do or also have some great ideas to share? Can we really put a patent or copyright or ownership law on the appreciation & expression of inspiration?
Are you the only one ever to have admired the beauty of a flower or pattern, the surge of emotion witnessing a tragedy or triumph, or felt the potency of the light cast upon a magnificent mountain? NO...but you are the only one who saw it, felt it & experienced it from your unique perspective. SO it's just a question of, "How do you share your expression? What does it mean TO YOU?"
This authentic expression of ART is what brings us together as human beings. We relate, we appreciate, we share in the beauty & wonder of the Universe.HOW DO YOU SHARE YOUR CREATIVITY? HOW ARE YOU EXPRESSING THE ARTISTIC ELEMENTS OF YOUR LIFE? WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEDIUM?
Original ideas are frankly quite few & far between, as we are always recycling, remembering, rediscovering, rethinking, reshaping, & revealing. Plus, ideas are inherently the property of NO ONE. Ideas are the creative light drawn from an All-Seeing/All-Knowing/All-Encompassing Force which ANYONE can access. It's simply tapping into it, feeling it, creating it & sharing that force. So, we find less attachment to ideas themselves & more inspired action toward sharing an authentic interpretation of how that force resonates within the interconnected matrix of life.
Be the authentic creator of your life & shine in the light of genuine expression. WORD!
Monday, February 3, 2014
I'm presenting at the Sedona Yoga Fest!! ...this weekend!
I am honored & excited to share two unique offerings at the Sedona Yoga Fest this year!
Check out the amazing presenter schedule & purchase your weekend or day pass here!
http://sedonayogafestival.com/
Friday @ 7pm - YogaSTARology & ChakraSTARology
Jordan MacBeth & I come together to share a basic understanding of the Zodiac wheel & yoga postures to support the health of each Sun sign. We will focus on a connection of Zodiac & Chakras, utilizing sound healing from the gong to awaken those energetic spaces. We'll bring balance to all of the Zodiac signs through an all-levels asana practice followed by a gong meditation.
Check out the amazing presenter schedule & purchase your weekend or day pass here!
http://sedonayogafestival.com/
Friday @ 7pm - YogaSTARology & ChakraSTARology
Jordan MacBeth & I come together to share a basic understanding of the Zodiac wheel & yoga postures to support the health of each Sun sign. We will focus on a connection of Zodiac & Chakras, utilizing sound healing from the gong to awaken those energetic spaces. We'll bring balance to all of the Zodiac signs through an all-levels asana practice followed by a gong meditation.
Saturday @ 8pm - Restorative Gong Yoga - Vibrational Healing for the Chakras
Together we'll experience a journey through the Chakras, the wheels of life force energy which run along our spine. A discussion will cover the general concepts of the 7 major Chakras & how the gong's healing vibrational potency alters our cellular makeup, helps remove blockages & awaken the healing capacity within. We'll connect 7 restorative &/or yin postures with each of the 7 Chakras with gong immersion, & chant for happy health!
Sunday, February 2, 2014
a recipe for a righteous recovery
::: a recipe for a righteous recovery from :::
...being in the car for long periods of time, especially if you were the driver,
...hangin' around the sleeze, sneeze & weeze,
...over-indulging in carbohydrates, ya know, the white kind,
...balancing a very patchwork schedule,
...exposure to dramatic weather, altitude & sleeping shifts,
...& probably a hangover.
Minus the hangover - sort of, the above situations are some of the recent events in my life. The in-laws are in town, for 2 whole weeks! I know what you're thinking, but I do deeply care for them & we get along quite well ;)
Minus the hangover - sort of, the above situations are some of the recent events in my life. The in-laws are in town, for 2 whole weeks! I know what you're thinking, but I do deeply care for them & we get along quite well ;)
Quality family time is the realness we sometimes need for a recalibration regarding the structure & content of our lives. Family, this mystical connection to often times people we dearly love yet seemingly never understand, offers us an intimate space for much reflection & awareness, growth & development.
We've had some interesting moments, fun times dining out, canyon & painted desert exploring, fire talks, Wheel of Fortune episodes, & my heart is indeed grateful!
We've had some interesting moments, fun times dining out, canyon & painted desert exploring, fire talks, Wheel of Fortune episodes, & my heart is indeed grateful!
But my guts are churning & I gotta keep things a'moving: life events, lessons learned, emotional changes, physical challenges, donuts & beer.
So naturally I'm feeling the urge to create a remedy for this lethargy.
"A-HA, AGNI!"HEAT // Digestive Fire // Purposeful Wisdom // LIGHT
Metabolism // TAPAS // Disciple & Will // TRANSFORMATION
A dose of witchy wisdom trickled into my 3rd eye so I got to formulating, taking notes, & brewing up a quick "whatever I have in my fridge" kinda concoction, resulting in this recipe for a tasty, tangy, slightly spicy, sweet & sour feel good "herbal-vinegar-zazz-a-ma-tazz"
& yup... I just made that up.
* For the most part I folk everything up in my kitchen (ha!), using my intuition to guide my foundations of methodology. So keep in mind these measurements are rough. Plus, only YOU have the power to craft up your own best batch of detoxifying & intuitive juices! *
::: INGREDIENTS :::
2 thumb-sized pieces of Organic, Fresh Ginger Root
(peel & chop into smaller pieces)
1 tsp. Organic Dried Ginger Root Powder
2 1/2 c. Distilled or Filtered Water
Juice of 1/2 lemon (preferably local)
1/4 c. Local, Raw Organic Desert Honey
3 - 4 Tbsp. Raw Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
a few shakes of cinnamon powder
a few drops of your favorite hot sauce (mine's Cholula)
[or a pinch of cayenne]
[or a pinch of cayenne]
add a flower essence if you like, such as Dandelion
::: DIRECTIONS :::
Combine Fresh & Dry Ginger together with the Water in a pot with a matching lid. Cover, bring to a boil, reduce to simmer, let decoct 20 min. Remove from heat & strain the herb away from the liquid. Return the Ginger tea to the clean pot. While still hot, add & stir in the rest of the ingredients. Voila!
Sip on an 8 oz. cup like a cider while still very warm, or you can dilute with water & drink throughout the day. Or, perhaps, pour out a shot & take it back with an olive chaser from Queen Creek Olive Mill. If you're really gettin' the sicky icky & feeling bold, add a couple drops of Therapeutic/Food-Grade Oregano or Thyme Oil & repeat every hour or so!
(always do your own research with essential oils first though)
Enjoy this recovery drink a few times a day, for a few days, before & after meals, when you need a pick-me-up, or when digestion is sluggish. Store leftovers in fridge & later reheat to drinking temperature on the stove. You may want to double or triple the batch so you're more likely to drink this brew regularly.
Notice how you feel, what flavors arise? What sensations arise from your tastebuds? In herbalism we call this an Organoleptic Assessment, becoming aware of the subtleties. Vinegars & sours are uncommon elements in most diets of this day & age. Be open to try something new, something inexpensive too, & ride the waves of the healing warmth all the way down to the belly.
Notice how you feel, what flavors arise? What sensations arise from your tastebuds? In herbalism we call this an Organoleptic Assessment, becoming aware of the subtleties. Vinegars & sours are uncommon elements in most diets of this day & age. Be open to try something new, something inexpensive too, & ride the waves of the healing warmth all the way down to the belly.
Know that this is more than an interesting flavor rollercoaster, but also stimulating digestion, balancing pH levels, supporting healthy metabolism, aiding the breakdown of dairy, fats, & carbohydrates, & boosting your Immune System. This anti-inflammatory, circulating & stimulating zazz-a-ma-tazz brew may become part of your regular routine before &/or after meals, as a morning metabolic boost, to prevent sickness, after a long day of stress, or potentially serve as a seasonal cleanse of sorts.
Additionally, I took some Righteous Recovery leftovers & used it as a base for a vinaigrette-style wasbabi dressing to compliment my Wild Woman Coleslaw. YUM. I'll try post on that soon.
Experiment, add your own flavor, follow, comment & share!
Hope you enjoy...
the wise owl
XO
Monday, January 27, 2014
we need not pretend
We need not show up to our yoga mat out of Ego-identity, pretending we're someone we're not. We need not pretend life is okay, even if it's not. To whom are we pretending?
.....We need not pretend at all!
If we show up to our mats to practice acknowledging the real moments of the here & now, we feel our own humanity, the compassion for our neighbor, our loved ones & especially ourselves. I often listen in on the conversations of some yoga teachers around, sometimes speaking in a language of vague happiness, sometimes elite righteousness...."just breathe in light & love." I get it, but....
What? Most folks don't breathe in light & love, they breathe in AIR.
Even in our purest states of peace & even good intention, we must acknowledge the world in which we live & the humans who inhabit Her. We find freedom not by escaping the world, but embracing Her & all of Her potential.
I can sense the NEED for yoga in the people I kno, love & meet along my journey, not out of a desire to change their lives, but because I feel their ache, their pain, their yearning. I feel it as powerful as my own. Yoga is a path to discovering the Self, not just for those who have already mastered the pop up into handstand, then into an arm balance & then later meditate for 4 hours. That's dandy but it isn't the majority. Yoga, to me, is creating a space for the realness to occur, for teaching the language of love & light through human experience.
Love & light are within ALL, yet many who show up to the mat do not yet know this language or see it within themselves. Many are turned away by this language, by this supposed righteousness.
So how do we create union, or yoga, within the scope of this darkness & suffering? What happens when we stop pretending?
We show up to the mat regardless of our hopelessness, defeated & powerless spirit; despite every attempt to make excuses & dismiss the practice or our need for growth. We show up as ourselves, in our imperfections, our pains, our aches, our frustrations, our sadness, our weakness. We show up to shed the pretending-skin of the Ego-identity. We show up to discover that we ARE hope, victory & power! We need not pretend we know the poses perfectly or that we are in the best shape of our lives.
We show up to PRACTICE (key word here) opening ourselves to the light & love within, allowing grace & ease to flow through us....especially, ESPECIALLY during difficult times.
Beautiful wisdom can be drawn from the experiences of strife, struggle, doubt & pain. We need not pretend we don't feel.
Our mats provide the "chase lounge" for therapeutic exploration of our deepest fears. Join me on the mat just as you are.....for a ::::
unique blend of sound, mudra, movement & pranayama /
Vinyasa-Flow @8:30am at Spirit of Yoga at Swiha / Tuesday.
with truest love,
the wise owl
XOXO
.....We need not pretend at all!
If we show up to our mats to practice acknowledging the real moments of the here & now, we feel our own humanity, the compassion for our neighbor, our loved ones & especially ourselves. I often listen in on the conversations of some yoga teachers around, sometimes speaking in a language of vague happiness, sometimes elite righteousness...."just breathe in light & love." I get it, but....
What? Most folks don't breathe in light & love, they breathe in AIR.
Even in our purest states of peace & even good intention, we must acknowledge the world in which we live & the humans who inhabit Her. We find freedom not by escaping the world, but embracing Her & all of Her potential.
I can sense the NEED for yoga in the people I kno, love & meet along my journey, not out of a desire to change their lives, but because I feel their ache, their pain, their yearning. I feel it as powerful as my own. Yoga is a path to discovering the Self, not just for those who have already mastered the pop up into handstand, then into an arm balance & then later meditate for 4 hours. That's dandy but it isn't the majority. Yoga, to me, is creating a space for the realness to occur, for teaching the language of love & light through human experience.
Love & light are within ALL, yet many who show up to the mat do not yet know this language or see it within themselves. Many are turned away by this language, by this supposed righteousness.
So how do we create union, or yoga, within the scope of this darkness & suffering? What happens when we stop pretending?
We show up to the mat regardless of our hopelessness, defeated & powerless spirit; despite every attempt to make excuses & dismiss the practice or our need for growth. We show up as ourselves, in our imperfections, our pains, our aches, our frustrations, our sadness, our weakness. We show up to shed the pretending-skin of the Ego-identity. We show up to discover that we ARE hope, victory & power! We need not pretend we know the poses perfectly or that we are in the best shape of our lives.
We show up to PRACTICE (key word here) opening ourselves to the light & love within, allowing grace & ease to flow through us....especially, ESPECIALLY during difficult times.
Beautiful wisdom can be drawn from the experiences of strife, struggle, doubt & pain. We need not pretend we don't feel.
Our mats provide the "chase lounge" for therapeutic exploration of our deepest fears. Join me on the mat just as you are.....for a ::::
unique blend of sound, mudra, movement & pranayama /
Vinyasa-Flow @8:30am at Spirit of Yoga at Swiha / Tuesday.
with truest love,
the wise owl
XOXO
Sunday, January 26, 2014
the polluted waters of sexual force
http://yoganonymous.com/tits-and-ass-in-a-mala-yoga-in-the-media/
Read this article. What are YOUR thoughts? (comment please!)
---->>>>>------------------------------]>
yoga is often exploited by the potency of sexuality. I agree, there is a sense of desperation to many of the ads & images in mass stream culture which appear to sell a vague connection to yoga.
We are living in a world where yoga is not so much a sacred practice, as it is a gym membership.
Yoga is a business.
But I thought Yoga was a path of creating connection to with the Divinity of the Self?
Sexuality & nudity are creative natural elements. Yet this theme of sexual exploitation is rooted deeper into the collective scope of our modern society, in all aspects. Unresolved emotional tensions, suppression of the feminine spirit & nature, sexual inhibitions leading to sexual promiscuity.
Aren't these images an expression of misdirected energy?
Let us open our mind's eye & see through this illusion.
Our confused sexuality is infiltrating the business of yoga because it's an all-around important realm of needed healing for the Earth & ourselves. Here we find the inevitable rise of Kundalini, Shakti, Creative Life Force Energy.....
Consider the Earth as primarily composed of water, which is mostly polluted at this point. Water is also our connection to fluidity, sex, emotions, the womb of creation. Also, the Akashic Records, an archived consciousness of human experience - past, present, future. Are our sexual emotions thus also polluted? I hear people say, "I hate the taste of water." I say, "What?" I'm confused...
:::::Interesting macro-microcosm-moment!
We are burning the bloody handbook & complaining about why we haven't figured out our shit out yet!
It's time to bridge the gap between the ego with the heart!
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Mr. Walker vs Mr. Wheeler
Watch this hilarious, yet eerily real, classic cartoon video and then continue to read...
So Goofy's portrayal of a Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde type act is a bit of an exaggeration of the average Phoenician driver, yet it's not far off. Louis C.K. also has an awesome rant (actually shared live on stage in Phoenix ironically or more likely purposefully) regarding the absurdity of how we behave behind the wheel. In a vehicle we don't hesitate to flip someone off, make obscene gestures or yell, "FUCK YOU ASSHOLE!" or some other heated profanity. But if you were faced person-to-person on a street without the automobile between you and them, would you really have that big of balls or that much rage? I'm gonna guess not. Because when we're driving in cars, we don't relate to the human operating it. We instead say, "That Hummer cut me off! What a waste of gasoline. I hope it burns in hell!" Whoa. Okay so the Hummer is a huge waste of precious resources & seems like a most terrible idea for casual city driving, or any kind of driving really. But there's still a human being inside operating it. It's not the Hummer's problem, it's the driver's! So what happens to the human when they get behind the wheel? POWER, AGRESSION & CONTROL!
I do believe people are inherently good, or at least have the capacity to do good. I believe all humans possess the desire to live well, love & be happy. The documentary, I AM (same director who did Ace Venture: Pet Detective...So it's worth a watch, obviously), touched upon the concept that humans//animals are hard-wired to cooperate with one another, more-so than to be so self-centered & argumentative. So why do we act so egotistical once behind the wheel? Blame it on my ADD they say...& the pills or distractions which numb it. I understand consciousness moves in cycles and yes we are currently, slowly but surely, turning a very strange reality channel to a more uplifting version. People are sick of being sick & want more from a life of attachment to what isn't actually bettering them or the whole. We've been living in some dark times. But remember, in comparison to the magnificent size of the Universe, we're on a tiny little planet...existing in a split second, of a moment in time, which gives way to the birth of another moment of time, & in another realm star is born....it's all about perspective. So why not choose to enjoy the moment, appreciate the journey & keep the positivity a flowin'?
My Ole man & I just returned back from a trip to Iowa to revisit our roots. & since I've felt a surge of hope and inspiration for a newfound sense of community & creativity, of real humans coming together to be genuinely helpful & sincere. One of many profound components of my visit back home was participating in & witnessing the high-quality of driving, & the common courtesy, decency & kindness of strangers.
I do believe people are inherently good, or at least have the capacity to do good. I believe all humans possess the desire to live well, love & be happy. The documentary, I AM (same director who did Ace Venture: Pet Detective...So it's worth a watch, obviously), touched upon the concept that humans//animals are hard-wired to cooperate with one another, more-so than to be so self-centered & argumentative. So why do we act so egotistical once behind the wheel? Blame it on my ADD they say...& the pills or distractions which numb it. I understand consciousness moves in cycles and yes we are currently, slowly but surely, turning a very strange reality channel to a more uplifting version. People are sick of being sick & want more from a life of attachment to what isn't actually bettering them or the whole. We've been living in some dark times. But remember, in comparison to the magnificent size of the Universe, we're on a tiny little planet...existing in a split second, of a moment in time, which gives way to the birth of another moment of time, & in another realm star is born....it's all about perspective. So why not choose to enjoy the moment, appreciate the journey & keep the positivity a flowin'?
My Ole man & I just returned back from a trip to Iowa to revisit our roots. & since I've felt a surge of hope and inspiration for a newfound sense of community & creativity, of real humans coming together to be genuinely helpful & sincere. One of many profound components of my visit back home was participating in & witnessing the high-quality of driving, & the common courtesy, decency & kindness of strangers.
I'm talking specifically about the FOCUS of our DRIVING // a Meditation in Motion. Everyone was conscientious & calm. Obviously Iowa is much less populated than Arizona, so the streets are less crowded, but folks also don't hit the gas to hopefully make it through a yellow light to only end up running a red. Drivers wave & smile & generally work together. It made my heart sing!
In contrast, let's take a look at the lack of such focus. Speeding, swerving because of texting, not signaling, cutting people off, running red lights, updating Facebook....seems like all the stuff driving is NOT about.
To extend beyond just driving, we're real convinced we've got it all figured out. It's the "ME ME ME SHOW!" Yes we know how to google the answer to a question, but what value does knowing that answer always bring to your life? Quite frankly I feel it's time we got back to a focus around being more mindful of what we're filling our time with. Are we making, building, cooking, creating, playing, listening & breathing for ourselves? Let's cultivate a focus of being more quiet, patient & still. At the airport yesterday, almost every person, even the children, were on a phone or computer. Do we know how to be with ourselves & pay attention to the present moment? We don't always NEED a computer to tell us what to do, think, how to behave or our social media to serve as a personal diary or public platform to announce every damn thought, idea or event of our lives.
Sadly, we humans have let ourselves grow to be pretty dumb. Dependent on constant distraction, we may own things & do stuff & care about how we look to the rest of the world, but what do we really truly know about ourselves? Have we tapped our inherent capacity to create mindfully? We know about things but have little knowledge as to why or how. We've turned our internal compass into a pacifier of pop culture, legal poisons & social media.
These are real elements of modern life & I realize right now I'm using a computer to share my thoughts with you. It's not so much an all-or-nothing game here, because despite these potential distractions, we've collectively created this reality & we've all got work to do. We all could learn more forgiveness, compassion & acceptance. We all have a dharma code to fulfill & a purposely driven path to follow. We're all sorting through our individual crises & navigating the balance of life. Yet when life gets tough & we get confused, hurt or angry, sometimes the most wonderful practice is silence. Silence is golden & leads us to our peacefulness. When faced with the opportunity to incarnate as Mr. Wheeler, you may instead choose to stop, breathe & remember the bigger picture. Is your driving helping out Mr. Walker?
To extend beyond just driving, we're real convinced we've got it all figured out. It's the "ME ME ME SHOW!" Yes we know how to google the answer to a question, but what value does knowing that answer always bring to your life? Quite frankly I feel it's time we got back to a focus around being more mindful of what we're filling our time with. Are we making, building, cooking, creating, playing, listening & breathing for ourselves? Let's cultivate a focus of being more quiet, patient & still. At the airport yesterday, almost every person, even the children, were on a phone or computer. Do we know how to be with ourselves & pay attention to the present moment? We don't always NEED a computer to tell us what to do, think, how to behave or our social media to serve as a personal diary or public platform to announce every damn thought, idea or event of our lives.
Sadly, we humans have let ourselves grow to be pretty dumb. Dependent on constant distraction, we may own things & do stuff & care about how we look to the rest of the world, but what do we really truly know about ourselves? Have we tapped our inherent capacity to create mindfully? We know about things but have little knowledge as to why or how. We've turned our internal compass into a pacifier of pop culture, legal poisons & social media.
These are real elements of modern life & I realize right now I'm using a computer to share my thoughts with you. It's not so much an all-or-nothing game here, because despite these potential distractions, we've collectively created this reality & we've all got work to do. We all could learn more forgiveness, compassion & acceptance. We all have a dharma code to fulfill & a purposely driven path to follow. We're all sorting through our individual crises & navigating the balance of life. Yet when life gets tough & we get confused, hurt or angry, sometimes the most wonderful practice is silence. Silence is golden & leads us to our peacefulness. When faced with the opportunity to incarnate as Mr. Wheeler, you may instead choose to stop, breathe & remember the bigger picture. Is your driving helping out Mr. Walker?
I've written on driving in the past because it's such a powerful privilege in our lives, one that we often taken for granted. As much as driving can be super fun (I love going fast!) it's one of my biggest lessons & pet peeves. If you've known me long enough you know I was once a pretty crazy, reckless driver. What can I say? I'm really quite talented at driving with my knees!
Yet I've calmed my wild ways & fiery rage over the years & feel much better behind the wheel. Instead of flipping people off I now smile & wave at them! I try to breathe. Instead of rushing when I'm late or worrying when being followed by a cop late at night, I chant. It's really helped a lot. But every now & again...I am bewildered by the insanity of what happens on the road!
Yet I've calmed my wild ways & fiery rage over the years & feel much better behind the wheel. Instead of flipping people off I now smile & wave at them! I try to breathe. Instead of rushing when I'm late or worrying when being followed by a cop late at night, I chant. It's really helped a lot. But every now & again...I am bewildered by the insanity of what happens on the road!
The confusion & overall idiocracy witnessed on the 101 during rush hour is beyond me. I feel for those who do it daily. There's almost always an accident...or 3.
I'm confused as to why people do what they do. As I pass the single gentleman, with a spaced out expression, going 50mph in the carpool lane, I cannot help but ask....why? Additionally, we do not need to come to a sudden panicked halt at the exit ramp because cars are merging. By gosh, might we figure out how to use the right hand lane & turn signal to effectively weave on & off more smoothly? Lord have mercy the blinker is there for one reason only.
We're SO blessed to avoid sub-zero temperatures & icy roads, yet I see lots of really scared people gripping the wheel squinting at something, scared out of their minds! Is it a UFO? Maybe I should squint too! There could just very well be something out there....
I'm not remotely upset as I write this, nor am I going around nit-picking every single movement on the road, because clearly we ALL could be more present with ourselves when behind the wheel. But dang folks, driving is important! Think about it: we spend a lot of money, energy & resources on our vehicles, gas, roadways, environmental stress, maintenance & upkeep, etc. We pretty much require this style of transportation living in Phoenix & many use it daily. Our lives & our peace is at stake. Our actions affect us & those around us.
Take time to pause & reflect. Allow yourself to stay calm when behind the wheel. Give someone a friendly wave or nod. Share the love, even if it's between two panes of glass & a white-dotted line....
Godspeed,
THE WISE OWL
XOXOXO
Take time to pause & reflect. Allow yourself to stay calm when behind the wheel. Give someone a friendly wave or nod. Share the love, even if it's between two panes of glass & a white-dotted line....
Godspeed,
THE WISE OWL
XOXOXO
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