Ganesh is Fresh

Hello

I've been so busy playing, that I clean forgot to blog yesterday!

Anyway, I'm back now to pick up on Monday's post, when I mentioned the need to remove obstacles - the things that hold you back in life, stop your creative flow - and rid yourself of the should, ought, must mind talk.  

As an aside, if this is beginning to sound like a Sally-Self-Help blog, well, yes, that's one way of looking at it.  But I make no apology, because there must be few people who can honestly say they have nothing standing in their way (and they are the lucky ones).  So, bear with me through my musings, the aim of which is to share snippets from my yoga practice and encourage others (including myself) to move forward, unhindered.

Enter Ganesha at this point, the Hindu elephant head deity, one of the five principal Brahman deities.  Ganesha is revered as  god of the intellect and wisdom, the patron of letters and learning during writing sessions (according to Wikipedia) and, appropriately, for being the remover of obstacles.  Often depicted in red, Ganesha's colourful image/idol is used in Hindu homes to protect against adversity, grant success and prosperity or, at the door of Hindu temples, to keep out the unworthy.  Of relevance here is his portrayal as a dancer (play) or hero (warrior) taking action against demons. 

Also portrayed as the lord of beginnings, Ganesh is often worshipped at the start of rituals and ceremonies, especially at the beginning of new business ventures (book deals?) and is symbolic of courage and strength at the outset of new journeys.

In Ganesha's honour, the following mantra is often sung or chanted repeatedly:
Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha

You can click the link below to listen to Vidura Barrios' version:
http://open.spotify.com/track/3aWd2lC4AdSzYgdZeijdAH

Roughly translated, this means:

Om - the vibration of the universe, signifying birth
Gam - the vibration of the Root/Base Chakra (situated at the base of the spine/pubic area), the gateway of birth, representing survival, visualised as the colour red
Ganapataye - another name for Ganesh, the Hindu elephant headed deity, Lord of Beginnings and Remover of Obstacles
Namaha - a greeting, salutation

In other words:
Hey, Root Chakra, wake up, so I can get through any obstacles in life. Jai!

In yoga we also practice the use of mudras - hand gestures/positions, seen as a seal or symbol.  

The photos below show the Ganesha mudra.  

Try this easy exercise to alleviate stress, stimulate and strengthen the heart, promoting courage, confidence and openness towards others:

With hands positioned at the heart centre.  As you exhale, pull the hands apart without releasing the grip.  This tenses the muscles of the upper arms and chest area.  As you inhale, let go of all the tension.  Repeat this six times for each hand position and afterwards place your hands on the sternum and focus on the feeling in this part of your body.  

The Ganesha mudra is said to activate the fire element (if you are into the Chinese Five Element theory), representing heat, individuality and generosity.  So, you may wish to visualise the colour red during this exercise to encourage an open and friendly heart towards others.

Ganesha Mudra

Ganesha Mudra

Instead of doing a video sequence today, I bring you variations of the Warrior (Virabhadrasana) postures, in recognition both of the strength and opening they bring to you physically when practiced (especially back, legs, shoulders and arms, not to mention your balance and stability (firm base)), and also of the playful (and peaceful) warrior that Ganesha symbolises.

Warrior I

Warrior II

Reverse Warrior

Warrior III

Warrior I

Warrior II

Reverse Warrior

Warrior III

Finally, if you can, listen to this uplifting tune (click link below) while you practice this posture.

http://soundcloud.com/mc-yogi/ganesh-is-fresh-feat-jai-uttal

In the meantime, I hope this has kick-started your journey towards removing any obstacles you may currently be facing, whilst encouraging you to stay strong and grab every opportunity as it comes along.

Jai Ganesha!

And Time for Play

Continuing on with last week's quest for freedom, I was reminded this weekend of the importance of play.  Not just in yoga, but life in general. 

On Sunday our local hospice organised a charitable Santa Run - a 3k run (or walk in some instances), dressed as Santa, through the streets of Lymington.  For £12 you got your bright red Santa suit and entrance to the race, with all proceeds going to the charity.  It brought new meaning to seeing red.  Literally, everywhere you turned, there were Santas, of all different shapes and sizes, creed and colour.  It was immensely heart-warming to see everyone's commitment, not only to the cause, but also to having fun.  

Lymington Santa Run
(courtesy Phill Brown)

Only I wasn't part of it.  Instead I chose to get on with my household chores and preparations for the festive season (oh, the irony) and, oh how I regretted it.  Once the buzz and euphoria of everyone getting togged up for the race, bending and flexing in their new attire, accompanied by much hilarity and excitement, was over, I found myself alone. Alone with my guilt for not taking part, for not making my contribution towards needy people, and for generally being a stick-in-the-mud.

Regretting my decision to stay behind, as I climbed into the loft to get the Christmas decorations down, I reflected upon the obstacles that are still holding me back, the fears I'm possibly still harbouring.  

I'm still working on that (in danger of getting too deep again), but decided I no longer want to have regrets like this and have made a mental note to remind myself in future to make room for more play, to grab each opportunity as if it were the last and not take myself so seriously.  Indeed, why should it matter if I don't do the washing up, tidy from the night before, put the Christmas decorations up, etc etc.  Really, life's already too short.

Today's sequence looks at some basic hip openers (as part of a dealing with obstacles theme - more on that soon).  In the meantime, apologies for the rudimental video filming skills and terrible camera angles - not the best way to demonstrate the postures (nor technique for that matter) - Let's just call it serious playfulness!

Click below link if video doesn't open:
http://youtu.be/YkSHMIpIags

In the meantime, bring on next year's Santa Run - I WILL BE THERE (once I'm over that hurdle)!

Finding Freedom

In yesterday's post I reflected upon the need to practice yoga from a solid foundation, about being fully present and grounded in our practice and being content with where we're at - no matter what level of physical ability or stature we are blessed with.  As such, one can hope to achieve a sense of physical and mental harmony.

However, I wish to add a small addendum - whilst our foundations (by that I mean both physical stance and mental focus) are key, it's equally important not to over-emphasise this need for stability, otherwise we run the risk of becoming stuck.   

I know it looks like I'm backtracking here, it's more a desire to incorporate a third element - that of freedom - more realistically, the finding of a balance between stability and freedom.  

In being free, allow yourself to reach out and be playful in your yoga practice, to reach the fullest and most delightful expression of each posture, and to expand to your greatest potential in that moment.  Think of it as a liberation of your body (physical), mind (ego) and spirit (consciousness).  

Letting go isn't easy, I know.  And this is certainly not something that happens over night.  At this stage, all I'm suggesting is be mindful of this as a potential goal, a way of realising your true identity.

Phew, heavy stuff for a Friday night.  We can look at this again another time.


For now, I am devoting today's practice to finding Freedom, in whatever form.


Click the link to see video:
http://youtu.be/Am8rh9Q29Bg

And, it seems appropriate here to leave you with this quote from one great fighter for freedom, whose long walk [to freedom] sadly ended yesterday, 5th December 2013.  
RIP Nelson (Madiba) Mandela:

I have walked that long road to freedom.  I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way.  But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.  I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come.  But I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended.

Being content with what we've got....

....and being in the moment.

This is the essence underlying today's post.  Called santosa, in sanskrit, this is another of the guiding principles within yoga's teachings (the chart I posted previously shows it under the heading of Niyamas -  how we conduct ourselves in our daily lives). 

If only, I hear you say.  
Agreed, it's easier said than done.  I, for one, have often been known to wish for something that seems well beyond my reach.  

But, think about it, being content with what we've got, at this particular moment in time, stops us from worrying about the past and fretting about what's round the corner.  
With the right foundations, it's a guaranteed route to finding lasting and stable harmony.   

So, today's video shows not only how a stable base can support us, but also how we can make that base firmer.  Without being too tongue in cheek (and forgive me any pun), this quick routine, if repeated regularly, along with others I have demonstrated, will remind you of the existence of the largest and strongest muscle in your body - your derriere - it's not called the gluteus maximus for nothing!

Without going into an anatomy and physiology lesson, the gluteals (aka glutes) are made up of three muscles (gluteus maximus, medius and minimus), each being responsible for key functions, such as stabilising the pelvis, hips and spine, maintaining leg alignment, keeping us in an upright position, ensuring core strength and so forth.

Due to predominantly sedentary lifestyles however, our glutes are nearly always asleep.  They lose tone and become weak which, while I jest about Writer's Bottom, may be a root cause for injury and pain - particularly of the low back, lower limbs, even the ankles.  

The postures I have shown can help to re-awaken this area of the body and re-establish correct muscle function.  As always, never attempt these postures without being warmed up first or if you have an existing injury.  And only go as far as your body will allow each time. 

For now, be content with what you've got (Writer's Bottom included!), what you can achieve and just be in the moment.   


Click the following link if video doesn't play: http://youtu.be/t_PilhZeNqc

Space Oddity - a guided visualisation

Today I bring you a guided visualisation, which takes all of five minutes to carry out, even whilst sitting at your desk.  Wherever you decide to do it, I really encourage you to take this time to relax, switch off your phone, light a candle or burn some oils, and really feel the benefits of letting go as you allow your body to defy the effects of gravity.

Before you click the link below, if you have the time, why not blow away any tension by carrying out a few cleansing breaths first.  Whist this isn't a specific yoga pranayama (breathing) technique (these will be demonstrated at a later date), it's a useful start point for introducing the concept of conscious breathing.  When you focus on the breath, all other sensations, thoughts, etc move to the edge of your awareness.

So, when you are ready and you're in a comfortable seated/reclining position:

• Inhale very deeply through your nose, suck in the breath, make a noise, almost exaggerate the effort
• Next, hold that breath to a slow count of five
• Then, let all the air out very, very slowly through your mouth - and as you do, literally blow away all of the tension in your body, until you've blown out all of the air
• Repeat 2-4 times

Continue to breathe deeply and evenly throughout the visualisation, this will aid your concentration and promote relaxation.


Click here to enjoy five minutes of guided imagery: Space Oddity

Afterwards, take a few moments to reflect on how you felt during the visualisation.  Did you have any distractions, were you comfortable, could you build more of these techniques into your day?  

Meanwhile, I hope I have given you another tool to reduce stress in the run up to the festive season.  

And remember, keep calm and carry on :)

"Tenacity is part of a writer's job description....

.... and you will learn a lot just by finishing [each exercise]."  

This excerpt, taken from Back to Creative Writing School (BCWS), resonated loudly with me last night and compelled me to examine the subject (of tenacity), not only from a writer's view point, but also in connection with yoga.

I confess, after everything I said about the distractions of Black Friday and yesterday, Cyber Monday, I did in fact take advantage of a free download of BCWS, with kind courtesy of its author, Bridget Whelan - thank you, Bridget - and I've been hooked on the lessons therein ever since.

According to Collins Concise, Tenacious is defined as:  holding firmly, retentive, stubborn, persistent, holding together firmly, cohesive, tending to stick or adhere.

Whilst Bridget suggests that one of the attributes a writer needs in order to carry out his/her role effectively is "tenacity", the same can be said for the practice of yoga.

I've already mentioned (in previous posts) that yoga practice is about the journey, not the destination and that, with patience, comes ease of travelling on that journey.  To my mind, patience and tenacity are inextricably linked and both are relevant in writing AND in yoga.

I wanted to bring you some yoga postures today which perfectly demonstrate this link between the two "practices".  I've already shown you different variations of these postures, now I'm adding a bind.  

Binding postures, in yoga, means that your hands are linked in a way that causes your shoulders and torso to rotate - in other words, your body is bound and constricted by your arms and hands.  Now, of course, this does require a degree of flexibility, both physically (so that you can get into the pose) and mentally (so that you can embrace and remain in the pose). BUT, fear not, I'm not going to have you doing contortionist acts (just yet)!  And, for safety's sake, never attempt the postures before being warmed up (with, say, a few Sun Salutations), and certainly not if you have any injuries to the joints (knees and spine, in particular).  That said, I don't want to put you off, and you will see from the photographs below that there are a selection of different levels from which to choose.  No video today as workmen drilling right outside my house curtailed any kind of filming activity, such as it is!

Bound Seated Twist

Bound Seated Twist (Reverse)

Cow Face Pose 

Cow Face Pose (Reverse)

Marichyasana C

Marichyasana C (Reverse)

Bound Triangle

Bound Triangle (Reverse)

Kneeling Eagle

Kneeling Eagle

Bound Extended Side Angle (Reverse)

Bound Extended Side Angle

If you do decide to have a go at any of the above exercises, I think you will agree that the dictionary's definition of "tenacity" firmly applies to these postures - you will feel firmly bound and constricted (so don't forget to breathe).  And, in reaching and finding your limit (or finishing, as Bridget states), you will also have learnt a lot.  Adhere to your practice and try again tomorrow.  

I leave you with this quote from Louis Pasteur:

"Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal.  

My strength lies solely in my tenacity."

Be patient.  

Until next time.
 :)

A weight on your shoulders....?

As 2013 draws to a close, it seems that the Festive hype is just taking off.   Today it's Cyber Monday (in case you didn't get the message already), so if Black Friday didn't finish you off at the end of last week, this is yet another reminder that you've still got stacks to do and loads more money to spend, before you can kick back, relax and start afresh in the New Year!

So, in the countdown to Christmas - a stressful time in most people's books - I thought I'd take this opportunity to share some de-stressing routines you can easily slot into your busy schedule.

Today's video takes a look at some basic neck, shoulder and upper back exercises.  You can do these sitting at your desk or in a small space in your office.  You can do them alone, with your kids or even with your pets - I haven't learnt how to edit videos yet, so the cat joins me once again!

Working at a desk all day, in a fixed position, can cause immense stress to the body - especially in the neck and shoulder region.  In turn, this can affect posture, leading to restricted breathing, movement and blood circulation, often resulting in pain.  

A few minutes each day spent on these gentle "opening" manoeuvres can alleviate any "hunched" feeling in the upper body, return mobility to the joints and help bring increased oxygen to the muscles and brain.  The end result being less pain and greater vitality.

So, why not lift that weight off your shoulders and try these for starters?



Click here to view video:
http://youtu.be/fFbVSJW4CQE


I shall bring you more stress-reducing ideas over the coming weeks.

Meanwhile have a relaxing day/evening wherever you may be.

:)

Sunday Viewing

Thought I'd share this wonderful video which sums up "everything yoga" far more succinctly than I can (!) in under half an hour.

http://youtu.be/lOt8WT9hn3U

More from me in the week.

Meanwhile, enjoy the rest of your weekend 😀

Black Friday Respite

Phew..... Hello Everyone..... [peeps head above pile of unwanted clothing]

Having spent the last 48 hours trying to de-clutter (still in non-hoarding/aparigraha mode), I'm finally back with the next blog instalment :)

I confess, my efforts to clear space and let go of unwanted clutter haven't gone as smoothly as I'd hoped.  First, the pile of "stuff", instead of being neatly stashed in my wardrobe, is now strewn all over my study.  Second, my attempt at flogging everything on eBay yesterday was hampered by snail-paced computer function - is it all worth it for a mere £0.99 per item, I ask myself -  with the end result being one of total frustration. 

To top it all, today, being Black Friday - a time, it seems, for retailers to go all out to attract our custom (to ensure we collect yet more unnecessary "stuff") - means I have been bombarded with unsolicited emails which have, quite frankly, sent me into even more of a head spin.

So, it seems now would be a good time to introduce the practice of restorative yoga [and breathe].  

Restorative yoga (using props in the postures to support) is a great way to undo the stagnating physical effects of sitting in a fixed position, behind your desk, for hours at a time, and also helps still the mind from all its daily "busy-ness".  In essence, it brings equilibrium back into our existence.

Although this all sounds very relaxing and peaceful, a word of warning here: some people still find the postures I have demonstrated a little challenging at first.  However, in using plenty of props (bolsters, cushions, blankets etc) to provide greater comfort, you will soon find your body able to shed any restlessness, allowing your mind to relax into stillness.

The keyword here is: Patience.

By incorporating this short routine (or just a few of the postures) into your daily/weekly practice, you will soon be rewarded with the ability to find tranquility, be in the moment, and prepare yourself for the next set of challenges.

What's more, as you will see from the video, you don't even have to step out of your house to do it!



To view video, click the link below:
http://youtu.be/KmTqU7iF-q8



Wishing you all a peaceful and restorative weekend.

Meanwhile, I'm off to do a drop at the Charity Shop :)

Is your clutter holding you back?

I awoke this morning with last night's Ceroc (modern jive dance, for the uninitiated) music still buzzing around my brain - such an uplifting and motivating experience, and one I shall no doubt weave into my blog at some stage - but my thoughts went immediately to my wardrobe.  

In a couple of weeks' time it will be the Winter Wonderland Ball and, if I go (decision still to be made), I'm seriously short of suitable attire.  That is to say, outfits that one can dance in a) without getting too hot and sweaty (nice) and b) without treating all and sundry to a display of Bridget Jones' knickers whilst doing a twirl (ooo-err).  But how to find comfort and respectability, plus glamour, all in one outfit?

So, I sprang out of bed (not) and threw open the wardrobe doors, to be faced with trillions of outfits now gathering dust, and not one of them suitable.  Oh dear, Cinderella won't be going to the Ball after all.  

Yet, is this a good enough reason not to attend?  Well, that's my dilemma and not one I need bore you with.  However, whilst launching into my clothing cull, I did start thinking about the implication behind my apparent need to keep ahold of "stuff" that is now so obviously redundant.

Last week my blog posting Be kind to yourself referred to some of the philosophy behind yoga.  

The relevance here is another of the teachings: Non-hoarding/Non-collecting (Aparigraha in sanskrit, see Yamas on left of chart below).

Through our yoga practice we begin to trust that by releasing the "things" that no longer serve us (whether it's a wardrobe full of clothes, a desk full of papers, a mind full of limiting thoughts, even relationships that have outlived their meaningfulness), we can make space to allow our true potential, creative or otherwise, to flourish.

Obviously, I've still got a way to go viz wardrobe clutter, but I cannot begin to tell you how much I've let go of since my yoga journey began.  For example, several years ago, there is no way on this earth that I would have recorded myself attempting to teach yoga, far from perfectly, then making it public, at the very possible risk of receiving negative feedback.  

Anyway, here I am, and the video below is a follow-up from yesterday's sequence, giving a more in-depth explanation of some basic standing and seated yoga postures.  

If you are having difficulties viewing the video from this posting, click the following link:

http://youtu.be/CvVsigrnGXQ

NB, hurry to view - I've been notified that the material contains "matched third party content", i.e. background music, so I may have to delete it at some point.  In the meantime, I heartily thank the musicians/artists whose music beautifully complements my teaching attempts :)


Meanwhile, have fun de-cluttering (it's such a good feeling), let go of things that no longer serve you to make way for new, creative potential and, remind me, never wear that top (to demonstrate yoga) again!

And cats like yoga too...

Yesterday I touched on the importance of single-mindedness and focus in achieving our goals.  Continuing with this theme, my goal (through publishing this blog) is to make yoga more accessible to real people - that is, people like you and me, who lead busy lives, work hard, play hard, raise families, care for others, people who never have time for themselves - and to allay any fears that yoga is only about achieving awkward or impossible poses, is all about chanting and incense burning, or can only be practised in a class etc, etc.  Of course, it could be all of those things, but only if you let your ego kick in and we're not going to talk about that right now!

Today, I thought I'd show you a short yoga sequence.  By concentrating on the breath to create movement, and by adding a few additional (basic) postures, your yoga practice can become more flowing and, hence, more meaningful.  Thus, by adding some "vinyasa flow" to your day, you become one step closer to attaining your goals, with intent.

As I said before, don't worry if you cannot do all the postures perfectly (I certainly can't), I will be breaking them down into "bite size" chunks at a later date.  For now, accept this as part of the journey (it's approx 13 minutes long) and see how practising a short routine each day can slowly increase overall strength and stamina and prevent stiffness and rigidity from setting in, both physically and mentally.

I hope you enjoy it (the cat seemed to!).  If there is anything you are uncertain of, then please don't hesitate to drop me a line in the comments box below.  Equally, if you'd like to see more or less of certain things, let me know.  Remember, this is a learning curve for me too and, without your input, I can't improve and you won't be motivated to continue!


If you are unable to see the video from this post, please click on the link below:
http://youtu.be/r8ahd283zFQ





I will leave you with this short quote from Vivekananda:

Concentration will bring perfect repose to mind and body every time it is practised.

Focus and balance

My weekend went something like this:

k1, kfb, k4, skpo, k2tog, k4, *(kfb) twice, k4, skpo, k2tog, k4, rep from * 

Have you worked it out yet?

If you have, the chances are you do it too, so I don't mind admitting that, for almost two whole evenings (who said I don't lead an exciting life), this is the scintillating, mind-blowing, brain game I was ensconced in.

For those of you who haven't yet got a clue what I'm on about [hides in embarrassment] I was knitting.  Well, if it's good enough for a 21-year old friend who, for obvious reasons, wishes to remain anonymous, then it's good enough for me.  I've now got a nice pair of fingerless mittens and, what's more, I loved it!

But knitting (and you can substitute "writing" here too) doesn't come without its hitches (for me at least).  Spending prolonged periods of time focussing on one thing (apart from the odd glance up at Strictly, of course) can cause a whole host of side issues, such as neck and back stiffness (not to mention the sore derriere), eye strain, repetitive strain injury (fingers and wrists), even headaches.

I'm not going to give a lecture about the importance of sitting correctly, drinking plenty of water (not wine!), taking breaks for relaxation, etc, at this point, although all the above are important.  However, what I do want to talk about here is how the mind-body teachings of yoga come in handy in achieving better focus. 

Concentration, in yogic terms, is to the mind, what the yoga postures are to the body.  It can also be called single-mindedness or "one-pointedness" (aka ekagrata in sanskrit).  This is the essence of concentration (and I'll talk about this more at a later date).

For now, the video below shows the importance of focus, not just on the outer body, but also on the mind within, to help achieve (a) balance.




If you are unable to see the video from this posting, click on/cut and paste this link: http://youtu.be/-CSFufVoeK8

Over the coming weeks we'll look more closely at balances and how you can integrate these into your yoga practice to improve your powers of concentration and focus.

Meanwhile, happy writing (or knitting)!

Love is letting go of fear

The intuitive writing of Gerald G Jampolsky in Love is Letting Go of Fear has inspired today's subject matter.  The book offers transformative lessons in letting go of the past, to better face the future, through the release of limiting thought patterns. 

I wish to take this a step further and examine how the release of tension and restriction in the physical body can unleash (psychological) fear and helps us to be fully in the present.  To do this, I have chosen to look at a couple of basic yoga back bending postures (see video below).

According to the great yoga master, BKS Iyengar, backbends, through movement of the spine both backward and forward, provide a wonderful massage and increased blood flow to the heart.  

However, these postures don't just work on the physical level, but also the psychological.  

Our minds, as well as being challenged by the physical aspect of the posture (let's face it, how often do we throw ourselves backwards on a daily basis), often have to deal with the surfacing of fear and emotion at this point.

But, this is the beauty of the backbend.  What BKS also claims is, that backbends actually help us address our fears.

If you look at the postures I've demonstrated on the video, a backbend, by its very nature, is very "opening" to the front of the body.  It enables us to open our heart centre, making us more aware of our centre for compassion, love and support.  

So, the more you open yourself to "love", the less chance there is of "fear" overtaking your consciousness.




Click the link if video doesn't automatically appear:
http://youtu.be/S0MI22E9lzQ


Food of love - not music (today), but Maca

Before signing off for the weekend, I want to share with you a fabulous "power" food supplement - Maca - a root grown high up in the Peruvian Andes.  I recommend the powder form, so you can add up to 1 tablespoon per day (although build up to this level slowly if you've never used it before) to cereal, yogurt, smoothies, juices, etc.

Maca is nutrient-dense - contains Vitamins B, C and E; rich in minerals such as calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium and phosphorous, plus amino acids (protein) - no wonder it's called a "superfood".  

NB, it is contraindicated with some disorders of the liver, high blood pressure, some hormone-related cancers, and pregnancy, so check with your doctor before taking this supplement.

It's benefits can be enormous:

• increases energy and stamina (often used by athletes to reach peak performance)
• increases muscle mass (in conjunction with a good workout regime)
• reduces iron-deficiency anaemia 
• reduces risk of cardiovascular disease
• keeps bones and teeth healthy
• aids wound healing
• helps clear skin of acne and blemishes (and can help skin withstand extreme temperatures in hot or cold weather through decreased sensitivity)
• helps balance mood (alleviates anxiety, stress, depression and mood swings)
• increases mental energy and focus 
• balances sexual hormones and fertility
• promotes sexual function of both men and women - yes, folks, it's an aphrodisiac
• boosts libido and increases endurance

Wow, it's almost too good to be true.
So, go, open your heart - and feel the love this weekend.
Enjoy ;-)

Be kind to yourself

As a "wannabe" writer, I am always looking for inspiration for writing topics and, very often, this comes from the most unexpected sources.  Indeed, within the last ten days, I have found myself compelled to write on a subject inspired, for the second time, by the musings of a fellow writer (if I can elevate myself to her status, for I'm only a novice, she's already got a signed book deal).  Clare (you can find her under My Blog List opposite) recently blogged about her "Book With No Name".  Her second book, however, does have a name, "Do No Harm".  It is this which prompted me to write today.

Without going into an in-depth history of yoga, I'll just refer back to circa 300 BC!  This was about the time when a certain Indian writer, named Patanjali, was born.  But Patanjali was no ordinary writer, he turned out to be a pretty wise fellow, responsible for churning out the Yoga Sutras (the teachings behind yoga, as we know it today).  By practising (not just reading about) these mystical teachings, one is supposed to experience a purification of the mind and body and, thus, get well on the road to reaching enlightenment or a full awakening of the Self.

So, what's Clare's book got to do with any of this?  Well, she isn't writing about yoga philosophy, that's for sure, but her chosen title, Do No Harm, also happens to be one of those teachings.  Being aware of Ahimsa - the sanskrit translation, which means non-violence or non-injury in thought, word and deed - we learn how to behave toward ourselves, our fellow human-beings and toward nature and the environment surrounding us.

My message today, however, is about being kind to yourself.  As one who seems to suffer from the effects of the changing seasons, I have noticed a particular sluggishness of late, both in mind (can't think what to write) and body (got no get-up-and-go).  So, instead of a video session today, I bring you this:

Viparita karani or Legs-Up-The-Wall pose - a passive, supported variation of the Shoulderstand (which you could do instead, if you are already practiced in the technique).

Feel free to place a cushion or bolster under your behind if it's more comfortable.
Arms can be by your side or outstretched behind your head.

It's been said that taking just 10 minutes out of your busy day to practice this restorative posture is as good as the rest you get from a full night's sleep.....

I do believe it's a good all-rounder - both for relieving physical aches and pains and mental revival.

Try it whilst listening to some calming music or treat yourself to a meditation audio (there are plenty on YouTube).


You can keep your legs vertical against the wall or open them out into a "V" shape to get an extra stretch to the inner thigh - but take care not to strain your low back or groin.  A belt strapped around your legs/above the knees might help prevent over-stretching and enable a more relaxed posture.


In addition to music or meditation whilst trying this out, you could also vaporise some refreshing essential oils.  As I write this, I've dusted off my old burner and have some peppermint and rosemary on the go - excellent for clearing the head (and nasal passages) and uplifting mood - but you could also use lemon, grapefruit, may chang, clary sage or ginger (or a combination).  Take care not to use these too close to bedtime otherwise you might be up all night!

I've also resisted the desire to have a second cup of coffee (something we all succumb to in times of fatigue and stress) and have poured myself a soothing peppermint tea instead.  You could also try roibos (red bush) tea, which is naturally decaffeinated, green tea or lime & ginger for an extra kick.  

And if your habit is also to reach for the biscuit tin for a pick-me-up, try something that'll give you a slow-release form of energy, like an oatcake with peanut butter (or hummus or cottage cheese) instead.  Perhaps, a banana (or other piece of fresh fruit) with a few brazil nuts or a handful of seeds might do the trick.  Whatever snack you choose, the aim should be to accompany your carbs with some protein.  This will stop you "spiking" your blood sugars and keep energy levels more constant.

Enough of the lecture, just remember - be kind to yourself, as well as others.

Right, I'm off to dig out my dancing shoes :)

I'm not perfect.....

As promised, today's instalment is the first of my How-To guides to assist beginners and the less flexible among us to achieve the best from their yoga practice.  Perhaps I should have posted this blog first, who knows, I'm learning at this game too.  Anyhow, the short video clip shows you alternative ways to carry out forward bends, lunges and downward facing dog WITHOUT CAUSING INJURY to yourself.  No need to watch this if you have already perfected these techniques, but if you are anything like me, I am far from perfect... I don't have a perfectly flat back (being a scoliosis sufferer), whilst I can bend, it's not always in the right places, so you won't always see a beautifully demonstrated posture.  But what I will say is that this is precisely WHY I practice yoga; to assist in improving my overall strength and flexibility, to alleviate the pain which often accompanies the above-mentioned "malformation" and to assist me on my journey in search of "perfection", or shall we just call it enlightenment!



Click the link below if video does not open:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=emR66HgFGzw

Coming shortly will be the How-To guide to performing useful back bends, such as the Cobra etc shown in yesterday's clip.

Keep those comments coming, and help me to better help you.

Meanwhile, I'm off for a back massage....but that's another subject, for another day!

Salute to the Sun

With the Summer now seemingly far behind us, I felt it was appropriate to take time out to appreciate these beautiful Autumn days we've been experiencing recently.  

This weekend in particular, I was lucky enough to take a 3-hour cycle ride along the coastal path from where I live in Lymington out along the seawall to Milford-on-Sea.  Here I stopped to enjoy a (not-so-healthy) brunch and the spectacular views across the Solent to the Needles.  

There was still some considerable warmth in the sun, and it felt very gratifying to be able to steal a few extra hours outside, breathing in the fresh sea air and watching the migrant bird life as it settles down to a Winter on the salt flats.


To continue this appreciation, I have decided to give you a short sequence of yoga postures, known as the Sun Salutation, which you can follow and repeat (as many times as you like) to bring you extra warmth and vital energy during these darker autumnal days.

Some yoga instructors use the Salutations as a warm-up routine before teaching a full yoga session, others tailor their whole class around the postures within the routine.  Either way, the benefits of the Sun Salutations are numerous:

• A complete exercise for muscles and joints, helping the body gain flexibility
• It establishes the connection between movement and the breath 
• Enhances strength and elasticity of the spine
• Increases circulation and provides a gentle cardiac workout
• Tones all the muscles and reduces fat
• Activates the nervous system
• Massages internal organs
• Increases lung capacity and regulates the breath
• Activates and regulates hormones
• Encourages lymph drainage and elimination of toxins
• Improves immunity and resistance to disease
• Aids concentration and memory function
• Increases the body's vital energy (prana) 

If video doesn't open, click here:
http://youtu.be/naw1udSG858

An extra source of concentrated "sunshine" can be brought into your life by adding a tablespoon of fresh Sunflower seeds to your daily diet.  These can be added to your usual breakfast cereals/porridge/natural yogurt, sprinkled on salads or simply used as a nutritious, protein-rich snack between meals to help counter fatigue, depression, irritability and lack of energy.  Try a handful with a piece of fresh fruit or dry roast and sprinkle with tamari (soy sauce) to have as alternative nibbles with your favourite tipple.

And, finally, brighten someone's day by bringing them flowers.
May you be as lucky as I was when a very special
person (you know who you are) treated me to these beautiful Sunflowers.