or in yoga speak, Vinyasa Flow.....meaning, movement with the breath and intent (and that's about as technical as we're going to get, for now).
As we move through each of the yoga postures, we become aware of and actively focus on the steady flow of breath - inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale - until it becomes second nature.
Next we bring our attention to the present, right there on the yoga mat, and focus on the intention behind our practice. Of course, one can choose to focus on problems and negativity or on solutions and positivity. Either way, the choice of focus will bring about an equivalent state of being.
Today's video - The Cat Cow pose - shows you a simple posture, useful in its own right or as a warm up to a full-blown yoga session. It is highly beneficial, particularly for those of us in sedentary roles, alleviating stiffness of the spine and providing a nice stretch for the back of the body, as well as the front - a good all-rounder, which is quick and easy to do. Just remember to breathe deeply with each movement and focus on your intent!
In case the video doesn't open up (you can tell I haven't mastered this blogging thing yet), try the following link: http://youtu.be/EiDQiSP2wBk
Below is a healthy breakfast (or supper) idea (one I stole and adapted from Jamie Oliver some years ago). It is well worth the effort of making up larger quantities in advance. And is also great for keeping fatigue and hunger pangs at bay throughout the day due to its slow-release of energy and blood sugar balancing properties.
Make enough to store in a large air-tight container (tuppaware or glass jar will do), which will last for about 6 weeks (if it's not eaten beforehand!):
1 small box of porridge oats
1 small bag of dried apricots/sultanas
1 small bag of dried dates/prunes
1 small bag of dried cranberries/goji berries
Half a small bag of almonds
Half a small bag of walnuts
Half a small bag of brazil nuts
1 small bag of sunflower seeds
1 small bag of pumpkin seeds
Half a small bag of linseeds/sesame seeds
Tip the porridge oats into the container you are going to use (fill half way).
Roughly chop the dried fruit and throw into the container with the oats.
Empty the seeds and dried berries into the container too.
Place the lid on and give the whole thing a shake to mix everything up.
Before you go to bed, place a serving of the dry ingredients into your usual cereal bowl and top up with milk/water (you can use almond or rice milk here to ring the changes), cover with cling film and place in the fridge overnight. This will then allow the mixture to soak up the liquid and soften the seeds and nuts.
Upon rising, remove the bowl from the fridge, grate some fresh apple or pear on top or add blueberries, raspberries (or whatever takes your fancy), you may also wish to add more milk/water or perhaps some natural yogurt.
There you have it, another delicious, nutritious and healthy breakfast idea that will maintain your flow of energy and help you reach those writing resolutions with ease.
The 30 Day Plank Challenge - managed 100 seconds this morning, then someone came to the door - I guess you could say, I was saved by the bell. But he may well have wondered why I was shaking slightly and out of breath though!
As we move through each of the yoga postures, we become aware of and actively focus on the steady flow of breath - inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale - until it becomes second nature.
Next we bring our attention to the present, right there on the yoga mat, and focus on the intention behind our practice. Of course, one can choose to focus on problems and negativity or on solutions and positivity. Either way, the choice of focus will bring about an equivalent state of being.
Today's video - The Cat Cow pose - shows you a simple posture, useful in its own right or as a warm up to a full-blown yoga session. It is highly beneficial, particularly for those of us in sedentary roles, alleviating stiffness of the spine and providing a nice stretch for the back of the body, as well as the front - a good all-rounder, which is quick and easy to do. Just remember to breathe deeply with each movement and focus on your intent!
In case the video doesn't open up (you can tell I haven't mastered this blogging thing yet), try the following link: http://youtu.be/EiDQiSP2wBk
Below is a healthy breakfast (or supper) idea (one I stole and adapted from Jamie Oliver some years ago). It is well worth the effort of making up larger quantities in advance. And is also great for keeping fatigue and hunger pangs at bay throughout the day due to its slow-release of energy and blood sugar balancing properties.
Make enough to store in a large air-tight container (tuppaware or glass jar will do), which will last for about 6 weeks (if it's not eaten beforehand!):
1 small box of porridge oats
1 small bag of dried apricots/sultanas
1 small bag of dried dates/prunes
1 small bag of dried cranberries/goji berries
Half a small bag of almonds
Half a small bag of walnuts
Half a small bag of brazil nuts
1 small bag of sunflower seeds
1 small bag of pumpkin seeds
Half a small bag of linseeds/sesame seeds
Tip the porridge oats into the container you are going to use (fill half way).
Roughly chop the dried fruit and throw into the container with the oats.
Empty the seeds and dried berries into the container too.
Place the lid on and give the whole thing a shake to mix everything up.
Before you go to bed, place a serving of the dry ingredients into your usual cereal bowl and top up with milk/water (you can use almond or rice milk here to ring the changes), cover with cling film and place in the fridge overnight. This will then allow the mixture to soak up the liquid and soften the seeds and nuts.
Upon rising, remove the bowl from the fridge, grate some fresh apple or pear on top or add blueberries, raspberries (or whatever takes your fancy), you may also wish to add more milk/water or perhaps some natural yogurt.
There you have it, another delicious, nutritious and healthy breakfast idea that will maintain your flow of energy and help you reach those writing resolutions with ease.
The 30 Day Plank Challenge - managed 100 seconds this morning, then someone came to the door - I guess you could say, I was saved by the bell. But he may well have wondered why I was shaking slightly and out of breath though!
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