Motivation: Your Destiny

You are what your deep driving desire is.

As your desire is, so is your will.

As your will is, so is your deed.

As your deed is, so is your destiny.

- Upanishads

Tunes: Amos Lee

A little blue-sy, a little indie acoustic... this artist is a definite find on my yoga playlist! Listen to 'What's Been Going On' and 'Colors'... you're sure to fall in love by the first strum. Enjoy! And oh btw for those of you who were lookin forward to a new recipe this week, apologies! I've had a crazy busy week and so Thursday Grub will be back next week. Guess what we had instead... Kashi pizza! 

Happy Memorial Day weekend! We're checking out - camping in Concan here we come! 

Fab Find: Always Moola Bandha ribbed tank

This really is classic! For those of you who have never experienced the awkwardness of a teacher explaining this in a yoga class... here ya go: The technique is a drawing up of the muscles of the perineum, in front of the tailbone at the base of the spine. This energy lock then awakens the mooladhara (or root) chakra, arousing powerful energy.

"Once control over the practice has been achieved, we can begin to slowly awaken mooladhara chakra and the kundalini shakti which lies within it. Then we may enjoy the bliss which arises from the union of prana and apana, nada and bindu, the union of the formed with the formless."

~ Swami Buddhanadha in Moola Bandha: The Master Key

Price: $30

Posture: Salabhasana

(sha-la-BAHS-anna)

salabha = locust, grasshopper

Lie on your stomach with arms alongside the body, palms facing up and forehead resting on the mat. Gently lift your head, upper torso and arms. Lift your legs and keep arms parallel to the floor. Softly press abdomen and lower ribs toward the mat. Stay in this position for 5 breaths and lower. 

This picture was taken last Saturday in San Marcos. I taught a class to participants of the Tour de Cure bicycle race benefitting the American Diabetes Association. FuN!! 

Benefits: strengthens muscles of the spine, buttocks, and backs of the arms and legs * stretches shoulders, chest, belly and thighs * improves posture * stimulates abdominal organs * helps relieve stress

Be cautions of the following: serious back injury * students with neck injuries should keep the head in a neutral position by looking down at the floor

Motivation: Our deepest fear...

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, "Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?"
Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God;
Your playing small doesn't serve the world.

~ Marianne Williamson, quoted by Nelson Mandella in his inaugural speech)

Tunes: Trevor Hall

Trevor Hall... getcha some!

I love... The Lime Tree, Unity, Proof of Destruction... and every song off of the Lace Up Your Shoes album. We learned of him a few years ago in Austin. We were at Stubb's for a Martin Sexton concert and Trevor was the opener. We were blown away completely by his talent, lyrics and performance. He has a new album out called This Is Blue and I cannot wait to listen! You better believe he's on my yoga class playlist! Have a wonderful weekend, I know I will!
~ Namaste

Grub: Whole Wheat Greek Orzo Salad

Eddie's carnivorous version sans tomatoes. (Before he added his sriracha!) 

My veggie version... oh so delish! 

Now we're talkin! My great friend Stephanie sent me this recipe (via Pinch My Salt) and holy moly is it tasty! The cool thing about this salad is that you can add pretty much whatever you'd like (considering it blends well with the overall taste) and customize it to your palate's delight. I knew I wanted to make it my own when I saw that the original calls for finely chopped kalamata olives. I don't care how fine these things may be... we just don't get along. I've never been one for olives and so I kindly omitted them. I also decided to throw in some slivered almonds for an added crunch effect. I guarantee you will not be disappointed. This is the perfect dish for a summer bbq... quick and easy, fresh and so unbelievably healthy!

Serves: 6
Ingredients:
8 oz whole wheat orzo pasta
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh-squeezed lemon juice
1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded and finely chopped
1 cup cherry tomotoes, finely chopped
1/3 cup kalamata olives, finely chopped (ew, it hurts just to type it)
2 tablespoons minced fresh mint leaves
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
salt, to taste
fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Prep:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta for 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta and rinse with cold water, then allow to drain well again. In a large bowl, toss pasta with olive oil, vinegar, and lemon juice. Add remaining ingredients and toss well. Season with salt and fresh ground pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Best when served chilled.

You can also try adding these: finely chopped red onion, red bell pepper, artichoke hearts, fresh chopped dill, or grated lemon zest! I will surely be trying this one again, next time around adding more of these to make it more fun and colorful! Bon appetit!

Fab Find: KOR ONE

This is one cool water bottle man! These KOR vessels are made from BPA-free Tritan and other health-safe materials. There is a hinged cap for easy open and close and you don't have to hold it open when drinking! You don't have to worry about a metal or plastic after-taste and the spout is wide enough to fit ice cubes. I'm weird and like washing dishes, but for those of you who can't live without your dishwasher... these are totally safe! It holds 25 ounces comes with a variety of motivational stones to personalize the bottle cap. Neat-o mosquito - but that's not all... 

There's a KOR Register and Recycle program that encourages all customers (despite purchase location) to register their product online and when they are ready to trash the bottle, the company mails the customer a postage-paid return form so that the bottle is sent back to them for 100% recycling! Now that's sustainability! I want one now!!! 

Price: $29.95 or $35.00 for Special Editions  

Posture: Bakasana

(bahk-AHS-anna)

baka = crane
but a.k.a. crow

This posture is often used as a transition posture into a headstand. From standing, squat down keeping big toes together and separating the knees. Lower hands in front of feed, spreading the fingers wide. As you come to the tip-toes, draw knees into triceps/armpits and lean forward with torso and head. Round the spine, taking the weight of the torso onto the upper arms and keep the head up, the gaze out in front. To release, either slowly return feet to the mat or jump back with an exhalation into chaturanga dandasana.

This is one of my favorite postures... it poses a challenge for sure but also measures the strength of the upper body. Keep trying, it's one that definitely gets easier with practice!

Benefits include: strengthens arms and wrists * stretches through the upper back * strengthens abdominal muscles * opens groins * tones abdominal organs

Motivation: Peace Mantra

O SAHANA VAVATU SAHANA BHUNATTU
SAHA VIRYAM KARAWAVAHAI
TEJASVINA VADITAMASTU
MA VIDVISHA VAHAI
OM SHANTI SHANTI SHANTI OM

Together may we be protected
Together may we be nourished
Together may we work with great energy
May our journey together be brilliant and effective
May there be no bad feelings between us
Peace, peace, peace

Tunes: TJ Rehmi

Yoga music with a twist... TJ Rehmi's got it! He's a guitarist, promoter as well as a producer from the UK. His music is filled with wonderful beats, guitar strums and ambient tunes. I absolutely love the album titled, "The Warm Chill" and am excited to listen to more from his newest, "Axis of Ignorance". If you're into more global groove and less pop vocal while you're chillin in pigeon, you've gotta check him out!
Stay dry and safe out there this weekend!
~Namaste

Grub: Turkey Melt Panini

I know, I know... it doesn't quite look like a healthy meal - take my word... it is!! I sort of combined a few recipes to come up with this hearty concoction. Eddie's reaction, "It tastes like a burger!" Right then, I knew he liked it and the idea of leftovers was slim. The best part is, there's so few ingredients and it took less than 20 minutes to prepare. Also, I finally brought out the panini maker... our sweet wedding gift from the padre-in-laws!!

Serves: 3
Ingredients:
Whole wheat English muffins
Indian or Spicy Relish
Deli-sliced oven-roasted turkey
Cheese of your choice - we used Muenster (cause I just can't get enough)
Red bell pepper
Spinach leaves

Prep:
1. Heat panini (or Foreman) grill. Cut bell pepper into long strips.
2. Slice muffin and spread relish on one side. Place spinach leaves and bell pepper on top of relish.
3. Top with 3 slices of turkey and cheese. Cover with top of muffin.
4. Place on grill until the cheese melts, bell pepper softens and muffin gets a tad crispy.

Voila!! I thought I could down more than one for sure... but surprise, surprise - these bad boys are quite filling! Again, a wonderful alternative to a not-so-healthy burger!

Fab Find: Skullcandy

Not sure who introduced us to these earphones... it was a while back. Eddie and I both got a pair from Best Buy because the Apple ones that came with the ipods pretty much sucked. They didn't suck quality of sound-wise, but because they kept falling out of the ears when we'd use them for running. These Skullcandy earphones totally rock. Each pair comes with several different sizes of pillowy caps for the speaker so you use the one that fits perfectly into your ear (Whodathunk? Duh, we all have different shaped ears!). Aside from the fact that they stick in your ears without moving around, the sound quality is incredible! There are so many fun colors to choose from or you can stick with the basic black, white or silver. There's also a fun array of headphones for that DJ friend in your life.  : ) 

Price: $19.99 (at Best Buy... totally worth it!)

Posture: Virabhadrasana I

a.k.a. Warrior I

From Downward Dog, pivot left foot 45 degrees and step right foot between the hands at the top of the mat. As torso lifts up, hips square and grown heels firmly. Lifting the arms over head, connect the palms, relax through shoulders and neck and take the gaze upward towards thumbs. Right knee should be positioned directly above the ankle and shin should be perpendicular to the floor.

Benefits include: stretches chest and lungs, shoulders and neck, belly and psoas (groins) * strengthens shoulders and arms, and muscles of back * stretches thighs, calves and ankles

Be mindful of the following: those with shoulder problems should keeps raised arms shoulder with apart * those with neck issues should keep head in a neutral position and avoid looking up

Motivation: Turning inward...

"Turn the mind inward and cease thinking of yourself as the body; thereby you will come to know that the self is ever happy. Neither grief nor misery is experienced in this state."

~ Sri Ramana Maharshi

This goes back to the 'ol "don't just a book by its cover" but pertains to the individual... how we look at ourselves. I have always struggled with this (hence the reoccurring nightmare of losing my teeth - which supposedly means I'm overly concerned about my looks)! Through my consistent yoga practice, I've learned to let go of that and focus on what really matters and what's most important. In my classes I say, "it doesn't matter what we look like while in the postures, but how we feel." This is so true... if our drishti is fluttering around like a buzzing bee, our mind is not still. If we are concerned about how the person next to us looks in a certain posture, or we measure ourselves up to our peers, we are not going to benefit from the practice. We have to look inward, past the physical and learn from what's going on in our minds and in our hearts. This is why I love that the yoga practice is not a competition... if anything it's a competition with the true Self and the ego where we learn to let go. This is where we find true happiness and true freedom. 

~ Namaste

Tunes: Breathe Me

I most definitely have this song on my yoga playlist. It's been out for a while now, but most recently became more popular after Coke used it in one of their commercials. Sia does a fabulous job in this 2008 SXSW performance. I especially like the pause right about 1:45... WOW!! Some of her other greats are "Day too soon" and "Clap your hands". Similar artists include Zero 7, Jewel and Goldfrapp. Enjoy, and Happy Friday!! Take advantage of the outdoors this weekend... and give Mom all the attention she deserves on Sunday!
~ Namaste

Grub: Shrimp Paulista

Residents of Sao Paulo refer to themselves as Paulistas. This dish is a regional fave and super easy to make! After this, I've got a chopper on my list of things to buy for our kitchen! Never thought I'd use it so didn't register for it when we got married. I think it'll make my life a lot easier! 

Serves: 6

Ingredients: 

2 lbs. large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons lime juice

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, divided

8 cloves garlic, minced, divided

1/2 tspn kosher salt, divided

1/2 tspn crushed red pepper, divided

2 tablespoons EVOO

Prep: 

1. Place shrimp in a medium nonreactive bowl and toss with lime juice, 1/4 cup cilantro, half the garlic, 1/4 tspn salt and 1/4 tspn crushed red pepper. Cover and let marinate in the fridge for 20 minutes.

2. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, marinade and remaining garlic; cook until the shrimp are just cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat; add remaining 1/4 cup cilantro, 1/4 tspn salt and 1/4 tspn red pepper. Toss to combine. 

Note: We topped it off with a bit of Sriracha (Eddie puts this on almost everything he eats) hot sauce. Organic brown rice completed the meal... absolutely delicious! 

Fab Find: FRUITZ Watches

I first saw this item a few days ago in the June issue of Yoga Journal. Natural frequencies inside... what? Okay so here's how it works (taken from their site) - just as you receive important vitamins from fresh fruits, now you can get important natural frequencies that work with your body's energy field. FRUITZ watches use a natural frequency technology that resonates at 7-9 hertz, encompassing the chief resonant frequency of the earth and is harmonious and grounding to all life. People who wear these watches report better sleep, less stress, more focus and better concentration. Wait a minute... I feel like I get all of that with my daily yoga practice! If you do want to splurge a little and don a little watermelon or passion fruit on your wrist, you can find these at Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's. 

Price: $225

Posture: Marichyasana A

(mar-ee-chee-AHS-anna)

Discovered by the sage, Maricha in Indian mythology. 

This posture comes after Janu Shirshana C in the Ashtanga practice. Left leg extends out and foot is flexed. The right heel draws in toward the hip (outside of foot is in line with the hip so there's space between the foot and left thigh). Right arm reaches out and then internally rotates around the right folded leg. Left arm reaches around the back and right hand binds to left wrist. Inhale to lengthen the torso and exhale to fold forward. Take five breathes in this posture with drishti to nose. 

Benefits include: calms the brain * stretches spine and shoulders * stimulates abdominal organs like liver and kidneys *restores digestive power * abdominal pain during menstruation

Be mindful of the following: pregnant women should not practice this posture after 2nd month 

Motivation: Why do we always want more?

"Beauty of style and harmony and grace and good rhythm depend on simplicity." ~ Plato