Beautiful Yoga

There is something so interesting that happens when I get on my yoga mat and practice on my own at home. If I listen for what I fancy doing rather than trying to follow and remember a particular sequence it feels particularly good in my body after practice. I never feel tired, rather totally energised and notice my strength builds very steadily day by day. I also have a greater desire to practice every day. Sometimes if I only go to class I find I get more tired and resist going to class as I definitely feel that I need days off. There is a brilliant coaching book called the Inner Game of Tennis. It talks about the idea that we inherently know the best way to do things if we can quiet the chattering inner critic part of our mind that distracts and hoodwinks us into getting more interested in what it has to say than listening to our bodies. What is possible when you practice on your own, particularly with a clear basic structure for your practice that gives you the peace of mind that you are giving yourself a full and complete practice - is allowing your own inherent knowledge and wisdom of your own body the chance to shine and heal you. Talk to a yoga teacher about a basic structure to follow in your home practice - it will make a big difference.

I picked up some teabags today that are described as being good for liver cleansing. I happily popped them in my teapot and poured myself a cup. On first sip my face screwed up and I wrinkeled my nose and made a loud bleurck noise. It was SO bitter!

So I got curious about my reaction. I realised that I hardly ever eat bitter things and I also thought that this might mean I am missing out on something.

I did some research and found this article which talks about the views of the worlds leading herbalists. They say how important it is that we eat bitter things. They stimulate our digestive juices which ensure that our food is effectively broken down and nutrients extracted and provide in themselves all sorts of nutrients.

I am convinced. I will be taking a deep breath (which is always a good thing anyway) and drinking the whole pot, like a big brave girl!

http://www.naturessunshine.com/Blog/post/5-Reasons-Why-You-Should-Eat-Bitter-Foods-and-Herbs.aspx

5 Reasons Why You Should Eat Bitter Foods and Herbs The "bitterness" on our taste buds alone is a nutrient, in a sense. The bitterness sends a chemical reaction throughout out bodies and has numerous health benefits. When you sweeten bitter foods, you often destroy the majority of the health benefit of that particular food. Many nutritionis...

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/02/22/avocado-weight-management.aspx?e_cid=20140222Z2_DNL_art_1&utm_source=dnl&utm_medium=email&utm_content=art1&utm_campaign=20140222Z2&et_cid=DM39579&et_rid=434882762

How Avocado Can Help with Weight Management According to a recent study, eating just one-half of a fresh avocado with your lunch may satisfy your hunger, and will help prevent further food cravings.

Apparently we need 4 hugs a day for survival, 8 for maintenance and 12 for growth! Wow. My daughter Ines have me hugging vouchers as a birthday gist yesterday, how brilliant of her and how lucky am I? I am all about continuous growth. Talk about the perfect birthday present!!!

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/02/06/hugging.aspx?e_cid=20140216Z2_SNL_MS_1&utm_source=snl&utm_medium=email&utm_content=ms1&utm_campaign=20140216Z2&et_cid=DM39677&et_rid=428084881

How Hugging Makes You Healthier and Happier Hugging is known to lower levels of stress hormones like cortisol -- research suggests it offers many other health benefits.

I took on doing 50 hours of yoga in the 50 days leading up to my 40th birthday, which is today. I did fulfil on that promise. Looking at that journey sitting in my seat today and reflecting a few thoughts come up. Thought # 1 - I didn't share the experience of the journey that much with others, i said that I was doing it but saying what it was like, that it was is hard, frightening, joyful, exhilarating, exhausting, painful, strengthening, transformative. I see that as a missed opportunity. It has been a real challenge and sharing more about that would have been a contribution to others. So it is interesting to note that I don't naturally share about what I find challenging, and I am committed to transforming that and sharing my vulnerability with others.

Do you find yourself sitting in your chair for hours at a time working at a computer? As the day progresses the cushioning between the discs in your spine compresses and dehydrates radically from lack of movement. Take some stretch breaks. Use the arms of your chair to grip and use as leverage to twist your torso whilst keeping you sit bones firmly grounded into the seat of your chair. This twisting action rehydrates the discs and keeps your spine healthy! It's also a great mindfulness practice to calm the mind and bring a moment of peace in the business of your day.

Try on starting the day tomorrow by putting regular slots in your diary throughout the day to notice your breathing and to take a few deep, slow, full breaths.

http://mobile.bloomberg.com/news/2013-11-22/harvard-yoga-scientists-find-proof-of-meditation-benefit.html

Scientists are getting close to proving what yogis have held to be true for centuries -- yoga and meditation can ward off stress and disease.

Harvard Yoga Scientists Find Proof of Meditation Benefit Scientists are getting close to proving what yogis have held to be true for centuries -- yoga and meditation can ward off stress and disease.

This is an excellent article by an expert on emotional intelligence

http://www.forbes.com/sites/travisbradberry/2014/02/06/how-successful-people-stay-calm/

How Successful People Stay Calm The ability to manage your emotions and remain calm under pressure has a direct link to your performance. TalentSmart has conducted research with more than a million people, and we’ve found that 90% of top performers are skilled at managing their emotions in times of stress in order to remain [...]

Today was mostly about creating space and ease in the spine and strengthening the core to support it, loved working with a client to make a difference with bulging discs in their spine. Gorgeous work!

Excited to be figuring out how to put my new yoga swing up...the benefits of working with a yoga swing are huge - I know that my clients with lower back pain from compression are espeically looking forward to having a go as it is fantastic for decompressing the spine.

Read more about it here:

http://www.shanti.com.au/alternative/yoga-swing.htm

Yoga Swing exercise to gain strength Exercise with the Yoga Swing to gain strength and keep your body fit, release pressure on your spine and organs and eliminate with ease

My current favourite new food! Read this article it will blow your mind!

Top 10 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Coconut Oil Coconut oil is among the healthiest foods on the planet. Many studies in humans show immense health benefits and therapeutic potential for various diseases.