Magic Minestrone

Yup, that is what it is called and that is what it feels like.  This recipe was taken from Self Magazine, September 2001.  I came across it recently - stuffed in one of my cookbooks.  I've made it twice and I feel compelled to share because it has been bringing me loads of pleasure.

2 cloves garlic (I used 6 in my first batch and 0 in my second)
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped celery
1 tsp thyme
1 tbsp olive oil
14.5 oz chicken broth (or veggie broth)
3 carrots, diced
1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (I used 2-3 cans:  2 fire roasted and at least 1 can preserved with hot green chiles - you could also dice fresh chiles or another pepper if you like it hot)
1 lb zucchini, cut in 1/2 inch slices
1/4 lb green beans, cut in 1 inch pieces
3 cups water
1 tsp salt
1 cup quick-cooking barley (I left this out but it sounds like a yummy addition)
1 15 oz can white beans
8 cups spinach leaves

I'm not very precise in recipes and this particular recipe allows for plenty of room to change it up.  It is delicious, as is, or sprinkled with parmesan ~ served with a side of whole grain bread ~ better yet, whole grain bread grilled with a sharp cheddar cheese.  Enjoy!

Autumnal Equinox

This morning we woke up before dawn to take a special hike to a petroglyph panel with some friends that were visiting from out of town.  They just happened to be visiting on the autumnal equinox.  The  petroglyph panel that we hiked to this morning tells a specific story with the sun's light on the vernal & autumnal equinox each year.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equinox

Sun beginning to hit Seven Mile Rim.

Although the sun was hidden behind some clouds we were able to experience a small piece of the story as it worked it's way thru the rock and lit up a specific part of the panel.  An extra treat was a local hiking guide, Rory Tyler, that has done a great deal of research on Rock Art in this area was at the site.  He has been coming to the site for years and was kind enough to share his interpretation of the panel.

Rory sharing his interpretation

What I find so fasinating is the commitment it took to create this art.  Also, the connection to the earth and universe.  And, of course, that we are able to experience and interpret this ancient art & communication that has been preserved for over 1000 years.

Anusara Grand Gathering in Estes Park - Autumn Equinox

In addition to outlining the Universal Principles of Alignment this video shares some interesting thoughts on the Autumn Equinox in relation to our practice.

Love Soup

It is still summer but I made an adapted version of the Winter Squash and Yam Soup with Poblano Peppers yesterday.   This recipe, and what feels like a zillion (160 to be precise) other recipes for soup, exist in the cookbook, Love Soup by Anna Thomas. 

I didn't roast the peppers, I sauteed them with the onion and I used a variety of peppers ~ oh, and only butternut squash, no yams.

Even if you don't make soup very often this is a cookbook you will want to own so you can peruse the pages and be inspired.

Something to smile about. . .

http://www.elephantjournal.com/2010/08/so-you-think-you-are-not-changing-the-world-amy-ippoliti/

Parsvottanasana

The following definition is taken from Light on Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar ~~~In Sanskirt, Parsva: sideways, side, or flank. Uttana: (ut=intense tan= to extend, stretch or lenghten).

For a photo and written instructions you can visit: http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/1675

Chrissy Sloan is Anusara Inspired!

Congratulations Chrissy!!

After years of practicing and teaching Anusara yoga Chrissy is officially certified as an Anusara Inspired Yoga Teacher. For those not familiar with the certification process it truly does involve years of study and practice. Thank you, Chrissy, for sharing your years of experience with the Moab community.

Chrissy is currently offering a weekly class at NOON on Wednesdays.

www.moabyoga.com

Begin

The Tantric philosophy that supports the yoga I practice encourages us to, "start where we are." This may sound obvious, yet, I continue to be surprised at how many potential students feel they must do something, learn something, get strong, or get in shape before coming to a yoga class. How do I help them know that we begin where we are?

We already have everything we need to learn, be strong, or be in shape to do yoga. We are perfect just as we are and the yoga practice enhances us. If I could show them a video of me practicing yoga the first few years I began showing up they would certainly understand that the 'practice' is the practice.

To be a little cheesy --- it makes me think of an old quote that continues to make me smile, "Life is the journey, not the destination." So is yoga.

A few thoughts on ABS

I've been making a joke with my students all season that "bikini season is coming. . ." during the abs portion of our practice. Well it is no joke that bikini season is here, whether you wear one or not. Have you ever noticed that when you are at a beach that everyone looks beautiful in a swimsuit? I don't find this to be true at pools. :)

I found these articles that challenged my lust for a 6 pack - and I thought I would share:

http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/168?utm_source=MyYogaJournal&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=MyYogaJournal

http://www.yogajournal.com/health/1043

Turning Can't into Can

What would you attempt if you knew you would not fail? Have you heard yourself say can't recently? Even if it was only in your head. . .

"I'll never be able to do Hanuman Asana." "I can't do Pinchamayurasana." "I can't do a forward bend."

Embrace the power of CAN. I recently caught myself saying, "I can't," when I was canyoneering with friends. I didn't realize it in the moment. My partner pointed it out to me afterwards. All I knew is I was gripped with fear.

When my partner told me I said, "I can't do it," after I already had and that he knew I could I gasped. I hadn't even realized that I said, "I can't." I decided that wasn't who I wanted to be. I want to have the attitude, "I can."

Think of something that you once thought you couldn't do that is now part of your life. This could be anything you want -- even the things you are afraid of.

Last fall I was irrationaly afraid of pinchamayurasana. Irrational for me because of my experience with alignment and my strength from years of practice. I was afraid my forearms/shoulders wouldn't hold me and I would fall flat on my face. All I could think was, "I can't do it." But I wanted to be able to do it. So I went home from class and put a pillow under my face. It took away the fear of falling on my face and I was able to kick up into pinchamayurasana.

It wasn't pretty, or comfortable, for a while but after 6 months (or more) of practicing it I am feeling increasingly comfortable in the pose. I think perhaps someday I will be able to do it unassisted in the middle of the room (if I keep practicing). ;)

Getting creative with Golf & Yoga

I'm just getting started with the game of Golf. The first time I played, in High School, I got in trouble for walking around the golf course without my shoes. 18 holes was a long time and the perfectly manicured grass felt so soft on my toes ~ especially on the green. I know, you long time golfers are wincing as you read. The good news is, the Moab Golf Course is forgiving of flip flops, t-shirts, and short skirts. http://www.utah.com/golf/courses/moab.htm




I really shouldn't be writing a piece about golf because I can still count on my fingers how many times I've golfed. The few times I have been out in the past couple of years I've applied the Anusara Universal Principles of Alignment - with some success. Anyone curious about how to simplify the game of golf by using your yoga practice read on. . .

1. Open to Grace: Soften. Relax. Set your foundation with intention. Don't worry about hitting the ball perfectly. Line yourself up well and then RELAX - a.k.a. breathe



2. Muscular Energy: From your foundation draw muscular energy up into the core of your pelvis by hugging your muscles to the bone.



3. Inner Spiral: Move your inner thighs back (stick your butt out). If nothing else, the folks you're golfing with will be entertained.



4. Outer Spiral: Scoop your tailbone into the space you created with Inner Spiral.



5. Organic Energy: Take a breath. With your swing ~ exhale and let your club connect with the ball.

Have Fun!!

Food Inspiration

This is my favorite blog: www.101cookbooks.com.

I love the photos. The recipes get me fired-up to eat well. I bought her book this winter ~ Super Natural Cooking. It is changing the way I eat.

For instance, I consumed my first brussel sprout about a month ago and now I can't get enough of them. I've started using Agave as a sweetner ~ I became a fan at first bite. Anyway, I just thought I would share this gem of a blog with all of you. Enjoy!

Love

Practicing yoga often feels like love to me. It feels like an offering of love to myself, those I love, and the world around me.

This morning I attended Jami Larson's yoga class at Flow Yoga in Salt Lake City. It always amazes me how a yoga class seems to give you exactly what you need. Do we tune in to what is true for us?

This past fall I realized I had been avoiding pinchamayurasana. Guess what? It started showing up in almost every class I attended. It actually started to make me laugh. Now that I've stopped avoiding it I am more comfortable with it presenting itself. I've even started practicing it at home.

Today, before class, I was feeling lonely. I was really craving love. I arrived at class, unrolled my mat, and took a seat.

As class began I remembered that my practice was an act of loving myself. And now, I have more love for others.

Practice

I am currently fascinated by the concept of 'practice.' Anything that we want to improve in our life requires practice. This could be a sport like skiing or running. It could be a skill like writing or website development. Or, it could be communicating with our partner.

For me, practice involves commitment and discipline. I may not practice every day on the skills I want to improve, but I do make a commitment to incorporate the 'practice' into my life with some consistency.

This has been particularly relevent for me in my yoga practice. Whether it is on my own or with other teachers, I practice. I recognize that if I continue to stay committed to yoga the practice is one that will continue for the rest of my life. The more I learn, the more it grows.

I can't always visually see the benefits of my practice (so many of them happen inside). What I can see is my tattered yoga mat. My yoga mat reflects back to me the commitment, the discipline of my practice in the evidence of wear. Instead of being frustrated that it is wearing out, I feel proud. Proud of my commitment. Proud of the discipline it takes to show up with consistency. Proud of my practice that continues to grow with practice.