It's A Matter of Balance
with Tracey
Yoga aims to teach us balance. Asana and pranayama, for example, the two foundational pillars of a physical yoga practice, are part of the ha and the tha of it all. Asana being more physical and pranayama more etheric. Examples of polarities abound in yoga that serve to create balance while teaching us about the nature of balance.
In asana, we begin with the obvious poles of strength and flexibility. Although it looks like yoga leans towards flexibility, in truth, strength and flexibility need to be in balance in order for us to be in balance. When tuned into, we have upward and downward moving energy in our practice that brings us...
Teachers Corner
Presence
Start Where You Are and Stay There
Again, we look to chapter four, Finding the Ah Ha! in Hatha--Principles, Hints, and Insights into Yoga Practice from Ganga's Yoga Beyond Belief. This section is entitled: Presence: Start Where You Are. The opening section helps set a context for the entire Ah Ha chapter and the excerpt we chose is from the final paragraph of this section. Additionally, the saying that inspires this section is the perfect koan from which to ponder your balancing poses.
"Can we approach yoga in a way...
Burn After Reading
by Tracey Rich
Although we greatly appreciate your attention, we know you only have so much to go around. This is one of the reasons we continue to reach out only once a month. We are trying to keep it in balance. We understand people are being bombarded with attention grabbing content, non-stop. We are also trying to support and inspire lives that are not beholden to devices, social media, or internet chatter, as quaint or antiquated as that may be. Like asana, our devices are tools. And like any tool, they can be used in ways that are supportive or detrimental to well-being. Living life online or on a device is not a replacement for life. Your attention is a valuable asset, not a commodity. Therefore, we recommend you burn after reading and go play outside.
There is no such thing as multitasking, by the way. Although, at times I am a shameless contestant in the race to acquire a medal which no one is handing out. It is said to be impossible for the mind to...
From the White Lotus Kitchen
Guac Around the Clock
Summer Guacamole
Everyone has their favorite guacamole recipe. Some recipes hold cherished memories of growing up, while others ignite tingly taste bud impressions of the first time they ever tasted guac. Avocados, which are rich in healthy fats and vitamins, were once a rarity in parts of the states. Now it's ho-hum avocado toast from here to Toledo. Even if we have grown spoiled by being overexposed to the green goddess, it's hard to find people who don't love guacamole.
Whether you're making simple avocado mashed on toast or with an authentic volcanic stone mortar and pestle, it's fun to experiment and mix it up. Try making your next guac with a few flavor twists that still color within the lines. If you typically...
|
