November is my least favorite month and always challenging. At this time of the year, pretty much like clockwork, I dip towards depression, my thoughts are scattered, and like many others, I tend to go through some sort of seasonal health adjustment (a.k.a. cold or flu). The circle of the year draws towards completion as Earth's energies are drawn on the inward journey to hibernation that must come before renewal. Staying in tune with this centripital force has been very helpful in combating the seasonal mood disorder I used to experience (don't even get me started on the "holidays"...) Eating mindfully, respecting my need for rest, lots of warm liquids, extra vitamin C, maybe a little Echinacea, contribute to wellness. And then there's pranayama - breathing practice.

It would seem that something as basic as breathing would be, well, basic. In fact, the act of respiration is under both autonomic and voluntary control; i.e., respiratory functions are regulated by the central nervous system but the depth, pace and rate of breathing can be altered by consciously controlling the breath. And therein lies one of Yoga's greatest tools.

I've been reading, and thoroughly enjoying, Richard Rosen's "The Yoga of Breath," and noticing my own breathing as a result. There is so much to know! I've just become aware of how forced - or constricted - my breath sometimes is. This kind of minute observation can be extremely enlightening, as the link between breath, emotion and mind is slowly revealed. For instance, my pattern of either holding my breath, or taking a large "gulp" of inhale, as if there will never be enough. Then a rather hard exhale, as if it could be dangerous to hold on to too much air. Then a sort of dribbling out of what remains of the exhale. How interesting!

A simple technique gleaned in a "Yoga for Asthma" workshop managed to calm my mind enough to have a satisfactory meditation for the first time in weeks. While most pranayama practices really can't be learned from a book, this "single breath with a slight pause" can be done safely without a lot of training.

THE PRACTICE: Breathe in and out through the nose. Fill and empty the lungs as completely as possible, without forcing. Keep the posture erect but not stiff, and the chin parallel to the floor. If you become dizzy or lightheaded at any time, stop immediately and return the breath to normal.

Take a few normal breaths, then breathe in slowly, gently and deliberately. Pause. Breathe out, slowly and gently. Pause. Continue. Try to keep the breath even and steady. Notice any thoughts or feelings that arise. When this pattern feels comfortable, begin to count the breath: Inhale 1, 2, 3, 4, pause... Exhale 1, 2, 3, 4, pause. If this feels okay, again very gently increase the length of the exhalation until it is twice as long as the inhale. Inhale 1, 2, 3, 4, pause... Exhale 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, pause. Continue for only a few minutes to begin with. After the practice, take a few moments with the eyes closed to fully absorb the benefits. Notice how much calmer you feel. Carry this feeling within you for the rest of the day. Namaste!

[reprinted from 11/13/2009]

A profound realization came over me this weekend, after teaching my Reiki workshop on Saturday. It continues to vibrate its way through my system.

Being about halfway into my 52 day pre-birthday shakeup (in some teachings, the 52 days are ruled by Saturn bringing order, contraction, and Karmic change, in others each day in the 52 represents a week of the previous year and old "stuff" will come up to be healed), the lessons have been thick & heavy as dense sharp snowflakes, and about as much fun to experience... trying to view each seeming problem and interpersonal conflict as a mirror, as in: what is it inside of ME that shadows or reflects this person/emotion/conflict I'm experiencing? Where have I been unyielding, mean, bossy, un-compassionate? Hmm even with myself.

That's one thing.

The other was: maybe, just maybe, I don't have to try so hard.

In usual fashion, I went berserk before the class, preparing packets, going over the class outline, cleaning, making snacks & tea... of course that's necessary prep but what wasn't necessary was the obsessive worrying that went along with it - - that undermining nasty little voice from childhood, or a past life? - - people wouldn't like the class, I wasn't a good teacher, that I'm - let's just say it - a fraud. Clearly one of my worst fears, unspoken til now. None of that is the truth. The four lovely young women who paid their money and placed their faith in my ability to teach healing arts were not disappointed in the least. They were glowing, happy beyond expectation, and all want to continue to the next level of learning. (And a big shout-out and tons of gratitude to them!)

 One valuable observation: In the context of what I do at least, people love to be given the opportunity and luxury of time to absorb information, energy and teachings.Then practice and experience and feel it on their own, like allowing a soft rain to penetrate and nourish. I could have easily allowed double the time for practice and feedback, and not talked so much, and trusted that my group would "get" what they needed to receive from the class.

And in turn I learned: another level of belief and confidence in myself and my abilities. To trust in the wisdom and goodness of the guidance of the Universe. Affirmation that I am on the right path, that when something appears to be not working, there's a good chance it's the wrong thing, no matter how many closed doors "appear" to be in front of me, just to side of each door there is another, brighter opening.

-proportions and measurements are somewhat arbitrary
-start with a really good homemade stock (vegetable or chicken)

1 1/2 Tbl good olive oil
1 med yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 yellow potatoes, peeled & cubed
1 large sweet apple, peeled, cored and cubed
1 bunch fresh, firm golden beets (3-4 beets, preferably with tops) cleaned & cubed
1 qt stock
1 1/2 tsp minced fresh ginger
1/2 tsp fennel seed
1/2 tsp dry ginger
1/3 c heavy cream or silk soy creamer
salt
pepper

Heat the oil in a large soup pot over low/med heat; add the fennel seed and let the flavor develop for a minute or so; add onion, garlic, ginger and a bit of salt and SLOW saute til translucent and "melted", about 10 min. Add potato, apple and beets, coating and blending the flavors. Add a grind of fresh pepper, the dry ginger and the stock; raise heat to a boil, then lower to a medium simmer and cook till the beets are really soft, about 30 minutes. Check for seasonings, adding pepper and salt to taste.

Beat with stick blender or in a real blender to a smooth puree; for a more elegant presentation put through a sieve. Add cream and serve.

[the beet tops are wonderful lightly braised with a bit of olive oil & garlic; drizzle with a tsp each of honey and rice vinegar, pinch of salt, a little cayenne for sweet & sour yumminess!]

After years of trying to improvise, I finally broke down and bought an ice-cream maker. Have to say it's worth every penny - and the extra shelf space it will occupy in the cooler months. The workhorse "Ice-20" by Cuisinart is on close-out right now and can be had for under $35 if you shop around. It's probably being replaced by the exact same device with some planned obsolescence built in, like digital touch pad or something. The resulting frozen goodies cannot, in my experience, be replicated by repeated freezing and puree-ing which is what I've been doing forever.
Which leads to recipes.
Merely freezing fruit juice, like lime/lemonade or mango, produces an acceptable sorbet-like creation, but a bit on the watery and icy side, more like a granita. While refreshing, they lack the density and creaminess I was looking for. After reading up on David Lebovitz's suggestions (http://www.davidlebovitz.com/) I followed the recipe below adding a touch of rose' and processing for 30 minutes. The base is more like fruit jam than juice and the result definitely commercial-quality: almost disturbing so. Next time I'll try less sugar, more fruit, maybe a fruit concentrate like frozen apple juice for sweetness (and I actually reduced the amount of sugar!). But the difference in fresh ingredients is unbelievable; making your own sorbet and ice cream is really easy and fun, and I highly recommend giving it a try!



RHUBARB-RASPBERRY SORBET
Adapted from "Epicurious" recipe

3 Tbl lemon juice (1 average lemon)
1 c "florida crystals" organic cane sugar
1 c water
2.5 c rhubarb in 1/2" slices
1 c raspberries
1 Tbl agave syrup
1 Tbl rose' wine

Put first 3 ingredients into a large heavy saucepan over low heat to dissolve sugar. Raise to med/hi, add fuit, bring to simmer and cook about 10 min. until fruit is soft. Let cool; puree completely in blender (or use immersion blender). Optional: push through sieve to remove seeds and stringy bits. Put in fridge to chill, then use ice cream maker following manufacturer's directions. Add agave and rose' in the last 10 minutes of processing. It's a gorgeous rose-pink color and textured just like Sharon's or Haagen Das sorbet!

coming next: mango sorbet; banana-ginger sorbet; coconut ice cream with saffron; decadent peach ice cream.

Woefully behind in my blogging despite all good intentions! Each day, often more than once, I become completely saturated with experience, swamped by a profound sense of disorientation, weepy with happiness at being face-to-face with what I have only imagined - is this normal for travelers, or is it just me?
Thursday Musee d'Orsay (does not allow photos inside). Converted rail station houses France's collection of 19th-early 20th century works. J'adore Impressionism, and several blissful and enlightening hours were spent with Degas' delicate, fragile pastels; Monet's Rouen Notre Dame series (cathedral in every shade of light & season); Madame Renoir in her apricot jacket, nursing their baby boy. Exit museum, took some exterior photos. Walk along the Seine, return via trusty 68 bus

Friday early coffee, a short walk thru Luxembourg Gardens, the open-air market at Blvd Raspail (bought lots of veggies, turns out the French all-bread zero-fiber diet not so good for digestion...) back to the apt. for lunch and then - Time to rest so I can take it on again!!
.


 Now I use my transit pass on the Metro for the first time, rather that the bus. Braved the obnoxiously long security line to enter Sainte-Chapelle on Ile de le Cite', an island in the middle of the Seine and the very center of Paris - glorious late Gothic chapel (12th-13th century) whose 15 stained glass windows depict 1,113 biblical scenes; I read that the windows were dismantled before the occupation so they would be safe, and then painstakingly re-assembled after the war. I debated making the next obvious tourist stop: Notre Dame de Paris. Glad I did. That is one impressive house o' god. Luckily no line, and a mass was in progress with ethereal vocalists and organ, and a service in French made quite bearable. Lit a candle, took some more photos. Phew done. Once again I am full of sights, sounds and... beauty, in a good way. A very good way.


It's been chilly and mostly cloudy, so when sunshine was forecast for Saturday I decided that would be the day for my pilgrimage to Giverny and Monet's garden. Plus a continuation to the medieval city of Rouen, since I would already be in Normandy, and who knows when I'll get back here This trip required a somewhat complicated metro transfer, departing from Gare Lazarre, lots of steps, and a train ride out into the French countryside. And a delayed shuttle bus.
Giverny is the most-visited site in France and being a weekend, was pretty crowded. I didn't care, and I hate crowds. The gardens meet and exceed all expectations. I'd love to go back mid-week, at a slightly different time of the year to see what was growing there. It's just spectacular. Monet's house is also fabulous. I mean, it's MONET's House!!
 
Returning to the little village proved to be a problem, since apparently May 8 is a national holiday (has something to do with WWII) and the bus schedule we were given was completely wrong. Waiting for the next shuttle would have made me miss the train to Rouen, so I did what any self-respecting child of the 70's would do - I stuck out my thumb. Got a ride to the station and arrived in Rouen about 40 minutes later. I rather wish I'd had more time to wander, take pictures and visit all the sights in this fascinating old town, but unfortunately that day I had to conform to a schedule.

More photos from these 3 days can be seen here.

Here I am at last! Paris, city of light, love, and art, and food capital of the known universe. I love to travel but my body doesn't, and since arriving yesterday around 2pm local I've basically slept, eaten, slept and eaten again.

Actually not a bad start.

Oh and figured out the bus system (more-or-less) and purchased a 5-day Paris Visite' transit pass, an unbelievable deal at around 28 Euros. I'll be taking the bus a lot; it's a great way to see the streets. Gosh darn they were right  - Paris is beautiful! so civilized and clean, and to this formerly unhappy city dweller, really quiet. In fact the apartment where I'm staying is way quieter than where I live in upstate NY. The architecture in the immediate area (Montparnasse & the Left Bank) just gorgeous. The energy is amazing, and every person I've interacted with extremely helpful and friendly.


In the process of looking for (and not finding) a morning coffee, I actually found the ONE go-to bakery in the city, legendary Eric Kayser. 2 cafe cremes and a chocolate croissant later, I retrace my steps, locate a fromagerie, charcueterie, and wine shop for the next meal. After this I'll venture back out and see if I can get lost on the way to Musee d'Orsay.

More photos from the trip can be seen here.

I am determined to stay healthy this season.

And since it seems that nearly everyone I know, including those younger and seemingly stronger than I, have succumbed to colds and flu, I figure I must be doing something right! As a person with a formerly compromised immune system this realization is making me very happy and grateful indeed.


Benefits of nasal rinse:

• Removes mucus and pollution of the nasal passages and sinuses
• Helps to prevent respiratory tract diseases
• Daily use relieves allergies, colds and sinusitis
• Cooling and soothing to the mind, relieves drowsiness
  
• Beneficial in the treatment of headaches and migraines
• Alleviates anxiety, anger and depression
• Makes the head and sense organs feel light and fresh

My next tool is a regular Pranayama practice - yogic breathing. Deergha Swasaam (deep three-part breath) and Kapalabhati (rapid abdominal breath) help to calm the nervous system, relieve stress, strengthen the breathing apparatus, and clear excess phlegm and toxins from the system.

It's wise to completely avoid cold food or drinks (and white sugar products, which are like poison to my system). A thermal carafe of warming cinnamon, ginger and orange peel tea is kept on the kitchen counter, ready for sipping all day long. I also take Ayurvedic immune-supporting herbal tablets and sometimes a Chinese Echinacea formula during the winter months. Moderate, enjoyable physical activity within tolerance, and obviously respecting my body's need for rest, quiet and rejuvenation, and here I am, the dead of winter and doing great!

Maintaining balance in any season is within everyone's reach... contact madhurihealing@optonline.net for more information or to purchase a Neti pot, "Immune Support", Nasya Oil and other healthy products. Namaste'!!

November is my least favorite month and always challenging. At this time of the year, pretty much like clockwork, I dip towards depression, my thoughts are scattered, and like many others, I tend to go through some sort of seasonal health adjustment (a.k.a. cold or flu). The circle of the year draws towards completion as Earth's energies are drawn on the inward journey to hibernation that must come before renewal. Staying in tune with this centripital force has been very helpful in combating the seasonal mood disorder I used to experience (don't even get me started on the "holidays"...) Eating more carefully, respecting my need for rest, lots of warm liquids, extra vitamin C, maybe a little Echinacea, contribute to wellness. And then there's pranayama - breathing practice.

It would seem that something as basic as breathing would be, well, basic. In fact, the act of respiration is under both autonomic and voluntary control; i.e., respiratory functions are regulated by the central nervous system but the depth, pace and rate of breathing can be altered by consciously controlling the breath. And therein lies one of Yoga's greatest tools.

I've been reading, and thoroughly enjoying, Richard Rosen's "The Yoga of Breath," and noticing my own breathing as a result. I maintain a (nearly) daily meditation and pranayama practice and have been (fairly) consistent with the breathing for about four years. But still there is so much to know! I've just become aware of how forced - or constricted - my breath is on the exhale.This kind of minute observation can be extremely enlightening, as the link between breath, emotion and mind is slowly revealed. For instance, my pattern of either holding my breath, or taking a large "gulp" of inhale, as if there will never be enough. Then a rather hard exhale, as if it could be dangerous to hold on to too much air. Then a sort of dribbling out of what remains of the exhale. Hmm. How interesting!

Noticing that pattern this morning, and applying as a remedy a simple technique recently learned in a "Yoga for Asthma" workshop, I managed to calm my mind enough to have a satisfactory meditation for the first time in weeks. While most pranayama practices really can't be learned from a book, this "single breath with a slight pause" can be done safely without a lot of training.

THE PRACTICE: Breathe in and out through the nose. Fill and empty the lungs as completely as possible, without forcing. Keep the posture erect but not stiff, and the chin parallel to the floor. If you become dizzy or lightheaded at any time, stop immediately and return the breath to normal.

Take a few normal breaths, then breathe in slowly, gently and deliberately. Pause. Breathe out, slowly and gently. Pause. Continue. Try to keep the breath even and steady. Notice any thoughts or feelings that arise. When this pattern feels comfortable, begin to count the breath: Inhale 1, 2, 3, 4, pause... Exhale 1, 2, 3, 4, pause. If this feels okay, again very gently increase the length of the exhalation until it is twice as long as the inhale. Inhale 1, 2, 3, 4, pause... Exhale 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, pause. Continue for only a few minutes to begin with. After the practice, take a few moments with the eyes closed to fully absorb the benefits. Notice how much calmer you feel. Carry this feeling within you for the rest of the day.

Try this delicious Ayuvedic-inspired soup if you are feeling run-down, out of balance, "fighting" off an illness, or to recover more quickly if you do happen to become sick. It is warming, nourishing, alkalizing, easy to digest and helps dispel mucous.
 


6 c water
1" fresh ginger, peeled & sliced
1/4 - 1/2 tsp fresh-ground black pepper
3 cloves
1/2 stick cinnamon
Pinch of cayenne pepper to taste (optional for Pitta)
1/4 tsp dried ginger (optional for Pitta)
1-6 cloves garlic, peeled & left whole (optional for Pitta)
2 dried shitake mushrooms (optional for Vata)
One 2-3" piece of wakame
1/3 c basmati rice
1 carrot, sliced
1/2 onion, sliced
1 c shredded cabbage
Up to 1 c other veggies (squash, kale, brocolli, bok choy etc.)
tamari
honey
rice or apple cider vinegar

Bring water to a boil and add ginger. Lower heat to a simmer, wash & drain rice, add along with garlic, remaining spices, mushroom & wakame, and simmer while you chop the veggies. Raise heat to medium, add vegetables and cook til veggies & rice are done, 10-15 min. Remove from heat & spoon into bowls; add 1/4-1 tsp each of tamari, honey, and vinegar to taste to each serving.

Alice needs help. Well, to back up a bit: as some of you may know, I’m a massage therapist/yoga instructor specializing in populations with HIV, cancer, seniors, and special needs kids. I’ve spent a good bit of my life not caring about money. In recent years I’ve inched towards fiscal responsibility, but the past decade hasn’t been especially conducive, and lately it’s been like trying to stand up in heavy surf - just getting to your feet when another wave comes by to knock you down again. A while back (at least several years) I began having hip pain but didn’t think much of it. I would stretch, do some yoga, get a massage, use arnica, etc… which then progressed to NSAIDS, shorter hikes, more pain, sciatica, sometimes being laid up for a day or two. Like many massage therapists, I don’t have health insurance and just never went to the doctor, instead relying on the alternative therapies I practice and believe in. This spring it became obvious that whatever was going on was serious and getting worse, not better. I obtained insurance, got an x-ray and saw an orthopedic specialist, who diagnosed severe osteoarthritis and said I need a total hip replacement. Not a great thing when your job entails being on your feet! I’ve had to curtail my work hours; for every day of work I am immobilized for two. My savings is gone. I need to get the surgery sooner rather than later – I’m shooting for October – so I can get my life back to normal! I’ll be out of work for 4-6 weeks and need funds for living expenses, hospital & surgical deductibles, renting specialized equipment, physical therapy etc. I know I’ve done much good in the world; I give freely of my time, money and services. Now I am the one who needs assistance. If you can help out with any amount from one dollar to infinity, you will receive my deep gratitude and the blessings of the Universe. Donations can be made in cash, via paypal/ website http://madhuritherapeutics.com/cart2.html or by check/snail mail (email for details). Any questions, you can reach me at madhurihealing@optonline.net or on facebook. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you!!

More companies are waking up to the evils of stress and the ways yoga can help relieve it:  http://eba.benefitnews.com/news/yoga-can-help-employees-stretch-away-stress-anxiety-burnout-2671910-1.html

Q: "What's your take on yoga in America"

"Yoga in America is way too asana oriented. Ninety percent of yoga asana is a waste of time. The asana must be done to prepare the body to hold the light of the soul. Most people just want all of the stuff the ego likes: a firm body and ways to impress people. We should be striving to find a real connection with the Divine."      -- [Aadil Palkhivala interview in Yoga Journal]

To many people, Yoga means one thing - physical postures, or asana. In fact this is a very narrow, modern, and "American" way of looking at this ancient system of living, and is symptomatic of our culture's obsession with the body and the material plane of existence. Asana is actually the most recently added aspect of Yoga, and in classical times was considered the least important. I've been studying The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali on my own, somewhat sporadically, and yesterday travelled to Integral Yoga® Institute in NYC to take part I of an advanced Raja Yoga course – an in-depth study of the Sutras not covered in our basic Yoga teacher training. The Yoga Sutras are the basis for Raja Yoga, their brief and often cryptic passages presenting a complete guide to the purpose, study and practice of Yoga: to overcome mental obstacles, relieve suffering and know your true self. Kind of like a user's manual for being human. What is so fascinating about the Yoga Sutras is that they are just a framework, and need large amounts of explanation to make any sense at all. Originally the Sutras were verbal discourse, passed down orally from Master to student to Master over possibly thousands of years, added to and embellished, then finally re-condensed and codified by Patanjali – minus the explanations. Today there are over a dozen translations of the Yoga Sutras in print, and each translator/author expounds their own "take" on the material. Even then, there are massive amounts of background material referencing other ancient scriptures such as the Bhagavad Gita and Rig Vedas, esoteric anatomy and many other topics. Without this background, a complete picture is hard to grasp.