I flew home from Italy on May 13, and was not sure how I would feel today, I was so happy to make it to Sandy's class which she held outdoors. The sun was shining, the lilacs were incredibly fragrant, and I felt much joy to practice with some of you.
Happy Mother's Day to all of you who are mothers in many ways: with children, with pets, and those of you who have a nurturing spirit that you share with those around you.
So, can you name some plant-based yoga poses?
NO…. I am not taking the vegan thing too far and suggesting that we only do poses named after plants! I have been getting excited about our move back outside; practicing outdoors makes me think about tree pose. So many yoga poses are named after live mammals (warriors, animals) as well as reptiles and snakes…. but how many are named after plants? I decided to think about that today without googling it. Off the top of my head, I can think of tree and lotus. Can you help me out and name some more? I look forward to hearing from you!
Meanwhile, enjoy the sunshine, move your practice outside, and do tree pose, flowering lotus and ……????
Our Practice-Plant Based Yoga Poses-Flowering Lotus
Thinking about a pose to embody our flowering garden theme (and hoping not to rely on tree pose – which I love – yet again), I discovered Flowering Lotus Pose - It is a fun pose to try and is a variation of traditional lotus pose. This pose uses core strength and hip opening while helping us work on balance and focus. It also opens our chest, strengthens lower back. You may feel energized after doing this pose.
Flowering Lotus:
Come to Baddha Konasana (bound angle pose), bending knees and bringing soles of your feet together. Sit with tall spine with your crown to the sky (or as we say in class, your tiara to the sky).
Inhaling firm your core and lift your legs rocking back on your sitting bones and balancing.
Weave your arms under your legs, lifting your chest squeezing shoulder blades and work on keeping spine straight.
Gaze upward if it feels ok in your neck and imagine you are a blossoming flower.
For more on this pose and several other flower inspired yoga poses, follow the link below for an article by Bloomon.
Meditation on Slowing Down
When the spring and summer hits, all of us New Englanders who wait for the warmer weather, try to pack so much into a sunny weekend. Do you ever wake up on a rainy day sometimes with a sense of relief? All the plans and activities that you should do and likely enjoy doing maybe sometimes can feel overwhelming? I know for me the excuse not to wake up at the crack of dawn, jump out of bed and go for my walk (which I love) sometimes feels like a rare treat. It got me thinking about how we put a lot of pressure and expectations on ourselves, even on our time off, even for “good stuff”. The need to “cram it all in”. So, perhaps think about turning the rainy day into a fun day with a good book, a blanket, and perhaps a few moments to slow down (then, when the rain slows, you can go for that walk!)
“Once she stopped rushing through life, she was amazed how much more life she had time for.” ― Unknown
Nurturing with Food – Baby Bok Choy
If I had it my way, we would eat Asian stir fry and noodle bowls 2-3 times a week. Because I live in a house with others who are not as inclined, it does not always work out that way. When I am home alone, however, I can make and enjoy whatever I want. I came up with this quick dish when I found a bag of baby bok choy in our spare fridge when Pete went away. He would certainly make and enjoy it, but probably not as his whole dinner as I did on top of farro!
Enjoy.
Link to recipe:
See you on the mat!
Namaste,
Julia Anne