Juuuuuuice

The next 3 days are nothing but juice juice juice.

You'll be happy to hear my mood has lifted.

It's tough for me - not the hunger, that's still there but much milder - but drinking veg juices with the spice/peppery aftertaste doesn't match my sweet tooth. It's been an enlightening though, beginning to understand the difference between real hunger and the habit of eating. Since the juices are palatable but not my favourite thing, I'm taking my time with them, filling up with water and waiting until I'm  actually hungry and not just bored or stressed before I drink them.

For someone who has taken pretty good care of herself over the last few years, it's a huge eye opener to find these little areas of habit and perhaps even addiction to a "quick fix".  I'm motivated to stick with it and reset not just my body but my emotions and attitude toward food.

I love a good breakthrough ... not matter how peppery they are :)

Day 2 … Woah There Grumpy B(r)itches

Feeling ruff

Rough start to day 2 from an emotional level, I felt out of sorts and out of patience as soon as I woke. Didn't help that I didn't sleep well either, although I think that was less to do with cleansing, and more to do with the joys of city living and those sporadic 3am street gatherings.

The wonderful gift of yoga, however, is that I recognize it quickly. It gives me both insight to notice when I’m not myself, and the means to realign and re-centre should I chose. And folks, choice is important, it’s totally possible to be a yogini and decide to avoid your inner voice and fight regardless. I wish I could say I handle every situation with peace and grace, but the truth is sometimes I let myself (and my fiery Pitta) boil over. 

More often than not, those are the times that you inadvertently hurt someone you care about, whether it’s a friend or family member you snap at for no reason, or those big puppy dog eyes you get when you shout at the barking instead of tending to their needs.

So what do you do when you boil over?   Simple:

Firstly, take a moment to be silent, whether it’s quiet meditation, a yoga class, or a long walk, take the time to be by yourself and listen.

This morning I sat for just 10 minutes in meditation and the effect was palpable. Just being able to listen to, accept and, in this case, giggle at the ridiculous response having to my morning calmed me down and removed the aches and pains I was feeling in my upper back and hips (of course my root and heart chakras were over active with those emotions).

And never be afraid to keep to yourself. Being mindful doesn't mean that you have to always be bright and breezy, you can be having a s*** day too, just be mindful of it and don’t project it onto those around you. The more you practice that, practice removing yourself from situations that are likely to increase your anxiety or anger, the calmer and happier you become. Just as the more you work-out and practice improving your cardiovascular system, the stronger it becomes in every-day life.

Secondly, apologize. If you snapped at someone, go make it better.  Just do it. Don’t over-think it, don’t lead with ‘ifs’, ‘ands’ and ‘buts’ – just go say, “I’m sorry, that was wrong of me”. Remember you don’t necessarily have to explain why, but you are responsible for putting things right. And when you apologize, mean it, if you’re not calm and ready yet, wait.

To that point – if you’re reading this as a friend, family member or lover of a feisty off-balance yogi today – give them room, let them breathe, they will come to you when they’re ready and it will mean much more to you and to them when it’s not forced.

So, asides my noticeable tetchiness, things are already much easier today. My hunger pangs are further and further apart and I feel … how do I describe it … well : cleaner. The effects of putting good things into my body, and using food as medicine, whether real or imagined, have a very real impact on my general feeling of well-being. I’m already encouraged to work through the tough-spells and keep up with some of the less pleasant sides of the cleanse (FYI I’m really not looking forward to Saturday’s colon cleanse and I’m racking my brain for excuses as to why I simply can’t drink a bucket of luke warm salt-water)

I feel like I’m at that pivotal spot, easy to quit because I feel better and the idea of a juice-cleanse doesn't thrill me, but long-sighted enough to know I just have to ignore my grumbles and get through this for the benefits in the long run.

Special thank you Ms Spears for the motivational tune of my day , because sometimes, when it’s tough, you just have to put your head down and Work B****!

Not to mention it makes me giggle every time I hear her terrible Nicki Minaj-esque fake British accent, it may surprise no one that we don’t all say “gov’nor”. Bless you Brit, bless you.

Spring, scratch that, Winter Clean

I started a cleanse today, and so, for your interest … perhaps entertainment … I thought I’d blog a little about my progress along the way.

What am I doing?

The Kali Ayurvedic Yoga Detox lead by Lauren

What does it involve?

What doesn’t it involve?!

The full program will include:

*        Vegan diet (including 3 days of juicing)

*        dry-brushing and abhyanga (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abhyanga)

*        liver, colon and kidney cleanses

*        yoga, meditation and breath-work

*        self-reflection

How does it work?

Ayurveda is the sister-science to yoga, honed in over 5000 yrs and specifically tailored to your distinct dosha (you can find any number of dosha tests online – here’s a good example: http://www.yogajournal.com/health/2630 )

I fall in a split category, physically I’m Kapha, emotionally more of a Pitta.

It really doesn’t matter where you fall, and you will change over time / according to stresses etc, what’s important is trying to balance them.

Just as with yoga, the sister science works on balancing you out so that you feel more centred and relaxed, which in turn promotes well-being in all aspects of your life.

Ayurveda is not a quick fix, it is largely a preventative treatment (although an Ayurvedic specialist can work with you to treat and heal specific illnesses) that aims to promote a thoughtful approach to your nutrition and body care.  It focuses both on what’s going into your body and what you are putting on and doing with your body.

Why am I doing it?

Simply put – it’s time to clean.

I had a big move, lots of travel, holidays and sickness. It’s time to blow the cobwebs away and reset my body in preparation for the depths of winter.

And why follow this cleanse? A few reasons, initially I took interest in it because it was at my neighbourhood studio and I figured it would be a great way to meet some new people in the area. Having spent time with Lauren I’m so glad I signed up with her – she makes it so easy. We were all provided with a book of recipes, talked through every stage of the cleanse and given a bag of goodies to get us kicked off. For me the idea of “just eat vegan” is too hard, but if you give me a handful of recipes to work from I’m off, Lauren did all that and more and it’s super easy for me follow along and stay on track.

So … how are you doing?

Well, it’s only day 1 of an 8 day cleanse, but so far so good. Started the day at 6.30 (okay I lie, I snoozed and got up at 6.40 … but heck, it’s much better than the usual rushing out the door for work!). The early morning was actually lovely, and it gave me a chance to spend just a few minutes on breath-work and meditation, something I’ve long wanted to start but kept getting side-tracked by the comfort of my bed! It also feels good actually spending time on myself – not the usual rush – time to properly treat my skin, my body, and my morning.

The kidney cleanse is not enjoyable, not going to lie about that, but then I’m really not a fan of turmeric, so a blend of water, lemon, turmeric and cayenne pepper just doesn’t do it for me… but I got it down me (with some moral support) and I can manage that for 8 days …. I think!

Although I am constantly smelling turmeric today, literally everywhere, I think maybe I got some up my nose.

Worst part of the day for me was the hunger in the morning. I’m always hungry in the mornings, ALWAYS, and the cleanse requires that you always leave at least 3 hrs between meals. That for me is killer in the morning. I usually start with a protein shake, shortly followed by fruit, and then sometimes even a second piece of fruit or some nuts before lunch. Not unhealthy stuff, but constant snacking and this cleanse is designed to allow your system time to breathe and refresh itself.

I won't lie, I was pretty moany until lunch today.

Having said that it’s already close to 8 in the evening and I’m not feeling any real tiredness from the early start, if anything I feel fuller and more alert than usual. I’m actually eager to get myself home to do some yoga and take the pups out … which is a good a sign as any to sign off J See you tomorrow!

Learning to Listen

I’m the type of person who wants to help as much as possible. When I’m put into a situation where someone needs to talk I’m there ready and willing.

It has taken me some time to realize that, despite all my best intentions, whist I listen, I have a bad habit of always trying to “fix” the situation through offering advice or condolences. I play into my own need, and if I’m honest, my own ego that wants to ‘put things right’.

My advice and help always comes from the heart, which isn’t a bad start, but I still need to learn to listen instead of just hear.

As I delve into my Urban Zen training I have started to read and understand the importance of approaching situations lovingly and from a point of not-knowing. To take the time to really listen to people when they need to talk and to let them lead the conversation, taking note of what is not said as much as what is said, and most importantly to be okay with things not being okay.

I’ve often said during class that’s it’s perfectly okay to not be okay, to have an off day, to not feel great but still turn up and be present. The same is true of listening: it is okay to not be able to fix things, often people just need to talk and be heard.

I am slowly practicing the art of listening (because I believe it is indeed an art, and one that requires much practice). To step back from my need to make things better, and just let things be, allowing myself to be present to everything that comes up and therefore give my full attention whomever needs it.

If you find yourself falling into the same trap I do, try some of the following tricks:

*        Listen without agenda: allow the speaker to talk and hold your peace, notice what comes up for you, do you feel agitated, desperate to respond? It’s all good, just take a breath and carry on listening

*        Use a “speaking stick”: if you find, as I do, that you often interrupt to offer council, use a physical object to pass between yourself and the speaker. Allow them to determine when they want to hear your advice and when they just need a friend

*        Hold eye-contact: even when someone is opening up about a difficult or traumatic experience that you cannot change or fix, the intimacy of eye-contact can provide so much more solace than words

*        If you’re unsure, just ask: ask what the speaker needs. Do they want your opinions or do they just need to release a little?

*        Mind your energy: if you find that you are always on the receiving end make sure that you have your own outlets. If it feels like a draining, bad relationship where you are being used because you listen well – protect yourself by explaining clearly what you can and cannot provide. Be mindful of how much time and energy you are willing to spend and communicate that. Protect yourself so you avoid feeling overwrought and used which often leads to a need to find a ‘quick fix’ so you can move on. Remember that bringing bad energy into a relationship, no matter how well-intentioned, is more dangerous than no energy.

*        Do your best: no more, no less. You will have bad days, tired days, you will slip up and talk over people and interrupt, just keep coming back to your heart and try again, learning a little more each time.

Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.Winston Churchill

Mini Moon: Set Your Goals

The Full Wolf Moon rises tonight, and even though it's a mini-moon it is, as with every full moon, a powerful night for intention setting and magic making.

Take a few moments this evening to work out your goals for the next 4 weeks. What do you want to achieve, how are you going to achieve it and what are you willing to give up to achieve it?

Grab a pen and paper and find a peaceful cosy spot.

Sit quietly for a few minutes. Imagine yourself having already achieved your goals. Pay attention to how you feel, to what the accomplishment will bring you. After playing out this scenario a few times write down everything you experienced.

Know tonight that seeing truly is believing. If you can imagine your success it can and will be accomplished.

Dream. Believe. Act. Succeed.

Want to know a little more about the moon names and meanings? Check out The Farmers' Almanac:

Full Wolf Moon – January. Amid the cold and deep snows of midwinter, the wolf packs howled hungrily outside Indian villages. Thus, the name for January’s full Moon. Sometimes it was also referred to as the Old Moon, or the Moon After Yule. Some called it the Full Snow Moon, but most tribes applied that name to the next Moon. - http://www.farmersalmanac.com/full-moon-names/

Organized Spontaneity

As a child I always wanted to be spontaneous.

I wanted to do whatever, whenever. There was something magical about having no rules, and always being left to your own devices.

Throughout my teens and early twenties I upheld the believe that the bohemian life was the only life for me - I just needed to find a way to break the ties of bills, education and that dreaded word RESPONSIBILITY so that I could float around like the ethereal fairy all day long.

I've come to realize though. I really like routine. I like the ties that bind - friendships, family, community. All these things come with a fixed space, with communication, networking and some degree of organization and time-keeping. Your friends, for example, will only be good friends for so long if you continue to break your dates, forget to return their calls and check in on them because you're just "so out there".

The more I move around, the more I've found that I quickly like to set up social circles through routine... through finding a regular class schedule, making regular plans, and in that space, that place of organization, dependency, trust - that's where the spontaneity shines and seems magical.

I love to plan my days and have my sh*t together. I always pay my bills on time, my house is always clean, I walk my dogs at regular intervals, I'm not late for work, and I structure my days around working time, fun time, working out etc. It keeps me in a routine which allows me to pack my days to the max. I have found time to have a full time job, time to pursue my passion and heart in the studio (teaching, training and practicing), time to raise 2 happy, healthy adopted dogs, time to travel, time to build loving relationships and time to look after myself and keep myself healthy.

For me, the more structured I am, the more freed I feel. Getting stuff done when it needs to be done creates that oh so sort after commodity TIME. And alongside that time, I have built the funds to play with it and a social circle to play with.

So next time you're feeling like part of the rat race, remember that balance is key. It's okay to have a regular 9-5 and to enjoy it, it doesn't make you any less spiritual. It's okay to enjoy familiarity and routine, it doesn't make you any less open-hearted. It's okay to be organized and in control, it doesn't make you any less interesting.

Life is about balance.

You need to have the routine to recognize and appreciate the spontaneous adventure; after all, if you're on one long trip it would start to feel ... well... routine.

Climb climb climb

I read a beautiful article today in which Baron Baptiste describes yoga on and off the mat as ascending a peak with multiple pitches. What a perfect visual.

Successful climbers don't just wake up and start walking up a hill, they plan and prepare.

(1) Pick your peak: What is your goal? What are you trying to achieve?

(2) Plan: There's balance in there. Too much planning and you can get caught up in details and stuck on this idea of perfection ... not enough and you go in blind. Allow yourself time to figure out what it is you want, what you're aiming for, what you're willing to do and, importantly, what you are willing to give up to achieve your goals. And then relax, be prepared to be flexible and open-minded both on the journey and to the outcome.

(3) Check your gear: know yourself. Know what makes you tick, what makes you vulnerable, what your strengths are. On the mat it is always crucial to know where you may be strong, where flexible, where weak and where inflexible, only when you know that can you safely approach each posture without risk of injury. Off the mat this is equally critical - knowing your limits so that you can skirt them, press them, challenge them without throwing yourself so far over them that you feel defeated and broken.

(4) Train: Everything is a practice, keep at it, keep trying and learn from each push

And as Baptiste says: Precision is different to Perfectionism.

When you work with precision on the mat, you will feel empowered to make positive changes in your life too. "With a mindful, conscious practice, you can connect with your personal power, your ability to change your life."
Perfectionism is rife with self-criticism and judgement. Begin to cast judgement on your pose, your practice, or yourself as 'right' or 'wrong', and the ledge you're on can expand into a never ending plateau of self-doubt.

(5) Find a guide: It's an innately human floor to be too afraid / proud / shy to ask for help. Whatever your reason - get over yourself - we all need help, we all need a guide. Whether it's a teacher(s) you love for your yoga practice or someone you can bounce ideas off and confide in, make sure you have someone to support you and nurture you. Pick your guide carefully, they must have your best interests at heart and you must trust them completely, the type of person who knows that they will grow just in the process of assisting you in being your absolute best and most successful.

(6) Start climbing: We often spend so long planning, preparing, fretting and wondering about the what ifs that we forget to get going. You're not going to get anywhere if you don't start somewhere.

(7) Keep checking in: Every step of the way. You are not static. With each challenge, each posture, each goal you start to strengthen and open certain areas of yourself physically, mentally and emotionally. As certain areas grow you begin to expose new areas, which, it goes without saying, will start weaker. Be gentle with the new space. Check back with yourself - what now makes me tick, what now makes me vulnerable, what now are my strengths. Constant self-observation and self-reflection keeps us strong, motivated, honest and empowered.

(8) Trust your foundation: What is it that holds you up. Learn to trust the people, community, practices that hold you steady so that you can reach up for the next uncertain footing.

(9) Forget the peak and enjoy the scenery: Don't forget to breathe and look around you. The goal is great, the peak is the triumph, but it's a long journey and you can approach it 2 ways. You can miserably push yourself ever forward, head down, eyes on the prize. Or, you can choose to enjoy every step, every slip-up, every moment of success and failure, learning and growing always.

Don't aim to make it in one text-book journey to your goal - aim to make it a fun, full, heart-filled experience.

Step 3 ... success

Keeping your resolutions intentions can really be as simple as the Underpant Gnomes!

If you struggle keeping your intentions each day try this.

Write down and number your top intentions physical, spiritual or emotional and number them:

On a calendar, in your phone, on a desk diary, in a spreadsheet wherever you look every day, wherever will prompt you, simply write down the numbers that you achieved by the end of the day:

It will act as a little reminder and keep you on track. And remember the most important of the Four Agreements :

4. Always Do Your Best

Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret. ― Miguel Ruiz

Happy New Day

I love the New Year, everything feels so magical. Thinking about it this year I realized it's no different than any other day with the exception that everyone feels it. For one day a year everyone thinks with intention, everyone greets each other, everyone is looking back with honesty and forward with hope.

My intention for 2014 is to approach every day the way we approach New Year's Eve.

Let's end each day with a brief look back at our achievements and areas we could improve from the past hours, and a positive look forward with intention as to what we will manifest in the next 24 hours.

Let's greet everyone we meet with a smile - make their day better and 9 times out of 10 it will improve yours.

Each day is the opportunity for a brand new you, a brand new year, a brand new start. Spread the peace, spread the love, spread the positive intentions.

Happy New Year ... every day!