May 2010 Astanga Second Series—Nadi Shodhana
It seems appropriate to focus on Second Series as we near the longest day of the year. The Primary Series is in many ways the entryway into the asana practice of the astanga yoga system. The Primary Series builds strength and flexibility and better connection of breath and locks, foundations essential for the asanas of […]
Life is Yoga: May 2010: Language
I have been thinking a lot about language lately. During teacher training, we talk not just about cuing asana but about the way that we communicate with the world in general. In my mind, intention comes first and the words come second. The eight-limb path of Patanjali gives eight precepts or ethical guidelines for living […]
Homemade Seitan
Seitan is a meat substitute some say was invented by Buddhist monks. Seitan is made from wheat instead of soy which is better for some. It has a really nice texture which is great for dishes that require something a bit more “meaty” such as satay, or stroganoff. Many vegetarians feel that one is somehow […]
Website of the Week, Almond Milk, and iPhones!
Almond Milk: Tried a new product the other day on a whim, Blue Diamond Almond milk in the refridge section (next to the Silk). I bought the vanilla and brought it home for my kids to try. Now, I should say that my kids are not normal, I think in a good way, and already […]
Our Mate
We have a new link for the site featuring one of my dogs, Mate. Now of course she is there because I think she is cute but also as a symbol. We often think of the animal symbols for vegans being the ones that people eat like cows and pigs. Yes, it is true that […]
April 2010 Eka Pada Raja Kapotasana (One-legged King Pigeon Pose)
I love this pose! It is the antidote to the sitting, slouching, and driving we do all day long. It is also, in many ways, a counter pose for last month’s focus. Eka Pada Raja Kapotasana combines external rotation of one hip, hip extension of the other, full shoulder flexion, spinal extension, and knee and […]
Life is Yoga: April 2010
Spring is a good time to be thinking about clearing out old stuff. This can be literal like your closet, or more figurative like the baggage you carry around in your body and mind. In yogic philosophy, there is a concept called avidya. Avidya loosely translates as “incorrect perception” or “misunderstanding.” One result of avidya is samskara, […]
Mimi’s White Lasagna (and cashew cream)
Okay. So, I have been seeing recipes for this stuff called Cashew Cream in various vegan cookbooks but most recently and most prevently in the Conscious Cook by Tal Ronnen. Finally, I made some. First: Take 2 cups of raw cashews and soak them overnight in the fridge in water (water covering them completely). Then […]
Wildlife Conservation Report Card
We just received this interesting bit of information from the Defenders of Wildlife, and thought the Vegan community would benefit from it. The Conservation Report Card measures the commitment of U.S. Senators and Representatives to wildlife and habitat conservation during each Congressional session. It reviews both House and Senate votes on key conservation issues, providing […]
March 2010 Primary Series
Every year, I come back to the roots of O2 Yoga, back to the Astanga system. Every year, I teach O2 Yoga teacher training from February through June in sections of weeks and weekends. The first week is the primary series of Astanga Yoga. This to me is the foundation of what we do at […]
