Spiced Persimmon Turmeric Tea

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4 to 6

In this tea ginger supports digestion, fragrant cinnamon helps to regulate blood sugar and has anti-microbial properties, persimmons are a natural remedy for acid reflux and turmeric along with the black pepper has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

• 8 cups/64oz filtered water
• One 3 inch piece peeled and thinly sliced fresh ginger
• One 3 inch piece peeled and thinly sliced fresh turmeric root
• 1 teaspoon fresh good quality peppercorns
• 6 good quality cinnamon sticks, preferably celyon cinnamon
• 2 small or 1 large fuyu persimmon, thinly sliced (save a few slices for serving)
• Sweetener of choice (ex. honey or stevia) to taste

Place the water, ginger, turmeric, peppercorns, cinnamon sticks and persimmon slices in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower heat, and simmer on low for 20 to 30 minutes.
Strain tea through a fine mesh strainer (or pour through a coffee filter to catch sediment).
Pour into cups or bowls. The softened persimmons may also be added or add a few fresh slices for garnish and serve adding preferred sweetener to taste.
Alternatively you can cool the tea to room temperature and refrigerate for a couple of days and reheat as desired.

Courtesy of: http://gourmandeinthekitchen.com

Discover Your Dosha

Transform your own practice and add extra to your teaching routine with this exceptionally useful video. 

But before discover your mind-body (dosha) constitution: Kapha-Vata_Pitta. ayurveda.com/pdf/constitution.pdf

Ever wondered what you've been chanting in the class?

Lokah samastha sukhino bhavantu.

This Sanskrit phrase translates into English as “May all beings everywhere be happy and free. May the thoughts and actions of my own life, contribute in some way, to the happiness and freedom for all”.

The Whole of Life is Show Business

I always have been feeling that some part of me relates to show business - entertainment, bringing fun, excitement and happiness to people. Even teaching yoga these days, I realize that this is part of my entertainment. My eyes, heart and spirit are asking for more and more when the class is finished. And I feel so satisfied and happy after exchanging the energy, seeing same faces and meeting new ones. It's just amazing!

And here is a regular Saturday portion of wisdom by Sri Gurudev, exactly about spirituality in show-biz. Enjoy!

Question: is it possible to develop spiritually while working in a highly competitive and hectic field such as show business?

Answer: We call it show business. Why? Do you think that show business is to show somebody else something? No. Show business is to show you something: yourself. it will teach you about the worth and the worthlessness of things in life. Yes. Show business means it's all just made up. It's all superficial. And when you learn that lesson, then you can use that same philosophy in your life. The whole of life is show business: what am I doing here? I'm playing my part. What are you doing there? You're acting your part. We are having a show. There is no superior and inferior cast in this. We are all needed to make the show. You have taken a part; so play it well. We are all one in spirit, but I am playing the part of the teacher today. You now are playing the part of being a little ignorant. Behave that way. Don't get up and say, "I know more than you!” The show will collapse. When the curtain falls, we are all one and the same. The whole world is superficial; it's constantly, constantly changing. Our relationships change, our situations change, our positions change, our names change. I was a baby, then I became a young boy, then an adult, then an old man. Changes, changes, changes. So what is the reality? The spiritual truth. We are all essentially one. That never changes. Where can you learn this truth faster than in show business?

~ by Sri Swami Satchidananda

Elvis doing Yoga

Hilarious!
Should re-watch the 1967 movie 'Easy Come Easy Go' with Elvis Presley as a Lt. Ted Jackson.
Enjoy the twist ;-)

P.S. Could be a good song for a kids yoga class ;-)

Enjoying the Today

My today's mantra: Keep being challenged, but stay grounded and true to yourself, on and off the mat.

Recent YJ article on perfecting asanas (poses) and discovering your new body after the birth made me feel a bit dualistic... hmmm!

It sounds not very promising for me when I start thinking and imagining myself having a postnatal break of getting joy and happiness from a regular teaching and practicing Yoga.... But I do realize that instead, I'm receiving the biggest joy in my life, a new arrival of a precious little one ... very soon.

So, as a closing line, it's really hard for the mind, but I'm trying to stay grounded, conscious and thankful of the present moment and expect nothing from the near future. Just enjoy fully what you are doing and having right now!

Peace & Love to All,
-LK-

Remember an old-school rolling tongue?

It's 97F/36C in DC today! Stay at least hydrated and cool... trying Sitali pranayam.

It's really fun, try doing it with kids/or a partner. Just imagine a spagetti in your mouth... and breath in ;-) Stay cool!

Yoga & Fashion, oh la la!

Be beautiful inside and outside! Purveyor of all things bohemian, Free People has partnered up with California fitness brand Solow to launch a new yoga label, FP Movement.

The debut collection includes 10 styles, including sports bras, tanks, pullovers, cropped leggings, yoga shorts, and workout pants in chic solid colors and tie-dye patterns.

Know the Do Not Eat List!

The Do Not Eat List - listen to the awesome exclusive interview with Dr. Alejandro Junger - cardiologist and cleanse specialist.

Sunday recipe: CHEESECAKE

Surprise someone you love with this easy breezy dream cake, especially if that special someone is YOU.

FAIRY LEMON RASPBERRY CHEESECAKE

Crust

• 2 c walnuts
• 1 c shredded coconut
• 1 c golden raisins, golden figs or candied ginger-soaked in water 15 minutes to soften
• ¹⁄ 3 t celtic sea salt

1. process everything together until coarse
2. remove from processor and place on the bottom spring form pan
3. using your hands press to flatten across the bottom of the pan
4. chill in the freezer while you make the puree next

Saturday Quote

I believe that life is a journey, often difficult and sometimes incredibly cruel, but we are well equipped for it if only we tap into our talents and gifts and allow them to blossom.
-Les Brown-

Chocolate Mousse

Dedicated to my health conscious and sweet tooth friends!
A fabulous recipe is perfect for vegans and anyone on a dairy-free diet. Instead of full-fat cream and eggs, London-based healthy food business owners and sisters Melissa & Jasmine Hemsley, use a very Brazilian combination of avocado and banana!

Ingredients (use organic ingredients where possible)

• 1 chilled ripe hass avocado
• 1 frozen, medium-sized, ripe banana
• 3.5 tablespoons of raw cacao powder
• 2 - 3 tablespoons of raw honey
• 1 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons of chilled water
• 1 tiny pinch of sea salt
• 1 bar of chilled sugar free dark chocolate - to decorate

Instructions 

1. This is an instant recipe, just keep a stock of sliced bananas in your freezer. If you only have a hand blender use unfrozen bananas, blend and then pop each serving into the freezer for an hour or two and remove 15 - 20 minutes before eating.

Saturday Quote

Let us be grateful for the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.
-Marcel Proust-

Why Alternate Nostril Breathing is powerful?

Alternate Nostril Breathing is one of the simplest and most powerful pranayama in yoga. Breathing through the left nostril is calming, while breathing through the right nostril is energizing. Alternate nostril breathing balances these forces within you. Try it.. three minutes! And enjoy!

Saturday Quote

"One of the main discoveries of meditation is seeing how we continually run away from the present moment, how we avoid being here just as we are. That’s not considered to be a problem. The point is to see it."
(Wisdom Of No Escape)

What is Vinyasa really about?

I love the full and firm explanation of what Vinyasa is about by Tim Feldman. Specifically, that he talks about the importance and integration of body locks (bandhas) in your class.

Postures are linked together through flowing movement (vinyasa). Vinyasa means breath synchronized with movement. In Ashtanga Yoga the movement is always synchronized with the breath and there is never a separation between the two actions. When the synchronization of movement and breathing is an integral part of the yoga practice and the three body locks (Moolabandha, Udiyanabandha and jalandarabandha) are applied, an internal, purifying heat is generated in the body. Unwanted toxins are released and disposed of, vital hormones and minerals flow into the bloodstream and the nervous system is purified. The result is a light and strong body.

Text written by Tim Feldmann and approved by Pattabhi Jois, and his grandson, Sharath Rangaswami.

Need Fiber? Get Barley!

Here comes Sunday Recipe post from my kitchen to yours with love!
This barley mushroom pilaf is one of the easiest, heartiest and still healthiest weeknight dinner option. Try this delicious recipe with an Eastern European twist.
Comparing fiber content in one (1) cup of conventional carbs we eat for dinner, barley is the most healthy (!) and filling one.  [Fiber Content in Grams: Whole wheat bread  - 2 ; Brown rice  - 3.5 ; Oatmeal  - 3.9 ; Whole wheat spaghetti  - 6.3 ; Barley  - 13.6]

Barley Mushroom Pilaf

barley mushroom pilaf by -LK-

• 1/2 cup fresh sliced mushrooms
• 2 tsp olive oil (I used coconut oil)
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 3 cups vegetable broth 
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions
• 1/4 tsp crushed dried rosemary
• 2 tbsp grated fresh Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast - for a vegan twist. (I used sour cream, instead).

Preparation:

Saturday Quote

"Striving to turn our dreams into reality, we end up turning reality into a nightmare."

Prabhuji

From Core work to Firefly

She is my inspiration - her strength and flexibility rocks!

Ready to come closer to Tittibhasana (Firefly Pose)? Benefits of the firefly pose are inner groins and back torso stretch;  arms and wrists strength and belly toning. But without the intensive core work (which I love to teach in my classes) we will be far from the goal...

Love you body, mind and yoga and enjoy a beautiful flexible and strong body in the demonstration below.

Sneak Peek for tonight's Candlelight Yoga

I'm so excited about the Candlelight Yoga Event tonight! Check my favorite song from a 90-minute playlist for sneak peek! Her style is defined as jazz, rock, pop and psychedelia. So you choose what is closer to you... Enjoy the music and see you tonight!

Live in This Moment

Yoga means union with the authentic, with the real… Our experience of life as thinking beings is from a past and towards a future, ignoring the present. We live from the yesterday and towards the tomorrow, from what no longer exists, towards what does not yet exist. But we lose the now. We live from that stale world of the known, towards a world of hopes, expectations, fantasies, dreams and illusions, which draws us into an interminable search for aims and results.

Mondays are no Fun, unless...

Love this! The Vampire Diaries‘ star Nina Dobrev stopped by Conan Wednesday night and used him as a human wall for her yoga demonstration. Things got a little bit footsie…

Sunday recipe: Almond Milk Drink

This almond milk recipe definitely is in my to-do list. I found it on one of my favorite chef gourmet blogs: Oggi. The place where I borrow inspirations into my home.
Besides the fact it looks elegant, smells pretty and tastes refreshing, the every single ingredient from this recipe works great for you.

• --> Rose water - nourishes skin & hair cells.
• --> Almonds -  a rich source of vitamin E (a beauty vitamin) and manganese (bones)  - more than 40% of DV each. And  of course, high in healthy fats & protein.

Almond Milk Drink

Almond Milk

• 1½ cups blanched whole almonds
• ¼ cup sugar, or better to say to taste (!)
• filtered water
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract
• ½ teaspoon rose water
• 1 cup cold milk (or water - for vegans)

Instructions:

Saturday Quote

"We cannot do anything to change what happens around us; we can do a lot to change our way of interpreting it..."  - Prabhuji

Candlelight Yoga on the Roof

Can't wait for the next Sunday, May' 20th!

We will start at 8:30. Sunset is perfectly on time, at 8:18pm; temperature is 81°/ 64°! Candles are just ordered! A special music compilation and smoothing yoga sequence write-up is in my plan for the week! Oh, and treats... will be a secret surprise to my guests ;-)

The event is open to friends and family members of 425 Mass residents only. Pre-booking on the reservation site is a must, is free and donations are welcome. Contribution will go to YoKid nonprofit  that helps to bring the benefits of yoga and meditation to under-served children in DC-MD-VA.

3 minute Office Yoga

Start or finish your busy working day with a 3-minute office (i.e chair) yoga, showed by the celebrity yoga instructor Kristin McGee at CBS News. Enjoy the twists and hip openers! ;-)

And for a 60 min journey see you on the Rooftop soon.

Your,
Liana

Saturday Quote

The practice of patience protects us from losing our composure. In doing that it enables us to exercise discernment, even in the heat of difficult situations. It gives us inner space. And within that space we gain a degree of self-control, which allows us to respond to situations in an appropriate and compassionate manner rather than being driven by our anger and irritation. - Dalai Lama

Are You a Yogi Fashionista?

Cultivate the beauty on and off the mat! Find a note, quote or a visual object which will remind you about bringing a bit more care and love to yourself and others!

photo credit to yogaenmouvement©

What does your favorite pose say about you?

Handstand on the Rooftop Pool

Do you know that your favorite poses can give you valuable insight into your personality?
My favorites are forward bends and inversons. No wonder why many people told me about my creativity... What are yours?

If you like:

• Forward Bends… You prefer to keep your own counsel like a smart ostrich. At those times when life gets overstimulating—too many choices and too much responsibility—forward bends seduce you with the sweet serenity of folding inward and retreating from the world.

• Twists… You like to know who and what's going on around and behind you. You don't see things in black or white but are stimulated by multi-dimensional situations and are not afraid of tension. Twists are a natural draw for those who find nourishment and joy from connecting to people and places while staying firmly grounded.

• Backbends… You find it refreshing to reverse the typical schlump of desk, car or depression. It feels good to rest your soft, open front on your confident, flexible spine and take in a big breath. Turning yourself inside out is quite extra-ordinary! For shy types this is scary and a true victory. For extroverts, it's a natural as a sensuous morning stretch.

• Balancing on One Leg… You are more curious about precision than perfection. For you, nothing is more fun than figuring out how to sway like a tree and still stay upright. You don't even mind falling over because you always get back up and try again, understanding that is truly the heart of practice anyway. 

• Inversions... You've learned to include fears in the mix of a total experience. Perhaps you've started to blur the distinction between upside down and right side up, allowing for a vibrant sense of nowness wherever or however you are. Creative types who see things from all sides are drawn to inversions and so are those of us who just like to shake things up!

Copyright  Natural Solutions

Healthy and Hearty Muffins

You probably know that oat bran is more nutritious and filling than oats in terms of fiber and protein content.

So, I found this healthy treat recipe which will be a perfect Sunday breakfast. Enjoy and give it a try too.

Gibbs Banana Oat Bran Muffins

Gibbs Banana Oat Bran Muffins

Minutes to Prepare: 10

Minutes to Cook: 15
Number of Servings: 12

Ingredients:

• Oat Bran, 2.25 cup 
• Baking Powder, 3 tsp 
• Maple Syrup or sugar, .25 cup 
• Milk, nonfat, 1.25 cup 
• Egg white, 2 serving 
• Banana, fresh, .75 cup, mashed 
• Almonds, .5 cup, chopped
• (optional: handful of raisins / blueberries and .25 cup of shredded coconut)

Directions
Combine dry ingredients in mixing bowl, blend wet ingredients together and mix gently with dry ingredients. Bake at 450 for 12-15 minutes.

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user OSAUSSIE.

Specials for Yoga on the Roof

After ten (10) years of working in marketing for large int'l corporations, I couldn't stop my heart and brains from offering Specials and Events (see the image below) to my regular and new yoga students in 425 Mass. I love teaching and want to share the yoga practice and its powerful vehicle of 'body - mind - spirit' transformation with others.

So, my friends, if you consider joining the 'Yoga on the Roof" club, you can find the schedule here.

Specials 

Saturday Quote

Once two children were talking to each other. One child said, "If you show me where God is, I'll give you an apple." The other child looked around and said, "I'll give you two apples if you show me where God is not!"

Imagine a plain stone. Keep rubbing it and it will begin to shine. It will reflect light. If you just leave it crude, it won't reflect the light. By polishing it more, you make it express what always was there.
There are holy vibrations in every place, but it is in our hands to make it a holy place. Sometimes, even if it is a holy place, if we don't reinforce that sanctity, the place will slowly lose its expression of holiness.

- by Sri Swami Satchidananda

Zen jewelry

AddGold Snowflake Mandala Bangle Bracelet caption

Dream Mullick, a friend of mine from New Mexico, is a talented jewelry designer.
Her new collection has just arrived and has an inexplicable pull. It draws inspiration from the beauty of nature, the depth of ancient cultures and from her own dreams. To review it and order, click here: www.dreammullick.com

Webinar: Green Juice Therapy

Listen to Lisa Wilson's webinar "Green Juice Therapy...The Solution to Pollution is Dilution". To access this presentation is for the next 48 hours, click the link below: www.globalteleclass.com  

Swollen legs

Having a private class with a mom-to-be tomorrow morning. While preparing for a class, I found a great resource with video tips particularly for yoga exercises during pregnancy. And this one - "swollen legs" - might be interesting for a wider audience (including me, of course ;-).

 

the movie 'Yoga Planet', Canada (2011)

I watched the 'Yoga Planet' movie yesterday at Goethe Institute, Washington DC.
The movie was screened to public within the FilmFest DC' 2012 - international independent film festival. Being a volunteer for the DC FilmFest this year, I am absolutely grateful for the opportunity to meet the Director, Carlos Ferrand after watching the movie. He shared with attentive audience about his trips to India, teachers and gurus he met there. He said that it took him four (4) years to shoot the film and seven (7) months on production, and that he had never been involved seriously in yoga before, and now has been practicing yoga for the last two years.

There are much to say about the documentary... but the key point for me was real!zation. Realization of the fact that the film is a powerful and inspiring tool for me and my heart, telling me that I AM on the proper path in my life: healing myself and outreaching yoga to others.

Also, I included Rishikesh, India into my travel wish-list. I learnt that you can drink splendid ayurvedic tea there (;-), besides that it's a very 'new age' spot and the world yoga capital of today...

Enjoy few clips from the movie below (and practice your French too ;-):

Mantra for today: Love Belongs to Everyone

I am grateful for meeting in person and listening David Newman LIVE at my teacher training program this October' 11 @ FlowYogaCenter, Washington DC.
And today, got notification of his new song release, which I m happy to share with you too: "Love Belongs to everyone",  it's really soothing and calming.

P.S A portion of the proceeds from every download of this song from STARS album on iTunes will be donated to WITNESS - a non-profit humanitarian organization co-founded by Peter Gabriel.

The Source of True Love is the Quality of Seeing

The source of true love is the quality of seeing.
If we want to see others, we need to see ourselves! This is not about ego; this is about grace.
If we look at ourselves and look at others through our projections and the fairy tales we concoct, there can’t be any true love or grace. How can we extend grace to something imaginary?
Grace comes in where you see Yourself! Learn to see others when you truly see ourselves. Extend grace to others when you invite and allow it for yourself.

Above said is a courtesy to Elena Brower’s Inviting Grace class, hold in Yoga Journal conference, NYC.

Raw Cereal

Saturday Quote

‎"Flexibility isn’t just about opening up the body. It’s also about opening up the mind to accept what’s happening in the moment." ~ Daniel Scott

60 Minutes: Is sugar toxic?

My favorite theme: sugar and sweets: honey, ice-cream, chocolate and boston cream puffs, etc... But I should have to repeat the below text to myself again and again when I see sweets: "You can love the poison, but you don't have to swallow it!"

I welcome you to watch below the report on new research showing that beyond weight gain, sugar can take a serious toll on your health, worsening conditions ranging from heart disease to cancer.

Easter Roll in the White House Garden

I really appreciate how the first lady supports and promotes the healthy lifestyle and fitness to kids.
Happy Ester to all!

Protect your root. Your pelvic floor

Theme of today's class was dedicated to pelvic floor protection. I was inspired to create a special sequence with lots core work and root alignment cues after reading a great article of Leslie Howard. She is talking about promoting health of the pelvic floor and how it is connected to a sense of self security...

'I prefer to approach my work from the view point that we all need to develop a healthy loving relationship with ourselves and the pelvis is a good place to start! If you heal your pelvis, without a doubt, you will have a more secure place in the world and be more grounded.' [LH]

Read full article: here 

Adorable downdog with a cat

Have you ever shared a yoga practice with the loved ones?

Rooftop Class. Mosquitoes. Unconditional Love

Theme of today's Yoga on the Roof class is legs-legs-legs. Summer is ahead, right?

• 3-legged downdog, chair, standing splits, warrior III, eagle poses, goddess, etc. -> toning of upper and low leg muscles and opening tight hips. 
• And our closure is about the Universal Love....

Universal love means to see the same Self in everything. Unlimited, unconditional love is universal. If you have universal love, there is not even a single thing you dislike. You love everything, even the mosquitoes that bite you. You don't dislike them; you simply say, "Well, mosquito, that is the purpose for which you were created. You are doing your job in biting me. I am doing my job and saying, `Please get out."' You don't stop loving the mosquito. But loving the mosquito doesn't mean allowing it to bite you. Often people think, "Because I love that mosquito, I can not chase it away." That's not so. You can love the poison, but you don't have to swallow it. Om. by Sri Swami Satchidananda ©

Topic of today's class: A Teepee On Mars

The mind is restless; it is always looking for a change. That is the nature of the mind. It can never be satisfied. It might rebel and want you to go live in a teepee in the mountains. After a while it won't be happy with your teepee on the mountaintop; it will think that only putting a teepee in the valley will make you happy. Once you are in the valley, it will want a teepee on Mars. There is no limit for the mind's restlessness.

You have to educate the mind. Ask it: "Why do you want to go to the mountain?""To find peace there.""Why do you want to come down?""I am tired of that and want to be with people."

What does it all mean? That you are trying to borrow happiness from outside. Once you realize that peace and joy are always within you, you will be happy no matter where you are. Whether you are in the valley or in the mountains, it is the same thing.

Whether you are on the earth or on Mars, it is the same thing. Wherever you are, you should have a purpose. Go to the mountain for a purpose; come down for a purpose. And don't let that purpose be a selfish one. The purpose should be for the benefit of others, for service to humanity.

Om Shanthi, Shanthi, Shanthi
Courtesy of Sri Swami Satchidananda

The human mind...

Just to follow up the previous post: 

Couples yoga today

Breathtaking and empowering!

I am researching some inspirational poses for a couple yoga class I am going to teach today... I found this video, which really makes me high... Surely, it's more acro partner yoga style, but still, you can realize, how strong and powerful our bodies & spirits (too) can be! Breathtaking...

Sunday recipe: Dairy-Free Cocoa-Mocha Milkshake

That sounds so yummy!
2 cups vanilla hemp, coconut or almond milk
1 cup ice
1 large, ripe banana, frozen
1 tbsp almond butter
1 shot free-trade espresso (brewed) or 1 serving of cocoa spice tea, steeped in 1/2 cup boiling water, then chilled
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 scoop plant-based chocolate protein or 3 tsp cocoa powder
1 tsp mesquite pod meal*
2 tsp cacao nibs (optional)

Pour all ingredients into blender; blend until smooth.

Bring spring energy from outside to inside

I 've cleaned and rearranged my shoe cabinet today! So now I can not only enjoy the look, but also have a quick, clean and easy access to the 'spring-summer collection'. Feng shui  life force energy enters to home through the front door, coat racks and shoe cabinets. Its principles worked out great, after the cleaning I feel lighter, more open and playful for hot spring and summer.

These were my shoe storage rules:

1. Must be chic 

2. Must be practical

3. Must fit into current space requirements

4. Must be portable

Feng Shui experts believe that the clutter we keep around us is a mirror reflection of what is happening in both our consciousness and our life. They believe that as you begin to clean out your clutter not only does your external landscape change, but so does your internal landscape. When we have clutter our space is literally blocked, energy or chi cannot move freely. This is a similar dynamic to excess weight. When we carry excess weight our energy is limited, we can’t move as easily, our bodies ability to function optimally is blocked.

P.S Love below creative ideas too ;-)

A Beautiful Eye

Judging others is an act of the ego; it's a kind of arrogance. It means that you think you're a great person and all the others are fools. Others may have a problem, but to judge them means that you have at least one kind of problem yourself: the problem of constantly criticizing people. You are actually no different from them. Before you see a mote in their eyes, see the beam in your own eye.

The vulture flies so high, higher than many birds. It can see far and wide. But where will its eyes be? On a dead and decayed body somewhere. It soars beautifully and high; but it doesn't cast its eyes on good, holy things, only on decayed matter. An ordinary fly looks for filthy matter to sit on, while a honeybee will fly past many other things to look for even a little bit of nectar on a flower.

You see certain things in others because you have the eye to see it. If you have a beautiful eye, you will see only beauty. Know that everyone has some sort of weakness. A person who doesn't have any weakness at all won't even be on this earth.

Don't have the kind of eye that finds faults in others. Be humble and correct your own problems.

Om Shanthi, Shanthi, Shanthi
by Sri Swami Satchidananda

Yoga on the Rooftop

1. A survey - defining demand for yoga classes on the rooftop, preferred schedule and level of students - is sent out. 
2. Roof top ad poster is done.
3. Next steps, by Fri. Mar. 23rd: To analyse survey results, print posters and distribute it with RSVP mails to students.
4. Official start: Mon. Mar, 26th.

To see online schedule and rsvp your spot on the Roof click here:

Yoga Cookie Cutters

What a lovely idea is invented by Yummi Yogi - the website seems to be under development, so, you can get idea of cookies on the old one, here.

Orders to be sent to: info@yummiyogi.com

  

Day dreaming ...

Set a new goal for 2013: to attent Baron Baptiste teacher training immersion program!

8 min. of full radiant Flow by Janet Stone

Beautiful and powerful sequence by Janet Stone, launching her powerful Svadharma Immersion in YogaTree @ Castro, SF ($375, 10 days, 20 hrs. Mar, 16 - 26).

Enjoy practicing it,
-LK-

YoKid Challenge

I spent a great-sunny Sunday on March 4th, 2012 working with YoKid ...Stretch your limits.
We practiced yoga, specifically challenged kids, their parents and friends with 108 Sun Salutation! Then everyone was awarded with healthy eating presentation by Cathy Burke that followed with juicy coconut water, fresh fruits & snacks.

I sincerely encourage those who do not have kids running around in house (like I do 'as for now') to find the TIME and dedicate it to little ones! You will get SO SO MUCH back... It may sound a bit simple, but really, kids (even when they scream loudly and do not behave well:-), they energize you for weeks and bring youth - joy - easiness to your mind! Just give it a try and see how it feels :)


P.S. May be these ecstatic feelings only happen when you spend only once or twice a week with kids...I don't know, but, as for now I just enjoy the moment!

Love,
-LK-

Tax Breaks for Yoga Teachers

Employee vs. independent contract?
As an independent contractor, you can deduct from your taxable income any necessary expenses related to your business. According to the IRS, a "business expense," to be deductible, must be "both ordinary and necessary." An "ordinary expense" is one that is common and accepted in your industry. A "necessary expense" is one that is helpful and appropriate for your trade or business. For example, if you use wood or foam blocks as props, or throw a vegetarian party to discuss a new contract, rent payment of your own home, where you do privates - all those costs would likely qualify as a deductible business expense; so too would your yoga mat, folding chairs, blankets, and straps. .>>> Sounds good.

Full story read here:  Yogajournal

P.S. Love the image of this lady on the right. :-)

The Pillars of Raw Healing & Medicinal Raw Webinar

I'm not yet there, but I do follow the Raw Food Institute on fb and subscribed to newsletters. So, I know that one day - one day I will on a better path, eating only raw.

And as for now, sharing with you an inspirational webinar with Lisa Wilson, Director and Founder of the Institute.

It was enlightening for me to learn that frozen fruits / vegetables loose half vitamins and 100% enzymes.

by The Raw Food Institute TV Network

Telecast with Seane Corm

Listen here to a new and intimate discussion with Seane Corn: Living a Life of Purpose, Truth and Service.

And watch video below with Seane talking about the flow style, if you do not know much about her.

How To Shatter Your Success Ceiling!

Happy Valentine Day

 ©Shiva Rea newsletter

Namaste travelers!

SFO opens airport yoga room

I can't believe my eye and I love how the mind generates ideas too. Thoughts really come to reality one day...

I was telling to my husband on our international flight in Sep 2011, that it would be so cool to teach yoga at the airports. We discussed how people would appreciate the feel and benefit from the blissful stretch after or before their long flight....

And here it is, 20K investment and San Francisco International Airport introduces the first this beautiful service to their travelers... Bravo! Let me envision this offer will roll further...

5 Simple secrets to creating effective marketing for your yoga business

Listen about Effective Education-based Marketing - a webinar which is absolutely worth listening (75 min) if you want to prosper as an individual yoga teacher, as I do ;-)

Namaste,

-LK-

Asanas for the Chakra System

Just few days ago I had an idea of having a 'blind' yoga class for inner senses stimulation and great feel of your energy in asanas. (Remember those fancy blind restaurants in Paris, Moscow, NYC?)

And voilà, similar class already exists and they say it's great for promoting the health of the 6th chakra (=3rd eye)... Really want to try it one day!

Details about the Ajna chakra (6th out of seven chakras) and how to awaken it read here: YJ - Asanas for the Chakra System

I'd add also Seated Yoga Mudra pose to the last paragraph.

Bookmarking this scientific article too: http://www.allgoodthings.com/yoga/chakra/chakra6_3.html

Manduka - the best mats ever ...

Get 20% off with a promocode SOUL. Offer is valid till Feb 14th.
The best yoga mats, yoga products, and yoga gear - from Manduka!

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Yoga Teacher Telesummit

 Writing Your Practice: An Online Course for Yoga Teachers and Students: http://www.yogateachertelesummit.com/writingyourpractice/

Audrey Hepburn's Beauty Tips

Million times read these ten points, and it's never late to refresh it again!

1. For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
2. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
3. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
4. For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.
5. For poise, walk with the knowledge you'll never walk alone.
6. People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; Never throw out anybody.
7. Remember, If you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm.
8. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.
9. The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides 
10. The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!

60 min about second chakra and ways to keep your students coming back

Listen to Amy Ippoliti's interview. Expires on Friday Jan 27 at midnight!

Topic: Creative ways to keep your students coming back.

 >> Link to listen the interview.

P.S 

Interesting fact about 2nd chakra:
The crocodile represents the Sacral Chakra. When we think about the associations this has, we can see that the crocodile moves excellently in water, it may be hidden under the surface but then it can leap out with great power and strength – at any time!. Again this can be compared to your emotional energy, at times things may ripple under the surface and at others they may just erupt!