There are books that you can relate to, and those that you can really relate to.  Brian Leaf's Misadventures of a Parenting Yogi definitely falls into the latter category for me.  It begins, "I am a parent.  I can prove it.  Inside my coat pocket right now are one diaper (clean), one pair of children's underwear (soiled), one unscratched lottery ticket, and countless teething biscuit and rice crumbs....". 

Just last week I compared purse contents with another mama.  While the days of soiled diapers have finally past, I did have 5 clementines, crumpled tissues, and an unidentifiable gooey mass hidden in the corner of my bag.

In addition to these stories from the trenches, Leaf describes his immersion into alternative parenting approaches as he and his wife work to consciously raise their two sons.  Deconstructing Attachment, Simplicity, Playful, and Free-Range parenting in such a way as to make them more digestible.  And connect them in a way that allows parents to pick the method that works for them in the moment.  Describing this  connection as Conscious Parenting,  Leaf essentially provides cliff notes for alternative parenting. 

"Make no mistake. I don’t have it all figured out,” Leaf writes. “I’m about as neurotic as the next guy. Maybe just a bit more. And that’s why I know that another sure key to parenting is patience, compassion, forgiveness, and even faith, in my kids, of course, but also in myself.”

This is the heart of yoga.  And what better way to live your yoga, than to practice joyfully with your children?

Namaste Friends,
Kristin

This particular book review couldn’t have come at a better time.  For the past week I have been following my bliss (one of many) in the Redwoods of CA, learning about herbs and connecting with with other herbalists who share the same passion.  As you might imagine of a group of herbalists, even through the 9 hours a day of clinical training, we still found time to connect through songs, chants, and sacred rituals.  It’s through these songs and chants that we really come together, that we process the information we are gathering.  Through them we form a community, and find a way to rise above our patterns to support each other on whatever path we might be treading.

This is the message I found in Alanna Kaivalya’s new book, Sacred Sound.  In Sacred Sound: Discovering the Myth & Meaning of Mantra and Kirtan (New World Library, April 15, 2014), Alanna Kaivalya explores both the myth and meaning behind twenty-one mantras, or chants, that stem from the yogic tradition. She also describes the myth, text, or context each mantra comes from or is associated with, and explains how these rich myths relate to our modern-day spiritual practice.

If you’re like me, this is what you might struggle with.  We all have a story, and man it can be hard to interpret what your story means at times.  These ancient myths teach us important lessons and provide analogies that we can relate to our own personal story to find meaning.  This book does a great job of going beyond the myth and relating it to our lives.  It’s an invaluable tool as you search to find meaning in the every day.

Divided into two sections, The first part contains a group of common mantras that are important for the modern day yoga practitioner, and the second features popular kirtan- or call and response- chants commonly used by modern day kirtan teachers.  Each of these chants contains a deeper wisdom that can illuminate the yogic path.  

Of these chants Alanna writes, “Let their vibrations and related myths uplift your mind, outlook, and sense of well-being to generate an overall feeling of harmony.”

I’m still riding that wave of harmony I found in the Redwoods.  And I can’t help but think that a lot of that energy was supported through mantras  and songs just like these.  I recommend you check out this book, and see if you can’t find your own wave to ride.

xo,
Kristin

Alanna Kaivalya is the author of Sacred Sound. She is the yoga world’s expert on Hindu mythology and mysticism. Her podcasts have been heard by more than one million people worldwide, and her Kaivalya Yoga Method melds mythology, philosophy, and yoga. Visit her online at http://www.alannak.com.

The past two weeks I've had more than a few clients tell me that they are starting a detoxification regiment.  Well, it is that time of year!  

Getting the feel for what kind of detox is right for your body can be a challenge.  I've left a few of my tried and true recipes below that you can incorporate into any detox diet.  Be sure to read other tips here as well.

Detoxification Tea

-1 part Echinacea Root                -1 part Yarrow
-1 part Red Clover Blossoms        -1/2 part Dandelion Root
-1/2 part Peppermint                   -1/4 part Parsley

*Mix herbs well.  Infuse 1 tablespoon of tea in 1 cup hot water for 10-15 minutes.  Drink 5-7 cups for 7-10 days.

Spring Master Cleanser

-2 tablespoons fresh lemon or lime juices            -1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
-1/10 teaspoon cayenne pepper                         -8 ounces filtered water

Mix and drink 8-12 glasses a day. 
*This tastes way better than it sounds!

Autumn Rejuvenation Ration

-3 cups filtered water                                -1 tablespoon ginger root, chopped
-1-2 tablespoons miso paste                      -1-2 stalks green onion, chopped
-cilantro to taste, chopped                         -1-2 pinches cayenne pepper
-2 teaspoons olive oil                                 -juice of 1/ 2 lemon

*Boil water.  Add ginger root.  Simmer 10 minutes.  Stir in miso paste to taste.  Turn off heat.  Then add green onion, cilantro, cayenne, olive oil, and lemon juice.  Cover and steep for 10 minutes.  Enjoy!

Of course incorporating fresh greens and fresh fruits this time of year is a great choice too. Just focusing on fruits and greens, the springtime master cleanser, and detox tea is a great plan to follow for many of us.  

Figure out what will realistically work best for you, and start planning your menu. And don't forget to include some yoga in your week to support you through the cleanse.



Be Well!
Kristin

While I realize most of the country is still under a blanket of snow, here in TX things have started to warm up. With the arrival of balmy air and sweet perennials poking up out of the ground, dare I say it....Spring is here?

This statement is sure to produce eye rolling and maybe even a little bit of resentment from our friends in Midwest and Northeast, but I just can't hold it back anymore! Even in TX, it's been an unusually rough winter.

As we move into Spring it's important to wake up our bodies to embrace the season.  They've been in hibernation too.  Yoga's sister science, Ayurveda, teaches that winter is a time when our Kapha dosha (one of the three constitutions or energies) is in full force.  It's that Kapha energy that provides the earthy, watery qualities that our bodies need in winter.  We produce more mucus to protect sensitive tissues like the lungs and sinuses and we gain weight to provide insulation against the cold. 

While this Kapha energy can be grounding in the winter, it tends to accumulate and may leave you feeling heavy and sluggish.  It's important to shed this excess energy in the Spring to avoid head colds and seasonal allergies.   In addition to Spring rhythms like eating lighter foods and getting outside more frequently, certain asanas are useful as well to free up those heavy qualities from the winter.

We tend to build up a lot of this Kapha energy in our pelvis and our legs throughout the winter as we become more stable and grounded.  To bring this back to balance try incorporating squats into your practice, or a pose like Malasana to free up that good space in the pelvis and legs.  From there, draw this energy up (think of sap rising in the spring) into the belly, with some core strengthening poses.  Simple postures such as Plank will activate the transverse abdominis muscles and create a stability underneath every movement as we become more active.  Finally, bring in some back bends to increase circulation, and move energy into the chest and head, for a clearer, more active mind.  Belly down back bends like Locust will give you the added benefit of stimulating the digestive system to clear out that stagnation more efficiently.

Just like those sweet little perennials pushing their way through the hard dirt to reach the sun and be free, try some of these sweet postures to propel the excess Kapha from your body so you can too can be free to reach your full potential.  I promise, Spring is just around the corner.

Sending sunshine your way,
Kristin

I have to admit, when I was first approached about doing a book review for new book about the different types of yoga, I was a little hesitant.  My inner skeptic thought, "But there's already so many out there!"  Trying to employ my good yogi skills, I set aside my expectations and judgements, and cracked the book with an open mind and heart.

I'm so glad I did.

When we actively work to break our patterns of judgement and negative thought, it's amazing how much of the  world opens up.  This is certainly true of my experience with Pick Your Yoga Practice.  Here Meagan McCrary, a certified yoga instructor and journalist explores seven of the most prominent approaches, plus ten “best of the rest,” in terms of what a class is like, the level of physical exertion involved, and the philosophical and spiritual underpinnings.  McCrary’s approach digs deeper than the physical descriptions of the practices to include everything from a style’s philosophical foundation and teaching methodology to what-to-expect and health benefits.

It's these more in-depth philosophical descriptions that really grabbed my attention.  As a teacher, I regularly try to study and share these lessons with my students.  And often there is a connection to what is going on in my life or the rhythm of the season, to what we work on in class.  But translating these concepts to a diverse population can be challenging at times.  We are all at our own place in our practice, and not everyone wants to hear about Ahimsa and Sankalpa.  And that's okay!  McCrary presents some very clear and accessible jewels about yoga philosophy, that are easy to understand (and share with others), but also draw your attention to keep the book engaging. Like her description of the Six Poisons Surrounding the Spiritual Heart.  Doesn't the heading make you want to find out what that is??!

So it's not really just a book about different yoga styles.  It encompasses a lot more than that, and is a great resource for anyone looking to start a practice, or someone who just wants to look at it with fresh eyes. 

And just like it's important to approach things with an open heart, the same is true for thinking about them  with a beginner's mind.

namaste friends,
Kristin

Meagan McCrary is a Los Angeles based yoga teacher and the author of Pick Your Yoga Practice. She teaches for Equinox Sports Clubs, works one-on-one with some of the entertainment industries leading professionals, and holds workshops and retreats nationally and internationally.  Visit her online at http://www.meaganmccrary.com.   

Did you make a resolution as the clocked ticked down to 2014?

While New Year's Resolutions are a common tradition, so are the guilt and shame that follow when your unrealistic resolutions don't hold up in the long run.  These negative thoughts and feelings result in low self-esteem and more self-deprecating behavior and unhealthy habits.  Instead of following that same vicious cycle year after year, why not break your pattern and start with the basics?

Send yourself a little love. 

Ahimsa is one of the first yogic principles, and it's one of the most important.  While it is more commonly translated as non-violence, it can be thought of as positive thoughts and feelings as well.  What we think of ourselves or others can be just as harmful as a physical attempt to harm.  So do yourself a favor, and congratulate yourself on just how spectacular you already are. 

Go ahead.......

When we look at ourselves in that light we are better able to set our intentions.  For our practice, our day, or the new year.  In Yoga, this intention setting or resolution is known as Sankalpa.  It's a will, a purpose, or determination.  But it is done in a way that does not focus on the negative, which is unfortunately often tied into our traditional resolutions.

Here's some examples:

"I'm going to lose 15 pounds!"  Translation:  "I'm really fat."
"I'm going to stop drinking coffee!"  Translation:  "I'm really unhealthy."
"I"m going to be more patient."  Translation:  "I'm a terrible person for getting frustrated."

Sankalkpa encourages you to look behind that thought.  So instead of those traditional resolutions, why not focus on "Learning what foods make your body feel the best", or "Recognizing a craving when it occurs and giving it time to pass."  Sankalpa allows us to surrender to our intentions, instead of forcing them, and open ourselves to the universe.

Happy New Year Friends!  Hope yours is filled with love and light!
Kristin

I can almost feel it now.  The tight belly, the uncomfortable rumbling in the stomach, and the fight to stay awake and connected. 

Why is it that these feelings are so often associated with the holidays? 

Unfortunately feelings of guilt and disgust at ourselves can also follow suit, making the holidays even more stressful.  But it doesn't have to play out like that.

Instead, we should allow ourselves to enjoy this time of year. Even when traditions permeate into our everyday lives, and we tend to indulge as we celebrate the season.

It's okay, really.  As long as we use some tools to ensure that we continue to have digestive health, we will be able to fully enjoy these traditions with our loved ones.  Minus that guilt that spreads like a wave into the New Year.

I know you want those quick and easy tips!  Here ya go:

1. Spice, Spice, and more Spice!
Use those warming spices like there's no tomorrow.  Cinnamon and nutmeg in baked squashes, cardamom in your mashed potatoes, and allspice and clove into your desserts.  And don't forget the ginger!  Focus on those warming herbs that will stimulate the agni, or fire in the belly.  Not only do they taste delicious, but they will help you break down your meals more efficiently, reducing that full bloated feeling and increasing circulation on chilly days.  Here's a yummy recipe from the renowned herbalist Leslie Tierra for an easy remedy for the post-meal belly.


Fennel Candy is a regular after-dinner treat to aid digestion.

• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
• 1 teaspoon unrefined sugar
• ¼ teaspoon water

In a pan mix together the fennel seeds, sugar and water. Heat gently on the stove until the sugar dissolves and coats the seeds. Pour into a bowl. Add 2 more teaspoons fennel seeds and 2 teaspoons sugar. Mix together well and let cool.

2. Twist it out
Nothing get the digestion flowing like gentle twists.  When your belly feels tight and you feel like laying down on the couch to pass out, try this instead. If your family looks at you like you're crazy, pull them down to the floor and make them do it too.

Reclined Twist: Jathara Parivartanasana
Start by lying down on your back.  Slowly take an inhale and extend both arms over your head.  As you exhale, curl into both knees, hugging them into you.  This will compress the stomach and the liver just enough to initiate the release of those good digestive juices.

Let your head and shoulder rest on the ground, arms out wide out to the side, palms facing up. Take a nice deep breath in, and as you exhale, slowly lower your bent knees over to the right, to or towards the ground.  This twisting through the organs will stimulate the breakdown and assimilation of your holiday meal.  Hold for 2-3 breaths, and repeat on the other side. Do this 3-5 times.

For a more thorough post-meal sequence, go here.

3. Don't forget the Bitters!
As a culture, we have almost completely eliminated this flavor from our cuisine (a big exception is coffee).  You know how coffee really gets the digestion moving?  Other bitter flavors do the same thing!  Before your holiday meal, sip a tasty bitter beverage.  Those bitter taste receptors will stimulate the production of gastric acid, and prime the stomach for food. Try some of these drinks before or after dinner to help avoid food stagnation:
Coffee
Chicory, Dandelion, or Chamomile Tea
Beer (especially those really hoppy ones)
Hot Cocoa, made from unsweetened cocoa

If you want a 1 oz. bottle-sized solution, go here. 

4. Last but not least, make sure you slow down and have some gratitude for all the bounty, all the love, and all the joy that is the miracle of you.  Here's a great video to get you started:


Sending so much gratitude to you!
Kristin

As a yoga instructor I am constantly searching for inspiration, to share with my students and myself. Although I strive to find the deeper truths within ancient yoga texts and hip yoga media (yes it does exist), I often find that the most powerful inspiration comes from my connections to other people.

My most recent inspiration came from (of all things!) Halloween. While I usually approach this holiday with what I admit is a bit of disdain for the candy, the commercialism, the marketing to kids, THE CANDY, I was taken aback by the unexpected joy that I was confronted with. Let me clarify.

My kids were bursting out of their alien and white droid seams with joy. Pure, unadulterated, joy. First to dress up, then to play their respective roles, to see their friends all dressed up, and then of course for the candy. While I’m sure sugar played a role in all of this joy, there is a real ability of kids to take delight in something so simple. It’s powerful. It’s like they have this key to access and express joy when it strikes them.

We as adults are often so much more closed and protected. We hide or fail to recognize experiences that could be joyful simply because we have fears. While this has many personal manifestations in our relationships, physical effects often translate to chest tightness, heartburn, even asthma. Part of yoga is learning to access those places of joy and open up to our own experiences.

So tonight I advised my students to be open to experience their joy. As John Friend, founder of the Anusara Yoga movement states, “Look for the good vs. what is wrong” both in class and off the mat. Throughout the class, I noticed my students that usually push to the extreme soften and internalize their practice, and those who are already gentler with themselves hone in on specific postures that they struggle with.

I think we can all challenge ourselves to be more open to joy. Whether you practice yoga or not, each of us can take the time to appreciate ourselves. Simple acknowledgment and gratitude for everything that makes us, well…..us (yes even those parts that we may not be completely satisfied with). We can only truly experience joy for others when we have seen the good in ourselves.

I’m sure I will continue the struggle with being open to my own joy; good luck in striving to be open to yours.


Namaste,
Kristin Henningsen, M.S., C.H., R.Y.T.

It's that time again.

Although it still feel like summer here in the South, the return of school and enclosed spaces has led to the return of coughs, colds, and the dreaded stomach bugs.  It didn't take long for the latter to find our house! 

Lack of sleep and loads of laundry aside, when your little one is feeling sick, you can feel so helpless.  Holding back hair, and murmuring comforting words just doesn't feel like enough sometimes.  So we do what we can, and hope it helps to ease some of our loves suffering. 

I have a few tricks up my sleeve that I pull out for these dreaded nights and the following days of recovery.  Hopefully you won't need them!  But just in case, here ya go:

1. We start with Lavender.  When you or your little one is feeling nauseous, lavender is a great way to calm the stomach while at the same time disinfect the area.  I make a Lavender Spray, and spritz generously.  It also helps ease tension, worries, and assists in falling asleep.

Lavender Spray:

8 oz. Water
1 tsp. With Hazel
10-25 drops of Lavender Essential Oil

Mix thoroughly and place in a clean spray bottle.  Shake before each use.

2. Once the stomach has calmed a little we move onto teas.  It is important to use only clear liquids until vomiting has stopped for 6 hours.  Slippery Elm Bark and Chamomile work great. Slippery elm bark is very nutritive and soothing for the stomach and the esophagus.  Chamomile is an antispasmodic, that will calm and warm the stomach to relieve nausea.  Make a weak tea, and give in teaspoon doses.  Add honey to taste.  Feel free to add herbs like peppermint, catnip, ginger, cinnamon, and lemon balm according to taste preference.

3. Last but not least, comes the broth.  There are many kinds of clear broth out there on the market.  I recommend using a home-made vegetable broth, but if you don't have one on hand (which most of us don't when we most need it!), find a low-sodium healthy veggie broth.  You want to be able to dilute it if necessary.  Start slowly, to avoid overloading the stomach.  Below is a great broth recipe, from Mary Bove's Enclyclopedia of Natural Healing:

Potassium Broth:

1/2 inch outer peelings, including skins, of 3 potatoes
Bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
3 scrubbed, unpeeled carrots, cut into rounds
Handful of greens, chopped
2 medium onions, chopped
5 cloves of garlic, crushed
Other leafy greens & herbs desired
2 Quarts water

Wash and prepare veggies.  Simmer in water in large covered pot, 30-40 minutes. Strain.  Excess broth my be stored in refrigerator for up to 2 days.


We hope your family stays healthy and happy over the coming Fall and Winter months!  To help support you in this, we've put a large selection of our teas and tinctures on sale here. 

Work preventatively, and stay healthy!
Kristin