Agewell Yoga

Filtered by Date: November 2013

Wednesday, 20 November 2013

Haiku

Haikus Haiku is one of the best known and most loved forms of Japanese poetry. It is a beautiful way of expressing the moment and can inspire creativity on even our most unimaginative days. Traditionally there is form and structure in haiku composition. In its strictest form it only has essential words, and contains 17 syllables. A classic haiku is 3 lines long, made up of 5-7-5 syllables. It aslo contains kigo (season word), which suggests th...

Categories: Haiku

Thursday, 14 November 2013

Adjustments

On adjustments in class. I notice as I move around making small adjustments in class how some students are quick to come out of a posture before I can get to them! I know that there are those who are not comfortable with the intensity of a physical adjustment which can require a real trust in the process of sudden change and may result in resistance and increased tension in the body. It also draws attention and may not be welcomed by every student. In contrast, ...

Categories: Yoga Practice

Thursday, 14 November 2013

Advasana

Advasana (reversed corpse pose) It was recently brought to my attention that Advasana has a releasing action on the neck. I have asked the students with neck problems to practice this on a daily basis and let me know what they think. The posture is a relaxing one and is normally practised lying on the front of the body with the arms resting on the floor above the head with the palms facing downwards and the forehead on the floor, however in this instance we have...

Categories: Yoga Practice

Thursday, 14 November 2013

Apple Lemon Cake

Apple Lemon Cake. Autumn brings apples in abundance and it is good to have a variety of recipes for their use. Here is one of my recipes. 1 cup plain flour 1 cup wholemeal flour 2 tsp cinnamon 2 tsp baking powder pinch of salt 1 cup of raw sugar (Dark brown) 1 cup Rice Bran oil or an alternative oil of your choice. 2 cups of grated apple soaked in juice of 1 lemon 4 eggs whisked. Mix all dry ingredients then add oil and mix in. Add whisked eggs Add ap...

Categories: Nutrition and World Recipes

Thursday, 14 November 2013

Core Strengthening

Core strength in Yoga practice. As we have observed throughout this term our core muscles are very important in Yoga practice and by now it is becoming very noticeable that these core muscles are linked intricately with the breath. So whilst we may hold some of the core muscles in practice it is imperative that we release them once we come out of the asanas. Equally there are some bandhas that can only be held with the breath out and it would be pointless to att...

Categories: Yoga Practice

Thursday, 14 November 2013

Energy Balls

Thanks to Pat Gregory for this wonderful energiser. Energy Balls I thought I'd share this recipe for a really delicious healthy snack: ENERGY BALLS Energy Balls are exactly that- they provide you with pure, enzyme- rich, satisfying and long lasting energy. You can add any of your favourite nuts and Superfoods to these and experiment until you create your ideal recipe. Make enough to store in the fridge or your lunch box to reach for when you are i...

Categories: Nutrition and World Recipes

Thursday, 14 November 2013

Hasta Mudras (Hand Mudras)

Using Hasta(Hand) Mudras Gyana and Chin Mudras These two mudras are regularly featured in class and are the best known hand positions of hatha yoga. They have an effect on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels and are primarily helpful in bringing the mind into a meditative state. As most of you will know they are practised by folding the index fingers so that they touch the inside root of the thumbs. An alternative me...

Categories: Yoga Practice

Thursday, 14 November 2013

Holding an Asana

Holding a pose. A question arose during the Thursday morning class whilst practising Kandarasna (shoulder bow). How long to hold the posture? A physiotherapist had advised to hold for 30 seconds and no more. Whilst I have great respect for physiotherapy and understand that they are looking at very specific problems, it is important to appreciate that we are working in a very different space in Yoga practice which requires a Mindful approach and there...

Categories: Yoga Practice

Thursday, 14 November 2013

Hridaya Mudra (Heart Gesture)

Hridaya Mudra (Heart Gesture) Placing the tips of the index fingers at the root of the thumbs as in Chin and Gyana mudras whilst joining the tips of the ring and middle fingers to the tips of the thumbs. The little finger remains straight but relaxed. Place the hands palms facing upwards on the knees. (Please ask me for a demonstration if you are unsure about this.) This Mudra diverts the flow of energy from the hands to the heart. It is said t...

Categories: Yoga Practice

Thursday, 14 November 2013

Kansar

Suryaben tells me that in India Kansar is traditionally made for a special occasion such as a festive day or meeting the in laws for the first time. I guess this is a recipe to use when you hope to impress someone! 4oz semolina 4oz butter, ghee or oil 4oz brown sugar or Juggery 8oz water Bring water to the boil, add ingredients and simmer stirring rapidly Place lid on pan and simmer for 5-10 mins Use wooden spoon to stir vigorously for...

Categories: Nutrition and World Recipes

Thursday, 14 November 2013

My Recipe for Homous

This is my own homous recipe! Homous 1/4 pint Tahini 5oz chickpeas soaked for 24hrs 1/4 pint olive oil Juice of 1 lemon salt and pepper to taste 3-4 cloves of garlic crushed crushed or chopped fresh mint Simmer chickpeas in unsalted water for 2 hrs until soft Strain (Save liquid) Blend chickpeas Add Tahini oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper, garlic and mint and blend together. If consistency is too dry add saved liquid until just right!...

Categories: Nutrition and World Recipes

Thursday, 14 November 2013

Nature's gift of free food

The apple tree in my garden produces an early crop and it is a great idea to collect the berries that are growing wild and use them to enhance the nutritious quality of any apple pudding. If you have an apple tree that produces its fruit later in the year, it is well worth freezing a few berries to compliment the apples when they are ready to pick. In many of the parks and open spaces there are blackberries to be had. They are highly nutritious and packed with vit...

Categories: Nutrition and World Recipes

Thursday, 14 November 2013

ABC of Nutrition

Nutrition I don't know if this might entice some of the lovely folk who regularly treat me to samples of their delicious food from around the world! How about sharing a recipe or two? I am going to ask my lifelong friend and homoepathy/Sanskrit teacher Suryaben to contribute some of her delicious recipes. Suryaben never lets anything go to waste and is always able to use every part of a vegetable in the making of delicious indian food. (Even...

Categories: Nutrition and World Recipes

Thursday, 14 November 2013

Pancakes

Any good pancake recipes? When I was a student teacher, I used to visit some Canadian friends early in the morning when they would make buckwheat pancakes which we would have with maple syrup. It was a sad day when they moved back to Canada and I cannnot remember the recipe for making them but they were so good. There are so many recipes for different kinds of pancakes. Here's an easy one that is fool-proof! 8oz of sifted plain flour. 2 eggs 1 pint of mi...

Categories: Nutrition and World Recipes

Thursday, 14 November 2013

Preparing for Ujjayi Breathing

Preparing forUjjayi Pranayama. (Psychic breath/Ocean breath/whispering breath) The difficulties with Ujjayi breathing for many new students arise when too much effort is put into this practice so that breathing becomes dramatic and intense. It is the smooth relaxed quality of the breath that will bring the most benefits. All breathing techniques in Yoga are done gently with no struggle. Once we start to struggle with the breath we create conflict and discomfor...

Categories: Yoga Practice

Thursday, 14 November 2013

Serena's Leek, Potatoes and Roast Garlic Soup

Serena’s recipe Leek, Potatoes and Roast Garlic Soup Cut a whole head of garlic still in its skin, midway and place down flat in a roasting tin or pyrex lid with Olive oil and roast in a heated oven at about 180 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes till soft. Meanwhile peel 4 medium potatoes, wash and chop into small-ish pieces place in a large saucepan with enough water to cover them, season with a little sea salt. ...

Categories: Nutrition and World Recipes

Thursday, 14 November 2013

Sukhasana

Sukhasana. (Easy pose) We have been starting the class in Sukhasana (easy pose), and I am aware that for some this is far from easy, and that making the necessary physical adjustments in order to sit in this position may take our attention away from the intended core practices. Sukhasana is intended to be a relaxing posture that allows us to sit for prolonged periods of time. It is therefore one of the base postures. So what do we do when it is so uncomfortable...

Categories: Yoga Practice

Thursday, 14 November 2013

Summer Lemon Cordial

Summer Lemon cordial. When I was little my Great Aunt would make us fresh lemon cordial to drink on hot summer's days. It was the most refreshing drink ever and I have loved it ever since. It reminds me of her and that is really special. We forget that when we pass on recipes to our loved ones that we give them a bit of ourselves to remember and cherish. 4 Lemons peeled (No white pith and remember always use unwaxed lemons) Put peel in pa...

Categories: Nutrition and World Recipes

Thursday, 14 November 2013

Suryaben's Fresh Coriander Chutney

Suryaben's Fresh Coriander Chutney. 1 bunch of fresh coriander 1 lemon (squeezed) 2 tsp Sugar 4 Green Chillies 1 tsp salt 1 piece of ginger 2 cloves of garlic 4-6 fl oz water Crush all ingredients in a blender with lemon juice and water. Add more or less chilli to taste. Store in fridge....

Categories: Nutrition and World Recipes

Thursday, 14 November 2013

Suryaben's Homous

Suryaben's homous. 1 cup chickpeas (soaked 24 hours) Pulp of 2 oranges (peeled and pipped) fresh ginger according to taste preferences) 3 cloves garlic Ajma and or Coriander 1 tsp oil 1 tsp salt black pepper 1 or 1/2 chilli (fresh) optional. Peppercorns Cook the chickpeas until soft. Liquidize oranges and seperate the pulp from the juice Liquidize ginger with garlic, chilli (optional) and spices Add cooked chickpeas, oil, sa...

Categories: Nutrition and World Recipes

Thursday, 14 November 2013

Suryaben's Masala Chai

It is very comforting to drink a cup of Suryaben's masala tea especially when the weather is cold outside or whenever I feel under the weather! Suryaben has kindly shared her recipe although she admits that sometimes she will add other spices to the basic recipe in order to improve its medicinal qualities or even just for a change. Masala Chai 4oz Ginger 2oz Cinnamon 1oz Black Pepper 1oz Cardamon 2-3 Bay leaves Mix all ingredients and store in airtight c...

Categories: Nutrition and World Recipes

Thursday, 14 November 2013

Suryaben's recipe for Sheero

Suryaben's recipe for SHEERO 1/4 lb (4 oz) semolina (Coarse) 3oz butter or ghee 3 oz Brown sugar Approx 1/2 pint boiled water Cardamom Nutmeg pistachio almonds Heat semolina in the butter or ghee (Low heat) in an iron pot until light brown in colour Add boiled water (still hot) Add sugar When mixture is doughey garnish with cardamom nutmeg chopped nuts according to taste. Serve hot or cold ...

Categories: Nutrition and World Recipes

Thursday, 14 November 2013

Ujjayi Breathing

Ujjayi Pranayama Continued. When you have settled into a comfortable space and have made any subtle adjustments for aligning the spine so that breathing can take place without structural restrictions you can start to make a soft sighing sound (haaaaaaa...) as you exhale. At first it is best to open the mouth on exhalation so that the sigh can be heard and felt. Make a long, smooth, soft sigh each time you exhale until you feel calm and at ease ...

Categories: Yoga Practice

Thursday, 14 November 2013

Utthanasana (Squatting with feet apart)

Utthanasana Squatting with feet apart. Some of the reported problems in this asana so far have been concerning the alignment of the joints in the lower limbs and the holding of the core muscles. All standing postures should begin with an awareness of the feet; how we position them will determine the outcome of the posture and affect the potential benefits of the practice. This term we have been practising Utthanasana with the toes turning outward in order...

Categories: Yoga Practice

Thursday, 14 November 2013

Yoga Practice

This is a space where we can discuss our difficulties and share our experiences of Yoga practice. As teachers we do this a lot especially when we attend training sessions. I have found it really helpful to listen and learn from other people's experiences and I think it would be nice to use this space so that anyone can share what works for them in practice. I have found students to be really enterprising when it comes to using resources to help them overcome obs...

Categories: Yoga Practice

Monday, 11 November 2013

Dreams

Dreams. Chuang Tse a Chinese philosopher. once dreamt that he was a butterfly. On waking, he said to himself "Now am I a man dreaming that I am a butterfly, or am I a butterfly that thinks I am Chuang?" When you dream you see the events of fifty years within an hour. You actually feel that fifty years have passed. Which is correct, the time of one hour of waking consciousness or the the fifty years of dreamung consciousness? Both are correct. ...

Categories: Yoga of Dreams

Monday, 11 November 2013

Lucid Dreaming

Dream sleep is so distinct in its nature from either deep sleep or wakefulness that it is often referred to as paradoxical sleep, for whilst the blood pressure rises, the pulse quickens, and the brainwaves become remarkably similar to those when we are awake, the rest of the body, except for the rapid movement of the eyes (REM) and tiny spasms and twitching of the fingers and toes, becomes virtually paralyzed. It is thought that this is nature's way of...

Categories: Yoga of Dreams

Monday, 11 November 2013

Preliminary Practices for Working with Dreams

I would like to share some of my recent experiences and reflections on the Yoga of Dreams. This is a practice that requires commitment and I am not always as commited as I would like to be. However setting a realistic goal is important for all of us. I often fall asleep early on winters nights so any regular practice needs to be done ideally on nights when I am less tired. Choosing days when I know I have less work commitments and selecting those night...

Categories: Yoga of Dreams

Monday, 11 November 2013

Preparation for Dreams and Sleep

Some of the Yoga texts suggest that we should leave nothing unresolved or unsettled at the end of the day. In theory sleep represents an ending and as such is symbolic of death. (The death of the day in this case.) It is suggested that all conflict should be resolved with quarrels settled and wrongs righted or forgiven so that when we enter the dream state we are free to persue more meaningful threads which lead us eventually towards enlightened states of consciousn...

Categories: Yoga of Dreams

Monday, 11 November 2013

Some input from Dinesh

I once heard about a tribe that lived out its dreams. What they did was encourage from a very young age children to dream vividly and learn to remember the dreams. On awaking they would go and see an elder and recite the dream as they remembered it. Then would come a process of understanding that the elder would discuss and encourage reflection. From this process the dreamer would understand himself or herself and relate to the reality. If it was that the dream i...

Categories: Yoga of Dreams

Monday, 11 November 2013

Tibetan Buddhist Prayer

This Tibetan Buddhist prayer explains it well. When the state of dreaming has dawned, Do not lie in ignorance like a corpse Enter the natural sphere of unwavering attentiveness Recognize your dreams and transform illusion into luminosity Do not sleep like an animal Do the practice which mixes sleep and reality It is possible that in practising the art of lucid or conscious dreaming during sleep, we can also develop our understanding of the dreamworld ...

Categories: Yoga of Dreams

Sunday, 10 November 2013

Observation 1

As I approach my sixties, I am truly indebted to my older students for teaching me so much about life and sharing with me their experiences of Yoga and the aging process. It is true to say that we all experience different concerns as we age, yet we all share common concerns and experience similar changes. From the moment we take our first breath in life we are subject to change. At each stage of life we find ways to manage the changes that arise so that we ...

Categories: Mindfulness, yoga times archive

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