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" How do I have to be in order for you to be free?

Orland Bishop

Transformative Wellness E-Newsletter

The summer brings us heat, softness and celebration.  At this time of year, we have a closer contact with nature and life itself.  The fresh air and elements give hope and health; making us feel alive.  So let us use this connectedness and vitality to develop greater awareness, to look under the surface and closely examine ourselves.

Happiness and freedom from suffering… Do we really want that? Do we really want others (our fellow humans, members of the animal kingdom and Mother Earth) to enjoy the same peace and joy as we do?  Truth is liberating because we know where we stand and therefore know how to act. If we are ruthlessly honest, pay attention and are more conscious about what we do and say to others, imagine the choices we will make.  If we learn to honor our bodies, respect and grow in our relationships, feed our spirits and fearlessly follow our life path, freedom and liberation from suffering are just around the corner.  Boundless Joy can be our summer bounty.

June 2009 News:

Please Note Summer Jivamukti Yoga Class Schedule:
All classes continue except for – June 18, July 16, Aug 20, 27 and  Sept 3.

Jivamukti Yoga Workshop:
Hosted by the Purple Mountain Wellness Studio in Kaslo, BC.
Date: July 16, 2009 at 5:30-8pm.
Registration: Contact Sara Fujibayashi at 1-250-505-4791
Location: 311, 4th Avenue, Kaslo, BC.

The Jivamukti yoga method for the ancient art of yoga, is the next step in an authentic and living lineage from Sharon Gannon and David Life, two great teachers who care about their tradition and about their students.  It is a vigorous hatha yoga practice that is a path to enlightenment through compassion for all beings.  It weaves together asana (yoga poses), chanting, meditation, and great music with an elevated intention and study of ancient teachings.

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture sessions available:

Improve your diet, understand nutrition, bring balance and the healthy glow back to your being, re-charge your body and life into a positive flow and re-ignite vibrant health and inspiration into your life.

Clinic (Grandview Massage Therapy) located in Vancouver
(303-2730 Commercial Drive at 11th Ave).

To book your appointment call:
(c) 604-202-0796 (o) 604-872-1675
or visit www.transformativewellness.com for more info!

Yoga schedule

Thursdays
8-9am Jivamukti yoga @ Vandusen Gardens  (Classes finish end of July)
12:10pm Power @ Vancouver Corporate Yoga
1:10 pm Hatha @ Vancouver Corporate Yoga
7:15-8:30pm Jivamukti yoga @ Eastside yoga (1707 Grant street)

Please see www.transformativewellness.com for all updates on the yoga schedule.

Recipe of the Month:

Millet
A ripe head of Common Millet

Fresh Herbed Millet Salad

1 cup millet
2 cups water
1/2 small red onion-finely chopped
1 red pepper-finely chopped
1/2 cup of fresh mixed bean sprouts
Chopped fresh herbs:
Cilantro, parsley, chives, oregano, basil (etc.. whatever you have in the garden)

Dressing:
1.5 lemons squeezed
4 tbsp olive oil or flax oil
2 tablespoons Braggs

Add cayenne, salt, black pepper and paprika to taste (optional).

In a pot, put millet and water.  When water boils, turn it down to the lowest setting 15-20 min. cooking time (just poke and see when water is done, that's usually when millet is done). Cool for an hour or mix and put in fridge to expedite the cooling process.  Add chopped veggies, mixed bean sprouts, chopped fresh herbs and dressing in a large bowl.  Add 2 cups of millet and mix together.  Voila!

Benefits:
Millet is the only alkaline grain and balances over-acid conditions.  Its healing properties are immense.  Millet strengthens the kidneys; is beneficial to stomach, spleen-pancreas; builds the fluids; sweetens the breath by retarding bacterial growth in the mouth; has a high amino acid (protein) profile and rich silicon content; helps prevent miscarriage; is antifungal – one of the best grains for those with Candida Albicans overgrowth.  For morning sickness, eat millet soup or congee regularly.  Millet is known as “the queen of the grains.”  Wow… this is good stuff!  EAT ME REGULARLY.

Warmly,
Natasha

 

Pose of the Month:


Photo by: Iljaherb.com

Baddha Konasana – Cobbler’s Pose (this is how Indian cobblers sit to repair shoes)

Method:

  1. Sit on the floor with your legs stretched out in front.
  2. Bend the knees and bring the feet closer to the trunk.
  3. Bring the soles and heels of the feet together and catch the feet near the toes, bring the heels near the perineum.  The outer sides of both feet should rest on the floor and the back of the heels should touch the perineum.
  4. Widen the thighs and lower the knees until they touch the floor.
  5. Interlock the fingers of the hands, grip the feet firmly, stretch the spine erect and gaze straight ahead or at the tip of the nose.
  6. Place the elbows on the thighs and press them down.  Exhale, bend forward, rest the head, then the nose and lastly the chin on the floor.  Hold for 1/2-1minute, breathing long, full, deep breaths.
  7. Inhale, raise the trunk from the floor and come back to the starting position (dandasana).

Modification:

If the knees are raised quite high and it’s difficult to fold forward, you can:

  1. raise your seat with a few blocks.
  2. move your feet forward 1-2 ft., until you can sit up straight and fold a little.

Benefits:

  • effective for urinary disorders, strengthens prostate and kidneys
  • pelvis, abdomen and back get plenty of blood and circulation
  • relieves sciatica pain and hernia
  • practiced regularly, relieves pain and heaviness in testicles
  • practiced with shoulder stand, keeps the menstrual cycle regular and ovaries functioning properly

 

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