Yes, yoga has taught me yet another lesson. You don’t need to spend a lot of money or be a conspicuous consumer to be happy or have nice, meaningful things or a beautiful existence. One of the key lessons of yoga is that it teaches you to appreciate the simpler things in life. To be present. To be in the moment. This practice alone has not only helped to quiet my mind, in recent months it has also saved me a lot of money. In fact, my shopping habits have changed significantly. I buy less processed, ready-to-serve foods and eat more healthfully and more simply. I’m cooking at home and packing my lunch a lot more, and it is making a big difference. Instead of heading out to malls, I now spend my time looking for vintage and resale shops, and... [Read more]

Just sitting here on this cold and snowy Friday in northeast Ohio, making Thanksgiving and holiday plans, and thinking about the blessings in my life. While I can always think of something to be cautious or worry about (sorry, healthy skeptic in recovery here), I have to say, my practices–both yoga and meditation–have not only changed my life, they’ve made my thoughts healthier, too. There are so many areas of my life where I can see change and positive energy, that in the past I had either overlooked or not even considered.  My practices have spurred me to take self-care more seriously, made me more accepting of myself and others, and helped me appreciate the universe on so many levels.  Where I used to look and see nothing... [Read more]

I know I write a lot about yoga. But I also love running, and yoga actually is helping me increase my productivity on the road.  I used to run long distance before getting into my practice.  I loved it.  It was relaxing, gave me time to think, and reduced stress, too.  What it also did, I found, was make me a little less flexible. And, on occasion, I would even find myself hobbled and sidelined. Now that I combine the two, I am finding it is a great fit.  Yoga keeps me limber and increases my flexibility, which helps me prevent the injuries I used to experience when running was my primary form of exercise. The constant stretching and breathing exercises I practice in yoga help me maintain my strength and focus, which are very important. ... [Read more]

Got a headache?  I do tonight.  Here’s what I am going to go do right after I log off.  It has really helped me in the past, hope it works wonders again tonight. It’s called the Supported Headstand, or Salamba Sirsasana.  And it goes like this: -Put a pad or your mat on the floor, and kneel down - Clasp your hands, intertwining your fingers. Set your forearms on the floor -Roll your upper arms slightly outward, while pressing the insides of your wrists firmly into the floor -Position the crown of your head on the floor.  Gently push your hands together, and cup the back of your head with your hands -Inhale, and lift your knees slowly off the floor -Slowly walk your feet closer to your elbows, while keeping your heels elevated -Press... [Read more]

Well, it’s not earth-shattering news, but apparently, there is a new category for folks who are vegetarians MOST of the time :-)  You’re called flexitarians, and around Thanksgiving, I have to admit, I become one of you, too.  In fact, the food industry is targeting these folks, providing vegetarian fare with just a wee bit of protein on the side.  Flexitarians could and would be considered vegetarians most of the time.  But when a slice of meat or fish passes under their noses, they don’t say no.  And restaurants and grocery stores are beginning to package food and menu items just for you! In truth, a true vegetarian diet can be deficient in protein, iron and essential amino acids.  You do have to be vigilant about... [Read more]