Heal the body, nurture the spirit

Today was really nice; I got up this morning, showered, practiced, and made a green smoothie. The smoothie was delicious with strawberries, banana, pineapple, mango, red kale, baby spinach, and some leftover spring mix - so good! When the body is healthy, the spirit thrives; I am already noticing more clarity and a deeper sense of well-being than I have in months (years) past : )
I went to the studio and taught the morning Vinyasa class in which I spoke about using the body as a gauge and a tool for monitoring and healing ourselves, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I reminded students that it is important notice their internal dialogues and to practice moving and messaging themselves in ways that are positive and encouraging; when we practice positive self-talk and offer kindness to ourselves, we create a better environment for the divine spark that resides in us all. Essentially, a peace-centered practice and peace-centered lifestyle create contentment, peace, and healing in the world.
The significance of the body as a theme for the class is reflective of my current state of being and perspective; I have been very in tune with my body recently which has positively influenced the way I feel in all aspects of my life. I have been taking more time for self-care than I have in the recent past; I have been drinking healing teas, bathing with nurturing, herbal remedies and aromatherapy treatments, cleansing with green smoothies, and monitoring my self-talk, especially when the subject is body-criticism. This has been really powerful toward letting go of unnecessary thoughts and negative feelings.
It is amazing how strong the intention is when it is applied consistently and with full awareness. It is also interesting to observe changes that occur in the yoga practice; the natural flow of the practice weaves around different aspects of our lives so that we give attention where it is needed. Today's focus may be different than yesterday's and both may be different from tomorrow's depending on where one needs to work.
During this morning's class, I reminded the students that the body, the breath, and intention are necessary tools that assist us in changing habits of behavior which keep us from reaching our highest potential. Negative self-talk, mindless behavior, and aggressively moving through our asana practice, all  contribute to creating negativity in our lives. This shows up as disease and discomfort in the body. When we take the time to care for ourselves as we would a loved one, the body responds with health and wellness. Commit to taking care of yourself. Speak to yourself as you would a lover; you will gain much and feel better. Namaste

Green Smoothies ... mmmm!!

I taught a Detoxifying / Cleansing Workshop on New Year's Day as a way to start the year off healthy and clean from the inside out. We discussed cleansing and I made fresh juice for the students. I explained that the cleansing process can be intense, invigorating, and challenging, but the benefits far outweigh any difficulty that one may encounter. Many who do a cleanse, notice more clarity of the skin, brighter eyes, elimination of "brain fog", more energy, and an overall increase sense of well-being. When we allow ourselves to eat natural, clean, freshly prepared food, we create an environment through which all goodness can manifest. Our physical being reflects our spiritual, mental, and emotional health. We have the ability and the tools to create a positive, healthy life of joyful contentment for ourselves. if you want to work toward optimum health, start here, clean the body; the mind and spirit will respond and you will know the feeling of true heath and wellness.


Over the past week I have been on a cleanse in order to rid my body of the sugars and heavier foods I consumed over the holidays. Cleansing is a great way to rid the body of toxins and wastes that put unnecessary strain on the digestive system and other body functions; it is a positive way to begin a new healthy way of eating and caring for oneself. It is not only physical, but a spiritual, mental, and emotional experience as well. If we create a healthy body, we create a respectful space for our spirit.

I have been doing a green smoothie cleanse since last Monday. Actually, I cleansed Monday through Friday, and then on Saturday and Sunday allowed myself some "regular" meals (still vegan and fairly healthy). Two or three times per day, I whip up a delicious smoothie with organic fruit and fruit juice and one bunch of greens. This makes enough for two. This morning I used two bananas, frozen raspberries, strawberries, and green chard - delicious. This afternoon, it was bananas, a bag of frozen blueberries, and a box of fresh spinach - yum! I find that no matter how hungry I am before the smoothie, my hunger is satisfied with this lovely drink!

In three weeks I am teaching a follow-up to the New Year's Day workshop. We will be creating smoothies and discussing the healthful benefits of greens and the significant role they should play in our diet. In the meantime I will keep you posted on my experience.
Namaste