…
O keep squeezing drops of the Sun
From your prayers and work and music
And from your companions’ beautiful laughter
And from the most insignificant movements
Of your own holy body.
Now, sweet one,
Be wise.
Cast all your votes for Dancing!
– Hafiz
Category: Beautiful Rituals
Grateful to spend Thanksgiving with friends and family. Thank you to this generous soul, the “bright & luminous” One who should give us a cooking class and a lesson in sharing from the heart. The leftovers should serve as our lunch and dinners for couple of days… she laughed as she insisted we take more home.
My first Moscow Mule in copper mug + straw:) it has a … kick!
So we can kick up our heels and dance and let the world whirl and spin around us?!?
Music please:)
Then … there was the dessert table …
Counting our blessings, not calories* (really!) – Happy Thanksgiving !
* post- thanksgiving detox yoga to glide through the bustle and hustle of the holiday season. Many studies have shown, lowering the cortisol levels is as if not more effective than lowering the caloric intake for weight management – if applied consistently and regularly, customizing the style/school/type of yoga to fit the particular conditions and timeline/age/stage, yoga works even better. Ashtanga style of yoga was primarily designed to settle down the teenage boys through strong athletic physically demanding sequence enough so that they can get to a place of peace where meditation – the ultimate goal of yoga – is even possible. Without all the angst, the frustrations or chaos. Ashtanga style according to yoga scholars*, modeled after British gymnastics/calisthenics dished up as yoga – would that INTENTION – to whip the boys into shape and get them to a point of quiet – would that be appropriate for women in her 30’s, 40’s and 50’s and beyond? How about for men in their 30’s? maybe; 40’s? or 50’s and beyond? Something to think about, that … your own intention defines your practice.
* Read The Yoga Body, by Mark Singleton Fascinating book that makes one think about the cultural appropriation when it comes to yoga … what is authentic? What is real and true for that Self.
Muscle Tensions? Tightness? Pain?
We can make our own muscle pain relief cream, gel, balm – what you might want to call and the following is the basic recipe. You could add lemongrass, frankincense, myrrh for additional aroma/healing qualities … but make sure to dilute and to do a patch test to see if there’s any sensitivities*:
1/4 – 1/2cup Coconut Oil – Melt and whip
1-2 teaspoons Beeswax pellets
(if you don’t have it – basically to keep the coconut oil from melting into liquid and provide the needed consistency for spreading on skin – just place whipped and in frig)
5 drops Camphor oil
5 drops Peppermint oil
5 drops Eucalyptus oil
(warning – just do not rub your eyes or for that matter, do not touch your face area when engaged in this fun project!)
OR if dealing coconut oil is a bit too messy for you, purchase a jar of natural Vitamin E cream then add the essential oils.
Blend and whip with a whisk or blender. Consistency of the cream is something to experiment with so start with the smallest batch to find the right ratio.
One should do a patch test on the arm to make sure the concentration of oils are just right and not too strong to cause skin irritations.
If cooled in frig., applying this cream is especially effective after a hot bath or shower. And even better DURING or AFTER a good yoga practice.
Give it try in your home spa:) spread it on shoulders, then have warm towels on them,
relax into a restorative pose for rejuvenation. Sighhhhhh
* Eleven year old boy’s favorite pose – supported but floaty bridge pose – after muscle strengthening series of warrior poses:) Then, there’s a mom-to-be, gestating new life – Reclining bound-angle pose is super yummy for others in need … to restore and renew their zest for life:) Bring on the calm, the alertness … recharge each day with a good mix of effort offset with ease. Rest. Balance.
**why homemade? As with anything, non-home balms with unknown ingredients, moderation in application is advised. As with exercise, more is not necessarily better – read this.
** Lavender and tee tree oils in a large doze are not recommended for men and boys. What is large doze? Just ask me directly.