Thursday, March 29, 2012

Around the Curves March 30, 2012

Playlist:

Fudosan-Uttara Kuru

Its In Our Hands-Bjork

Skinny Love-Bon Iver

A Heaven in Your Eyes-Psicodreamics

Dear Avery-the Decemberists

Everyday is Like Sunday-Morrissey

Lazy Line Painter Jane-Belle & Sebastian

Roll Away Your Stone-Mumford & Sons

Happy-Public Image Limited

Heads Will Roll-Yeah Yeah Yeah

God Only Knows-Jonatha Brooke

C’est Toi-Edith Piaf

Snow in Woods-Tao of Peace

Harmonic Crystal Bowls-Tibetan Singing Monks





Try this 5-minute morning meditation when you wake up and see if it changes your outlook for the rest of the day!

• Set an alarm for 5 minutes so you do not have to watch a clock. If you can choose the sound, try to find something soft and peaceful, not too jarring. If you can, use an ipod that you can set to play relaxing music to alert you that your time is up.

• Start in a comfortable position you can remain in for 5 minutes. If you know your back is going to ache sitting cross legged on the floor, sit against a wall for support, in a comfortable chair, or lay down! Who says meditation has to be seated anyway??

• Begin by focusing on your breath as you gradually deepen each inhale and each exhale. Label each breath, silently saying to yourself, “I am breathing in, I am breathing out.” This is a way of keeping your focus in the present moment.

• You can chose to stay with this labeling of the breath as your mantra (repetition of a word or phrase) or chose another mantra if you would like, one that describes the kind of day you are going to have. You can say to yourself “I will be relaxed today.” Or “I will remain present in this day.” "I will remain calm in all situations today" " I will be kind to everyone that I encounter." Or any other mantra that resonates with you. Repeating a mantra is way to focus all of your attention on one word or thought, and stay present in the moment. This allows all other thoughts to melt away, and your mind becomes calm and clear. By repeating and focusing on an idea or a theme you want to incorporate into your day, you are putting that energy into the universe. Remember, what we think we create & what we think we become! So think good thoughts!

• Continue with full deep inhales and complete exhalations as you silently repeat your mantra to yourself. If your attention wanders, acknowledge that it has wandered, and then gently guide it back, without judgment or frustration. Even if you find your mind wandering every 5 seconds, try not to get discouraged. Treat your mind during meditation the way you would treat a puppy you are training to sit: with kindness and patience.




Tonight’s flow focuses on the revolved side angle pose (Parivrtta Parsvakonasana) which can improve digestion, cleanse abdominal organs, and enhance spinal flexibility and alignment.





Post Yoga Snack



Mango Mandarin Smoothie

1 c soy or skim milk

½ c diced mango

½ tsp honey

½ c mandarin orange segments

1 banana diced



Put all ingredients in a blender, and puree. Drink immediately

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