Yogohana: Yoga Community

My friend Tiffany, who I met through Sweatpink SF, invited me to an event called  “Yogohana.” I was not sure what to expect, but I left feeling connected, calm, and excited for the next Yogohana meet up.

If you’ve seen “Lilo & Stitch” you know “Ohana means family” (if you haven’t seen it, stop what you’re doing and please go watch it). After walking into the event, we were given glow bracelets and necklaces to wear. There was a nice crowd and great music going while everyone munched on snacks and drank while chatting. The lighting was low and the atmosphere was like a health-focused introverted extravert’s dream come to life. We were all connected through a love, or curiosity, for yoga or social connection.

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We were able to greet our neighbors before moving into the main sequences of the class. The low lights, music, and floating rings of light resting on limbs as we moved through Warrior II and adho mukha shvanasana (downward-facing dog) created an almost magical ambiance.

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My favorite part of the class was the amazing partner stretch sequence. I forget the power of touch–even with a stranger–and how wonderful it can be. I stretched with my fellow SweatPink SF blogger, Tiffany. With some moves we mutually supported each other, we laughed throughout some, and at points we acknowledged our own weaknesses and took a break to respect where we were physically. It was all about communication and tuning into your own body.

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Disregard my concerned expression—this is my “resting” face

After stretching we also had a wonderful mini dance series, which was followed by savasana. Afterwards, we all hung out and chatted, talked about the fitness scene in the bay area, and enjoyed the provided refreshments. I can’t wait until the next monthly event to meet new people, get deeper in my stretches, and let loose a little more bit more while I dance.

Be sure to check out the  Yogohana meet-up happening November 18 if you are in the Bay Area!

Ted Talk Friday: The Psychology of Your Future Self

Dr. Dan Gilbert is one of my favorite Positive Psychology researchers; this short talk is so engaging and fascinating. I think it is so fascinating how greatly we underestimate how much we will change during the next decade. This talk really provokes me to think about how this underestimation will impact my lived experience–from what I do to where I live. Even with this knowledge, I’m sure I will still underestimate the amount of change that will occur in the next years; while this might be a negative feature, I think it also serves to protect our sense of self.

 

 

 

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Do you agree with Dr. Gilbert? Do you expect to change within the next year? 10 years?

Gratitude in Action

We talk so much about gratitude; usually we talk about expressing gratitude, but it often revolves around reflection–or events in the past we now feel grateful for.

But what about the gratitude of the NOW? Of the present moment?

I had a surreal day where I made a particular effort to be mindful of my gratitude in the moment, and it truly enriched my experience. Living in California has been both the scariest change and this biggest blessing in my life. I had the chance to go horseback riding along a beach trail and every moment felt like a magical gift.

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I love horses. Sure, they smell and there are more flies, but these are wise animals. I feel a strange sense of security and calm when riding. It was a quiet, peaceful ride along near the beach, through a woodsy trail, culminating at a pristine beach.

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We had to leave our phones behind (a wonderful exercise for living in the present) so while we couldn’t take great selfies, we could fully embrace the beauty and experience. I felt so calm, centered, and fulfilled afterwards and will continue to seek out experiences that force me out of my routine, cut me off from technology, and let me immerse myself in deep gratitude.

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Do you practice gratitude in the now?

Ted Talk Friday: The Power of Introverts

In my first blog post I mentioned I am an introvert, but I think we too often confuse being an introvert and being antisocial. Susain Cain is amazing advocate for dispelling this myth. He book Quiet is absolutely amazing and delves even further into what she discusses in this talk. I hope you enjoy!

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Do you identify as an introvert? Why?

Herb Infused Stuffed Squash

I recently received garlic herb Miracle Noodles and I was dying to use them in a fall inspired dish. I had a delicata squash to use and after I had such success with my last stuffed squash dish, I couldn’t resist running with this variation.

This screams comfort food to me; it’s a hearty blend of fall flavors, herbs, and garlic. I always love cooking and the inspiration struck me around 8pm after I had already made dinner so it became two days of lunches. This is also surprisingly budget friendly–a perk of eating seasonally that goes beyond the environmental benefits! (Delicata squash are only $.99 at Trader Joe’s!)

Ingredients:

1 delicata squash

1 tbsp canned pumpkin

1 tbsp broth

1 tsp coconut oil

1 tsp amore foods garlic paste

1 bag garlic herb miracle noodles

1 small bunch green onions

1/2 cup mushrooms, chopped

Directions:

1) Puncture delicata squash skin with a fork and cook in microwave on high for 4 minutes.

2) While the squash is cooking, prepare Miracle Noodles according to directions on the bag.

3) Heat coconut oil in a small skillet on the stove and briefly sauté green onions and mushrooms until tender.

4) In a separate bowl, mix pumpkin, broth, and garlic paste.

5) Add the pumpkin mix to the stir fried veggies and noodles and mix well.

6) Carefully remove the squash from the microwave and cut open (watch for the steam that will come out), then de-seed the squash with a fork.

7) Set seeds aside for roasting if you want–they make for a great crunchy snack!

8) Fill each half of the squash withe the Noodle mixture.

9) Enjoy!

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What’s your favorite part of eating seasonal produce?