Toronto peace event lead by Grace Dubery, “Peace is the quiet space we create in our hearts through our breath and that we hold in stillness with our smile”. Thank you Lole for organizing such a beautiful heart moving (it was hard not to cry) event. I can not wait for next summer for Lole White 2015!
1:10 till 1:13 I am the one being looked at by another participant (Aka. my mom)
After every class I ache. Yoga is meant to calm and sooth but being that I am an A-type Aries, I push a little. These (good) aches, need a little love after I have spent time honoring my body. I am sure there are those of you that push a little too so I’m going to share my favorite after class treat with you. Trust me its tea based and delicious.
Using the old Ayurvedic medicinal properties to our benefit, Chai Tea is our friend. I am not an herbalist, doctor or medicial person or any nature. The only thing I know is that everything feels better after I have this treat. The brew gives you a little energy back and you muscles will feel soothed (which is the magic of the spices working together!).
All you need:
1. Measure 1.5 cups of milk and add 3.5 Tsp to sauce pan. Watch closely and stir often, once warm add sweeter. Watch the colour, you want a nice dark taupe. (feel free to taste test, but be careful I do not want you to burn yourself).
2. Once at your desired point, fill your cup (or glass) with ice. Hold your infuser over your cup and carefully pour the chai through it and into your cup.
3. Add more ice if necessary to chill the brew. Enjoy!
Alternatively to icing it, chill in the fridge and make a larger batch.
** measurements should be adjusted to your drinking cup size. Just go for half the volume plus a touch more.
Please share with me how this changed your yoga practice (or if you liked it just as a summer treat).
I have a confession to make, near the end of last year my contract ended with my last employer. I struggled to find something new and t press on but I was not able to. Through this I lost sight of my own self, my beliefs, avoided family and even abused my own health. It was very hard for me to tell my parents the news, in the end after a week I told them. I was invited home and offered help to pack. While this did help, It also threw me into a deep depression. It was scary seeing that my whole life of almost 3 years at that apartment packed in to all of those boxes (4 boxes of tea and teaware by the way). When the last load was put on the truck it was January 1st. The next day I was asked if I wanted to see how things were in Halifax and get a job out there. I said yes, because I felt deeply betrayed by Toronto. I felt like there was no one out there to help me. Things changed fairly quickly out there. I met someone (great timing as I had left a relationship in November) and felt very welcome in Halifax. While one thing did work out the job did not. I came back home and hung out with my brother for company.
I still felt the pains from before and new ones as I adjusted (again). One day I decided, I needed to focus on me. I wanted help but on my terms, I opted for a book.The one I choose to read was “Make Every Man Want you” by Marie Forleo. I followed her videos while in Halifax and fell in love with how she is just being her. She helped me remember who I really am, and If you read this book she can help you too. It is “disguised” under the guise of a relationship help book it truly is a book that helps you reconnect with yourself. She talks about making “is-ness your business” , by focusing on the now and letting go of the past ,as well be that fabulous self you always knew you were inside!
The second thing I did for myself was taking yoga classes with my mom. While I was reading MEMWY, My Mom went twice a week and she looked very relaxed. I went once a week at first and borrowed a mat. Eventually, I bought my own Matt and signed up for the same schedule as my mom. Not only did I get to spend time with someone I care about but, I also got time to really treat my body right and learn from it. I love that yoga promotes non-judgement of your body and to work with it rather than against. I have not felt this well in quite sometime. Most recently I have been having traditional chai tea steeped in milk after my classes. It makes a big difference to my yogi day.
The reason why I shared this with you because maybe you went through something similar. I want you to know you are not alone and we are sisters in life (and tea). I hope you will take something away from this and make a life that you love. Together we will accept the past as the past and leave it there. Focus on the now and be the best that we can be.
These were only my first few steps towards making a life that I love (writing here is also my little peice of heaven). While I can not do either justice in words, I suggest you try them both out yourself. Create your own life that you love, make it happen. I believe in you!
Love
Katherine
P.S. June 12 I will be in Toronto at the Royal Ontario Museum for the Lole White Tour. There I will be one of many people joining together to have an unforgettable yoga experience. I will be tweeting (and instagraming) throughout the event, follow me @bellmanart to join me !
*I am sharing this book out of love. I gain nothing from mentioning how amazing the book (and Author) are. All opinions are my own.