One of the not-so-awesome things about YouTube is even if I choose a specific thumbnail, it seems to display whatever thumbnail it feels like. So if the thumbnail above is me in what looks like the worst plank position ever, then this is a good example of what not to do. ;) (I was in transition, I swear!) Anyway, here's a 5 minute vinyasa flow to add to the Yoga for the Holidays series that will get your heart pumping and quiet the mind. It features crow jumpbacks which are a little on the advanced side. If you've never done crow before, please either skip it, or work on crow first by following this video (instruction starts at the 45 second mark). Not to scare you, but my yoga instructor broke her nose when she face planted out of crow, so truly, be mindful of where you are in your practice. If you're relatively new to crow, use a pillow underneath your face. Other than that, get to it and let me know how it worked out for you. Have a wonderful weekend.
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Me in handstand via instagram
Abs for Handstand
I've been working on inversions for the past few months, and while I think my handstand is ok, I know there is a lot of room for growth. One of my intentions for the upcoming year is to learn to press into handstand (see this video, at the 23 second mark for an example). What I've learned is that a slow press into handstand requires a ton of core strength. Following Briohny's instructions, I tried out her ab exercise for learning to lift into handstand and let me just say it is one of the hardest ab exercises I've done (particularly most difficult as the feet come in close to the hands). If you give it a try, think less about dragging your feet and more about using your abs to lightly lift yourself up. Good luck!
Movement: In Balance
This is standing hand to big toe posture, or if you wanna get fancy with your Sanskrit, Utthita hasta padangusthasana A & B. Benefits include increasing strength in the legs and ankles, abdominals and improved balance. For more moving pictures, click here.
Flourless, Gluten-free, Sugar-free, No-Bake Cookies
A perfect dessert, these dark chocolate no bake cookies were a hit at my house. I was surprised, actually, because I am more of a chocolate chip cookie person, preferring a soft, bready texture, but these were really very good. Here's what you'll need:
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Thought of the Week: Sending Love
I type a few words, take a sip of tea. Type some more words, take a breath. Absently pick lint off my socks. Delete the last sentence, try again. I have written and erased this post so many times because the words aren't coming out right. I have accepted that I just can't seem to write cohesively today because I feel seven different emotions at once in the aftermath of Friday's tragedy. I can't seem to wrap my head around any of it because it was so senseless. My heart aches and my stomach hurts. And I know I'm not the only one, as I see facebook posts pop up at 4:30am in the states reading variations of: "Can't sleep. This is unbelievable. Just unbelievable."
What can we do? Can we do anything? Can we have meaningful conversation? Can we toss ideas around without getting defensive or being attacked? Can we put politics aside? Can we listen to each other and try to come together to find a solution?
I cannot even begin to imagine the sheer terror and helplessness that was felt at Sandy Hook elementary school on Friday. I cannot grasp the ongoing fear and sadness the parents and loved ones of the deceased, the other students and the staff will continue to feel. There is so much pain.
Columbine, Aurora, VA Tech, Sandy Hook. It's too much. It's just too much. How many more people will have to die before we try something new? Whatever your ideas are- be they better access to mental health care, or stricter gun laws, or whatever- please write to your legislators. (Find yours here.) Please. Something has to change.
Sending love from Germany to all the families affected by this tragedy, to everyone back home feeling saddened and sickened, and to all the expats out there whose physical bodies are away from home but whose hearts, like mine, are in Connecticut. May we heal from this, may we grow, and may we never forget about the sweet souls that have been taken too soon.
Yoga Tip: Yoga for the Holidays 3
Week three here of yoga for the holidays series (see week 1 and week 2). This week I was inspired by Meghan Currie, this unreal yoga teacher, who creates time lapse videos of her practices. It's a nice way to see the entire practice and get inspired. So today I am uploading two videos. The first is the first 10 minutes of my practice in real time- a gentle ten minutes to set an intention of being present, to get the circulation going, and get the muscles and mind warm and happy. The second video is my entire practice this morning in fast forward- apologies in advance for my husky making a high five appearance at the end. He doesn't like being left out of the spotlight. Have a merry weekend!