Free Online Yoga Videos from YogaYak

In my quest to find a way to remain active during the somewhat sedentary winter months, I came across YogaYak.  They offer a host of instructional videos for yoga, meditation, and Pranayama.

If you are unfamiliar with yoga, Wikipedia defines it as a traditional meditative practice and both physical and mental discipline which originated in India. "Yoga has been studied as an intervention for many conditions, including for pain, stress, and depression."

I recommend beginning with YogaYak's Hatha Yoga 1 video shown above. It is a beginning class which guides you through each asana (posture) and ensures that your practice can grow as you advance through the video series.

Be sure to drink a cup of neutral temperature water just prior to and immediately following your practice.

Namaste
Babel


If you are interested in learning about the history of yoga, more information can be found here.

Merry Xmas Eve, Eve and Fall Vegetable Risotto with Blue Cheese

"Merry Xmas Eve, Eve!" was what I awoke to at 6:20 in the morning. The host on National Public Radio proclaimed amongst Xmas songs.  Now don't get too excited, the only reason I set my radio to that station is because I appreciate the Jazz music as an alarm. Nevertheless, the greeting brought a smile to my face...who knew I wasn't the only one who thought today was worth celebrating!

After about thirty minutes of tossing and turning and groanings from my boyfriend, I rolled out of bed to welcome the day with some Hatha Yoga Groundwork complements of Yoga Yak. If you are interested, you can find their videos here for free on their Youtube channel and here for purchase from their website. I am a beginner, but the benefits from just a few classes have been remarkable. My mind is focused and free of anxiety and worry. After each class I welcome the tinge of tightness, I find comfort in knowing my body is stretching its limits.  Be sure to drink a glass of neutral temperature water just prior to and immediately following your practice, its quite beneficial.

And... on to the Fall Vegetable Risotto with Blue Cheese. Sure there was more to my day, but who wants to hear about office work, any way?

It's about 4 in the afternoon and the sun is setting.  I am opening a bottle of dry white wine, partially because I need it for the risotto and mainly because I am ready for a glass. As I dice the onion, Capone, our 7 year old Boxer eagerly takes his seat beside the cutting board cart.  His eyes twitching with anticipation after each swift move of my bread knife. (Yes, I said bread knife.) I was dicing my lovely organic white onion, which was grown in some foreign country, with a bread knife as it was the sharpest clean knife I own. It worked well, but I need to invest in some quality knifes. When I finally miscalculated a dice, Capone happily devoured the bit of onion.  Animals are such wonderful creatures; they find peace and happiness in every moment as we all should.  (Note: I have since learned that onions are not appropriate for dogs.)

Once all the ingredients for the risotto were prepared I tossed on the first Home Alone and started cooking.  What better way to celebrate Xmas Eve, Eve than with a classic holiday film.  That coupled with the wine is why I didn't take too many photos of the prep work and cooking, but here is how mine turned out

I found a small bowl to be full of flavor and quite filling.  It really brought some warmth to such a chilly, wintry evening. You couldn't even tell that my brussel sprouts were frozen or that I added a cup of water to the broth as I only had 4 cups. I came across the recipe while perusing Treehugger. Be sure to check out their site, tons of interesting projects and reading.

Fall Vegetable Risotto

It's now 7:26, Winston, my 5 year old Shih Tsu is alseep to my left and Capone is drifting off to my right. Harley, our Cockatiel is playing Peek-A-Boo on my knee and Home Alone just ended. I am off to clean my kitchen and toss my freshly laundered sheets into the dryer. Next post, I'll be sure to share the homemade laundry detergent recipe I use.

Wishing you all a Merry Xmas Eve, Eve.

Bye for now, Babel.