meditation for mojo

I've really been wanting to get out into nature lately. Spend some time hiking, running or just sitting outside. I also find my mind wandering down to the basement where a few neglected projects sit, calling me down to putz. I haven't been making it to an actual yoga studio to practice nearly as much as I'd like and poor Zero hasn't been to the dog park in weeks. I also want to garden, play my drums, try some new recipes, go spelunking, paint the spare room and work on fundraising for Relay for Life. For every little diversion I'm perseverating on lately, there's just something else I need to do instead. My busy, mojo-killing routine is getting in the way of my chill-time.

During this particularly hectic week, rather than randomly trying to make time to juggle any of these hobbies, I'm making time for meditation. As my mind jumps from one scheme or interest to the next, I realize that what I really need is quiet, not more things to do, even if I convince myself of their relaxing qualities. Once you've had a taste of meditation, you'll begin to notice when your mind is slipping into a state of chaos, and trust me, it doesn't take much. But if headed-off, you can avoid the manifestation of stress-induced issues like insomnia, illness or a full-blown meltdown. (It's no coincidence that all of these issues rear their ugly heads at the utmost inopportune times. ie: strep and pink-eye during finals week in college)

I always feel better after meditating, even if 90% of the time is spent telling myself to shut-up. Through just 5-15 minutes of meditation each morning, I'm discovering a lot about what I'm so flippantly referring to as "my routine," AKA, my life. More constructive and restorative than all of my little activities combined, silent mindfulness meditation helps me get my priorities straight. Even if I feel antsy or stressed out before my meditation, I find that it actually GIVES me time, clearing my mind of clutter, allowing me to focus and be more efficient.

Regardless of how much you stress, plan or worry, often times, you have NO idea what's really on your mind until you meditate. Try just sitting down in a quiet space, closing your eyes and tuning in. Listen to what your internal dialogue says, but just let it go. Try to focus on your breathing or create your own meditative mantra, keeping a few words or a short phrase at the center of your attention. Once you're quiet, your own subconscious will reveal things to you and help you put everything into perspective, one breath at a time. Namaste!

the bee breath - pranayama

If you're new to pranayama (breath practice), the Bee Breath, or Bhramari, might seem a little strange at first; but once you understand the science behind it and why it's practiced, you will come to appreciate it's many benefits. 

Performing this breathing exercise helps to induce a calming effect on the mind almost immediately. As with any intentional breathing practice, "Lengthening exhalation relative to inhalation reduces the 'fight or flight' impulse and maintains a healthy level of carbon dioxide in the blood, which helps you relax." - Source  Our restorative parasympathetic nervous system takes over, as it does in meditation or sleep.

What sets the bee breath apart from other breathing techniques is obviously the soothing noise. As we gently close our ears and hum on each exhale, everything else around us is easily drowned out. The noise of our own voice is relaxing, calming background noise, quieting our busy minds and gently stimulating the brain.

The bee breath is especially beneficial for pregnant yoginis. Not only is it invigorating and relaxing, but many women report that they can feel the sound vibrations stimulating their baby. Further, if Bhramari practiced regularly during pregnancy, it helps to keep the endocrinal system regulated, facilitating an easy and trouble-free childbirth. - Source
I love to introduce this technique to my prenatal students and always encourage them to practice this and/or meditation at least once a day. Give it a try!

buckwheat bread

For those of you on a candida gluten-free or sugar-free diet, this grain-free, sugar-free buckwheat bread is a lifesaver...much more bread-like bread than coconut bread and is sturdy enough for sandwiches. It's great toasted with the addition of avocado, scrambled eggs or some coconut oil. This bread can also easily be made either sweet or savory with the addition of stevia or garlic powder.

Buckwheat Bread Recipe:

1c buckwheat flour (I used Bob's Red Mill)

2 eggs of flax eggs (1T flax + 3T warm water = 1 flax egg)

1 tsp sea salt

1c of unsweetened coconut milk, other milk or water

3/4 tbsp baking soda

Mix all the ingredients together and spoon into a medium lined baking tin. Bake at 350º for 50 minutes. 

Enjoy! The only unfortunate thing about this sugar-free bread is that it very closely resembles a giant log of chocolate cake. :( Sorry about that.

Chocolate cake? Nope. It's Buckwheat Bread.