The last pose I want to highlight for this season of over consumption, party anxiety and occasional family dramas is similar to legs up the wall.

In this revamped Viparita Karani, you need a chair, mat and blankets.

Lay down a mat and place an armless chair side ways at foot of mat. Sit close to chair legs and seat. Lower your self down onto your back, starting with your lower back. Bend your knees and place your feet and calves onto the chair seat. Scoot your tush closer to adjust and to have your legs at a ninety degree bend at the knee, if possible. Drape a blanket on your legs and body to warm and comfort you. Ideally, close your eyes and place an eye pillow on your eyes.

This is a modified version of legs up the wall and it can even work butted up against your couch. It is advantageous for people who feel legs up the wall is too much for them or as a stepping stone pose towards the more demanding posture.

During commercials, in the middle of the day or any time you need to re-group and remember what this time of year means – try putting both your legs up on a chair and your back on the floor.

Can soap be delicious? Well, it can certainly look that way.

My friend J brought back a spectacular gift from Israel – a delicious soap set from Sabon.

They look like the real thing and smell ‘crazy’ good!

Clockwise from the far left: Ambergris, Honey, Rose with dried herbs, Grapefruit, Grape and Strawberry Yogurt.

Beats eating the calories and since I am off sugar, it is a squeaky clean way of getting my dessert fix.

Thanks, J.

Doesn’t this picture say it all?

Take it easy.

 “If you cannot mold yourself to such as you would wish, 
how can you expect others to be entirely to your liking?”
 – Thomas `a Kempis

Harvest and spread your love.

Share your wealth.

Turn over a new leaf.

Thanksgiving Scarecrow

According to a recent yoga article I read, there are 6 benefits to gratitude. I read the lengthy article and can wrap it up for you in a few short bullet points.

1. It changes your perspective. It reframes your viewpoint.

2. Biologically, it heals you. Your neurotransmitters, hormones and tissues actually improve.

3. It gets you out of victim mode and feeling sorry for yourself. You complain less and bless more.

4. It attracts positive people and experiences to us. It is the law of attraction in action.

5. It grows you spiritually. Your awareness of being fully present expands.

6. It fills us up, calms our disparate energies and assures us we live in abundance.

My suggestion: If you are consistent in your practice, you will be happier. Give it a week beyond Thanksgiving Day and start in the present moment.

Due to technical difficulties, we had a little hiccup and a few days went by wherein I was not able to post – but no worries, IIIIII’mmmm baaaaaack (said in the way the little girl said it  in Poltergeist). Learned a few things along the way. From now on my quotes will look professionally designed. Imagine that.

My friend J is in Jerusalem with her family. I am sickened by the behavior of human beings.

I am afraid for my friend, anyone who believes in anything and those of us with a conscience.

When are we going to catch up to the technological advancements and stop living in dark, barbaric times?

My heart goes out to everyone, Jew or Islamic, Christian or Non-believer, that gives a damn about human life and grieves because they have a heart. This is nonsense. This is horrific.

Everyone just has to pause and lay down their arms and hatred and causes and opinions and really, truly look at what is happening and how we are behaving. It makes no sense. It just escalates.

WE need help! Call in your higher power or logic or whatever and meditate on one thing only: LOVE. Send out love, be love, radiate love, give it away, embrace it and speak it!

As of Friday afternoon, I am off sugar and felt fine till @ today, at exactly 3 days later. Well, I can see why people avoid cutting out sugar. The flu-like symptoms, the headachy, tired bones and extreme exhaustion is enough to make me run into the pantry and down a 5 pound bag of sugar. Especially since I know it would make me feel better in the short run. Of course, in the long run, I need to hold on tight because I want to kick the habit.

I was sitting in front of the lap top trying to wrap my brain around what to write about, when it occurred to me the internet might help here. It seems it is pretty common to experience unpleasant reactions and I am encouraged by some bloggers and statistics that say it might last two weeks, tops. Nonetheless, pretty bad timing on my part. Right before the holidays is not the brightest idea.

I will keep you posted but expect huge mood swings, anger, anxiety and all hell breaking loose. You have been forewarned.