Monday, November 28, 2011

A Cleansing Experience With A Bit Of Heat

A room full of people, sweating like crazy, making sure to not hit the person next to you....

Yup, I had my first hot yoga experience, AND I loved it!! This desert girl was totally okay with the crazy hot temperature.  It is a crazy hot temperature too, above 100 degrees Fahrenheit for the whole class.

I am not exaggerating when I say I was completely soaked by the time the class was complete.  I was happy that I never felt sick through the whole class, actually I felt completely focused.  Sometimes the heat can leave you feeling uncomfortable.  They actually let you know at the beginning of class, if you feel lightheaded, or sick, be sure to go into child's pose for a few minutes.

Since life has been a complete roller-coaster this year, my dedication to yoga has not been what I hoped.  I honestly have not enjoyed a yoga class in over 2 months.  I decided since this year will be ending perfectly (I will share those details later, promise,) I want to take back 2011!  That means getting myself back on the yoga wagon, I adore yoga, and how it makes my body feel! By the way, I still manage to break out in an asana everyday, I wanted to make sure to keep my balance, and enjoy my favorite poses.

For this class I chose a relaxed class, one that will give you a fantastic workout, but still give you the ability to walk the next day!  The class was a perfect choice for someone who had been on a yoga hiatus.  AND I would like to say....SHE IS BACK!  I loved today, especially since I finally had the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful hot yoga class at Arrichion

What a cleansing experience, I would definitely enjoy another hot yoga class.  Now to head on over to some yoga studio websites and pick some classes to go to next! 

Namaste
Terra

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Life's Paths

I am always amazed at how life takes us down paths for a reason, some good, some bad. 

In 2005, during some tough times in my life, I read a book that would change my life forever; The Red Tent. At that same time I also read Life of Pi, and Mists of Avalon.  There were life lessons in each book for me, things that I hold dear everyday of my life. 

In The Red Tent, Dinah was given so many challenges, and she had to discover how to overcome them all.  Dinah showed me, only look forward.  Let go of the past, the negative, the sadness...look "Only Forward!"

Life of Pi taught me about other religions, and spirituality.  It opened my eyes to a whole world out there.  I feel Life of Pi was the reason I started looking more into spirituality, Buddhism, and especially enjoying my yoga journey! 

Mists of Avalon shared with me about the Goddess, and how beautiful and peaceful she is. 

All three books have helped me get to where I am today.  I work so hard everyday to live a happy, positive life. 

When I decided to read The Red Tent, I just picked it up because someone recommended it.  Had no clue how helpful it would be.  So like I shared in the beginning of the post, I really am amazed how life takes us down paths for a reason.  I chose that book, at that time in my life for a reason.

I discovered today I did it again, I chose a book that would help me in my life again.  I am reading The Alchemist.   I was told if I enjoyed The Red Tent, I would love The Alchemist.  It took me six years to finally read the book, so my life path decided it was time. 

This path is still being paved, but I can see where it may be leading me, thanks to the book.  Have you had experiences like this?

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

Namaste
Terra

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Dusting Off The Cobwebs + A Vegan Recipe!

Wow, it has been since July 25 that I have posted here...
 
So what is new? 


 I have lots, some exciting, some not so exciting...

1. Had my first big catering event in July.
2. One of my recipes was published in a book.
3. I am working as a Pastry Chef at a Cafe in town.
4. AND I am getting better at making vegan and gluten free dishes, YAY!!

Now what about my yoga and meditation?  Welllll...that is the not so exciting news....

I was doing amazing, but as you can see I let life get in the way.  So I am slowly getting back into my routine, and loving it.  I decided I want to try some new fun things in the next few months.

1. I finally want to try my first Glow Green Girl fresh green juice, they do look amazing!
2. I need to finally stop talking about hot yoga, and go try it!
3. AND some fun news, I will have my first yoga apparel giveaway!

Life has been testing on my soul, but I am a determined woman, I can conquer anything!

If you didn't know, I  share recipes over at my sister site CafeTerraBlog.  A few weeks back I made a fun vegan muffin.  My friends tried them, and loved them. I hope you enjoy!



Vegan Granola Raisin Muffins

1 cup granola
1/2 cup almond milk
1 cup golden raisins
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup applesauce
1/4 cup sorghum molasses
1 banana mashed
1/4 cup coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
 
Directions – 
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.


In large mixing bowl – mix together almond milk, applesauce, sorghum molasses, mashed banana, coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
 
In separate bowl – mix together whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and granola.

Mix flour mixture with wet mixture, add in raisins, do not over mix batter.

Place muffin cups in muffin pan, fill batter all the way to top of muffin cup, it can over flow.  The batter does not rise much.

Note – The muffins are fun, full of flavor, but really dense.

Enjoy!
 
Since I am new to vegan recipes, tell me some of your favorite foods you use to flavor a vegan dish.

I am so happy to be back, and I couldn't be any happier right now!
Namaste
Terra