Yogini beyond the mat

Today many people in NYC observed Yom Kippur, what is considered to be the Holiest Day of the year for the Jewish community. Growing up as a catholic with Indian parents, I was exposed to people from an array of ethnic and faith backgrounds, which helped me to adapt a more Yogic view of life. Embracing oneness, Satya (truthfulness) Ahimsa (Non Harming), and the fundamental principal that is a common thread in all walks of faith, which is LOVE.

Many of my private clients enjoy in guided meditation with me. Today, one of my private yoga clients invited me to participate in a Silent Meditation, that was part of the unlisted activities taking place where their Yom Kippur services were being held. I just want to write a note of thanks and appreciation. It is such a lovely gesture when someone wants to share their faith with another person. Our spirit and our faith is unique to our personal journey, and anytime we want to share and extend that love, it is truly a brilliant representation of unity for the world, and community within our own faith. Since, I spent most of the day in my yoga clothes teaching sessions, I did not get a chance to attend the meditation and did my own personal meditation for all those who were observing the special day. Sharing in community, sharing in positive energy, and extending invitations of kindness are the initial steps to peace in this world. Peace leads to Love. Love leads to Bliss. Thank you to my yogi in training for leading me to Bliss, I hope you had a lovely Yom Kippur. ~ Peace & Hugs, Ambria

Yoga for Stilettos

If you ask any other Yoga Instructor what the common benefits and success results are for their students, often times you will hear peace of mind, increased flexibility, weight loss, increased strength, and much more. Today after my morning yoga class at Bamboo, one of the ladies shared that yoga classes has helped her ankles so much that she can wear high heels again. It was too cute! Ironically, another one of my private clients had mentioned to me that she shared the same experience. Since she has been practicing with me, her strength in her legs allowed her to wear heels for the first time in years. So add that to your list of reasons to take up Yoga. If you love your stilettos, you will love Yoga. ~Peace & hugs, Ambria

Elephant Riding in India

It is not common in India to come across an elephant. On my last trip, I told my daddy that I want to ride an elephant and a camel. His response was the usual look of confusion, followed by a few comments that were meant to spark a doubt in the actuality of me being his child. While these reactions are not new to either of us, I maintained that I would not leave India without my "rides". One day while I was driving with my daddy when we saw an elephant approaching. I enthusiastically asked our driver to pull over in my foreigner version of Malayalam (common language of Kerala, India) that I speak so well. He also gave me the look of confusion but quickly pulled over.

I walked up to the people who were walking the elephant and asked if I could go for a ride on it. They were absolutely amused by me, an obviously foreign Indian FEMALE requesting a random elephant ride. Their reaction led me to believe that I was the highlight of their day. I could sense my daddy behind me with the "here she goes again" energy vibe that I have grown accustom too. The Elephant literally pulled over for me, sat down, and I was instructed how to climb aboard. I had to place my foot near his ear, hold on to a tiny collar, and pull myself up without accidentally kicking him. Once aboard, I was instructed to "Hold On"! Great, now the elephant is slowly standing, my head is in the trees, and he begins to rock side to side. I begin to feel a little unsure about being so high off the ground, on top of a wild animal. After that initial 5 second unsure feeling fades away, I enjoy my new view of the gorgeous Kerala roadside, and leave feeling thrilled that I did what I set out to do. The two reasons why I am sharing this random blog, is because my last two kids yoga classes, we did elephant pose and it reminded me of my experience. The second reason for this post is because when you set out to do something, and an opportunity presents itself, run for it, regardless of how silly others think you are, or how risky it seems because you may leave with an experience of a lifetime, and you only live once.

If you get the chance to visit India, go to Kerala and at least see an elephant. ~ Peace & hugs, Ambria

Yogini Kitchen - Cold Home Remedy

Often times people label this time of year as cold & flu season. With the change in weather, it is common for people to catch a germ or two. As my personal preference is to avoid pills and potions that are found in the pharmaceutical avenue, I tend to lean towards natural home remedies.

Since I have experience teaching grade 1, 4 and PreK in the classroom and I currently teach Yoga both kids and adults, you can say I have had my fair share of exposure to germs. So my suggestions are as follows:

• Drink lots of water to flush your system out
• Have fruits high in vitamin C like Kiwi, Strawberry, Orange, etc
• Keep active, have a daily fitness routine to get the blood flowing and toxins released.
• Garlic: Eat more garlic when you feel the germy bugs entering, the garlic will help zap out the germs (and also give you the kind of breath that will be sure to keep people at a distance.)

My Family Home remedy that heals the body and soothes the soul:

• Tumeric Milk: Warm your Milk on the stove (veggie folks can substitute rice/almond/hemp milk) stir and add a tsp of tumeric, add a little honey, stevia or agave nectar for sweetness, stir, and cheers to your health.

Finally, stay positive! Our mind has so much power over our bodies and lives! With healthy meals, daily exercise, and a positive mindset we will maintain a healthy body.
~Peace & hugs, Ambria

Joyous Approach to Tree Pose

Yesterday was one of my longest days teaching yoga. With back to back sessions beginning with my amazing group class at Bamboo, 6:30 am and my last class with Yogi Beans ending at 5:30. I am so grateful to do the things I love and help people in the process. That being said my body was physically in need of a nap, a luxurious bath, an amazing massage etc. (things of that nature). The joy from this day was in the Tree pose. Tree pose is a challenging pose for me due to my low arches on my feet, so I love the chance to focus my mind in stillness. Most adults who do Yoga are fixated on balance and finding that perfect stillness. The joyous tree came at the end of the day when my Yogi Bean kids were eager to do Tree Pose for the purpose of: who can stay up the longest and who falls out the funniest! Kids have the most joyous approach to life and yoga! What a wonderful way to cap a day.

Yogini Kitchen - Simple Kitchari Recipe

After introducing a Dosha Workshop at Bamboomoves a few of the participants approached me, requesting a "Kitchari Recipe" I had given them. Kitchari (pronounced Kitc-a-ree)is a nourishing meal that is essentially made of 50% basmati rice and 50% split yellow mung dal, with some spices for flavor. The meal is commonly used in Ayurveda to heal and cleanse the system. This high protein meal is suitable for all three Dosha types: Vata, Pita and Kapha. While there are a variety of recipes available, my simple Kitchari Recipe is as follows:

Ingredients:

1 cup basmati rice

1 cup yellow split mung dal

1 small handful cilantro leaves, chopped

6 cups water
1 cup of LOVE

Directions: With plenty of water wash the rice and mung dal at least twice. If you have time, soak the mung dal for a few hours prior to cooking, to soften and help with digestion. Add rice, dal, cilantro, and LOVE to the water in a pot. Bring pot to a boil, boil for 6 minutes uncovered, and stir. Once the water is not covering the rice & mung dal, lower the heat, and cover the pot. Cook until tender and water is absorbed.

Additional spices you can add for yummy taste after the recipe boils: salt, 1/2 tsp tumeric, 2-3 cinnamon sticks, 1 tsp fennel, 1 tsp cumin.

Yogini Joke of the day!

Q: What does yoga meditation and an apple peeler have in common?
A: They both take you to the core.