Sculpted bodies…

Yoga has been slowly going through  “westernalization”  within the last 100 years , but recently we see more and more of it.  Just few years ago, when people heard “yoga” they automatically envisioned meditating monks and pretzel-like bodies. And today, we can find a yoga studio almost on every other block in any city. It is becoming very popular. Why? Is it because all these celebrities flaunting their well sculpted booties and we want the same??

Well, partly, for some people that is still the reason. However, I think yoga is becoming so popular among us, westerners, because it is really a magical discipline, that is of course if you can master to understand it. Some people have no control of their mind and are not able to crack the code of meditation. Those people try yoga once and never come back. Sitting still is too difficult for them. The mind is too much out of their control. They end up at YMCA Zumba class. Nothing wrong with that. I do that too. ... as long as people are not shooting (or hurting) each other, I do not care what others do.  Right?

But, for some of us who are lucky to figure out how to retain control over our mind and to make that perfect connection with our breath and body, what I call as Trinity of Yoga, the life will never be the same without yoga.  

If you are able to take control over your existence you will change the way you think, the way you react to everything, and your life overall. So yoga is not only sculpting your body, it is changing your life philosophy. Some people claim that their sex life has never been better since they discovered yoga. … check out Psychology Today article . Good, I guess. But, there are also some claims like: “  “ Yoga hurt my back” , or …knee, or else”..My only response to that is: yoga did not do that to you, you did it to yourself.  My advice to you :  #1 - It is important that you practice with a good teacher who emphasizes the safe practice. #2 – do not go to mid or advanced Vinyasa (Flow) classes if you are not familiar with the alignment in commonly practiced poses. The Vinyasa classes are wonderful, but not for beginners. I love the flow of asanas and I achieve the best meditative state when I practice the Vinyasa.  I teach that style. However, I will not recommend that as a starting point for beginners. Instead, go to level 1 classes and get the basics. Do not worry, you will sweat, and you will find the muscles you did not know you had; Basics does not mean No Effort.

While you are thinking of sculpting your body and mind, do not underestimate the power of calories and nutrition!

Eggplant and veggies

1.       1 Eggplant

2.       2 Tomatos

3.       1 Red onions

4.       Parsley, fresh garlic

5.       1 Avocado

6.       2 large Carrots

Cut eggplant into squares of 2-3 inches. Sprinkle with salt and leave it for few minutes while you are preparing other veggies. Wash teh salt off just before you are ready to fry eggplant.

Shred carrots and set aside.

Slice red onions and start frying it in olive oil. As soon as you see it is turning color, add carrots and allow it to “bleed” color into the olive oil. The onion and carrots should be totally cooked before you add the sliced eggplant pieces.   Stir veggies so all get some “kiss” of the fry pan. It should only take about 5 minutes for eggplant to get some color. Start adding sliced tomatoes, cubed avocado and chopped parsley and garlic. Season with your favorite Italian herb mix, salt and pepper. Enjoy on rice or pasta!