When the center of the universe is a coconut stand...

When the center of the universe is a coconut stand... not a coconut, the coconut stand.  Of course there must be hundreds in Mysore, but you know the one I'm talking about, because your whole life revolves around it... 

My first week and a half in Mysore and I'm feeling the rhythm of things here like I've been here forever.  For as long as the days feel, they are also quite full.  I start my day with practice, Monday through Thursday are self-practice, and I start around 8am, although the time will keep moving up earlier and earlier as people keep leaving.  Friday and Sunday are led classes which start at either 430am or 6am.  Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, I have chanting class in the morning after practice, and then Sanskrit and philosophy class later in the afternoon.  I love chanting, it is so beautiful.  I wish we did it every day.  The words and melodies stay with me all day long, echoing for hours with their beauty.  Sundays we have conference with Sharath, usually in the late afternoon.  Saturdays and full/new moon days we have for rest.  My experience so far has been filled with so much joy and happiness, lots of laughter bubbling to the surface, thoughtful & knowing smiles, so much brightness shining through.  I really enjoy my connection with Sharath.  Some love him, some fear him, some revere him... for me, it is all of these, and yet, most of our interactions look like this, filled with joy and laughter and a good amount of goofiness.  It is very much the same energy I experienced in the dream of him when he told me, "Come home, it's time."  He has quite a sense of humor, and we also share a deep love of wilderness and photography.  He told me some pretty amazing stories from a trip he made to the Serengeti.  He offered to show me his work sometime soon, and I am very much looking forward to that!  
  
As far as practice is going, I'm still working on catching the bind in supta kurmasana.  I am so close to getting it.  Sharath came up to help me last week.  He said, "you do" as he helped me bind my hands, and then when my hands kept popping loose as he crossed my feet over my head, he said, "Ahhhh, you need to eat more chapati."  No chapati, no strength.  The next day, he was helping someone else when I got to supta k.  My shoulder was hurting and I didn't even try to get all the way into the bind, but I went as far as I could.  He came over after I had started my backbending and asked, "Did you do?"  I smiled and shook my head no and told him my shoulder was hurting.  He said it will help if I can get my legs as far up over my shoulders as possible when entering kurmasana.  Interesting, right?  The tendency when I'm hurting is to back off and not go as deep, but that may be precisely the thing that is causing pain.  I said to Sharath, "Monday, I will do it, both [hands & feet]"  He said, "Yes, you will do... I will help."  And then he smiled and laughed in a way that inspired confidence, comfort, and a just a bit of fear, which are all useful and motivating for me right now. 

Yesterday I attended the Yoga Stops Traffick event at the Mysore palace.  The event was held to benefit Odandi Seva Trust which is an organization that helps rescue and rehabilitate victims of child trafficking.  They carry out brothel raids and provide sanctuary and a chance to rebuild their lives for the children they rescue.  The annual global event is held to bring awareness and raise funds for the cause.  There were a lot of kids participating along with many from the yoga community, there were even quite a few Tibetan monks who came to watch as well as many locals and passersby who stopped to see what it was all about.  After twenty seven sun salutations, coconuts and holi colors to celebrate!

On my rest days, I've been getting body work from a couple of different Ayurvedic massage therapists/healers.  I've found one in particular that I really like.  Aside from helping open up my shoulders and hips - things were popping left and right, and he always made this 'ahhhhh' noise like he could feel the release in his body - he told me I have fear in my belly.  He said, "Do you feel this, these knots?  That is fear.  Mmmm, yes, here.  See?  It gets in your way, restricts you.  Shine the light there.  Let it go.  Let the light shine in there.  There is darkness so many places in this world, but here, the light must shine."  After the session, we sat around and talked for a bit.  He said, "There is brightness within you.  Listen, listen.  Your body belongs to this earth, your soul belongs to god.  Listen to them.  Listen to them like you listen to your best friend.  Listen like you listen to your teacher, to your guru.  See?  You listen, and then it will come.  The brightness within you, let it shine through, and listen to what is says.  Let it guide you..."  Beautiful.  I am looking forward to my next session with him...
   
Aside from practice, study, healing, and socializing, I have been wandering around photographing things for my next series of fine art pieces.  India is amazing, a feast for all the senses.  The oils and incense and silks, the grime and rot and non stop horn honking, the laughter and despair and devotion, the smell of jasmine and spices and burning trash, the coconuts and kumkum and wandering cows, the beggars and holymen and housewives, the chanting and yelling and the hundreds of unheard whispered prayers... I love it here!  The joy and sorrow are interwoven so seamlessly, as it should be.  Everywhere I look is heartbreaking beauty.  I am so inspired by it all, it feels like such a gift.  I find myself filled to the brim with gratitude.  My heart breaks opens in awe of it all.  Everything about it is just so beautiful, even the sadness is full of beauty... The light will break your heart, if you're lucky now...

ॐ स॒ह ना॑ववतु । स॒ह नौ॑ भुनक्तु ।

स॒ह वी॒र्यं॑ करवावहै ।

ते॒ज॒स्वि ना॒वधी॑तमस्तु॒ मा वि॑द्विषा॒वहै॑ ॥

ॐ शान्ति॒ः शान्ति॒ः शान्ति॑ः ॥

ॐ असतो मा सद्गमय ।
तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय ।
मृत्योर्माऽमृतं गमय ।
ॐ शान्ति: शान्ति: शान्ति: ॥

Raw vegan superfood chocolate...

Maca spirulina chocolate.

One of my almost-daily staples is raw vegan superfood chocolate.  That's right.  Chocolate!  Yum.  I make raw cacao treats with what I think of as the holy trinity of superfoods.  Cacao, maca, and spirulina.  There are other notable superfoods like hemp seeds, bee pollen, chia, goji berries, etc.  Today, though, I'm focusing on the holy trinity (plus a shout out to coconut oil).  At the bottom of this post you'll find an unbelievably easy and delicious recipe that I eat almost daily so you can try all this nutrient rich chocolatey goodness for yourself! 

Raw cacao is a superfood full of nutrients and minerals.  It is very rich in magnesium, which is often why women crave chocolate during their monthly cycle, because that is a time we are most likely to be deficient in magnesium.  Actually, some sources report that over 80% of the American population is chronically deficient in magnesium!  And, surprise!, raw cacao is the highest natural source of it.  Magnesium balances brain chemistry, supports strong bones, stabilizes mood, and supports healthy heart function.  Raw cacao is also rich in iron, antioxidants, and trace minerals.  It contains the 'bliss chemical' anandmide which is a neurotransmitter the brain releases naturally when you feel good.  It also has phenylethylamine (PEA) which is an adrenal-related chemical that is released in the brain when we are in love.  PEA also increases focus, alertness, and enhances feelings of wellbeing.

Maca is a root grown in the Peruvian Andes and is the highest cultivated food in the world!  I don't know why that interesting little fact brings me so much joy every time I eat maca.  Maca is nutrient rich, containing high levels of minerals like selenium, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorous, zinc, potassium, and silica.  It is also a great source of vitamin A, vitamin B1, B2, B3, B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E.  It contains 18 amino acids, essential fatty acids, and sterols.  It is high in protein and fiber.  Most importantly, maca helps rapid recovery from stress and exercise.  It is an endocrine adaptogen, meaning it corrects imbalances in the hormones essential for normal body functions.  For example, for some people, it may help them have normal sleep, while for others it may help them be more alert and energized.  It provides the nutrients necessary for your body to achieve normal balanced function.  If you experience a lot of stress in your life, or if you maintain a consistent and rigorous exercise program, I highly recommend adding maca to your daily diet.  If you've never tasted maca, you'll be happy to know that it has a delicious malty, butterscotch flavor that is great in chocolate treats, smoothies, yogurt, and sweet & savory dishes alike.

Spirulina is a protein rich (over 60% protein!!!) fresh water blue-green algae.  Pound for pound, it is the highest occurrence of protein on the planet.  There are only 3.9 calories for every gram of protein in spirulina, compared to 65 calories for every gram of protein in beef!  Spirulina contains all the essential amino acids in proper ratios and ten of the twelve non-essential amino acids.  Because of the simple cellular structure of algae, it is very easy for the body to digest and assimilate.  Spirulina contains high levels of essential and trace minerals, including potassium, calcium, zinc, magnesium, manganese, selenium, iron, and phosphorus.  The vitamin content is particularly beneficial to the body's metabolic processes and include biotin, B2, B6, B12, pantothenic acid, folic acid, inositol, niacin, and vitamin E. 

And now a big shout out to coconut oil, as it is the binding ingredient in the recipe to follow.  Coconut oil is composed of about 50% lauric acid, which is one of the 'good fats'.  Lauric acid is a rare medium-chain triglyceride found in mother's milk which is easily metabolized by the body and converted instantly to energy.  Coconut oil contains many health protecting properties and is anti-viral, anti-fungal, reduces inflammation, supports tissue healing and repair, supports healthy thyroid function, increases the metabolism, lowers risk of heart disease, promotes healthy hair and complexion, and the list goes on and on...

As promised, this is my basic raw chocolate recipe.  I often add other superfoods like hemp seeds, goji berries, inca berries, or bee pollen to the mix it up, and sometimes shredded coconut, almonds, or macadamia nuts, or even almond or hemp seed butter for a creamier consistency.  The possibilities are endless.  Feel free to experiment and see what is most delicious to you!

The ingredients.

RAW SUPERFOOD CHOCOLATE
1 heaping T of raw powdered cacao
1 heaping T of raw cacao nibs*
1 level T of maca powder
1 level t of spirulina
~11 drops of liquid stevia
~ 2 T of coconut oil
a healthy pinch of high quality sea salt

*I think texture is as important in food as flavor and nutrition, so I like crunchy little nibs in my chocolate.  You can always substitute an equal amount of powder instead if you prefer your chocolate silky smooth.



Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl until well incorporated.  Add coconut oil.  Mashing it with a fork works well.  The coconut oil will soften as you mix it in.  You may need to add a little bit more until you reach the proper consistency.  It should be a creamy paste and able to be stirred around in the bowl without leaving much on the sides.  Spread flat, about 1/8" thick on a sheet of wax paper, or form into flat bite sized rounds.  Sprinkle with a bit of cinnamon if it pleases you (it sure pleases me).  Put it in the fridge until solidified, about 20 minutes.  (Store in fridge as the coconut oil will melt at room temp).  Enjoy!
    

Before you add the coconut oil.

Mashing in the coconut oil.

For further reading about cacao and other superfoods, I highly recommend David Wolfe's books Superfoods: The Food and Medicine of the Future and Naked Chocolate: The Astonishing Truth About the World's Greatest Food.

Happy healthy Thanksgiving

Healthy Thanksgiving feast!

This year for Thanksgiving, I hosted a small gathering of 'orphans,' or those that didn't have family to be with.  I just got back from a month long roadtrip through the southwest and was feeling ready to reconnect with my friends in Austin.  I had my dad and half a dozen good friends over for an exquisite vegetarian, gluten-free, sugar-free feast with a southwestern flair inspired by my recent travels.  More than half of it was raw vegan.  All the food was organic and most of it from local sources.  And as one of my friends is fond of saying, "No cans were harmed in the making of this dinner."  Except, I will admit, I did use a can of black beans as they were an afterthought and I didn't have time to soak dried beans.  Anyways, here's a look at our menu...

Appetizers - local goat cheese and sundried tomato pesto stuffed mushrooms, raw flax crackers with tomato basil almond pate and lemon dill hummus.


Entree - southwestern green chile quinoa and black bean stuffed sweet peppers topped with pepitas and cotija, organic mixed green salad with walnut and pear, with raw vegan creamy citrus dressing, steamed kale with creamy raw vegan chipotle hemp sauce, sweet potatoes with agave maca pecans, orange juice sweetened cranberries.




Dessert is all raw vegan and super delicious + nutritious - pumpkin cheesecake with cinnamon pecan crust, and raspberry ganache chocolate bliss superfood cake.

Raw vegan deliciousness!

Raw vegan raspberry ganache chocolate bliss cake

Me serving up my favorite part, dessert!

That chocolate cake is full of superfood nutrition!  I adapted it from Ani Phyo's recipe from her latest raw dessert book.  The cake part had walnuts, dates, and the chocolate bliss superfood mix I get from local raw food guru David Favor (radicalhealth.com) which has cacao, hemp, coconut, maca, MSM, tocotrienols, camu camu, rose hips, and lots of other nutritious goodness.  The homestyle frosting was made with dates, vanilla agave nectar, avocado, and cacao.  As you can see, it has two layers with frosting and raspberries in the middle.  Absolutely delicious + nutritious!  The pumpkin cheesecake was rockin too.  Everyone loved both, and the jury was split 50/50 as to which one was the best.  They both win!  

Everything from apps to dessert was absolutely delicious, if I do say so myself.  Everyone raved about the flavors and how fresh everything was.  I tried a bunch of new recipes, so there's always a little doubt about how everything will turn out, but in the end, everything was out of this world awesomely delicious.   The textures and colors were wonderful, the food was made with love, intention, and radiant health in mind and, best of all, enjoyed amongst friends. 

My favorite things...

I get asked a lot by people who are just starting to incorporate more raw foods into their diet what my favorite must have things are.  Here is a list to get you started on the right track.

Vega products, specifically the Whole Food Optimizer and Performance Protein powder.  These are not technically 100% raw, but they are mostly raw and totally vegan.  They are high quality products designed by vegan Ironman triathlete Brendan Brazier and can be used as meal replacement while on the go.  I rely heavily on Vega while I'm traveling.  I take a shaker jar with me so I can make a smoothie on the go instead of compromising the way I eat.  I also highly recommend Brendan's books, Thrive Nutrition and Thrive Fitness.

I love Navitas Naturals superfood products.  I use their raw cacao, maca, and lucuma on a regular basis.  I love chocolate and eat it almost daily.  I whip up a super easy, healthy, and delicious chocolate with just a few basic ingredients.  Cacao, maca, a few drops of liquid stevia, a pinch of sea salt, and enough coconut oil to bind the powders.  When I'm feeling more extravagant, I'll add spirulina, bee pollen, and sometimes some kind of nut or cacoa nibs for the crunchy texture.  I love to sprinkle with cinnamon as well.

I also love Healthforce Nutritional products, especially Vitamineral Green.  I add it to my Vega smoothies, especially after a workout to help with recovery.   I also regularly use Radical Health's superfood mixes, Fiesta Mole and Chocolate Bliss, and also their super high quality Sunfire salt.  The family that makes those products lives right down the street from me, so I just stop by and pick up my order, but for those who aren't in Austin, you can order from their site which is also a great source of info on raw foods.

Some of my daily staples are apples, almond butter (I sprinkle with sea salt and cinnamon, and sometimes add vanilla extract), kale, avocados, tomatoes, peppers, flax crackers, green juices, and an array of other seasonally available organic fruits and veggies.  

I've found that I recover much more quickly from my rigorous workouts by eating raw foods.  With just a little creativity and resourcefulness, I don't have to compromise flavor or texture by eating raw.  In fact, everything tastes so much MORE flavorful because it's all fresh and alive.  You don't have to go 100% raw to reap the benefits.  Increase your raw food intake over time, and you'll notice you develop a taste and preference for it quite naturally.