Arm balancing poses strengthen the upper body and often feature the feet removed from the floor. These poses generally require that we build upper body and core strength (and sometimes a "leap of faith" to feel comfortable enough to remove the feet from the floor ; )

Most arm balancing poses take time for the practitioner to cultivate the strength and balance to hold the pose, so be patient, take your time, and enjoy the journey into your arm balances.

Shanti!

As the weather gets warmer and you crave a simple, light and refreshing treat, smoothies can be healthy, delicious options. For those who may have food allergies to cow's milk, soy, almonds, etc, hemp milk might be the base beverage of choice for you. Hemp milk has a great flavor and it is usually enriched with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, vitamin B12 and Vitamin D. Adding your favorite berries, along with some flax, makes yummy and nutritious beverage.

Hemp Berry Smoothie

Seeing your yoga mat, in the corner collecting dust, can sometimes trigger feelings of guilt. And whether it's a glimpse of your gym bag in the back of your closet or bumping into your fitness instructor after you've been absent from class, these encounters can sometimes make you feel guilty for not exercising or attending class.

Yoga, specifically, is about being present (wherever you are.) The word yoga means "yoke" or "union" and can be interpreted as being connected or united with your present moment. By virtue of the meaning, if you are present in the moment, wherever that might be, you are practicing yoga. Feeling guilty for where you haven't been or where you want to be, in some ways, is the antithesis of yoga and of being consciously present.

As an instructor, I tell practitioners to never feel guilty for not coming to class. You never have to explain why you've taken time off. Wherever you were, that's where you needed to be. When you are here in class, you are present, and that is all that matters.

namaste.

This vegetable ramen recipe is simple and nostalgic of your "college ramen" days. You can add any vegetables that you like; ramen or chinese noodles are used here, but you can use soba, wheat or any noodle that you prefer.

Vegetable Tofu Noodles