(A pic of me signing books at the Fresh Fruit Cleanse book release party on 10/22/11.)

Namaste friends…

Thank you for staying connected to the True Yoga Blog even though I haven’t been able to write as much recently.  Things have been so busy.  I’m sure for us all.  Not only is it the holidays but I also ran a special offer with a local Yoga studio in town so I’ve been busy ordering Fresh Fruit Cleanse books and True Yoga DVDS for several hundred people.  I’m so glad more people will get to read the book and experience the awesome benefits of Yoga.  As so many of us know, Yoga is one of the most powerful practices for healing body, mind and heart.  It’s amazing how good a little breath and movement can have us feel.  There is a great Zen philosopher who says ‘To have a human body is a joyous thing.’  You can definitely feel the joy of having a body when you give it the gift and wonderful sensation of movement and breath through all of the poses.  Yes, some of the poses are a little challenging, but, when you are connected to the breath in your poses, first, you will realize how good you can feel…

I will be doing some reformatting of the True Yoga DVD so you will now be able to purchase the classes separately according to what level of Yoga you feel most comfortable practicing.  The DVD currently has 3 classes:  Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced and is available for $20.  With the reformatted True Yoga DVD, you will be able to purchase the classes separately for much less.  I’ll keep you posted as this project gets completed. 

What else has been going on.  The Fresh Fruit Cleanse book release party at Remedy Spa was a huge success.  We had a great turnout and I was so grateful to be able to share that special moment with so many loved ones and friends.  Thank you to all of you who attended.  You can read more about the book release party here.  Also, if you aren’t a fan yet of the Fresh Fruit Cleanse on facebook, please friend it by going to www.facebook.com/freshfruitcleanse  Have you read the book yet?  If you haven’t, I believe you will find lots of beneficial information for your health and well-being.  In the book I also write about the benefits of Yoga and meditation as part of a balanced and healthy life.  The book is available for purchase on amazon.com and via the Fresh Fruit Cleanse website:  www.freshfruitcleanse.com  Oh, I can’t believe I haven’t shared the latest clip of me on Fox 4 Good Day.  I appeared on Fox 4 Good Day about a month ago to talk about the Fresh Fruit Cleanse book and book release party.  It’s always so much fun getting to go on there…I have been on Fox 4 several times over the last 5 years.  But, I hadn’t ever made a recipe on live TV.  I think it went pretty well.  You can view the clip of me making the oh so delicious raw chocolate pudding from the Fresh Fruit Cleanse book on Fox 4 Good Day here. 

Let’s see…what else.  I have felt so grateful recently…more than I can ever remember feeling.  I’m so aware of all the blessings that are in my life and it’s incredible how hardships and difficult times can awaken us to a deeper experience of gratitude for the preciousness of life.  Next week will be the third year since my father’s passing.  But I am aware and grateful, more than ever, of all the love and positive energy that surrounds me through my family, loved ones and friends.  I even feel such positive support and love from this awesome community of True Yoga Blog readers, as well, and it feels so good to feel that, too.  Thank you for tuning in, commenting and sharing your positive energy and support with me.  It means a lot to me and I can feel it.  I will spend next week with my family and friends and I’m so looking forward to seeing everyone.  

What a gift to be awake in the moment and grateful to the blessing of life…even on a difficult day.  There are still days where are I don’t always feel ‘perfect’…but I know that when I’m feeling that way…this too, shall pass.  They say that mantra…this too, shall pass…is one of the most enlightening and powerful mantras we can recite at any moment in our life…even on the days when everything feels perfect and positive.  It’s important to remember that there just may be a day when we don’t feel perfect, again, but when that days comes that, too, will only be temporary.  One of the most important qualities we realize through Yoga practice and meditation is equanimity of mind.  Life becomes supremely balanced and we no longer fluctuate between extreme highs and lows.  We are able to rest in the bliss of the moment rather than dwell in the past or future where all of our mind made troubles lie.  So, just let go of all that and be here now.  There was a quote someone posted on Facebook the other day and I loved it.  I was able to remind myself of the quote in a moment where I was feeling a little anxious and I immediately felt peaceful, again, just by inhaling and exhaling and settling into the peacefulness of the present moment.

“When I am anxious it is because I am living in the future, when I am depressed it is because I am living in the past, when I am peaceful I am in the present.” – Author Unknown

Speaking of Facebook, though, I am really spending less personal time on there these days and that feels so good.  I love updating the Fresh Fruit Cleanse page and I do think Facebook can be a really good way to stay in touch with people, but, it can also be a major imbalance in life if we let it.  I am noticing when I get an urge to log on and if it doesn’t serve a productive purpose I am refraining and finding something else more productive to do.  Jimmy Kimmel did a joke about a National Unfriend Day on Facebook in his monologue the other night.  It was hilarious.  You can watch it here.  It’s 2:17 minutes into his monologue at the beginning of the show.  NUD.  I totally get what he’s saying though.  I think he has a point. 

Finally, I would like to share an awesome article that was written and submitted for the True Yoga Blog by Lexi from Lexi Yoga:  www.lexiyoga.com  Thank you, Lexi, for sharing this informative and beneficial article with us.  I completely agree…Yoga is incredible for alleviating back discomfort and pain.  Blessings to you and all of us on our Yoga journey.  Also, please stay up-to-date with me on the Fresh Fruit Cleanse Blog here, as well.  I will be back soon to write more on the True Yoga Blog…  If I don’t get a chance to write before next week…Happy Thanksigiving to all.  Namaste!

Yoga and Back Pain

Why Back Pain Happens 

If a person has been suffering from back pain, then one way to alleviate the pain and discomfort that person feels is through the practice of Yoga. Back pains which one of the most common pain and discomforts today originated from stressed and tensed muscles groups that support the spinal column found at the back. The triggering factors that are associated causing back pains are stress, overuse, under use and misuse, wear and tear and sedentary lifestyle. A person may not be conscious about these triggering factors. If not corrected then there can be other possible health threats that it can impose to people. Other than a regular exercise and healthy lifestyle, back pains can be corrected with Yoga. 

Another cause of back aches is improper posturing and positioning when standing and sitting. Sometimes, it can be due to under fatigued muscle groups that are found at the lumbar region and the neck. These areas are susceptible to turning, bending, and twisting which causes such pain. Other sources of back pains are stress, scoliosis and back injuries that have happened earlier. Of course many people will resort to medical treatments and regimens when in fact, for practicalities sake, people suffering from such pains can be relieved through gentle and conscious Yoga practices. It is already been proven to be an effective, efficient and safe way to address the underlying cause of the problem. It can also prevent recurrence of bouts of back pains. Yoga does not suggest that people should be ignoring medical advice. However in most cases, one still should seek medical attention and be evaluated by medical experts to ensure the well-being of a person through proper diagnosis and medical treatment. 

What Yoga Does To Relieve Back Pains 

Yoga potentially strengthens different muscle groups. Through the varying postures in Yoga, these help to strengthen abdominal and back muscle groups. It enables the body to assume a proper and upright posture and movement when standing and sitting. When the body follows the postures in Yoga, these stretches and relax tensed and affected muscles therefore these can relieve the muscles from stress and tension. So when the muscles have already been properly condition, the back pain will be offset. 

Yoga also stretches and strengthens the lower muscle groups hence releasing the tension in the lower back. When muscles are relaxed, blood circulation will be improved which brings the needed oxygen and nutrients to injured muscle tissues. It also helps the spinal column to maintain the normal and natural curvature to essentially prevent lower back pains. 

Overall, Yoga is beneficial and is an effective alternative therapy to heal back pains. It hastens the recovery process of injured muscle tissues and can excellently prevent further damage and possible complications. If back pain will not be addressed well, then permanent disability can be imposed on the affected individual. Yoga does not only keep the body healthy and in equilibrium but also develops an increasing aware to one’s body, mind and spirit. 

Find out fow yoga can make you look taller can make you look slimmer. http://www.lexiyoga.com/can-yoga-make-you-taller

Omg…I was doing a little searching around on ABCs website and I didn’t realize there were other shows available to watch online, too.  This is what I wanted to share, as well.  Watching this the other night reminded me that, when we have perspective in life, it helps us to realize how blessed we are and to be grateful for all that we have, including, health and well-being.  Here is the clip about Congresswoman Gabby Giffords inspiring story if you didn’t get to see this special story and interview with her on Sunday night.