Robert Downey, Jr. has always been a heart throb in the eyes of Zen Muffin and I. And now here he is, doing yoga. This picture would totally go up in my locker, if I had a locker. Yoga Dork has more.

Yoga Hurts, Meditation is Boring

We're Still Here!

We're still here! I have to admit, dear readers, I kind of forgot about this blog. But I've remembered now. Not much is different since my last visit; still teaching, still eating, still baking. More on all of that to come soon.

We're still here?

I have half a mind to start posting on the yogery again. Half a mind to let it go. 

We'll see what happens. French toast, thoughts?

I saw that Jeanette Winterson has a new book coming out on March 6th. She reminds me of my sister, who first recommended I read her several years ago in Paris. Sarah has amazing taste in books and music. I've learned about so much good stuff from her.

We've even quoted Jeanette in the context of talking about yoga. Basically, we love her. Plus, the cover is fantastic, and the title of the book made me think of the title of an old Yogery post. I'm pretty sure Jeanette read the Yogery and then came up with the title of her book. (Our post: I'd Rather Be Free than Normal.)

Out on March 6th of this year. You can pre-order on Amazon. Pre-ordering is magical. You forget you ever paid any money, then the book just shows up on your doorstep, seemingly free.

We're still here/Muscular Psychology

Happy March and Update from the Yogery!

Zen Muffin is in India, and French Toast is neck deep in the slowest internet in China, yes it's a fact! We'll be back soon with reports on Mother India and perhaps even a live-blogging extravaganza when ZM comes to Shanghai in TWO WEEKS!

Coconut Cream Pudding, and Happy Year of the Rabbit!

We're coming up on the tail end of Chinese New Year, or chunjie, or Spring Festival, or one-week-off-from-work-when-all-business-is-set-aside-and-fireworks-go-off-like-mad-24/7, and I have yet to do what I said I would do this week: practice Ashtanga yoga every day, work on the Salty story, organize my closet, write in the Yogery....Ay yo.

Instead of doing these things, I pretended I was still in Thailand and made coconut cream pudding. Nothing like a cool, creamy, coconutty spoonful of goodness to make the annoyance of firecrackers bouncing off your sixteenth floor window melt away. If you make it, and I highly recommend you do, you'll need three cans of coconut milk and the patience to wait at least a day before you eat it.

Instead of the hardcore Ashtanga practice I promised myself, I yoga-ed to Jason Crandell via Yoga Journal podcasts. They are usually only about 20 minutes, but they all go well together so you can just yoga until your battery wears out.

This week I'm hoping to start a green juice cleanse. Any tips or recommendations out there for me? I haven't done one in awhile. What better way to start the Year of the Rabbit than eating like one!

Coconut Pudding with Coconut Cream

Ingredients:
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup corn starch (i used flour)
1/4 teaspoon salt
5 cups canned unsweetened coconut milk, divided. (i subbed three cups for coconut cream. yum!)
tropical fruits to be spooned on top for serving.

In a heavy saucepan, stir together the sugar, cornstarch and salt. Gradually add 1/2 cup of the coconut milk and stir until you have a runny paste. Stir in remaining cups of milk and cream, and cook over medium heat until the mixture starts to thicken. Turn the heat to low and, stirring briskly, simmer for 1 minute.
Pour the pudding into a 11/2 quart dish, mold or ramekins, and let it cool uncovered for a bit. This will achieve 'skin' on top of the pudding. IF you don't want skin, press plastic wrap immediately onto the surface of the pudding. Put in the fridge for about 12 hours.

Adapted slightly from "The Joy of Vegan Baking" by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau

I am not slow

from www.explodingdog.com

Out of the Yarn Jungle

Below: "Crossing the Line" an exhibit by Tanya Aguiñiga at the LA Craft and Folk Art Museum

Where got I that truth?
Out of a medium's mouth.
Out of nothing it came,
Out of the forest loam,
Out of dark night where lay
The crowns of Nineveh.
-'Fragments,' Yeats

Above: The exhibit had an interactive corner with yarn and scissors for visitors to play with. This is my contribution.

Hypothesis: We are Ease

One of the most "unexpected benedictions" (a favorite phrase of mine from Krishnamurti's journals) of yoga teaching is the connection with the students. Due to Kira's example and encouragement, I try to solicit questions and comments during class. Tonight in particular we had a delightful interaction going, discussing the results of the practices like a bunch of scientists comparing lab results.

I wanted to share some of their words for what happened when we did the practices Kira taught in Anatomy of Self Love:

Experiment: Think a common negative thought you often tell yourself (e.g. "I am fat" or "I am not good enough"). Repeat that in your head over and over again as you begin to breathe fully, in and out, taking big breaths. Try to hang on to the thought as you breathe.

Results: No one could hang on to the poison of the thought. One person said that she saw her words literally change shape to look something like this:

I AM
unworthy/fat/insert any negative word here

Another woman said something like, "The breath feels like a blessing and the ego feels like it's rewired." I love the idea of feeling a blessing in your body.

Experiment: Repeat a positive thought over and over again in your mind, or hold an image of someone or something you love, family, partner, or pets. Again, breathe big and full for several rounds of breath.

Results: One person reported that the feeling of love was enhanced with the breath. Another said that the words edited themselves, transforming from "I love my children" to "I love" followed by the children's names. As if the breath swooped in and erased the attachment, leaving only the love. Someone saw purple and red behind his eyes.

These discussions give me a sense of safety as a teacher because the insights are coming right from the 'students.' I'm not up there making stuff up, going "you should be seeing colors and you should be feeling more love now." They are actually teaching me, because each insight sounds fresh and new and alive in someone else's words, coming from someone else's Yoga.

I fill this space with words like stars

Grey Kitty in Sphinx Pose, the living, breathing, furry form of these mystifying questions:

who am i? whence this widespread cosmic flux?
these, the wise inquire into diligently, soon--nay, now.
(mahopanishad iv, 21... as quoted in ravi ravindra's book the spiritual roots of yoga)

The blank screen, blinking cursor, supportive cat curled up next to me. The conditions are right for writing but deciding what to say is a whole 'nother thing.

About a year ago I taught my first yoga class ever. So in a way this month is my yogic birthday. The shift from 'student' to 'teacher' was a painful but sometimes thrilling molting process. There were nervous breakdowns ("I'm quitting yoga!") and extreme, meticulous preparation for classes, and on the positive side, the immense support of Kira and others. I have learned so much since I started teaching that, looking back, it seems like I didn't know anything before that first night. (I wonder if that cycle will ever stop. Will I ever look back and think, "Gosh I really knew what I was doing back then"?)


I'm taking Kira's wonderful Anatomy of Self Love workshop this week, and it's giving me an inspiring context from which to look back on my first year of teaching yoga as well as look ahead to the kind of things I really want to be teaching. I feel I am getting real tools for getting out of my head, for aligning with the way things are supposed to be, for rewiring my body-mind towards a truer, freer self.

The stars in the winter sky are extra bright right now. This week Sarah had a dream about a beautiful starry night, and stars were the gorgeous backdrop of the gripping climax of "True Grit." The other night I was driving down the mountainous Dennison Grade and the stars looked so sparkly they seemed fake, cinematic. I was listening to "Staralfur," my favorite song by Sigur Ros, rolling down the curvy road overlooking the valley thinking about those lines, "Who am I? Whence this widespread cosmic flux? These, the wise inquire into dilently, soon--nay, now." An instant feeling of calm, quiet, and aching wonder washed over me. Time slowed down. I'm amazed that I'm a yoga teacher; I'm amazed that I'm alive. I'm amazed at the stars. It's gonna be ok. I don't have to know the answers when the questions feel so potent. Now, home again in my tiny house, I fill this space with words like stars.

"Staralfur" combined with BBC's "Planet Earth" = bliss:

New year, new yoga

Hello from Koh Phangnan, Thailand! Ben and I are spending the next few weeks relaxing and detoxing from life in China. This morning we snorkeled near a living reef and I practiced my pranayama to keep from panicking. I am not an experienced sea faring lady, so I need lots of practice. The bright, swift moving schools of fish and dark seaweed plant that spiral up from the sandy bottom like snakes still surprise me.
I have not practiced ashtanga seriously for awhile, but there is a little studio near by which offers a class in the afternoons--today we'll ride over and check it out. I am looking forward to revisiting the practice--in the past, it's felt to rigid for me.
Dear Yogery, it pains me to write I lost my camera, so I cannot share the photos of the amazing food we've had here. But believe when I say there are some incredible looking pasrtries here--some buns and cakes colored bright green or yellow.
Any one out there have any yoga or non yoga recommendations for me on Koh Phangnan? Places to eat I just can't miss, or beautiful beaches? I'd love to hear them.

On Yoga (or the lack thereof) in India

Yoga teachers sometimes say and do things that embarrass the rest of us in the profession. Hanging a disco ball in the studio is one example. Telling an Indian woman she has good hips for squatting (because she is Indian) is just cringe-inducing (how would someone even come up with that idea?). Yikes. In this NPR story, a funny Indian American radio host decides to try yoga before India 'reclaims' it and he is left behind.

Story Here

Happy New Year!

Happy 2011, Yogery! As I write this, the new year has already brought sunshine and fresh made friends. I haven't made any resolutions this year, and I don't know if I will. Here's what I know: if you make one cake this year, I hope it's that one up there. Zen Muffin posted the recipe earlier--it's the cardamom cake with butter rum drizzle. Yes, it looks like a giant donut, but it tastes a million times better than anything you'll find at Krispy Kreme. My rum butter drizzle is on the bottom of this cake--it's more of a burnt caramel rum sauce, and it's delicious.

So no big resolutions for me, but lots to look forward to. Close friends are returning to Shanghai, bringing along their new baby daughter with them. A trip to Thailand in a few days--ahh! I am venturing into the sweet world of momma and baby yoga for the first time--a truly awesome experience.

I suppose I'd be lying if I didn't mention I do have one yoga specific goal this year: Eight Angle Pose. Casey's got me working on the prep, nice and easy, and I'll be damned if I can't get it by this time next year!

Happy new year! Tell me your plans and resolutions!

Homemade Oreos

At first I thought it necessary to post my own personal Christmas wish list. It's maybe too late for that. But here, friends, is my list of things you should buy because you want them. And because they are cute. And because you might need something new to brighten up your dreary January.

1. Listen, I know - not from firsthand experience - that Van Morrison can be a jag. But when he makes music as beautiful as this, I'm not going to hold it against him. My dad has this record and it is a blessed thing.

2. I'm a sucker for cutesy shit. Some samples: un stylo, durable vinyl for your cash, and this Bozo nose.


3. Yes please.

4. Who doesn't want some of this? I will take anything and everything, as long as it's on sale.

5. Put whatever you want in these. I don't care. Whatever. Just get them.

6. Wrap yourself up, put a bow on your head, and I'll probably go for it.

7. Go stay at someone else's house. They have beds, they have kitchens, they have hot tubs, and they have a view.

8. Buy stuff for your dog, because they love you more than anything. And if you can't buy them anything, love them more than anything. And if you don't have a dog, get one.


I have very little wisdom. But because this is an end-of-the-year post, and really is an end-of-the-decade sort of thing, I feel compelled to include a bit of what I've learned. I am always humbled by what I do not know, and that's a lot. Doing things because I feel the obligation is rarely the best thing for me. Sacrificing self and supporting others is sometimes - a lot of times - the best thing for me. It is important to know the difference. Be intentional about everything. My parents are only getting older and so am I; our relationship will change. It doesn't really matter how long it took me to apply, and get accepted, to graduate school. It OK that I'm still not convinced it's a good idea. I will give the most time, love, affection, and self to people who deserve and protect it. I will be a really good aunt.


Happiest New Year's, fireworks. Eat and be merry!

Arj Barker: The Sickest Buddhist

Elvis, on a Yoga Blog!

Inspiration comes from unexpected places sometimes.

I've been sharing from the Bhagavad Gita in class for a few weeks (thanks, Kira, for getting me to do that!). The line I've been sharing is, "He who finds happiness, light, and delight within himself is a true yogi." This is SO much harder than doing the most advanced poses!

All day I unsuccessfully looked for my inner happiness, light, and delight. I was actually itemizing yogic techniques in my brain, trying to come up with one that would directly put me in contact with my 'inner happiness.' Then my music shuffled to fellow Iowan Greg Brown covering the old gospel song, "I Shall Not Be Moved" and, well, I was moved. When the heart can feel, the thinking head can rest, and inner happiness is more available.

Here is the Elvis version. Greg's mellower version is not available on YouTube. That's ok because this version will knock your socks off with its bulk supplies of happiness, light, and delight.

Bodies in Urban Spaces

These photos are from a public art installation called "Bodies in Urban Spaces" by a choreographer (Willi Dorner) and a photographer (Lisa Rastl). I recommend doing a google image search to see more, but I chose a few of my favorites to share below.

I love the democratic nature of the project. The artists use their bodies as a form of expression but we don't see them in any really hard poses, looking athletic or idealized, as so much art tends to do. Anyone could do this. A mere turning upside down in an everyday space (and we can't discount the charm of the bright colored clothing) creates instant playfulness, humor, and joy.

How much of our posture and carriage comes from socioeconomic and cultural factors? How do our cultural and political beliefs literally shape our bodies? More on this in a couple days when I finish reading Yoga Body by Mark Singleton, which puts yoga in a broad context of politics, colonization, morality, and a constantly changing societal relationship to the human body. I know your breath is bated.

The Yogery's SECOND Annual Gift Guide! We followed up, oh yes we did!

Last year we posted the Yogery's First Annual Gift Guide. We suppose that implies we have to do a second list, doesn't it? So here goes...the Yogery's annual list of fabulous presents that mostly the authors would enjoy.

Merry Christmas from French Toast and Zen Muffin (in Shanghai and Ojai respectively!)

1. Infinite Itunes gift certificates. I wish itunes sold some sort of lifetime membership that entitled the holder to infinite downloads. Since that doesn't exist, a Really Large Gift Certificate should suffice. French Toast adds: Amazon! Do they make gift certificates? They should. Or any online book seller..who doesn't love picking out books online and then getting them in the mail?!

2. Yoga Passes! Come to Zen Muffin's very own Yoga classes at the endlessly charming Lulu Bandha's studio in Ojai, California.

3. Street Food of India: The 50 Greatest Indian Snacks by Sephi Bergerson. The food is the real reason many international yogis make a pilgrimage to India. That's why I want to go anyway. Not the yoga, but the samosas and lassis and chai oh my! This book has ridiculously amazing photos and will please anyone who is a food geek at all. French Toast turned me on to it and I bought it for someone who I'm pretty sure does not read the Yogery. If they do, surprise! Oops!

4. The Gro-Bot. SO cute. A Robot plant-holder almost as cute as Wall-e who holds onto your plant like it's his best friend. He will soon be YOUR best friend.

5. Shop local. This year I tried harder than usual to balance the desire to find the perfect gifts with the desire to support Ojai's small shops. So many of them are struggling and closing. And, well, I realized that I like them there even if I don't often shop at them. But if they're going to stay, someone has to give them money. Most importantly, I get to save my soul from the mall.

6. D.I.Y. I think people genuinely like receiving homemade gifts or food items. I can't reveal what I am going to do this year in case any of you readers are on the receiving end. Or in case it is a total bust.

7. This AMAZING vintage Mexican wool bag. I am in love with it. I love those Mexican blankets that are in every yoga studio. This bag is like that, only it's actual wool with no synthetic fibers. And hey, you could carry your yoga stuff in it and then use it as a prop if you wanted!

8. Yogi-specific gifts: Any decent book on yoga is always appreciated. New books are great inspiration for yoga teachers. Double points for cool vintage yoga books. And any yoga teacher or devoted student would be delighted to receive a yoga bolster for Christmas. They are so expensive yet so wonderful for practicing.

9. Leslie Kaminoff's Online Yoga Anatomy Course. Nine months of intensive online study with one of yoga's foremost educators. Yes, please!

10. Heidi Swanson's Super Natural Cooking. I'm a regular visitor to her site 101 Cookbooks, and my mom owns this book--it's chock full of tips and tricks for eating super natural at home. Yum.

11. Celebrity Chekov. Oh, yes. Oh, yes.

12. Pretty much anything from Drawn and Quarterly is a winner, but this new graphic novel by Vanessa Davis looks pretty good. For the story lover in your life.

13. A food processor! These puppies are pretty hard to find in China, but if I had one, I'd be a hummus making machine.

cardamommmmm + rummmmm

Cardamom Bundt Cake with Rum Butter Drizzle. The very word "cardamom" is such a delicious thing in mouth, starting out sharp and ending round and soft. Things like that make me happy. Come to think of it, from above, a bundt cake looks like a bunch of m's gathering in a circle with their feet in the center. Awww. I'm feeling very silly tonight apparently. Edward Espe Brown's got me thinking about sweet round teapots with dents, then that gets me onto my chickens because they are also ample and round and cheery. And once I start thinking about chickens I get all warm and fuzzy inside.

This was the most successful thing I made at this year's Thanksgiving feast. The recipe comes from Nadia Natali's Blue Heron Ranch Cookbook.

preheat to 325

In a large bowl mix together:

8 T butter melted (one stick)
1 C Raw sugar (i used regular)
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla

Add to wet ingredients:

2 C white flour
1 T ground cardamom
1/4 t cinnamon
1/4 t nutmeg
1 T orange rind grated
2 t Baking powder
1/4 t salt

Add 1 C sour cream or yogurt to batter and mix all together. I was forced to use low fat yogurt because on Thanksgiving it's all the store had left. I think a higher fat yogurt would be even moister.

Butter and dust with flour a 10 inch bundt pan. Pour mixture into pan. Bake at 325 for 45-50 minutes or until a thin knife inserted into cake comes out clean.

Meanwhile, pour some rum, lots of butter, and lots of brown sugar, into a saucepan and bring to a boil. I didn't measure really, we just kept tasting until we found the right balance. Pour this generously over the finished cake and serve.