Quote From B.K.S.Iyengar

"The supreme adventure in a man’s life is his journey back to his Creator. To reach the goal he needs well developed and co-ordinated functioning of his body, senses, mind, reason and Self."
 ~B.K.S. Iyengar -Light on Yoga

Uttanasana - Standing Forward Bend





Forward bends come easily to me.  Don’t know why except I probably have
some natural flexibility in my hips to start with.  I guess what is surprising
is I carry my excess weight in my belly but I am able to get my hands to the
floor in a standing forward bend.  Just another reminder that yoga can work
for anyone willing to spend the time.

Start in Tadansana (Mountain Pose).  Your feet can be together or apart to the
width of your shoulders.  Hands on hips and gently bend back a bit to open the
hip flexors.  Hinging from the hip joints, bend forward keeping your back
straight.  Try to concentrate on rolling your abdominal muscles in and up as
you bend forward.  Take your hands to a height (chair, blocks, floor) where
you can comfortably hold this pose with your back straight.  Do not force this
pose.  This is where I over stretched my hamstrings when I first started out in
yoga.  Let the pose settle into your body and allow the whole back (from heels
to shoulders) learn to release.  It helps to press your hands into your supports
to encourage the back muscles to let go.  Hold for 30 seconds.

When you are coming up, place your hands back on your hips.  Use you glutes
(those are the big butt muscles) and pull yourself back up.  Repeat two more times.

This is one of my “go to” poses especially after a long walk, Zumba, or any
other time I am using my legs a lot.  Forward bends become easier as your
hips open up and your legs become stronger.

Virginia Pound Cake

I’m quite fond of pound cakes.  They are very versatile and easy to make.
I got this recipe through the web one day under Pound Cake Recipes.
You can make one big tube cake or make loaves.

1 cup butter, softened
½ cup shortening
3 cups granulated sugar
5 eggs
3 cups cake flour
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
½ teaspoon baking powder

An electric mixer will make this an easier job.
Cream together butter and shortening.  Add sugar and cream until very
smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating until well blended.  Add cake
flour a little at a time. Slowly add milk and extracts.
Add baking powder LAST.

Grease and flour your chosen pan(s).  Pour batter into prepared pan(s)
and place into a COLD oven.  Turn oven on to 325F and bake about
1 hour and 15 minutes or until tester comes out of cake clean.  Cool for
about 15 minutes on rack and then remove from pan(s).  Glaze or dust
with icing sugar if you wish.

Very good with sliced strawberries, ice cream, whipped cream, or
toasted and buttered.

Quote from B.K.S. Iyengar

“Change is not something that we should fear. Rather, it is something that we should welcome. For without change, nothing in this world would ever grow or blossom, and no one in this world would ever move forward to become the person they're meant to be." ~B.K.S. Iyengar

Assisi - In the Footsteps of St. Francis



A beautiful town in the Umbria region of Italy.  This the birthplace of
St.Francis of Assisi, founder of the men's Franciscan Order, the women's
Order of St.Clare, patron saint of animals and the environment, and one
of the two patron saints of Italy.   Along with the Basilica and churches,
Assisi has shops and restaurants to interest everyone.  The women in our
group had a shoe shopping safari.  We took advantage of our location and
took side trips to Perugia and Urbino.

Like many ancient Italian towns, Assisi is built on a hilltop (or is that
mountain top). If you should visit, be prepared to walk up into town from
one of the public parking lots.  Cars and buses are not allowed in the historic
town except for a few taxis.  You can walk along side one of the monks that
are commonly seen in town or one of those amazing elderly Italian women
who have been hiking up and down Assisi streets all their lives.

Restorative Yoga

One of Susan’s, my yoga teacher, favourite yoga authors/teachers is
Judith Hanson Lasater.  Susan used Lasater’s general Restorative practice
from her book, Relax and Renew: Restful Yoga for Stressful Times for
our last restorative class for our spring session at the Reh-Fit Centre.  Lasater
also has a wonderful insomnia practice in the same book.  They are favourites
with all my yoga buddies.

Supported Bound Angle Pose
Mountain Brook Pose
Supported Bridge Pose
Elevated Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose
Reclining Twist with a Bolster
Supported Seated Angle Pose
Supported Crossed-Leg Pose
Savasana with Elevated Legs

“During deep relaxation, all the organ systems of the body are benefited, and a few of the measurable results of deep relaxation are the reduction of blood pressure, serum  triglycerides and blood sugar levels in the blood, the increase of the "good cholesterol" levels, as well as improvement in digestion, fertility, elimination, the reduction of muscle tension, insomnia and generalized fatigue.”  Quote from Judith Hanson Lasater’s website.

Happy CANADA DAY !!!


Wishing all of my fellow Canadians a great and safe July 1.
Enjoy the day and all the fireworks.