Headstand

Below, my teacher Susan demonstrates a Headstand.  I am a long way
from achieving this but I can practice the prep poses such as Dolphin
and walking up with my head balanced into a folded blanket.  Not
something to attempt without proper instruction.

 

Vimy Ridge

During World War I, Vimy Ridge was a significant part of the German
defense system. At daybreak on April 09, 1917, four divisions of the
Canadian Corps, aided by the British 5th Division and a great number
of artillery units,  started the push up the Ridge. By mid-afternoon most
of the Ridge had been taken.  On April 12 the 4th Canadian Division and
the British 24th Division completed taking the northern end.

There were a total of 10,602 casualties of which 3,598 were Canadians.

"The Oak Tree"

A mighty wind blew night and day.
It stole the oak tree's leaves away,
Then snapped its boughs
and pulled its bark
until the oak was tired and stark.
But still the oak tree held its ground
while other trees fell all around...
The weary wind gave up and spoke.
"How can you still be standing, Oak?"
The oak tree said, "I know that you
can break each branch of mine in two,
carry every leaf away,
shake my limbs, and make me sway.
But I have roots stretched in the earth,
growing stronger since my birth.
You'll never touch then, for you see,
they are the deepest part of me.
Until today, I wasn't sure
of just how much I could endure.
But now I've found, with thanks to you,
I'm stronger than I ever knew."

one of the ancient oaks in Sherwood Forest

Chickpea Curry

I love chickpeas.  Here is an easy recipe from Peak of Market for a hot dish
for one of the cold days we will be facing in the upcoming months.

2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
1 small piece of cinnamon stick
2 garlic cloves, crushed or minced
1 tbsp (15 ml) ginger root, finely grated
2 ripe tomatoes, chopped
2 cans chickpeas, drained but save liquid
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin
1/2 tsp (2 ml) ground coriander
1/2 tsp (2 ml) salt

In large skillet, heat oil.  Add onion and cinnamon stick.
Cook stirring until onion is soft, about 10 minutes.
Add ginger and garlic and continue cooking another 3 minutes.
Add tomatoes and simmer about 10 minutes until tomatoes are soft.
Stir in chickpeas, cumin, coriander and salt.  Simmer 10-12 minutes.
Add about 1 cup reserved chickpea liquid to make it saucy.

Serves 4

Loving a Body

Loving a body is about nooks and crannies, 
the first hints of silver at the temples,
laughing out loud at the TV in the next room,
a pile of unwashed dishes but
opting for a snuggle instead.

Loving a body invites an opening,
a breathing into acceptance of that
one damned trait that can absolutely-drive-you-crazy –
until you let go,
celebrating strengths instead of obsessing.

Loving a body is both charted and uncharted;
we often have guides, some better than others –
who lead us into possibility.  Who hold
the stumble as precious and expected,
even welcomed.

Loving your own body is a wild landscape –
some have gone before you, but
the dispatches are few and far between.
And what is endearing in loving another
quickly turns to scorn when the object is yourself.

Loving your own body is practice, patience, persistence and
the metabolism of loss.  That is how I heard yoga
described recently, and the way the two
map each other is inextricable.  Broken and organic,
ragged and seamless.

Anna, Curvy Yoga

Walk in the Park - Leo Mol Sculpture Garden

Just as the fall colours were starting, I took some time and went to
the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden at Assiniboine Park in my home
town of Winnipeg MB Canada.  Below are just a few pictures I
took on my walk.  Not many; I got caught up in just looking around.

Standing Wide Angle Forward Bend - with pictures

I have posted Prasarita Padottanasana before.  I'm just taking the 

opportunity to post pictures my teacher, Susan, took of me in the pose.  

This is a great forward bend if you have tight hamstrings and have 

difficulty bending forward with your feet together.

Feet apart, bend forward till you hands reach the floor or blocks.  At 

this point your back is straight and you are facing the floor.  Hold for 

a few seconds and then release forward bring your hands between your 

feet, bend elbows, and let your head drop.