This post begins a three part series discussing the advantages and benefits of a plant-based diet:
Part 1 – The philosophical and ethical reasons to eat a plant-based diet instead of consuming animal products.
Part 2 – Reasons why everyone should consider eating a plant-based diet.
Part 3 – Some unexpected benefits of eating A plant-based diet
We begin with Part 1 – As yogis, yoginis and students of yoga begin to seek liberation, they strive to perfect their actions and in so doing they quickly come to realize that every action is preceded by a thought. To perfect an action, thoughts must first be perfected. So, you might ask, what are perfect thoughts? Perfect thoughts are ones that are devoid of selfish motives; they’re free of anger, greed, hate, jealousy, etc.
Adopting a compassionate vegetarian diet is a good place to start if you truly intend to move toward a transcendental reality and have a lighter impact on the planet. Not everyone practices yoga asana (poses) every day, but everyone eats. And therefore everyone has the opportunity to practice compassion three times a day when they sit down to eat. This is one of the main reasons so many yoga practitioners and students choose make the change and become vegetarians.
This article is focused primarily on ethical vegetarians and foremost in the list of reasons they eat only plant-based food is in order to show compassion toward animals and other sentient beings which in turn benefits the entire planet. There are those who say they are vegetarians but still consume milk products, eggs, and fish. These are actually not strict vegetarians but “lacto-ovo” vegetarians (milk & eggs) and “pescatarians” (includes fish) and ethical vegetarians do not consume any dairy products, eggs, or fish because these are not plant-based and eating them causes great suffering to other beings and the planet. Vegans are ethical vegetarians who endeavor to extend their ethics to include not just what they eat but everything they use: including (but not limited to) food, clothing, medicine, fuel, and entertainment. When using the term vegetarianism in this article, keep in mind that refers to ethical vegetarianism or veganism.
Many, if not most meat eaters defend their food choices by claiming that it is natural, because in a natural, wild state animals eat one another. Whenever people bring this up as a rationale for eating meat, they need to be reminded that the animals that end up on their table aren’t those who eat one another in the wild. The animals that are exploited for food aren’t the lions, tigers, and bears of the world. We eat the passive ones, the vegan animals that, when given free choice, would never even think of eating the flesh of other animals, although sadly, they are forced to do just that on today’s factory farms where they are fed “enriched feed” containing dead, rendered animal parts.
The majority of Americans believe a plant-based (or vegan) diet is difficult to follow. But what does difficult mean when compared to suffering and eventually dying from heart disease caused by an animal diet high in saturated fats and cholesterol? Even so, many people will still choose to go through invasive bypass surgery or have a breast, colon section, or kidney removed. And/or they may opt to take powerful pharmaceutical drugs for the rest of their lives rather than change their diets – all because they mistakenly think veganism is drastic and extreme. Do these who choose to eat meat ever consider how difficult it is for the animals who suffer degrading confinement and cruel slaughter, dying for their dining convenience and the satisfaction of their appetites?
When yoga practitioners and students begin following the yamas prescribed in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, they begin to realize that suffering is inevitable only to those who are unenlightened (or turn a blind eye) about the truth, which exists to connect us all. Real responsibility means realizing that our own actions bring about the situation we live in and that is reflected in the first yama “Ahimsa” (non-harming). Yoga practice has the potential to heal the one common disease that we are all suffering from; the disease of disconnection. War, destruction of the environment, extinction of species, and even domestic violence, all of these originate as a result of the disease of disconnection. Others can only be abused and exploited by those who are disconnected from them and have no idea about the potent consequences inherent in their own actions. When someone feels connected, they know it’s them, as well as other living things, who will suffer from the anguish they inflict.
Eating meat and consuming animal products is a long-standing (and generally accepted) habit in American culture. Many Western yoga practitioners will argue that they have to eat meat and that they need the protein to keep up the strength required for a physically challenging asana practice. Ironically, Sri K. Pattabhi
According to science, this world we live in has existed for about 4.5 billion years; spinning in space while continuously evolving, giving us life as we know it today. Suddenly, almost miraculously, something fascinating happened! Approximately 3 billion years ago, a single celled micro-organism began an incredible journey, exploding into a diverse biota of blue-green algae; commonly known today as marine or aquatic phytoplankton. Well over 70% of our earth’s oxygen supply comes from these microscopic organisms. They possess a unique and amazing ability to utilize the energy of sunlight to drive the process of photosynthesis which in turn synthesizes oxygen…and without oxygen, life on our planet would be absolutely impossible. Although I am using the term “blue-green algae,” (aka, chlorella and spirulina and their kin) they are actually cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria are classified as bacteria because their genetic material is not organized in a membrane-bound nucleus. And, unlike other types of bacteria, they contain chlorophyll and use the sun as their energy source, in much the same way plants and other forms of algae and seaweed do. So it comes as no surprise that because of blue-green algae’s evolutionary history and its longevity, a huge amount of interest and science has been directed towards aquatic phytoplankton over these past thirty to forty years. And this research is not just conducted by oceanographic and other aqua explorers. Forty years ago, when the research began, it was preliminary, mostly based on supposition and anecdotal evidence about the potential health benefits of using phytoplankton as a viable food source. But now, the most recent findings are nothing short of incredible! Advanced molecular technology shows that these ‘plankton’, also contain an array of the most potent and powerful biological substances known to mankind; being of great benefit to our bodies as well as our earth. Blue-green algae is unparalleled in the animal and plant kingdoms because of its biological efficiency and effectiveness, delivering the highest vitamin, mineral, and phytonutrient content per gram than almost any other substance known! These humble phytoplankton continue to amaze and inspire scientists and laypeople alike…They contain up to 60% protein by weight, compared to 22% for beef, and please keep in mind, that once beef is even slightly cooked, it contains 50% less protein leaving only 11%! Heating, frying, grilling, basically adding any high heat, even for a short amount of time, destroys almost all of the protein content found in animal and fish meats. Another (relatively new) discovered fact, is that they are now considered a “complete” protein source; containing all nine of the essential amino acids that we cannot produce in our own bodies, and these amino acids are contained in great abundance in every single cell of these phytoplankton. Additionally they include almost every other element in the “Periodic Table of Elements;” each one in proper balance and totally bio-available to your body, almost instantly upon ingestion! From a biological standpoint, they are the richest, most nutritionally dense food source on the planet. It’s no wonder then that people’s lives and their health have been transformed forever, when they begin supplementing with blue-green algae on a regular, daily basis! This begs the question of why we don’t hear much about this, if only for our own health. Well, one primary reason is the harvester/producers don’t have as big a voice, lobbying power or nearly as much money, as the dairy, beef, and poultry industries have! Another reason may be that these potent micro-organisms just don’t seem as appetizing or as friendly to eat” to the modern day palate, especially when compared to most of the other things people are tempted to eat. Most people prefer their food cooked (or dead) before they eat it, even if it’s a powerful and nutritious substance that might well be the key to attaining and maintaining optimal health. Today, some forty years later, through science and technology we’re finally discovering the truth about these “aquatic phytoplankton.” Chlorella, spirulina and other blue-green algae may just become the next “evolutionary” food, while at the same time, becoming our most effective agent for fighting disease. We currently live in a chemical world, and we’re confronted by toxins everywhere we go. Fortunately, these microscopic miracles are also known to be powerful natural detoxifiers, and purifiers; they can even eliminate radiation and heavy metal toxins from deep within our bodies, down to a cellular level. One of the best products on the market today is E3live – a type of “wild” blue-green algae known as Aphanizomenon Flos-Aqua (AFA for short) that grows in the glacier fed Klamath Lake in Oregon, which is extremely mineral rich. E3Live, is a wild-grown, organic, USDA approved, certified kosher liquid super-food that has more blood-building, oxygen-attracting chlorophyll than any other food substance. It has every mineral, all the B vitamins including Vitamin B12 (human active) and is a complete protein. E3Live% Everyone knows summer is the season of the sun, outdoor activities, and vacations. Summer is also the best season for plenty of good healthy, detox foods. All produce is best when we can find and buy it locally grown and in its freshest state, which supports both our community and the environment. In most of North America summer is the season of fresh fruit and vegetables, including those nutritionally dense greens (Mustard/Turnip/Collard Greens, Kale, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Arugula, etc.) and wonderful herbs (Basil, Thyme, Parsley, Oregano, Mint & Rosemary, etc.). Visit your local produce stand or farmers market and choose from the variety of fruits and veggies straight from the field, and often picked that very morning. These local harvests contain a great deal more nutrients than the store bought varieties. Filling your refrigerator with the foods listed below insures your body is filled with all the fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients it needs. Additionally, these wonderful nourishing foods, when eaten fresh off the farm have awesome detoxing properties. Here’s a list of healthy choices, easy to find, nutritious and delicious summer detox foods. Try to incorporate as many as possible into each week through daily planning of meals you make yourself, for yourself and/or to share with your friends and family… Berries Berries (Blueberries, Raspberries, Strawberries & Blackberries are the most popular) and are some people’s favorite summer food. Oftentimes it’s possible to pick local and fresh from the “pick your own” farms in your neighborhood. Berries are an awesome way to start your day; they are light and refreshing and their high water content helps to rehydrate your body after a good night’s sleep. Berries are rich in vitamin C, phytonutrients (cancer fighters), and their rich colors can even help to elevate your mood. They are wonderful for breakfast or as an evening desert. Cherries Cherries are not only rich in flavor; they are also known to contain potent anti-inflammatory properties and are great for gout and arthritis sufferers. They pack high doses of beta carotene, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, iron, fiber and folate. Cherries also contain high amounts of melatonin which is known to help regulate sleep patterns. Enjoy a small bowl of cherries in the evening an hour or more before bed. They are delicious warmed-up slightly with some sliced apples in a pot for desert. Carrots, Yams & Sweet Potatoes These rich orange vegetables always add a vibrant dose of color to any meal. Carrots and sweet potatoes not only help add a bit of sweetness to a meal they are loaded with vitamin C and beta carotene, (both powerful antioxidants). These fiber rich vegetables also help to sooth and cleanse the bowel plus they fill you up, boosting your energy levels as well. Alliums (Onions/Garlic) Two words that are often used to describe garlic and onions are pungent and aromatic. These are wonderful foods to add to any dish and can be enjoyed either raw or cooked. Both onions and garlic are known for their rich content of sulfur compounds (that’s what makes your eyes water when cutting an onion), they are also very active disease fighters and detoxifying agents as well. Onions and garlic both fend off infections and have been used as medicine for centuries. They help to support good bacteria in the bowel, fight cancer cells, kill viruses and bacteria, lower cholesterol and add a nice of flavor to any dish you make. Dark Leafy Greens Greens have an excellent reputation for packing in an extreme amount of nutrition in each and every leaf. , rich in vitamins, water and minerals bring energy and cleansing to your body when included in any meal. They are one of the richest sources of the B vitamins, insoluble fiber and phytonutrients; no afternoon or evening meal is complete without some greens, either fresh or lightly steamed on the plate. For vegetarians and those on a plant-based diet they is the best natural source of iron, B12 and folate. Because of their rich fiber content greens are digested slowly, creating nice even blood glucose levels and sustained energy.
Regular yoga practice can help greatly in the reduction of belly fat (superficial or subcutaneous fat) and fat deposits within in the body (visceral fat). Both these types of fat compromise our ideal appearance, but the visceral fat surrounds our internal organs, finding it way into our blood vessels (including the heart) and can pose some serious problems, even inhibit their function. Superficial (subcutaneous) fat is often considered a “good fat” It’s the same type of fat, that covers the face, arms, hips, and thighs. It can be pinched between the thumb and fingers and has certain health benefits, but only when it’s controlled. There are several dynamic moves which can be added to the asanas which help in the reduction of the belly fat, such as twists and elongations. Surya namaskar (Sun Salutation) helps to provide exercise for the whole body and helps the stomach to be free itself of fat while at the same time toning the body. Surya namaskar helps to improve flexibility of the spine and makes the limbs more flexible. While toning the entire body it burns extra cholesterol deposited around (and inside) the belly region. Deep breathing exercises help to burn extra fat which is deposited around and in various organs of the body. Stomach lifts up and down along with proper breathing exercises show exceptional results in relatively short amount of time. Now, on to some beneficial asanas… • Marjarasana (Cat Cow Pose) – Cat cow pose is sometimes referred to as simply the Cat pose. It’s another of the most effective yoga stomach exercises. It’s easily performed by beginners and leaves you feeling open and stretched. This is one of the few yoga stomach exercises that is safe for pregnant women. Move your body with your breath while performing this exercise for the best results. Benefits: Cat cow pose is one of the best yoga stomach exercises for conditioning the abdominal muscles and increasing flexibility of the spine. It tones the abdominal wall and massages the internal organs. The exercise also helps clear out emotional baggage. • Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) – This baby backbend can help compensate for all those hours spent hunched in front of a computer. Be patience as you learn the proper foundations of this pose, such as how to work the legs, pelvis, chest, arms, and especially the belly. Benefits: Greatly assists in keeping the dorsal spine elastic and strong. Backache due to overstrain can be thus relieved. Also, helps considerably in reducing abdominal fat. • Navasana (Boat Pose) – The body comes into a V-shape, balancing entirely on the buttocks. In different variations and traditions, the arms legs and torso may take different positions.You may perform the boat pose with or without the assistance of yoga props. Benefits: This asana strengthens the abdominal muscles, the legs and the lower back. It is said to relieve stress, improve digestion and aid the abdominal organs: kidneys, thyroid, prostate and intestines, plus
What is a retreat? It’s a quiet or secluded place where you can rest and relax. What are a YOGA retreats: Quiet and secluded places where you can rest, relax, eat healthy, gain knowledge, insights, personal strength and PRACTICE YOGA. Is your daily routine getting you down? Have you ever wondered what might happen to you and to your life if you would just make the time to retreat to a place where you’re offered delicious, nutritious food and someone leads you in daily yoga and meditation practice? Where you’re in the company of other like-minded/like-hearted seekers of truth, love and beauty? Once you’re on a yoga retreat (or yoga holiday, as they’re sometimes called) all your regular daily obstacles will be gone and your day to day hassles will be put on hold, while you’re hooked up to a program that offers solutions for you when you return, so that your “normal” daily routine will have some pizzazz, a new energy and a new and refreshing feel. You’ll return rejuvenated and recharged and with a whole new attitude, plus you’ll be feeling energy you haven’t felt since you were a kid. Most yoga retreats take place in very special (and secluded) corners of the world (like National Parks, remote beach areas, or camps in the mountains), special places where time seems to slow down, providing a new and insightful perspective. If you’ve never had the opportunity to participate in a yoga retreat (or even if you have) and/or you feel your practice could use a bit more spark, your adventure is not as far away as you might imagine, why put it off, with a little planning you can make it happen! This unique type of getaway tends to bring like-minded/like-hearted seekers of truth, love and beauty together and creates a fertile ground for awakening the miracle that is you. A yoga retreat will affect you physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, basically producing a profound and positive effect on your entire being. Retreats provide a break from your normal routines and time to focus on releasing, discovering and applying new found tools. Retreats that are well constructed allow for personal attention given to your own specific areas of need. This personal attention gives you a tool box filled with plenty of options. There is nothing more inspiring then returning from an experience empowered with new found strength. The power gained on a yoga retreat continues to help you as you return to your regular daily life with a new set of tools to release pain, regain strength, and find deep rest and peace plus you’ll be able find and open doors to possibilities where there were just blank walls before. There are times on a Yoga retreat when adventurous activities like hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking, etc. are offered and other times when silence is to be observed while doing cooperative communal service. There will be new dietary experiences to taste and enjoy, learning to practice “Ahimsa” (non-injury to others) while savoring plant based foods – both raw and cooked. There may be a time for cleansing/detox and giving the body a break from un-healthy habits. On some retreats you’ll be surrounded by beautiful settings, while on others you may focus on sensual pleasures like massage, energetic healing or bodywork. A Yoga retreat may involve early morning meditation to stop the constant chatter of the mind. Also, there’s Vipassana (insight meditation) for those interested in self-reflection or looking for a more spiritual experience. There may be instruction which will help you learn Pranayama and other advanced breathing methods. What kind of people go on Yoga retreats? ∙ Some are young; others are elderly (and all in between). ∙ Some are loose and flexible, while others are a stiff as a board. ∙ Some may be exhausted or at a crossroads in their life. ∙ Some simply want a chance to get away from it all. ∙ Others want to take care of just themselves for a change. Here are a few of the most common reasons people go on a yoga retreat: ∙ Deepening an existing practice ∙ Restarting a practice that was dropped ∙ Testing the waters (if you’re new to Yoga) ∙ Finding a new direction in life ∙ Meeting new, exciting people When you leave your daily routine and go for a yoga retreat, you set the stage for: ∙ Stress and pain relief ∙ Deep Rest ∙ Increased knowledge and understanding ∙ Greater appreciation for all things ∙ Diet improvement with delicious healthy food Tip: Knowing exactly what kind of experience you’re looking for before signing up will help ensure you pick the retreat perfect for your needs. Selecting retreat with a time frame suited to your schedule is also important; whether it’s a day retreat, a few days, a week, or even longer. And, perhaps most importantly, it is always recommended that the retreat you select is lead by certified yoga instructors who are prepared to work with you at your skill level. Spending intimate time with an experienced yoga teacher is one of the most potent opportunities for change available today; being a mixture of instruction and inspiration, it will guide you toward being a more authentic and powerful human being. In conclusion: Yoga retreats are the latest trend in yoga where you will be able to gain many profound benefits beyond those found when participating in a few hours of yoga sessions or classes. Those who attend such retreats and are guided by a yoga master, report experiencing a silent, inward revolution; one that produces a conscious growth and outward “evolution” of their body and mind. Contrary to the general belief that yoga is limited to an individualistic practice, a yoga retreat allows you the opportunity to explore the social aspect of yoga. Plus, the closeness to nature and having the time and opportunity to re-examine your motivations, goals, and beliefs helps you to become re-united with yourself and the awesome person you really are, both when you’re alone and in the company of others. Yoga as a therapeutic practice will encourage the process of detoxification. Hot yoga in particular really prompts a release of toxins into the bloodstream for elimination. In the long-run, this is very beneficial for your skin. But in the short-term, you might ask “what gives?” Yoga’s supposed to make me healthy not cause my skin to break out? Since the skin is the largest organ in your body, and is also one of the key organs involved in detoxification, it’s not uncommon for your face, chest and back to show signs of the cleansing process. If you’ve been experiencing unexpected breakouts after starting a yoga practice or even when coming back to yoga after a break, these uninvited eruptions may well be a result of the detoxification process. Not to worry, this is not uncommon, and it’s is a good sign that the bodily changes yoga is making are having a positive impact on you. If you’re a bit toxic and your body is releasing a lot of toxins all at once, faster than your eliminatory organs (especially the skin) can get rid of them, then these organs will be a bit overwhelmed, but rest assured, this is a temporary situation and there are a few things you can do to avoid excessive or prolonged breakouts: •First and foremost, eat well: A clean diet is the key; so avoid refined sugars, saturated fats/partially hydrogenated oils, fast foods and most highly processed foods. Replace these foods with fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains, organic whenever possible and practical. •Remain well hydrated: Drink plenty of water! It will help flush out those toxins so they don’t get stuck in the sebaceous glands of your skin (the main cause of acne & other breakouts). •Make sure you always use your own yoga mat: Shared yoga mats are a breeding ground for all sorts of bacteria. Bring your own yoga mat and keep it clean; use a natural mat cleaner after every practice •Wash your face and hands often: After a sweaty yoga session, wash your face and hands with mild soap and water to fresh and clear. If this is not always possible, keep packs of facial cleansing wipes in your yoga bag, then you won’t have any excuses. A real detox reaction may last from a few days to a week, and at the very worst shouldn’t last for more than two to three weeks. Then of course, over time, yoga will work to improve your skin. Here’s a couple yoga poses that can help promote a fresh complexion and vibrant skin tone… •Janu Sirsasana (Head-to-Knee Forward Bend): Sit on the floor on a folded blanket with your legs extended. Inhale, bending your right knee and drawing your heel back toward your groin. Rest your right foot against the inside of your left thigh. Lay your outer right leg on the floor, with your shin at a right angle to your left leg. Press your right hand against your inner right thigh and your left hand on the floor beside your hip. Exhale and turn your torso to the left, reaching to grasp your left foot in your right hand. Inhale and lengthen through the top of your head, twisting further to the left. Reach your left hand to the outside of your left foot, exhaling as you bend forward to touch your nose to your knee. Hold for up to one minute, then release on an exhalation. Repeat on the other side. •Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Spinal Twist): Sit on the floor or your mat with legs extended. Bend your knees, sliding your left foot under your right and laying the outside of the left leg on the floor. Step your right foot over your left leg, standing it on the floor outside your left hip, right knee pointed up at the ceiling. Inhale and lift through the top of your head, then exhale, twisting to the right. Press the right hand against the floor behind you, and then position your left elbow on the outside of your right thigh near the knee, upper arm lifted in a wave. Twist your head to look right, or counter-twist it to look left. Hold for up to one minute, lifting with each inhalation and deepening the twist with each exhalation. Release with an exhalation. Repeat on the other side. *Remember, the health and vibrancy of your skin is directly related to circulation, so poor postural habits that inhibit blood flow to the skin can lead to skin disorders. Twists are particularly good for increasing circulation to the face and neck because they turn the head, neck and shoulders in relation to the upper back. A few that are recommended for a glowing complexion are: •Bharadvajasana (Bharadvaja’s twist) •Ardha Matsyendrasana (half spinal twist) •Trikonasana (triangle pose) * Inversions are another way to increase blood flow to the face. Begin with Viparita Karani (legs up the wall pose) and ask your yoga instructor about more inversions that may be helpful. Last, but not least: But what if you start a yoga practice and your complexion doesn’t clear up, or it gets worse? If your symptoms get worse, that may mean your practice is too vigorous. Having too much heat in the body can impact digestion and irritate the skin. This sometimes happens when you’re forcing your poses, your yoga practice is too challenging or if you’re going through your sequences too quickly. Your breath is probably the best gauge; it should remain constant and smooth. If it isn’t, try slowing down and focusing on relaxation or consult with your yoga teacher. Even if you do not practice yoga regularly (or at all), a health promoting lifestyle can still be very simple, inexpensive, and accessible. While you may (or may not) have heard these 12 tips before, you may (or may not) be actually practicing them. Try the following list of tips – consider them as basic starting points which will serve as a call to action, enabling you to create sufficient time every day for increased health and wellness… 1. Breathe deeply. No need to wait until later, try it right now and see how you feel. Simply inhale completely until your lungs are full of breath. Now pause for a few seconds. Next, exhale all the way until your lungs are completely empty. Repeat two more times. This is really uncomplicated, but it is challenging nonetheless, and if done with awareness you’ll notice your thoughts often interrupt the process of conscious breathing. These three breaths will calm your nervous system, reduce stress, and move you into a state of relaxation. Take at least three deep conscious breaths every day, and eventually increase to once every hour. 2. Be “mindful” of what you eat and drink. Also remain conscious of why you’re choosing it. A little awareness can go a long way, so just be aware of what you’re putting in your body every time you eat something and then ask yourself; “Is this going to feed my body with the nutrients it really needs?” If your answer is “no,” and you eat it anyway; then ask yourself why you chose to feed your body with anything less than the best. 3. Drink Plenty of Water. You will notice that you feel better on the days that you drink more water (at least eight – 10 ounce glasses) than on the days that you don’t. When you’re properly hydrated you’ll be more awake, more aware, less hungry, and even more energized. Give it a try! 4. Move Your Body. Whether it’s a brisk walk, time spent at the gym, practicing yoga, or any other form of light to heavy exercise; make time to move your body in a conscious way (to the point of increasing your heartbeat and breaking a sweat), at least three times per week. Move your body with the intention of improving your health, not just your looks. 5. Meditate. Take at least five minutes every day to STOP what you are doing, and sit down on a chair, on the floor with your back against a wall, or on a cushion to clear your mind. You do not need to be by the ocean or somewhere pretty to find calm. You can meditate anywhere by visualizing the peaceful spot of your choice. In the beginning, set a timer if you need to and just allow your mind be clear, if intrusive thoughts arise (and they probably will) don’t fight, simply watch them like clouds passing in the sky. Five minutes is really not much time at all, and we have all wasted a lot more time than that doing something less meaningful and productive. As you use meditation to clear your mind, it will help put things in perspective, decrease perceived or anticipated stresses, and greatly improve your focus. 6. Get outside. Take time to commune with nature at least once per week whether it’s in your own backyard, a neighborhood park, by the seashore or in the mountains. Observe the trees, rocks, plants, grass, etc. surrounding you as you take nature in. Immersing yourself in the natural world will invigorate your spirits and remind you of the infinite beauty both on the outside and the inside. 7. Practice yoga and/or stretch. As we grow older we lose elasticity in our muscles and our joints often become stiff. One of the most beneficial things we can do for our physical body is to stretch. Increasing flexibility through stretching is one of the basic tenets of physical fitness. Watch your pets or wild animals and how often they stretch. At least once a day take the time to thoroughly stretch your entire body, especially if you tend to lead a sedentary lifestyle. Those who regularly practice yoga will testify to the health and wellness benefits of stretching. 8. Read inspirational literature. Stimulate your mind as much (and as often) as you can by taking time away from the computer, television or work station to read a book or magazine article. Reading helps you escape your regular conditioned thought patterns and inspire you to make improvements or be more creative with your life. Challenge yourself, and read a book or magazine article at least twice a week. 9. Pray, or exercise some form of devotion. Spend just a minute or two each day connecting with something bigger than yourself, and do this with a sense of gratitude, service and intention. This will create a sacred space in your life and help you to acknowledge the power and goodness inherent in all things. 10. Engage physical touch and closeness. It can be as simple as a hug or a pat on the back, or it can be a massage, but be sure to allow yourself time to give and receive some sort of physical touch every day. A therapeutic massage once a month can work wonders. 11. Think positive thoughts. Perhaps you won’t actually soar from thinking happy thoughts, but you will certainly eliminate (or at least offset) the stress that negative thought patterns can cause. By becoming aware of negative thoughts and words you may well be able to supplant them with positive ones instead. This prompts a new way of looking at things perspective, reduces unnecessary stress, and connects you to the joy inherent in your own life. 12. Last but not least, actually practice everything on this list. While you have probably read or heard all of the above ways to become healthier before, and you might even know them to be true, but, are you actually practicing them? Mentally acknowledging and doing are two different things. Let go of your excuses (or limiting beliefs) like a lack of time or money and see them for what they are – lame excuses, not real reasons. Just try putting forth the initial effort that it takes to include all of the above tools in your daily life and watch your health and vitality increase. Never underestimate this amazing organ called the skin as the revealer of many hidden things going on within your body; things you really should pay close attention to. As the largest eliminatory organ in the body, the skin works to assist in the elimination of toxins we encounter; from food, water, the environment, etc. The primary detoxification organs like the liver and colon are constantly and powerfully at work within our bodies, but when several factors are not dealt with properly; like diet, physical fitness, sleep, proper hydration and overuse of prescription drugs, the liver and digestive system is compromised, leaving it up to the skin to try and rid the body of excess toxins. This results in inflammation, pimples, breakouts, rashes, swelling, dryness, dark circles, and other skin disorders. Toxins throughout your body will try and exit through the skin when your body’s toxic load is too high and can’t be handled by the other eliminatory organs such as the liver, colon and kidneys. Then your skin becomes the primary avenue of detoxification and your digestive system is compromised. Though often unrecognized, chronic inflammation can develop, and in turn, start to produce dis-ease in the body. Once you recognize these clues on your skin as powerful tell-tale signs that your health is jeopardized, you can begin initiating change and developing some better habits with your diet, physical activities and lifestyle in general. Nearly all skin conditions, including even psoriasis and eczema are just our body’s’ way of telling us that we need to detoxify and alkalize our bodies. A good way to start is to reduce and eventually eliminate dairy, meat, processed foods and refined sugars. Next try adding lots pure water (not tap water which may contain chlorine, fluoride & even lead), tons of leafy greens and green smoothies, daily juicing, salads with lots of raw vegetables, plenty of fruit and some lightly cooked veggies. Even though this may seem a bit extreme to some, keep in mind that this lifestyle is key to optimal health, longevity and energy production. Absolutely everything you eat affects your body either positively or negatively, making it acidic or alkaline. What to Feed Your Skin to Detox… The #1 cleansing foods to add to your diet are bitter or astringent in nature and should be added every day. Choose from dark leafy greens (kale, chard, collards, nettles, dandelion, turnip greens, radicchio, endives, watercress, etc), Daikon radish, and Jerusalem artichoke. Other bright leafy greens like Romaine lettuce and spinach also assist in cleansing the blood & boosting collagen. Enough fiber is also essential. Without sufficient fiber, complete elimination is not possible, if possible at all. The toxins from every part of the body, including millions of dead cells daily, end up in the colon. In order to eliminate these substances from the colon, the body needs fiber, so add apples with skin, fresh vegetables, legumes & flax seeds to the diet for proper elimination of toxins. A clean colon is for clear skin. Poisonous Foods for Your Skin… All fried foods, soda (including diet soda), dairy products, “enriched” flour and refined sugars and artificial sweetners are the worst culprits. Eliminate these from your diet if you want clear, radiant skin. The Importance of Exercise for Your Skin… Once a suitable dietary regime incorporated into your lifestyle, it’s time to introduce some form of aerobic exercise. Using Hot Yoga to detox is by far one of the best ways you can help your body to rid itself of unwanted toxins. The human body contains some awesome systems for removing toxins, including the functions of the liver, kidneys, colon and skin. The body removes waste through the skin via sweat; this is where Hot Yoga comes into play. Yoga by itself is a powerful, full body workout, but the addition of heat makes it one of the best all around workouts possible. The increased temperature will prompt you to sweat profusely, and this sweating has a cleansing effect that involves your entire body. Many toxins present in your body will be flushed out through your skin, and you will become less susceptible, not only to skin disorders, but to disease and illness in general. In Addition to Diet & Exercise – Rest! A good night’s sleep is vital to the detoxification process. It is recommended you turn off or remove yourself from the effects of electronics (your computers, televisions, cell phones, etc.) at least one hour before bedtime, along with a good diet and exercise, it will help insure you get a quality 6 to 8 hours of sleep at night. Adequate rest is necessary for the health of the whole body; after a week or so of getting the required amount of sleep you’ll see your skin change before your very eyes! Cheers to great skin and your decision today to control how you are going to look tomorrow. Rae Indigo – Welcome The Ultimate Beauty Treatment that boosts your sparkle from within. Rae Indigo will support you to align diet and a powerful yoga sequence, so you cultivate your radiant inner light, anytime, anywhere. The results… Whether you prefer one-on-one private instruction or an immersion into the yoga lifestyle by joining this Teacher Training, Rae will show you how simple it can be to cut back on cosmetics and eliminate cosmetic procedures, such as… This holistic and transformative approach purifies and revitalizes you on all levels, amplifying your unique inner attractiveness, bringing grace to your body, mind and soul. Through their certified 15 day Yoga Teacher Training and private instruction you will become the person that you’ve always dreamed you can be. Contact Rae: raeindigo@gmail.com Ultimate Beauty Treatment – Testimonials: * It’s difficult to put into words how the last few months have changed my life. After trying them all (Pilate’s, Core Fusion, spinning, etc) I walked into a hot yoga class at Brickell Hot Yoga and was amazed at how good I felt after just one session. So, I decided to take my first 200 hour Teacher Training at Brickell Yoga. I dedicated 17 days to study this multi-dimensional discipline, practicing yoga 4-6 hours each day, eating a vegan (plant-based) diet and engaging in daily meditation. It was a complete mind-body transformation. My breathing slowed down, and my once Asthmatic Lungs became clear and strong. My whole body slimmed down and I became more toned and flexible. The final change was my nervous energy subsided and my mind became peaceful and relaxed. I’ve never felt better in my life. Completion of the 500 hour Yoga Teacher Training took my practice and teaching skills to the next level! Each day was exciting and challenging in the best way. It was the perfect balance of thought provoking, intellectual lectures and yoga asana practice. There are some people who are truly gifted speakers and Rae Indigo is one of them! Her delivery of information in her lectures is captivating, stern, humorous, and filled with analogies. I have taken countless yoga classes, and Rae Indigo is the most advanced yoga teacher on so many levels. She has knowledge of yoga that is unparalleled. Being born into a family of yogi’s, she grew up with the teachings as second nature. She has an advanced capacity to lead a class and teach the many principles of the Energetic Systems of Yoga inspiring you to go beyond your comfort zone. I am truly blessed to have learned from Rae thanks to her I have knowledge which I never would have had, humility of my inner strength, and a dedication which continues to surprise me. I have faced fears that I never thought I could overcome. I feel younger, healthier, and full of life; and it’s noticeable too, so many friends have commented on how healthy and happy I look and feel…Marcie Wingate Marvie Wingate * Rae Indigo is truly inspirational and motivating in respect to initiating positive lifestyle changes. Her certified Yoga Teacher Training and private instruction have me feeling stronger and more balanced with the completion of each session. Rae has a gift for helping you learn, challenging your body and strengthening your resolve, all the while making you feel peaceful and at ease. I feel very comfortable and completely blessed while under her instruction. Her enthusiasm is contagious and her classes are balanced with a great knowledge of yoga, diet, nutrition and healthy living. Rae has an excellent teaching style and her instruction is always tailored to meet each individual student’s needs. Their guidance throughout my transition to a plant-based diet has been invaluable, and combined with their recommended yoga sequences, my body and basic appearance has noticeably improved. Friends and family (even a few strangers) ask me all the time what I’m doing to look so healthy, beautiful and alive. So thanks, Rae for all you are, and all you do for us. Whenever I leave one of your classes I feel as though I have “hit a reset button”, restoring my balance and sense of peace and tranquility, plus my body and mind feels fresh, radiant and rejuvenated…Natalia Paletskaia Natalia Paletskaia The Rae Indigo healing sequences were absolutely priceless in assisting me throughout the months of immense physical changes and helped to limit the pains that come with carrying an unborn child. Practicing Yoga daily almost eliminated the common “side effects” of pregnancy (nausea, sleeplessness etc) and turned out to be extremely beneficial during the birth. It stays impossible to imagine giving birth without the learned and practiced focus on breath and deepened meditation, which helped me to move beyond and transcend the mind. Last but not least, I am entirely grateful for the awareness Rae shed on food and diet – nothing has ever transformed my life more towards a compassionate and healthy understanding of nutrition. This Teacher Training helped me throughout the pregnancy and birth in such profound ways that I cannot help but advice every woman to consider absolving it before getting pregnant – regardless if she wants to become and teacher or not. It will strengthen mind, body and soul before and throughout pregnancy – of both mother and child, while at the same time create the mental and physical flexibility to deal with birth and the exhausting but also exciting time after that…Dara Meubrink Dara Meubrink Check out Dara’s video… More videos for you to enjoy… “It Pays for Itself” – How your Teacher Training pays for itself! Many of our Teacher Training alumni have recovered their tuition charges with private Yoga lessons. Our experience is that, based on only two private lessons a week (@ 100 USD per lesson) you’ll be able to recover the full tuition in 15 weeks, less than four months. Some alumni used their credit line and then settled their debt by teaching Yoga (we are exploring additional options to provide even more convenient payment plans in the near future). Of course if you teach more and/or add group classes, it adds up quickly. Booking two private lessons a week is simple; there’s a huge demand for people 40 and older to learn Yoga in a private setting, as they often have health problems (or suffer from embarrassment) that bar them from going to group classes, and yet they really want (and need) yoga to improve their health and overall sense of well-being. They love the convenience of you coming to them; they save the commute time and expense and can actually enjoy a 60 minute private session with all the additional benefits they wouldn’t receive in a group class. We will also teach you how to market yourself and build your own private clientele base as part of your training in our Business 101 Module. This might help you explain the value to your parents or anyone who may be concerned about your financial investments. This Teacher Training provides you with a skill set that is in high demand and allows you to set your own hours, work and travel arrangements, and be part of a rapidly growing worldwide community. Teaching Yoga totally rocks – you transform people’s lives while enriching your own. Due to this technological world in which we currently live, our eyes are routinely being overworked. TV and computer screens, driving, cell phones, fluorescent lights, CCFL, LED, and OLED lighting…all of these have one thing in common? They are all stressful to the eyes. Get enough bad light, and you can go blind. And although this may surprise you, it isn’t breaking news. We have become addicted to these technologies like moths to a flame, and we’re getting burned right now with minor, annoying stuff like dry eyes, blurry vision & headaches, even feeling tired; regardless whether you’ve had enough sleep or not. Additionally we may well end up suffering long-term, more serious problems that can lead to blindness. As humans we are in a quandary, we need light in order to see, process data, do our jobs, and tend to an endless list of duties on a daily basis. Whether we’re inside or outside, we are usually surrounded by bad light (UV and HEV). In addition to all the digital and artificial lighting we are also faced with overcoming various other eye-related problems, such as…Myopia (short sightedness) and Hypermetropia (long sightedness). It is now estimated that about 35 % of the world’s population suffers from Myopia and Hypermetropia in varying degrees. These disorders are usually overcome using prescription glasses and lenses to correct the refractive errors of the eye. However one needs to understand that glasses never cure bad eyesight. In fact, using powerful glasses can worsen eye problems by making the eyes dependent and thus weaker. Therefore, only use eyeglasses when absolutely necessary. Other than a few diseases such as Cataract and Glaucoma which are generally the result of a bacterial infection, many eye disorders are related to the malfunctioning of the ocular muscles (and nerve) caused by chronic mental and emotional tensions. The yogic techniques that follow help to alleviate various disorders related to defects in the eye muscles like Myopia and Hypermetropia. Practicing these exercises regularly can go a long way in reviving the normal functioning of our eyes, and definite results can usually be seen in a month or two. Continued practice will also act as a preventative. We all know, many of the yogic asanas (poses) and exercises are aimed at improving the functioning of specific organs of the body, so the eyes are no exception. Take about 10 minutes and try the following simple yogic eye exercises (a more detailed practice follows in a video): 1. Start by rubbing your hands together vigorously to create a warmth in the palms. 2. Next, place your warm palms gently over your eyes and hold them there for a few moments. Take a few long, deep breaths. 3. Look straight ahead. Now do the following sequence: look up, look to the upper right, look to the right, look to the lower right, look down, look to the lower left, look left, look to the upper left, look up. Repeat this sequence 2X 4. Now reverse the sequence: look up, look to the upper left, look left, look to the lower left, look down, look to the lower right, look right, look to the upper right, look up. Repeat this sequence 2X. 5. Now do one slow circle with your eyes clockwise. Look all the way up, to the right, down, and to the left. Keep the eye movements’ fluid. Make two c
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