MyLifeYoga

Credit: This poem is usually attributed to Rose Miligan.

Related: The Story Of An Ant

ONCE upon a time long, long ago, there lived a great sage and teacher. In those days esoteric knowledge was not openly available to all, instead one had to find a teacher who was willing and able to impart this knowledge and apprentice oneself to him. Such a man was the sage of this story and he would take only three pupils at a time for ten year periods. This sage lived in a forest with his three pupils.

Ten years passed and the students were told that their education was complete and they could leave. They came in turn to receive his blessing, and with offering of fruit and flowers. The first student approached the master for approval and permission to go out into the world and take up the work he had learned.

“And what have you learned?” The master asked.

“Revered one,” answered the student, “I have learned to conjure gold and precious jewels out of the air. I have learned to make myself invisible. I have learned to transport my body to any place that my mind can imagine.”

“And are you content?” Asked the sage.

“Oh yes great one.” Answered the student. Continue reading →

In this wonderful talk Brene Brown talks about the power of vulnerability. On one side of vulnerability lie fear, shame, and a feeling of lack of worthiness. Yet on the other side of vulnerability are joy, love, and a sense of connection with others. Being vulnerable makes us uncomfortable. But if we allow this discomfort to terrify us then we fall on the wrong side of vulnerability and we land in a place of fear and shame. However if we show courage and not allow our discomfort to overpower us we break into connection, joy, and love.

Vulnerability is not weakness. In fact the definition of courage is the ability to allow yourself to be vulnerable. Vulnerability is also the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change. However when we fall on the wrong side of vulnerability into fear and shame, the it is not right to try to numb ourselves to reduce our pain. For when we do this we shut ourselves to joy and love too. We make permanent our feeling that we are not worthy enough to feel joy and love, or to feel connected with others. So how do we come out of this? How do we tap into the power of vulnerability and break free into joy and love?

What Brene implies but does not directly say is that vulnerability happens when we try to step out of the clutches of our ego. Vulnerability happens when we let down our guard and allow our ego-driven defenses to come down. The key to tap the power of vulnerability is to reduce the size of our egos. When our egos are small we have less to lose. It is easier to get back up after a disappointment and the pain of disappointment is much more manageable. This is where yoga comes in because yoga reduces our ego. It connects us to our authentic self and gives us courage to become vulnerable and tap into its power.

Related:
NPR coverage of Brene Brown’s talk

Chia seeds have been consumed by humans for a long time. There is some evidence that humans began using Chia seed around 3500 BC. Aztec and Mayans have been grinding it into flour, pressing it for oil, or drinking it straight with water. “Chia” is the Mayan word for strength. It is said that Aztec warriors consumed it before going into battle as it gave them an energy boost. It has also been documented that the Tarahumara tribe in Mexico ran ultra marathons (typically a distance of more than 100 km) at incredible speeds with minimal or no injuries. The tribe’s choice of energy drink? A drink made of Chia seeds mixed in water with sugar and lime.

Here is what makes Chia a super-food:

1. Rich source of Omega-3 fats: Chia contains more than 8 times Omega-3 fats than Atlantic Salmon, that is itself considered to be one of the richest source of Omega-3 fats. Research has shown that Omega-3 fats reduce inflammation and may lower risks associated with diseases like hypertension, heart disease, and arthritis.
2. Source of Calcium: Chia has more than 5 times Calcium than 2% Milk.
3. Great source of Fiber: Just an ounce of Chia seed can give you more than 40% of your daily requirement.
4. Iron: Chia has 2.7 times iron than raw spinach.
5. Great source of protein: 20% protein by weight. More protein than beans, soy, or peas.
6. Vitamins: Contains vitamins B, D, and E.
7. Boron: Chia also contains boron that is need by bones.

Continue reading →