Making Time for Yoga
 This time of year tends to get very busy and stressful. People get busy with holiday parties, holiday shopping, family gatherings, and more. Many of these involve travel, time off work, and time away from the Yoga mat. I really want to encourage you when you do travel, or end up unable to get to class, to keep a bit of your practice with you. Find the time in this season of giving to give a little Yoga to yourself.
I have posted a couple simple practices for you on my blog to help you through this stressful season. If you have a couple minutes just take some time to focus and breathe. If you have longer do some simple sun salutations. Check out my blog for more details and instructions. And of course if you can get to class, I'm happy to have you.
Remember Yoga is in the intention of the practice, so even these simple exercises can make a huge impact when done with a positive intention.
Click here to go directly to this article in my blog.
Kitchari Recipe
Kitchari is a food very balanced in nutrition that comes from the Indian practice of Ayurveda. It is a complete source of complex carbohydrates and proteins. It also is a yummy comfort food that I love. I usually make a big batch and re-heat and eat it throughout the week. I altered a recipe I got from an Ayurvedic Health website, and here is the recipe with my twist.
 Ingredients:
1/2 cup lentils
1 cup rice (I use brown or white basmati rice, but any rice will do)
2-3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1 cup of finely chopped white or sweet onion
1/2 tsp tumeric
1 tbsp. ground coriander
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
sometimes I add a bit of garlic powder as well, and some "Italian seasoning" blend (oregano, thyme, basil, etc)
1-2 tsp of salt (to taste)
1 tbsp. Ghee (clarified butter, you can get this at whole foods)
Step 1: Rinse the Lentils and add them to 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium/low and cook for 10 minutes, or until the lentils begin to break up.
Step 2: Rinse the rice thoroughly. Add Rice, chopped garlic, and onions (you can also add any other seasonal vegetables you like) to the Lentils and cook for another 15 minutes, stirring regularly.
Step 3: While the rice, lentils, and vegetables cook prepare your spices. In a frying pan, melt the ghee over a medium flame, then add the spices and let simmer for a minute or so. Once the Rice and vegetables have been with the lentils for their 15 minutes add the ghee and spices mixture. Finally add the salt (I like to add some, let it cook a couple minutes and then taste to see if I need to add more) and let cook for another 10 minutes or so stirring regularly.
You can add more water at any time during this process to help make a more soupy consistency. It should end up like a thick soup or stew. It is great fresh, but also great reheated on the stovetop with a little water added to keep the consistency.
I hope you enjoy this recipe, feel free to add your own twists and let me know what you find that works!
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Oh my gosh! A new year is fast approaching. This time of year can be as stressful as it is magical. I have been seeing so many stressed faces in class lately. It is so good for you to get your practice in during these hectic times. After all, we can not give to others or share joy unless we first take care of ourselves. I've included some tips on how to make it through this stressful time when you don't have much time. I also have a recipe for one of my favorite healthy comfort foods called kitchari. Also if you still have some holiday shopping to do, I just started a Yoga inspired t-shirt and accessory line, give the Yogi (or yourself) in your life a fun holiday tee! I hope you can enjoy the tips and treats that I am including in this newsletter as you navigate your way through the end of this year, and I am very much looking forward to an amazing 2012. I have big plans for my future, keep with me and watch them slowly take shape.