What is Balancing Stick Pose?

Balancing stick pose, also called warrior III and virabhadrasana C in Sanskrit, is a standing posture that improves strength, stability and focus. It’s often entered from warrior one or mountain pose (tadasana). While balancing on one leg, the opposite leg, torso and arms are lifted and parallel to the floor.

Instructions

Begin standing in tadasana with the arms stretched overhead. Interlace the fingers.Exhale and bend at the waist. At the same time, lift the right leg from the floor.Bring the arms, torso and lifted leg parallel to the floor. Gaze downward or slightly ahead.Breathe while holding the pose.Inhale and return to standing. Change sides.

This mix is very refreshing for a hot day. It is a strong refrigerant. Watermelon cleanses the urinary tract while aloe vera cleanses the liver and GI. Mint opens the pores for an extra refreshing, cooling effect.

Ingredients

2 tbsp ALOE VERA JUICE / GEL

1 tsp MINT

1 c WATERMELON

Instructions

Follow directions on aloe vera bottle for correct dosing/ qty.

If you have a Yonanas Machine

Cut watermelon into 1 inch cubes and freeze. Freeze aloe gel in an ice cube tray. Alternate watermelon, aloe vera, and mint leaves

If you have an ice cream maker

Puree all ingredients and put into the ice cream makers cylinder and follow manufacturer’s instructions.

Otherwise

Puree all ingredients and pour into a container that won’t crack in the freezer. Check the mix after about 2.5 hours , or until it starting to freeze. Once you see ice on the edges, whip with a spoon vigorously and return to the freeze. Put it back in the freezer and repeat mixing each 10 minutes until it is fully frozen but creamed.

What is a Shoulder Stand Pose?

Shoulder stand pose, or sarvangasana, is an inverted posture wherein the weight of the body rests on the shoulders and the feet reach toward the sky. In the full posture, the arms rest on the floor. Shoulder stand pose brings a fresh blood supply to the brain and relaxes the mind.

Instructions

Lie on your back. Inhale and reach your feet up, lifting your hips.Support your low back with your hands.Draw your elbows toward each other. Walk your hands further toward your shoulders to lift your hips higher.Straighten your legs and relax your feet.Exhale and release your arms to the floor.Breathe normally while holding the pose.

Revive your body with this refreshing & life restoring smoothie that boasts a zing of lime and summer spices. The heat of summer seems to bake the electrolytes out of your body, making you feel tired and fatigued. Smoothies are a perfect way to rehydrate your body in summer.

Summer is a natural time of year to introduce more simple carbohydrates into your diet, such as the fructose found in fruit. These simple sugars restore blood sugar levels, which can be unstable after sweating in the heat. A pinch of salt can benefit dry Vata types.

Raw apples cool & refresh your body when the heat is strong due to their astringent taste (the rough feeling on your tongue). Lime, cardamom & ginger make this smoothie light and playful. The sour taste of the lime opens your pores helping you keep cool. Ginger & cardamom are a digestive aid.

Exercise moderation with fruit smoothies if you have high blood sugar levels or diabetes.

Ingredients

1 whole APPLE (RAW)

1/2 c WATER

1/4 whole LIME

1/8 inch GINGER (FRESH)

1 pinch CARDAMOM

1 pinch LIME ZEST

Instructions

1. Core & chop the apple. Scrape the zest off of a lime with micro-grater, zester, or sharp knife. Grate the ginger. Grind cardamom in a coffee grinder.
2. Add above ingredients to a blender. Squeeze lime juice over mixture. Add water and puree until smooth.

Serve immediately. Contents may separate quickly. To keep contents from separating, add kiwi.

What is Wild Thing Pose?

Wild thing pose, or camatkarasana in Sanskrit, challenges both strength and balance. A relatively newer pose and commonly practiced in vinyasa classes, the yogi enters wild thing pose from downward dog, lifting one leg up and behind so that the heart opens to the sky.

Instructions

Begin in downward-facing dog pose.

Inhale and lift the right leg and hand off the floor.

Exhale and reach the right leg up and over so that the foot rests on the floor behind the left leg.

Inhale and reach the right hand toward the sky.

Breathe while holding the pose.