72 Hours

It began with a little tickle in my throat, then a runny nose, followed by low energy, congestion and lots of colorful phlegm. 

From there my friendly visitor traveled into my lungs before my body was able to fully usher it out the door. 

While its not my favorite experience to be sick, I do enjoy the process of seeing my symptoms move and shift and recognize how my body is working hard to heal (I am not using the word fight intentionally here), and reestablish the status quo. 

While some people reach for antibiotics at the first sign of trouble, I would rather let my body do what it knows how to do best and employ specific rituals and herbs to support its already brilliant protocols for healing.

• For throat tickle gargle with warm sea salt water to reduce swelling and inflammation.
• A few times a day drink warm water with lemon (high in C) and freshly grated ginger (decongestant).
• Before or after the drink above take a teaspoon of raw honey (avoid mixing honey with boiling water as it will kill off its vitality), honey help when coughing sets in and boost the immune system. 
• It might sound gross but have a jar handy so you can spit in it and when the phlegm gets going, if its coming up, get it OUT!
• Use the Netti pot (warm water with 1/4 teaspoon of salt) several times a day to keep the sinus clear, you might be surprised at how much yuck actually comes out.
• Put your legs up the wall for 10min at least 1x a day to help stimulate the lymph. Cover your eyes and put on relaxing music to help the body rest. 
• Use eucalyptus oil to help decongest (if you have an essential oil vaporizer use it)
• Drink fresh juice but ensure its not freezing cold. A combo of beets, carrots, apple, garlic, ginger, celery, and parsley will help Alkalize your body and support balance.
• Take an oregano oil capsule 1-2x a day, a natural antibiotic.
• Take a medicinal mushroom complex to help boost the immune system.  
• Mix 3 tsp of turmeric in warm water, hold your nose, and swallow 2x a day (or just take a capsule). Turmeric helps melt phlegm away and supports the immune system to do its job better. 
• Have a room temperature smoothie with potent unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk, berries and a larger dose of a green food powder. 
• Cook with garlic and ginger and eat as many green veggies as you can. 
• Stay active as your energy allows, go for walks and/or take a yoga class. 
• If you have access to a sauna or a hot yoga studio (without doing the whole hot yoga practice) go and sweat. 
• If you can't sleep take a natural sleeping aid to help you get a solid nights sleep. 
• When the throat and cough begins make sure to take a potent bronchial support formula. 
• Avoid all dairy until your congestion and phlegm is fully gone. 

If you feel overwhelmed by this list take a deep breath and write down what would be doable in your life.

 

Even if you implement just five of these action steps your body will be very very thankful as it works hard to bring you back to balance and ease. 

 

It all could be over in a mere 72 hours. 

Simple Sauce

When I was in NYC on the East Coast my sweet friend Alexey made a very simple and delicious breakfast dish which I just recreated this morning. 

He sliced up some apples, put them in a pot with water, threw in some raisins, cinnamon, and clove.

Brought the water to a boil and let it all simmer for a bit of time. 

Simple sauce.

No pealing, no mashing, no straining, and very very tasty.

Apples are generally cooling but when cooked they can actually have a soothing effect on digestion and help cleanse the colon.

To my breakfast I also added a sliced banana but to manage the sugar content of the meal (even though cinnamon is there to help regulate) I also added a bit of unsweetened coconut milk (you could also add some Coconut Oil or Ghee) which provides bit more satiating fat.

Enjoy!  

Nature Knows Best

I have deep respect for the many years that Doctors put into their learning and practice. At the same time this story goes to show that there are times when we have to take matters into our own hands, NOT listen, and utilize nature's intelligence to HEAL. 

 

Night Owl

I remember many years ago when I told a nature minded friend of mine how much of a night owl I was. His reply surprised me as it was more of a proposition. He said I bet you that if I took you camping for a few nights you'd be asleep by 8-9pm easy, you'd be attuned to nature's natural cycles.

He was right. I did go camping and was surprised that after only a few days everything shifted in my perceived sleep pattern. 

In a recent lecture I watched with Kathy Swift, a phenomenal holistically minded functional nutrition registered dietician and author of a new book titled The Inside Tract, I was reminded of how these daily rhythms are so important for our health and wellbeing. 

Every organism on our planet is subject to circadian and seasonal cycles of life, yet humans seem to be taking extensive liberties in continually violating natural patterns, but now there are consequences at hand. 

More and more research is showing how the gut functions in intricate electrical waves responsible for transport of nutrients and waste in conjunction with hormones which are released based on our daily rhythms. From our ability to digest better, absorption of nutrients, to cleaning up and appetite regulation everything in the gut is subject to shifts based on daily rhythms. 

Some studies are now showing because continual sleep disturbance or late night shift work the body is more prone to GI disturbances "such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or peptic ulcer disease. In addition, circadian disruption accelerates aging, and promotes tumorigenesis in the liver and GIT."* 

So if you too are a so called 'night owl', go out into nature, reset the clock, and at least 4 days of out your 7 day week get to bed by 9:30 or 10pm.

Honor nature's intelligence and it will support you to be vital and healthy. Win/win!

To Peel or Not to Peel?

When I cook I don't often peel my veggies, but I've been around people who do and always wondered if its a nutritional faux pas.

It seems that in general peeling lowers nutrient content but not by a ton:

"According to the United States Department of Agriculture, a large red apple with its skin intact contains about 5 grams of fiber, 13 milligrams of calcium, 239 milligrams of potassium, and 10 milligrams of vitamin C. But remove the skin, and it still contains about 3 grams of fiber, 11 milligrams of calcium, 194 milligrams of potassium, and plenty of its vitamin C and other nutrients."*

What the USDA is not accounting for the in example above are the micronutrients present in the skin:

"Notice that many fruits and veggies have skins that are more colorful than the flesh - potatoes, apples, pears, peaches, etc. The colors are usually a sign that the skin contains nutritious phytochemicals likecarotenoids and flavonoids. Apple skins are red due to the presence of anthocyanins which are not present in the flesh. Anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants. So if you don't eat the apple skin, you don't get the antioxidants. Grape skins contain most of the resveratrol, etc."*

Potatoes are another example where there is a ton of nutrient loss by removing the skin. 

So what is the bottom line?

Particularly if you are buying organic/local farmed raised produce and don't mind the flavor of the skin keep it on. Save yourself an added step in the cooking process.

If you are using chemically sprayed produce its best to remove the top layer as it will reduce your toxicity exposure, but only by a small fraction. Be aware that apples, celery, cucumbers, nectarines, peaches, potatoes, and zucchini are some of the heaviest sprayed crops.

So what do you say? To peel or not to peel? 

Gracious Grains

One of the workshops I taught on the East Coast was called Theories of Healthy Eating where I explore Ayurveda, Macrobiotics, and Raw Foods.

Each system has given me specific gifts in my journey of nutrition and health.

Macrobiotics helped garner a better understanding of the world of grains. 

Carbs get a bad reputation in our culture because of gluten, blood sugar imbalance, and the way they have been processed and refined which ends up creating inflammation throughout the body. However, not all carbs are created equal. 

While in general it is vital to have a large proportion of high quality fats, veggies, and some fruit, gluten free grains can be used as wonderful guests to round out the party.   

Many people are getting more familiar with quinoa and brown rice, which is very good news.

Quinoa (pronounced keen-wa) as a potent food full of protein, energy, and a much lower acid profile compared to other grains.

Brown rice is full of selenium, fiber, and supports heart health. 

But what about the other grain heroes that get much less attention but are just as potent?

• Amaranth: One of my favorite breakfast grains as it gets gooey looks very similar to quinoa only smaller. Its full of B vitamins, calcium, and vitamin C. 
• Buckwheat: Also known as kasha is high in manganese which is important for bone and skin health. It also supports cardiovascular health and blood sugar regulation.
• Millet: A bit of a larger grain this powerhouse supports repair of body tissue and is full of antioxidants. Combines well with cauliflower for a potato free mash.  
• Oats: Many conventional oats are contaminated with gluten, but you can find certified gluten free. Oats lower unwanted cholesterol, help immunity, and are lubricating for the digestive tract. 
• Sorghum: Widely used in Africa this grain may reduce cancer tumor growth and is full of antioxidants.
• Teft: Used in Ethiopian cuisine this potent staple is high in calcium and iron and is always a whole grain as its too small to be refined. 

Here is a simple resource on how to cook these grains...and remember to soak and strain your grains at least 8 hours before cooking them to ensure they are more digestible.  

Take a break from wheat, its so 10,000 BCE. Gluten-free grains are in! 

Lessons from a Pot

When its cold out I love to make soup.

Mushroom-potato, sweet potato-parsnip-carrot, or my favorite sweet onion.

In general, after I cook I clean my pots and pans but there have been times where I was too tired and I make the choice to clean the following day.

When this has occurred I have noticed two possible scenarios:

• In the first, I leave my pot unclean but I fill it part way with water to sit overnight.
• In the second, I leave my pot unclean without any water.

Inevitably, over and over again when I choose scenario two I find myself the next morning scrubbing with much more effort and thinking to myself why didn’t I presoak.

Beyond the kitchen I wonder where else in my life could I take one more little effortless step in a process, that would  yield an enormous amount of return.

A simple pre-soak and cleaning becomes seamless.

So much wisdom from one medium sized stainless steel pot.

Your Daily DRUG

The more and more I study and read about nutrition the more and more I get impassioned around one particular subject.

SUGAR!

Now I know what you are thinking. I don’t need to read anymore, I only have it in moderation.

But the reality is that if you are consuming the white or brown stuff or any of its even more distorted friends—enter high fructose corn syrup, soda and artificial sweeteners—you are literally on drugs.

According to Mark Hyman a Functional Medicine Dr. sugar hijacks your brain, is 8x more addictive than cocaine, and is creating what is known as 'diabesity'—as 1 in 3 North Americans are projected to have diabetes by 2050 and already today 40% of children are considered overweight.

Pamela Peeke a holistic minded medical doctor adds that when we are high on sugar the prefrontal cortex of the brain—also known as our body’s CEO—becomes impaired and damaged.

As with other drugs the brain is overwhelmed with excessive stimulation, so in response to this threat it begins to reduce dopamine receptor sites.

Now we need more white stuff to feel good and the vicious cycle begins to take root.  

White stuff is key as white sugar is not the only culprit. White bread products, danishes, muffins, cupcakes, doughnuts, brownies, and all their processed comrades are extremely dangerous.

According to David Perlmutter, MD, and author of Grain Brain these types of foods increase your chances of dementia by 90%.

Is anyone out there listening?

But again you say, ‘I am being moderate’. Really?

Do you sniff glue in moderation? Do you drink acid in moderation? Do you hit your big toe with a hammer in moderation?

Its time to break up with sugar for good! But don’t get rid of the sweet stuff.

Use whole fruits (be mindful of juice, as it can create havoc for appetite modulation), maple, honey, stevia, dates, and a new star in the market Coconut Sugar—very low on the Glycemic Index.

Even with these less processed sugars make sure you consume them with plenty of fiber and fat/protein to ensure their absorption into the blood stream is slowed down. 

Are you on drugs? Is this the life you always envisioned for yourself?

What will it take for you to stand up and say ENOUGH is ENOUGH?

Tamari Almonds

What happens when you take two potent health foods and invite them to the same party?

Yum, and more yum for the taste buds.

Tamari Almonds are one of my favorite snacks but do be careful as they can be slightly addictive.

While its easy to go to Whole Foods or your local Co-Op to pick these up, if you have an added minute they are super easy to prepare yourself.

First lets look at our Almonds. Like all nuts it is important to either purchase the Sprouted form or to do it yourself by soaking the raw nut overnight.

Most nuts contain phytic acid which binds essential minerals like zinc, iron, calcium etc. in our digestive tract. Over time this can lead to mineral deficiencies. Soaking or sprouting takes care of this little obstacle.

Second lets explore Tamari. Soy is a controversial issue with both pro and anti camps rising up a storm. I believe in moderation high quality forms of soy are great and Tamari is a star.

This high quality soy sauce is Gluten-Free, comes from fermented soy—making it easier to digest, and it’s a good way to get a salty flavor while giving our friendly sea salt a well deserved break.

Third lets make magic.

• Heat up a cast-iron or stainless steal pan to medium heat.
• Place your almonds in and begin either stir or feel like a real chef and grab the pan by the handle lightly shake it to toss the almonds around.
• Once the almonds have lightly roasted turn the heat high for a brief 5 seconds, turn the heat off, drizzle your desired amount of tamari and right away stir or toss once more for 10-15 seconds.
• If you hear a sizzle you have hit the sweet spot.

Enjoy warm or set aside, let cool, and use as a snack throughout the day.

Yum!    

Small Connection

I love moments in my life when I see the teachings of yoga fully coming to life. 

 

Yesterday I returned my rental car to a Hertz office near the Commons in Boston. 

 

As I walked in, the sweet lady behind the counter asked me how I was doing. I answered honestly as I was genuinely feeling happy after wrapping up my month here on the East Coast. 

 

I then asked her how she was doing and she let me know about her splitting headache. 

 

Luckily I had a 16oz can of coconut water  so I gave it to her and told her about the electrolytes and hydrating qualities that would hopefully subdue her ache. 

 

As I was saying my goodbyes to head to the T (Boston's Subway) I asked directions to the Orange line. As another kind woman was telling me where to go, one of the other workers overheard us and asked what part of town I was trying to get to. 

 

I told him Jamaica Plain and without hesitation he offered me a ride as JP is his home. My medium size suitcase and I where ecstatic to be in a car.

 

As we drove in rush hour traffic we chatted about his work, two daughters, close family connections, and his reliable Honda Accord.

 

After sometime he dropped me off at my friend's doorstep and I gave him a bag of maple sweetened Kripalu oatmeal, raisin cookies.

 

I felt so nourished, connected, and in such a flow. I probably will never see these two people ever again but I am grateful for my experience and for the reality that through living yoga I am less armored and more open to the sweet connections life offers, even in these small unexpected ways. 

 

Journal Power

When I teach workshops I am always surprised by the low number of hands raised when I ask how many people journal on a regular basis. 

 

Although my practice of writing down my thoughts takes vacation every once in a while, I always find myself  returning to this potent tool.

 

Without needing to know the science, the bottom line is I feel better after I journal, but luckily just in case you are not sold, research has been done to prove my point.

 

Scientists believe that when we jot down our stressful thoughts about the day or a specific aliment, it actually strengthens our immune cells by reliving the build up of distress.

 

Journaling has also been shown to help solve conflicts with others, know our inner workings better, cope with anxiety and depression and solve problems with greater ease.  

 

While its important to have time for catharsis, journalling can also be a wonderful platform to both acknowledge what we are grateful for, to affirm our own self worth and direct energy towards a specific goal.

 

I am grateful for..., I am enough, I am beautiful, I am creative, I am resourceful, I am connected, I am valued, I am loved are just a few of the phrases I regularly write down.

 

In addition to our own wellbeing a journal is a great place to offer blessing and support to family, friends, the planet, and people or animals struggling around the world. 

 

While words are very potent many people journal through simple stick figures or more elaborate drawing. The sky is the limit. 

With any new habit start small. Make a commitment to journal 2x a week for a whole month. Slowly build to 3-4 times a week. 

 

The morning right after you wake or in the evening before you go to sleep are often potent times to put pen to paper. 

 

Dive in and notice the power available through the simple act of journalling. 

Philosophy

I am not sure why I have always been fascinated with the realm of my mind. Perhaps it is because it houses seeds of creativity that open the doors to possibility, for what might unfold, or because it allows me a place to contemplate, reflect, and ponder how I am showing up in the world.

In this way of loving to churn concepts, thoughts, and ideas I am drawn to philosophy as a platform for taking ideas further and questioning how life functions.

Yet it wasn’t until I started to take on and practice the Philosophies of Yoga that I truly began to understand the meaning of this seemingly obvious word.

Philosophy after all is the love of wisdom, loving (philos) and wisdom (sophia).

But what is this love of wisdom all about and why are so many people seeking more of it in our modern age of great advancement?

It seems that in past times humans used to gather around the fire, tell myths, contemplate the ground below and the stars above. We gathered in council for deeper contemplation, to converse and to tap into the current of wisdom always present in the background.

Today with busy lifestyles, consumerism, and popular TV shows that serve as an odd thread of seeming connection, many walk around unfulfilled never pondering much of anything.

Eventually some feel a hunger, and are driven by a desire to wake up, to ask questions, to look less and see more, to remember internal wisdom and welcome the intelligence of nature back into their lives.

While all philosophies have much to offer as a road map of contemplation, what I cherish most about the yoga tradition is its invitation to step into real life experimentation.

It is not a philosophy simply composed of discussion, but a love of wisdom that is cultivated by taking teachings and mapping them back against the landscape of our own lives.

A philosophy in action that provides signs on the path but doesn’t offer concrete answers to all of our queries.

From compassion, truth, contentment, community, energy management, and dedication to receptivity, skillfulness in action, alignment, connection, intelligence, abundance, and pulsation the themes yoga’s love of wisdom can serve as a direct conduit to rediscovering the forgotten facets of who we are and how we can choose to show up in the world day in and day out. 

 

A love of wisdom accessible at any moment from a place of knowing. A gift. Our birthright.  

C to the Rescue

   

 

Vitamin C is particularly in order during the colder season to help the immune system fight off a potential cold or flu.

 

This essential vitamin is not only important for the immune system but also crucial for skin, hair, cardiovascular health, eye support, and to aid the body during distress. 

 

The important question that many people aren't asking is where they are getting their C. 

 

Conventional supplements are produced with Ascorbic Acid which kills good bacteria in your gut and is very far away from the source (read more here).

 

Orange juice is also not an ideal choice as its loaded with sugar, lacks fiber, and most brands are made from pasteurized concentrate.

 

Oranges are a better choice but there are many more players in the game that actually pack a much more potent punch. 

• Papaya: great for digestion and packs around 83mg a cup
• Cauliflower: yummy as an alternative potato mash, add salt pepper and olive oil has 108mg of C per cup
• Kiwi: cut in half and scoop out with a spoon to get 137mg a cup
• Red Pepper: steam, eat raw with pesto or hummus, or stuff and bake for 190mg per cup
• Broccoli, Brussels sprouts and strawberries all have more vitamin C then oranges

But wait there is one more STAR that has joined us for this gathering.

A berry form the Amazon called Camu Camu packs 408mg of C per tea spoon.

Sprinkle the powder in your smoothie or over yogurt and let your body sing on the inside.

Read more  about the benefits of Camu Camu and this winter season use high quality C to support your body to stay vital!

80,000

   

As we close out 2013 it is vital to celebrate all of the shifts that have occurred science, politics, and activism that bring us closer to harmony with the planet and provide a better platform for quality living and health.  

 

At the same time it is vital to continue to illuminate the places  we lag behind, especially in the areas where what is lurking in the background, is invisible and poses a huge risk--especially to our young. 

 

80,000 is the number of chemicals that are being produced and used by various industries every single day. 

 

The scary part is that the burden of proof doesn't lie with the corporations. 

 

Let me repeat that. They can put chemicals in products without needing to prove that the toxins are safe for humans.

 

Oh so you mean we are really all guinea pigs being experimented on? YES! 

 

But lets boil it down in day-to-day terms.

• Toxic off gassing from vinyl floors--which babies crawl on--are now suspect in autism.
• BPA which is one chemical that did finally get attention--one down 79,999 to go--is linked to disruption of the thyroid and decreased intelligence. 
• PVC's  found in rain coats, detergents, cosmetics, and toys create havoc for the endocrine system and reduce testosterone in babies and adults. 
• PFOA's found in non-stick cookware are linked to cancer, birth defects, and thyroid problems.
• Flame retardant chemicals--think how much of your life do you spend on your mattress--have been shown to cause problems in fetal development, thyroid disfunction, and decrease fertility. 
• These chemicals are found in couches, shower curtains, carpets, pillows, toys, conventional cleaners, cosmetics, kitchenware and so much more. 

It might be cheap to furnish your home at Target and Wallmart but what are the consequences if your internal home environment is inundated with chemicals?

Due to so many toxins and their effects the science community has coined a new term to describe babies born with already persistent chemicals in their system. 'Pre-Polluted'. 

What has our world come to when children are born with toxins already in their system? 

It might seem overwhelming at first but its actually not that hard to make choices that are chemical free. 

• Wood toys
• Wool mattresses, blankets, and pillows 
• Natural fiber curtains
• Reclaimed wood furniture and floors
• Chemical free couches 
• Natural cosmetics 
• Eco cleaners, detergents, etc.
• Real ceramic, stainless, and cast iron cookware 
• And so much more, click here for a blog dedicated to chemical free living!
• Get political and take steps for local and national change 

There are many issues to engage with around the environment and health. But the reality is that the more we ignore the effects of invisible yet extremely harmful unregulated chemicals the greater disadvantage we create for future generations. 

 

Lets be the change! 

Maintenance

   

The holiday season seems to provide an important economic stimulus and also put a smile on many people's faces who are gifted new gadgets, clothes, and other material possessions.  

 

While I don't advocate becoming a renunciate and giving up all material goods it does seem that Western Culture is often plagued by excess. 

 

What always perplexes me is what is of ultimate value in day-to-day life.

 

People are willing to spend big money on countless and sometimes unnecessary stuff, home projects, care maintenance, and the continual vicious cycle of gadget upgrades, but when it comes down to investing in the health of the their physical home, funds seem to run dry. 

 

It is a tricky situation since the human body does an amazing job of keeping itself in balance without warning signs--at least at first-- even when its not being treated very well.

 

The sad news is that without regular maintenance even our bodies begin to fail, immunity is lowered, and disease has an easier time taking hold, which eventually leads to irreversible damage.

 

Just like we take our cars in for regular service it's important to make time to help the body replenish and renew. The basics are pretty clear; eat clean food, drink ample water, and move your body in some way 30 minutes 4x a week, but what else can you incorporate into your maintenance routine without robbing the bank?

 

• Body Work: At least a monthly massage is a great way to support your body in lowering blood pressure, improving immunity, releasing held muscle tension, reducing stress hormones, and supporting better sleep. To save money and ensure you actually go buy a package for 3 or 6 massages and book your next massage at the end of a session. If finances are extremely strained find a massage school near you and volunteer to get massaged.  

• Acupuncture: While at first sight this alternative modality might seem odd and unapproachable more and more research is showing that acupuncture helps reduce pain, alters blood flow to support specific organs, and improves the body's stress response mechanisms. To save money locate a community clinic in your area for sliding scale options. 

• Restorative Yoga: So many health related problems are related to an overstressed system. While regular yoga classes offer a bit of rest and integration, restorative yoga is a wonderful and potent weekly or bi-monthly maintenance tool. Its a chance to dive even more deeply into the state of parasympathetic healing where the body can repair, rest, and digest. To save buy a 10 class card. 

• Probiotic: Every 6 months or at least 1x a year take a course of probiotics to replenish the friendly bacteria in your intestines. Besides being responsible for absorption of nutrients and healthy elimination the digestive tract is charged with 90% of your immunity and even mood regulation. To save look for a manufacture coupon like New Chapter Organics or Garden of Life.    

• Blood Work: It is important to get your blood tested at least 1x a year to check in and see how some of your nutrient levels are doing. While I have great respect for conventional M.D.'s it is important to remember that most are trained in disease management and not preventative healthcare. First thing is to know what to ask for as some nutrients are not standard for general blood work. Ensure you are getting tested for Vitamin D, B vitamins (especially B6, 12, and folate), magnesium, zinc, and selenium. Read page 157 of Dr. Hyman's Companion Guide to help you and your Dr. interpret results from a more holistic mind frame.    

Start small. This new year commit to at least two actions related to the 5 points above.

Don't let another year go by without giving back to the body that supports you in the background, day in and day out.  

Body Electric

 

WARNING! If you are offended easily by the conversation of sex, touch, and the physical body DO NOT READ FURTHER.

 

In a recent intimate connection I was reminded of a very sweet part of the magic and pleasure of various parts of my body.

 

Our sex obsessed culture seems to be so focused on genital stimulation, but I presume the majority of men and women, straight or gay would attest that foreplay, touch, and sensuality are just as potent as the main event.

 

In my explorations it was my ear that was a surprisingly sweet spot. The back, front, and inner parts served as an unexpected conduit for pleasure.

 

In the path of Tantra Yoga (which is not solely focused on sexual experience) we are invited to taste and step into the whole spectrum of the human experience.

 

It only makes sense that we employ this same principle in the conversation that occurs between two lovers in an exchange of touch, sensation, and pleasure.

 

So what are other reported non-genital 'hot spots' that might elicit a moan or two?

 

 

For MEN:

• The outer edge of the ear which has a large bundle of nerves.
• Outside of the lower lip also contains sensitive nerves.
• The nipples can be a seductive spot, but not for all men, ask first, then explore a few licks, kisses, or tiny bites.
• The perineum is often considered the male 'g-spot'. Gay men are very familiar with this spot and straight men deserve just as much pleasure. Play with putting a little bit of pressure in this magical spot and watch him erupt.   
• The place just below the adams apple, yum!

For WOMEN: 

• The inner thighs are a wonderful place for a kiss or two.
• A few tiny bites or just strong breath on the back of the neck can create a bit of a stir. 
• Same as men, the outer edge of the ear. 
• Many women enjoy a light caress and gentle kissing of their wrists. 
• The breasts and nipples are never a bad place to generate pleasure. 

Finally, for both men and women the lips and kissing are often one of the most stimulating activities that can lead to much much more. But don't rush, spend some time here and you will be rewarded!

So what are you waiting for? Make a date, find a date, and explore! 

Random Act

 

In San Diego I park my car near my house on the street.

 

Over the last months I have taken note of a metallic blue-silver 2004 Civic Hybrid that also inhabits the streets.

 

Its the car I used to have for nine years and every time I look at it I am reminded of wonderful memories.

 

Yesterday I went to Whole Foods and bought a little gift card, wrote a few words of happy day wishes, placed the two in an envelope and slid it under the windshield wiper of the Civic.

 

I am not sure what inspired me but hopefully the owner will experience a little smile and a little lightness.

 

A random act...how fun!  

Good Fences

 

The other morning I opened my fridge to find much of my roommates food items crossing the middle line that divides our space. 

 

While its no cause for World War, it made me think of my teacher Douglas Brooks and a line he commonly quotes from the Jewish text the Talmud. 

 

The line states that "Good fences make good neighbors." 

 

I imagine that the majority of yoga philosophy would look at this ideal and think of it as a bad seed. Fences create separation and isn't yoga about breaking down walls, connecting to love and peace, and remembering we are all one?

 

While fences can cut us off when over used, the Tantric Tradition would argue that they also have a useful place in the skillful participation of life. 

 

Fences represent boundaries and it is often the case that a conscious limitation can actually lead us to more freedom.

Its the idea that we can't say yes to every person, request, or creative idea we encounter.

 

To return back to my fridge example, having a clear boundary line creates clarity of how much space each person has to manage and what food item belongs to whom. It's a useful system for organization that helps mitigate potential drama.  

 

In the human conversation, while I'm happy to aknowledge the rights of all humans, I am not under the illusion that I must genuinely love every single person I meet.

 

The reality is that there are some people I encounter that are total jerks. I can have compassion for them, recognize where their behavior stems from, honor that they are doing the best they can, and all at the same time I can still choose to put up a fence that clearly communicates moveon.com, not interested in spending extensive time or energy here.

 

It too often that in Western culture we walk around with no fences, put on a fake smile, and then get pissed off at how others behave towards us. We then spin drama, get seduced by overly negative states or get taken advantage of.

 

Is there a place in your life where a clear boundary, a spacious but clear fence might make a frustrating situation clearer and more easeful? 

 

Nature Vs. Nurture

 

What makes someone do what they do? 

 

Is it genetics? What they inherited from their family line? The structures of their brain? Or is it the environment they grew up in and the people, organizations, thoughts, and ideas that molded their eventual behavior? 

 

As you might have guessed the answer is all of the above. Yet the pendulum of balance is definitely swinging more in the direction of nurture vs. nature as scientists discover more about how our genes and brain function.

 

In the past genes where believed to be fixed. Meaning that if you had a gene that increased your probability of contracting a disease or disorder you where sure to get it.

 

Today with the study of epigentics scientists have actually shown how genes have an on and off switch that is influenced by outside factors such as food, stress, and even thoughts. 

 

This means that the choices you make in your life actually have literal, concrete and very important consequences.

 

The power of nurture is extremely evident in the story of James Fallon  professor of psychiatry and human behavior at the University of California Irvine and author of Psychopath Inside.

 

In doing research on the brain structures of convicted killers James discovered his brain structures matched that of serial murders.

 

After conversations with family and friends it was clearly illuminated that Professor Fallon exhibited traits of risk taking, reduced empathy, and at times an aggressive disposition. Yet he had never physically harmed anyone.

 

When he describes his life growing up it is very clear to see he was reared in a nurturing and loving environment.

 

Even though his brain and genetics where set up for him to be a killer his environment helped take him in a completely different direction.  

 

What do you need to shift in your life in the way you nurture yourself and others? How can the power of choice actually create literal impact and change on your path?

 

We should never ignore what nature has given us, but we should always remember our power to engage and change the course of even the most challenging of conditions. True freedom! 

Warm Almond Delight

 

When it gets chilly outside I gravitate towards warmer drinks to keep me grounded and feeling well nourished. 

 

Last month I was so excited because I ventured out and bought raw cow's milk to warm up and drink to my heart's content. 

 

Although my heart was happy by stomach wasn't. Cow's milk simply doesn't digest well in my body. 

 

Luckily my stand in does the job of warm and cozy just as well.

 

Warmed almond milk with a dab of maple and Autumn spices, delightful! 

 

The key is to not settle for store bought almond drinks in those space age tetra packs but to go all the way and make your own.

1. Like every nut, seed and grain almonds need to be soaked to make them more digestible for the body, soak 1 cup of raw almonds anywhere from 12-24 hours. 
2. When you are ready to use drain and rinse the almonds. 
3. Place your 1 cup of almonds with 4 cups of water and blend away.
4. Strain the milk through a fine strainer or cheese cloth. (get creative with the leftover almond meal many people dehydrate it for pie crust, flour, or breadcrumb substitute)
5. Pour some milk in a small pot, heat up until desired temperature. 
6. Turn heat off add pumpkin pie spices or just cinnamon, a dab of maple, stir, and serve. 
7. Delight! 

Whoever said warm and cozy couldn't still happen, dairy-free!