"True love is not for the faint-hearted."
Meher Baba
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Greetings!
Contrast creates appreciation. While I travel around the world, tending to follow the summer, I now sit at a desk in my mother’s house in Connecticut, looking out a second floor window at the early hints of autumn. Vibrant reds begin to devour green leaves; a clear blue sky and crisp air say good morning. The change feels revitalizing, reminding me of Earth’s rhythms. These early days of autumn, and the bravery of the leaves to let go of their summer radiance, teach me yet again of the great beauty inherent in the act of letting go. We relinquish the old to make room for something new, something extraordinary.
With the changes that autumn brings at all levels, this is an important time of year to placate Vata—or the Ayurvedic humor of wind and mobility. As Vata is the root of all dis-ease and that part of ourselves that most easily goes out of balance, I have included a wonderful Vata-antidote which has become a staple in my life: a recipe for kitchari.
Eating a mono-diet of kitchari now for 1-5 days can help you to stay grounded and unfragmented, while giving the digestive system an important opportunity for rest and revitalization. This time of caring for yourself will help to strengthen your immunity for the coming winter season.
The Earth, like our own bodies and minds, needs a helping hand, too. Take a look at the article in this newsletter from a recent Time magazine, outlining 51 things that you can do RIGHT now to help heal the world.
Also, I have composed an online bookstore with recommended readings and resources on topics such as Yoga, Women’s Yoga, Ayurveda, Buddhism, Relationships, Nutrition, and more. Click here if you are hungry for some wisdom and inspiration.
May you be happy and live that happiness to your fullest.
With a deep bow,
Sara
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“A Hopi Elder Speaks”
You have been telling people that this is the eleventh hour.
Now you must go back and tell the people that it is the hour.
And there are things to be considered:
Where are you living?
What are you doing?
What are your relationships?
Where is your water?
Know your garden.
It is time to speak your Truth.
Create your community.
Be good to each other.
And do not look outside yourself for the leader.
Then he clasped his hands together, smiled and said,
“This could be a good time! The river is flowing now very fast. It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid. They will try to hold onto the shore. They will know they are being torn apart and will suffer greatly.
Know the river has its destination. The elders say that we must leg go of the shore, push off into the middle of the river, keep our eyes open and heads above water. And I say, see who is there with you and celebrate.
At this time in history, we are to take nothing personally. Least of all, ourselves. For the moment that we do, our spiritual growth and journey comes to a halt.
The time of the lone wolf is over. Gather yourselves! Banish the word ‘struggle’ from your attitude and vocabulary. All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in a celebration.
We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.
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Everyday Yoga for Beginners
(70 minutes)
Appropriate for beginners, or for more experienced yogis on days you just need to be gentle with yourself, this well-rounded practice aims to gently build strength and stamina, improve flexibility and range of motion, heighten body and breath awareness, revitalize and relax. Filmed in a yurt at her spiritual teacher, ShantiMayi’s, ashram in the French Pyrenees, Sara Avant Stover (also known as Shiromani) draws from Anusara-Inspired Yoga™ and breath-centered approach of T.K.V. Desikachar, striking a balance of vinyasa (flowing through poses with the breath) and static poses.With clear alignment cues and poetic imagery, Sara’s instructions aspire to deliver safety and inspiration while guiding you to a still and vibrant place inside—a place that you can come home to every day.
Available by digital download from www.ihanuman.com
By making your purchase on ihanuman, you will cut down on packaging waste, donate 5% of your payment to charity and get to enjoy your product instantaneously!
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200-Hour Yoga Alliance -Certified Hatha Yoga Teacher Foundation Course
With Sara and Jonas Westring
Chiang Mai, Thailand; November 15-December 16, 2007
We still have a few spaces left in our annual teacher training intensive! Join a diverse group of yogis from all over the world for 30-days in the magical city of Chiang Mai. This is the perfect opportunity to deepen your existing practice while cultivating the skills necessary to teach yoga. Delve into an integrated and diverse syllabus that merges East and West, tradition and modernity. Sara and Jonas will be joined by guest faculty Emil Wendel, Adam How, Ouyporn Kournkaew and Rebecca Andrist. Be inspired, educated and empowered! |
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Meditation Temple at IWP |
Women’s Yoga and Meditation Retreat
With Sara and Ouyporn Kournkaew
Chiang Mai, Thailand; January 12-18, 2008
When women get together, magic happens. Enjoy 7 all-inclusive days to develop or deepen a relationship to your yoga and meditation practice—and, most importantly, to yourself.
Our daily schedule will consist of two yoga sessions with Sara, meditations and dharma talks with Ouyporn, three organic vegetarian meals, walks in nature, evening films and personal time on your own. We will also have designated periods of silence during the retreat. Located in a rural village just 40 minutes outside of Chiang Mai, the retreat center offers peace, quiet and the good company of wise women. |
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Ganges River in Rishikesh |
Journey to the Source! Yoga & Meditation in Rishikesh, India
February & March, 2008
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Desa Seni Resort |
The Art of Living Well: Spring Yoga and Detox Retreat in Bali
With Sara & Rebecca Andrist
Desa Seni Resort; April 12-18, 2008
This spring, an auspicious time of the year for detoxification, join us for a 7- day all-inclusive retreat on the lush and magical island of Bali. We will stay by the sea, at the unique cultural village of the Desa Seni Resort, voted by Condé Nast Traveler Magazine as one of the world’s best.
Enjoy Anusara-Inspired Yoga™ with Sara each morning, focusing on flushing physical and emotional toxicity from the body and mind.
In the afternoons, Rebecca will lead nutritional and hands-on “In the Kitchen” classes on topics such as: The Daily Cleansing Diet, Setting up a Healthy Kitchen, Food Combining, and Raw Foods.
While you are with us, be nourished by 3 deliciously healthy and cleansing meals daily as well as herbs and rituals to gently support your Detox. Enjoy plenty of freedom for spa treatments, beach time, horseback riding and cultural excursions around the island. You will leave feeling lighter, more vibrant and empowered to make conscious choices that serve the health of the world, your loved ones and yourself! |
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Click here to view Sara’s 2008 schedule. |
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Kitchari (Mung Beans and Rice)
Makes 8 Servings
Mung beans are high in natural vegetable protein, rich in important minerals, and very easy to digest. They are an excellent staple that you can use as a healing mono diet or fall back on when you need to regain balance in your life. With the addition of brown or white basmati rice, steamed vegetables, garlic, onion, ginger, and turmeric, you have a very nutritious and filling meal.
This recipe is very good for anyone who is recovering from an illness; someone who is fatigued; and for people with digestive problems. It is also good for general cleansing-detox at the change of season.
Ingredients:
1 cup mung beans (for whole beans, soak overnight, for split beans, no need to soak them)
1 cup basmati rice
9 cups of water
6-7 cups chopped assorted vegetables (carrots, celery, zucchini, broccoli, etc.)
6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 onions, chopped
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/3 ginger root, minced
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1 heaping teaspoon turmeric
1 heaping teaspoon cumin powder
1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
1-2 tablespoon sea salt
Wash beans and rinse at least 3 times. Look carefully for any little rocks, and take out. Clean and cut vegetables. Heat oil in large frying pan. Add onions, ginger, and garlic, spices and salt. Sauté over medium-high flame until brown. Add this mixture to the pot with beans and water.
Add all ingredients but the rice and let boil over medium-high flame. When the beans have boiled into a gravy looking liquid, about 60 to 90 minutes, add rice, lower heat to simmer , and let cook for another 20 minutes. This dish is easy to digested, and is excellent for the sick, the elderly, and young children, but in those cases make it less spicy. Kombu seaweed enriches this recipe with minerals and helps make the beans more easily digestible.
Recipe adapted from Golden Bridge Yoga
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By honoring the cycles of the moon, we can connect with the cyclical rhythms in nature and within ourselves.
New Moons:
Use these days to relax, sleep in, meditate, curl up with a book and eat simple foods like fresh juices, salads and steamed vegetables.
October 11, November 9, December 9
Full Moons:
Use these days for high-energy celebrations. Dance, go for a hike, skinny dip under the moonlight, indulge in rich desserts and festive meals with family and friends.
September 26, October 26, November 24, December 24 |
Looking for a way to pitch in?
- Hang your clothes on the line.
- Buy vintage clothing.
- Ride the bus.
- Pay your bills online.
- Say no to plastic bags!
Check out Time Magazine’s “Global Warming Survival Guide” to read about the 46 other ways that you can help make a difference.
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