“Oh so that’s what “relaxed” really feels like” I thought to myself as I came away from the Relax & Renew four day workshop with Judith Lasater. I think I finally learnt how to relax. Like really, really relax. Not think about relaxing. Not being mindful or meditating or breathing deeply. Just lying down supported by props and resting for a full twenty minutes at a time …. kind of totally chilled out. After about 15 minutes the body finally lets go, the mind then begins to slow down and our immune system, hormonal balance, brain patterns all get to restore. I’m really enjoying teaching these restorative yoga poses.
Another way to rest is to read a good book. Yep I’ve been dragging my current novel with me to the couch and heaven forbid, reading it in the middle of the day ! Reading on the tram. Maybe just a chapter. It’s summer, so if you do nothing else treat yourself to some reading time. The perfect escape, anytime anywhere. Here’s a pic of my last few pleasures, including some incredible Oz writers.
Avocados are really in season now. So Guacamole time ! You probably have your fave recipe already, but here’s my quick version. Slice 3 x spring onions, dice 1-2 tomatoes, finely chop 1-2 green jalapeños or a chilli, chop a well washed bunch of coriander, juice 2lemons or limes or both, salt & pepper, you can add garlic if you like – then mash 2-3 avocados in – best done with your hands and much more fun. Dip in ya corn chips for a refreshing snack or shared summer lunch.
All through my life I’ve keep my hands in the garden. Sometimes it was just a tiny weeny little veggie patch but it was enough. Lately I’ve been doing a lot of gardening and the task at hand can seem daunting. So I break it down to a little patch at a time. I give that little bit my full attention. The next day another little bit. Slowly a whole revived back yard is taking shape. I love the smells, the dirt under my nails and watering in the new babies. I like the connection to plants. They’re very quiet Some grow, some die and somehow they too make me happy.
All classes are starting back up next week. I’ll be running Family Yoga sessions in Richmond, once a month on Saturdays at 2pm, with a few other Rainbow Kids Yoga teachers – can’t wait ! Plus I have a beautiful new student learning meditation from me. 2015 here we are – let’s treasure every precious moment
PS Last photo was taken at dawn, whilst camping recently at Byron Yoga Centre