Summer Solstice & Weekend Fun!

Hello WordPress Family! I hope everyone is officially enjoying their summer!! Saturday marked the Summer Solstice & like a good little yogi I honored the occasion with 108 sun salutations. There was much internal debate about joining a group or class but I personally enjoy doing my 108 practice privately – knowing there are a number of like minded souls globally participating in the same tradition makes me feel much more connected to the yoga community anyway!

I did three sets of 36, dedicated to the past, present and future. My past meditation was focused on letting go with gratitude – acknowledging everything up to this point as a blessing that has helped shape the person I am. My present meditation was focused on celebrating each moment without judgement – not labeling an experience positive or negative but receiving it as it comes with openness & excitement. My future meditation was focused on honoring my inner light – remaining true to my inner self and continuing to follow my heart along my path to happiness.

Phil & I enjoyed a long ride on Sunday – about 40 miles – but we broke it up with some swim lessons & lunch @ Zakes in Fort Washington. We enjoyed a peaceful night in Sunday that was only slightly saddened by the tie that should have been a win for the US against Portugal in the World Cup. I was admittedly more frustrated that I should have been but we’re still in the tournament and have a shot against Germany….

Let’s go USA!!

 

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Celebrate!

March 21 marks the Spring Equinox – this occasion is honored by a mala practice!The mala practice, consisting of 108 Sun Salutations, comes from the name of Hindu prayer beads which have 108 beads on a traditional strand. The significance of 108 runs deeper than that:

• The original Sanskrit alphabet had 54 sounds (54×2 = 108)
• There are 108 Upanishads in Hindu Scripture (focusing primarily on meditation & philosophy)
• The distance between earth and the sun or the distance between the earth and the moon is 108x the diameter of the respective sphere (108 representing the distance between us and the divine)
• Some mathematicians believe the number 108 represents the wholeness of existence

The practice represents a spring cleansing and honors the increasing power of the sun! Breaking the 108 into 3 sets of 36 allows you to dedicate each to an intention for your past, present and future. I love doing a mala practice at the change of each season to rededicate myself to my passions and let go of any frustrations that might be holding me back.

Tonight I’m headed to Nourishing Storm’s celebration of the Spring Equinox & talking a 108 class from the inspiring Kristin Ritter! I am particularly excited for this evening’s class as I am bringing a special friend. The younger brother of a close childhood friend has expressed an interest in the wellness world (he just completed his 200hr teacher training!) and we’re meeting before class to chat. I get a bit giddy when I experience the power of the ripple effect first hand – spreading my passion and knowledge about the ever growing wellness community brings a sense of joy and pride I can’t put into words.

This weekend take time to honor spring and tune into the amazing power of Mother Nature!

Namaste!

It’s Here, It’s Here!

Happy First Day of Spring! The First Day of Spring is also the Spring Equinox, a time when day and night are equal in both hemispheres. In yogic tradition, the occasion is honored with 108 Sun Salutations (more on that tomorrow), and I am so excited to be doing a 108 class with the amazingly talented Kristin Ritter of Nourishing Storm tomorrow night! This is one of those times I look forward to EVERY YEAR and thankfully Mother Nature didn’t disappoint! The weather will be in the 50s and sunny, so I’ll be taking a nice long ride around the city after work! Part of me misses spin class but nothing beats the freedom of riding outside and the sense of power that comes from being in nature!! I’m fortunate to live a stones throw from a trail that traces the city – with multiple directions to head in and wonderful views to distract you, its impossible to lose motivation while riding the Schuylkill River trail. I could really use a good cardio session too,  we’re going out for dinner tonight!

Phil just got home from a business trip, so last nights anniversary meal was prepared, with love, by yours truly! Knowing we would be trying Fond for the first time tonight, I wanted to keep last night’s dinner on the healthier side but still make it special. I prepared a three course menu: antipasto –  marinated olives, aged gouda, honey & rosemary goat cheese with whole wheat baguette.  primo – spicy seafood alfredo with hand made whole wheat fettuccine. dolce – dark chocolate dipped strawberries. The most indulge part of the meal was the antipasto, even though I kept the cheese potions under 3 oz, but the pasta was a healthy version of an indulgent delight! I am so excited for Foodie Friday tomorrow to share my alfredo recipe because it tastes oh so amazing but is totally sinless! Since we are both sweet freaks, I melted some 72% dark chocolate and dipped the strawberries myself, ensuring there was some nutritional benefits in the chocolate as well as controlling the overall serving size…Needless to say we were both full and feeling good after round 1 of our anniversary celebration!

I am so excited for dinner at one of Philadelphia’s finest contemporary American BYOB restaurants tonight – I have heard nothing but amazing things about Fond for years but given its slightly off the beaten path location on East Passyunk Ave, I have yet to give it a try! What better time to try some place special than our first anniversary?!?!?! I can’t wait to share all about it tomorrow!

Enjoy!