I guess I am failing miserably at updating this blog in a reasonable amount of time.  The Holidays always through me off.  I find them to be physically and emotionally wearing and it takes me weeks to recover.  So, I find myself on Groundhog day wondering where January went.  February isn't much better since our family celebrates 4 birthdays within the first two weeks.  Lots of aquarians... interesting.  So, in an effort to update my web friends I thought I would share some news and thoughts. 

Firstly, if you don't subscribe to Vegetarian Times magazine you might want to consider doing so.  I picked one up the other day at the grocery store and found some delicious recipes to try.  As I write I am finishing up a delicious vegan "Smokey Pea Soup" - YUM!  Loads of flavor, very easy to make and totally filling.  I also made a yummy roasted veggie linguine last night with some toasted kale leaves.  The kids even like the kale though I salted it a bit too much!  I am currently in a space where I have been deeply committed to exploring my diet to try to figure out what is going to work best for me both on several different levels - in no particular order.  Firstly, I need to feel good; secondly, I need to enjoy my food; thirdly, it needs to be manageable to prepare and lastly my family has to also feel good about what we are eating since I am preparing most meals for 5 other beings.  So, in the beginning of January I led a week long yoga detox which included 5 mornings of a heated vinyasa detox flow, three group meetings, 5 days of a strict vegan diet and 2 days of fasting.  We had 14 people going through the week together.  Everyone came in with their own experiences, intentions and expectations.  I hesitate speaking for all of us, but I know that I felt a deep connection with everyone throughout the week even though I was leading the group so I imagine that the students themselves probably felt an even stronger connection.  It turned out to be a great week.  The vegan diet was pretty easy for me since I've done this for weeks in the past.  The fast was difficult.  I tend to lose weight rapidly and I tend to be a little anemic so I went into the fast feeling pretty weak.  My allergies began flaring up with the supplement we were taking so 1/2 through the second day I had to begin introducing some raw nuts and by about 5 PM that second day I heated up an Amy's veggie burger.  About half of our group elected to not participate in the fast, but the other half did and everyone seemed to have some challenges.  In the end though we all felt lighter with a deeper sense of clarity and profoundly more aware of our bodies, our practice and our diets. 

So, the food dilema I am now experiencing has to be related at least in part to that experience.  The week after the cleanse was all about regaining my lost weight which turned out to be about 5 lbs.  I ate some unhealthy carbs, but other than that I couldn't handle anything too heavy.  Cheese and white products are still feeling a little strange.  I am not sure where this is going to take me. 

Other things on my mind include our move at the end of the month, our new website design, retail purchase orders, dentist appointments, birthday party's and turning 36.  So, my plate is full, but my spirit is fuller with peace, light and lots of love from 4 wonderful children and my very supportive husband.  I hope to update this more often but there will be no promises, just intentions.  I hope to see you in the studio soon my friends.