Mind Body Messenger
Issue #36, June 2006

Keeping Up With Heather…

Hello Friends,
This month’s newsletter comes a bit early, as Chris and I are very busy getting ready for our upcoming programs, and our upcoming marriage. I hope that you will all share the day with us in spirit, as we celebrate our union on June 25! As well as planning for our special day we are also hard at work developing the newly revised Self Mastery program “The Journey” and getting ready for our next YTT in Byron Bay, and then our trip to Canada. To keep you up to date, here are the details on what’s coming up for Trinity…and look out for our next newsletter where we will share some thoughts and pics from our special day…
Wishing you all a Joyful June!
Namaste, Heather.

Still Thinking About YTT in Australia?

We still have a few spaces available in our Yoga Teacher Training program from July 8 to August 6, 2006. The program will be held in a retreat centre tucked away beside Mount Warning overlooking beautiful Byron Bay. This all-inclusive one-month retreat program will guide you towards a deeper understanding and experience of the techniques and philosophies of Yoga, as well as giving you the tools, experience and confidence to become a Registered Yoga Instructor. For details please write to heather@yogatrinity.com

Self Mastery Becomes…The Journey

After 15 years teaching the powerful personal growth program “Self Mastery”, Christopher has decided that it is time to update, expand, and redesign this experiential program. Times they are a’changing, so we feel that our self-discovery programs have to change too. When we asked what our students what they were looking for in their personal growth, and you told us that you want to enhance your health, overcome the obstacles of fear and anger, develop better relation-ships and cultivate a more peaceful and conscious life. To your requests we have responded with a program that offers more relaxation techniques, more personalized counselling, and more guidance in the questions that you have about your life’s purpose, your relationships, and your personal growth. “The Journey” will be offered in Australia in June, and in Ontario in September 2007 for details visit our upcoming events page at www.yogatrinity.com

New Designation

I am very excited to be joining the Yoga Alliance network of teachers around the globe as an E-RYT which is an accredited senior level teacher registered to provide yoga teacher training and continuing education for yoga instructors internationally. I am proud to have been accredited by this association that seeks to bring higher standards and better education to yoga instructors. To find out more about becoming a registered instructor, or to find a registered instructor or ERYT in your area visit www.yogaalliance.org

Thoughts On…

A wonderful Zen story that reveals the secret to deflecting some of the negativity that is inevitable in our encounters with one another in this chaotic life. The next time someone offers you such a gift, politely decline, and then the gift will remain theirs!

The Gift

There once lived a great warrior. Though quite old, he still was able to defeat any challenger. His reputation extended far and wide throughout the land and many students gathered to study under him.

One day an infamous young warrior arrived at the village. He was determined to be the first man to defeat the great master. Along with his strength, he had an uncanny ability to spot and exploit any weakness in an opponent. He would wait for his opponent to make the first move, thus revealing a weakness, and then would strike with merciless force and lightning speed. No one had ever lasted with him in a match beyond the first move.

Much against the advice of his concerned students, the old master gladly accepted the young warrior's challenge. As the two squared off for battle, the young warrior began to hurl insults at the old master. He threw dirt and spit in his face. For hours he verbally assaulted him with every curse and insult known to mankind. But the old warrior merely stood there motionless and calm. Finally, the young warrior exhausted himself. Knowing he was defeated, he left feeling shamed.

Somewhat disappointed that he did not fight the insolent youth, the students gathered around the old master and questioned him. "How could you endure such an indignity? How did you drive him away?"

"If someone comes to give you a gift and you do not receive it," the master replied, "to whom does the gift belong?"

What to Do With Tofu

Over the past decade soy has become a mainstay in the diets of the health-conscious whether it be as a protein source for vegetarians, a balancing nutrient for the endocrine (hormonal) system, or as a delicious alternative to the traditional “meat and three veg” that foodies from all walks of life are adding to their diets. Soy can be found in milks, cheeses, yogurts, and of course in the traditional form of fermented soy beans formed into a block of soft, firm or extra firm varieties. But, which one to use?

For a breakfast smoothie try soft tofu, which will give your shake a creamy texture. For soups, dips and burgers try firm tofu, which will hold it’s shape better than soft tofu, but will break apart somewhat to add texture and substance. For grilling, baking and stir-frying try extra-firm tofu, which holds it’s shape well and gives good resistance to the teeth, often mimicking the texture of meat.

Organic tofu is always the best choice, and can be found in the dairy or refrigerated section of most grocery stores. Made from soybeans, this product offers high protein, low fat, and no taste, which means that your marinade, sauce or spices will be absorbed to create any taste sensation you wish! Happy Tofu-ing!

Breakfast Smoothie

This delicious shake is full the of energy, protein, vitamins and minerals that your body needs to fuel all your daily activities and get you started on the right foot! Just blend and enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 cup soy beverage
½ cup juice
1 banana
1/2 cup ice
Options:
¼ cup frozen or fresh berries
¼ cup chopped fruit (mango, kiwi, pawpaw)
1 tbsp LSA powder (linseed, sunflower, almond)
1 tbsp organic greens powder
¼ cup soft tofu or soy protein powder

Tofu Cream Cheese Spread

Serve as a dip with crackers or veggies, spread on sandwiches, or stuff in a pita. No one will guess the presence of tofu in this delicious protein-rich dip.

Ingredients:

1 cup firm tofu, drained
1 cup cream cheese
1 clove crushed garlic
3 tbsp chopped fresh coriander or parsley
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp dried basil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp chopped chives
½ tsp freshly ground pepper
¼ tsp salt (optional)

Preparation:

Puree tofu in food processor or blender until smooth. Add remaining ingredients and blend until well mixed. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate, keeps 3 days.

Ma Po Noodles

A delicious evening meal, which will also make a great lunch to take to work the next day-full of energy and rich in flavour.

Ingredients:

½ cup vegetable stock or water
1/3 cup hoisin sauce
1 tbsp rice wine or dry sherry
1/3 cup ketchup or tomato paste
1/2 tsp hot pepper sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound firm tofu, cut into ½” chunks
2 cups mung bean sprouts
1 tbsp cornstarch in 1 tbsp water
3 scallions slivered for garnish
1 pound uncooked egg or rice noodles
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp olive oil

Preparations:

Combine stock, hoisin sauce, rice wine, ketchup, and hot pepper sauce and set aside. Prepare noodles according to package directions, drain and rinse with cold water, gently toss with sesame oil and place on serving platter. Heat olive oil in a wok or pan, add garlic and stir, then add tofu and cook for 2-3 minutes, add sauce and stir for 1 minute, add bean sprouts and stir for 1 minute, then add corn starch and stir until mixture boils and thickens. Poor over noodles and garnish with scallions

Baked Sesame Tofu

This recipe is ideal as a main course beside rice and stir-fried vegetables, or for those family gatherings where some are eating turkey and some are not. You can prepare this tofu in advance and marinate in the fridge until baking time.

Ingredients

1 pound extra firm tofu
¼ cup water
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 clove crushed garlic
2 tsp minced fresh ginger
½ tsp corn starch
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
1 green onion, diced

Preparations

Cut tofu into 8 slices (approx 2”x1/2”) and arrange in a single layer in a square baking dish. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic and cornstarch and bring to boil stirring continuously. Stir in sesame oil and pour over tofu. Let tofu marinate for 15 minutes. Bake in 350 oven for 25 min or until tofu is glazed. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and onion.

Yoga For Mind and Body

Part of an ongoing series offering yoga postures for men, women, and children to practice at home, school, on the road or in the office. With special thanks to Ross Pottinger of Wink Photo Design in Brisbane, Australia for the photos and the support in this project. And many thanks to Louisa Dick for taking part in the project. Do check with your health care practitioner before beginning a yoga practice. Many postures and techniques are not suitable for pregnant women, people with joint replacements, those with hypertension or other medical conditions. If you have a posture that you would like to see in this column, I welcome your suggestions.
Namaste, H

The Home Stretch printer friendly version

Many students have requested a posture series that they can do at home to relax, unwind, and improve flexibility. This series, called Vayu Nishkasana or Wind Relieving Pose is ideal for relaxing tension, improving flexibility, and importantly for relieving the abdominal discomforts that can arise with the increased stress and busy-ness of our daily lives.

• Practice this series any time of day, but it is especially beneficial in the evening as a way to relax, unwind, and rejuvinate body, mind and spirit.
• Hold each pose for 5-10 long relaxing breaths, encouraging the breath into the belly to help release tension and anxiety from the solar plexus and abdomen.
• Do your best to keep your head and neck relaxed and grounded, and think about having as much of your body touching the ground as possible in each pose.

Hamstring Stretch: Begin by lying on the back with the head resting comfortably on the ground or a small cushion. Bend the left knee and place the left foot on the ground near the buttocks, and extend the right leg up in the air. Place your hands on the back of the thigh, calf or catch the big toe. Keep the left leg straight and enjoy and deep stretch of the back of the thigh (alternately you can use a strap or towel around the bottom of the foot)

Knee to Chest: from the hamstring stretch, draw the right knee to the chest with hands interlocked on the knee. Stretch the left leg into the ground and relax.

Half Cobbler: from knee-to-chest use the right hand on the inner right knee to guide the knee out to the right side, letting the right foot relax to the ground. Imagine one day your body will be so flexible your right knee will reach the ground. Be sure to keep the hips and shoulders on the ground, do not allow the body to twist to the right.

Morningstar: from half-cobbler draw the knee to the chest and then use the left hand to guide the right knee across the body to rest on the left side of the body making a “4” shape with the body. Keep both shoulders grounded, extend the right arm out to the side and gaze beyond the right fingertips. This final posture in the series helps to release the spine, hips and chest of tension and tightness…hold and enjoy. Then, return to your back and repeat the series on the left leg.