http://www.divinecenterofyoga.com/index4.htmlHot News!enuser@domain.comCopyright 2011 Jana Holland2012-03-19T17:05:40-05:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Mon, 19 Mar 2012 17:07:32 -0500user@domain.comArpita and Ayurveda2012-03-19T17:05:40-05:00http://www.divinecenterofyoga.com/blog/files/f084a2ebabe3ed4a60bef9ff827dfb10-12.html#unique-entry-id-12http://www.divinecenterofyoga.com/blog/files/f084a2ebabe3ed4a60bef9ff827dfb10-12.html#unique-entry-id-12Ayurvedic Approach for Spring Cleaning
Spring is the most magical season of the year. We come out of the cold, winter  into the vibrancy of spring. It is a season where we see life around us begin to reawaken again. It is also a season of cleaning. Spring cleaning   is not only about our homes,but it is perfect time to cleanse our energetic and emotional layers as well.  In Ayurveda this time of year is considered Kapha season,because the wet, cool, damp weather reflects the moist, cool, heavy qualities of Kapha dosha  that is  predominate during this time of the year (March-June).   An Ayurvedic Cleanse is an amazing way to shift into the brightness of spring by moving any old stale energy out. 

Some tips for Spring Routine:
Kapha is especially aggravated by sleeping after 7am so rising early  in the morning is very important at this time of year. It helps to reduce excess  kapha in your body.
Take a cup of hot ginger and lemon water to stimulate  your digestion and cut through any Ama (digestive impurities) that has accumulated overnight.
A Kapha pacifying diet and lifestyle is best. 
Sip of  hot or warm water throughout the day to help melt the Ama  that have accumulated from winter season.
Avoid eating heavy, cold, hard-to-digest foods, and  reduce the sweet, sour, and salty tastes, in your diet.
The Spring food choices should emphasis  bitter, pungent and astringent  foods that help to clear mucous and excess moisture from the body.
Include Backbend and forward fold in yoga practice 
Walking meditation
Daily exercise 

A balanced `Doshas ' brings happiness and ease and imbalance brings discomfort or illness.


Namaste
Arpita]]>user@domain.comJana's Playlist2012-02-10T19:18:41-06:00http://www.divinecenterofyoga.com/blog/files/cb10eb34af93cff2ab6cc6378c13dac5-11.html#unique-entry-id-11http://www.divinecenterofyoga.com/blog/files/cb10eb34af93cff2ab6cc6378c13dac5-11.html#unique-entry-id-11
I have two list for you today. The first is a little older, but I have had a lot of people asking about certain songs on it. The next is very recent. I hope you can enjoy them both!

Come and Find Me Josh Ritter
Seems Like Home to Me Two Gallants
Now You Know The Features
Boy Ra Ra Riot
Need You Now Cut Copy
The Golden Age The Asteroids Galaxy Tour
Sail AWOLNATION
Rolling In the Deep ADELE
Under Cover of Darkness The Strokes
Wake Up Arcade Fire
Weighty Ghost Wintersleep
Little Lovin' Lissie
Don't Carry It All The Decemberists
Not Enough J Mascist
Think of You Carney
Devi Puja Krishna Das


Love Like a River Girls
Video Games Lana Del Rey
Somebody That I Used to Know (feat. Kimbra) Gotye
And When I Die The Heavy
Punching In a Dream The Naked and Famous
Pork and Beans Weezer
Intro M83
The King and All of His Men Wolf Gang
Little Talks Of Monsters and Men
That Ain't Right Pyyramids
Tongue Tied Grouplove
Off to the Races Lana Del Rey
Honey Bunny Girls
For You Angus & Julia Stone
Boys Don't Cry Grant Lee Phillips
Everywhere I Go Lissie
Earthdream Clifford Carter
]]>user@domain.comHealthy Recipes2011-10-02T02:44:17-05:00http://www.divinecenterofyoga.com/blog/files/5b096f9f62a229b075a6ad363cd00626-10.html#unique-entry-id-10http://www.divinecenterofyoga.com/blog/files/5b096f9f62a229b075a6ad363cd00626-10.html#unique-entry-id-10Try this recipe on your toast or pancakes.
MAKES 2 CUPS
1 can (15oz) 100% pure pumpkin puree
1 cup applesauce (no sugar add)
½ cup packed light-brown sugar
¾ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground ginger
2 tbsp fresh orange juice
1 tsp orange zest
1.       Put pumpkin puree, applesauce, orange zest, brown sugar, cinnamon, and ginger in a small saucepan, stir until well blended.
2.       Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered, stirring often to prevent scorching and make sure to stir corners of the pan. Cook on low for 40 min or until mixture has thickened. Stir in orange juice.
3.       When cool, spoon into a container, cover and refrigerate up to 2 weeks.
 
 
Enjoy and let me know what you think!
Namaste- Julie]]>user@domain.comHealthy Recipes2011-08-08T21:03:10-05:00http://www.divinecenterofyoga.com/blog/files/1ec34748da58a3ffac48a79da86fbbbf-9.html#unique-entry-id-9http://www.divinecenterofyoga.com/blog/files/1ec34748da58a3ffac48a79da86fbbbf-9.html#unique-entry-id-9Black bean and corn salad with grape tomatoes :) 

Serves 4 / An explosion of contrasting flavors and textures make this nutrient-packed power salad a feast for the senses. Beans and corn combine to form a complete protein, avocado and flaxseed oil provide healthful fats, and all the fresh ingredients are bursting with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. This recipe can either be a main dish or side dish! It's great!! See, vegetarians know how to eat too!! ;) 

2 cups frozen white corn
1 (25-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups grape tomatoes, cut in half
1½ cups finely diced red or white onion
2 ripe, firm avocados, cut into ½-inch dice (more avacado never hurts anyone!)
2 cups chopped fresh cilantro
2/3 cup flaxseed oil (or half flaxseed, half extra-virgin olive oil)
½ cup fresh lime juice (I usually put way more, it's not usually measured)
2-3 teaspoons finely chopped chipotle chiles in adobo
½ teaspoon sea salt 
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (I never measure this one either!)
6-8 cups lettuce (optional)
1. Cook corn in a pot of lightly salted water for about 3 minutes, until crisp-tender. Drain, refresh under cold running water, and drain thoroughly.
2. Combine corn, beans, tomatoes, onion, avocado, and cilantro in a large bowl. Toss gently. Whisk oil, lime juice, chipotles, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. Pour about three-fourths over vegetables and toss gently to coat; add more to taste. Serve on beds of lettuce, if desired.
Breathe and be well,
Erica :)
]]>user@domain.comGentle2011-06-09T09:06:41-05:00http://www.divinecenterofyoga.com/blog/files/6b012533d207107492973eaf8288aa6d-8.html#unique-entry-id-8http://www.divinecenterofyoga.com/blog/files/6b012533d207107492973eaf8288aa6d-8.html#unique-entry-id-8What will you draw from to inspire your Gentle practice this month?

“I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship."]]>user@domain.comBeing Present2011-05-08T00:42:35-05:00http://www.divinecenterofyoga.com/blog/files/0cadf2c48d0fc8a9ea4a15420f05c0be-7.html#unique-entry-id-7http://www.divinecenterofyoga.com/blog/files/0cadf2c48d0fc8a9ea4a15420f05c0be-7.html#unique-entry-id-7experience something that makes me happy, whether it be the warm sun on my skin or a great song, I become aware of how perfect life is. For me, this is pranayama.]]>user@domain.comHealthy Recipes2011-03-31T22:01:43-05:00http://www.divinecenterofyoga.com/blog/files/b125e4f99226ff13908158ccc4e9a418-6.html#unique-entry-id-6http://www.divinecenterofyoga.com/blog/files/b125e4f99226ff13908158ccc4e9a418-6.html#unique-entry-id-6We all know how important it is to get our daily dose of fruits and vegetables, but let's face it...it can be a challenge to get all the servings we need each day.  It's kind of hard to munch on carrot sticks while driving and talking on our cell phones :)  I try to start my mornings off right by having either a green smoothie or a hot pink smoothie, helps me to stay on track for healthy eating for the rest of the day.  Now don't be scared by the names of the smoothies, I promise they are delicious and you will forget just how good they are for you!  My kids love the green smoothie, my son asks me to make it often and he has seen what goes in it.  Trust me when I tell you that I do not like beets, hate would be a better suited word, but I actually like the hot pink smoothie.  So here are the recipes, enjoy :)  Stephanie Thompson
 
HOT PINK COCONUT SMOOTHIE
12 ounces of coconut water (I like the ONE brand)
Half a BEET (yes, raw!)
One CARROT (yes, yes, raw!)
Frozen STRAWBERRIES (raw, raw, raw!!!)
One DATE
Some VANILLA
A bit of AGAVE, if you desire a bit more sweetness.
Whir, whir, whir in the blender and then BLISS out on this healthy treat!
 
GREEN SMOOTHIE
12 ounces of coconut water (I use the ONE brand)
1 peeled frozen banana
1 handful of pineapple (you can use your favorite fruit of choice)
Bunch of spinach, I pack it in there
1 scoop of vanilla protein powder (I use the AMPLIFY brand)
8 ice cubes
Whir, whir, whir in the blender and be prepared to be amazed at how good it tastes!]]>user@domain.comJana's Playlist2011-03-14T21:26:36-05:00http://www.divinecenterofyoga.com/blog/files/dade42d3af9c0be38397e1054a72d68d-5.html#unique-entry-id-5http://www.divinecenterofyoga.com/blog/files/dade42d3af9c0be38397e1054a72d68d-5.html#unique-entry-id-5Here is another that I love to flow with. I hope you enjoy it!


Blue Beard Band of Horses
Colorful The Verve Pipe
Sweet Disposition The Temper Trap
Where I'm Going Cut Copy
My Body Young the Giant
Internet Killed the Video Star The Limousines
Everlasting Light The Black Keys
Dynamite Taio Cruz
Children of the Revolution T.Rex
Everybody Needs Somebody to Love Solomon Burke
Beauty In the World Macy Gray
Cameras Matt & Kim
The World At Large Modest Mouse
Eyes Rogue Wave
Take On Me A.C. Newman
On My Way Back Home Band of Horses
Chariot's Rise Lizzie West
Your Love Emma Burgess
Shanti (Peace Out) MC Yogi

]]>user@domain.comGentle2011-02-25T19:30:15-06:00http://www.divinecenterofyoga.com/blog/files/cd1d33b18a12138d2234d471abb2fe8c-4.html#unique-entry-id-4http://www.divinecenterofyoga.com/blog/files/cd1d33b18a12138d2234d471abb2fe8c-4.html#unique-entry-id-4A group of bats, hanging at the ceiling of a cave notice a fellow bat, STANDING upright below them on the floor of the cave. Surprised by this unusual behavior, they ask their friend: "What's wrong? What are you doing down there?"
And their friend shouts back: "Yoga!"
 
This month in our morning Gentle class we will focus awareness on finding softness and ease in inversions. By bringing our hearts gently above our heads, we inspire confidence and youth within ourselves. As always, we will start slow, use our blankets, blocks, straps, and the wall as we incorporate asanas such as Adho Mukha Svanasana (downward facing dog) and Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge) as well as Viparita Karani (legs up the wall) in our morning practice. Inversions are an important part of our asana work. They not only bring balance to hormone production and tone our internal organs, but inversions increase blood flow and circulation, improve the lymphatic system as well as the immune system.  By practicing these gentle inversions we can begin to see things from a wonderful new perspective and find contentment within ourselves along with the world that surrounds us.  
 
In our meditation practice this month will introduce the five functions of the mind with a focus on Pramana (correction perception) and Viparyaya (misconception). We will continue Ujjayi breathing (inhale/exhale through the nose) in our Pranayama (breath work) practice, however, with flowers, plants, pollens and molds beginning to bloom in North Texas we will also incorporate some Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breath) to help clean, clear and purify our breath and sinuses.
 
Our group intention throughout the month will focus on the Niyama: Santosha (Contentment).
 
Our mantra this month will be inspired by the wonderful and incomparable Diana Ross’s “Upside Down”.  
 
As always I encourage everyone to let me know what else you would like to include or exclude in your practice.  Remember this is YOUR practice and I am happy to lead you down whatever path your body, mind, and spirit need on a Monday morning.
 
Shanti,
Stephanie]]>user@domain.comSutras and Bhagava Gita2011-02-02T11:04:10-06:00http://www.divinecenterofyoga.com/blog/files/7b9fc760861e4c14484ccbca7341620c-3.html#unique-entry-id-3http://www.divinecenterofyoga.com/blog/files/7b9fc760861e4c14484ccbca7341620c-3.html#unique-entry-id-3The famous chant from BHAGAVAD GITA:
Karmanye Vaadhika-raste, Maa Phaleshu Kadachana; Maa karma-phala-hetur-bhoorma, MaTe sangostwakarmini.
Your right is to work only, But never to its fruits; Let not the fruits of action be thy motive, Nor let thy attachment be to inaction.
Bhagavad Gita, Chapter II, Verse 47.
Sutra 2.7
Excessive attachment is based on the assumption that it will contribute to everlasting happiness.
Pleasure is often times followed by attachment. In this sutra Patanjali wanted us to look at all of our attachments’ and determine if those attachments are the pattern of our emotional, mental, physical, or spiritual attachments. Pleasure always comes from holding on to things that you like, and pain is always followed by aversion of the things that you dislike. When a particular things or person gives us pleasure our energy travels along with the mind to that person or things as a result and we can get so attached to it. We can’t image our life to live without those things and this is what Raga (attachment) is. For example we always think that eating chocolate or having a new car will give us a new happiness in life. However we fail to realize that the chocolate or the new car has not given us any new happiness, but it just triggered the old happiness within us.
When we rely on something or someone for our happiness the balance of energy and mind is tipped outside. As an outcome of this we are unable to find the centered state of being with us. Finally one should not get oneself confused that excessive attachments are based on assumption that it will contribute an everlasting happiness. Eventually all attachment will need to be released to find peaceful contentment and liberation from this wheel of Karma.
Arpita]]>user@domain.comJana's Playlist2011-01-26T17:39:17-06:00http://www.divinecenterofyoga.com/blog/files/f7508f94806f00ac68205ae40492b54c-2.html#unique-entry-id-2http://www.divinecenterofyoga.com/blog/files/f7508f94806f00ac68205ae40492b54c-2.html#unique-entry-id-2
Sometimes students ask me for my playlist, so this is one of the more recent. If you are practicing at home, use this for a tough vinyasa. I hope you enjoy!


I’m In Here Sia
Go Do Jonsi
On Melancholy Hill (Feed Me Remix) Gorillaz
All Yr Songs Diamond Rings
Howlin’ for You The Black Keys
Coming Home Diddy-Dirty Money & Skylar Grey
Your English Is Good Tokyo Police Club
Slow Poison The Bravery
The Way We Get By Spoon
Fader The Temper Trap
Airplanes Local Natives
Fireflies Owl City
Head Over Heels Digital Daggers
By Your Side Beachwood Sparks
Heaven (Candlelight Mix) DJ Sammy & Yanou featuring Do
Times Infinity Mexicolas
Your Love Emma Burgess
Shanti (Peace Out) MC Yogi

]]>user@domain.comHello!2011-01-05T21:25:06-06:00http://www.divinecenterofyoga.com/blog/files/e04e305b54c0b6b5c2a4ed87815978fe-0.html#unique-entry-id-0http://www.divinecenterofyoga.com/blog/files/e04e305b54c0b6b5c2a4ed87815978fe-0.html#unique-entry-id-0
This is a new feature of our website. Subscribe to our blog and receive news and information from our teachers. Subjects may range from the yamas and niyamas to monthly playlist to specific poses. Let us know what you want to read about, and we will see you in the studio!]]>