My Neighborhood

The Amazing Young Coconut Kefir

It's simple to make, wonderful tasting, and extremely healing to the gut.  I strongly encourage you to make it yourself.  I've been recovering from an imbalance in the gut for 2 years now. Irregular bowel movements, bloating, indigestion, poor sleep have been an ongoing challenge.  Taking young coconut kefir has helped tremendously in soothing my gut and promoting healthy and timely bowel movements.  Yes, I am sharing a very personal issue that you should keep in mind. What goes in must come out and when it doesn't come out in a timely manner (constipation) it can lead to a number of health problems.  The powerful probiotic effect of the kefir eats up the harmful/unwanted bacteria in the gut, making it run like a smooth engine.  By the way, it is much cheaper and not to mention a delicious alternative to probiotics in a pill. 

Be good to your gut : )

If you have any questions post them on the blog. I have some delicious shake recipes if interested.

                                                    Shanti Shanti Shanti

                                                   Peace Peace Peace 

Walk with Me: How to harness energy for the day

Walk with Me: How to harness energy for the day: I venture out for a sunrise walk. The birds chirp with enthusiasm. At times I imagine looking through their eyes as they dance through th...

How to harness energy for the day

I venture out for a sunrise walk. The birds chirp with enthusiasm.  At times I imagine looking through their eyes as they dance through the air. I'm lifted from this limited body to find freedom in the skies. My attention then goes to my breathing.  The cool air penetrates my lungs. Three steps I inhale, three steps I exhale. This walking meditation takes me within where I find less trouble.  I hear and see the world around me, naked, free from my prejudice mind. How simple and beautiful.

As I turn the corner the horizon is glowing with silhouetted oak trees.  The clouds above are pink and orange.  I am fully awake and happy to be alive.  The quiet and calm atmosphere has taken shape in my mind.  I am the early bird who caught the worm of peace.  

With each deep breath I harness energy to last the day. It is called prana or subtle energy.  It is the secret elixir for beauty and health.  If you learn to awaken your prana your eyes will shine with luster and your mind will remain steady and calm. Learn to breath with you entire lung capacity and your entire mind and it is easy to awaken your prana.

My walking becomes light as I stroll across green fields.  The hillside at the end of the block is an open field. This park overlooks the peninsula stretching from SF. to San Jose. It's green and lush grass has collected moisture and shines in the golden sunlight. We discover beauty in the small things.  Go ahead, take a look for yourself. Reaching the front steps of my home I am energized.  I am ready for the day with a lasting energy of power and peace.

                                                  Shanti Shanti Shanti

                                                  Peace Peace Peace

Lets journey to India

 This is a culmination of photos I took on two separate trips lasting 2 years. If you have not been to India this is will give you a glance of it's beauty and spirit. 

May this video inspire you to practice yoga!  Thanks for your time  : ) 

Proper Exercise

PRACTICE OF ASANAS

Swami Sivananda

The practice of Asanas develops the body and makes it agile, nimble. The practitioner has a very elastic and supple body. He has a keen, vigorous appetite. Any trouble is removed from its starting point by the practice of Asanas. The three important organs, viz., heart, lungs, and brain and the cerebro-spinal system are kept in a healthy condition. The vital forces are also preserved and increased. The circulation of blood in the arteries and veins is kept in proper order. There is no stagnation of blood in any part of the body. The spinal cord is toned up. The practice of Asanas prevents the development of arteriosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. The practice of Asanas, in fact, lubricates the whole bodily system.

My Experience


There are many ways to make the body strong.  Weight lifting, running, swimming, etc. I remember watching a video of Arnold Schwarzenegger weight lifting.  His muscle swelled to the point of near explosion.  Veins popped from his neck like lighting bolts.  It was certainly eye opening to watch Arnold, but I felt uneasy. I couldn't figure out why until I began practicing yoga.

I remember so clearly my first day of yoga practice at the Sivananda  Ashram in Southern India. Lying on my yoga mat I gazed up to the ceiling made of Bambo and coconut leaves.  I felt protected and comforted by natures beauty and strength.

We began the class with pranayam (breathing exercises) then transitioned into the yoga asana's (steady comfortable poses.) Some poses like the headstand required great physical demand.  We were reminded again and again to bring awareness to our breath and body.     I observed the subtle and not so subtle sensations of my mustles contracting and ligaments stretching.   I felt both physically and mentally as light as a butterfly.