THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHT........DEEPAVALI

WISH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A HAPPY DEEPAVALI TO ALL...............

CHEERS............

Yoga Is “Me Time” With Your Soul

Yoga is not just exercise form. It’s very much having routine and the ‘me time” with your soul and subconscious. Listed are few benefits long and short term benefit of yoga that we miss out on:

• Yoga gives you flexibility but also strengthens muscle.
• Yoga helps reduce weight but by working on your metabolism and psychological contributors to binge eating.
• Yoga did not evolve as religious practice but a spiritual practice with focus on inner balance. Idea is to connect with higher source of energy.
• Yoga does not have a fix regime but can be tailored to address the human condition  whether physiological (pregnancy) or pathological (Diabetes, cancer, hypertension, Asthma etc)
• Yoga is practiced by people specializing in any form of fitness routine like Zumba, aerobics and Tabta, as it is considered ideal for conditioning both mind and body.
  Elderly that practice yoga regularly remain independent in works of daily routine (physically and mentally).

Various types of yoga that might be a fit for you

Hatha Yoga: Most popular and synonymous with Yoga, it consists of physical exercises (known as asana or postures), and sequences of asana, designed to align your skin, muscles, and bones.  Slow and gentle movements so it's a great type of yoga to wind-down at night or before getting out of bed in morning.

Iyengar Yoga: A form of Hatha yoga with focus on details, and correct alignment in performance of posture. Expect lots of props with this type of yoga such as blocks, harnesses, straps, and even cushions. There's also a lot of focus on alignment so Iyengar can be great for physical therapy.

Anusara Yoga: Another form of Hatha yoga founded in 1997 by John Friend.  Anusara (Flowing with Grace) is epitomized by "the celebration of the heart”. It was founded on similar principle of alignment and action as Iyenger yoga, however, it differs by making attitude as equally important contributor. Attitude implies to having soft hearted devotion and open mindedness.  Best for people looking for a routine that is a blend of meditation and exercise.

Vinyasa Yoga/Power Yoga: This is instructor lead model of yoga. It is also known as Flow yoga because of the smooth way that the poses run together and become like a dance. The breath becomes an important component because the teacher will instruct you to move from one pose to the next on an inhale or an exhale. Vinyasa literally translated from Sanskrit means "connection," It's the most popular style of yoga in America. Great for improving flexibility and for those that likes aerobics or tai-chi.

Kundalini Yoga: This form of yoga is focused on connecting consciousness with life energy or "Kundalini" residing in Root Chakras. These chakras are position on various level of  human central nervous system. This form of yoga will appeal to those with existential bent of mind.

Ashtanga Yoga: Ashtanga yoga literally means "eight-limbed yoga," as outlined by the sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. According to Patanjali, the path of internal purification for revealing the Universal Self consists of the following eight spiritual practices:
·         Yama [moral codes]
·         Niyama [self-purification and study]
·         Asana [posture]
·         Pranayama [breath control]
·         Pratyahara [sense control]
·         Dharana [concentration]
·         Dhyana [meditation]
·         Samadhi  [absorption into the Universal]

Ashtanga is definitely physically demanding. It's probably best suited for an ex-athlete or someone looking to really push their body.

Restorative Yoga: Restorative Yoga seeks to achieve physical, mental and emotional relaxation with the aid of props. The use of props makes it easier for you to maintain balance while you are stimulating and relaxing your body.  Looking to wind down after a long day of work? Or perhaps you want to quiet your mind? Restorative yoga might be the answer as it's focused on relaxation.

• Prenatal Yoga: If you're an expectant mother then prenatal yoga is probably for you. Some say that Prenatal is one of the best types of exercise for moms-to-be as there's a lot of core work and a focus on breathing.  This helps mothers in prepare for labor and promote baby's health. Apart from that other standard benefits like improved sleep, reduced stress and anxiety, and increased strength, flexibility and endurance of muscles.

happy teachers day

Dear teacher, 

 your inspiring words have made a difference in my life.
 

Thanks for making me what I am today.
 

Sending my warm wishes and hoping that you have a lovely Teachers Day

Never to Give Up - lil story

One day a farmer’s donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. 

Finally he decided the animal was old and the well needed to be covered up anyway it just wasn’t worth it to retrieve the donkey.

 He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and begin to shovel dirt into the well.

 At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone’s amazement he quieted down. 

A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well and was astonished at what he saw. With every shovel of dirt that fell on his back, the donkey was doing some thing amazing. 

He would shake it off and take a step up. As the farmer’s neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up.

Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and totted off!

Moral: Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick is too not to get bogged down by it. We can get out of the deepest wells by not stopping. And by never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up!

 

cheers...........

Little story of Inspirational - Potatoes, Eggs, and Coffee Beans

Once upon a time a daughter complained to her father that her life was miserable and that she didn’t know how she was going to make it. She was tired of fighting and struggling all the time. It seemed just as one problem was solved, another one soon followed.
 
Her father, a chef, took her to the kitchen. He filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Once the three pots began to boil, he placed potatoes in one pot, eggs in the second pot, and ground coffee beans in the third pot.

He then let them sit and boil, without saying a word to his daughter. The daughter, moaned and impatiently waited, wondering what he was doing.
After twenty minutes he turned off the burners. He took the potatoes out of the pot and placed them in a bowl. He pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl.

He then ladled the coffee out and placed it in a cup. Turning to her he asked. 

“Daughter, what do you see?”
 
“Potatoes, eggs, and coffee,” she hastily replied.
 
“Look closer,” he said, “and touch the potatoes.” She did and noted that they were soft. He then asked her to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, he asked her to sip the coffee. Its rich aroma brought a smile to her face.
 
“Father, what does this mean?” she asked.
 
He then explained that the potatoes, the eggs and coffee beans had each faced the same adversity– the boiling water.
 
However, each one reacted differently.
 
The potato went in strong, hard, and unrelenting, but in boiling water, it became soft and weak.
 
The egg was fragile, with the thin outer shell protecting its liquid interior until it was put in the boiling water. Then the inside of the egg became hard.
 
However, the ground coffee beans were unique. After they were exposed to the boiling water, they changed the water and created something new.
“Which are you,” he asked his daughter. “When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a potato, an egg, or a coffee bean? “
 
Moral:In life, things happen around us, things happen to us, but the only thing that truly matters is what happens within us.
 
Which one are you?

cheers............

 

 

Wonder Berries

‘Berries’ sound like an international fruit, inhabitant of super markets or malls however fact is neither berries are aliens to our land nor we are oblivious to their benefits.  These are commonly seen in local markets and part of Indian consumption, these are seasonal treats that few of us can resist.
Here we will be taking name of some noteworthy members of this otherwise devise and delicious family; each with their health benefits.

Blackberry

Blackberries  fruit these are still the leaders in health benefits.  Indian blackberry is humbly called as Jamun.  These are fibre rich and also super-rich source of antioxidants.  One cup of jamun or blackberry has approximately 7 gms of fibre.
Jamun is also known as fat burners hence the best friends of all those who are looking to shed weight.  Among diabetic these are famous for being good for condition as these contain Jamboline which enhances insulin sensitivity and activity in cells thus helps to regulate blood sugar levels.

Cranberry

Cranberry is also known as ‘Phalse’ and is available in north India during summers.  Apart from being very sweet in taste; these are super food because of nutrition values.  Cranberries are rich in Vitamin C, dietary fibre, antioxidants or phytonutrients and manganese.

Mulberry

‘Here we go round the mulberry bush’ … we have all been hearing this nursery rhyme and enjoy eating this fruit.
Berrylious fruit is also known as ‘Shetoot’ in India and can be easily procured locally.  Mulberry is rich in Vitamin B and helps repair skin specifically.

Strawberry

Strawberry is the most famous wonder berry.  This juicy fruits contains more than 90 % water and high dose of fibre.  Strawberries are high in Vitamin B, Vitamin C, folate that helps maintain healthy hair and reduces mood disorders. Also helpful in cataract and other eye sight related problems.
Strawberry is rich in antioxidants and anthocyanin that help to fight toxins and free radicals in circulation.

Goose berry

Gooseberry also known as Amla – India’s wonder fruit.  Amla is rich in Vitamin C which is beneficial for eyes and skin health.
Apart from above mentions, research also shows:
Prevent Parkinson and Alzheimer:  Eating 2 servings of berries each day reduces chance of developing degenerative brain disease.  Polyphenols found in berries delays effects of aging on brain by cleaning the toxins, and thus prevent degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer and Parkinson disease.
Boost heart health and decrease blood pressure:  People with strong inherited risk for heart disease can reduce chance of having heart ailment by adding berries to their daily diet.  Polyphenols also increases nitric oxide a molecule that prevents heart ailments and cancer.  
Vitamin C found in berries contributes to radiant skin and healthy hair.
Berries promote collagen which helps maintain cartilage stores and aids in joint flexibility. Quercetin a chemical in the berries decreases the inflammation caused in the joints especially in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Reduces depression by releasing serotonin.
Reduce weight as berries are high in water content and also rich in fibre.

Cheers...........

Golden spice of life - Turmeric

Turmeric also commonly known as ‘haldi’ is a staple ingredient in authentic Indian vegetables and curries.  In the recent time this humble spice has gained a lot of importance in the scientific world. The golden bottle of turmeric in your kitchen has immense health benefits even beyond you can imagine hence it is also known as the ‘Golden spice of life’ or ‘Poor man’s saffron’.

Nutritionists say that turmeric has a source of dietary fibre, potassium, iron, manganese, vitamin b6, vitamin c, and omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids.
Let’s understand more about the health benefits of turmeric

Age controller

Turmeric is known for its timeless benefits on the body. It slows down your aging process the natural way.  It helps to remove the acne and blemishes from the skin and makes the skin soft and supple. As the name suggests it gives a golden glow on the skin. Regular use of turmeric helps to make you look younger even as you age.

Skin healer

This golden spice has an anti-septic and anti-bacterial effectiveness. It helps to repair wounds, cuts, bruises or other skin damages. It is also a pain reliever and prevents infections hence used after an injury.

Diabetes manager

It has anti-glycaemic property that helps in optimum functioning of the pancreas and lowering the blood sugar levels. It also helps to regulate and balance insulin levels and prevent development of insulin resistance in the body thereby helping to treat diabetes effectively.

Immunity booster

Since time immemorial turmeric has gained fame as an immunity booster.  It contains a substance called lipopolysaccharide which acts an immunity booster. Its anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties also help to strengthen the immune system by protecting against various diseases.

Cancer protector

Preliminary studies conducted on cancer states that turmeric has an ability to prevent cancer causing enzymes reducing the risk of cancer cell formation and growth.

Arthritis defender

Ayurveda states that turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that help in the treating inflammatory disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Studies suggest that individuals who consume turmeric on a regular basis experience much relief from inflammation as well as joint pain.

Digestion enhancer

Turmeric helps to improve digestion. Regular intake of fresh turmeric with ginger and a few drops of lemon help to ease digestion related issues.

Liver detoxifier

Turmeric is a natural detoxifier as it produces enzymes that detoxify the blood. These enzymes reduce the toxins in the body and improve blood circulation. Turmeric has curcumin an ingredient that enhances livers ability to lower serum cholesterol levels from the body thus protects against cardio vascular diseases.

Turmeric has immense health benefits and is easy to use. You can use it in your day to day culinary use and enjoy good health in return.

Cheers...........

Work life Balance For Women

Work life balance has always been a challenge for the working women. They are expected to match the males’ output levels at work as well as be a perfect mother, wife, daughter and daughter-in-law. In a bid to balance both professional and domestic responsibilities women struggle a lot and finally tend to withdraw from their careers.

This sparks of the question - can women have it all?

It is very obvious, juggling between work and home is no easy task. To balance both calls for certain level of self-introspection and understanding. This would automatically enable you to set up the priorities and mental make
up to face the drudgeries.

Here are a few tips for a better work life balance

1.  Every woman should question their priority and needs in life.  They should try to see what is best for the family; where in their personal interest and family interest could be matched. Before finding a solution, working woman need to find solace in the choices they make. Family could be managed by hiring help or reaching out to family for support. However, this can give you lasting peace only when you are convinced that you are making these choices in best interest of you and your family.  So have your priorities clear and separate them from your need, those are different.
2. Be organised:  Planning and being organised relieves a lot of tension off the motherhood/family-hood. Setting aside certain days of the week for cleaning, grocery shopping and other sundry jobs would ensure the other days are free. Asking the spouse and the children help to keep the home tidy and do a few house hold jobs will ease pressure. Thus one would be able to spend quality time with the family as well get the work done.
3. Do not get upset over petty things:  Accept and understand that nobody will do your chores as well you could. However, you could hire help and delegate responsibilities to family members as well. Even if they do not match up to your expectations, coach them up or work around a solution. Instead getting upset at minor issues will only spoil the harmony of the household. Turning off such negative thoughts and encouraging positive ones will automatically boost up energy levels and enable to achieve more.
4. Set aside some time for yourself: It is very important to have a bit of time for yourself doing what you like the most. Otherwise the mundane routines of life would take a toll on mental and physical health. Go on a vacation, blogging, photography or any creative activity could help to break the monotony and rejuvenate yourself.
5. Stop trying to be perfect in all:  Remember you are not super women but a real women. It is impossible to get 10/10 always in all roles. Gracefully, accept the mistakes and move on.
6. Do not feel guilty:  There is no need to have the ‘mother’s guilt’. Many mothers feel guilty about working, some about not working and some about enjoying their ‘me time’. It is time to stop it. This kind of thinking will only lead to misery. Rather thinking of the benefits achieved by your will make you feel more productive.
7. Read about it: Reading about successful women who managed both responsibilities may give new tips, encouragement and ideas to solve your own problems.

Women can wear many hats with the support of family and with the right mind-set.

cheers.........