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Don't compromise yourself. You are all you've
got.
-Janis Joplin
Are you ready for the holidays? And what does that
mean, really? Cold weather, enticement from too
much food, drink, spending, commitments... It is easy
to lose the essence of the holidays under the weight
of all these additional stresses. Instead of the usual
frenzy that accompanies the year end, we can look
at the change of the seasons, and the changing of
the calendar, as a very important time to consider
our own states of being.
Whether you sadly miss the long, lazy days of
summer, or are excited about the winter and
holiday season, this period offers the opportunity for
introspection and review. We are challenged by the
greater focus on food and celebrations during the
holidays. Your task is to find the balance between
keeping your body well-heated and protected and
living in moderation. Maybe this is the time to
exercise your creativity in finding
healthier ways to celebrate!
This can be a time when you surround yourself with
loved ones and create a blessing from the gift of
every day of your life. All it takes is including yourself
in the list of people to whom you have obligations.
Why not give yourself the gift of yoga or a massage?
Maybe you've been thinking about taking control of
your health through better eating or the resolution of
the obstacles that prevent you from living your best
life. Make an appointment with one of our health
counselors, therapists or healers to start the
process.
I wish you the very best in health and happiness,
and hope to see you soon at
CenterSpace Yoga and Wellness Studios.
Blessings,
Pascale
| Yoga and the Winter |
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Despite the increase in external activities and
obligations, winter is actually a time when both the
body and the spirit are encouraged to go inward. One
can see this clearly in Nature as all life tucks itself
away, providing the model for
us to live more internally.
Following that example, we can use this powerful
time
for inner development by focusing on a regular
meditation practice. Even a small amount of time
spent in quiet conciousness can have enormous
impact on your vitality and serenity. Allowing the
mind
to enjoy these moments of peaceful calm will not
only help to resist mental and emotional stress, but
also help the body withstand the demands of life.
Consistency is key, so set aside a regular time to
have a few uninterrupted minutes in a quiet,
comfortable location.
Unsure how to meditate? Here's
a great article from Yoga Journal.
The same energy that drives us inward also allows
for slowness. Perhaps this is a good time to vary
your yoga practice by including softer, or Yin,
practices. The Taoist concept of Yin and Yang
indicates that the winter holds the qualities of Yin -
cold, wet, slow - and our activities should fall in line.
In terms of your practice, this can mean a slower
pace, longer holds or more grounding postures. Even
just a more mindful, compassionate outlook will
soften the practice.
Cultivating a connection with Nature by tuning into
the seasons can help create balance and avoid the
mental, emotional and physical distresses that so
often mark this season. Yoga provides the perfect
tool for that reunion with your Source.
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| Food Focus: Sweet Potatoes |
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Sweet potatoes are on everyone's mind this season.
They seem to go hand-in-hand with the holidays,
and fortunately, eating these and other sweet
vegetables needn't be limited to this time of year.
Cravings for sweets can be greatly reduced by
adding sweet vegetables, such as sweet potatoes,
yams, parsnips, beets, squash, turnips and
rutabagas, to your daily diet. Sweet potatoes
elevate blood sugar gently, rather than with the jolt
delivered by simple refined carbohydrates, so there's
no energy crash after you eat them.
Much higher in
nutrients than white potatoes and especially rich in
vitamin A, sweet potatoes offer a creamy
consistency that is satisfying and soothing. They are
healing to the stomach, spleen, pancreas and
reproductive organs and help to remove toxins from
the body. They can increase the quantity of milk in
lactating women and can lessen cramps and pre-
menstrual symptoms. If you don't have any sweet
potatoes in your kitchen, go out and buy some
(organic and local if possible) and make the recipe
below.
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| Featured Recipe: Sweet Potatoes with Lime and Cilantro |
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This recipe is an eye-opener for those who find
sweet potatoes cloyingly sweet or who are tired of
eating them smothered in marshmallows and brown
sugar. Japanese sweet potatoes, with their pale flesh
and delicate flavor, are a treat if you can find
them.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30-40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
4 sweet potatoes
1/2 bunch fresh cilantro
2-3 limes
butter or olive oil, salt (optional)
Directions:
1. Wash the sweet potatoes and bake them
whole, in their skins, at 375 degrees until tender,
about 40 minutes.
2. Wash and chop cilantro leaves.
3. When sweet potatoes are done, slit open
the skin and place on serving plate. Season with salt
and dots of butter or a sprinkle of oil, if you like, then
squeeze fresh lime juice all over, and shower with
cilantro leaves.
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| Upcoming Events |
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Call or email today to reserve your spot!
info@centerspacestudios.com
732 246 9642
Holiday Gathering
Celebrate good times, come on...
Please come celebrate the first 3 months of
CenterSpace! The afternoon starts with a wonderful
class - Bhakti Yoga - during which we will move,
chant, drum and create a prayer mala. Stay for the
party afterwards, enjoy some refreshments and kick
off the holiday season in the warmth of community.
Reservations appreciated but not required.
Sunday December 17th, 4-6 pm
CenterSpace Yoga and Wellness Studios
900 Easton Avenue, Somerset, NJ
Winter Solstice Event
A yogic invitation to the winter
season
Let's come together to practice 108 Sun Salutations
and celebrate the changing of the seasons. It is
especially important at this time of year to make an
offering of gratitude to the sun and an
acknowledgement of the sun's time of rest. The
practice will be accompanied by chanting, and
followed by light refreshments.
Thursday December 21st, 7-9 am
Optional donation only
CenterSpace Yoga and Wellness Studios
900 Easton Avenue, Somerset, NJ
New Year, New You Workshops
1/13: Humans Don't Hibernate - Wellness in
Winter
1/20: The Sweet Truth - Sugar and You
2/3: Feed Your Soul - It's Not Just What You Eat
2/20: Yoga and Food - Using the fruits of your
practice to inform your relationship with food
4 workshops, Saturdays 1-3pm
CenterSpace Yoga and Wellness Studios
403 King George Road
Basking Ridge, NJ
$15 per class, $50 for the series
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Greetings! |
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My name is Pascale Kavanagh and I am a Certified
Holistic
Health Counselor and Registered Yoga Teacher. I am
your personal advocate for
living an energized and passionate life. Whatever
your
concerns are, my job is to help you find what works
best for the life you desire.
Find out more....
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