“Breathe and all will be revealed; love and all will be healed. This is yoga.” ~ Seane Corn

It took years for me to find the courage to become a contributing writer. See, I didn’t want to just write. I wanted to offer my words in a way that encouraged thought-provoking insights and left readers feeling satisfied and inspired. I’m a girl who typically has a lot to say and one who carries a zest for childlike imagination; yet I spent years staring at a blank screen. I anxiously yearned for the right kind inspiration to “zing” me, but I always came up empty. I found this lack of creative space deeply frustrating.

So how did I push past my block and start writing? I can happily link my success to yoga.

Something shifted around the same time I decided to fully devote myself to yoga. As my practice deepened, I also began to notice subtle changes about me—a slow molding of not just a brand-new me, but a better version of me. I experienced a lot of personal and creative growth on the mat. It transpired in parallel with my practice.

I firmly attribute yoga as a direct influence to my ability to realize the kind of writer I wanted to be, and to start filling that screen with me. Here are three examples:

1. Yoga creates a space to cultivate inner clarity. 

The creative writing process comes through a private and intimate connection with yourself. To create anything with “heart” requires you to look inward. What do you represent? What do you believe in? What message are you trying to convey? As a writer, I find that I am only effective when I have a clear idea of what I am trying to accomplish. Our judgment is often clouded by the fuss and stresses that we experience in our daily life. In yoga, you learn to let the mind untangle itself from the superficial noise of our external surroundings – and especially around the emotional turmoil we feel internally. Slowly, as we learn to detach from the noise, clarity presents itself. Clarity is simply that “zing” — a moment of truth. It is clear, transparent, and free. Only with clarity can you begin to seek and define your purpose.

My practice has enhanced my ability to grasp each thought with more clarity; thus, translating the messages creatively with more “heart” and truth.

2. Yoga lovingly guides you to face your inner demons. 

When I wrote Letting Go of Self-Judgment (An Ashtanga Yoga Story), it was the perfect representation of how yoga facilitates the mindful connection between our physical and mental state. Through yoga, we learn to identify the negativity that hinders our ability to be great; recognize and acknowledge that these “differences” exist; and practice releasing them. Yoga simply provides an opening that nurtures these exercises with compassion. It is an exercise that has enabled me to understand my true essence. What am I made up of? What makes me, me? Consequently, I have learned to accept my “flaws” and imperfections as unique and individualistic, and as what sets me apart from the rest.

This realization has impacted not only the way I behave, but also how I write. I think it keeps my writing honest and relatable.

3. Yoga creates a life filled with gratitude and abundance. 

Our minds have the power to create the life we live. Yoga accesses that innate power. This way of thinking – gratitude – is deep within us. Yoga is just a means to get out what’s already in there. It promotes a heightened sense of connection with not just ourselves, but to everything and everyone around us. Once you can cultivate a balanced view of reality, you are less preoccupied with what’s missing or what’s not meeting your expectations. You can simply be present with what is already abundantly good. This act of gratitude creates the flow of abundance. This mental shift allowed me to realize that even the simplest of existence is a true miracle in itself. Now I naturally feel more joyful and appreciative.

 

This is what inspires me, motivates me, and keeps me grounded – it’s the foundation of all my writing.

When I’m on the mat, I feel free, focused, and thankful. Almost immediately after a yoga practice, the words are ready to flow; crisp and meaningful. Every day, I learn something new about myself and yoga facilitates that process.

Tell me, what creative potential has yoga helped you realize?

From: http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-4314/How-Yoga-Can-Boost-Your-Creative-Potential.html

Lesson of the day: sometimes being unprepared leads to greatness ;)

Here’s the story. I’m craving Pad Thai…and I figure I probably can’t get all the ingredients it being a holiday. I barely make it to No Frills and accidentally grab rice Fettuccine instead of rice noodles. It’s the same thing, right? I also had no peanuts or peanut oil or sesame oil or lemons (but we had homemade lemonade from the night before) or tamarind paste…but we made do. With my trusty accomplice, Harrison Fine (hence the AH…Ania, Harrison…get it?), we were all set to go.

So, without further ado, here is the recipe…because, frankly, it was delicious!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 bag fettuccine (rice, not flour)
• 1 package stir fry vegetables (mine said “Japanese” on it)
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional…good thing because we didn’t have any)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (try not to forget this like we did)

For the sauce:

• 3 Tbsp peanut oil (vegetable oil works too…really, we tested it)
• 1 Tbsp sesame oil (see above…and add like a tablespoon of sesame seeds)
• 4 1/2 tsp lemon juice (or lemonade works too, trust us)
• 4 1/2 tsp maple syrup (nothing funny about this one)
• 1 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1 1/2 Tbsp rice vinegar (or balsamic or white…really whatever at this point)
• 3/4 tsp tabasco (you could also use sriracha sauce because it’s amazing)
• 1/4 c + 1 tsp creamy peanut butter (really, we just eyeballed the amount and it was fine)
• 1/4 cup peanuts, chopped fine (almonds work fine too)

Directions:

Boil enough water to cover noodles. Pretend you’re making pasta, because really that’s what it is. Reading the instructions on the pasta package is helpful.

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat frozen vegetables and garlic powder (if you have it) until heated through. Make sure to mix or they’ll start to burn.

In a medium bowl, whisk together sauce ingredients until well combined. No matter how gross it looks just trust that it will get better. Seriously…trust us. Once whisked, test out the sauce…add whatever you think is missing…we went with more hot sauce and soy sauce. It was amazing.

Once vegetables are warm and sauce and noodles are ready, remove vegetables from skillet and set aside. Return skillet to medium heat and add sauce and noodles, stirring together until noodles are thoroughly coated. Add vegetables back to skillet and stir to combine everything. Divide amongst 2-4 plates and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro, if desired.

Eat and enjoy with a loved one…or a friend…or alone or with your invisible friend (Keep in mind, if you feed your invisible friend, you will have a big mess to clean up). Mostly the eating and enjoying part is important.

(this recipe has been modified with the help of this website and the silly creative minds of Ania and Harrison)

You might remember, when back in October I made banana muffins by tweaking a recipe. I do this often, experimental cooking is fun!

So here is a simple and delicious breakfast, a little twist on your traditional French Toast.

What you’ll need

1 egg

1 tbsp yogurt (I used strawberry)

1 tsp vanilla extract

cinnamon (optional)

nutmeg (optional)

1-2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter

2 slices of bread (I’d go for something soft and fluffy vs a pumpernickel rye)

Preheat oil or melt butter on a skillet. Mix the egg, yogurt, vanilla and spices in a shallow bowl. Dip bread in bowl, making sure it’s fully covered. Do not leave to soak for too long. Place bread in hot skillet. Fry for about a minute (you can check if it’s starting to turn golden brown) and turn over to fry on the other side. Repeat with 2nd slice of bread. 

Serve on a plate with fresh fruit and maple syrup.

This recipe makes one serving. My cat doesn’t eat French Toast ;)

Fun twist —-> cut up baguette or a bun to make mini 2 bite French Toast!

I am grateful…

…to be home

…for the amazing audience at tonight’s show at C’est What

…to have shared the stage the lovely Stacey Kaniuk and Harrison Fine

…to not have lost my voice and have played a wicked fun set

….that this is my last gratitude blog…not gonna lie, some days haven’t been easy

See all days

Like I said above, this hasn’t been an easy task…some days were much harder than others. I really didn’t want to repeat the same things every day either, even though I am grateful for many things I have each day. Regardless, this was a nice exercise; it made me appreciate the little things in each day. I hope you enjoyed reading some of these and maybe writing out what you are grateful for. Nevertheless, thank you for reading.

I am grateful…

…for cab rides home on rainy days when I have a cold

…my awesome co-worker, office roomie and friend, Shannon brought me dinner tonight

…to work for the Songwriters Association of Canada, an organization the helps songwriters

…for the cheesy sweet southern awesomeness that is Hart of Dixie; a nice way to unwind

…that I actually have enough dirty dishes to justify running the dishwasher ;)

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I am grateful…

…that my throat is less sore

…my performance review went really well

…my parents live only a few blocks away from me

…my cat let me sleep through the night so I can heal from my cold faster

…I can afford NyQuil and new boots (Blundstone…long overdue)

See all days

I am grateful…

…that I feel better right now than I did when I woke up

…I had the chance to spend the day relaxing at home

…I had a can of vegetable soup at home

…I have the internet and a computer to watch movies on

…for the “get better soon” messages from family and friends

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I am grateful…

…my sister allowed me to use her washing machine

…to have practiced with Marinella at Kula Annex

…for new friends and an insane amount of laughter!

…for delicious food at Fresh

…for a mellow night in after a busy week

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I am grateful…

…there were no problems on the TTC while I was in transit

…we were able to get my work printer to work

…it’s Friday

…to have played a really great set for a really cool audience

…for the friends who stepped in to play tonight’s show when one of the acts cancelled. Jack Walker and All Dressed totally came through for me! And thanks to Lindy who closed the show!

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I am grateful…

…for OregaMax, crazy little immune booster

…I had a delish frozen pizza in my freezer

…to have spent the evening with my best friend

…my cat is currently napping instead of running around

…for the very helpful and polite CSR at my electricity company

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