 “When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.” Jimi Hendrix After yoga this morning I made myself a glass of orange juice and with intention, squeezed two tablespoons of flax seed oil into it. While drinking it I realized I absolutely loved the flavor and the feeling I received from this amazing oil. I then wondered if anyone else I cared about was receiving this same type of nourishment. So, here I am, sharing with you something I enjoy and hoping that it brings you the same feeling it brings to me.
What is Flax Seed Oil and how can it benefit me? Flax has become a 'buzz word' in society and seems to be making great strides in increased health for many. I have included Flax Seed Oil in my diet now for about six years, and have felt the effects personally, but I never actually did any deep research on it (other than what I read in a book or two or the labels on the packaged Flax Seed Oil) and so I researched until I felt satisfied that it could help me, too. Here are my findings: Flax is a blue flowering plant that is grown on the Western Canadian Prairies for its oil rich seeds. This natural oil (also known as Linseed Oil) is highly recommended for the general well being and whole body nutrition and is considered to be nature's richest source of omega-3 fatty acids that are required for the health of almost all body systems. Flax Seed Oil contains omega-6 and omega-9 essential fatty acids, B vitamins, potassium, lecithin, magnesium, fiber, protein, and zinc and also provides approximately 50% more omega-3 oils than what you could get from taking fish oil, minus that horrible "fishy" after taste. Sounded good to me already! Should you add flax seed oil to your diet? Some nutritionists, researchers, and scientists believe that it could be the most important health-promoting supplement next to a multi-vitamin. Nearly every system in the body can benefit from flax seed oil's natural properties, including the cardiovascular system, immune system, circulatory system, reproductive system, nervous system, as well as joints. Just look at this list of facts and studies of what Flax Seed Oil can and may accomplish:
How much do I take a day? The recommended daily dose for most people is at least 1,000 mg taken one to three times daily. Even better is adding flax seeds into your diet in breads, muffins or on salads. Scientific studies have used up to 30 grams of flax seeds a day safely and without side effects. What do I look for when buying Flax Seed Oil? It's important to buy high-quality flax seed oil as it is prone to rancidity. Light and oxygen will slowly breakdown the essential fatty acids. Look for flax seed oil capsules (dark coated soft gels) or oil that is bottled in amber-brown bottles, as these are more resistant to the light and oxygen. Make sure you refrigerate your flax seed oil to help extend its shelf life. Flax seed oil takes a bit of time to be absorbed into the body before the full beneficial effects begin, ranging anywhere from a few days to as many as six weeks, depending on your overall well-being. I personally enjoy The Essential Woman flax seed oil as pictured above. My sweetheart takes the other. A little about The Essential Woman Flax Seed Oil: Outward beauty is a reflection of inner health. Radiant glowing skin, lustrous hair and strong nails are a sign of vibrant inner health. Feminizing hormones, delicately balanced, provide freedom from monthly or midlife female discomforts and beauty in full bloom. The Essential Woman is derived from seeds of botanical flowers such as evening primrose and flax, as well as special plant phytonutirents, all recognized for their beautifying and balancing qualities. The Essential Woman is the first product of it's kind to combine a full compliment of therapeutically beneficial nutrients targeted for the special and changing needs of a woman. The Essential Woman formula is a proprietary blend of:
I had to post these videos, not only for the demonstration of postures, but because of the commentary and truth behind what the teacher, Anne Nuotio, expresses regarding practice. What she said deeply resonated and rang true for me in many ways.
This is one of my favorite Kundalini yoga songs. I've never heard it like this, but I think it's just so beautiful. I hope you enjoy it xo. My first hand picked salad made fresh from our garden! Kale (massaged with a little salt), arugula, spinach and cabbage. Along with some flowers from them and a gardenia that Mike picked for me from our recently flowering gardenia bush xoxo :) I'll add a little balsamic, nutritional yeast, some dulsi flakes, and raisins to complete this yummy lunch :)  "Life is not complex. We are complex. Life is simple, and the simple thing is the right thing." ~ Oscar Wilde   Who wants a free copy of Yoga Journal?
Do you? Do your friends and family? What about your co-workers? You can give them all a copy (and get one yourself) as an Earth Day present with this free digital edition download of the April/May issue. Namaste :) Yoga Journal Digital Download  “I am like a falling star who has finally found her place next to another in a lovely constellation, where we will sparkle in the heavens forever” (Amy Tan) There's a new moon this evening. I hope it brings you the courage and motivation to take on that challenge or goal you've been contemplating.
 What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly. ~ Richard Bach It's the simple things.
It's the little things that I've grown to appreciate. Simple, subtle uncomplicated, words to live by. Words to be inspired by. In a world where complication reigns supreme why even go there? The ego loves when life becomes complicated. The ego loves to search and seek for external fulfillment that is found out there, somewhere. If there's one thing I've discovered through the years of yoga practice is the most important point to come to, is here...is now. If anything, beyond the outer performance of asana, what keeps me coming back to the mat is the opportunity to get out of my head and into my essence. Get out of the rat race and into my heart... get out of the societal standards of where I should be, or what else needs to be done... or what else needs to be achieved and acquired and into the Truth. When I leave all external messages behind I enter into a realm of timelessness. Where nothing else matters but my connection to the One source that fills us up beyond anything this world can give. Everything else is impermanent... illusory... fleeting. True confidence lies in this connection. No amount of self-improvement books, self-help programs or full body makeovers will get you there. Because again, anything external is naturally impermanent, illusory, fleeting... only lasting for so long. When the newness wears off, again, we must face ourselves in the truest sense. No matter if it happens this lifetime or the next. Even though our ego would love for us to continue to believe that we still have more to attain, and the constant state of dissatisfaction will only be relieved from an external source, there is no need to fall into the trap. Of course, it's easier said than done, but a practice I've taken to heart. I need to constantly remind myself to bring it back to the source. All it takes is vigilance...and, puts the intention, when it comes to my daily Ashtanga practice, into a higher vibrating perspective. When I let go, as hard as it is to trust at times, things have a way of coming together. Grace descends as I ascend to a higher place within myself. Interesting how it works out that way. |
My MessageLove is the essence of our life. I have written this blog with love, and I offer it to you, dear reader, with the hope that the suggestions offered here will become a vital part of your self-healing and continued well-being. ~ Ashley Categories
All
Archives
September 2019
My Students
|
RSS Feed