Hello Good People! There are still a few places available for the backbend workshop next Sunday, February 1st at Jazznat . Come join us to learn or deepen your backbend practice, stretch and strengthen the entire back, and open your heart space. Click here to sign up! 

I know that breathing exercises can be challenging to understand and integrate into our yoga practice, but we have to remember that asanas, like life, begin and end with the breath. This is why each class starts with deep breathing followed by the kriya (cleansing technique)  Kapalabhati to cleanse the sinuses, open the energy channels of the subtle body (nadis) and refresh the air circulating in our brain, bringing more vitality to our systems and also delineating the time we practice from whatever was going on before we stepped onto the mat. 

Here is a little inspiration to start practicing kriya / pranayama at home. No music, no asanas, just breath as a warm-up before class Tuesday night. For step-by-step instructions, follow the link below for an article on Yoga Journal. Take your time and go easy at first, building your concentration on the breath slow and steady. Have a blessed day! 

                                    http://www.yogajournal.com/pose/skull-shining-breath/

As promised, here is the recipe for the raw cacao truffles I shared with you this week. It is a recipe from Kimberly Snyder's book, The Beauty Detox, which has great advice on how to detox all while eating delicious, nourishing, vegan food. Enjoy!

Ingredients for about 30 truffles

• ¾ cup raw cacao powder (available at health stores)
• 2 cups ground raw almonds (preferably soaked 24 hours then dried first)
• 6 fresh dates
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1 Tbs. organic coconut oil
• Pinch of Celtic sea salt
• 1 cup shredded, dried unsweetened coconut flakes (optional)
• 3 tablespoons of maple syrup (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine all the ingredients (maple syrup is optional) except for the coconut flakes in a large bowl and mix thoroughly.
2. Roll up your sleeves, take a small amount of the mixture, and roll small balls between your palms. Add your love!
3. Dip each ball in a separate smaller bowl containing the coconut flakes.
4. Freeze overnight to harden the truffles. I keep them frozen until they are ready to serve.