Jamie Abrams*Raw Food*Yoga*Teacher

Gandhi's Happiness & Buddha's Love

' Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony. '

~Gandhi 

 

‘ You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.’

~ Buddha

 

 

Sunny Ice Cream and Happiness

We've been in Croatia the last month basking in the sun and luxuriating in the Adriatic Sea. We brought a stash of goodies with us for making treats and desserts. This recipe was my brainchild one day when I realised we were running low on cashews (from all the cashew-based ice creams I had been making) and had a bountiful supply of sunflower seeds. 

My two kilo bag of sunflower seeds were begging to be brandished on something other than the refrigerator shelf. I also had some mesquite powder that I had been avoiding - I don't usually care for the after-taste, but in this recipe it goes undetected by my scrutinising taste buds, so a bonus for us all! 

I encourage you to play and tweak with the measurements as the ones below are approximate (I am guilty of creating in the kitchen by using handfuls of this and splashes of that). 

At any rate you are sure to feel sunny on the inside after licking down a spoonful or two of this chocolate-peanutbuttery-tasting summer treat. If you really want your happiness meter to soar through the roof, try the meditation technique below! 

Sunny Ice Cream 

3/4 C sunflower seeds (soaked several hours or overnight)

1/2 C almond milk (can use H2O) 

3 TBS raw chocolate powder 

1 TBS mesquite powder 

3 TBS honey or agave (may need to adjust according to desired sweetness) 

1 tsp camu camu (optional) 

1 tsp chlorella (optional) 

1/4 C cacao butter, melted 

1 TBS lecithin 

Add first 7 ingredients into blender - save a little almond milk on the side as you want a thick smooth consistency and not too runny. Once well blended, add the cacao butter and lecithin and blend again until well mixed. Pour out into a tub and place in freezer for 3 hours when it will be ready to devour. 

The trick with making ice creams and mousses is not to get too gun-ho with adding too much liquid to the mixture. Start with small amounts. If your hand was a little heavy, try adding more chocolate powder and little more cacao butter (you may need a touch more sweetener, too). 

Finally, top with any fresh, seasonal fruits, bee pollen, cacao nibs or chopped nuts for an ice cream that is sure to get you lapping every drop from the tub. 

Happiness Meditation 

Do this anytime, anywhere for a lift to your internal happiness account. Zenchai and I love doing it together at night as part of his bedtime routine - so if you have any kiddlewinkles in your life spread the joy by adapting it to their understanding. They deserve to allow their inner-bright to shine, too. 

First think of an affirmation for yourself. Keep it simple. For example: I am healthy. I am happy. I am well. Choose up to three short statements. Zenchai and I use 'I am happy and free.' 

Then, repeat your phrase in your head, directing the thoughts towards yourself. Once you feel you have sufficiently loved yourself up, think of someone else you love. (Zenchai inevitably chooses his grandmere and then throws his arms up and says 'I love everyone!' Repeat your same phrase but this time sending it out to your chosen loved one. 

After you finish sending your super-groovy vibes out to your loved one, think of someone that you feel neutrally towards - ie. the cashier at the grocery store or the guy that pumps your gas etc. Visualise them in your minds eye and send them your affirmation. 

Now think of someone you dislike or are having difficulty with (for children this could be a bully or teacher). With that person in your mind send your well wishes towards them. Lastly, send out your happiness affirmation to everyone. 

Finish with: May everyone be happy and free. 

You don't have to do all five steps. If you need a quickie buzz booster just do the first and last steps. Your chosen affirmation does not have to be said aloud either, but do so when trying it with kiddies. 

It is magic to my ears when I close Zenchai's bedroom door and he is still happily chanting 'I am happy and free. I am happy and I love you.' until he falls asleep.

The Yoga of Breastfeeding

I have had a few strange, but often curious looks from people when I have mentioned the topic for this TM column.  Understandably so. I don’t think many people see the deeper connection between yoga and breastfeeding or that many people associate a successful breastfeeding relationship with having a supple, strong body and peaceful mind. 

Even though I was in reasonable shape when my breastfeeding career began, I was utterly surprised by how physically taxing breastfeeding could be on my muscles. In the early days, when my babe seemed to suckle for what felt like hours on end, I would wind up with achy arms, shoulders and back. My legs would feel restless like I had just been sat on aeroplane for 12 hours without moving. I laugh now at my initial weakness of body. 

Not only was I tackling the purely physical side of nourishing my buttercup, I was grappling with my cerebral thoughts. During those long feeds or those times when I felt like all I did was have my ta-ta’s hanging out all day, my mind would alternate between the ecstatic bliss of what I was doing and the monotony of it all. 

Even with my many years of familiarity with meditating and yogic practices of softness and mindfulness, I still struggled with the monkey living in my mind. I was/am still working at entering my own silent abyss with ease. The stillness of breastfeeding could rattle up my monkey, causing me to feel trapped or like I was being held hostage. When it got all too much for me I couldn’t transport myself out with mind-dulling TV and my head generally was too full of fogginess to comprehend a good book. My self-love and yogic practices were being put fully to the test! [Personal note: I do not feel that self-love and yogic practices can be separated - rather they are a mutually exclusive entity.] While I can’t speak for every lactating mama, I can only assume every mom has had instances during nursing that weren’t all filled with creamy hues and rosiness.

Fortunately, Mother Nature designed us perfectly to by and large experience enormous ripples of satisfaction and love while we nourish our cherubs. While it could be very easy to blame my modern western lifestyle for any short-comings and all the counter-intuitive messages it gives me everyday about raising my child, I would rather not squirt my precious breastmilk on the antagonist. Instead, I tried (I use that word because after all I am human, too!) to tap into that peaceful space that dwells within me at all times and not allow myself to be totally consumed by the guilt of feeling bored or wondering when my nursling would ever release my breast. 

For me this is where the ability to utilize yogic thinking truly ups the anti. My interpretation of the meaning of yogic thinking is just that it is another phrase for positive thinking and affirmations, believing in something greater, the law of attraction, meditation, mantra japa etc. Basically, if I remain calm, allow positivity to abound, it is the natural order of the Universe to sort the rest of it out. If I was really in a mental tizzy it became paramount for me to find a mantra to soothe my soul and begin deep yogic breathing. This would eventually bring me back to a euphoric equilibrium. 

Of course I can’t possibly leave out the importance of proper breathing or yogic breathing on my triumphant breastfeeding passage. Like many women in modern society, I had never seen a baby breastfeed (although I was breastfed) and had very little practical knowledge. Everything I knew about breastfeeding was theoretical from books. Although I was aware that I might have a slight disadvantage for not having practical familiarity, it wasn’t enough to prevent me from doing everything humanly possible to make my breastfeeding relationship with my angel work. 

In the first weeks after birth I battled to get a proper latch-on. My nipples were severely cracked. I cried at nearly every nursing session. But in my heart I knew I had to march forward – for me there was NO other way to feed my baby. While my midwives and my LLL leader patiently helped us, I would begin deep three-part breathing, fully oxygenating my body, and then I would get on with it. As with any relationship, there is ebb and flow, so later when things became awkward due to teething, toddler titty twirling, tot boobie gymnastics or my own restlessness, I would call in the goddess of yogini breathing to get me through.

Not only had yoga been a crutch for me pre-pregnancy and during my son’s birth, but it helped me create a magical breastfeeding bond between us. You don’t have to have years of experience on a yoga mat to benefit from its healing powers, just a little faith and motivation. I also think it is worth mentioning that it does not matter where you are in the spectrum of life - now is as good as any time to breathe more deeply and realign your body and mind. So lactating or not, mama or papa, old or young, the following yoga postures (asanas), yogic affirmations (mantras) and yogic breathing (pranayamas) will manifest a more easeful body, peaceful mind and blissful life. While I can’t make any guarantees, you don’t have anything to lose unless you call spontaneous laughter a side-effect.

Yoga asanas to nurse a woman’s body into a full-time lactating queen:

Eagle (Garudasana – just the arm position), Cow Face (Gormukhasana), Wide Legged Forward Bend – variation w/ hand interlaced behind back and moving towards head (Prasarita Padottanasana), Cat-Cow, Cobra (Bhujangasana), Camel* (Ustrasana), Fish (Matsyasana), Downward-Facing Dog (Ardho Mukha Svanasana), Thread the Needle, Rag Doll, Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar), Half Locust – Superhero variation (Ardha Shalabhasana)

As with any yoga postures, proceed with care, listen to your body and if you are a complete newbie seek the advice of a qualified yoga instructor. *Camel ~ the beginner’s variation ~ is suitable for new mamas. Wait until at least six months postpartum to enjoy the full pose (hands to feet) to insure your uterus has returned to its pre-pregnancy position. 

[Psst…go to www.yogajournal.com most of the above poses are pictured and thoroughly explained.]

Yoga mantras (affirmations) to quiet your inner-monkey:

~ I am at peace with myself and my surroundings.

~ I breathe in the serenity of my beauty.

~ I am peace (use any descriptive word such as love, happy, exuberant etc.).

~ Om Shanti

~ Om Tat Sat

~ Om Mani Padme Hum

There are a boundless number of mantras/affirmations that can be used to transmute the negative mind-chatter. They all don’t have to be cheesey and new agey either! The key is to use one that feels delightful to your soul and just keep repeating it (in your mind or vocally – your darling will love to hear such positive vibrations exiting your mouth). Eventually, the constructive thoughts will prevail! 

Yogic Breathing ~ Pranayama:

Hands down, my favourite pranayama is deep three-part breathing. From this base of expansive breathing all other breathing techniques become possible and it allows your body to fully unfold in any yoga asana. Safety note: yogic breathing should never be forced or laboured. If at any time you feel shortness of breath, dizzy or faint, discontinue the practice and resume your normal breathing. 

Start by sitting in a comfortable position – any position that allows your spine to be long and expanded (you can lay supine on the floor). Place your right hand on to your abdomen and your left hand on to your chest. All exhalations and inhalations happen through the nose. Begin by inhaling through your nose, drawing the breath down to your belly. You should feel your right hand expanding out as the air presses the abdomen out. Continue to draw the breath up through the diaphragm into the lungs and then into the chest/heart. You should now feel your chest expanding into your left hand. Continue the breath up into your collar bones and throat. Now, slowly exhale through your nose in reverse order – chest, lungs, diaphragm, and abdomen. As you exhale you should first feel your left hand soften on your heart and your right hand on your abdomen. With each inhalation you are working to expand and each exhalation naturally contract and relax. Eventually each one of these parts will flow one into the next making it a seamless breath. Continue breathing wholly and completely. 

This should be our natural breathing pattern, but stress and modern life have shifted us into shallow chest-breathers. If this three-part breath is practiced often enough it will eventually become your natural breathing rhythm. If you are lacking in inspiration watch any sleeping baby to see how they entirely employ their full lung capacity. 

I extend a special kudos to every goddess mama who embarks on a yoga journey at such a precious time in her life. Conceiving, birthing, breastfeeding and raising aware kiddies is a monumental task and by inviting yoga into your family’s life you are coming one step closer to relishing more moments of infinite bliss. 

(This article was originally published in The Mother Magazine issue 37.)

If you truly want to see yogini breastfeeding in action follow the link to watch a one minute video ~ this is not to be missed and most likely the best minute you spent all week!!

http://tinyurl.com/ykweute

Highest Form Of Yoga ~ In Two Effortless Steps

Are you practicing your yoga? Do you have a daily sadhana? Have you ever wanted to try yoga, but haven’t been able to get up the courage to actually do it? Do you just simply want to get back onto your mat or deepen your existing yoga practice?

Well my darling yoga buds, I have the perfect starting point for you ~ regardless of where you are on the spectrum.

However, what I am about to share with you is not for the faint hearted. This is by far the most advanced yoga pose that anyone can practice AND you can do it in two effortless steps. 

Are you ready to transform your life?

1. Sit, stand or even walk in a comfortable position / way.
2. Now this is the tricky bit – simultaneously take the corners of your mouth high up towards your ears.

Voila! You have just won the gold medal of yoga. You are smiling even when things might not always be as you wish them to be, but jolly don’t you feel better for it?

Splashing my pearly whites all over,

Jamie xx

Ps. The day feels much brighter now that we are all practicing the highest form of yoga together!

Getting Back On The Mat

This is an article that I orginally wrote for The Mother magazine issue 36. This really is a timeless piece whether you are a mother trying to get back on the yoga mat or a person just trying to get on the mat in the first place! If you are mother, father or anyone that has a child in your life then I highly recommend a subscription to The Mother ~ it is truly worth its weight in gold.

Getting Back On The Mat

Pre-pregnancy, I had been teaching yoga for six years. I had at long last discovered a style  of yoga that tantalized every morsel of my body, leaving me to tingle for more. My teaching and personal practice was wildly flourishing. Finally I was at home with my yoga. 

Then I became pregnant. Initially nothing in my routine had to change. I was feeling fit and strong – well, between being sick into paper bags and out of car windows.  As my bump grew I had to accommodate the physical change. During the late stages of my pregnancy I had to halt doing almost all yoga poses, which was bizarre for me. In times past when I had day-dreamed about my paradisiacal pregnancy and birth, yoga was always an integral component. But my body just couldn’t handle the additional doses of elastin. It just made my body too unstable and hyper-flexible. So I resigned myself to doing only aquatic exercises, although I did manage to perfect a floating tube yogic deep relaxation, which was at the very least entertaining for the other pool users and lifeguards. 

After the quick, ecstatic gorgeous birth of my babe I was taken aback by how horrendous my body felt. I was a young yogini in the pink and a lettuce-gobbling lady in a total wreck. I wondered when the Mac truck had steam-rolled me?  I was baffled in regards to my physical state, on top of which I was scrambling to cope with all of my new mumsy emotions, too.

Let’s face it, in the early days of mamahood I didn’t even have the opportunity to wash my hair let alone think about doing yoga postures. Breastfeeding on cue, baby-wearing and napping at any squeaks notice took over my time. 

Then when my darling was about three months old, I started doing some gentle postures with him. My body felt so tender and raw. I think I spent most of the time weeping on my yoga mat wondering where my old body had disappeared to. I was deeply mourning the loss of the ‘old me’ on so many levels. At the time I couldn’t see past my buxom breastfeeding boobs to really distinguish that this was the ideal kind of yoga for me. I needed to be in that unprocessed space to release the woman I used to be so I could fully embrace the woman I had become. Even though I had advocated for years that the practice of yoga came in all shapes, sizes and forms, if it weren’t for those soul-searching moments I am not sure I would have fully comprehended the meaning. 

However, while the Scorpion in me was trying to figure it all out, my physical body remained in the dumps. My emotional and spiritual bodies swayed from pure elation to discouraged, low and overwhelmed. Yoga had been an anchor to me in the past. But its essence had somehow slipped out of my yoni when I gave birth and it felt so elusive. 

I recall going to my husband when my sweet boy was about six months old, telling him I didn’t think that I would ever teach yoga again.  The yoga world seemed so far away from where I was and that maybe motherhood was giving me a fresh start to turn over a new leaf. He was shocked to hear my revelation, but as always he was supportive. Upon reflection that was just my Ms. Hollywood coming out, creating a bit of drama, or maybe I was slightly hormonal!  

It was then around moppet’s first birthday that we made the modest transition to a raw food diet. As a family we had reached a place where it finally felt like I had enough gumption to start forming a personal habit of doing yoga again. Beginning anew was really daunting, but I knew that I didn’t want to feel like something that the cat dragged in everyday. I kept reminding myself that our bodies have cellular memory and soon enough my body would feel sparkly. 

Perhaps it was the clarity of eating more raw foods, but I also admitted mentally that I had built a whopping imaginary fortress around how I could do yoga. Pre-baby days I dedicated 1-2 hours yoga per session. The notion that I needed a set amount of time alone made it impossible for me to get back into a yoga groove. The rigidness of doing yoga in a controlled way had completely shoved me off my mat entirely. Once I let go of that fairytale concept my yoga practice unfolded.

My asanas (poses) have been transformed by Zenchai. I try to quietly get on with my session, but for him seeing mummy do something that looks so cool is just temptation to play. Most days my postures are flavoured with him using me as a climbing frame or using my various body positions as a car park or tunnel. I really love sharing my mat with him. I must divulge that having him jump all over me while I do certain poses is extremely therapeutic. It is hard to tell if he consciously knows this, but he often gives me quite delightful adjustments – almost exactly how I would adjust a student in class.   His skill is just one of those mystical gifts that only children bring to us. Sometimes having my sweaty mat to myself is an enticing thought, but then I wouldn’t be blessed to have spontaneous moments of ‘yoga hugs’ or ‘yoga kisses’. My most magical memory was when I was in a headstand and he came directly in front of my face to give me the biggest kiss and to stroke my face. You definitely wouldn’t get that kind of wholesome TLC in a group yoga class or by practicing alone. 

I can now appreciate how healthy it is for him to see me taking care of myself and how important it is for him to see that mama has a life outside of wiping bums.  

As a mother, I have more opportunity to practice the living yoga, which is just as powerful as the mat practice. I can only hope you will be more savvy than me by staying on your mat even when it feels impossible or unrolling your yoga mat for the first time and jumping into the twinkles that await you in the great yoga abyss  

With my heart held high and feathers proud, the most humbling yoga experience I have had to date has been becoming a mother.

Mish-Mash Life, Yoga & Raw

Phew! What an incredible ride the month of February took me on. I am still trying to catch my breath and can hardly believe I need to flip my calendar page to March.

But I have had you all in my thoughts. There have been many times I have tried to sit down and type out a new blog, however the Universe has had other plans for me this past month.

I have been rebuilding my knowledge of Byron Katie’s Work, trying to align myself more with the teachings of Abraham, laughing spontaneously and further cultivating my inner sense of motherly patience (for Zenchai’s sake and mine).

My daily world almost exclusively revolves around my growing bud, which is incredibly rewarding in its self, but exhausting. I do romantically think of current cultures and past societies that raise/d their children in a tribe. If only we all had that extended network of support.

Anyway I am digressing! Here is a great article I found on Natural News about the benefits that yoga can bring to women with breast cancer. Click here to read it in full.

I also came across this little blurp on Donna Karan from We Like it Raw. Here she shares how juicing (although it looks more like smoothie making to me, but I am not going to get all pedantic on her!), yoga and philanthropy bring her greater well-being. 

Little Gems, Big Wow

Mmm... the alluring aroma of coconut-chocolate macaroons in my dehydrator is tormenting my nose. I must focus - soldier on with writing this blog not to be detoured into the kitchen to steal a macaroon from its warm hiding place, while they are still in their infancy and have not yet reached their full decadence.

(Deep breath. Aaahhhhh. My lungs release and I still have those little delicacies on my mind.)

Okay, that aside I have a few GREAT links to share.

The first one is yoga-related. I know how many people try to start a home yoga practice, but then end up feeling discouraged, disillusioned and/or disgruntled with their attempts. I came across this überuseful article on Yoga Journal’s website by Claudia Cummins. Here are some of her top tips at a glance, but I highly recommend you click here to read in full how you can transform your home-practice into an unshakable routine:

• Focus on a single pose.
• Round out your practice with variety.
• Slip short yoga breaks into your day.
• Base your practice on an established sequence of postures shown in your favourite book or video.
• Practice with a friend.

My next nugget I found on Tim Ferriss’ blog. Tim breaks down a chapter from The Power of Less by Leo Babauta from Zen Habits. This expose is sure to get you rocking and rolling into the most phenomenal year of your life. I have to say I really love Tim’s stuff (reading his book as we speak) and Leo is a total inspiration.

There is a whole lot of wisdom to be gained from both of these gents, but the ONE thing that shouts out to me right now while so many of us are in resolution mode is this: Select one habit for your resolution per month. There are only a few rules you need to follow to make this challenge a success. Click here to find out what rules you’ll need to follow. With these rules in hand, it would be hard for you not to form a new habit by the end of the 30 days.

I have managed to type this whole blog without stepping foot in my kitchen to pinch a macaroon. If you are wondering how these tiny bites of love have bewitched me try the recipe out yourself. I guarantee you’ll have a hard time not scoffing them all down in one go!

Chocolate Macaroons
Recipe from: Real Food Real World by Sarma Melngailis & Matthew Kenney

Ingredients :
3 cups, dried, unsweetened coconut flakes
1 ½ cups cocoa powder (I use raw cacao powder)
1 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup coconut butter (melted)
1 TBSP vanilla extract
½ tsp sea salt (I omit)

1. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients and stir well to combine. You can also use a standing mixer with the paddle attachment.
2. Using a small ice cream scoop, your hands or a big tablespoon, spoon rounds of the dough onto the dehydrator screens. If you are using your hands, it helps to refrigerate the mix a bit prior to forming the macaroons. Dehydrate at 115F for 12 to 24 hours, or until crisp on the outside and nice and chewy on the inside.

For blonde macaroons: replace the cocoa powder in the recipe above with an equal amount of fine almond flour.

Psst…don’t worry if you don’t have a dehydrator. Just eat them as they are. Believe me these are so incredibly more-ish.

Your Christmas Present

Are you sitting comfortably?

Good!

Extend your arms towards the computer screen so they are parallel to the floor, palms facing up towards the ceiling. Now cross your left arm over your right arm, creating an outstretched X. Move your palms towards your shoulders until your hands are clasped around your shoulders.

Can you guess what I have just given you?

A GREAT BIG WALLOPING HUG! So squeeze tight, enjoy the embrace and relish the love vibrations. You deserve it for being such a caring, vibrant being!

Merry Christmas to you! I am sending you huge blessing of twinkly love.

Mistletoe Kisses,
J x

PS. This virtual love stuff is pretty fun!

Gemini Wellness Coaching to the Rescue

My dear friend Jenny publishes a monthly newsletter. I thought it was so highly appropriate for everyone that I asked for her permission to reprint it here. Jenny is always so full of practical advice and love. To find out more about her and her well-being services click on her name below. By the way, if you are looking for a wellness coach and aren't in the London area not to fret, she does offer phone consultations. I am sure you'll adore her and value her input.

T'is the Season
by Jenny Calcoen-Birnberg of Gemini Wellness Coaching

Are you ready for a little mini break or an exotic holiday ? You are not alone. Most people, when asked, would prefer to skip the festive season altogether in favour of a holiday far away. How can we get some stress out of our lives, rather than increase it ?

Just as other mammals are feeling the call to slow down and 'go inside' at this time of the year, nature is calling us and we are happily ignoring it.

Our ancestors used to live their lives completely according to the seasons, the cycles of the sun and moon and the natural rhythms of day and night. They did not have the plethora of office parties, Christmas (over)indulgence and family drama to deal with.

This is the 'stress season' for many people. There are all the parties to attend and people to see before the end of the year, in addition to all the work we need to complete before 31 December. Although we generally feel that we need more sleep and more time to rest, we act by doing the exact opposite.

We then stress about getting the gift that is just right for everyone, even if it takes braving the cold weather and the crowds in the shops and malls during the most frenetic season of the year. When we get to Christmas, if we celebrate it, or the end of the year, many of us feel completely exhausted, disappointed about not fitting into that little black dress, feeling unhealthy and overweight and remedy this by ... drinking too much and overeating.

Why not try this year to make sure to take regular walks or engage in activities outside, to get as much fresh air and enjoy what little sunshine there is ? I am happy to remind you that 21 December is the year's shortest day in the Northern hemisphere, which means that we will be getting a few more minutes of day light every day from 22 December.

 How about spending less time worrying about getting the perfect gift and instead thinking of ways to spend more time with your loved ones : perhaps it is visiting a certain exhibit at a museum with your mother or going to a day spa with your best friend. If you do want to give something; why not spend some time making gifts yourself this year ; from lovely home-made bath salt (take a glass jar and fill it with coarse sea salt, dried flowers and essential oils) to home-made chocolates presented in an antique tea cup or better yet; make donations to charities on behalf of your loved ones ? This is guaranteed to take the stress out of shopping as well as your wallet and will get your creative juices flowing at the same time.

What if you tried to enjoy yourself this season?

I wish you a happy and healthy 2009.

Be well,

Jenny Calcoen-Birnberg, CHHC

Image: SpacePotato

Good morning sun!

This morning was the first time I actively practised yoga while leading Zenchai through the poses. Normally I just do my practice around him with him playing nearby or with him using me as a climbing frame. But today was different. I could feel he really wanted to participate in what I was doing.

It was so magical seeing the sun slowly rise in our garden and watching him do the sun salutation. Of course he finished his round with fabulous flair by saying “Good morning sun!” in the cheeriest two-year-old voice imaginable. Reflecting on this morning wells me up with warm fuzzies. I am melting here!!

I asked him if he would like to do yoga in a class one day. His response was “When I am bigger and bigger I will be one of your yoga students. I will drive reeeeaaaallly fast to class in my veeeerrrrry fast car.”

The real irony is that he is my biggest teacher. I am his student. Claude and I both see this more and more each day. He is such a blessing!

(The above photo is of Zenchai doing cobra pose. As soon as I told him we were going to do cobra pose he ran to get his cobra car, lined it up on the mat and insisted I do my cobra next to his.)