Creamy Coconut Beetroot Soup

admin — Tue, 21 May 2013 01:34:07 +0000

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 50 minutes

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 small onion, chopped
1.5kg beetroot, peeled and chopped
1.25 litres vegetable stock
2 teaspoons caraway seeds
2 tablespoons horseradish cream
250g coconut cream

Method:

Heat the oil in a heavy-based saucepan. Cook the onion over medium heat for 5 minutes, or until soft.
Add the beetroot, stock and caraway seeds and bring to the boil. Simmer, partially covered, for 40 minutes.
Cool slightly, then process in batches until smooth. Reheat gently and stir in the horseradish and coconut cream to serve.

Why Water? with Karin O’Connell

admin — Wed, 15 May 2013 03:50:20 +0000

During our Teacher Training we have mandatory Nutrition and Anatomy. Usually these modules are standard, government regulated information. Not here! We employ some of the best to deliver Holistic and Natural methods of obtaining optimal wellness through diet, meditation, correct nutrition and rest.

Our Pilates trainees had to write an awareness talk on an element within the Nutrition field last weekend and share their findings with one another. I believe Karin spoke so beautifully about the importance of hydration and benefits of everyday H20 below xo

Water:

Think of a baby inside of a pregnant mother. Human mothers are told that when their water breaks, to get to the hospital or birthing centre as soon as possible. Once there, the caretakers do not want them walking around. This is because the baby is at greater risk of infection without the protection of the water. This is the same once humans are out of the womb.

If water is not sufficient, then the body is at risk of infection, causing illnesses and disease. Dark or strong smelling urine, feeling thirsty, having headaches, constipation, muscle cramps, or dry skin are most commonly warning signs from your body that you’re running really low on water. Every cell in your body needs water from head to toe to transport nutrients and oxygen into cells, moisturize the air in lungs, to regulate body temperature, amongst many other things. Water alone takes up two thirds of your body; you can only survive 2-3 days without it. In fact, if your body is dehydrated by just 20%, you are dead.

Water is the foundation of life… It is one of the four elements that connect us spiritually to our sacred earth. We drink water, we bathe in it, and we swim in it… We feel this element both outside of us, and within. We need it, and we are drawn to it… Have you ever felt a strong urge to be near the ocean? This is because you are connected to it.

The ocean is the same ocean as in the beginning. It was and is, and shall be. The ocean holds within its depths all the energy since the beginning of the earth. This makes it very strong in energy. The closer you are to this energy, the stronger the connection.

So today, drink this life sustaining element with love… As you bathe, bathe with a sense of wonder & deep gratitude… And as you swim in our wise and ancient ocean, swim with a feeling of awe and great connection to our earth, to the energy… To source.

Hollies Winter Warmers

admin — Tue, 14 May 2013 01:32:30 +0000

Last night I was lucky enough to visit the buddhaful Hollie in her new home to share a home cooked meal with our beloved girlfriend Gina ballerina from Sydney.

The meal was absolutely gorgeous, made with love & served with a smile Hollie really displayed the domestic goddess characteristics as she prepares for the birth of her first baby boy Harry next week.

I wish Nick, Hollie & her new baby Harry all the support & safety as the next chapter of their story unfolds.

Hollies winter warmer soup

Ingredients:

1 cup mixed Split peas, Barley, Lentils
5 cloves garlic
1 onion
3 potatoes
1/2 bunch celery including leaves
2 carrots
tblsp grated ginger
2 cubes veggie stock

Method:

Add water to cover, keep adding until liquid begins to reduce
Cook for 2 hours on a gentle simmer
Serve with lightly toasted mega grain bread and with a sprinkle of sesame oil & sea salt

Apple coconut cinnamon crumble

Ingredients:

4x Granny Smith apples cored, peeled, sliced
1/2 an oranges rind
Water to cover simmer 10min
Will turn into strewed apples

Crumble

1/2 cup whole meal flour
1/4 cup shredded coconut
1/4 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup raw sugar
3 tablespoons or so Add Rice bran oil till crumbly consistency

Method:

Mix thoroughly till combined
Add crumble to the top of apples then sprinkle cinnamon on top.
Bake 180 degrees for 20-25minutes.
Serve with vegan coconut ice cream

The last days of my Body Buddhaful Challenge

admin — Tue, 07 May 2013 02:38:40 +0000

As the Body Buddhaful challenge is quickly coming to an end, I am feeling blessed to have spent so much time in the studio – getting to know the beautiful Essence girls, reconnecting with my mind and nourishing my body.

Along with the lessons I’ve learnt over the last few months, I have discovered that Yoga and Law of Attraction go hand in hand. When we vibrate gratitude and joy, peace and generosity, more of that begins to show up in our lives.

Every thought, everything that goes on into the mind, affects the rest of the universe and what goes around comes around. You get similar experiences back. It is said that you attract that which is similar to what you think of.

I’ve used the last few months as a time of reflection, a reassessment of priorities, and a time to tune into the vibrations of gratitude, joy and love. I not only feel healthier and more flexible, but I have a deeper level of appreciation for my surroundings. I have attracted new people and opportunities into my life… which is a result, I believe, of my regular yoga practice in the last 11 weeks.

“Experiences are preceded by mind, led by mind, and produced by mind. If one speaks or acts with an impure mind, suffering follows even as the cart-wheel follows the hoof of the ox. … If one speaks or acts with a pure mind, happiness follows like a shadow that never departs.” Buddha

Student of the week: Becky Jack of Peony Swimwear

admin — Tue, 07 May 2013 00:56:19 +0000

Name: Becky Jack

Business Name: Peony Swimwear (www.peonyswimwear.com)

Age: 23

Occupation: Designer

Why I come to Essence of Living: To maintain my health and fitness and to feel confident in a bikini! Also, to unwind, reflect and become centered at the end of a busy day.

The benefits of my practice: Mental and physical strength. Flexibility. Positive endorphins. Peace. Perspective. Inspiration.

Life advice in a nutshell: “Wake up early. Walk along the beach. Smell the roses. Be yourself. Do what you love and do your absolute best at it everyday. Always be kind to others and to yourself.”

The pics are of my recent SS13 show at Gold Coast Fashion Week.

The Unity of Yoga

admin — Thu, 02 May 2013 02:52:48 +0000

I once read that whatever our mind is focusing on for the majority of the time throughout the day, then that is where you are headed in your life. Knowing this, you could not have told me a year ago that in a year’s time I would be a YOGA TEACHER! Life is full of pleasant surprises if your soul’s vision is clear in your eyes.

Over the last 10 weeks, I have watched my life transform in front of me, purely because I have embraced yoga fully into my life. Instead of craving my morning coffee as soon as I get up – I now crave my morning meditation time. Instead of eating whatever I think I feel like throughout the day – I am now mindful with what I put into my body, being aware of how different foods make me feel. Instead of putting off those chores or things I need to get done but normally procrastinate about – I now dive right into my daily life, ticking off goals that I regularly set for myself. I am balanced, confident and strong.

And as a result of my hard work, the universe has provided for me, allowing me the opportunity to teach my very first yoga class during the last week of my course! Slightly nervous at the beginning, this quickly melted away; as what I have learnt throughout the course made me feel fully prepared for the challenge ahead. Teaching a 6am class, the sun rose for a beautiful sunrise, activating that inner spark inside of me, ignited by my passion to help others, and reflected upon the group like glistening rays of pure light. Such a magical experience!

This course has inspired so much change within my life but could not have had such a massive positive effect if I didn’t meet all the BEAUTIFUL women who have shared this journey. To the ladies that I have shared my last 10 weekends with – thank you – from the bottom of my heart I am so grateful for what we have shared and it warms me so much to know that I have truly made lifelong friends.

Namaste

‘Following my path’ by Hayley Low

admin — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 05:41:02 +0000

Driving home today from teacher training, I felt the urge to divert from my usual route and go along the coastal road from Miami to Burleigh. As soon as I make the snap decision to turn off the highway, I look into the sky and I see a rainbow. Rainbows always make me smile as I see them as a sweet blessing from Mother Nature or the universe.

So… I think to myself – I am not in any rush; I’m going to park my car and go for a walk up top of Miami hill. Sitting on a wooden bench on the top of the hill, taking in the awesomeness that is the ocean, waves, the wind and the sky and right where I sit I look out to the middle of the ocean and see exactly where the rainbows begins …. The beginning of something beautiful.

This course has brought so much more beauty into my life and it’s simple moments like this that make me feel so lucky to be alive and experiencing something so magical. To top it all off, before I walk away to leave, a bubble appears from nowhere (random I know!) … the side of the mountain somewhere … and drifts down and out into the ocean … glistening with a white light sparkling within it … and I think to myself … OMG I have to make a wish!

So I do…

Over the last few weeks we have been learning lots about the body and nutrition and what it means to truly live the lifestyle of a yogi or yogini. Danielle, the beautiful teacher from Essence, has provided us with a wealth of information, from the background of naturopathy. By slowly making changes to my diet, like swapping my morning coffee to a veggie juice, I am working my way to bringing my body into a more alkaline state, instead of a state of acidity which paths the way to illnesses from a build up of toxins in the body.

Yoga really allows us to become more in tune with what’s going on in the world around us and also with the world inside ourselves. It’s a natural shift that takes place as we begin to become more at one with our bodies and learning to control the temptation of desires…but instead of it being super hard to say no (like when you polish off nearly a whole block of chocolate by yourself) … instead the choice becomes easier … as you listen to what your body needs … following the path of your intuition.

Student(s) of the week: Jasmin & Jess

admin — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 02:07:19 +0000

Names: Jasmin Wickham and Jess Finn

Business Name: Ecomarket

Ages: Jasmin, 30 and Jess, 29

Occupation: Market stall owners/operators for ‘Ecomarket’

Why we come to Essence of Living:

We have both been practicing yoga sporadically since we were teenagers and it became a bigger part of our lives when we were pregnant (Yes, both at the same time)! In the last few years our practice has become more essential to our way of living. We believe that life is to be approached holistically so we care for our body, mind and soul by attending yoga regularly as well as having a home practice. We both enjoy coming to Essence because of the sacred space that is provided for the classes. Each and every teacher is amazing and has something special to bring to their students. The teachers are so diverse and are constantly living and breathing yoga by having their own daily practice, researching their passion and traveling to all parts of the globe to learn more. You always come away from a class feeling grounded and uplifted.

The benefits of my practice:

Jasmin: I find that yoga keeps me balanced in all aspects of my life. I am a busy working mum, so it is important for me to nourish my body and keep fit to tackle my day to day life. My yoga practice, pranayama and meditation keep my mind focused, positive and able to handle stressfully times when they come about. The spiritual aspect of yoga has always intrigued me and I always feel so centred after a class. I enjoy having a teacher to follow as this keeps me disciplined and my mind focused so that I can go within and become closer to The Divine.

Jess: My Mum started taking me to yoga with her when I was in about 13 and going through the emotional highs and lows that that age brings, I came to notice that when I went to yoga I was much more positive, less angry and much easier to be around. And it is the same now, I feel like one of the main things for me is to get the stored energy flowing, it keeps me centred, is a great way of looking after my body and keeping it healthy, inside and out and calms my mind. Yoga has become one of my highest priorities and is essential to my peace and happiness.

What we do:

Nutrition, yoga, spirituality and overall health and wellbeing are the main focus of our lives and this is how ‘Ecomarket’ was born. We wanted to provide people the opportunity to purchase all of their weekly grocery needs in one place, rather than making the soulless trip to the supermarket. We were spending every Sunday at the Organic Gold Coast Farmers Markets and felt that this would be the perfect place to make this happen- so we did it! You will find us there every week stocking all things eco-friendly, sustainable and certified organic. We have such things as; skin care, hair care, bulk cleaning products, spices, herbal teas, baby needs and even toilet paper!

The Organic Gold Coast Farmers Market is the only fully certified organic market in Queensland- and it is local! We are all so blessed to have this gold mine of health available to us on the Gold Coast. The markets are at Miami High School every Sunday from 6am – 11:30am come rain or shine. Come and support local farmers that stock fresh produce, raw honey, raw dairy, all meat products, groceries, bulk foods, aromatherapy products, activated nuts and bakery goodness!

Life advice in a nutshell:

In life it helps to keep focused on what is important; we are all born and we are all going to die, the best we can do is to live in love. Give peace to the world by giving peace to all whose lives you touch.

The last weeks of Body Buddhaful with Sarah

admin — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 01:08:35 +0000

This week of the Body Buddhaful challenge has been a true learning experience.

After witnessing a heavy disagreement within my extended family recently – I was left feeling frustrated, annoyed but most of all extremely hurt.

Moving through my yoga practice this week, I became acutely aware of how my emotions impact my muscles. My shoulders felt tense, my lower back was stiff and my breathing less controlled. It took me two yoga classes this week to learn that unless I was willing to accept, forgive and detach from the situation, my body would continue to struggle.

The subconscious mind never ignores negative energy and emotions. It will remind us each day that we need to deal with them, and until we do, it will manifest unresolved emotional pain into physical discomfort.

As I am learning the not-so-easy task of detachment and forgiveness from such a hurtful event, I can feel my body relaxing and opening up into its full potential.

“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. ~Mahatma Gandhi

Teacher of the month: Shelly Barclay

admin — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:40:10 +0000

Name: Rochelle (Shelly) Claire Barclay

Home town: Kiah (outside of Eden) NSW

Top 3 books: (I can’t choose just 3)

1. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

2. Anastasia by Vladimir Megré.

3. The Zahir by Paulo Coelho

4. Losing My Virginity (The Autobiography) by Richard Branson .

5. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali with commentary by Sri Swami Satchidananda

Favourite movie: ‘What About Me’ One Giant Leap (Documentary)

Food I love:

Chai Tea
Chillies
Veggie Curry
Millet
Papaya with Lime
Dark or Raw Chocolate
Salads
Anything Green:)

Holiday destination of choice:

A Cidade Marivilhosa -Rio De Janeiro,
Brazil; Kona,
Hawaii & The Algarve, Portugal.

Where you¹ll find me off the mat:

Running
Trying to Surf
Drinking tea with my friends
Meditating
walking Burleigh Headland or on the dance floor!

What you didn¹t know about me:

I speak Portuguese, I have an eight-year-old daughter, and I love trying to Samba.

Life advice in a nutshell:

In many shamanic societies, if you came to a medicine person complaining of being disheartened, dispirited or depressed, they would ask 1 of 4 questions:- When did you stop dancing? When did you stop singing? When did you stop being enchanted by stories? When did you stop finding comfort in the sweet territory of silence? Gabrielle Roth