African Americans and Yoga

When I look around me, I see many people embarking on the journey of yoga.  Yoga is a great way to reduce stress, lower blood pressure and stay fit.  In the back of mind however, always remains the thought "how come more African Americans do not practice yoga"?  In our African American culture many times we confuse yoga with religion, and indeed yoga can be a spiritual experience practiced by some religions, but yoga in and of itself is not a religion.  The work yoga comes from the Sankrit meaning to yoke, to unite, to join. 

Yoga truly helps the individual to unite the mind, body and spirit together in ways that increase overall mindfulness and well being.  When many people think of yoga, they think of India, but actually yoga was practiced in Ancient  Egypt, North East Africa  as well, it was called Kemetic yoga and was practiced for about 10,000 years. Kemet means black, or black land and was called this because of the early inundation of the Nile River which caused the rich silt to overflow its banks.

  According to the Kemetic yoga association:  There is universal consciousness that is beyond the scope of the normal realm of consciousness, or individual reality of people. Hence, the practice of yoga is a personality integration method that allows human beings to bind their individual transitory reality with the universal consciousness. The universal consciousness is stable and unchanging, unmoving, therefore, it is the substantial reality while human beings are existing in transitory phenomenon. When this process is accomplished one can say that they have experienced the way things really are or have experienced reality; universal consciousness.

Yoga is the practice of binding individual consciousness with universal consciousness. This individual reality that you are experiencing is actually only a small reflection of your true nature and yoga is the practice of how to achieve the knowledge of one's abiding and immortal aspect.

 

I enjoy teaching yoga, and sharing it with others.  I hope that everyone who reads this post, will at least explore yoga in some detail and allow it to bring peace, clarity and healing.  Watch my short yoga video below!  Enjoy.

 

 

 

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRvBt-IYoVU

I Am Back!

Greetings everyone!  What a pleasure to be writing here again.  I have had two pretty busy semesters and have been traveling through the summer, and in my travels I had the opportunity to uncover some pretty interesting education and information to share.  Life is truly a journey, and sometimes you must take a step back to really appreciate all that it has to offer. One of my trips this summer took me to a natural products expo where I was able to meet with people who are passionate about healthy living, pure and natural products and sustainable lifestyles.  I met cancer survivors, and people who have overcome various diseases, by making a personal change to their lifestyle in a positive way.

 I have come to the conclusion that we are in control of our wellness, and it is up to every individual to make healthy choices that will facilitate the process of health and healing.  Many times we turn our energies outward, looking for someone to fix us after the damage has been done, when the focus should be on self responsibility and prevention with a holistic approach.  As I continue the process of writing this blog, my passion will be directed towards motivating others to a wellness revolution!  Health and wellness is something everyone should enjoy, and it can be accomplished as we become more mindful to the activities and process that bring about a life of vitality.  Stay tuned, get ready, I have so much to share and share I will freely!  Namaste

The Morning Elixir

This morning I had what I like to call my morning elixir. It is a smoothie that is power packed with vitamins and nutrients that will help to to start your day right. Normally upon waking, you are normally thirsty instead of hungry and this is because of the dehydration that occurs during sleep. This drink will help to balance you as well as purify your system


Fresh organe juice
Bananas
blackberries
rasberries
Papaya
Blueberries
fresh ginger root (a small piece)Ginger is very strong)


A good blender is the GE Perfect Blend, you can get it at Walmart for less than 40.00. You do not have to use ice as long as you freeze your fruit before using it (wash very well before use), you can freeze the banana as well.
Add the orange juice to the blender about 2 cups, but this would depend on how many people you are serving, then add the banana, papaya and rest of fruit and your cut ginger. Blend about 45 seconds or until consistency is one that you like. add as much fruit as you like but make sure you adjust the orange juice as well. Now you can serve and enjoy. Lets talk about the health benefits of this one drink:

Papaya offers protection against heart disease

Bananas are high in potassium and is useful in lowering blood pressure

Rasberries as an antioxidant food contain ellagic acid, raspberries help prevent unwanted damage to cell membranes and other structures in the body by neutralizing free radicals. They are an excellent source of vitamin c and manganese, two critical antioxidant nutrients that help protect the body's tissue from oxygen related damage.

Blueberries neutralizes free radicals in the body which help reduce disease and aging. They also aid in reducing belly fat.

Blackberries are an excellent source of vitamin C and E. Vitamin C helps to protect

against infections and cancers. Vitamin E is effective for heart and circulatory

problems. Blackberries are also a good source of potassium and fiber pectin.

Ginger Root is helpful against colorectal cancer and ovarian cancer cells. Ginger extracts have been shown to have both antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects on cells. Ginger root also provide relief from nausea and gastrointestinal relief.

Enjoy you elixir in the morning or whenever you feel the need for a healthy boost!