This is my 100th post. The veg888 blog will continue to post new recipes, information about yoga poses and the local musical mediations I am able to attend.
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This post will consist of 3 Subjects.
- Yoga
- Raw Food Information
- Raw Food Recipes
Life is a sprial of good and bad all wrapped into one. I wonder if there are those that have a spun stick of sugar type of life. Like a big fat pink or blue cotton candy. Sooo sweet they just are in bliss.
I am quite aware that there are those that aren’t so lucky all of the time. Where it often seems as though they always have to fight bad energy. Bad energy, good energy. Both are REAL! POSITIVE vs. NEGATIVE. Again we come back to the duality in life. And although we may not be able to change what we want all at the same time physically in whatever time frame we have given ourselves – the point is you know what you want. More than likely you even know how to get it. Whatever it is. The trick is not giving up. Don’t ever give up a goal you are striving for. Don’t ever stop trying to be a better person, lover, friend, parent, etc. That’s what this is about. Getting better in life like a fine wine. It takes lots of pressure for precious stones to exist down in the depths of the earth. Why would a goal be any different. The same energy will be needed to ultimatley complete the task at hand! 
YOGA
MATSYASANA or Fish Pose.
According to a traditional text, Matsyasana is considered as the destroyer of all diseases.
• Blood circulation is increased as your cervical, thoracic, and lumber regions are stretched. Your back muscles are also strengthened. It is beneficial to those suffering from cervical spondylosis, neck pain, and stiffness.
• The Asana does wonders for your respiratory system; when you assume this position, your chest is stretched open and your bronchial tubes are widened to promote easier breathing. In time, your rib cage will expand, and this will also encourage you to breathe more deeply. It is good for asthma and bronchitis.
• The name of the posture derives from the fact that – if you adopt the position in water, you will float quite easily.
• This is helpful for swimmers who can then hold their breath under water for longer periods.
• Pressure on the neck also works on the thyroid gland and the parathyroid gland (which regulates the level of calcium in the body). Metabolism balances and immune system is boosted.
• Most of abdominal and stomach problems are also corrected as your intestines and abdominal muscles are stretched and toned. It is good in constipation and for bleeding piles.
• The pressure on your neck stimulates the energy centre that regulates the voice – thus improving voice quality.
• It tones the nervous system, the pelvic organs, and the nerves connected with sexual functions. It also helps prevent and remove disorders of the reproductive system. *
Contraindications and Cautions
- High or low blood pressure
- Migraine
- Insomnia
- Serious lower-back or neck injury
RAWkin pose huh? It will take a series of asanas before your body is warm enough to practice this pose. It is feels sooo good. My Yoga teacher always says “We are as young as our spine!”
This asana streches the spine and helps to get rid of the curve in your spine that eventually occurs with age. It is also a great pose to improve posture. Posture is sooo important. It can help you look taller, thinner and confident. All qualities that are postive! Posture is something I am always having to work on! 
RAW FOOD
This week has been pretty drab as far as culinary creations. However here is a plate I made the other day…
It was slices of eggplant that had been marinated in Apple Cider Vinegar, Noma Shoyu, and Olive Oil. Between each slice there was a layer of Mushrooms and Raw Marinara Sauce with fresh oregano. It was alright. Not my best.
It is easy to get down on ourselves for not always eating 100% raw or feeling bad because we have a craving. None of it is bad. When we are tired or stressed out it is easy to reach for those things we know best. Bad food with empty calories. Sound familiar? Everyone goes thru this I think. Just do what is right for you. You certainly don’t want to feel as though it is a chore to eat. Keep within the scopes of general vegan/vegetarian health and you are still a soaring star from the rest who choose to indulge in other non-healthy foods. Life is a neverending proposition. We are always evolving into something new. We just have to remember the movement needs to be positive for both our spirit and our mind!
And now a Recipe….
Last night I made Collard Green Wraps for the first time. Actually the first time RAW. There is a posting I have where I stuffed collards with mushrooms and served them over some quinoa. You can see that here.
I began with a quick home stylie Tabouli…
RAW SIMPLE TABOULI
1 Cucumber, peeled and cubed
8 Cherry Tomatoes
2 tablespoons Mint
1 cup Flat leaf parsley, chopped
3 tablespoons Raw Sesame Seeds.
Juice from 1/2 a lemon
Splash of Bragg
Splash of sesame oil
Preparation: Place all ingredients into a bowl and toss. Allow to marinate for 15 – 20 minutes.
I then stuffed the collard leaves with sunflower seed hummus, tabouli and an avocado!
Use two Collard Green leaves per wrap.
The Sunflower Seed Hummus you can see here.
SUNFLOWER SEED HUMMUS
2 cups Raw Sunflower Seeds, soaked overnight
1/4 cup Raw Tahini
3 cloves garlic
Juice of 1 lemon
Preparation: With the “S” blade attachment put the Sunflower Seeds into the Food Processor and add all other ingredients. Process. Season to Taste. (You can add water to make it smoother or keep it as is.)
Here it is…
This was an enjoyable wrap and very filling. In the future I think I will add carrots and other veggies and more raw falafel! Maybe even a nice veggie and nut pate!
More to come folks! You still have 6 days to enter the RAFFLE!!!
Live in Love and Light!
Namaste!
