First Choice: Primary Food

Do you ever wonder why kids never seem to care when they eat, what they eat, or how much they eat? They are more interested in the game they're playing than whether or not it's dinner time. The game is their primary concern. It is their primary food, nourishing them with joy and excitement, much more than any dish can really do.

I am not advocating a lack of eating. We all need to do it. But that's all it is, a necessity, and something that needs to be done well and with consciousness, but not to fulfill any emotional void. As adults we tend to gravitate towards food as a comfort mechanism, even denying ourselves can bring a sense of control, while over-indulging a sense of security. However, that is not the purpose of food. Sure, when you're hungry, food helps, and good, wholesome, natural foods make our bodies incredibly happy. Yet the spiritual mind needs creativity, love, exercise, and curiosity in order to feel complete.

I feel like I've personally struggled with this in my young adult life. I have always felt jealous of children for their freedom from an obsession with food, even of myself in past times of total relationship bliss or creative breakthrough. Times when I was so consumed with positive energy, stimulating challenge, and passion that I no longer needed to think about when I was going to eat, what I was going to eat, and how many calories would be acceptable. And this didn't mean I was careless; I know what's healthy and what's not, and know I'm capable of choosing what's good for me. Yet in these moments of quasi-enlightenment, I finally freed myself of obsession surrounding food. My body just told me I was hungry, and I ate, and then I kept going with my "primary" life.

Yet learning the basics of Ayurveda (Yoga's sister science regarding a fully balanced life) has opened my eyes completely. Why is it when someone else, or some other philosophy, clearly articulates a personal concern, the very issue becomes less confusing? I am happy to know there's a solution to the entrapment I feel around being "controlled, and healthy, and....perfect". The solution is releasing my already burning creativity into the universe. The solution is in mediation, in my yoga practice, in giving this gift to others. The solution is in building and maintaining solid relationships with other people.

These things come first, and then I can sit down to some sweet and savory seasonal sensations. But these are compliments to what should be an already fulfilled palate. In other words, feed your soul. That's where the real soul food lies.

So What if You Don't...

Okay, I realize my first blog was about "just doing it". But now I just don't want to do it. Is that ok? Yeah, well it better be. Because I'm not doing it. I'm not. I won't. No way.

I haven't become lazy, promise. But seriously sometimes saying "no" is the best feeling on the planet. A weight lifted, burden unloaded, whatever you want to call it. With a month left in Los Angeles before I take off for a 6-month jaunt to Buenos Aires (jealous, much?) I am left with decisions to make about what I'm going to do with these next few weeks.

Having your own acting business (AKA, just being an actor) is ex-haus-ting. It's a pretty amazing job as well...you can make leaps and bounds literally all on your own doing. I hate to believe it's all "luck" and "who you meet". No, truth is, the more you persist, the more you unveil. If you know how to market yourself and work your talent and, might I add, have fun getting rejected, then you're golden. Ok, I digress, I'm trying to talk about not...doing...anything.

I've been in this running struggle with running. I have run lots of miles in my 23 years, and it's a habit so ingrained that I'm fearful to let it go. I actually never thought I would need to, or even, god forbid, want to. However, discovering the strength (literally muscle) and stamina (literally lower blood pressure and heart rate) that yoga brings, I'm thinking...maybe I don't need to run as much as I thought. Or, dare I say it...at all. In addition, chronic injury only comes back when I hit the trails, so why bring on the pain when I can bring on the downward facing dog?

And in class this morning, I had a thought. That maybe yoga was enough. For now, at least. And this was not my lazy brain talking; I was sweating, shaking, burning up on my mat and knew deep down my body was reaping the benefits. And the thing about yoga is that it never feels bad in itself. I can have a good run, a bad run, or an okay run. But what I bring to my asana's every class has the potential to be pretty amazing, with no regards to mileage or a stopwatch.

Well, point is, I came across the realization today that I don't have to run myself into the ground (pun intended). I don't have to push my profile so hard on Actor's Access, I can let my manager find auditions for the time being, can focus on my yoga practice and not run if my foot is injured, and can cease writing endless to-do lists that only frustrate the hell out of me when they remain unchecked. All of the sudden, I felt so free. Literally became detached from all worry as I drove down 3rd street.

So, there really is something in saying no. Because if you say no, you might be saying yes to something else. To that that something else, if it's an inner truth, I can guarantee you will say, "Thank You".

Ahimsa..."Ahem Ahem"

As you may have guessed, Yoga is more than just a series of pretzel-poses. There's an entire philosophy and way of life that accompanies the yogic path. I hesitate to say religion, because although Buddhism and Hinduism have direct links to yoga's evolution, there's much more freedom within it's bounds that can be discovered and applied on an individual basis.

The Yamas and Niyamas, they are called...ethical and individual disciplines that ironically come in a list of ten (five and five). No, they aren't "commandments", but can be seen in the same light; the Yamas and Niyamas are rules to live by that transcend everything: creed, time, age, location, sex, gender...the list goes on.

Ahimsa

I'm not surprised I am writing about the first Yama, Ahimsa, given it's literal meaning. Ahimsa is the absence of violence, killing, and harming. It's biggest notion is that violence only arises when fear is present, a concept that is so true, yet I think so overlooked. War, crime, murder...all horrific things, yet only come about when the perpetrator(s) are afraid for their loved ones, their countries, and even themselves. Therefore, according to this first Yama, freedom from such fear can only inevitably breed love. Not much more powerful than that. 

Now I am no soldier, no criminal (save for that one time stealing some dates from Whole Foods), nor have violent thoughts other than in Los Angeles traffic. In regards to this first Yama of Ahimsa, I immediately revert to the violence that goes uncharted and kept from the public eye. Ahimsa has everything and anything to do with non-violence towards the most unprotected among us: those of the non-human species. 

Animal cruelty runs rampant and unfortunately unregarded in today's world. Even in the wealthiest country on the planet, the United States does little to encourage compassion towards animals, especially those in the factory farm industry. Over ten-billion farm animals are killed each year, under inhumane and unsanitary conditions, with no voice to save themselves. Now, argument has it that this is the way it's "supposed to be". I honestly don't know what that means. The way what was supposed to be? Is it the human condition that has allowed us to be so inconsiderate of another species that we provide only protection to our own? Who's to say where to draw the line? I know a number of people who certainly wouldn't put roast dog on the dinner table, so what makes it okay for turkey, ham, or steak to fill it's place? 

I am vegan for this reason. Because I find no use in fueling my body with decomposing flesh. I want to exude strength and joy and peace...non-violence. And my 13-year-old plant based diet has yet to let me down. Becoming vegan was one of the best gifts I've given to myself; I've discovered a new energy, enthusiasm for my expanding palate, and about a million new ways to cook a yam (and the same amount of reasons not to skin a cat).

I bet the large majority of serious yogi's are at least vegetarian. If one is to live at least halfway sutra-savvy, and want to practice at least a degree of non-violence, I can only argue you probably shouldn't be eating animals. It's interesting actually, because as I learned more about the Yamas and Niyamas in last night's teacher training, I realized more discipline than one relate to a disciplined diet. Saucha, the first Niyama (which are the individual disciplines), discusses the body as a vessel of purity that is simply with us to facilitate the energy we take in and put out. The purity of food is essential, therefore, according to Saucha. If we have "harmony with our food", we have "harmony with the body", and eventually "harmony with the world".

And I think that's what we all want, deep down. To feel harmony. Am I wrong? So, here's my two-cents....ahem ahem. Take the Ahimsa's advice, and "ahem...ahem" go vegan.

Taking Child's Pose

Taking Child’s Pose

Frustration is a part of life. Unfortunately a part I think most people choose to run away from. Yet there’s much to discover in the realm of frustration, in that it brings about a huge amount of awareness.

I know yoga is about not comparing oneself to others, but I seriously can’t help it. Is it human nature to look at the body next to me and wish I could do those same balancing acts? Regardless, once I compare, I begin to judge…and never my fellow yogi but instead my own capabilities. So not fair, everyone’s different and blah blah blah. It’s impossible to turn a blind eye to such comparisons.

So, I think the solution is to stare frustration straight in the face and become curious. What does the problem really look like? How is it affecting my thoughts, my body, and my breath? Once I begin to name the obstacles they become less daunting and eventually I find ways to cope. Whether it’s breathing through a deep squat, letting myself fall over, or even the HUGE challenge of taking child’s pose when everyone else is on a roll, I can begin to unravel these feelings of frustration.

From the very start humans are conditioned to perform (especially in this country) and persist and produce perfect results. This western mindset may indeed pull us up by our bootstraps but also can yield some pretty sore feet. We work too hard, fall apart too quickly, and don’t give ourselves enough space to…God forbid…just let things happen. And I’m not even talking about religion or some master plan type phenomenon; I’m just talking about energy and the universe. The world keeps turning, and however much control we as humans think we have is probably a lot less in reality. So, my point is that the more we push to create the perfect life, perfect body, perfect job and family, the less we are aware of what is right here, right now.

Therefore, doing something like “taking child’s pose” when we feel the need to rest on our laurels (literally), can have so many negative connotations. I tend to feel like I’m weak, lazy, and will never improve if I give into my frustration and let go of a pose. But this is all in my mind. There’s life in the resting poses. There’s oxygen, and meditation, and even energy that will allow for more movement later on.

What a life lesson. There’s “life” in the times when we rest. So take a break. I dare you. And I bet you’ll come back ready to rock and roll…both on and off your mat!

And Now Begins...

...the Exposition of Yoga.

This is the first, last, and only sentence in Patanjali's Yoga Sutra 1.1. To briefly explain (as best I can, I literally learned this yesterday in CPYoga teacher training), the Yoga Sutras are descriptions of the "yogic path". They have define yoga, include the eight most important steps to reach some sort of enlightenment, as well as ten rules or practices to live by. The sutras in themselves are short and sweet; uncovering their meaning is another story. Literally, pages and pages and pages worth.

So, "and now begins the exposition of yoga." It seems obvious that Patanjali would put this first. Seems like a perfect introductory sentence. But in dissecting these seven words, it becomes clear that the "now begins" has little to do with the Sutra text itself, and much more to do with the practice of yoga at large. What I learned (along with my other trainee-mates) yesterday was that yoga is always in the "now", the "present moment". Read my last blog, and you'll see how I feel about that precious present moment.

This whole revelation helped me realize why Yoga is such a powerful practice, especially on the mat. I am a work-out-a-holic, and always treated my yoga hour as a part of my exercise regime. And granted, I get an amazing workout, especially at Core Power, but there's something else that gets me to over eight classes a week (yes, I am crazy). There is an inevitable focus on the "here and now" that I can never get on the elliptical, in the pool, or even on a run. When I'm flowing and breathing through the vinyasa, I'm exercising from the inside out, instead of with my stopwatch, speed, or mileage in mind. All the endurance, strength, and balance I need happens in yoga as soon as I engage my breath, one inhale and exhale at a time.

Moreover, my practice is evolving more quickly than any other sport I've done thus far. I rarely get frustrated anymore, because in yoga it's absolutely pointless. Again, focusing on where the headstand is TODAY is much more important than where it will be tomorrow. I tell myself to just keep trying, no matter how the actual pose manifests itself. And literally, every pose I continue to explore is becoming more and more complete. I hesitate even to say "better", because who's to say a quivering halfway-bent knee-headstand is "better" than one without all that fun stuff?


...A New Moon.  

Little did I know Friday was a new moon. Did you feel it? Yeah, I didn't either. No, I lie. I did feel Friday was a rather peculiar day, like I had a fresh perspective and all the B.S. that usually clutters my brain fell to the wayside. Kind of surprised me all day, until I went to two amazing evening yoga classes (thank you Milena!) and learned I was in the midst of a new lunar cycle. Honestly I've never paid much mind to the changing of the moon, but hell, I'm up for anything these days. So I did a little research...and...

The first day of a new moon signifies a fresh start, new beginning, a chance to change. I love these days. Permission to start over? I'll take it! Although it was already evening by the time I got on the new-moon-train, I felt empowered to make some new intentions for the night, which turned into intentions for the weekend, the week, the month.

It feels amazing to create cleansing intentions (I'd say plans, but that sounds too type-A, and I know not everyone is as neurotic as I am). So, even though it's Sunday, and the new moon is a bit older now, I thought I'd throw out some suggestions in regards to starting afresh.

Start with your most trusting friend, your Body...

Everyone's heard of detoxing and cleansing, especially if you live in L.A. However, it doesn't mean you have to drink lemon juice and cayenne until the rumbling of your stomach gets embarrassingly loud. You can simply incorporate detoxifying foods into your diet, eliminate a few of the toxic ones, and viola! you're cleaner than Mr. Clean. Without going bald.

Kale: Best...green...veggie...ever. So much iron and vitamins. So cleansing. So yummy.

Ginger: Super detoxifying and pungent. Grate it fresh into a mug of hot water, add a tablespoon of raw honey, a slice of lemon to unwind. Not only does it center the mind, but will sooth an overworked tummy and liver (yes, it's Sunday, I'm guessing your liver went to town last night).

Grapefruit: Challenge: try it without that heaping spoonful of brown sugar. I eat it like an orange, but it has taken my buds a bit to get used to it. I suggest adding slices to a salad, into a smoothie, or juicing. If eaten about thirty minutes before a meal, the fruit's acidic properties will stimulate digestion before you eat, helping to break down food faster and more efficiently. It also helps to eat a slice or two after your meal, in order to suppress any tendency to over-stuff-yourself or reach for those sweets too soon after dinner.

Cleansing plans are everywhere, so take your pick. In essence, it's about drinking lots of water, eating fresh fruits and veggies, and steering clear of meat and dairy (which are toxin central, as anything fermented, especially flesh and mucus, would be). In terms of cooking, focus on dry baking, steaming or boiling, as opposed to sauteing or frying. Oil can be carcinogenic under high heat and when detoxifying it's nice to cut back on the calories too.



...A New Take on the Business.

Working for yourself every day can be daunting. All those emails I write and don't hear back from or the seemingly wasted postage I pay for post card mailings. Even going cross eyed after too many breakdown submissions is frustrating. And what's worse than lacking inspiration when that's just what an artist needs to survive? So in taking the idea of "now" and making it also "new", I find changing up patterns in the business of being an artist make it more worthwhile, and actually successful. For example, I decided one day I wouldn't wait longer than thirty minutes past my scheduled audition time if the job was unpaid, an hour if the job was (unless I just really wanted to stay), and that was it! For the first time I walked out without auditioning because I had previous plans with a friend, and surprisingly, I felt fantastic. Although I was afraid I would regret it, the minute I walked out I felt empowered. The key to acting in this town is acting like you're worth it. Cheesy? Maybe. True? Definitely. Try it: make new rules, schedules, or tactics for yourself that breed motivation. Lately, with such a fresh perspective and a bit more confidence, I've never felt more motivated.

Name of the Game (or Blog)

 March 6, 2011

There really ain't no time like the present. I mean, if you actually think about that statement, it's so true. There is no time like the present, also there is no time in the present, really. There's no time to think, judge, control, or screw up. What happens in the present just happens, and then the moment ceases to exist. So I think saying "there's no time like the present" not only means "do it now, or else", but also "there is no moment like this one, so take advantage".

I've usually got this mantra going on a day to day basis when I'm deciding what to do and when to do it.  It usually works. My unmotivated mind gets into gear when I have presence as a reason to take action. It can be simple: putting my laundry in, paying that parking ticket, or hitting the snooze button one less time. Or it can be more complicated: sitting deeper in Utkatasana, confronting a loved one, or harnessing a fearful situation. Big or small, the less time I give myself to "think" about whether or not I should take action only gives me reason more to do so. That's not to say acting on impulse is always the right answer, but as an already-cautious individual, re-thinking and re-evaluating only causes more stress. When instead, I've come to realize my intuition speaks louder than any intellectual reasoning ever will.

So, that's why I named my blog "Just Asana It". "Just do it". "Take Action". "Move from Pose to Pose". "Just GO". And in essence we never know what's coming, how it will evolve, and eventually take shape. So why not listen to your innards (yes, those intestines have plenty to say) and go for what feels right?


Easier said than done, because how is a person supposed to know exactly? Well, never. But making decisions can be more intuitive than we allow ourselves. For example, while it's important to keep the future in mind, any decision to try something new or scary or unknown has to be made based on the immediate circumstances. How else do you know what your options are?

Today's yoga practice was particularly epic: there I was, sweating an ocean of water, lightheaded, and thirsty, yet feeling more and more invincible with each breath. I got into poses unexpectedly and easily; my presence of mind allowed me to take on the challenge with curiosity instead of fear. So whether you are taking a new job, or trying a new workout regime, or simply deciding whether to reach for cookies or apples, tackle that challenge with confidence. If you feel it's right, little else matters.

The First Blog-Asana

Fresh out of college and fresh into life! Yep, that's me. Thrown into the tremulous waters of the adult world...without a clue. With 23 years, a degree in acting, and a '98 civic, I decided to make Los Angeles my gateway into society. One word to describe such a leap: Scary. Daunting. Biggest mistake of my life. Okay, those are a few words, fair enough. Yet the more I realize it, the more I realize this initial reaction to be a falsehood.  In reality, taking the plunge, so to speak, simply meant battling fear, risking failure, and seriously going for what I want. 

...it doesn't get better than that. However, I only just realized this, like, yesterday.

Fact was, I thought I was done being a student. Fact is, I've only just begun my education. The most depressing days and waits outside of a casting room door, the worst of traffic and Teenage Dream yet again on 102.1, and the dwindling bank account all have taught me such an important lesson: Extraneous mishaps and (what I like to call) "clutter" makes little difference in a life that's filled with presence, compassion, and honesty.

Yes, I know, you can read this in a book on display at Starbucks, yes, I know. Just like Oprah's "The Secret" isn't really much of a secret. But it's all true: finding the places where I can find presence, giving gifts of compassion, and being painfully honest with myself have not only helped me survive this new chapter, but has allowed me to come out on top. 

My three remedies: Yoga. Food. Art. 

Seriously. 

I am an avid yoga practitioner at CorePower Yoga (let's hear it for the Sherman Oaks studio!), currently becoming a certified instructor, and part of the first ever marketing team on hand. This place in particular has changed my life. The energy, teachers, and entire CPY community is incredible, accessible, and expanding like wildfire. Moreover, Yoga is absolutely and undeniably healing. From the lovely caloric perspective, a great work out. From the psyche's take on things, a calming and joyous rejuvenation of spirit. My advice: check it out. 

Food. Oh, food food food. I've had so many relationships with this word, let alone the actual good stuff. Do I eat the right things? Should I eat more, less? What's good? What's good for me? What's bad? Why is what's good to taste actually what's bad for my body? What's got the most nutrients, the less amount of fat, the right amount of del-i-ci-ous? Lots of questions. Lots of concern, uncertainty, freak-outs. My answer: veganism, the one and only plant based diet. It's been over ten years, and I am still absolutely amazed at how great I feel. Granted, I started at age 13, but in the last few I've begun understanding all the benefits. With no cholesterol, animal fat, and (I'm being truthful, not facetious) fermenting flesh in my system, I am more alive than ever. Which makes sense, because death comes nowhere near my dinner plate.

Finally, art. The reason I moved to LA. The reason I spent over 33,000 dollars a year in college, the reason why I now pluck guitar strings and sing into my MacBook Pro (and feel like recording a label). There's nothing so transcendent as the artist at work. Well, maybe there is, I haven't found it. If you're an artist, you know what I mean. If you're not, I think you might be in denial. Art is everywhere, probably one of the most human forms of expression we've come to embrace. So however we do wander museums, peruse a novel, write a song, belt a note, speak a line...there is transformation and (no piety intended) enlightenment. 

So here I am, a yoga-bound-health-food-junkie-artsy-fartsy. You'd think I was from Berkeley. Oh, wait. I am. Forgot to mention that. Well, let me redeem myself. I am actually an Oakland native, spent four years in Chicago, love New York (and Sex and the City...aren't they one in the same?), and have lots of high heels. So in the clear, right? 

This blog is meant to inspire, encourage, inform. I'll choose a theme or topic and go into it based on what I've learned. No guru here, I am passionate about spreading good words about the aforementioned three things that have kept me going and going and going.

I'm calling this blog Just Asana It mainly for the meaning behind the word "asana". Having to do with each "pose" in any particular yoga practice, "asana" is the constant change and shift from one landing spot to the next. It's taking action to move forward, yet requires patience to investigate and explore. So whenever there's a question, or a moment of uncertainty, I like to think about "just asana-ing it". Just becoming curious, taking action, and moving forward.

...You could also take the literal translation and "just pose it", which is perfectly fine. I mean, whoever said just striking a pose was a bad idea?

Namaste,

Simone