Happy Spring, yogis!
Just before I started writing this, a small, grey bird was taking a bath in a big puddle outside in the grass. She just splashed and splashed, alternately dunking her front and tail and shaking vigorously between dunks. It was such a pleasure to watch this beautiful being attending to her daily missions, and made me remember how consistently rewarding it is to just stop and observe nature. Even when the world outside appears to be brown and lack-luster, there is always beauty and life to behold if one is patient and aware. Such a good practice for this time of year, especially when signs of spring are not so obvious yet!
A few of you asked about the recipe for the energy balls I brought to the Spring Equinox class, so here it is! I also wanted to share the intention setting exercise we did in class that day, for those of you who missed it. It is a wonderful and powerful practice to do at the beginning of each season, or even the beginning of each month! Please enjoy.
Lastly, Hatha Yoga this Friday, April 12th, in Higgins Lake is cancelled. Please click here to view the current class schedule.
May we all take time this spring to observe and celebrate the small miracles occurring everywhere, out in nature, and in our own hearts and lives!
Much love,
Mariah
Almond Coconut Energy Balls
Ingredients:
1 cup Medjool dates, chopped, pits removed
1/2 cup almond butter
1/2 cup roasted almonds
1/2 cup shredded, unsweetened coconut, plus 2 Tbsp for coating
1 pinch salt
Method:
Combine dates, almond butter, almonds, 1/2 cup coconut, and salt in food processor. Blend until a sticky dough forms. (If dough is too dry, blend in 1 tbsp of water at a time as needed.) Roll dough into tablespoon-sized balls, then roll each ball in the remaining coconut to coat. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate to store!
Intention Setting Exercise
Start with a piece of paper and a pencil or pen. Divide the paper into 2 columns by drawing a line down the center of the page.
- Begin by looking back over the last few months, the last season, or whatever time-frame you are transitioning out of. As you reflect, write down the words, thoughts, and phrases that come to mind on the left hand column of the page. Do not filter your words – be open and honest as you write, and hold nothing back, no matter how dark. Take as long as needed to complete your list of thoughts; you will know you are finished when no more words come to mind.
- Take a moment to reflect on your list. Then, visualize the upcoming season, month, or time-frame of your choice. Imagine the words, thoughts, and phrases you would like to see represent the upcoming time period. In the right hand column, write down the these expressions. They can be uniquely personal to you, or universally applicable. Let yourself really dream here, and don’t worry about sounding silly. Take your time, and let your inner voice speak as you create your list.
- Take a moment to reflect on the list in the right hand column, and take note of the word or phrase you most naturally gravitate towards. Leave your story out of it – don’t choose the word you think you “should” choose. Let yourself be naturally drawn towards one. When you have it, write the word or phrase on a separate piece of paper and place it somewhere you’ll see it every day – tape it to the coffee maker, or put on your bathroom mirror, or bring it with you to yoga and place on your mat during class. Throughout the coming season, make this your living intention, and let it manifest in your everyday life.
