The Posture of a Princess

We all tuned in to watch the pomp and circumstance of the royal fairy tale wedding of Kate Middleton and Prince William last Friday. Waiting on baited breath to see what dress the new Princess would wear as like a butterfly she went in as a commoner an emerged as the Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge.

I thought the dress was exquisite but more so was amazed at Kate's elegant, statuesque posture. She was so regal and dainty as she placed her slender hand on top of her fathers and eventually her princes. Her shoulders were gently broad across her chest and softly back exposing a beautiful, yet graceful openness. Her carriage was like that of a lithe dancers as she elegantly maneuvered from father to husband, commoner to princess. From my view she was already regal entering the chapel. She carried herself with such grace, command, elegance, femininity and beauty.

Her posture and elegance to me is what made the dress such a beauty. We may not all get to be princesses but we can command the attention of one. The gentle elegance of an open lifted chest with the shoulders gently gliding down one's back will give you the elegance and grace of royalty.

• Tune into your posture next time before a hot date or big meeting. 
• Take a moment to breath fully into your lungs and open your heart, chest, and collarbones outwards and upwards. 
• Roll your shoulders back and down in circular motions a few times. 

Allow this opening and lightness carry you with confidence, grace and elegance as your subjects bow down to your every will.

Rebirth

Here comes the sun.

Living in Chicago the gray, cold weather can definitely get the best of you. Seasonal depression seems to inhabit most Midwesterners mind frame. The appearance of the sun immediately changes my outlook on my day and life in general, especially in the spring. Throw a sunny, 55 degree or above day at us and people are out strolling the streets in abundance, playing at the park, sitting outside to eat, and generally smiley, happy people.

Nature goes through rebirth with the spring rain allowing fresh flowers to bloom and grow, why shouldn't we do the same?

Spring is the perfect time to clean up our health and give ourselves a much needed rebirth and reemergence. As new fruits and vegetables come into season its time to take stock of our pantries and add some fresh seasonal favorites. Find a new recipe that bursts with spring flavors. Add some citrus, berries, or grapes to your favorite salad.

As the days start to get longer our circadian rhythms begin to change as well. Making it easier to get up earlier in the morning and enjoy the afternoon and early evening a little more. Make the best of the additional daylight. Find an early morning yoga class or outdoor boot camp class. Invigorate your day by starting with movement. Get up a little earlier than your normal routine and find a nice meditation spot to sit and breathe.

Like the spring blossoms give yourself the much needed fertilizer to energize your mind, body, and spirit into rebirth.

Matthew Sanford's Waking: A Memoir of Trauma & Transcendence

Would you know from looking at this picture of Matthew Sanford practicing yoga that he is disabled?

Matthew is paralized from T4 downward due to a tragic car accident that occurred when he was just 13 years old. Yet not only does he go on to practice yoga but actually is a yoga teacher. 

In his book Waking: A Memoir of Trauma and Transcendence, Matthew Sanford describes the tragic event that changed the course of his life forever. He speaks of the numerous and painful surgeries that he endured and how his mind-body connection not only helped him through but opened him up to his new physical body.

"The splendor and subtlety of living is most apparent in the conscious prescence of the silence"

He describes his journey through yoga as "backwards". Most westerners move through the asanas or poses to get to silence, Matthew's silence allowed his mind to guide him into the poses which his body could not feel.

" alignment and precision increase mind-body integration regardless of paralysis. The mind is not strictly confined to a neurophysiological connection with the body. If I listen inwardly to my whole experience (both my mind's and my body's), my mind can feel into my legs".

Even though Matthew may not be able to physically do every pose it does not hinder him from teaching to students of all levels.

"I can "feel" the pose, feel how the physical instructions are intended to amplify, guide, and direct the flow of energy. When I teach, I give instructions and then I observe not just whether the physical actions are occuring, but also whether the intended energetic release is happening through the student's mind-body relationship. If the energy of the pose is not flowing correctly, I can often adjust the student and enhance his or her experience."

"...follow the energetic flow of a pose which allows me to see and feel the corresponding physical movements. This helps me to feel the heart of yoga despite my limited access to its physical movements. I can feel the pose's inner workings, its focus."

These two quotes above to me are the mark of an amazing teacher. I find that I utilize the mind-body connection of assuming my student's action in my own body to visualize and sense what is going on in their body and then make changes accordingly. It really matters very little when teaching what or how a pose or exercise looks or occurs in my own body.

I truly found his book and story inspirational. It is a story not only about movement, but about your outlook on life, the stories we tell ourselves to get through trauma, the amazing power of our minds and thoughts, and moving through life without limits.

To quote Matthew W. Sanford:

"Is yoga going to make all of my hardship go away? Of course not- my life is going to be hard. But without these difficulties, I would not be who I am."

Give 'em a second chance.

I've been seeing Brussels Sprouts all over menus recently. I am surprised and elated that they seem to be making a comeback. As a child, like most people, I thought I disliked brussels sprouts. Now I realize that they were probably just overcooked or not cooked properly. I adore brussels sprouts now and am so happy to see these tiny buds frequenting menus.

Brussels sprouts fall into the cruciferous category of vegetables. They are known to be cancer fighters, extremely high in Vitamins C and K, and an excellent source of fiber for the digestive system.

According to Whole Foods:

"It is very important not to overcook Brussels sprouts. Not only do they lose their nutritional value and taste but they will begin to emit the unpleasant sulfur smell associated with overcooked cruciferous vegetables. To help Brussels sprouts cook more quickly and evenly cut each sprout into quarters. Let them sit for at least 5 minutes to bring out the health-promoting qualities and then steam them for 5 minutes."

So next time your out eating or cooking give the brussels sprouts another chance. You may be pleasantly surprised to discover that you too like brussel sprouts.

Going Green

The Chicago River dyed Green in honor of St. Patty's day.

St. Patrick's Day doesn't have to mean drinking green beer, wearing your green Mardi Gras hat and acting like a leprechaun. I'm using it as a metaphor for following a plant based diet. Going green diet wise is better for you and the environment. Here are a few of some of my favorite "green" things in Chicago.

Chicago's North and Clybourn's Whole Foods is one of the biggest in the world. While there are many Vegan and Vegetarian items available to bring home to cook there also is an extensive selection of pre-made Vegan items. Some of my favorites are the Vegan Pizza (made with Daiya cheese and Seitan crumbles), Vegan Sonoma Chicken Salad (made with Gardein, Veganiase, red grapes, celery, and walnuts), and the Dijon Porcini Cutlets.

Eating out as a Vegan can be tough. Thankfully Chicago has many fabulous Vegetarian and even Vegan friendly options. Some of my favorites:

The Green Zebra

Looking for a fine dining restaurant with fabulous atmosphere and Vegetarian/Vegan food. Green Zebra has long been one of my favorites to bring friends in from out of town or to celebrate a special occasion. Their menu changes seasonally to provide local and organically grown dishes. I like to go with a group and order several dishes to share so I can taste a little bit of everything. I have yet to find a dish that I didn't like. Allow they are not Vegan they will make eliminations and substitutions where they can. Located in heart of Wicker Park at 1460 W. Chicago Ave. A hidden gem in an ever changing neighborhood.

Karyn's on Green

The latest addition of Karyn Calabrese to her restaurant family. Karyn's on Green is a Vegan's dream menu. Everything on the menu is animal free. As well as a menu that delineates gluten and soy free items. Her entrees don't sound like what you would expect to find on a Vegan menu. "Chicken Legs", "Shepherds Pie", and "Crab Cakes", but rest assured no animals were harmed in creating these delicious eats. Your non-Vegan friends won't even know what's missing. A definite must eat for Vegans in Chicago. And don't forget to order some side dishes to share, the brussel sprouts are to die for. Located at the edge of Greektown near Harpo Studios at 130 South Green.

CD Smores Cake

Chicago Diner
Every Vegan/Vegetarian knows about Chicago Diner. "Meat free since 1983". Chicago Diner serves everyday Vegan food. They are known for their creative transference of your favorite everyday foods in tasteful vegan creations. Items like "Meat" loaf, Country fried "Steak", Gyros, Philly "Steak", The Radical Reuben and their trademark C-Zar dressing on their Chickn c-zar salad and sandwich. The perfect place for any meal. All the comfort foods a Vegan could crave. Don't forget to check out the dessert menu. The Chicago Diner is known for their deserts and even supply them to Whole foods to sell in their bakery. Decadence and cruelty free. The carrot cake is on the top of my list anytime. Located at 3411 N. Halsted in the heart of Lakeview.

Ste. Martaen: Vegan Food Truck
This truck roams Chicago's neighborhoods for lunch and dinner. St. Martaen publishes their stops on Facebook and Twitter. You can tweet, call or text the driver to request a stop in your neighborhood. Menus change daily and they update you as they run out of certain items. Next time you feel like fast food or ordering in try Ste. Martaen for your Vegan needs.

Go Green and Meat Free Chicago!