Autumn foods

Just as we change our clothes according to season, we should also change our diets or at least vary our diets according to the season. Now that it's getting colder, it's important to stay well. Eat more ginger. Wai Lana just posted this nice little message on her facebook:

Ginger for Winter Ills
Ginger is well known for its spicy bite in Asian cooking, but not everyone knows it's also an effective remedy for a number of ailments, including colds and flu. Ginger is a stimulant that helps increase agni, the internal fire that regulates the digestive and circulatory systems. Low agni causes blockage and constipation, allowing toxins to accumulate, which creates a breeding ground for disease. Ginger helps by increasing the agni, which, in turn, burns away toxins and waste matter, improves digestion, and paves the way to recovery. Ginger even helps eliminate harmful bacteria and parasites.

Ginger is especially good during cold and flu season. It helps clear the sinuses, relieves congestion headaches, and reduces fever. It's also an expectorant that expels mucus from the lungs and throat. The most effective way to take it for colds and flu is ginger tea. Here's a simple recipe:

2 cups water
¼ cup diced fresh ginger
2 tsp. honey

Boil the water, then add the ginger and simmer for about 20 minutes. Strain into a cup and add 2 teaspoons of honey (or to taste). If you like, you can add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pot to increase the stimulating, heating effect. Let me forewarn you now, though: This tea is fiery! Sip it—don't gulp it down.

Here's some good advice from health too:
Heat up the kitchen

The weather may be cooler, but your produce choices are heating up. These amazing seasonal foods are the perfect excuse to visit your local farmers' market during the day and heat up the kitchen on cool nights.

Apples

Sweet or tart, apples are satisfying eaten raw or baked into a delicious dish. Just be sure to eat the skin—it contains hearty-healthy flavonoids. Health benefits include:

* Full of antioxidants
* 4 grams of dietary fiber per serving

Harvest season: August–November

Of course, one of my favorite ways to heat up the kitchen in this season is to try one of Wai Lana yoga's many soup recipes. They are delightful. :)

H1N1 flu causes unusual damage to lungs: studies

I've been very busy teaching for the past few days. It's been quite nice though. I thought this was a little alarming:

H1N1 flu causes unusual damage to lungs: studies

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The new pandemic H1N1 flu may cause blood clots and other unusual damage in the lungs and doctors need to be on the lookout, U.S. researchers reported on Thursday.

Two studies published in the American Journal of Roentgenology show the need to check X-rays and CT scans for unusual features, and also point out swine flu can be tricky to diagnose in some of the sickest patients.

H1N1 flu is causing a pandemic, and while it is not particularly deadly, it is sickening many younger adults and older children who usually escape the worst effects of seasonal flu.

"It is therefore essential that clinicians be able to recognize possible cases of pandemic H1N1 influenza in high-risk groups so that they order the appropriate diagnostic tests, begin specific antiviral therapy, and prepare to provide intensive supportive measures as needed," Dr. Daniel Mollura of the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center in Maryland and colleagues wrote.

One middle-aged man who died was not diagnosed until after death, but unusual findings on his X-rays may be able to help doctors save other, similar patients.

Mollura's team found irregularities called ground-glass opacities in the patient's lungs using a CT scan. Although the patient was severely ill and had a fever, he tested negative for flu and doctors did not treat him for it.

The man died five days after he went into the hospital and the autopsy confirmed he had swine flu. The lung lesions seen on his CT scan matched lung damage done by the virus, Mollura and colleagues said.

In another study in the same journal, CT scans of patients with severe cases of swine flu showed many had pulmonary emboli, which block the arteries in the lungs, a team at the University of Michigan found.

Anticoagulant drugs can break up these clots and save lives.

Dr. Prachi Agarwal and colleagues examined 66 patients diagnosed with H1N1, 14 of them who were in the intensive care unit. All 66 got standard X-rays, which can show if a patient has pneumonia.

They performed enhanced X-rays known as computed tomography or CT scans on 15 of the patients, 10 of them who were in the ICU on ventilators to help them breathe. Five of the ICU patients had the blood clots in the lungs, Agarwal reported

"Our study suggests that patients who are severely ill with H1N1 are also at risk for developing pulmonary emboli, which should be carefully sought for on contrast-enhanced CT scans," Agarwal said in a statement.

"The majority of patients undergoing chest X-rays with H1N1 have normal radiographs (X-rays)," she added. Pulmonary emboli are also not normally seen in flu, she said.

"CT scans proved valuable in identifying those patients at risk of developing more serious complications as a possible result of the H1N1 virus, and for identifying a greater extent of disease than is appreciated on chest radiographs."

(Reporting by Maggie Fox; Editing by Julie Steenhuysen and Cynthia Ostemran)

Now that winter is here, already! :( - I am keeping myself well doing Wai Lana Yoga and taking Wailana's natural supplements. Of course we're also washing our hands often and trying to keep as well as possible.

:) Happy warmth and wellness to everyone!

I (Heart) Coffee

I was reading through the usual websites I go through in the morning today and MSN was saying something about coffee alternatives. I was having my favorite cup of coffee, all the while of course, but there's always that nagging thing in my head that I should just stop taking so much coffee already.

Coffee has been such a huge part of my life though. I've got several great memories in coffee shops. Starbucks, Wailana coffee grounds, Coffee from Heaven, and so many other places. Ironically, I like Wailana coffee just about as much as I love Wailana yoga! :)

Happy drinking.

Attention: Vegetarians

Healthy alternatives

The vegetarian diet can be difficult to adapt to, but there are so many good benefits it has on your body and the environment is well worth your attempts. In this article, we hope to fill you in on on topics regarding vegetarianism that you may not be familiar with in order to increase your knowledge of how a vegetarian diet is helpful.

Balanced diet

Be aware of what you are eating and your needs. Iron is an important mineral that is often found in meat, and so in order to meet their body’s needs, vegetarians can eat dried beans, green leafy vegetables and dried fruits. Female vegetarians in particular need to regulate their levels of iron because much of the body’s iron supply is depleted during menstruation. A lack of iron can be a risk for an iron deficiency or anemia. However, do not worry too much. If you’re unsure on how much iron you should be getting in order to be in good health, you should speak to a dietitian who can help you to identify exactly how much you need. Wai Lana Natural Supplementsis a great source of nutritional information and of of natural supplements of all sorts.

Simple truths about vegetarianism
- While most vegetarians do their best to avoid eating any meat or animal products whatsoever, it is important to note that even simply reducing the quantity of meat and dairy products that you eat can be a significant towards keeping better health. Scientific studies show vegetarians have lower risk for developing heart disease, high blood pressure, and obesity. Isn't that amazing? Even just be making simple dietary changes can be for one’s health, and decreasing meat consumption can offer similar effects albeit to a lesser degree.

Misconceptions
- Some people believe that just by not eating meat, they can maintain proper health. However, it is important to realize that there is plenty of fat that can enter your diet through processed or fried foods. Also, nuts are very high in both protein and fat, so one is encouraged to watch their intakes in order to ensure that they take in only a small amount of fat.

The king of vitamins
- Of all of the vitamins that are deemed important to the body by health experts, only one vitamin can not be found in a vegetarian diet – vitamin B12. Luckily, individuals who are worried about their bodies getting all of the nutrition that they need can take supplements in order to fulfill their daily requirement of B12. Other vitamins can be found in fruits, vegetables, and grains in abundance. Wai Lana Easy Yoga's natural supplements are a great source for natural supplements and other all-natural foods.

Add variety in your diet
- Having vegetarian friends who cook well can be one of the most important things you can have that will help you to stick to your diet. Wailana has some delightful cook books and a huge range of vegetarian recipes and meat-substitution techniques that you will find useful. She also offers tips like be sure to stock your house with all types of vegetarian food and snacks that you and your family love. You may even want to get a ‘car kit’ together full of vegetarian snacks so that you can ensure you’ll have something to eat if you end up stuck somewhere where you cannot find any vegetarian food.

Be Inspired by Wai Lana

Hi everyone, :) I have been starting on project after another,- and so life has definitely been very hectic for me. I've been helping my sister move house and all that so I've hardly been home.

I found Wai Lana's weekly message- "Inside Out Yoga" to be very insightful. Wai Lana was talking about how it's not necessary to try to force your body into what you may think is the "ideal" yoga posture. Wai Lana also mentioned that it's necessary to note and be aware of your body's limitations and strengths and to work on those as needed. She also reiterates that through regular and conscientious practice, you will advance quickly.

This is just one of the many reasons I love practicing Wai Lana Yoga. I know I am safe with her. It's great to know that I don't have to make believe I'm good and force my body into postures I know I can't do.

Shopping at Wai Lana's...

My internet has been down and out hence I haven't been able to update my poor blog.

I am, however, very excited about all of Wai Lana's new products. I found this website that has coupons and etc for Wai Lana products, which I am very happy and grateful to find because I've been doing a lot of shopping on her stuff again.

Did I mention how good these yogi bars of Wai Lana look? I've been a long time fan of Lara bars, and I'm sure these are awesome too.

Getting well naturally

Sometimes it's just impossible to avoid getting sick. I've been suffering from an upper respiratory track infection and harboring a fever for the past two days. Thankfully it can't be transmitted online! I have gone to the doctor and no, it's not swine flu. Anyhow, I've been taking Wai Lana's supplements- goji berries, noni juice, and etc to get me well fast. My package came timely. I've just been taking a lot of fluids and fruits as well, and broths.

Stretch Before Action

Stretch Before Action

There’s one thing you need to be careful of when you exercise, whether you practice aerobics, gymnastics, weightlifting, or a particular sport. And my friend, a martial arts expert, is no exception. She loves to practice Tae Kwon Do’s high kicks. Sometimes she’s lucky; she kicks high, it feels good, and it looks great. Trouble is, she’s so enthusiastic that she often hurts herself because she kicks higher than she can stretch. She throws her leg up, using the leg’s momentum to get it as high as possible. But the body has a built-in protection mechanism, a reflex action that contracts the muscle so you don’t stretch it too far and cause injury. If you throw your body into a dangerous position hard enough, though, your body can’t protect you.

I’ve finally convinced her not to kick higher than she can stretch. She’s determined to keep those high kicks, though, so she’s gradually extending her reach by doing yoga stretches every day. Since she’s been stretching more, she can kick higher with more control, which is better for her form. What’s more, she hasn’t hurt herself.

Whatever your sport, flexibility is a big plus, and yoga asanas are the best way to gain that flexibility. The poses are gentle because you do them slowly and with awareness; they are effective because you hold them right at your limit, breathing and releasing, gradually increasing your boundaries. So do some yoga stretches each day. And be sure to warm up and stretch thoroughly before practicing your sport. You’ll feel more confident, your performance will improve, and you’ll be far less likely to injure yourself.

Herbs That Halt Headaches

Herbs That Halt Headaches

When your head hurts, a pain pill is an easy way to silence the throbbing. But did you know there are herbs that may help, too?

James A. Duke, PhD, author of The Green Pharmacy, offers five options for you to consider.

* Feverfew and ginger: Research suggests that regularly taking feverfew reduces migraine frequency, while ginger may soothe symptoms.
* Willow: The herb contains salicin, an aspirin-like substance. White willow (S. alba) is rather low in this pain-relieving stuff, so if you want more headache relief per cup of tea, look for species that are more potent, like S. daphnoides or S. fragilis. (Find out why aspirin is also a "brain pill.")
* Red pepper: Studies show that its heat-giving ingredient, capsaicin, may help prevent cluster headaches. (Here’s why you should add the food to an egg-white omelet.)
* Thyme: Thyme can be used in a compress to ease achy muscles in the neck, shoulders, and back that contribute to tension headaches. You can also drink thyme tea. (Check out how this herb can healthy-up a salad, too.)

Ask Your Doc
Remember, just like pharmaceutical drugs, herbs can cause side effects or interact with medications. So before running out to the health-food store, clear your plans with your doctor, and ask about the appropriate dose. Take this quick mini assessment to learn about other uses for herbs.
Source

Celebrate Mother Earth!

As Wai Lana says, it is very important to remember Mother Earth and all of Her wonderful and endless gifts to us. We can't just remember Her and thank Her once a year i.e. on Earth Day, but we should do something for Her on a daily basis.

We use beauty products of all sorts, and we're always cooking up something in our kitchens. Wai Lana has provided Earth-friendly ways of bathing, cooking delicious food, and staying healthy. Go Natural, Go Wai Lana!

Coming Soon! Eco Exercise Ball Kit Stretch, strengthen, and sculpt your entire body with our new planet- and health-friendly Eco Exercise Ball Kit. Yo

Coming Soon!
Eco Exercise Ball Kit
Stretch, strengthen, and sculpt your entire body with our new planet- and health-friendly Eco Exercise Ball Kit.
You’ll …

* Firm and tone your body
* Define your abs and waistline
* Release pent-up stress and tension
* Improve balance, flexibility, and coordination
* Look great and feel great with an effective, whole-body stretch and workout

Kit Contains:

* Phthalate-free, anti-burst exercise ball
* Beautiful instructional exercise poster
* Foot pump for quick, easy ball inflation

Choose the ball that’s right for you:
Height Ball Size Color
5’0” to 5’5” S 22”/55cm Blue
5’6” to 5’11” M 26”/65cm Green
6’0” to 6’3” L 30”/75cm Green

Gem of Wisdom

Wai Lana's Daily gem of wisdom:

I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something I can do.
Edward Everett Hal

Knowing when to go to the hospital

But is it really an emergency? When to take a child to the ER
Naomi Zikmund-Fisher says her son's life was saved by her maternal instincts -- and her son's flat ears.
Jesse's mastoiditis was discovered after his mother noticed that something was not right with his ear.

Jesse's mastoiditis was discovered after his mother noticed that something was not right with his ear.

One Friday night in May, Zikmund-Fisher looked across the dinner table at 3-year-old Jesse and noticed that his right ear, which usually lies close to his head, was sticking out. She went over to check it out and found a big red lump behind the ear.

She e-mailed her pediatrician, who said that it was probably just a mosquito bite and that as long as Jesse otherwise felt fine, not to worry about it.

Jesse did otherwise feel fine, but something set off Zikmund-Fisher's "mommy meter." So the next day, even though nothing had changed, she called the pediatrician's office and spoke to the nurse.

"She told me, 'If you're worried about it, take him to urgent care,' " Zikmund-Fisher remembered.

Her husband took Jesse to the emergency room, and doctors determined that he had a classic case of mastoiditis: an infection of the mastoid bone, just behind the ear. If not treated with antibiotics, mastoiditis can be deadly.

Now Zikmund-Fisher tells other parents to trust their instincts and act, even when a pediatrician tells them not to worry.

"It just didn't seem right to me," she said. "It just seemed like, if this was a mosquito bite, it would have gone away, and this wasn't going away." Listen to how other parents used their instincts to save their children »
Don't Miss

* Natasha's lesson helps save Ohio girl
* In Depth: Empowered Patient

Dr. Assaad Sayah, chief of emergency medicine for the Cambridge Health Alliance in Massachusetts, agrees that parents should use their instincts when deciding whether their child needs quick medical attention.

"'When in doubt, bring them in' should be your first line of defense," he said. "If they don't look right to you, call your pediatrician, or take them to the emergency department, and if they look very sick, call 911." Video Watch for more tips on when to go to the ER »

Although relying on instinct is a good guideline, there are also some cut-and-dry situations when a parent really should to take a child to the ER. Here are five examples.

1. Neck stiffness or rash with fever

According to the American College of Emergency Physicians, these symptoms could constitute an emergency because they might mean meningitis.

2. Fever in a newborn

Any child 3 months old or younger who has a temperature over 100.4 F needs to be seen by a doctor, says Dr. Jennifer Shu, spokeswoman for the American Academy of Pediatrics. The fever can be a sign of infection or meningitis.

3. Head injury with loss of consciousness, confusion, headache or vomiting

This is another red flag that your child needs emergency attention, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Health Library

* MayoClinic.com: Meningitis
* MayoClinic.com: Burns

4. Burns

A burn should receive emergency care if it's larger than your child's palm, if it's deep or discolored, or if it was caused by a chemical, says Dr. David Beiser, who works in the emergency room at the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital. Burns on the hands, genitals and face are of particular concern, he says. Here's a quick primer on burns

5. Severe abdominal pain

Although many stomach aches are minor, others merit urgent attention. There are several signs to look for, including a swollen abdomen that's tender to the touch or blood in the stool, according to guidelines from Parenting.com and Dartmouth Medical School. Severe pain in the lower right side of the abdomen could be a sign of appendicitis.
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After two shots of antibiotics, Jesse Zikmund-Fisher was back to his usual happy and active 3-year-old self. Even though it's been nearly a year since Jesse's visit to the ER, the lessons his mother learned are still fresh.

"If you are not satisfied with the answer you get, you need to push for the right answer," she said.

CNN Health

Spring Back from Allergies with Yoga

Spring Back from Allergies with Yoga

Anna Montage, Health and Wellness Editor

While spring is a great time to enjoy the outdoors and shake off the chill of winter, for many of us the beautiful blossoming of spring flowers and trees means—ugh!—allergies. If you find yourself sneezing and sniffling each spring, why not try to find relief from your allergies this year through the ancient principles of yoga?


1. Practice Yoga Regularly

According to the ancient science of Ayurveda, allergies are aggravated by the build-up of excess toxins (ama) in the body. By gently massaging, stretching, and stimulating the internal organs, yoga asanas effectively help eliminate unwanted wastes and toxins. Yoga postures also improve digestion, enabling you to absorb full nutrition from your food, which in turn creates less waste. Best of all, yoga helps naturally increase your desire for the delicious, vibrant foods that both cleanse and nourish your body.

Yoga asanas also help balance and tone the nervous system, promoting a wonderful relaxation effect in the body, including:

* Lowered blood pressure
* Slower pulse
* Deep, even breathing
* Reduction of stress hormones
* Increase in “feel good” endorphins

We know that stress drains and weakens the immune system, while practicing yoga asanas has the opposite effect. Yoga builds and strengthens your immune system, making your body less likely to react to everyday allergens.

You can practice yoga with Wai Lana by watching her TV show, if it’s on in your area, or by purchasing her yoga videos and DVDs.


2. Try a Yoga Diet

While yogis have known for centuries that a wholesome plant-based diet is ideal for mental, physical, and spiritual health, it’s interesting to know that modern scientists recently discovered that this same diet is also helpful for reducing allergy symptoms. They found that a vegetarian diet naturally decreases the level of histamines in the body. Histamines are the chemicals responsible for the miseries of allergies—sniffling, sneezing, etc.

Whole grains, legumes, fresh fruits and vegetables, and a moderate amount of dairy products form the basis of a healthy yoga diet. Light and refreshing soups, salads, fresh juices, and other light and healthy fare help to invigorate your body and improve digestion at this time of year. For recipe ideas, check out Wai Lana’s website or try Wai Lana’s Juice Book, which is full of delicious and refreshing juice and smoothie recipes.


3. Use Warming, Balancing Spices

Spices such as cumin, turmeric, coriander, and fennel help counter the damp coolness of the spring season. Ginger is the classic warming spice for improving digestion and burning up toxins, as well as reducing inflammation. Try some warm ginger tea with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Even hot water or herbal tea with lemon will have a nice balancing, warming effect on your body.

Turmeric is also very helpful for reducing the inflammation associated with allergies—a medicinal daily dose can really help. You can buy turmeric already in Vegicaps in the health food store, or if you don’t mind the taste too much, try taking a teaspoon daily with a big gulp of water. It can also make your cooking both flavorful and colorful—add some to a pot of rice or to veggies stir-fried with cumin seeds.


4. Get Plenty of Rest and Relaxation

Rest and relaxation are necessary to maintain health and balance. Getting enough sleep is essential for the health of your immune system. Take time to slow down and get into the activities you enjoy. It’s the perfect time of year to be outdoors, whether for nature hikes, bike rides, gardening, or whatever takes your fancy. We all need to give our bodies and minds time to recuperate from the hustle and bustle of daily responsibilities.


5. Practice Neti

The ancient yoga technique of neti, or sinus irrigation, is a proven method for reducing allergy symptoms. The concept is simple—by rinsing your sinuses with a mild saline solution once or twice a day, you remove allergens and congestion, greatly alleviating allergy symptoms.

Neti involves using a special neti pot filled with warm, slightly salted water. The nose cone is inserted into one nostril and the position of the head and pot is adjusted to allow the water to flow out of the other nostril. While the water flows through your nasal passages you breathe through your mouth. After half a pot has flowed in one direction, the water flow is reversed. When the water in the pot is finished, the nose must be properly dried.

Another simple yoga technique for reducing allergy symptoms is nasya—rubbing the inside of your nose with oil. To do nasya, first wash your hands thoroughly, then clean the inside of your nose. Use a clean, short-nailed finger to rub oil on the inside of your nostrils. The best kind of oil is raw sesame oil or pure sunflower oil. Olive oil can be used as well. The oil catches dust, pollen, and other allergens before they have the chance to irritate your respiratory tract.


Spring Yoga Pose

Easy Fish – This simple asana opens the chest (making breathing easier) and stimulates the thymus, helping to strengthen and balance your immune system.
Try the Easy Fish asana along with Wai Lana.


Wai Lana's Newsletter

The Eco Yoga Mat- for Kids!

Well it's out! it's on sale now too. :)

New! Wai Lana's
Little Yogis™ Eco Mat

A fun, kid-sized yoga mat that’s healthier for the planet and for your little ones

* Free from phthalates, phenols, dioxins, and furans
* Cute cartoon print of Wai Lana and her Little Yogi friends
* Sticky, nonslip surface helps kids keep their footing
* Smaller, kid-sized mat to personalize their practice
* Lightweight, durable, washable and latex-free (tested by an independent laboratory)
* Measures 1/8"H x 24"W x 60"L

Yoga is a safe, challenging, and healthy activity for children, and it’s fun too! Yoga helps children develop strength, balance, flexibility, and concentration and encourages a more focused, peaceful approach to life. Your children will thank you for introducing them to yoga.

The Little Yogis Eco Mat is designed to provide children with a safe, stable foundation for building a yoga practice that will start them on a lifelong path of health and well-being.

This mat is free from phthalates, phenols, dioxins, and furans, making it safer for the planet and for the health of your children.

Release Anger Through Yoga

Release Anger Through Yoga
Anger can be very destructive. It can cause physical and mental problems and can even destroy our personal relationships. But you don't have to let it.

You can learn to release your anger through yoga. Breathing exercises are particularly good for calming down immediately. Just take as many slow, deep breaths as you need to. Yoga sound meditation combined with breathing is even more effective, as the sounds themselves are calming. Yoga asanas also help release tension in both body and mind. So before you blow off steam and hurt yourself or someone else, release your anger with some yoga.

I need this totally right now. I'm going through a bad case of PMS!

Do You Really Need Your Morning Coffee?

Some shocking 20 billion cups of coffee are consumed daily. It's addicting, no doubt, but do we really need it?

Do You Really Need Your Morning Coffee?

Do you drag yourself out of bed in the morning and shuffle to the kitchen half asleep to put the coffee on, knowing that you’ll be useless until after your first few gulps? There’s no question that coffee wakes you up. It’s a stimulant. But have you also noticed how it lets you down after a couple of hours?

How would you like to wake up quickly and sustain your energy level throughout the day without coffee? It’s not as hard as it seems. You feel drowsy in the morning because of low oxygen levels in the blood and because circulation is slow. So just go outside and do a few simple asanas with deep breathing. The oxygen from the fresh air will wake up and energize your body. The increased circulation will leave you feeling bright and alert. And your heart won’t suffer the negative effects of the coffee.

So instead of shuffling to the kitchen, shuffle out to your balcony, porch, or backyard and do some yoga. Even your living room will do, but open the window! You’ll wake up quickly, but steadily. When you’re done, your body will be ready for the day ahead, but you won’t face that mid-morning slump. And if you get tired again in the afternoon, just go outside, stretch, and breathe deeply for a few minutes. It works wonders!

Wai Lana's Weekly Message

Here are some beautiful pictures to look at:

Wai lana's Gem of Wisdom

I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something I can do.
Edward Everett Hale

Source

This week's gem of wisdom

Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself.
Chinese proverb

From Wai Lana's meditation station

Three-Stage Perseverance

Three-Stage Perseverance

Some yoga poses are easy for us; we like doing them and practice them regularly. Sometimes, however, we try a new pose that stretches muscles we don't often use or requires us to muster up strength. That's when our resistance kicks in.

Let's say you learned a new pose yesterday that was quite hard for you. When it comes time to do it today, you're reluctant. You know how stiff you were in that pose, how little movement you got, and it felt uncomfortable. So you're inclined to skip that one. But those are just the poses your body needs.

If you persevere, you'll go through different stages as you work with the pose. The first stage of reluctance usually lasts about a month. But as your body loosens up, you'll move into the second stage. The pose becomes tolerable and your body and mind no longer resist so much. This stage may last another six weeks or so, getting better and better. Finally, you'll get to stage three; the pose will be quite pleasant and enjoyable. At that point, when the pose becomes easy for you, it's time to find another pose that you're reluctant to do.

Wai lana's weekly message