Lila East End Yoga, Portland, Maine

As the holiday season is among us, there could not be a better time to share with you all a delicious and healthy treat to enjoy with family and friends. 

If you were lucky enough to join us for Carol Morrison's 3 part Ayurveda Series: Living a Life of Balance, you would know just how good the recipe I am about to unveil is to your tastebuds, body, and mind.  Goodbye packaged energy bars and hello to a fresh, simple, delicious, and nutrient rich alternative - Ojas Balls. 

Ojas Balls

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup *dried figs
• 1/2 cup *dates
• 1/2 cup *dried apricots
• 1/2 cup *pumpkin seeds, lightly toasted in a dry skillet
• 1/2 cup *sunflower seeds
• 1 tsp. ground cardamom
• pinch mineral salt
• 5 drops peppermint or sweet orange essential oil
• 1/8-1/4 cup extra virgin, cold-pressed olive or coconut oil or nut oil
• 1/3 cup whole white sesame seeds, ground flax seeds, or unsweetened, shredded dried coconut to coast the finished balls (optional)

To further empower the balls you can also add:

• exchange raisins, goji berries, cranberries, or other dried fruits for the ones suggested above
• substitute ground cashews or soaked, peeled and ground almonds for the seeds
• add ground flax or hemp seeds to the list of ingredients for additional fiber
• transform the balls into a healthy truffle by adding coasely ground cacao nibs, raw cocoa or carob powder
• add 2 T spirulina powder for an additional nutritional punch

*From a holistic nutrituion point of view, it is best to purchase nuts and seeds in their raw form (unsalted and unroasted) and dried fruits that are sulfur and preservative-free. 

Pit the dates and chop them finely.  Do the same with the apricots and figs.  Soak all of the dried fruits in a bowl of warm to hot water while you prepare the other ingredients.  Lightly toast the pumpkin seeds in a skillet without oil.  This helps to remove any tracles of E-coli on their skins.  Remove from skillet and transfer to a bowl.  Allow to cool.  Meanwhile, spearately grind the sunflower seeds and the sesame seeds into a coarse powder, reserving each of the ground seeds in a medium-sized mixing bowl (note on grinding - a coffee grinder or small food processor will work).  Grind the pumpkin seeds once they have cooled.  Add the cardamon and salt to the seeds and combine well.  If you are adding carob, cocao, and/or spirulina powder mix this in as well.   

Drain the dried fruits, reserving the soaking water for another use (such as drinking it on an empty stomach).  Add the soaked dried fruit and the optional essential oil to the ground seed mixture.  Incorporate the ingredients using the back of a fork to obtain a very coarse mixture.  Now add enough oil to obtain a thick, paste-like dough. 

Using a teaspoon, scoop up a spoonful of the mixture and roll into a walnut-sized ball in teh palms of your hands.  If the balls do not easily stick together, add a bit more oil. If too wet, grind more sesame or sunflower seeds to thicken the mixture.  For a nutritive, decorative touch, rolls the balls in the whole sesame seeds, ground falx seeds or shredded coconut.  This also prevents the balls from being sticky on the outside. 

If you don't have time to roll the balls, opt to make bars pressing the mixture into a lightly oiled, glass 9x9" baking dish.  Cut and enjoy as needed.  Store in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator. 

Enjoy!!

Keller Kai Huston was eager to make his entrance into the world!  He arrived early a.m. on Memorial Day, May 30, 2011.  Weighing 6 lbs and measuring 19.5 inches.  Let the lessons of life begin from this new master teacher.   Mama, papa, and baby are all healthy and happy.  Many thanks to all those who have sent well wishes and showered us with love and gifts. 

Check it out!  Lila is lululemon's studio of the month.  Swing by their storefront in the old port, check out their great yoga and running gear, and get yourself a free pass to Lila!!  What a deal!  All month long lululemon invites you to join all of us at Lila East End Yoga for complimentary yoga classes.  There will be two classes offered every Saturday and you will have your choice of either: an 8:00-9:00 AM Expanding class or a 9:30-10:30 AM Foundations class with Genell.  Simply go to the showroom prior to the class (sometime before Saturday) to pick up your class pass!

Below is an interview I had with lulu. 

Who are you and how did you find yourself here in Portland with Lila East End Yoga?

I am passionate for the change of seasons, feeling the sun on my face and for connecting with people in meaningful ways.  I love kale, ripe mangos in tropical places, and smelling the salty air near the rocky coast.  I love moving, playing hard, and seeing others smile. And, most recently, I am a soon to be momma.

I first moved to Portland from Mount Desert Island for a job focused on youth development.  Within weeks of moving to Portland, I was led to The Yoga Exchange on Exchange Street.  I kept up with youth development work for over 5 years, eventually moving on to start the very first all girls wilderness camp for The Chewonki Foundation.  All along, yoga remained a staple in my life, and The Yoga Exchange a refuge.  It was just last year that I began having conversations with the owner of The Yoga Exchange and learned of her move and want to pass on the torch.  With much gratitude for the offering, I took the leap of faith and make a big transition to a become studio owner.   

The practice of yoga has been inspiring my life for over a decade through movement, intention, focus, awareness, reflection, and bliss.  I was naturally drawn to Anusara Yoga, a heart centered practice that offers a playful, uplifting, and alignment focused asana.  I’ve studied with awe inspiring Anusara certified teachers Desiree Rumbaugh, Mitchel Bleier, Sienna Sherman, Marc St. Pierre, Noah Mazé, Sue Elkind, and founder John Friend.

In 2006 I completed a 200 hour registered Yoga Alliance Teacher Training course at Saraswati’s Yoga Joint, in Norwalk, Connecticut, organized and led by internationally known teacher, Mitchel Bleier, and studio owners Donna Jackson and Tracy Bleier.  This training resonated with my teaching philosophy, embracing the idea that we learn best when we understand the reason why.  The training focused on giving teachers the skills to think, act, and respond to what is being presented in front of them, teaching in a way that honors the students needs in the room.  To do this, teachers are asked to be accountable, aware of alignment, and really understand the foundations and actions of each asana.  Through this delicate and detailed understanding, I was able to watch my own practice, and those around me, grow to new levels.

Yoga has provided a platform to futher explore my relationship with myself, my community, and the natural world around.  I believe in the practice involving and evolving into more than just asanas (physical postures).  The keen awareness, appreciation, joy, and respect that is cultivated through the poses and meditation is carried with me off my mat.  Whether it is exploring the wilderness, surfing on the coast, biking on a brilliant sunny day, or planting in my garden, I see the beauty in the natural gifts that surround us and embrace life with zeal.  I am thrilled to be able to continue to offer the Portland community a space to practice and collectively celebrate our innate, playful, spirited selves, through movement.

What was the inspiration behind your space?

As a student practicing in the space, I felt such a deep sense of growth, support, and community, and I wanted that feeling to be shared with everyone as the studio evolved.  Through the transition, I found it important to have the space come together with a collective vision.  With the support and visioning of a phenomenal team of teachers, we came up with the following vision for the space.

We are rooted in these beliefs:

We are all whole

We are all connected by the breath; the breath is our life force

Yoga is for everyone; we all deserve to feel ultimate health and bliss

The practice of yoga has healing, therapeutic values

Yoga from the inside out; moving into asanas begins with awareness and attitude from the inside

Proper alignment leads t o ultimate expansion & long term health of the mind, body, and spirit

We are all students, continually growing and evolving

Practicing and living with intention both on and off our mats leads to a deeper experience

Recognition of our own inner beauty allows us to recognize beauty in all that surrounds us

The practice of yoga in community is fun, playful, and supportive

Joy is contagious

These words are posted in the studio on a painted blackboard up in the front of the space, helping to hold the vision alive.

In addition, I also wanted to be sure that the studio functioned in a way that really reflected the practice of yoga and its interconnectedness to all living things and life.  That translated to me to run at business that is environmentally responsible, drawing the lessons of yoga off the mat.  Here is the message that is posted on our website about being living responsibly.

Eco-friendly Roots:

We are committed to supporting a yoga community where the practice of yoga is intentional both on and off our mats. We care about your health, the health of future generations, and the health of our planet.   Our walls are covered with no-emission paint, our cleaning products are non-toxic, our paper materials are made of recycled materials, and all our props are purchased from Manduka, whose Green mission and eco-conscious products align with Lila’s intention to support a healthy, sustainable community.

What type of yoga do you teach at Lila?

Lila’s classes are offered in a supportive and creative environment that combines clear and refined instructions with an upbeat, balanced, and safely challenging vinyasa flow.  The key term vinyasa literally means to intentionally place oneself in a special way through the linking of movement with breath. We welcome and encourage all levels of students to listen to their own inner voice and practice at their own pace.  

Our teachers instruct with authenticity and come with a variety of rich yoga traditions.  The classes offer intelligent alignment for a safe, playful, and empowering practice; we believe optimal foundation leads to optimal expansion.  

What kinds of classes do you have on your schedule?

Our class schedule consists of three main types of classes: Foundations (beginners), Mixed Flow (all levels welcome), Expanding (intermediate/advanced).  In addition, we also have pre and post natal offerings and special workshop offerings.

Foundations: Our Foundations class is for beginner and ongoing students who would like to focus on refining basic postures and breath work while building strength, flexibility, and awareness.  In this class you will learn proper and intelligent alignment in the basic foundation of postures.  From this foundation, you will learn to cultivate both inner and outer expansiveness, and find the joy in movement.   We believe everyone can benefit from learning proper alignment as it leads to ultimate expansion.

Mixed Flow: This upbeat practice allows a fluid flow of movement linked with breath.  The vinyasa practice becomes a moving meditation that creates strength, freedom and fluidity in the body and mind.  All levels are welcome to join this vigorous, playful, and reflective practice.  Some prior yoga experience is recommended, though options for modifying postures are given to allow everyone to work at their own ability level.  

Expanding: Students in this class will dive deeper into the bliss of practice with more advanced poses that require more strength, focus, control of breath, and flexibility.  Postures may include: backbends, inversions, arm balances, and deeper twists.  For your safety, we encourage you to check in with the teacher if you are new to joining us in this practice.  

Do you have to be flexible to come to yoga classes that aren't heated?

No, you do not have to be flexible.  Though we are not a “heated” studio, we do have heatJ  And, our bodies create quite a bit of their own heat once we get moving.  It is not long before all students are stripping down to t.shirts and tank tops.

How much heat you experience is somewhat left up to you in your own practice… it becomes a personal question of engagement.  With muscle energy and hugging in, your body naturally creates the heat it needs to safely open, loosen, and stretch your muscles.

We welcome all levels of students… even if you can’t touch your toes.

How should you prepare for your first yoga class?  (Food, water, stretching)

First is to acknowledge that we all were beginners at one time or another, and, start with giving yourself a pat on the back for your willingness to try something new.

Since there is a lot of movement, especially movement of the head moving below the heart, it is advised to not eat anything an hour or so before the class as well as stay hydrated throughout the day before coming to class.   

What to Expect at the studio:

Each class and each teacher is unique, however, there are common class protocols for all classes.

Arrive about 5-10 minutes early to sign in, take off your shoes off and settle in by setting up your mat and collecting any props (blocks, blankets, straps or pillows), if needed.  We encourage you to connect with your neighbors and get to know the yoga community.  Most teachers start with a centering to prepare you mentally for the practice and to set the tone of the class.

Your teacher will give the class general instructions about a pose, and they may also give you individual instructions to enhance your practice. They may even physically adjust your body while you are in the pose, to help you better understand the actions and movements of the pose.

The classes usually end with a brief period of relaxation or meditation.

What should you wear to a class at your studio?

Wear something that you feel comfortable in… clothing with stretch is advisable.  Leggings or shorts, t.shirts, tank tops.  The studio temperature is set at 80 degrees in the winter months, but, can take a bit of time to get up to that temp.  I would suggest wearing layers so that you can find the perfect temperature for your body.

If you could have dinner with one Yogi in the world, who would it be and why?

My first Anusara teacher, Mary Kate Murray, to thank her for her guidance.  She inspired me towards this heart-centered practice (Anusara Yoga), led me to The Yoga Exchange, and continues to leave an imprint when I think of those teachers who have helped shape my practice.   

What is your personal favorite way to sweat?

Long distance trail running in the fall.

What is your favorite song to sweat to? (If you like to listen to music when you sweat/practice)

An all time favorite, one that helped inspire the longest hold in handstand – Hide & Seek by Imogen Heap.  A steady sweat favorite – Sweet Tides by Thievery Corporation.

This coming Saturday at Lila we will host a two hour workshop focused on Restorative Yoga.  Come join us for this practice of slowing down, listening, and receiving.  You can register online at our website or stop in at Lila.  This class will be taught by Jessie Chalmers.  Jessie is a dedicated and enthusiastic student and teacher of yoga. Her own practice began 10 years ago and has supported her during times of stress, transition, and injury.  She completed her Kripalu yoga certification in 2007 and since then has continued to study in the styles of Anusara, Vinyasa, and Yin Yoga.  After becoming a mother in 2008, Jessie also began to study and teach pre- and post-natal classes as well.   Jessie teaches with a heartfelt approach, encouraging her students to develop a deeper self-awareness of their physical body as well as  an awareness and understanding of  the mind/body connection.   Her classes are accessible to students of all levels and abilites.

Below is an interview with Jessie reflecting on Restorative Yoga, the benefits of the practice as well as how the practice has impacted her own life.  We hope to see you on Saturday!

Who can benefit from restorative yoga?

Anyone!  One of the lovely things about restorative yoga is that it is accessible to everyone and it can be especially helpful for those with injuries who may not be able to participate in other styles of yoga. 

What do you see as the benefits of restorative yoga?

There are a multitude of benefits and each particular pose has it's own benefits...Most importantly, restorative yoga activates the relaxation response, the state where our body's own healing and regeneration occur.  If you experience stress, and who doesn't in our modern world, then restorative yoga can benefit you.  Our body knows exactly what to do to achieve and maintain perfect health and balance, but we need to go into the necessary state to turn on the healing switch. Restorative yoga brings us easily, effortlessly, compassionately, and inexpensively (you can do it at home with pillows) into this relaxed healing state.

What makes restorative yoga different from a traditional vinyasa flow class? 

Restorative yoga places minimal metabolic demand on the body.  In a restorative class you make use of many props to support the body in a restful position which is held anywhere from 5-20 minutes.  The muscles are neither stretched nor engaged but instead supported to deeply rest and renew.

Why do you like teaching restorative yoga? 

I love to offer my students a dedicated time for stillness and reflection.  In our hectic culture with its many demands it is so important to give ourselves permission to rest, balance, and restore.  I also love the accessibility of restorative yoga.  To see a student with chronic pain, injury, or illness benefit from the healing effects of restorative yoga is inspiring.

What has restorative yoga brought to your personal practice?

I turned to restorative yoga when I fractured my sacrum.  It helped me heal faster and gave me the opportunity to really listen to my body and recover.  Since then I have incorporated restorative into my daily practice, somedays it is all I practice.  As a mother and yoga teacher I rely on restorative yoga to recharge and to keep me healthy and in balance.

Is there any connection to the changing of seasons and practicing restorative yoga?

Restorative yoga offers a wonderful opportunity to be in sync with the changing of the seasons.  In summer practicing more cooling type forward folds can be therapeutic.  During winter supported restorative backbends offer immunity strengthening for the onslaught of cold and flu germs.  As we approach spring there are supported twists that offer the body a gentle way to detoxify.  Perhaps restorative yoga can support us best by offering us a chance to ground and reconnect amidst the transitory nature of the seasons, through the many cycles of our lives.

Anything else?

I also incorporate aromatherapy and gentle massage into restorative classes, for those who are interested of course :-)