The Yogic Circle

To start the day off brilliantly, we decided that I’d offer to make Vita-Mix smoothies (in small sample cups — recipe Day #1 is published at the end of the post) for each of the students that turned up to class. I’ve always been an adamant believer in a hearty nutritious breakfast, and with the addition of a Vita-Mix in to our lives, I love the fact that over the past 3.5 years since owning it, my morning ritual (for the most part) has consisted of experimenting with the alchemy of smoothies. I rarely follow a recipe in my prep. My concoctions are purely experimental. Luckily, my husband is a willing guinea pig to my creations. And so would the students in our yoga class be for the remainder of the rally. Sweet!

Here we are again in the yoga tent, continuing to breath and connect. That is our mantra, stretching both the body and mind. 40 eager students showed up, experiencing the joys of a morning practice filled with spirit and presence … yoga at its heart and most pure. Our turnout was deemed to be so successful that a second class during the day was suggested by the event organizers. However, with several yogaFLIGHT workshops planned over the next few days during an already hectic schedule, our large morning class seemed sufficient in holding the space for the demand of those wanting do yoga. But that didn’t mean yogaFLIGHT demos would stop. In fact, slaDE continued to twirl curious people on his feet throughout the day as a growing interest was sparked by the sheer beauty of the playful experience — ‘Flying Yoga’, what a concept!

What gathering of people isn’t complete without a joining of food dishes? Potlucks rule in my world! Always a welcome treat to savour other delicacies beyond my own sometimes boring / bland contributions I dub an evening meal. As an added bonus, potlucks at Alumapalooza are a great way to spend time with new and old friends, tasting unique and healthy dishes whilst enjoying the company of fellow Airstreamers (a class of their own).

This year, we have our new Nikon camera as a means to add depth to my passion for photography. I love using a camera when unique characters, opportunities and visions present themselves. And Alumapalooza thus far has been filled with magic moments worth capturing (where would I be without the ease of a digital camera?). I hope you can share in the enchantment we felt through the eyes of both slaDE and myself in our photos.

Vita-Mix Smoothie Recipe Day 1: Simply Green Smoothie

• ½ blender of water and ice
• ⅛ cup flax seed, ground to a fine meal
• 1 tsp cinnamon, cardamon and nutmeg
• ½ cup each of frozen: blueberries, cranberries, pineapple
• 1 peeled orange
• 3 large wedges of watermelon (without rind; any seeds liquify beautifully in the Vita-Mix)
• 1 banana
• handful of kale
• small handful of spinach
• dash of lemon juice to cut any green taste (for newbie green smoothie drinkers)

Preparation:

1. Grind the flax seeds in the Vita-Mix with a bit of water.
2. Fill the container with the remaining water and ice.
3. Add all other ingredients and turn Vita-Mix on low until the mixture is moving smoothly.
4. Blend well on high for 1 minute until creamy, cold and frothy. VERY thirst quenching.