As some of you may know, I love to cook and bake. I enjoy freely putting ingredients together and seeing how they turn out. I get a small thrill when I can use ingredients that are already in my cupboards.
Recently, I was baking some oatmeal cookies and decided to add my wheat grass powder to them. They came out of the oven with a healthy shade of green. They were perfect for distributing after my halloween yoga session last week! My taste testers have requested that I post the recipe. Please ENJOY and adjust the ingredients wherever!
Ingredients
3/4 Cup Butter
1 Cup Firmly packed brown sugar
1 egg
1/4 Cup Water
1 tsp Vanilla
3 Cup Quick Oats
1 Cup Gluten Free Flour
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1 Scoop Wheat Grass Powder
1/2 Cup Chocolate Chips/ Raisins
1/4 Cup Chopped Walnuts
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat together butter, sugar, egg, wheat grass, water and vanilla un creamy. Add combined remaining ingredients, mix well.
Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.
Enjoy!
Monday, November 1, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
H a l l o w e e n Y o G a
After a full day of preparing for my halloween yoga class- seven joyful Yogis showed-up!!!!
I created a super spooky Halloween playlist and the students really enjoyed the songs. Playing theme music in class can be a tad awkward but when you are all dressed up the music really adds the final touch. My homemade wheat grass cookies were a huge hit!!!! They were a healthy shade of green, too!
As for my costume, it came together after purchasing a crimping iron (which gives a nice 80s perm look), rainbow ribbons (from Michaels) and individual packages of starbursts all helped to create Rainbow Bright's image. If you were wondering, I did spend 40 minutes crimping my hair in the Florida Southern's Wellness washroom. The students were very creative with their costumes. We had a killer bee, a gypsy, a sweaty athlete, and an Avatar who's power was that of controlling the direction of wind (my best description with picture below- sorry=).
Selecting my costume was a bit of a challenge. I have never been good at creating a costume and in the past I have warn my former coast guard shirt with a wig. Rainbow Bright was a huge step and I hope to improve my efforts next year!
Halloween Yoga class had prizes, too! I burned the halloween playlist and drew names for the compact discs. I handed out some wheat grass cookies, too. A little give-away excitement is always fun! I hope events like these help to encourage more participation.
What are you doing for Halloween?
Enjoy one songs from the Halloween playlist, "I put a spell on you" from the movie Hocus Pocus!!!
Have a spooky weekend!
namaste
Whitney :)
I created a super spooky Halloween playlist and the students really enjoyed the songs. Playing theme music in class can be a tad awkward but when you are all dressed up the music really adds the final touch. My homemade wheat grass cookies were a huge hit!!!! They were a healthy shade of green, too!
As for my costume, it came together after purchasing a crimping iron (which gives a nice 80s perm look), rainbow ribbons (from Michaels) and individual packages of starbursts all helped to create Rainbow Bright's image. If you were wondering, I did spend 40 minutes crimping my hair in the Florida Southern's Wellness washroom. The students were very creative with their costumes. We had a killer bee, a gypsy, a sweaty athlete, and an Avatar who's power was that of controlling the direction of wind (my best description with picture below- sorry=).
Selecting my costume was a bit of a challenge. I have never been good at creating a costume and in the past I have warn my former coast guard shirt with a wig. Rainbow Bright was a huge step and I hope to improve my efforts next year!
Halloween Yoga class had prizes, too! I burned the halloween playlist and drew names for the compact discs. I handed out some wheat grass cookies, too. A little give-away excitement is always fun! I hope events like these help to encourage more participation.
What are you doing for Halloween?
Enjoy one songs from the Halloween playlist, "I put a spell on you" from the movie Hocus Pocus!!!
Have a spooky weekend!
namaste
Whitney :)
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Time for another Yoga Theme!
For my final class at Florida State University I decided to make it an 80s theme! My best friends helped me create a wicked playlist and all he participants came fully dressed for a blast from the past! We had a ball and the excitement continues tomorrow on the Florida Southern College campus where we will re-create the idea of having a themed class.
Hallowe'en is our theme of choice and I just finished creating a spooking soundtrack filled with horror. I really with my friend, Jessa, could be here to celebrate because Hallowe'en is her absolute favourite holiday Last year she hosted an awesome Hallowe'en Yoga session at Journeys In Yoga Studio. Jessa, your wigs will be missed!
My next blog will feature the Hallowe'en excitement! Check out this spooky Yoga session!
Whitney :)
Hallowe'en is our theme of choice and I just finished creating a spooking soundtrack filled with horror. I really with my friend, Jessa, could be here to celebrate because Hallowe'en is her absolute favourite holiday Last year she hosted an awesome Hallowe'en Yoga session at Journeys In Yoga Studio. Jessa, your wigs will be missed!
My next blog will feature the Hallowe'en excitement! Check out this spooky Yoga session!
Whitney :)
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Substitute Teachers
This is a shout-out to all the substitute teachers and leaders who are never given the benefit of the doubt!
Substitute teachers have always been a target for students test their leadership capabilities by slacking off and misbehaving. I thought it only happened in grades K to 12. Unfortunately, skepticism continues no matter the age of the audience. Mature students might not misbehave like an adolescent but they are usually apprehensive before trusting in the substitute's ability to lead. The Yoga world is an excellent example of the struggle to find comfort when the official teacher is absent.
Last Friday I went to my routine Therapeutic Yoga class. The class meets three times a week and caters toward those who are working through personal injuries. Participants tend to be retired and in the early stages of their Yoga practice. I am somewhat of an exception because I am not retired; however, I find the class highly beneficial as I continue to work through my low back injuries. Needless to say each participant has worked hard to trust in their instructor and in their own abilities.
As the therapeutic members arrived, many were discomforted to discover a substitute instructor. The instructor teaches at the studio but she was not familiar to the therapeutic group. Several students left before class started because they did not want to risk injury but the other sixteen or so stayed for the experience.
The class was extra gentle and catered to the students need to progress with care. The substitute instructor had big feet to fill and she did an amazing job! She took the lead and when she noticed the unexpected increase in class size she quickly guided the students into the larger room. The students were not happy to be moving but followed her lead. It was re-assuring to see the instructors preparation notes and to find out that she had previewed the class earlier that week. Students would have been comforted to know that they were having a substitute instructor. At the same time it is in good practice to go with the flow and just accept change.
Subbing for a Yoga class can be super nerve racking. It is a great opportunity to meet and practice teaching a different group but jumping into an unfamiliar setting as the leader can be quite daunting. It is best to make each student feel comfortable and confident in your guidance. We're human and we make mistakes!
Please share your substitution experiences. I know we all have stories.
Bon soir!
Whitney :)
Substitute teachers have always been a target for students test their leadership capabilities by slacking off and misbehaving. I thought it only happened in grades K to 12. Unfortunately, skepticism continues no matter the age of the audience. Mature students might not misbehave like an adolescent but they are usually apprehensive before trusting in the substitute's ability to lead. The Yoga world is an excellent example of the struggle to find comfort when the official teacher is absent.
Last Friday I went to my routine Therapeutic Yoga class. The class meets three times a week and caters toward those who are working through personal injuries. Participants tend to be retired and in the early stages of their Yoga practice. I am somewhat of an exception because I am not retired; however, I find the class highly beneficial as I continue to work through my low back injuries. Needless to say each participant has worked hard to trust in their instructor and in their own abilities.
As the therapeutic members arrived, many were discomforted to discover a substitute instructor. The instructor teaches at the studio but she was not familiar to the therapeutic group. Several students left before class started because they did not want to risk injury but the other sixteen or so stayed for the experience.
The class was extra gentle and catered to the students need to progress with care. The substitute instructor had big feet to fill and she did an amazing job! She took the lead and when she noticed the unexpected increase in class size she quickly guided the students into the larger room. The students were not happy to be moving but followed her lead. It was re-assuring to see the instructors preparation notes and to find out that she had previewed the class earlier that week. Students would have been comforted to know that they were having a substitute instructor. At the same time it is in good practice to go with the flow and just accept change.
Subbing for a Yoga class can be super nerve racking. It is a great opportunity to meet and practice teaching a different group but jumping into an unfamiliar setting as the leader can be quite daunting. It is best to make each student feel comfortable and confident in your guidance. We're human and we make mistakes!
Please share your substitution experiences. I know we all have stories.
Bon soir!
Whitney :)
Monday, October 11, 2010
Yoga and Roller Coasters
Good morning- I am currently enjoying the free wi-fi outside on the Starbucks patio. Yes, the coffee shop has its perks.
I awoke fully rejuvenated, after a wonderful weekend of Yoga and Busch Gardens with my fiancé. It is so nice to feel refreshed and ready for a new week. I had another wonderful Yoga class with Rick Hart on Saturday. My back muscles were really reacting and she was more than accommodating. After class I joined their usual lunch social at the local coffee place and was able to meet more yogis at the studio. Practicing Yoga in a community is really nice when you get to know each individual. To make the city feel even more intimate I bumped into my coach and his while as they were running for the downtown area. Another chance to share the splendid energy of the morning.
Sunday morning, Cooper and I woke early so that we could enjoy the roller coasters and animals at Busch Gardens. I love the roller coasters! I have trouble opening my eyes but find it really calming to just feel the sensations. I feel free as the coaster drops, twists and turns upside-down. Sheikra and Montu are my favourite rides by far! The other amazing experience is watching the animals. Cooper mentioned after we watched the gorillas for 30 minutes that he felt a sense of calm. The gorillas were bending and moving there bodies in crazy ways. They showed a sense of enjoyment while in a world that seems simple.
Alas, Lakeland is starting to feel like home. Like clockwork, I awoke and dropped off my recycling at my friend's curb by 6:30 a.m. After I proceeded to Starbucks in order to enjoy the free wi-fi before Yoga class. It feels good to have familiar places to go within my city. Now I hope to contact a couple of gyms for potential Yoga opportunities.
Wish me luck on finding a new little Yoga opportunity!
yours gingerly,
Whitney
I awoke fully rejuvenated, after a wonderful weekend of Yoga and Busch Gardens with my fiancé. It is so nice to feel refreshed and ready for a new week. I had another wonderful Yoga class with Rick Hart on Saturday. My back muscles were really reacting and she was more than accommodating. After class I joined their usual lunch social at the local coffee place and was able to meet more yogis at the studio. Practicing Yoga in a community is really nice when you get to know each individual. To make the city feel even more intimate I bumped into my coach and his while as they were running for the downtown area. Another chance to share the splendid energy of the morning.
Sunday morning, Cooper and I woke early so that we could enjoy the roller coasters and animals at Busch Gardens. I love the roller coasters! I have trouble opening my eyes but find it really calming to just feel the sensations. I feel free as the coaster drops, twists and turns upside-down. Sheikra and Montu are my favourite rides by far! The other amazing experience is watching the animals. Cooper mentioned after we watched the gorillas for 30 minutes that he felt a sense of calm. The gorillas were bending and moving there bodies in crazy ways. They showed a sense of enjoyment while in a world that seems simple.
Alas, Lakeland is starting to feel like home. Like clockwork, I awoke and dropped off my recycling at my friend's curb by 6:30 a.m. After I proceeded to Starbucks in order to enjoy the free wi-fi before Yoga class. It feels good to have familiar places to go within my city. Now I hope to contact a couple of gyms for potential Yoga opportunities.
Wish me luck on finding a new little Yoga opportunity!
yours gingerly,
Whitney
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Obstacles
I am back and blah-blah blogging for the second time this week=)
Yesterday, I received a phone call from my supervisor. Her message was to let me know that my Yoga classes were being reduced from 3 to 2 per week. I was instantly disappointed because I really love the group that has been established. I began to reflect on my performance as an instructor and how it would impact the Yogis at FSC. My classes have been substantially low compared to FSU but they have maintained a minimum of 5 enthusiastic participants.
Understandably, FSC is a small private college and needs to work hard in order to attract group fitness participants. The abrupt mid-semester change is to see if they can get more participants. It is hard not to take the change personally. Fortunately, I think I am ready to explore other teaching realms in Lakeland and I look forward to meeting new Yogis and new people in the city of swans.
While teaching this fall semester I have run into the challenge of pleasing everyone. Of course, the impossible! Within the first couple of weeks, some students complained to my supervisor that my class was too challenging. Again, I took this personally but was super grateful for the supervisor's concern for the quality of the classes and their safety of the patrons. Yoga can be detrimental when alignment is ignore and students are going beyond their edge in a posture.
While teaching I place a huge emphasis on students taking the time to feel out the posture. Any sign of pain means you should back out of the posture. I focus on learning each student's name, physical make-up and walking around the room to assist each student with the posture. I also, really encourage students embrace a variety of modifications and to ask me for assistance- anytime and all the time! At the end of the class I re-introduced myself and encourage the students to approach me with their concerns or simple conversation. Alas, I repeat the purpose of my job as a Yoga guide, which is to make Yoga accessible to everyone who comes to class. Yoga has the power to create an amazing community filled with so much positive energy. I love the interaction with the students and the feedback they provide. Like any instructor- we long to be better for each person listening to our voice.
In general, Yoga classes held in a fitness center are a challenge because everyone wants to try Yoga. Of course- everyone should try yoga! I just love it- fortunately, classes can be designed to suit individual differences. For example, someone trying Yoga for the first time shouldn't expect to go to a Yoga class and be able to do every posture, breath and meditation exercise. If you could do everything perfectly what would be the point of practicing and enjoying your own Yoga journey? There are so many ways to enjoy a yoga session that does not involve physical exertion. Watching and listening can been highly beneficial.
I have had the privilege of teaching a variety of students and have always considered myself to be extra caring when it comes to each person's needs for modification. After a mere 4.5 years of sharing and practicing I look forward to my adventures in Lakeland. I wonder where my next teaching opportunity with be?
Finally, my message to instructors and aspiring instructors is to follow your heart and take each bump in the road as a learning point. Yoga is an endless journey- it can be a piece in your whole world- your passage through life. Find the light- something that my new Yoga instructor, Rickie Hart, keeps encouraging!
yours gingerly,
Whitney
Yesterday, I received a phone call from my supervisor. Her message was to let me know that my Yoga classes were being reduced from 3 to 2 per week. I was instantly disappointed because I really love the group that has been established. I began to reflect on my performance as an instructor and how it would impact the Yogis at FSC. My classes have been substantially low compared to FSU but they have maintained a minimum of 5 enthusiastic participants.
Understandably, FSC is a small private college and needs to work hard in order to attract group fitness participants. The abrupt mid-semester change is to see if they can get more participants. It is hard not to take the change personally. Fortunately, I think I am ready to explore other teaching realms in Lakeland and I look forward to meeting new Yogis and new people in the city of swans.
While teaching this fall semester I have run into the challenge of pleasing everyone. Of course, the impossible! Within the first couple of weeks, some students complained to my supervisor that my class was too challenging. Again, I took this personally but was super grateful for the supervisor's concern for the quality of the classes and their safety of the patrons. Yoga can be detrimental when alignment is ignore and students are going beyond their edge in a posture.
While teaching I place a huge emphasis on students taking the time to feel out the posture. Any sign of pain means you should back out of the posture. I focus on learning each student's name, physical make-up and walking around the room to assist each student with the posture. I also, really encourage students embrace a variety of modifications and to ask me for assistance- anytime and all the time! At the end of the class I re-introduced myself and encourage the students to approach me with their concerns or simple conversation. Alas, I repeat the purpose of my job as a Yoga guide, which is to make Yoga accessible to everyone who comes to class. Yoga has the power to create an amazing community filled with so much positive energy. I love the interaction with the students and the feedback they provide. Like any instructor- we long to be better for each person listening to our voice.
In general, Yoga classes held in a fitness center are a challenge because everyone wants to try Yoga. Of course- everyone should try yoga! I just love it- fortunately, classes can be designed to suit individual differences. For example, someone trying Yoga for the first time shouldn't expect to go to a Yoga class and be able to do every posture, breath and meditation exercise. If you could do everything perfectly what would be the point of practicing and enjoying your own Yoga journey? There are so many ways to enjoy a yoga session that does not involve physical exertion. Watching and listening can been highly beneficial.
I have had the privilege of teaching a variety of students and have always considered myself to be extra caring when it comes to each person's needs for modification. After a mere 4.5 years of sharing and practicing I look forward to my adventures in Lakeland. I wonder where my next teaching opportunity with be?
Finally, my message to instructors and aspiring instructors is to follow your heart and take each bump in the road as a learning point. Yoga is an endless journey- it can be a piece in your whole world- your passage through life. Find the light- something that my new Yoga instructor, Rickie Hart, keeps encouraging!
yours gingerly,
Whitney
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Something New
First of all- I would like to thank Ms. Aker for encouraging me to keep writing in my blog. Even if no one is interested in reading my writing I really enjoy the personal reflection and life record keeping.
Like others- Moving to a new location and accepting change can seem like an impossible challenge. Where do you find your first friend and locate a place of like-minded peers. Where will I find a place to practice and teach Yoga?
Present Life Outline:
My current role in Lakeland, FL is as a volunteer assistant coach for the Cross-country and track team at Florida Southern College. I am also working for the Wellness Centre and teaching Yoga to the students. Florida Southern is a Frank Lloyd Wright campus and it was ranked number 9 on the most beautiful campuses in the USA.
Cross-country practice is every morning at 5:30 a.m. Over the first set of weeks I found the morning wake-up a challenge- it is starting to get easier. Setting my alarm clock for 4:30 a.m. did not make me feel warm and fuzzy all over. Some mornings I found myself arriving late because I had failed to move upon the alarm. I am getting better at waking up early and I kinda love the early morning routine. Bed is no later than 10:00 p.m. and I usually feel well rested after I get moving in the morning. The darkness just makes it hard to budge out of bed.
The Cross-country team has two assistant coaches and the other assistant coach is basically- awesome. She is my first official friend in Lakeland, Coach Beaver=) Great gal who loves to adventure everywhere- especially in thrift stores. She can always find the treasure.
Teaching Yoga on the Florida Southern campus is quite a bit different from the Florida State campus but I have a regular group of Yogis whom I adore:) Classes are much small, so I am still longing for the packed classes full of energy back in Tallahassee. Miss you guys! Coach Beaver comes whenever she is not working at the Holiday Inn and she really helps add to the classes energy. It is nice to have familiar faces in class- they help calm my nerves and make guiding postures easier. Our Yoga/ fitness room overlooks Lake Hollingsworth and it is a gorgeous view! I can even adjust the rooms temperature which is a huge plus!
My new home is nestled in South Lakeland with my fiance, Cooper. We have been working hard to live in a small space with limited storage. Under our bed is the main storage space. Our rent is cheap and the place is well kept. I am looking forward to a cockroach-free year! We do have tennis courts, lakes filled with gators and some beautiful pools. I have been working on my tennis skills however my focus is really off. It is so hard to focus during a racket sport and Cooper is trying to guide me in the 'right' direction. Everything is feeling more like home and the streets are much more familiar.
As far as my personal yoga practice goes I have found a wonderful Yoga studio, Satya (Truth) Yoga. My instructor, Rickie Hart, is a former dancer from NYC. She has an Engineering degree, is a Chi Gong master, and has studied with numerous Yogis. Her physiological background has been highly informative and I am learning so much about my own physical restrictions. My restrictions have become my guides to better alignment and muscle movement. I love her guidance and I love her patience. She teaches on average 4 classes a day and takes Sundays off. Her energy is boundless.
Off to Cross Country practice and teaching Yoga!
Peace.
Like others- Moving to a new location and accepting change can seem like an impossible challenge. Where do you find your first friend and locate a place of like-minded peers. Where will I find a place to practice and teach Yoga?
Present Life Outline:
My current role in Lakeland, FL is as a volunteer assistant coach for the Cross-country and track team at Florida Southern College. I am also working for the Wellness Centre and teaching Yoga to the students. Florida Southern is a Frank Lloyd Wright campus and it was ranked number 9 on the most beautiful campuses in the USA.
Cross-country practice is every morning at 5:30 a.m. Over the first set of weeks I found the morning wake-up a challenge- it is starting to get easier. Setting my alarm clock for 4:30 a.m. did not make me feel warm and fuzzy all over. Some mornings I found myself arriving late because I had failed to move upon the alarm. I am getting better at waking up early and I kinda love the early morning routine. Bed is no later than 10:00 p.m. and I usually feel well rested after I get moving in the morning. The darkness just makes it hard to budge out of bed.
The Cross-country team has two assistant coaches and the other assistant coach is basically- awesome. She is my first official friend in Lakeland, Coach Beaver=) Great gal who loves to adventure everywhere- especially in thrift stores. She can always find the treasure.
Teaching Yoga on the Florida Southern campus is quite a bit different from the Florida State campus but I have a regular group of Yogis whom I adore:) Classes are much small, so I am still longing for the packed classes full of energy back in Tallahassee. Miss you guys! Coach Beaver comes whenever she is not working at the Holiday Inn and she really helps add to the classes energy. It is nice to have familiar faces in class- they help calm my nerves and make guiding postures easier. Our Yoga/ fitness room overlooks Lake Hollingsworth and it is a gorgeous view! I can even adjust the rooms temperature which is a huge plus!
My new home is nestled in South Lakeland with my fiance, Cooper. We have been working hard to live in a small space with limited storage. Under our bed is the main storage space. Our rent is cheap and the place is well kept. I am looking forward to a cockroach-free year! We do have tennis courts, lakes filled with gators and some beautiful pools. I have been working on my tennis skills however my focus is really off. It is so hard to focus during a racket sport and Cooper is trying to guide me in the 'right' direction. Everything is feeling more like home and the streets are much more familiar.
As far as my personal yoga practice goes I have found a wonderful Yoga studio, Satya (Truth) Yoga. My instructor, Rickie Hart, is a former dancer from NYC. She has an Engineering degree, is a Chi Gong master, and has studied with numerous Yogis. Her physiological background has been highly informative and I am learning so much about my own physical restrictions. My restrictions have become my guides to better alignment and muscle movement. I love her guidance and I love her patience. She teaches on average 4 classes a day and takes Sundays off. Her energy is boundless.
Off to Cross Country practice and teaching Yoga!
Peace.
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