Kelsa: Sovereign and Free

In yoga teacher training today we took some extra time to look deep into each others souls. A way of opening ourselves to see and be seen. To see colors, auras, lives past and feelings of growth and development. After the practice, my partner told me my eyes had an incredible depth to them, but there was a sadness in which she saw. In her, I saw a strong Native American spirit in touch with the animal kingdom and having a special mothering relationship with them. 

On my way home, I thought to myself, where is this sadness coming from? Thoughts ran through my head of what it could be? How can I tap into it? I don't feel sad. Humm... 

Arriving home I learned that "We had a loss today..." 

"What? Who? What happened?"

"Kelsa"

Who was Kelsa?

Kelsa was the beautiful Saluki hound you see in the photo.

She was the mother to 9 puppies and had a long term relationship with Zephyr.

When Kelsa was a puppy she kicked me in the eye which caused a boil which led to me learning I'm allergic to 'mycin' drugs.

When I moved back home with Spirit (the red headed step child to a pack of 6 hounds) Kelsa stood up for Spirit and let the others know that it was ok for her to live here.

It may seem silly to blog about the loss of a pet, but as I stood by her grave tonight, I couldn't help but think of the qualities Kelsa held. Qualities that I hope someone would stand by my grave and reminisce on... she was a faithful wife, a loving mother to not just her own, but to her 'step children'. She was elegant and classy. She had the most kind eyes and softest gentle touch. She was beauty.

I think it only appropriate to add that Kelsas given name was Khalsa. Khalsa is the collective body of all initiated Sikhs represented by the five beloved ones and called the Guru Panth, the embodiment of the Guru and the final temporal leader of the Sikhs. The word Khalsa translates to Sovereign and Free. 

And that is what she always was, and continues to be. Sovereign and Free. The irony of the day, the fact that the Native American mothering totem saw a sadness in my eyes today knew... knew at that moment a close soul was passing to another dimension. 

Fly high Kelsa, you are greatly loved and will be missed.

An inhale. An exhale. A tear

Throughout the month of November teacher trainees have had the chance to teach a karma class on gratitude. Each Wednesday night friends, family and fellow yogis show up to support these amazing women as they begin teaching their first solo yoga classes.
Last night in class, I had a moment as I looked up to my hands and exhaled to anjali mudra, a moment that she a single tear down my face.
That moment you realize how blessed you are to actually be making yoga a career.
That moment you are being taught a beautiful asana practice by students who learned, in part, by you.
That moment you know another round of yoga teacher trainees are eager to begin in the new year. That moment you recap all the places you have traveled to and the brilliant people you have met.
That moment you find thanks in the people who have been there along the way.
That moment you realize the people who have recently entered your life are here for a reason.
That moment you begin to let your walls down and give love a chance again.
That moment you realize the broken water pump on your car is nothing...
...Nothing compared to the blessings that filled that one single tear of joy and thanksgiving that welled up during a single movement. So much gratitude held in one inhale and one exhale.

A huge Thank You, to the worlds latest yoga teacher training graduates!! May you continue to bless everyone who crosses your path and continue to yolk your life with those around you, looking at life through eyes of gratitude each and every day.

www.k10yoga.com

Vegan Veggie Pasta "Alfredo"

Holy deliciousness!!
Made this on a whim for dinner tonight and it surprised the hell out of me!

What you will need:
-Whole Wheat Penne Pasta
-Shallot
-Garlic
-Olive Oil
-2.5c Unsweetened Almond Milk
-3-4 Tbsp All Purpose Flour
-Cherry Tomatoes
-Broccoli
-Salt and Pepper





Slice tomatoes in half , drizzle olive oil and a pinch of salt on top and get them started baking on 400 (they need a good 20-25 minutes baking)

Boil water and start cooking the pasta

In the meantime... Saute the shallots and garlic in a dash of olive oil for 4-5 minutes. Turn the heat down to medium and gradually start adding a tablespoon at a time of flour to 1/2 cup of almond milk in pan. Whisk it to try and keep it from getting clumpy. Turn down to low and let it simmer and thicken.

Start to spoon out penne noodles and add to the "alfredo" Continue stirring sauce and noodles together simmering.

Steam broccoli (2-4 minutes) until they turn brighter green.

Add broccoli to noodles and sauce.
Add tomatoes to noodles and sauce.

Season with salt and pepper to taste and enjoy!

www.k10yoga.com