Kate's Oblivious

Different strokes for different folks ... and Kate has got it going on in a way that works for her - click here.

Sydney Bloggers Xmas Picnic

Sydney Bloggers Xmas Picnic
Partners and kids welcome!

Date: Saturday 9th December
Venue: secret inner-west location close to CBD which will be revealed via email to avoid stalkers
Time: from 11am
Bring: food, drinks, hoops, balls, cameras, sunscreen, hats, fun...

Please RSVP via my email
phodis [at] gmail [dot] com

The troops so far:
Cath
Jodie & Zoe
Margaret, Mark, Darcy & Oscar
Mary & Dan
Nicole
Stella

Exercise Plan*

I haven't stuck to my monthly plan or even checked it so I'm going back to posting my exercise weekly. It works for me. My main plan is to move my butt on purpose for at least 30 min each day, not including incidental moving. Exercise makes me feel better, eat better and think better.

SAT 75 min samadhi yoga (AM) DONE
SUN 30 min hooping (PM) DONE
MON 75 min samadhi yoga (PM) DONE
TUE 30 min walk (AM), 30 min hooping (PM) DONE
WED 75 min samadhi yoga (PM) DONE
THU 30 min walk (MD) DONE
FRI Rest Day (busy run 'round day at work) DONE

WEEK ENDING Friday 1 December
* subject to change depending on circumstance and what I feel like doing

We've been shot!

It's funny this whole blogging internet world of where you seem to *know* people but have never met them in real life. alexandrino was on a bus when he spotted us. I really like this shot because of the movement. Thanks alexandrino.

PS. I'll catch up with the blogging world soon. Just been kinda busy with friends, family, work...

The "number" on the scale...

It's been one of those weeks. I've decided to stop doing the Back to Basics Challenge for Summer and just focus on eating well and exercise. I realised that I was going mental about the "number"on the scale. It's weird because I never really went mental about the "number" while actually losing the weight to reach goal. So enough of that and hopefully I won't have any more "fat attacks" anytime soon. I'll also just stop reading the damn daily newspaper religiously which has become more of a trashy magazine of late. I'm at goal and have maintained for over a year. Got to be happy about that. Moving on...

A gutful...

*WARNING - ANGRY POST - FAT ATTACK*

I am sick to death of all the reports, stories and blatant bullshit that I've been reading lately in regards to the "obesity epidemic" in the media. What new excuse can we come up with now for why we don't do what we all KNOW we should be doing ... eat well and exercise.

I know there are exceptions and real reasons why it's not that simple for some but for the majority, stop being so damn lazy. Get real, take some responsibility. Not everything is your parent's fault, your teacher's fault, the government's fault or just about anyone else but yourself.

I lost 30kg all up now (counting before my WW stats) and I still eat what I want, when I want but in moderation. I also walk, everywhere. You don't have to become an athlete or a fanatical foodie!

Just a little pissed today so I thought it best to get it out of my system. This is my blog and just an opinion. Of course there are so many perspectives and things to take into consideration. It's not black and white and that's probably why it's such a hot topic for debate. I can only base my opinions on my own experience and watching those around me.

Seriously, we have an "obesity epidemic" and how much of the world lives in poverty and die from starvation. Think about it.

Did I think like this before I lost the weight? Yep, but I was in denial.

Words of Motivation

If you've ever read Michelle's blog, you'd know what a trooper she is. Check out her latest AWESOME achievement - click here. It's amazing what one can achieve when they don't give up!

Words of Inspiration

Kathryn has written an AWESOME post today about where she's at now that she's reached goal - click here.

Tamara, you're a star!

Bwahahaha...Tamara's finally lost it. I love it when I read a post and it cracks me up first thing in the morning. Something totally random and I reckon most of us have been there. Thanks for making me laugh girl!

Beautiful Day

I did well this week, all things considered. I'm over blogging about weight and reading about it so ... just eat well and exercise.

Anyone remember the Headless Chickens? They were an AWESOME "indie" band from New Zealand in the nineties. They've been getting lots of play today at my place, mucho happy. Takes me back to some good times that I can almost smell and touch again.

I'm off to enjoy the sunshine now. Have a great weekend people and Sydneysiders, what gorgeous weather!

Newtown Festival 2006

Just a reminder, the Newtown Festival is on this Sunday for all you Sydney folk! I'm not sure at what point I'll go but it's only up the road and the energy and buzz this time of year is exciting. I love living in this area which is forever growing and evolving with all walks of life. It sure has changed a lot in the 10 or so years I've been around the traps.

Yoga FAQ by Cyndi Lee

I came across Cyndi Lee's Yoga FAQ from Yoga Journal and thought this was appropriate to post because of some of the emails I've been receiving lately and some of the discussions I've been having. A lot of Lee's philosophies I really gel with and I have a lot of respect for her as a teacher. Cyndi Lee is the founder of Om Yoga in New York.

1. What is yoga?

The word yoga, from the Sanskrit word yuj means to yoke or bind and is often interpreted as "union" or a method of discipline. A male who practices yoga is called a yogi, a female practitioner, a yogini.

The Indian sage Patanjali is believed to have collated the practice of yoga into the Yoga Sutra an estimated 2,000 years ago. The Sutra is a collection of 195 statements that serves as a philosophical guidebook for most of the yoga that is practiced today. It also outlines eight limbs of yoga: the yamas (restraints), niyamas (observances), asana (postures), pranayama (breathing), pratyahara (withdrawal of senses), dharana (concentration), dhyani (meditation), and samadhi (absorption). As we explore these eight limbs, we begin by refining our behavior in the outer world, and then we focus inwardly until we reach samadhi (liberation, enlightenment).

Today most people practicing yoga are engaged in the third limb, asana, which is a program of physical postures designed to purify the body and provide the physical strength and stamina required for long periods of meditation.

2. What does Hatha mean?

The word hatha means willful or forceful. Hatha yoga refers to a set of physical exercises (known as asanas or postures), and sequences of asanas, designed to align your skin, muscles, and bones. The postures are also designed to open the many channels of the body–especially the main channel, the spine–so that energy can flow freely.

Hatha is also translated as ha meaning "sun" and tha meaning "moon." This refers to the balance of masculine aspects–active, hot, sun–and feminine aspects–receptive, cool, moon–within all of us. Hatha yoga is a path toward creating balance and uniting opposites. In our physical bodies we develop a balance of strength and flexibility. We also learn to balance our effort and surrender in each pose.

Hatha yoga is a powerful tool for self-transformation. It asks us to bring our attention to our breath, which helps us to still the fluctuations of the mind and be more present in the unfolding of each moment.

3. What does Om mean?

Om is a mantra, or vibration, that is traditionally chanted at the beginning and end of yoga sessions. It is said to be the sound of the universe. What does that mean?

Somehow the ancient yogis knew what scientists today are telling us–that the entire universe is moving. Nothing is ever solid or still. Everything that exists pulsates, creating a rhythmic vibration that the ancient yogis acknowledged with the sound of Om. We may not always be aware of this sound in our daily lives, but we can hear it in the rustling of the autumn leaves, the waves on the shore, the inside of a seashell.

Chanting Om allows us to recognize our experience as a reflection of how the whole universe moves–the setting sun, the rising moon, the ebb and flow of the tides, the beating of our hearts. As we chant Om, it takes us for a ride on this universal movement, through our breath, our awareness, and our physical energy, and we begin to sense a bigger connection that is both uplifting and soothing.

4. Do I have to be vegetarian to practice yoga?

The first principle of yoga philosophy is ahimsa, which means nonharming to self and others. Some people interpret this to include not eating animal products. There is debate about this in the yoga community–I believe that it is a personal decision that everyone has to make for themselves. If you are considering becoming a vegetarian, be sure to take into account your personal health issues as well how your choices will affect those with whom you live. Being a vegetarian should not be something that you impose on others–that kind of aggressive action in itself is not an expression of ahimsa.

5. How many times per week should I practice?

Yoga is amazing–even if you only practice for one hour a week, you will experience the benefits of the practice. If you can do more than that, you will certainly experience more benefits. I suggest starting with two or three times a week, for an hour or an hour and a half each time. If you can only do 20 minutes per session, that's fine too. Don't let time constraints or unrealistic goals be an obstacle–do what you can and don't worry about it. You will likely find that after awhile your desire to practice expands naturally and you will find yourself doing more and more.

6. How is yoga different from stretching or other kinds of fitness?

Unlike stretching or fitness, yoga is more than just physical postures. Patanjali's eight-fold path illustrates how the physical practice is just one aspect of yoga. Even within the physical practice, yoga is unique because we connect the movement of the body and the fluctuations of the mind to the rhythm of our breath. Connecting the mind, body, and breath helps us to direct our attention inward. Through this process of inward attention, we learn to recognize our habitual thought patterns without labeling them, judging them, or trying to change them. We become more aware of our experiences from moment to moment. The awareness that we cultivate is what makes yoga a practice, rather than a task or a goal to be completed. Your body will most likely become much more flexible by doing yoga, and so will your mind.

7. Is yoga a religion?

Yoga is not a religion. It is a philosophy that began in India an estimated 5,000 years ago. The father of classical ashtanga yoga (the eight-limbed path, not to be confused with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois' Ashtanga yoga) is said to be Patanjali, who wrote the Yoga Sutra. These scriptures provide a framework for spiritual growth and mastery over the physical and mental body. Yoga sometimes interweaves other philosophies such as Hinduism or Buddhism, but it is not necessary to study those paths in order to practice or study yoga.

It is also not necessary to surrender your own religious beliefs to practice yoga.

8. I'm not flexible–can I do yoga?

Yes! You are a perfect candidate for yoga. Many people think that they need to be flexible to begin yoga, but that's a little bit like thinking that you need to be able to play tennis in order to take tennis lessons. Come as you are and you will find that yoga practice will help you become more flexible.

This newfound agility will be balanced by strength, coordination, and enhanced cardiovascular health, as well as a sense of physical confidence and overall well-being.

9. What do I need to begin?

All you really need to begin practicing yoga is your body, your mind, and a bit of curiosity. But it is also helpful to have a pair of sweat pants, leggings, or shorts, and a t-shirt that's not too baggy. No special footgear is required because you will be barefoot. It's nice to bring a towel to class with you. As your practice develops you might want to buy your own yoga mat, but most studios will have mats and other props available for you.

10. Why are you supposed to refrain from eating two to three hours before class?

In yoga practice we twist from side to side, turn upside down, and bend forward and backward. If you have not fully digested your last meal, it will make itself known to you in ways that are not comfortable. If you are a person with a fast-acting digestive system and are afraid you might get hungry or feel weak during yoga class, experiment with a light snack such as yogurt, a few nuts, or juice about 30 minutes to an hour before class.

Stuffed, 100kgs later...

I have no doubt that I will put on 1-100kg this week now. I've just come back from a farewell lunch at The Malaya. Gorgeous food but 3 days of restaurant dining (2 of them Italian!) and having only to pay for my dish at one of them, I'm not so sure that's a good thing. When other people pay, I just eat and I don't tend to be as fussy. My stomach's NOT happy. My plan is to be as clean and simple for the rest of the week now.....well try.

B2B for Summer - Week 2

Last Week: 74.2kg
This Week: 74.3kg
Loss/Gain: +.1kg

Not an unexpected result so I'll acknowledge it and move on. I know I wasn't able to walk incidentally as much as I usually do and I didn't exercise in the mornings but rather the evenings. I think exercising in the morning kick starts my metabolism so I'll start exercising in the mornings again this next week.

I also discovered Bellis Fruit Bars as a treat which I should really avoid because they are so sugary. I tend to grab one every so often for a snack. Nothing to do with hunger but that sugar craving. So it seems that I replaced the coke hit with a Bellis hit. I've been fairly good with my eating otherwise.

Water is another issue though. I simply *forgot* to drink enough water this week. I was really busy at work and I was forgetting a lot of things.

Looking forward to this week which started with a great yoga session this morning, a little shopping during the day, a dinner to look forward tonight and a birthday lunch tomorrow, both at Italian Restuarants. Yum.

I'll catch up with everyone's posts a little later this weekend. Off again...

Sunday note: two days of Italian restaurant dining is definitely not good for the waistline...or bowel movements. Absolutely delish though but thank the gods I don't eat like that anymore too often. A colonic might be in order hey Stella LOL ;-)

Samadhi Yoga Beginner’s Course

Note: illustration by Cindy Revell

This was my final week of the Beginner's Yoga Course at Samadhi Yoga and I am definitely going to continue with my practice there. This is the second time that I have done the course and have been practicing at home as well.

One of the greatest joys of practicing at Samadhi Yoga is that I have experienced 5 different teachers there now and they have all had their very own unique style and approach to yoga which has been great to be exposed to, experience and share.

Yoga is such a humbling practice and one that constantly reminds me to be patient, take a step back and just breathe. It has definitely helped me in all aspects of my life as well, especially when dealing with difficult people, work when busy, negative thoughts about myself and others (I know Cath, I let loose the other day!) or even thoughts about the current political world climate. I think our happiness is definitely about how we choose to look at things that happen to us and how we choose to react to it and this is something that one of my yoga teachers had pointed out to the class as well.

So am I any good yet? Nope but it's about the journey and anyway, how boring would it be if you never had to work at anything :-)

Here is a list of the poses we focused on each week.

Week 1
Pose of the Week: Tadasana

Week 2
Pose of the Week: Downward Facing Dog

Week 3
Pose of the Week: Warrior 1 (Virabhadrasana 1)

Week 4
Pose of the Week: Breathing Exercises (Pranayama)

Week 5
Pose of the Week: “Just Sitting” (Meditation)

Week 6
Pose of the Week: Tree Pose (Vrksasana)

Week 7
Pose of the Week: Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)

Week 8
Pose of the Week: Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)

Suggested Reading (textbook):
Light on Yoga by BKS Iyenger

Currently listening to Melbourne artist:
Wendy Rule - The Lotus Eaters

National Novel Writing Month

I live with a writer so may the gods help me....it's NaNoWriMo month and Daniel's in!

"National Novel Writing Month is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to novel writing. Participants begin writing November 1. The goal is to write a 175-page (50,000-word) novel by midnight, November 30. "

November Exercise*

This month I'm not going to try and do yoga everyday (which I didn't successfully complete in October due to being sick and losing the momentum). I need variety and I don't always have time to do yoga without rushing so I'd prefer to mix my month up with other activities too. This way I don't get bored either and can change what I feel like doing (and can fit in) at the last minute without feeling bad about it. My main goal is to make sure I move my butt for at least 30 minutes each day.

WEEK 1
Wed 1 - 45 min solar flow yoga shakti (AM)
Thu 2 - 75 min samadhi yoga (PM)
Fri 3 - 30 min walk (MD)

WEEK 2
Sat 4 - 75 min samadhi yoga (AM)
Sun 5 - 45 min solar flow yoga shakti (PM)
Mon 6 - 45 min solar flow yoga shakti (AM), 60 min walk (PM)
Tue 7 - 45 min solar flow yoga shakti (AM)
Wed 8 - 20 min walk (MD), 75 min samadhi yoga (PM)
Thu 9 - 30 min hooping (PM)
Fri 10 - Rest Day

WEEK 3
Sat 11 - 75 min samadhi yoga (AM)
Sun 12 - Rest Day
Mon 13 - 45 min solar flow yoga shakti (AM)
Tue 14 - 30 min walk (AM)
Wed 15 - Rest Day
Thu 16 - 30 min walk (AM)
Fri 17 - Rest Day

WEEK 4
Sat 18 - 75 min samadhi yoga (AM)
Sun 19 - Rest Day
Mon 20 - 45 min yoga shakti (AM), 75 min samadhi yoga (PM)
Tue 21 - 30 min walk (AM)
Wed 22 - 75 min samadhi yoga (PM)
Thu 23 -
Fri 24 -

WEEK 5
Sat 25 - 75 min samadhi yoga (AM)
Sun 26 -
Mon 27 - 75 min samadhi yoga (AM)
Tue 28 -
Wed 29 - 75 min samadhi yoga (PM)
Thu 30 -

* subject to change depending on circumstance and what I feel like doing