NamasteYogis and Yoginis,

I am not sure about where you live, but here in NYC it has been an unforgettable winter. We have grown frozen from the relentless weather and anxiety producing media. We are so used to being rigid, that relaxing and letting go might seem unnatural. Nevertheless, with the Spring Equinox around the corner, a big thaw is about to happen and in just a few weeks, the days will become longer, the air warmer and life will reemerge. Phew!

This 'packed' issue of Yogalicious offers tips to harness the transformational energy and the ritual of Spring-Cleaning. The starting point for Spring-Cleaning is to eliminate the "stuff" that is holding you back and consuming your space and energy. This "stuff" includes toxic food and material possessions as well as limiting ideas, emotions, and unresolved situations. In order to open to the new, you need to let go of the 'stuff' weighing you down.

So get ready for spring, as very soon we will be celebrating life as it shoots up through the soil (and sidewalks)!

With joy,
Jillian

"HAVE FUN. Hum bird song. Blossom with laughter. Hatch a new direction. Plant soul seeds. Irrigate with teardrops. Spread warmth. Celebrate! " — Author unknown

In the Northern Hemisphere, spring begins March 20, 6pm MST. On this day, the earth is tilted so the sun is directly over the equator and the length of night and day are equal. Learn about Equinox celebrations at: http://www.religioustolerance.org/spring_equinox.htm   back to top

Beware of herbs, pills, powders, teas, trendy fasts, and diets that claim to "cleanse the colon," "purify the blood," "clarify the mind," and "flush out toxins." While some users might find these programs to support good health, many of these options can be very harmful. I feel strongly that it is NEVER wise to make any extreme sudden changes in your diet or 'take' anything with out professional guidance of a doctor. In stead, I encourage you to develop a simple balanced approach Cleansing your body. You don't need to spend money on magic potions. These simple changes can make a dramatic difference in your energy level, mental clarity, moods, and weight.
1. Start each day with warm water and lemon. Drink at least 8 glasses a day.
2. Eat smaller healthier portions more often during the day. (3 small meals and 2 light snacks.)
3. Eat fresh food. Eliminate prepackaged, canned and frozen foods.
4. Eat 3 servings of fruit and at least 4 servings of vegetables. Try to stick with fresh organic produce. Broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, beets, kale, lemon, cranberries, pears and apples are particularly effective at promoting the natural detoxification process.
5. Add warming spices and detoxifying herbs to your meals, salads, or tea. To help with digestion, elimination, and purification use ginger, black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, turmeric or cardamom. For herbs try Dandelion, Parsley or Peppermint.
6. Add Omega3 oils (fresh oily fish, flaxseeds, walnuts, linseeds, flaxseeds, pumpkins seeds, dark leafy greens) to help balance the body and mental function.
7. Enjoy steamed Brown Rice, Quinoa, or whole grains instead of bread, pasta, and white rice.
8. Limit saturated fats, dairy products, and red meat. They slow your digestion.
9. Limit sugar. It suppresses the immune system, damages the digestive track, creates mood swings and causes much more damage than good.
10. Most importantly, don't starve yourself! Your body will react by saving up excess fat, instead of letting you burn it off. This will only keep the toxins inside.
   back to top

Spring is the opportunity to shed unhelpful patterns and discard energies and ideas that no longer fit us. Take some time and think about 'what's weighing you down'. Sit down with your journal and jot down a few things that come to your mind. (i.e.: fear, guilt, negative self-view.) Do not get hung up in the process, write whatever comes. Then review your list. For each item, ask "Am I willing to let go of this?" … Now is the time to become more who you really are, to plant your "seeds". Ask yourself, "what are my goals, dreams, and aspirations? What do I want to harvest?"   back to top