In preparing for this February newsletter I felt a great sense of “What can I say or write about the subject of love that hasn’t already been said or written?” Of course, there is the famous:
“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.

And also the contemplative:
“Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone’s face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits here in this world and the life to come.” – Henri Nouwen

And, finally, the ultimate:
“Love is the absence of judgment.”
– Dalai Lama XIV

Because, finally, isn’t this what we all want? Unending, absolute, nonjudgmental and unconditional love. Like a parent for a child, but extended to everyone, everywhere. Let’s make a pact with Lady Gaga (have you seen her Grammy acceptance speech?) who said:

“If you see somebody that’s hurting, don’t look away And if you’re hurting, even though it might be hard, try to find that bravery within yourself to dive deep and go tell somebody and take them up in your head with you.” – Lady Gaga

Here’s to non-judgmental living, and here’s to each of you!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Did you know that yoga is good for both of your hearts? I bet you never thought of yourself as having two, (I say it a little tongue-in-cheek) but I’m talking about not only the hardworking, blood-pumping organ in your chest but also the emotional heart we refer to when we talk of love, compassion, heartache, and heartbreak.

The capable hands of a surgeon can fix the heart organ, but the metaphysical heart can be a little trickier to mend. Yoga helps us to heal and strengthen the heart, in both the physical and the metaphysical sense.

Follow the link below for four heart-opening yoga poses to practice. https://www.doyouyoga.com/4-heart-opening-yoga-poses-and-how-yoga-can-heal-your-heart-64091/

Have a love-filled Valentine’s Day!

Healthy Valentine Desserts

Dark chocolate-drizzled rice cakes:  You can buy these at the store; they’re much better for you than a cookie, and you still get the crunch and chocolate cravings satisfied.

Yogurt parfaits:  Mix up some yummy berries, and layer with granola and plain yogurt for a yummy treat.

High-fiber cereal:  Make this a treat by serving it in a creative way, like out of a cone or small box.  Mix with dried cranberries or raisins for a little more interest.  Quaker just came out with a cereal, Whole Hears, shaped like hearts that is packed with fiber and protein; it makes for a great little snack food addiction to the dessert table.

Dark chocolate-dipped strawberries:  Decadent yet good for you, dark chocolate has less sugar and is known for its health benefits in small quantities, like in a thin coating on a sweet, ripe strawberry.

Fruit smoothies:  Throw whole fruit, yogurt, OJ and some ice in the blender and puree.  Serve out of decorated bottles to make it fancy.

Here’s the link for these treats: https://projectnursery.com/2012/02/healthy-heart-valentines-day-dessert-table/

(yep, these came from a kid’s website! amazing how we sometimes need to get back to basics.)