The Start of Something New

As I mentioned in my last post, today I practiced with and met the yogi that will be training me to be a RYT (registered yoga teacher). Although I was originally very nervous about meeting her and the other students (especially because of my age), added to which I had never practiced Mysore Ashtanga, everything went amazingly! I immediately felt apart of their little community and had a wonderful practice. Luckily, I knew most of the poses; the only difference was that the sequence was just a lot more specific than I'm used to in vinyasa. Everything just felt right, like that's where I'm meant to be. What's something that immediately felt right to you?

Anyway, these Wednesday night intense practices will now become a part of my routine. The yogi (any name ideas for her? It's going to get weird calling her that every time) and I decided that teacher training is right for me and I will start Sunday (pending on father's day arrangements, of course). She also said that she could "fast track" me so that I can finish by the end of the summer to work in line with my school schedule. It basically means a lot of study, practice, and being mentored. 

I will literally be living and breathing yoga; it will require the utmost dedication, but I'm up for the challenge. It's crazy to think that tonight starts a whole new chapter in my life. Yoga is something I want to do for the rest of my life and this is the groundwork that will allow me to work with others who want to do the same. I think I have finally chosen my path: I want to work with holistic healing through yoga, nutrition, etc. Have you chosen a path or are you taking many while trying to decide? 

With my big day ahead of me, I definitely did not want to start it with something new. When I want a reliable breakfast, oats will always be there for me. Both today and yesterday's breakfasts were berry oats. However, just like a yoga pose, it is different each time you get into it (or eat it, in this case). 

Tuesday's patriotic oats (apparently Gabriela and I were on the same page with this)

Wednesday's quadruple berry oats (fresh raspberries = <3!) 

Although this might seem monotonous, tomorrow I'm planning on starting something in the breakfast department. After hearing back from Angela on the chia/flax seed swap, I'm finally taking the pluge. Can you guess on what? 

Breakfasts' similarities offered up a challenge for something new at lunch. Two days, two new foods. Mission accomplished. 

When I say lunch, however, it isn't really lunch. Again, my odd schedule has messed me up. Accordingly, these were more of snack plates. 

The first featured a romaine salad with carrots and an Ezekiel english muffin (new product) spread with avocado (new, too!).            

  

Can you believe I've never liked avocados? Even though I've heard people absolutely rave about them and know about how good they are me, I just didn't like them. The more I saw them, though, the more I decided I was going to change my mind. [If you read Amanda's inspiring blog, then you clearly see where I got the Ezekiel english muffin/avocado combo.] 

 

The Ezekiel english muffins were so dense and chewy--just how I like it!

As for the avocados, I finally took the plunge... 

...and I think I'm warming up to them. It's not love just yet, but at least it's a step. What's your favorite way to eat avocados? Is there a food you tried to make yourself like?   

For "lunch" today, I wanted something that I knew would fuel me through my Ashtanga practice without making me feeld weighed down. Enter Gena's Homemade Sunshine Burgers. 

I've never tried the frozen Sunshine Burgers, and honestly, I probably never will. These tasted so fresh and amazing that I'd have a hard time shelling out the $$$ and compromising. Gena, I cannot thank you enough. I usually hate freezing things but I know that I'll want to have some of these on hand at all times. 

Just look at that fresh and crispy goodness! [Note: if anyone wants the measurements to make one burger, I'd be glad to give it to you. It's all in grams, but if you have a measuring scale then it'd work well.) 

These burgers definitely delivered in both taste and sustainability! I was perfectly fueled through my practice and more. My teacher and the other students invited me for dinner (which is their tradition after Wednesday practice), but I politely declined. I didn't want to change the atmosphere too much since I'm new but I know I will join them very soon. 

However, I did snag a little piece of roasted broccoli. The yogi (seriously, any name ideas?) made it fresh by putting a little pan of water at the bottom of the oven while roasting to make them juicy. You know how much I like my broccoli and this was no exception. They were sweet and juciy--perfect!

Everyone has been so kind to me and are really taking me under their wing. One of the ladies is actually a teacher that went through my yogi's program and now comes to mentor others and share in the practice. I already feel like she's my big sister because of how kind and helpful she was. Look what she gave me to take home with me: 

Oh my goodness, these were insane! I don't consider cherries to be in my favorite fruits, but I just couldn't resist these. It's hard to tell from the photo, but they were huge! And juicy! Oh my. 

I almost forgot to mention what I brought along to the practice. To thank my yogi for her kindness and show my enthusiasm, I gave her a bouquet of roses. 

I also made fresh vegan cookies for everyone to enjoy as dessert. However, they all decided to try some before dinner. They were freshly baked; who could blame them? What's your favorite kind of cookie? 

First, I made Mexican Hot Chocolate Snickerdoodles from Vegan Cookies Invade Your Cookie Jar. The chocolate + chili combination is really unique. Cinnamon added to the mix balances everything out and makes the cookies sweet and spicy. My "older sister" even asked me for the recipe! 

Apparently baking not only relieves stress, but it also calms my nerves. Accordingly, I later decided to make oatmeal raisin cookies from The Joy of Vegan Baking, too.  Even though oatmeal raisin is such a generic cookie, I always get rave review when I use this recipe. Of course, I add my own spin on it and sometimes even swap out the raisins for chocolate chips, but it's definitely a no-fail recipe. 

All together now!

Lately I've come home craving a simple dinner. Since my fridge is nicely stocked with veggies and tofu, a simple tofu, veggie, and millet din din was in order. Sorry for the simplicity and repetition, but I'm a big believer in enjoying everything you eat, even if it's a few times in a row. Don't mess with a good thing!

That's it for now, folks! I'm currently enjoying the gift from my big sis and some other fruity pleasures. Now that my nerves are gone, I'm sure I'll sleep well tonight, dreaming of my training to come. I'm so excited! This really is the start of something new and unlike anything else. What are you currently looking forward to? 

Have a lovely day! 

xox, 

Mandiee