To order the complete CD of the sample music
playing on this website,
email us at:
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(916)-944-8505
Inspirations - July 2009
Dear Friends,
It looks like summer is making its way slowly but surely. Everyone is always welcome to bring a swimsuit to yoga and dip in the pool after class if you like. Swimming with the waterfalls flowing all around you is refreshing and soothing.
The gardens throughout our grounds, which PJ has so kindly cared for, are open to all. Bring a book, a friend, lunch, or just enjoy some solitude amongst the green and growing garden life.
If you have never made it out yet to one of our free meditation classes, I encourage you to visit one and learn how to add meditation to your daily life. Maybe a meditation class or group meditation incorporating simple and enjoyable mantras is just what you need to become re-inspired to your own practice.
Julio will be teaching us how to give an awesome hand and foot massage on May 30th. We also have another veggie cooking class coming with Margaret and Carol on June 20th!
We are also very excited to be planning an ayurvedic workshop coming soon with Dr. Marc Halpern, founder and director of The California College of Ayurveda in Grass Valley, CA. We will keep you posted.
Namaste everyone,
Uddhava dasi
Inspirations
Dear Friends,
Stories can be so uplifting. I've included a short inspirational story for your enjoyment. This story is titled, The Fern and The Bamboo.
One day I decided to quit...
I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality...
I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.
"God," I said. "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"
His answer surprised me. "Look around. Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"
"Yes," I replied.
"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I didn't quit on the bamboo.
In the second year, the fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I didn't quit on the bamboo.
In year three, there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But still I would not quit. The same in year four. Then in the fifth year, a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern, it was seemingly small and insignificant.
Just six months later, the bamboo rose to over 100 feet. It had spent five years growing roots.Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle.
Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots.
I would not quit on the bamboo. And I will never quit on you. Don't compare yourself to others.
The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern. Yet they both make the forest beautiful. "Your time will come. You will rise high."
"How high should I rise?" I asked.
"How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.
"As high as it can?" I asked.
"Yes." He said. "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."
I left the forest, realizing that God will never give up on me.
Good days give us happiness. Bad days give us experiences- both are essential to life.
"We cannot do great things, we can only do little things with great love."
~Mother Theresa
"Some succeed because they are destined to; most succeed because they are determined to."
~Anatole France
"We are not human beings having a spiritual experience, we are spiritual beings having a human experience."
~Pema Chodron
"Treat people as if they were what they ought to be, and you help them to become what they are capable of being."
~Goethe
"I am always doing that which I cannot in order that I may learn how to do it."
~Pablo Picasso
"I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know; the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve."
~Dr. Albert Schweitzer
"The simplest and shortest ethical precept is to be served by others as little as possible, and to serve others as much as possible."
~Leo Tolsty
Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional Yeast Wonder Food
Nutritional Yeast is grown on mineral enriched cane and beet molasses and is used as a food supplement in the form of powders or yellow flakes. Nutritional yeast is rich in:
protein
natural B-vitamins
dietary fiber
15 minerals
18 amino acids
Favored by vegetarians and the health conscious, nutritional yeast provides as much protein as meat and is a good source of vitamin B-12. Nutritional yeast is a non-genetically modified (non-GMO), gluten-free, low in fat, low sodium, kosher, no added sugars, preservatives or added flavors food supplement. Nutritional yeast is an inactive yeast, different than brewers yeast, which is a byproduct of breweries and distilleries and bread-making yeast and which is kept active and similar in appearance to nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast has a delicious nutty, cheesy, creamy flavor and can be added to your favorite meals to enhance flavor and nutrition.
Health Benefits
B-complex vitamins reduces stress
aids in cell metabolism
supports good metabolic rates
protects against some forms of cancer
keeps skin shiny and glowing
How to Use Nutritional Yeast
Add to savory foods.
Use as a condiment by sprinkling on top of your favorite cooked dishes
Stir into soups, sauces, stews, dips and graviesto create a creamy flavor
Sprinkle on popcorn with olive oil for a cheesy, yummy flavor
Sprinkle on top of salads to enhance flavor and nutrition
Bake with nutritional yeast by adding one 1Tbsp- 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast to your baked savories
Add to stir fry dishes
Add to pasta dishes
Sprinkle on buttered toast for a cheesy flavor
Sprinkle on baked potatoes with olive oil
Add to your cat or dog's food to help eliminate fleas, promote a healthy coat and good nutrition
Where to Find Nutritional Yeast
You can find nutritional yeast at most health food stores, Raley's, Whole Foods and The Sacramento Co-op in the bulk food sections and can also be purchased online.
This is my most requested recipe over the 30 years that I have been teaching vegetarian cooking. Mock Chicken Tofu is also my family's favorite dish. After you have made it once you will love it. It is great served hot as an Entree or served cold in a salad. You can add barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, peanut sauce, or sweet and sour sauce for different flavorings. Mock Chicken Tofu tastes like chicken but much healthier without all the hormones, antibiotics and other unhealthy chemicals.
Ingredients:
· Firm tofu (drained well) Trader Joe's is good, 1 block · Grape seed oil, olive oil or butter, 3 TBS · Soy sauce or Braggs Liquid Aminos, 2 TBS · Nutritional Yeast, 1/4 cup · Spike seasoning Salt, 1 tsp · Black pepper (optional), 1/4 tsp
Directions:
1. Drain the tofu well. Tofu really varies by brand and also by type such as soft, firm, extra firm etc. Some of the more soft tofu have to be sliced in about 4 pieces and drained by pressing in between paper towels.
2. Heat the oil in a frying pan, preferably a non-stick skillet. When the oil is hot, add the tofu by breaking it into random size pieces about 1" by 1".
3. Cook tofu on medium high heat without turning for about 5 minutes. This will allow the tofu to get nice and crisp. Turn tofu and cook for about 4 more minutes on the other side.
4.Turn off the heat and add the remaining ingredients in the following order. First put in the soy sauce and stir so as to cover all the pieces of tofu well. Then add the nutritional yeast, spike and black pepper. Toss and coat all the tofu pieces.
The mission of Lotus Garden Meditation Center is to contribute to the welfare of all by teaching the principles and practice of the ancient science of Yoga, Meditation and a healthy yoga lifestyle. We provide a variety of free quality programs through events offered at our facilities and with public and private venues: schools, hospitals, cancer centers, crisis centers, community and drug rehabilitation centers.
We are a non-profit organization committed to helping people live happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives through our community outreach programs.
Girl Scout Yoga
Lotus Garden Meditation Center hosted a free Little Lotus Yoga class for Girl Scout troop #1951 accompanied by their scout leader, April Carni, as our way of giving back to the community. The class was in conjunction with their stressless living educational program.
Prior to the class, the girl scouts took a tour of the grounds where they enjoyed our organic gardens, marveled at the pool and koi fish pond and got chummy with the goats.
The girls loved their experience!
Yoga & Meditation for a Healthy Happy Life
Lotus Garden Meditation Center enjoyed an evening of fellowship and food last month at the Dunlap House in Downtown Sacramento.
Uddhava participated in a presentation for the Children of Promise Workshop Forums entitled "Health and Wellness is a Family Affair." Her talk was entitled, "Yoga & Meditation for a Healthy Happy Life."
After engaging participants in some light stretching and 'chair yoga,' a presentation on "Yoga, Meditation and Relaxation" was given by Uddhava, followed by a simple potluck dinner, including barbecue tofu and almond cookies. (Mmm!) Everyone enjoyed the evening.
Teacher of The Month
Teacher of The Month
Our "Teacher of The Month" is Gena Foreman.
A few words from Gena...
I was born in California. When I was 7 years old my family moved to Idaho. My parents were considered "hippie parents." They were into Kundalini Yoga, reflexology, and massage. We lived off the grid on 10 acres in a Teepee of which 1 acre was our garden. I remember lots of weeding! We had no running water other than the stream that ran through our property.
As fate would have it, I moved back to California in 1986, met my husband, married, had a son in 1988 and a daughter in 1990. I came back to yoga in 1997 to quiet my mind from all the craziness that comes with being a mom and wife. I completed a 200 hour training with Shannon Wells in 2004. I enjoy anything to do with the outdoors; Hiking, biking, camping, gardening, reading. I feel so lucky to be a teacher at Lotus Garden.
Join Gena for Yoga Asana Level I/II Monday evenings 7 to 8:30pm, Tuesday mornings 9 to 10:30am and Saturdays 8 to 9:30am.
What's New!
Pre-Natal Yoga
Yoga is the ideal system for preparing for childbirth. This specialized class will strengthen your back, open your hips, and relax your body and mind. You will learn breathing exercises and relaxation techniques for an easier labor and delivery. A nurturing and safe class, specifically designed for the 'childbearing year', in the company of other moms-to-be. Post-natal moms with their newborns are also welcome.
New Classes!
Pre-natal Yoga
Saturdays, 12:30 to 1:30pm
* Pre-natal class canceled May 30
Core Strengthening Yoga
Fridays, 10 to 11:30am
About the instructor...
Sita is a certified Yoga Teacher and Holistic Health and Wellness Consultant with over 40 years of experience. She is also a talented musician, vocalist, and composer. In her classes, students learn to use Yoga as a tool in helping to minimize illness and reduce the risk of injuries, while releasing physical and mental tension in the mind and body. Sita's classes help to increase flexibility, strength and productivity, and reawaken one's ability to greet life with renewed joy and serenity. Sita's 25 years of experience as a birthing coach make her a Prenatal Yoga Teacher you can feel comfortable with. You will love Sita's authentic, informative style combined with her sensitive and practical approach.
Discount Days!
Take advantage of Lotus Garden's solution for the economic crunch... LGMC Discount Days! Enjoy yoga for only $7 a class! This incredible deal is valid for the following classes:
Bring a friend for yoga at Lotus Garden Meditation Center and your friend takes the class for free. Offer valid for first time students only and includes Hatha Yoga,
Little Lotus Yoga and Tai Chi. Yoga teachers have coupons available upon request.
Just six months later, the bamboo rose to over 100 feet. It had spent five years growing roots.Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle.
Wonder Food
This is my most requested recipe over the 30 years that I have been teaching vegetarian cooking. Mock Chicken Tofu is also my family's favorite dish. After you have made it once you will love it. It is great served hot as an Entree or served cold in a salad. You can add barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, peanut sauce, or sweet and sour sauce for different flavorings. Mock Chicken Tofu tastes like chicken but much healthier without all the hormones, antibiotics and other unhealthy chemicals. 
The mission of Lotus Garden Meditation Center is to contribute to the welfare of all by teaching the principles and practice of the ancient science of Yoga, Meditation and a healthy yoga lifestyle. We provide a variety of free quality programs through events offered at our facilities and with public and private venues: schools, hospitals, cancer centers, crisis centers, community and drug rehabilitation centers. 
Sita is a certified Yoga Teacher and Holistic Health and Wellness Consultant with over 40 years of experience. She is also a talented musician, vocalist, and composer. In her classes, students learn to use Yoga as a tool in helping to minimize illness and reduce the risk of injuries, while releasing physical and mental tension in the mind and body. Sita's classes help to increase flexibility, strength and productivity, and reawaken one's ability to greet life with renewed joy and serenity. Sita's 25 years of experience as a birthing coach make her a Prenatal Yoga Teacher you can feel comfortable with. You will love Sita's authentic, informative style combined with her sensitive and practical approach. 
