Source: http://www.sonima.com/yoga/daily-practice/

Sometimes relying on a solid structure can help bring a little more ease and happiness into our lives. The trick is to use the benefits of structure as a gateway toward feeling safe in the unknown.

As the poet Rumi writes, “This being human is a Guest House, every day a new arrival.” One never knows what emotions may arise—we cannot control the natural fluctuation of our vibrant heart, the ongoing flow of feelings and thoughts. What we can do, however, is work with our mind by accepting its nature, and with our body by strengthening and opening it so that it is both powerful and spacious enough to welcome all sorts of interesting thoughts and sensations. A diligent yoga practice can help cultivate a sense of stability, trust, and ease in dealing with the unexpected.

Related: The Surprising Things I Learned by Starting a Daily Yoga Practice

How does one lay the foundation for a steady practice? A new year is not our only cue: Each new breath is an opportunity for refreshing.

Beginnings can be exciting because they help us find that childlike sense of wonder. Initially one might feel a deep sense of motivation and energy that helps take that first step, but eventually routine might become boring if not properly addressed. Two elements are essential in order to fully achieve your goal: diligence and the energy to stick with it.

With daily practice the physical work will become second nature and…

Source: http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/02/19/467368993/in-flint-mich-moving-the-farmers-market-drew-more-poor-shoppers?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=thesalt

When the Flint farmers market moved downtown, closer to public transportation, more low-income customers started shopping there for all their grocery needs, a new study finds.

G.L. Kohuth/Courtesy of Michigan State University

Making farmers markets more accessible to Americans in food deserts can boost the number of low-income customers who regularly shop there, and may even offer more promise for improving diets than bringing in traditional grocers. That’s according to researchers who looked at what happened when the farmers market in Flint, Mich. — much of which qualifies as a food desert — moved downtown.

Availability of nutritious foods is of particular relevance in Flint, where the city’s water system is now infamously contaminated with lead and other toxins. Public health officials there are spreading the word that consuming fruits and vegeta…

Source: http://zenhabits.net/mist/

By Leo Babauta

We think we need to improve ourselves and our current situation, because we’re dissatisfied (at least a little bit) with how things are. We have a drive to improve, improve.

So we strive for change — exercise more, eat better, read more, be more mindful, do more meaningful work, be more disciplined.

And yet, we struggle with change. Why is that? What’s going on?

The problem is that we are clinging to the illusion of solidity.

Allow me to explain. It turns out that we all want things to be solid in our lives: we want a solid income, work routine, daily routine. We want a solid version of ourselves, that’s not so blown about by the winds of whim.

We want everyone else around us to be solid, dependable, stable, the way we want them to be. We want our relationships to be solid, trustworthy. We want our health to be solid, not subject to injury and depression and illness. We want everyone else to be solid and not die or get sick. Of course, our rational minds know this always possible, but still, this is what we want. Solidity.

Unfortunately, we are grasping for something solid … in a river. There is no solidity, just fluidity.

Think about yourself for a second: can you stick to a perfect routine, never changing, for an entire year? No, probably not — most of us can’t do it for a day. Why is that? Why can’t we just make a plan and stick to it? It’s because our minds are…

Source: http://www.thefitbits.com/2016/02/synchronised-swimming-with-this-girl-can.html

My Swimathon training hasn’t exactly gone to plan. In fact my whole ‘I can train for Brighton Half, Swimathon and boxing at once’ plan has fallen flat on its arse, as preparation for my fight next month has taken priority. 

I have a plan though: I’m not wearing my watch for the half next week (first race EVER without it!) to take the pressure off (goodbye sub-2), and will make sure I get a few swims in from next week onwards. 
Saying that though, last week, as part of my This Girl Can ambassadorship with Active Sussex, I did get manage to get down to the pool, and joined Brighton Dolphins Synchro team to try my hand at synchronised swimming!
Now, I’m sure you’re aware, I’m not well known for my elegance. I like to punch things/people, lift heavy and run hard. I finish my workouts drenched in sweat and ready to inhale whatever food crosses my path. 
So as you can imagine, I was apprehensive about synchro. Mostly of the deep water (having only learnt to swim a year or so ago and still got a thing about being out of my depth), but also of the precision and poise required to pull it off in style. 

I aint no mermaid, let me tell you.
However, despite my best efforts to drown (and I really did try hard), I lived to tell the tale and the Dolphins looked after me marvellously. They’re a really friendly (and patient!) bunch and never stopped encouraging me to keep trying even though I had a pro…

Source: http://greatist.com/eat/smoothie-bowl-recipes?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=feed_http–greatistcom-

If we’ve learned anything from our Instagram feed lately, it’s that smoothie bowls are one of the biggest breakfast trends out there—and for good reason. Whether packed with leafy greens, tropical fruit, or creamy avocado, these super-bowls are filling, nutrient-packed, and most importantly, absolutely delicious.

To make a smoothie that’s best eaten with a spoon (we’re talking extra thick) use slightly less liquid than usual. The result: a thicker, richer, and creamier consistency that’s almost ice cream-like. (Doesn’t this sound way more fun than snoozy oatmeal?)

Better yet: Going sans glass lets you go nuts with delicious additions like sliced almonds, chia seeds, shredded coconut, and other fun toppings. Try one of these amazing recipes this week and get ready to feel like you’re digging into a bowl of fro-yo at the breakfast table.

Photo: Domesticate Me

1. Vegan Berry Crunch Smoothie Bowl

…

Source: http://greatist.com/live/how-to-make-friends?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=feed_http–greatistcom-

Making friends as an adult is hard, especially when people go around saying #NoNewFriends. And when you ask two people how they became pals, they often say, “We just clicked.” What does that even mean?!

Luckily science has a more concrete answer. One of the keys to making new friends is being vulnerable. We think people will be impressed by our amazing accomplishments and hobbies, but as this video from The School of Life explains, we tend to get close with others when we really open up. That often means sharing your insecurities without worrying how the other person will react. It’s a scary prospect, but you could end up with a new bestie.

…

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tinybuddha/~3/G9R-pXyzYxc/

“People are lonely because they build walls instead of bridges.” ~Joseph F Newton

Can you imagine your life without a cell phone?

It’s hard, right?

For most of us, we use our phones every day, whether it’s for talking with others, looking up information, or entertaining ourselves during those lulls in the day.

A short while back, my phone contract expired and I was left without a cell phone. It felt strange at first, since my phone was something that was beside me almost every second of the day.

But a thought came up. What would my life be like without relying on a cell phone all the time? I decided to run an experiment to see how it impacted me.

And what I learned surprised me.

When my eyes weren’t glued to my phone, I was able to look up and notice different things around me. I became more aware of how people used their phones, especially when there weren’t any other electronic devices around to engage them.

One day, I went to a restaurant for a meal and noticed a family of four sitting beside me. Two adults and two preteen children were seated in a cozy corner, gazing at their menus.

It looked like they were out having an enjoyable meal as a family. Wasn’t it the perfect time for them to reconnect with one ano…

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tinybuddha/~3/-mCIj7QYmdM/

“If it is important to you, you will find a way. If not, you’ll find an excuse.” ~Unknown

How many times have you made plans with friends, only to receive the dreaded, “Sorry, need to reschedule” text just minutes before you were meant to meet?

Is it any wonder that you get tired of trying, that you struggle to feel secure in relationships?

But before we get carried away castigating others, let’s take a look at ourselves. We hate it when other people bail at the last minute, but do we do it too?

As humans, we have an astonishing capacity for denial. People I love and respect tell me how much they despise it when other people text and drive. Then five minutes later, what are they doing? Texting and driving.

Many of us use our phones and social media accounts to flake out on our people, and it’s messing with our heads.

That’s why every major world religion emphasizes a version of the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. When left to our own devices (pun intended), we are really bad at it.

Much as I dislike when other people flake out, I’ve done it. I did it to my friend Jozzy a few weeks ago. I’d verbally expressed interest in attending a book group he led, speaking as though I’d be th…

Source: http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/02/18/467136329/is-organic-more-nutritious-new-study-adds-to-the-evidence?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=thesalt

An assortment of organic vegetables are seen on display. A growing body of evidence documents how farming methods can influence the nutritional content of foods.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

It’s often a split-second decision.

You’re in the produce aisle, and those organic apples on display look nice. You like the idea of organic — but they’re a few bucks extra. Ditto for the organic milk and meat. Do you splurge? Or do you ask yourself: What am I really getting from organic?

Scientists have been trying to answer this question. And the results of a huge new meta-analysis published this week in the British Journal of Nutrition adds to the evidence that organic production can boost key nutrients in foods.

The study finds that organic dairy and meat contain about 50 percent more omega-3 fatty acids. The increase is the result of animals foraging on grasse…

Source: http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/02/18/466384938/beyond-pizza-and-french-fries-museums-eye-more-healthful-menus?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=thesalt

Heat lamps warm fresh pizza in the food line at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s Amazon Cafe in the Rainforest. The dining area has increased offerings of healthful foods such as salads, but pizza, fries and corn dogs remain popular choices among visitors.

Sarah Jane Tribble/WCPN

When Rachel Mollen strolls into the cafe at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh with her 5-year-old son, she knows exactly the kind of food they will eat.

“Will, he’s the youngest of four, and he wanted to do something special today,” Mollen says. “I was trying to think of some place that we could go for lunch and have a healthy lunch and do something fun.”

The boy sits quietly munching…