food&health

 I am no expert at yoga, however, I do possess a deep liking (love, you can say) for the practice. The postures, breathing exercises and the grace of movement has always fascinated me to the extent that I have taken a couple of workshops here and there, only to gain insight and more knowledge about this medium of exercise, relaxation and inner peace.

And here is my compilation of ten elements that everyone should know about yoga, whether active practitioners or not.

1. Never say sorry

One of the first things that Les Leventhal, yoga teacher at a workshop I recently attended in Dubai, told us is that never say sorry, in your practice or your life. Take ownership of what you do and never regret what you have done, because every decision, move and posture contains its own suns and moons.

2. Put your weight on your other butt

Attaining balance in yoga practice is possibly one of the most difficult things to achieve; yet the results are so worth it. And this is how yoga translates into real life - where peace only comes when we are able to strike a balance between our needs and wants.

3. Spread your toes

I recently had the opportunity to practice on a ‘Manduka’ mat, which I have to say undisputedly made yoga so much better. And believe me whilst doing one of the very popular backbends, the camel pose, one does end up spreading those camel toes. And that I would relate to the fact that if we don’t explore life, how would we know that we are living? Chances are you might end up discovering shark teeth rather than camel toes, but heck, who cares!?

4. ‑Breathe, relax,  and be still!

My yoga teacher often has these oxymoronic phrases stored for the most serious sessions of the class. But come to think of it, isn’t this what we are ideally supposed to do in times of stress, anxiety attacks and the likes of when life throws a challenge? Xanax, please!

5. ‑Let your navel touch the spine

What? I mean, like how, as it is humanly impossible to follow such instructions. However, if look into it deeply, all it is asking you to do is to go ahead and think of doing the impossible and chances are you will come out as a better person.

6. ‑Go into a standing forward bend

Yes we have established that yoga is an oxymoron practice, as it tells you to remain grounded, yet move freely; standing or lying down, there will be bends in life. And the best way to deal with them is to remain grounded to your beliefs and faith, yet have the freedom and flexibility to change and accept change.

7. ‑Yoga is not about postures, just breathe

Err yeah, when I have my feet twisted around my neck, and my arms under the spine, when my hands are clammy and my pants are sticking to my skin, all you have to say is that yoga is not about postures. Well yes, sorry to burst the bubble but yoga, only if you let it, will seep and give you real life lessons and only then can you understand that the hassle that you go through seemingly for a posture is actually preparing you for a bigger cause. And the same goes for your daily life mantra too.

8. Come back to me

This is a statement that my yoga teacher often throws at me, when I am busy daydreaming rather than trying to do a locust pose. Yoga, like many forms of exercise, is a whole mind, body and soul practice, a practice that strengthens the mind and translates that strength into the body. In its true philosophical form, yoga teaches life, it teaches the resolve, finesse, and grace to stay grounded in life.

9. Downward facing dog

This particular pose is one of the most important ones. As centering and calming as yoga is, it is constantly defying gravity. Through various animal poses we bind, twist, balance and leap, only to attain a balance between our soul and our ego. It is that inflated egos that prevent us from attaining a particular post in life (and yoga) rather than our physical built and appearance.

10. Puff out your kidneys

This is one of the most ridiculous statements that I have ever heard in a yoga class. However, it is about letting go, releasing the toxins and letting us wring away the negatives.

Last but not the least I want to wrap up this extremely zen and nirvanic litany with some delicious food. A combination of some Norwegian smoked salmon baked with an egg and served with some dill-flavored cream. A protein packed meal; this can certainly be the twist to your daily yoga mantra.

Saadia Tariqis a food consultant and photographer who blogs at www.capturebyst.com and can be followed on Twitter @capturebyst

Salmon for the soul

Baked Salmon and Egg in a heart shaped ramekin is topped with extremely fragrant chopped dill, which hugs smoked salmon delightfully. This little delicacy is a must for protein lovers. Quick to prepare, this dish takes about 20 minutes in the oven and out comes a jiggly egg baked on a bed of smoked salmon and cream with some grinds of pepper and half a pinch of salt. The cream lends a certain smoothness and finesse to your dish and it can happily be served with some shards of bread and butter. And if we are talking about flexibility here then you are welcome to substitute the salmon with some left-over chicken, roasted veggies or even a mound of cheese. Remember, this is your life and plate - lead it!