The Yin Approach The key aspect of Yin is that poses are supported and held for three to five minutes. Under gravity, in stillness with no forcing, a deeeep stretch happens. The Yin approach involves a certain ‘sitting with’ as new layers of tightness – mental, physical and emotional – reveal themselves and resolve (or …
Baking is a key part of getting ready for a retreat here at Viveka Gardens, and Anna did an amazing job of the double combo of firm favourite chocolate cake that has the VG signature blackcurrant jam in it, this time made as cupcakes and new recipe, lemon shortbread. A plant-based shortbread, and lemon-y too. …
Vegan Souper Soup in many varieties is a key feature after classes and in workshops here at VG. This one is a winter warmer uber-comfort food which is inexpensive when cauliflower is in season and because split yellow peas are readily available in supermarkets and wholefood shops. An organic cauli* costs maybe £1.50 and the …
This is a super tasty classic that is wonderful for Christmas or other meal. Chestnuts are high in carbohydrates and, strangely, very high in vitamin C, essential for the maintenance of blood vessels. Brazils are one of the fattiest nuts, and a rich source of Selenium, wonderful for bone health. Other nuts are great too, …
Scrambled tofu is an easy win if you want a protein hit. And tasty. You can serve it old-fashioned style with baked beans for a tin, or really nice is with steamed pak choi (or spinach, broccoli spears) and fried off tomatoes in oregano – as in the picture. Tofu is a complete protein, meaning …
A well balanced yoga class includes warm up, inversions, forward bends, backward bends, twists, sideways bends and balances. Strength Standing and arm balances develop strong muscles in your legs, feet, arms and shoulders, as well as your core. Holding your body against the force of gravity needs muscle contraction. Developed muscles around vulnerable ankles, knees, …
Squash are in season and the slightly smokey taste of these beans with cinnamon, ras-el-haout spice and a bit of cayenne makes a super tasty soup. This was served with bulgar cracked wheat and enjoyed after class one Tuesday morning here at VG. Yummers. Ingredients (serves 4 – 6) 200g black eyed beans 2 tablespoons …
Spiced apple cakes – well we varied it this time with pears and dates instead of apples and sultanas – care of the Vegan Society. We LOVE these little buns made in a 12-bay bun tin rather than the big cake. Holly made them, Fab and Jonas modelled them. Just what you need after an …
I was confused during the menopause. Confuse comes from the verb to melt: yes I melted with hot flushes. Sweaty nights, deep tiredness, mental confusion. As a caterpillar transforms in the chrysalis, structures melting and being reassigned, I knew there was a transformation going on, painful and uncertain as it was. I know it’s a cliche, …