Ragdoll Pose

In this weeks session, we take an in depth look into our yoga practice. Ragdoll pose or asana, is a basic standing forward bend yoga posture that stretches the lower back. Hinge at the hips and fold over, allowing everything to release – dangle your shoulders, neck, arms, and head. This is a really great stretch and helps reset our bodies and rejuvenates our beings. While giving ourselves an opportunity to fully let go of any tension built up over the day or week, it also permits a rush of blood and fresh oxygen to our minds. Coincidentally, our hosts: Michael & Amanda have two lovely ragdoll cats – Noodles & Re-Reun. They are both super soft but a bit temperamental (cuddling has proved to be difficult at this time) However, it has been a pleasure getting to know their enchanting personalities, likes and quirks.

Noodles
Re-Run
Re-Run & Noodles

Mandy and I join forces and attempt a yoga class in the living room. She has been using “Yoga with Adrienne” (https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene) which I find to be more instructive and perfect for beginners who need more guidance on technique and form. For my practice, I have an absolute affinity for using “Boho Beautiful” (https://www.youtube.com/user/cexercize) led by the amazing Juliana. I am truly in gratitude when it comes to practicing yoga with her – the videos are filmed in the most idyllic and scenic places. Whether it’s on a island beach in Thailand or greeted by a waterfall in the background in Costa Rica, you instantly become transcended to a wonderful world that is stress free and ultimately find your sense of zen. Her channel is based on a more spiritual, mindful and meditative approach. Please check out her incredible website and blog – her lifestyle content is so inspiring. She discusses nomad living, veganism/plant-powered diet, zero-waste and plastic free products, sustainable yoga gear and attire, healthy exercise challenges, charities and notable organizations doing good for our earth! 🌎✨ https://bohobeautiful.life

Re-Run is curious and keeps us company by doing some cat stretches with us.

Meanwhile, Mike has taken it upon himself to nourish us as we are working up an appetite and sweating away. His first attempt on homemade cauliflower and cheddar English muffins is a hit! They are soft and warm and perfectly savory. He also whips up the most amazing melt in your mouth Hollandaise sauce. The tangy and buttery velvet texture make us close our eyes as we devour this delicious meal.

Now that we’ve awakened our joints and muscles, and expanded our stomachs, it’s time to turn to our creative side. I’ve brought over some watercolour paints for today’s activity. Seeing as it is good weather, we set up our brushes and paints in the patio to enjoy the fresh breeze of spring in Bermuda. The theme for today’s art is to create vibrant and exciting animal paintings. Mandy and Mike quickly find suitable animals and are eager to get their brushes and palettes going. Mandy is super immersed in her painting that she accidentally drinks her brush water, mistaken it for her beverage. It is a paint and sip after all!

All the hard work has got us hangry and Mike prepares for us a fragrant and mouth watering dish he acquired from his studies abroad – at culinary boot camp in Chicago. Dinner service includes coconut chicken curry with cilantro and lime rice. Attention to detail is seen in Mike’s cooking – the rice is cooked in chicken broth which allows it to absorb all the flavours, giving it added depth. He also zests the lime and garnishes the top of the dish to give it a powerful punch. Zing!