20 July 2010

Winter in a bowl

Wow – where did today go? It is 9pm and I am just sitting down to relax.

It was FREEZING when I left for work this morning (minus 3?!) so an evening run was not sounding that tempting.

I did, however, pack my workout clothes in case opportunity presented itself throughout the day.

By lunchtime I saw a gap in my schedule – so a lunchtime run, in the sun, was a wonderful reward. It was a bit of a rush to make it back to work and shower on time – but I did manage to squeeze 5km in. It sure beats a cold run in the dark!

After work Mr BBB and I had another activity planned…Body Balance!

As the class didn’t start til 7pm, a pre-workout snack was required…

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*Sigh* – I don’t think I will ever get tired of this apple + sunflower butter combination.

It was a fantastic class – and my hamstrings sure thanked me for a long stretching session. I really do need to include 2 classes a week – one just doesn’t seem to be enough.

One thing I did notice this evening is how terrible I am during the ‘relaxation / meditation’ component of the class. It seems by mind cannot switch off, and instead of relaxing I start planning my schedule or in tonight’s case, thinking about this delightful dish I was coming home to.

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Courtesy of Mr BBB’s mum.

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Potato and zucchini curry – packed with tomatoes, herbs and vegetables.

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Topped with parmesan, and served alongside GF toast. Next time I would probably serve the dish with polenta – to soak up the lovely tomato / herb juices.

Winter in a bowl really. And no real surprise that I struggled through the meditation section of the balance class knowing this dish was slowly cooking at home!

What about you'? Do you have any tips for meditation / relaxing the mind or just plain “switching off”?

Happy Baking :)


Posted by Lisa (bakebikeblog) at 9:20 PM
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14 comments:

  1. Normally during the meditation section I'm feeling pretty stupid and wondering if I can get away with opening my eyes. ;) So no advice here unfortunately. :(

    -3! I have considered moving to Canberra but I think that would be a nasty shock coming from Brisbane! I love the fact your husband goes to Body Balance with you!
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  2. Whether I can relax and switch off in meditation or not depends on what kind of day I've had :)

    I really want to get better at it and am thinking about taking a course in it at the buddhist centre here. A few people I know have gone and speak highly of it.

    That curry looks so nice! I usually do start thinking about what I'm going to have for dinner during the end of an evening workout! :P
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  3. I'm useless at switching of, but my Dr today told me I needed to learn!
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  4. I'm pretty bad at the meditation part to - if you figure it out, will you let us know?! :)
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  5. I like to sit on my balcony or a park or anywhere quiet and just breath and enjoy the quietness or small surrounding noises and really think about nature and life..it truly is amazing
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  6. Gorgeous colors! I'm pretty good at meditation. I find a quiet, dark place, or a spot where there's a window, then I place a candle (either in front of the window, or several feet in front of me), and concentrate on the flame. There are several ways to reach meditation, and it's kind of like finding inspiration...there are different means for everyone.

    http://www.yogabasics.com/practice/meditation-basics/
    Try some of these! See what fits. :)
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  7. I really want the recipe for that dish! Do you have it by any chance?
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  8. I think meditation comes with practice. I started by setting a timer for 5 minutes, sitting with my back against the wall, eyes closed, legs crossed and repeated a mantra until the timer went... eventually it got easier and I didn't need the timer, I just knew when 5 minutes were up. I should really start doing it again, actually...
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  9. I agree with above, I think it requires some practice. I'm definitely not there yet haha I can totally relate to not being able to shut down your mind.
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  10. I keep forgetting it's the opposite season down there!

    I've never had sunflower butter.... what's it taste like?!?! I kind of am interested to try it when I move!
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  11. it can be so hard to RELAX! i know what ur saying.. the mind never wants to shut down sometimes!

    mmm potatoes are perfect in any wintery dish. or summer too :P

    xoxo
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  12. Oh I am terrible at shutting my mind off too. I need to have the instructor telling me what to do, like "Think of your breathing...feel your belly rise and fall...relax your eyes.." etc. As soon as they stop talking, my mind is back to wandering.
    I'm sending some warmth your way...we have plenty here to share with you!
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  13. Ack, no, I'm *terrible* at that part too! When I was doing yoga a few years back (note to self: must start again once income begins) I hated the meditation part at the end. I was always hungry and just wanted to be off by then :D

    However, I've been working a lot on "mindfulness" lately, which is less about "putting everything out of your mind" than focusing on what you're doing at that exact minute. It's hard, but that might be something to give a go?
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  14. I know what you mean about relaxing and focusing.
    I suppose there are no tricks. We just have to try really hard to avoid stress and bad thoughts
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