Loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted is the most terrible poverty. Mother Teresa

Halasana , originally uploaded by yogamama.co.uk . Halasana or Plough Pose.

I was invited to watch a cookery demonstration at the Miele showroom in London by the lovely TV chef, Silvana Franco . Silvana was using the steam oven and prepared a number of dishes that were suitable for children (and weaning babies). The beauty of the steam oven is that more of the food’s nutrients are retained during cooking. In addition to this – and rather surprisingly – is the fact that there seems to be no transference of tastes in the foods cooked together in the steamer. This means that you can cook your main meal and dessert at the same time, thus reducing time spent in the kitchen; something that is always a winner for me! One of the dishes that Silvana prepared was vanilla poached pears; a dish that is incredibly easy to prepare and delicious served warm or chilled. Below, I have included a recipe. Vanilla poached pears Ingredients (serves 4 young children): 2 ripe pears, cored and cut into quarters or smaller pieces 5 tablespoons of pressed apple juice Half a vanilla

In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Tittibhasana A , originally uploaded by yogamama.co.uk . Tittibhasana A (Flying Insect )

Laughter is medicine , originally uploaded by yogamama.co.uk . I am sharing a family photo in which my daughter and I are are doing two of my favourite things: laughing and dancing. Sharing fun times with family and friends can really lift the spirits. Your chemistry changes and you can sometimes find lightness on your dark days. Laughter really is fantastic medicine. Take it when you need it and give it when you can.

A drishti is a focal point or gaze point. Using a drishti in your yoga practice helps to deepen your concentration and they bring a steadiness to your yoga. They are cultivated over time, alongside all other aspects of a yoga practice. The nine drishtis are: Nasagrai (Nāsāgrai) - at the tip of the nose Angusta ma dyai (Aṅguṣṭha madhyai) – to the thumb Nabi chakra (Nābhicakra) – to the navel Padhayoragrai (Pādayoragrai) – to the toes Hastagrai (Hastagrai) – to the palm/ extended hand Parsva (Pārśva) – to the side/s Urdhva (Ūrdhva) – to the sky/ upwards Naitrayohmadya or Ajna chakra (Bhrūmadhya) - to the third eye/ between the eyebrows Parsva drishti - far right or far left Ubhaya padangusthasana - example of a Nasagrai (nose) drishti

Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtue appears from good deeds, and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind. To walk safely through the maze of human life, one needs the light of wisdom and the guidance of virtue. Buddha

Upavishta konasana , originally uploaded by yogamama.co.uk . Upavishta konasana

If you love somebody, let them go, for if they return, they were always yours. And if they don't, they never were. Khalil Gibran