Music for Yoga? Fudge for Christmas?

Yoga + Music = ?
So, as you may know, I am currently teaching yoga at two wonderful studios: Know Yoga Know Peace & Panache Dance studio. I've been privileged enough to meet a great number of clients at both locales. KYKP doesn't use music in its classes; Panache does. I'm happy to teach with or without music...but it seems that my clients have very specific ideas about music! While at KYKP, I had a few clients tell me how much they missed the music. Meanwhile - over at Panache - I had a few clients tell me how distracting they find music during yoga (of course). What's a yoga teacher to do??

I have no answers...however, I will continue to use music at Panache and refrain from using music at KYKP. If the issue of music is important to you, make sure you come to the corresponding class! I see both sides of the argument and don't really have a personal opinion. I enjoy classes with loud pop music to inspire me...but I also love classes that focus on breath awareness and quiet. And I will continue to teach each way.

Speaking of music (but changing gears), I have a wonderful album recommendation for you: "Sharanam" by Sharon Gannon. Sharon is a co-founder of Jivamukti yoga - - a form of yoga that emphasizes chanting, spoken word, and music during practice. Sharon takes the traditional mantras that regularly appear in new age/yoga music and adds her own non-traditional beats and groovy rhythms. Listen to "Lokah Samastah (upbeat version)." I can't get it out of my head!

Fudge
As a teacher in the Contemporary Dance Program at the university, I always let my classes have a little holiday party at the end of the semester. Since I'm dealing with a group of body-conscious dancers, I always bring healthy snacks. But I realized at our last party that no one was eating my vegan, oatmeal no-sugar-added cookies. Granted, they weren't amazing...but they were healthy! Anyway, for tomorrow's party, I've whipped up some NOT especially healthy Peppermint Almond Butter Fudge. What can I say? I want people to eat my treats! I already licked the bowl clean, so I know they'll be a hit ;)

I adapted this recipe from one in PETA's Vegan College Cookbook. It's easy, decadent, and perfect for the holidays!

- 3/4 cup Earth Balance, or other vegan margarine
- 1 cup almond butter, or peanut butter
- 1 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract

In a microwave safe bowl, nuke the Earth Balance for about 30 seconds...or until melted. Quickly stir in the almond butter until smooth. In three or four increments, whisk in the powdered sugar. Make sure there are no lumps remaining in the fudge before proceeding with the recipe.

Next, add the extract and stir to combine. Pour the fudge into a greased, foil-lined 8x8 inch pan and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, or until you serve it at a holiday party =) serves 12 (it's very rich...so cut into small pieces)