baoli

John is the kind of guy you love to hate. He is always in a good mood and always has something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, ‘If I were any better, I would be twins!’

He was a natural motivator.

If an employee was having a bad day, John was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation.

Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up and asked him, ‘I don’t get it! You can’t be a positive person all of the time How do you do it?’

He replied, ‘Each morning I wake up and say to myself, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or … You can choose to be in a bad mood I choose to be in a good mood.’

Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or…I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it. Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or… I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life.

‘Yeah, right, it’s not that easy,’ I protested.

‘Yes, it is,’ he said. ‘Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people affect your mood. You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It’s your choice how you live your life.’

I reflected on what he said. Soon hereafter, I left the Tower Industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it.

Several years later, I heard that he was involved in a serious accident, falling some 60 feet from a communications tower. After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, he was released from the hospital with rods placed in his back.

I saw him about six months after the accident. When I asked him how he was, he replied, ‘If I were any better, I’d be twins..Wanna see my scars?’ I declined to see his wounds, but I did ask him what had gone through his mind as the accident took place.

‘The first thing that went through my mind was the well-being of my soon-to-be born daughter,’ he replied. ‘Then, as I lay on the ground, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or…I could choose to die. I chose to live.’

‘Weren’t you scared? Did you lose consciousness?’ I asked. He continued, ‘…the paramedics were great. They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the ER and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared… In their eyes, I read ‘he’s a dead man’. I knew I needed to take action.’

‘What did you do?’ I asked.

‘Well, there was a big burly nurse shouting questions at me,’ said John. ‘She asked if I was allergic to anything ‘Yes, I replied.’ The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breath and yelled, ‘Gravity”.  Over their laughter, I told them, ‘I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead.’

He lived, thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude…. I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully.

Attitude, after all, is everything. After all today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.

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The Special Yoga Centre is holding an exclusive screening of a brilliant documentary: The Unwinking Gaze - The Inside Story of the Dalai Lama’s Struggle for Tibet on Thursday 6^th August at 20,45pm at the Lexi Cinema in Kensal Rise, London W6.

The film will be followed by a Q&A with director Josh Dugdale who gained exeptional access into the life of Tibet’s spiritual leader over a period of 3 years.

Tickets cost £20 (including glass of champagne and popcorn) and all proceeds go to the Special Yoga Centre charity to support the vital and wonderful yoga therapy work they do for babies and children with special needs. Please do come and support their wonderful work!

„How wonderful to think that a mere movie could once again help make a difference.“ Paul Tatara, THE GUARDIAN

“Probably the most influential and inspiring film you will see all year.“ Laura Taylor, REAL.COM

“A very impartial film…fascinating insight into the court of the Dalai Lama.“ Mark Kermode Show, BBC

“This feature length documentary on the Dalai Lama is the best I have seen to date.“ Bill Stamets, CHICAGO SUN-TIMES

You can call the Special Yoga Centre to book on 020 8968 1900 or see www.specialyoga.org.uk for more info. 

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There is so much to do, see and share…and that’s why I would like to take you to some of the most stunning and luxury locations where you can immerse in the beautiful nature, let go of your problems, recharge your body, unwind your mind and get inspired by authentic yoga and meditation!

 
Whether you are a beginner, advanced yoga practitioner and even have a non-yoga partner or friend - why not come and join me for a personalised yoga & wellness holiday at the Czech private castle, English boutique spa or vibrant tour of India and enjoy the special summer offer with your booking?

For more information on these fantastic adventures and booking, please call Baoli at +44 (0) 754 330 2820, email info@thebaoli.com or visit www.thebaoli.com.

YOGA & MEDITATION

28-31 August 2009

Czech Republic

You too will love this program set at a private castle as it combines a lot of fun activities to tone your body, cleanse your system, improve your digestion and most importantly detox your mind of all problems and worries.

Special offer: £100 off if you book before August 10

BALANCE ME

2-5 October 2009

Dorset, UK

Do you need some “me time”? Our yoga wellness weekend in the beautiful unspoilt countryside of Dorset is just what you are looking for and we make sure you return glowing on the outside and feeling fantastic on the inside!

Special offer: 1x 60min private yoga session FREE if you book before the end of August (limited to London area only)

YOGA, YOGA, YOGA

6-8 November 2009

Sussex, UK

Intensive yoga break for beginners and advanced students set at an elegant and secluded getaway in Sussex, introducing various yoga styles and rituals bringing focus and challenge to your body and mind.

Special offer: £50 off if you book before the end of August

SENSES TOUR

15-25 November 2009

Kerala, India

Set in a spiritual paradise, this unique and bespoke program allows you to re-connect with yourself and nurture all your senses while you get a chance to immerse in a wonderful and rich culture of India.

Special offer: 2x 60min private yoga sessions FREE if you book before the end of August (limited to London area only)

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Victoria & Albert Museum, London

29 April -21 June 2009

Discover the beauty of Buddhist sites in this display of sepia-toned photographs. The historical and architectural significance of ancient rock-cut caves, monumental sculptures, brick-built stupas and wooden monasteries is explored. The photographs seen here have captured picturesque ruins in remote places and unusual aspects of familiar Buddhist sites, creating aesthetically powerful images. At the same time, they perform an important documentary function, showing structures before they were restored and recording those that no longer exist.

When these images were taken, during the later decades of the 19th century, they were valued for their realistic and precise representations of architecture. They enabled scholars to study, categorise and write about Buddhist sites in a more comprehensive manner than had yet been possible. Our knowledge of Buddhist architecture is a result of this documentary process.

The display uncovers some of the highlights of the V&A’s collection, showcasing the work of the photographers Linneaus Tripe in Burma and Joseph Lawton in Sri Lanka. Also included are souvenir photographs of the Longmen caves in China and a hand-tinted image of the Golden pavilion (Kinkakuji) in Japan.

www.vam.ac.uk

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I have been gazing at my computer screen a lot lately. And what happens, my eyes get dry and tired. Needless to say it’s just one step away from headache and losing the focus completely. Does it sound familiar to you? If you too feel you need to relax and strengthen your eyes muscles, following are my favourite and very simple yoga stretches for your eyes that will release the tension, improve your eye sight and bring back your concentration. Practice as often as you need or stick to a regular daily routine to have a break from your computer. Ideally, try this eye yoga outdoors where the sky is a limit, not the office walls…

Throughout the whole sequence, make sure your eyes are wide open, your head is centred with a chin parallel to the floor and you don’t move your head. Sit comfortably, breathing naturally.

1. Find a focus point far up and deep down and move your eyes between these points, looking up and down quite intensively. Repeat 8-10 times, and then close your eyes to relax.

2. Similarly, find a focus point far right and left and stretch your eyes between these focus points 8-10 times. Close your eyes to relax for a moment.

3. Now a diagonal stretches, finding a focus point at the top right corner and bottom left corner. Move your eyes 8-10 times in this diagonal direction and then relax your eyes and close them for a moment.

4. Counter stretch your eyes looking from top left corner towards bottom right corner. Repeat 8-10 times, and then close your eyes to relax.

5. Now moving your eyes in clockwise direction focusing on the 12, 3, 6, 9 hours (so you are basically looking up, right, down and left) completing the circle. Repeat five times only and relax your eyes.

6. Similarly, follow the same circle stretch to the other side, moving your eyes anticlockwise and focusing at the 12, 9, 6, 3 hours. Repeat five times and close your eyes to relax.

7. Finally, keeping your eyes closed, rub your palms together to create a heat and then place your hands over your eyes. Inhale and exhale deeply three times. Relax and open your eyes gently.

Back to your computer, now!!

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28–31 August 2009

Trebesice, Czech Republic

You too will love this Yoga Detox program as it combines a lot of fun activities to tone your body, cleanse your system, improve your digestion and most importantly detox your mind of all problems and worries. The holistic concept of yoga, meditation and delicious organic diet assisted by myself and professional therapists becomes the order of the day and you emerge a different person by the end of your holiday!

Surrounded by stunning interiors and lush gardens of a renaissance castle Trebesice, set in the remote Czech countryside, yet only 80 mins drive from Prague, you will find a unique and bespoke experience for your body, mind and soul, discover a rich vibrant mix of historic authentic atmosphere and contemporary art works, stroll and relax in its English country style gardens or simply relax and enjoy the surrounding silence.

Whether you are a novice, regular yoga practitioner or simply want to unwind during the August bank holiday, take an advantage of this special all inclusive offer at an outstanding value from £550 per person (exclusive flights) and enjoy the benefits of the following activities:

 
- Two daily yoga lessons
- Two daily meditation & relaxation sessions
- Daily breathing exercise
- Daily facial self-massage
- One personalised massage treatment or Reiki therapy
- Positive thinking & visualisation
- One-to-one consultation
- Outdoor fitness (running, walks, etc.)
- Fabulous local food and rituals

If you would like to join me for this fantastic adventure and book your place, please call me at +44 (0) 754 330 2820, email info@thebaoli.com or visit www.thebaoli.com for online booking.

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When things seem like they’re going wrong, they may actually be going right! 

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Serves 2 

This is probably my favourite salad. I often have it as a main course with a piece of bread for lunch or dinner as it is really filling, healthy and sooo full of flavour! It’s easy to make and looks great too so hope you get inspired and come up with your own exciting variations!

Rocket or baby spinach salad

Slow roast or sun dried tomatoes (approx. 10 pieces)

Goat cheese (approx. 8 slices)

Pine nuts

Walnuts

Cranberry Sauce

Olive oil

Balsamic Vinegar

Pepper

Place the tomatoes on a baking tray and distribute slices of goat cheese on top of them evenly. Bake or grill for a couple of minutes until the goat cheese shows the first sign of golden colour or is about to start melting. In the meantime, arrange the salad leaves in a large dish or individual bowls. When the tomatoes and goat cheese are ready spread it on top of the salad leaves here and there adding approx. ½ tea spoon of cranberry sauce on top of each goat cheese to decorate. Scatter with walnuts and pine nuts, sprinkle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar and season with fresh pepper. Enjoy!!

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A healthy spring break in the beautiful unspoilt countryside of Dorset is just what you are looking for and I make sure you return glowing on the outside and feeling fantastic on the inside!

You will have a chance to re-connect with the nature and yourself, stretch your stiff body, increase vitality, relax your busy mind and nurture all senses.

I am now pleased to offer you a 3 night luxury yoga & wellness “Balance Me” weekend on 8-11 May at an outstanding value from £580 per person!

Whether you are a novice, regular yoga practitioner or you just want to unwind, I promise you a fun life transforming weekend including:

• Luxurious accommodation in a private villa - Burggraaf, Dorset
• Rejuvenating yoga lesson in the mornings
• Restorative yoga lesson in the evenings
• Breathing exercises
• Meditation
• Relaxation & Spa (sauna, indoor swimming pool, outdoor hot tub etc.)
• Personalised massage treatment or Reiki therapy
• Outdoor fitness (running, walks, etc.)
• One-to-one yoga session
• Scrumptious buffet lunch and light dinner
• Refreshing fresh juices and herbal teas
• Free transfer from train station

If you would like to join me for this fantastic adventure and book your place, please call me at +44 (0) 754 330 2820, email info@thebaoli.com or visit www.thebaoli.com for online booking.

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The thing with beetroot is it is love or hate relationship. I think just about all my friends hate it but I have always loved the beetroot since I was little and recently, my boyfriend and I got addicted to it, mixing and matching beetroot with other fruit and veggies. It must be the spring and the sudden need to re-fresh, detox or cleanse and beetroot is just the perfect buddy to do so! Not only it is beautifully red, sweet, packed with iron and virtually fat free, it is a great energy booster and antioxidant, improving your sense of well being and even making you feel happier!

You can find so many wonderful recipes on the website (www.lovebeetroot.co.uk) but here are few I created or tried myself and fell in love with them, so they are now regulars on our table. Hope you get inspired by my selection! 

1. Fresh juice – one thing leads to another

1 raw beetroot

2 apples

2 carrots

2 sticks of celery

Cut everything into little pieces and put through the juicer. Stir well for great colour and great taste. Great start of the day guaranteed!

2. Colourful salad feast

Handful of rocket or green salad leaves

2 baby beetroots (cooked/steamed)

½ of avocado

Cherry tomatoes

Feta cheese

Pine nuts

Olive oil

Pepper

Place the salad leaves into a bowl. Cut the beetroot and avocado into small pieces or slices and half the cherry tomatoes. Spread over your salad. Decorate with pieces of feta cheese and pine nuts. Sprinkle with a little bit of olive oil and season with fresh pepper. Serve with grilled pitta bread. 

As Jamie Oliver would say: „Beetroot and avocado are the best friends“ and that leads me to yet another salad recipe…

3. „Best friends“ side salad

1 beetroot (cooked/steamed)

1 avocado

2 spoons of olive oil

2 spoons of balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon of honey

Pepper

I usually steam the whole beetroot after I cut the hard ends and pierce its skin for about 20-30 mins, depending on its size. Then peel and cut or slice into little pieces. Do the same with avocado and mix both together. For dressing, stir olive oil, balsamic vinegar and honey together until it all blends together nicely and pour over the salad. Season with fresh pepper to your taste and serve with, well almost anything you fancy, but I love it with grilled fish, pasta or BBQ chicken. 

PS - Before you get going, my only piece of advice is to watch out for red coloured fingers when preparing your meal, especially before the night out…

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