Warm Up Your Winter with Eagle Pose (Garudasana)

January can be a tough month. The days are short, the weather is cold, and it’s easy to feel sluggish and unmotivated. But with a little effort, we can cultivate warmth and vitality from within. This month, let’s explore Eagle Pose (Garudasana), a balancing pose that not only strengthens the legs and core but also generates internal heat.

Benefits of Eagle Pose:

Strengthens: Legs, ankles, core, shoulders, and upper back. Improves: Balance, coordination, and focus. Stimulates: Internal organs, particularly the liver and spleen. Generates: Internal heat to combat the chill.

How to Practice Eagle Pose:

Start Standing: Begin in Tadasana (Mountain Pose) with feet hip-width apart.

Bend the Knees: Slightly bend your knees and lift your right foot off the ground.

Cross the Legs: Wrap your right leg around your left leg, hooking your right foot around your left calf.

Engage the Core: Engage your core muscles to maintain balance.

Bring the Arms Forward: Extend your arms forward, parallel to the ground.

Cross the Arms: Cross your right arm over your left arm, bending your elbows and bringing your palms together.

Gaze Softly: Soften your gaze at a fixed point in front of you.

Hold: Hold the pose for 5-10 breaths.

Release: Gently release the arms and legs, then repeat on the other side.

Lifestyle Tip:

Vegetarian French Onion Soup

Ingredients:

3 pounds yellow onions, thinly sliced

4 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons butter (optional, can use vegan butter substitute)

1 teaspoon sugar

4 cups vegetable broth

1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with white grape juice or apple cider)

2 sprigs fresh thyme

2 bay leaves Salt and pepper to taste

Crusty bread (for serving)

Gruyere cheese (for serving, or use a vegan cheese substitute)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Onions: Heat the olive oil and butter (if using) in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sugar, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and caramelized, about 30-40 minutes.
2. Add Broth and Wine (or Substitute): Pour in the vegetable broth, wine (or substitute), thyme sprigs, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for at least 30 minutes, or until the flavors have melded.
3. Serve: Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with a slice of crusty bread and a generous amount of Gruyere cheese (or substitute). Broil under the oven’s broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations:

• Add a touch of umami: Stir in a tablespoon of soy sauce or tamari towards the end of cooking.
• For extra richness: Blend a portion of the caramelized onions with some of the soup for a smoother texture.

Enjoy your delicious and hearty Vegetarian French Onion Soup!