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I’d just finished two visiting workshops in Boston, and I was ravenously hungry. I’d meant to grab a power lunch between classes, but I was enjoying questions from the students so much that time slipped away.

My friend and fantastic teacher Ame Wren invited me to join her for a post-class meal. Nestled into velvet chairs, with ivories tickling in the background, Ame and I began a conversation about yoga, teaching, life, love, and each other. It was rewarding, inspiring, and somehow made the already yummy food taste even better.

As we spoke, I noticed two young women sitting at the table next to us. One was complaining to the other about the no-good man in her life. From what I could gather, the list of no-goodies went something like this:

“He doesn’t love me. He disrespects me. He’s out all night. He lies to me. I’m miserable with him . . . but I love him. What am I going to do?”

Then the other woman would say something in response, and the litany of complaints would begin all over again. This maddening audio loop went on for a good two hours.

Luckily, I was able to draw in and focus on Ame, but every time I checked back with the ladies, it was the exact same story. No resolution, just more words.

In yoga we say “repetition is magic,” but we must also learn the difference between a constructive action and a destructive one lies in the type of repetition we choose.

A circular repetition means that you say you want change, yet you do the same thing over and over again, only to end up in the same place as when you began. An example of this is doing gentle yoga classes, yet expecting big gains in strength and endurance.

A linear repetition means that, though you repeat certain behaviors, they are ones that move you forward toward an outcome. For example, holding your poses a little longer each week and then expecting more strength and endurance. Think of the difference in power and purpose between a bog and a river.

It gets even better when within the quest for more linear repetition in your life, you can cultivate tapas and dedicate your energy towards something that serves you to reach the goals you set for yourself. Tapas, often understood as just plain “heat,” as in a vigorous asana practice, also translates as the “fires of transformation.” Linear habits partnered with tapas direct our energy towards those repetitive thoughts, words and actions which light our fire, inspire us to live with passion, and keep us shining bright from the inside out.

After Ame and I left dinner, and I walked home in the brisk Boston night, I felt more invigorated and alive. I wondered, though, how the other women were feeling. If it was anything like I’d experienced after similar conversations, perhaps drained, and certainly not more vibrant.

An old yogic saying goes, “Save your breath to cool your porridge.” I wished those girls had spoken about the guy for 10 minutes, and then spent the rest of their energy on enjoying the food, the night, and each other.

After all, life is to be lived, and tapas–like a great meal–is to be lit into at any possible opportunity.

Core Question: Where in your life could you move from circular to linear habits? What lights your fire? How can you bring more passion into your days?

Core Posture: A great pose for stoking the fires of transformation:

Core Plank: From Down Dog, split one leg into the air, and on the exhale, sweep the knee into your chest, and draw shoulders over wrists. As you press your hands into the earth, round your hips and back sky high to build arm and core strength. Repeat this move 3-5 times before stepping forward to your standing poses. If it’s too challenging, back it off by doing Core Plank on hands and knees.

Presents
Shin Lin, PhD
Professor of Cell Biology, Neuroscience, & Biomedical Engineering
Dr. Lin is on the faculty of the Samueli Center and a long-time collaborator with researchers at the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. He is currently a member of the National Advisory Council on Complementary and Alternative Medicine at the National Institutes of Health and serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine and the journal Chinese Medicine.

“Frontiers in the Integration of Eastern and Western Medicine”

After a brief introduction to the fundamental differences between Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western medicine, Dr. Lin will give an overview of how modern biomedical technologies are applied in the mechanistic research on herbal medicine and Eastern mind-body practices. This will be followed by examples of the integrative use of Eastern and Western therapies to treat complicated diseases such as diabetes and cancer, and an inside look into some of the largest and most advanced hospitals for integrative medicine in China.

Most of us are looking for ways to live healthier lives. And, many times we feel that, for the most part, we’re avoiding the things that are really bad for us. However, there may be some everyday items you’re still using that are bad for your body. Here are some common things in your home you might want to avoid.

1. Teflon – this non-stick coating used for many years on pans can be very harmful. The gases released when the pans are heated to a high temperature can be noxious – it has even been known to kill birds. In addition, as the pans get worn, the Teflon coating flakes off into our food and eventually ends up in our water system. The EPA’s outside science board has listed the PFC chemical used to make Teflon as a “likely human carcinogen”.
2. Carpet – Whether your carpet is new or old, it likely contains chemicals that are dangerous to your body. New carpets contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s), some of which are on the EPA’s list of extremely hazardous substances. Old carpet may be even worse, as some of the chemicals used in carpets in years passed have been banned. Other substances, such as adhesives and stain resistors may be dangerous when breathed in.
3. Plastic food containers – Most of our plastic food containers are harmless, unless they are exposed to heat. Plastics used to make food containers contains bisphenol A. When exposed to heat, the plastic melts just a little and the bisphenol A leaks into your food. The substance is believed to be related to an elevated risk for breast cancer, prostate cancer and diabetes. So, for the sake of your health, don’t microwave in plastic or drink from a plastic drink bottle that’s been exposed to heat. This same substance is found in most food cans, because it helps keep the food from tasting like the can. It’s believed to be safe in food cans as long as you don’t heat up the can itself.
4. Microwave popcorn – The fumes from microwave popcorn have been shown to be toxic, because of the substance diacetyl, which gives the popcorn its buttery taste. Several cases of lung disease have been directly related to inhaling large amounts of diacetyl. Check your microwave popcorn labels carefully. Many companies have already removed the substance from their brand because of health concerns, but it is still in a few brands.
5. Your humidifier – A humidifier need not be dangerous if it’s cleaned properly, but many people fail to clean theirs as often as needed. Humidifiers that are not kept clean can harbor all sorts of harmful bacteria, such as legionella, which causes respiratory infections, and several types of mold. Your humidifier should be cleaned with bleach at least twice a week if you use it regularly.

We all want to live in a safe home, and it’s frightening that there are so many items we take for granted that might be harming us. Keep your eyes open for things in your home that might make it less safe for your family.

Jennie Garth, ex Beverly Hills 90210 celeb, recently made the claim that the female stars from the original series have aged better than the males. After remembering the sadness that hit me last week when I scrutinized a photo of a slightly haggard Shannen Doherty, I set out to investigate further.

Beverly Hills 90210 and celebrity hairstyles over the hill.

“Shannen’s like an old lady hiding under a wig that doesn’t quite fit her heart shaped face.”

What makes stars, or anyone for that matter, “age better”? Is it less wrinkles, “cooler” fashion sense, more stylish hair?

The reason Jennie and some of the other b-list stars from the original series are in the press is because there’s a new 90210 about to start, with a brand new cast. So journalists and reporters are showing their age too and remembering the original actors. Reminiscing about the old show is inevitable, but it’s also unavoidable since a few of the stars (Jennie and Shannen included) are set to reappear in the new series.

And then there’s Tori Spelling. Apparently her refusal to return to the new series has something to do with the amount of money she thinks she deserves in comparison to the others. It’s created some juicy tension too, and reminded everyone of all that previous aggro between Jennie and Shannen. Flicking through some old forums I discovered that the girls’ (alleged) bitchiness and competitiveness would make for a tasty soap opera all of its own.

But let me get back to Jennie’s massive claim. While I look as objectively as possible at images of my high school sweethearts, Jennie, Shannen, and Tori, I’m wondering whether the female stars have “aged” better. Jennie’s definitely as pretty as she always was, and she’s got an up-to-date hairstyle that still suits her (even though it’s a bit limp and the color’s a tad brassy). Shannen’s like an old lady hiding under a wig that doesn’t quite fit her heart face shape; but Tori’s looking better than ever. It’s gotta be because that shoulder length bob really suits her oblong face shape.

What about the guys: Brian Austin Green, Jason Priestly and Luke Perry? I reckon Brian looks pretty good; he’s got the trendy stubble, the short textured hair, and it suits him ok. Jason’s a different story though. He’s still running with the same hair he had back in the day, and it was boring then too. That goatee does nothing for him either, unless of course he’s aiming to look like a trashy real estate agent. In last place is Luke. Look at him: as if he’ll care if I say he’s gotten sloppy, lazy and overgrown.

After looking at these faded b-list stars, I have to say that Jennie’s right. Yes, the females have aged better! But with one exception: Shannen Doherty. Shannen’s failure to keep up with the chicks in the ageing stakes is possibly karma: she’s paying the price for all her past (alleged!) bitchiness.

Which finally leads me to ponder an answer to the question, “What’s the secret to ageing well?” I think it’s got nothing to do with your amount of wrinkles, or how prominent they are (Jennie’s got her fair share and she looks the best by far). The answer’s the same for any age and it’s easy: it’s how good your photographer is, I mean, it’s how well you put everything together.

Do the same with your hairstyle at TheHairStyler.com. I recommend starting with “Find Your Perfect Hairstyle,” our free hairstyle consultation.

How do you pick the most flattering hair color for your skin tone and eyes?
If you look into your eyes you will see little flecks. If they are golden or yellow, a natural match would be warmer hair colors. If they are bluer or deep bluish black then a natural match would be neutral or cooler tones. To enhance your skin tone, never go more than two shades lighter or darker—this guarantees that you won’t fade or wash away your natural beauty.

When is it okay to do at-home highlights and when should you go to the salon?
When you’re going for a look close to your natural color—for example, you have naturally light brown hair and want some pale honey highlights—DIY kits are fine. But if you want highlights more than two or three shades lighter than your natural color you should see a professional.

What precautions should you take when doing at-home highlights?
Always wear an old button-up shirt. This way you don’t risk highlighting your clothes or ruining your highlights as you pull a tee over your head. And don’t forget to set a timer. It’s easy to get distracted with phone calls, emails, texts, television, reading, etc. Also, after each highlight wipe your gloves off on a towel—this keeps excess product from wandering to hair pieces you don’t want to highlight.

Any highlight application tips you won’t find on the back of the box?
Add one teaspoon of olive oil to the highlight bleach of your choice. I do this in the salon; it won’t affect the performance of the product but it will give it a smoother consistency which yields even prettier highlights.

Hair glazes are more popular than ever. How can you recreate a salon-like glaze at home?
First, choose hair color the same shade as yours—if you have dark auburn hair, choose dark auburn hair color. Next, shampoo your hair, towel-blot, and detangle. Take the developer bottle and pour out half of the developer, adding water in its place; this allows the color to become a standard deposit-only gloss. Mix the color and distribute through your hair. Leave the mixture on for three minutes then rinse, shampoo, and condition for a gorgeous, shiny finish.

What are your hair color trend forecasts for the new year?
Sun-kissed highlights are always in, but I think platinum one-process hair color has made a comeback and will continue to do so. We’ll also be seeing more cyber ’80s dos with touches of wild pinks, blues, greens, and black in unexpected places, as well as luxe all-over color—think richer reds, deeper browns, and glistening blacks. Celebrity hair pro Lorri Goddard-Clark is colorist to Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Aniston, and Reese Witherspoon. She is also the author of The Hair Color Mix Book: More Than 150 Recipes for Salon-Perfect Color At Home. Here, her must-see tips for DIY hair coloring.

How do you pick the most flattering hair color for your skin tone and eyes?
If you look into your eyes you will see little flecks. If they are golden or yellow, a natural match would be warmer hair colors. If they are bluer or deep bluish black then a natural match would be neutral or cooler tones. To enhance your skin tone, never go more than two shades lighter or darker—this guarantees that you won’t fade or wash away your natural beauty.

When is it okay to do at-home highlights and when should you go to the salon?
When you’re going for a look close to your natural color—for example, you have naturally light brown hair and want some pale honey highlights—DIY kits are fine. But if you want highlights more than two or three shades lighter than your natural color you should see a professional.

What precautions should you take when doing at-home highlights?
Always wear an old button-up shirt. This way you don’t risk highlighting your clothes or ruining your highlights as you pull a tee over your head. And don’t forget to set a timer. It’s easy to get distracted with phone calls, emails, texts, television, reading, etc. Also, after each highlight wipe your gloves off on a towel—this keeps excess product from wandering to hair pieces you don’t want to highlight.

Any highlight application tips you won’t find on the back of the box?
Add one teaspoon of olive oil to the highlight bleach of your choice. I do this in the salon; it won’t affect the performance of the product but it will give it a smoother consistency which yields even prettier highlights.

Hair glazes are more popular than ever. How can you recreate a salon-like glaze at home?
First, choose hair color the same shade as yours—if you have dark auburn hair, choose dark auburn hair color. Next, shampoo your hair, towel-blot, and detangle. Take the developer bottle and pour out half of the developer, adding water in its place; this allows the color to become a standard deposit-only gloss. Mix the color and distribute through your hair. Leave the mixture on for three minutes then rinse, shampoo, and condition for a gorgeous, shiny finish.

What are your hair color trend forecasts for the new year?
Sun-kissed highlights are always in, but I think platinum one-process hair color has made a comeback and will continue to do so. We’ll also be seeing more cyber ’80s dos with touches of wild pinks, blues, greens, and black in unexpected places, as well as luxe all-over color—think richer reds, deeper browns, and glistening blacks.