AUTUMN VEGETABLE DISH
1 small butternut squash cut in cubes
1 long red pepper sliced
1 small fennel bulb, sliced
Put the ingredients in an ovenproof dish, add salt, pepper, 1 garlic clove finely chopped, a bit of cayenne pepper (hot) or smoked paprika powder, fresh or dry dill. 
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Sprinkle olive oil all over the dish and toss all the ingredients.
Cook for 30 - 40 mins in oven at 180° - 200°, until you start smelling the food.
Remove from oven, and sprinkle half a cup of fresh pomegranate seeds (better if you peel yourself a fresh pomegranate, than buy them already prepared in a shop), add a small packet of fresh watercress.
If you don't eat it all the same day, you can reheat the rest the following day, but not longer.  In Ayurveda we always recommend eating the food freshly prepared, but in a busy lifestyle it is not always possible, so to reheat food just once it is ok.   You can serve the dish with steamed broccoli.  
This dish balances especially Vata and Pitta.

This wonderful film is a thorough explanation of the history of Yoga and its different practices.  Very interesting.
Click on this link to watch it on YouTube

I recently came across this article by Daniela Bevilacqua and I could not agree more with everything she says. Having travelled also myself in search of the meaning of Yoga, in quite secluded locations of India, I can totally relate to what Daniela has to say.   This is the link to the article, enjoy it. 

Tonight is 'Shivaratri' - the night of Lord Shiva who represents the unlimited awareness, but also his union with Parvati, expression of the great Cosmic Energy/Shakti... Only when these two principles are united can they have the power to create!... this is the night to stop and reflect, meditate, do little offerings to the Fire element, symbol of purification.. really this is a very auspicious night to align yourself with the mighty power of Nature, and reflect on your goals, and your true motivation behind them.. Do not remain bound by 'the right way to worship" the highest principles, according to what others says, or even the classical texts. Your practice should stem from your heart before anything else... you do not need to be Hindu, you do not need to have Shiva as your deity, just take time to acknowledge that great 'Awareness' that helps you to experience freedom, take time to acknowledge this Energy that takes you inexorably from one state to another, and therefore gives you the power to change. Take time to sit still tonight and remind yourself that you don't need to follow the rules that you have set for yourself as part of past conditioning, or those set by others.. The night of Shiva is a precious moment when you can enjoy the power of silence, in the deepest darkness of your heart, Shiva represents that ultimate freedom, beyond the three gunas... Shiva represents that Ultimate awareness entwined with Cosmic Energy - his beautiful Shakti... it is a beautiful dance, a metaphor for our true essence and potential as human beings. Enjoy the night! Om Namah Shivaya! xx

This is a little poem that I wrote a few years ago


  When I wake up
before sunrise

when I hear the crows
and see them fly

when I recite the prayers
that you taught me

When I meditate
on Infinity

When my arms embrace
that Nothingness

when I am awake
during your sleep

When I wash your body
and kiss your smile

When Peace
is the colour of your clothes

And Fire
the colour of your eyes

When a train takes me
away or close to you

I am always, always with You………..

24th October 2008

Click on photo to watch video

Clink on this link for a complete version of the work in English.

Click on image to listen to the mantra.

Click on the image for short video

Click on photo to watch a small video of this beautiful soul

Click on the image for short video