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The perils of a yoga style queen

There are even conflicts between the mantras of traditional yogis and the flair of modern design, Lee Carsley says.

I confess – I’m a yogi style queen. I have transferred my passion for all things stylish in shoes and handbags to yoga clothes. My Jimmy Choos look mournfully at me underneath some yoga mats. My Balenciaga handbag scowls at me hanging behind some yoga capri pants and sports tops.

Yogis build their lives on a set of moral values called yamas and niyamas. One yama is aparigraha, roughly translated as ‘non-greed’, ‘non-possessiveness’, and ‘non-attachment’. This yama teaches to take only what we need, keep only what serves us in the moment, and to let go when the time is right.

Is style a want or a need?

If I was a monk, I wouldn’t need much. My food is given to me daily, and my robes replaced when they fall apart. I have, though, seen monks in Cambodia and Thailand with mobile phones. Could it be that my yoga clothes are like those monk’s mobile phones – a want, and not a need?

If I look in my wardrobe, I do have too many clothes, shoes and handbags, and they were very public hallmarks of success –beautiful and well-designed. I have not worn them for years, and yet cannot bear to throw them away.

It’s a matter of balance…

When it became obvious that I could not wear these clothes as a yoga teacher – imagine a Ferragamo winter suit on a yoga mat – I made a conscious choice to keep my selection small. I chose companies which pay their employees reasonable wages, and who have thought enough about yoga fabric to make sure it looks good even after five Singapore washes. Those who design with the understanding that everybody is different, as well as look beautiful – for me this meant funky prints, with vibrant, happy colours – were also considered.

I think I am taking only what I need. However, they are not cheap – but then I buy products made in sweatshops, with poor quality fabric. So I end up having to buy more frequently.

Why am I still concerned?

I do have a tendency to want to buy all things beautiful, not just some things – hence the wardrobe. The more we hoard material possessions, the more we attach to and worry about losing these possessions. We start off buying stuff thinking it will make us happy, then one day we have so much to worry about that we are unhappy!

I don’t want to be one of those people again. I can remember what it felt like – on the outside, looking very successful, and on the inside, never completely fulfilled.

If we can lighten the load a little by either selling some of the things we don’t need, or by giving them to charity, then we move towards living a life freer and clearer – who doesn’t want that?

Practicing aparigraha is a case of constant vigilance. It has paid off for me in huge happiness dividends. In writing this, I metaphorically kicked myself in the butt and maybe achieved full aparigraha – I have sent my old work suits, shoes and handbags in a box to my daughter. What she doesn’t want, she will give to a charity that helps women who have been victims of domestic violence.

Om shanti…

Top 5 Bookstores

 

1 Basheer Graphic Books

Blk 231 Bain St
Tel 6336 1917
basheergraphic.com

A coffee table’s heaven. Heavily focused on books for the creative industries like advertising and graphic design, there are visually stunning titles that you won’t likely find elsewhere.

2 BooksActually

9 Yong Siak St
Tel 6222 9195
booksactually.com

Tiong Bahru’s bookworms frequent this hip space to gawk at their next read, from Penguin Classics to contemporary tales.

3 Littered with books

20 Duxton Rd
Tel 6220 6824
litteredwithbooks.com

A charming two-storey store in a Duxton Hill shophouse, this shop holds regular author readings and exhibitions.

4 GOHD Books

142 Bukit Timah Rd
Tel 9090 6181
gohd.com.sg

An antique bookstore like no other. The owner’s collection during her travels contribute to the store’s new, used and out-of-print books on sale.

5 Kinokuniya

391 Orchard Rd
Tel 6737 5021
kinokuniya.com.sg

Arguably one of the best places to get the widest range of books under one roof, offering everything from travel guides to kids books.

Percussionist Elvis Aljus

Melbourne-born percussionist Elvis Aljus is currently touring with Cirque Du Soleil’s latest show, Totem, and spoke to us about the physical and mental training – as well as some of the many instruments he gets to play.

What’s it like touring with Totem?

It becomes your life. If you were to ask me ‘Would you ever imagine doing 10 gigs a week?’, I’d say ‘No way!’. I come from a place where I did around four gigs a week. I’ve played with people like Kate Cerbrano, back in the day with the Black Sorrows, and even those tours were nowhere near as disciplined as these guys are. It was the first thing I had to learn. In Japan alone, it was something like 400 shows in the one year. [Laughs]

How were those first days in the troupe?

The first day I joined Cirque, it was like a bomb. More than 100 staff there, and I think I said hello to the same person five times. [Laughs]
Because you forget, and say ‘Did I say hello to this person?’, and then you see him again and you say hello. You meet a lot of people, the whole cultural aspect of it is really interesting. I never came from a structure like this. Even though it’s artistic and very creative, it’s still structured – or else it wouldn’t operate.

There must be a lot more theatrics that you need to take into consideration.

Yeah, you definitely need to take it into consideration, but you have to perform it. We had Johnny Depp come backstage in Brisbane – you get to meet some really exciting, very talented people. He was so appreciative of what we did, and we were all appreciative of what he did, which was kind of weird. He said one thing to me: ‘When I act, I do it even if I have to do it ten times and then the scene’s done, but you guys have to make sure that you do it with all that intensity and everything every single time.’

You must have to be really sharp and alert to match what’s going on.

Definitely. At the start, I remember the Musical Director saying ‘Can you play that little chime in that part?’, and I’m like ‘I’ve never been asked to play a chime in any stage of my career!’ [Laughs]

Now if I don’t play that chime in that spot, the whole tune misses it. It’s like they could be up on the trapeze, or one of the artists would flick their hands, and that is meant to be glittery and twinkly, and if you don’t hit it at that spot, it feels like there’s nothing connected to that spot and that action. You would really notice it when I wouldn’t hit it.

With the opening number, there’s a skeleton on stage, and there’s frogs and amphibians and things like that. It’s very eerie at the start, very mystical. I’ll start off with bell trees, some shakers, an udu pot, and an African woodblock to create this ambience. And then I’ll go off when the music comes in, I’ll start playing the congas – I play four congas there.

When it breaks down to just a solo acrobat doing a high bar, I’ll be on bongo because it’s a bit smaller – it makes it sound like a bongo solo, being a little thinner. It moves around really quickly. I move around a lot. [Laughs]

Where do you sit?

I don’t sit. I’m up the top-left – they have lighting on us and everything. I’m up there with the bass player and one of the vocalists. But I take up more than half that stage with my instruments. I run across from one to another, which is insane because it keeps me fit. I’d be bored if I sat down!

Cirque du Soleil – Totem
$98-$328
28 Oct-11 Nov
Under the Big Top, next to Marina Bay Sands

Lightbulb Moments: Studying for a Diploma in Coaching and Mentoring

People tell me I am a good listener. Being a trailing spouse here in Singapore for the past six years have definitely helped me hone those skills, having put in many hours over coffee discussing the trials and tribulations of life with others in the same boat as me.

I have been wondering how I can apply this skills in a more practical way. Maybe, I could make a career from all this listening. But how? I don’t want to embark on a full on Degree in Psychology or Counselling. It doesn’t feel right for me. It’s been so long since I studied, it’s just too daunting, not to mention the costs and time involved in a Degree.

The answer came when a friend of a friend suggested that if I really wanted to shake things up, learn a lot about what makes me tick & hone my listening skills whilst earning an accredited Diploma then I should consider the 9 month diploma course in Mentoring, Coaching and Interpersonal Facilitation conducted by Global Coaching Academy in Perth.

So what is Coaching and Mentoring? Well, it’s different from counselling in that it focuses on the present and future rather than delving into the murky waters of the past. Coaching helps people ponder on what is holding them back from realising their dreams, goals or from reaching their full potential. It works on the basis that every person has their own deep knowing but sometimes they just get stuck. A good coach asks powerful questions and respectfully holds a space for the person to explore their behaviour, limiting beliefs and motivations to help them to find the pearl of wisdom that is always there but often just hidden under layers of fear or old thinking. A good coach talks 20{95a2435e1d5758f6d9d5615cfe8f4203fd5bccff0e058dcf69a7b31d3a698e0b} of the time, really being in the moment with the client, listening intently, trying to pick up on subtleties and cues that might lead to the burning question that will help the client find their truth and move forward. The remaining 80{95a2435e1d5758f6d9d5615cfe8f4203fd5bccff0e058dcf69a7b31d3a698e0b} is for the client to meander along the path of their thoughts and experiences. The Mentoring side is more about offering wisdom through years of experience when asked by the client to help them move forward. It is offering feedback to the client in a way that is always loving and kind.

“That sounds just what I am looking for” I say to myself and before I know it I am on a plane heading for Perth to attend the first of 3 weekend residentials. What an adventure, catching the train from Perth station out into the suburbs to be greeted by a fellow participant and driven to the venue which is surrounded by the beautiful Australian Bush, so far it is all feeling right.

Those 3 days go by in a flash, I bond quickly with my 4 fellow participants. The course creator and founder of Global Coaching Academy, Belinda Baillie, is our teacher and co facilitating is Julie Skinner. Both are experienced coaches and mentors and are clearly experts in this field. They have a vast amount of knowledge and experience to draw upon, which makes the course feel all the more authentic.

It becomes evident that the premise of this course is that before we can become good coaches, we must first hold a mirror up to ourselves. The first 3 months of our learning, in addition to the art, science and theory of coaching, is based around self-reflection. What have been the turning points in your own life? What are the pillars of self-esteem? How healthy is yours? What are your triggers? How authentic are you? What are you limiting beliefs?

I come back to Singapore and begin an intense personal journey of self-discovery and I am surprised by what’s coming up for me. I am having more lightbulb moments than I anticipated “Ohhhhhh, so that’s why I behave like that, when xyz happens” The support is only a phone call/skype away should you require it and every fortnight there is a 90 minute online tutorial that we must attend. This is a good time to discuss what’s coming up and how we can apply this learning to our own coaching. We are encouraged to meditate and keep a reflective journal as well. It will all contribute to our personal growth and our final paper.

Three months of learning the theory side of coaching and the self-reflection work passes by quickly and the FIRST of our practice telephone coaching/mentoring sessions begin. Gulp! Time to put what I have learnt into practice. At least I have the comfort of knowing that my peers are also feeling anxious and that we are there to help and support each other as we go through the process. Also on the line is a tutor from the course to help us settle in and one of my classmates is peer mentoring me, there to provide feedback and encouragement at the end of the session. I have 45 minutes to chat with my client (a fellow classmate), I manage to hold the space, only talk 20{95a2435e1d5758f6d9d5615cfe8f4203fd5bccff0e058dcf69a7b31d3a698e0b}, let my client do the rest, and I am delighted when they come away with an outcome. Something tangible that they feel they can implement, that will help them in their life. What a great feeling.

I’ve now completed 7 of these practices and the feedback and learning from each session has assisted in my growth as a coach enormously. I can sense in all of us a new level of confidence and proficiency the more we practice. We are actually sounding like coaches.

I am implementing these new learnings and skills in my everyday life and it helps improve my relationships with everybody. I have found a new way of talking to my teenage daughter that elicits more than yes/no answers and we are engaging in some wonderful conversations that help her see things in a new light. It seems that this course is benefitting my whole family not just me.

The time has absolutely flown since that first trip to Perth, it has been such an amazing ride, the learning and growth I have experienced on both a personal and professional level has been immense. Now, I can clearly envisage the day I proudly hang my framed Diploma on the wall and I am excited at the prospect of using all that I have learnt to help others to navigate positively through life.

If you are interested in this course, please visit the website www.globalcoach.com.au

10 Minutes with…Dallas Cuddy, Head Chef and Director of Food & Beverage at the Prime Society

What inspired you to first get into cooking?
My family moved from Sydney to country Victoria when I was young and I grew up having a fruit and vegetable garden in our backyard. That was a starting point for me, helping my mum cook dinner with fresh vegetables and fruits, which we grew.

My dad and I used to go fishing a lot and whatever we caught was dinner for that night. I really enjoyed fishing more in the summertime, as it wasn’t as cold and there were always lots of wild blackberries so we used to pick those for dessert.

I guess without really knowing it these early childhood experiences started me on my path to becoming a chef.

How’d you find that first move from Melbourne to London?
Moving to London was a big step in both my career and my personal life. I saw it as a challenge to work in some of the best kitchens in the UK and also for me to step out from my comfort zone back in Melbourne and push myself. I only had two years in London but it was such an amazing experience that it really gave me confidence to push myself harder.

You’ve worked in some big restaurants in London and Melbourne, but what enticed you to come over to Singapore?
I had travelled through Singapore many times on the way to Europe, but when I first spent some time here I felt at ease. After working in London, I had always wanted to work in Asia, and Singapore has a huge reputation for not only its local food but also for its dining scene in general– and I wanted to be a part of that.

What is your perfect steak?
My perfect steak would be Robbins Island Wagyu from Tasmania. The story behind this beef is really amazing, and I’m a strong believer in promoting Australian beef.

What was it like to be involved in the 50 BBQs campaign here in Singapore?
I felt very privileged to be involved with such an inspiring event. I was lucky enough to assist with the media launch at the Australian High Commissioner’s residence here.

On the day itself I was too busy helping to make sure the event was ready to realise that both the Australian Prime Minister and Singaporean Prime Minister were about to make their entrance. Only then was I told that I would be cooking side by side both PMs. I have to say both PMs did a great job.

What is a dish that most people think are hard to make, but is actually simple?
I think some people get a little bit freaked out by cooking fish in a pan, when it really is quite simple. All you need is a pan that can be put in the oven, a little oil and a nice piece of fish. It’s something that seems daunting but it really is very easy to do.

What dishes do you feel are the hardest to perfect?
For me the less you put on the plate, the harder it is. When I was younger it was a case of how many ingredients can I put together in a dish. Now it’s a case of what can I take away from a dish. It takes more confidence to work with less ingredients because there is less room to find.

 

Carne & Caipirinha

There’s no better way to describe this smörgåsbord of all-you-can-eat meats than the choice for indecisive carnivores.

The first Brazilian churrascaria (barbecue) in Singapore to use charcoal fire to cook up various cuts, this meaty steakhouse in Sunset Way embraces the traditional way of cooking. Head Chef Britto comes with 36 years of experience as a chef and an actual gaucho – a South American cowboy.

The restaurant’s drawing point is the choice of different meats on offer – all imported from Brazil. Among the more well-known cuts like pork ham, pork rib and chicken thigh, you have rarer cuts to choose from too. The beef rump cap slices were tender, and with a light shade of pink. The fish, cut into cubes, was cooked golden brown and had an incredible
juiciness to it.

One specialty you may not have tried are chicken hearts. Apparently quite nutritious, the hearts are a huge hit in South America. You most likely won’t try these elsewhere, so it’s worth giving it a shot just for the experience.

The two-sided disc you’re given as you sit down has a green and red side to indicate whether you’re still keen to be part of the Rodizio cycle – a type of service where the passadors (meat-holding waiters) rotate the different cuts and meats. If you flinched and didn’t grab a piece of that pork belly when they came over to you, you’ll have to wait a little while to get what you want.

The salad bar, which offers rice and salad dishes – including a Brazilian feijoada stew with black beans and pork – helps give a little colour to the plate. You’ll be tempted to go for as much meat as possible given the atmosphere, but the sweet roast pineapple on rotation gives a break from all the savoury flavours.

It’s outdoor dining, so you might feel the heat a little more. To drink, of course there’s the cachaça-based Caipirinha cocktail with lime and sugar, and a Brazilian guaraná-flavoured soft drink called Guaraná Antarctica – a sweet, rare to find treat in Singapore.

CLOSED
Carne & Caipirinha
Blk 106, Clementi Street 12, #01-50
Tel 6464 0478

Image/courtesy Carne & Caipirinha

33 Sixty Eight

 

A gelato parlour run by a bikram yoga instructor – and also winner of the Singapore National Yoga Sports Championship – is a good sign that things on offer should be healthier than most. Never above 9{be2ed48eb5164722cedb437b4154e2fbc822e42c70fc3ff0c38ae00e24820875} fat, the gelatos and sorbettos made in-house are created in small batches, allowing for special flavours like matcha powder or eggless banana cookie gelato ($3.60 for a single scoop). As well as waffles ($5.50 plain, $8.90 with gelato), some favourites like the fat-free coconut gelato is served inside a coconut, complete with coconut water – an additional ingredient you can gloat about having. Another item worth a try is the bun bun bomb ($6) – a scoop of cold ice-cream sealed inside a warmed bun – for something a little different.

33 Sixty Eight
Block 8,
Jalan Batu, #01-07
Tel 6225 3368
33sixtyeight.com.sg

Image/courtesy 33 Sixty Eight

Support your Children and a Good Cause

 

Amba Brown works as a Consular Assistant at the Australian High Commission and has an honours degree in psychology. She recently created a guide for school-leavers to support and inspire them as they continue forward in finding their path. In recent years, there has been a steady increase in the number of young people suffering from anxiety and depression due to varying factors. Her newly published book, Finding Your Path, offers support and inspiration through this transition. The book explores work, study, travel and creating your own path. For each book sold, 10{95a2435e1d5758f6d9d5615cfe8f4203fd5bccff0e058dcf69a7b31d3a698e0b} of the profits will be donated to the Headspace Foundation – the Australian National Youth Mental Health Foundation. It can be purchased via amazon.com and ambabrown.wix.com/findingyourpath.

CIS kindergarten boosts children’s learning with spectacular new Outdoor Discovery Centre

At the Canadian International School (CIS) Kindergarten, we pride ourselves on making sure each of our students are given a strong educational foundation in an environment that is friendly and supportive and nurtures creativity and a sense of wonder.

One of the key elements in meeting this objective, is the extensive inclusion of ‘outdoor learning’ in our Kindergarten curriculum. This is because we firmly believe it offers young children important learning benefits crucial to their development.

Why outdoor learning is important:

1. Some learning just can’t happen indoors

Most early childhood learning can be done indoors but essential components like running, climbing, chasing and exploring the world, can only be done outdoors. Outdoor green spaces also provide young learners with exposure to sights, sounds, tastes and textures unique to the outdoors.

2. It enhances development

Substantial research shows that outdoor play leads to transformative learning in our children. When children are outside they are quickly inspired to get active and run, jump and climb. These activities in turn vigorously spark brain development, sharpen social and gross motor skills, and generate strong academic performance.

At CIS, our strong focus on ‘outdoor learning’ for Kindergarten students, recently prompted us to develop an amazing new Outdoor Discovery Centre at our Lakeside campus. Popular features of the centre include an abundance of leafy trees, lush herb and vegetable gardens, moving water, natural tunnels, grassy hills, a sound garden and lots of different creative spaces. The huge tricycle and running track are also firm favourites!

Much more than a playground

The reaction to the Discovery Centre by our CIS and wider community has been remarkable. One of the main reasons for its popularity is because it supports our youngest learners in ways that extend far beyond a traditional playground. Thanks to the numerous state-of-the-art features, the new space actively facilitates early learning in a range of disciplines including mathematics, literacy and science.

Mathematics and literacy support

By playing with water, sand and loose objects such as sticks, stones, mesh and rope, our young children learn to calculate, measure, invent, analyse and test theories. This not only helps them to develop their creative thinking and problem solving skills, but also their communication and research skills. Meanwhile their literacy skills are developed by writing and creating shapes in the sand and leaving letters for their friends in secret places in the gardens.

Science support

Through our herb and vegetable garden, children pick up early science skills and learn about the importance of health and nutrition as well as the role the natural environment plays in growing our food. This is particularly important in Singapore where so many children live in condos and therefore don’t always get the chance to interact with plants, the earth and watching things grow. First hand interaction with nature also helps us to raise the next generation of global citizens. By tending to our gardens, our children learn to appreciate – and in turn CARE about – the environment.

We are extremely excited about this new centre. Thanks to all its fabulous features, our young learners can now more than ever before, enjoy a wide range of state-of-the-art facilities all specifically designed to help them in ways that they will learn best.

To experience first hand our great new Outdoor Discovery Centre, sign up for our next Open House at www.cis.edu.sg/kindergarten. This page will also give you detailed information about our entire Kindergarten programme.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Casual Coffee are holding their Wear PINK Casual Coffee on Wednesday 14th October at Boomarang Bistro & Bar from 9.30am, only 5 minutes walk from Raffles Place and Clarke Quay MRTs. Listen to guest speakers and purchase a Breast Cancer Foundation Pink Ribbon Pin by donation.

Find out more

Focus Pilates will also be raising funds with Pink Ribbon Boxes stocked with Pink Ribbon Pins in both of their studios for the month of October. They will be hosting Pilates in Pink Classes in both studios on Friday 30th October, with all proceeds donated to the Breast Cancer Foundation. Classes cost $35 and are ideal for newcomers. Participants are encouraged to wear a piece of pink to the especially dedicated classes – head to toe or just a touch.

Find out more on the Focus Pilates website

The Breast Cancer Foundation’s annual Pink Ribbon Walk will be held at the Marina Bay Event Square on Saturday the 3rd of October at 5pm. Participants can sign up on the event day for the 3.2km fun walk around Marina Bay.

Visit Pink Ribbon Singapore for more information.