The Heart of a Yogi

Go on, Define Yourself.

2011-05-15T11:53:00.000-07:00

It's tough responsibility to be honest with yourself & probably the most challenging in your lifetime.

Take me for example: I went a pretty long time pressing "the play button", not even realizing I could be setting myself up for a breakdown. Luckily I caught up with myself before it happened, but I've definitely been there before. It takes just one single ignorance of your well being…Just one moment to do that to yourself & one week, one month, or even years later to recover.

Now, everyone has got there way of doing things. I don't by any means think it's necessary for everyone to develop a personal manifesto, but I've got one. By creating my own manifesto, I feel honest to myself at all times simply by knowing exactly how I operate…does that make sense? Like a framework.

After a tough week, it's refreshing to sit down & glance over at something that is indefinitely definite…Something that reassures & uniquely explains why I make certain decisions, involve myself with certain people, & why I avoid things that don't satisfy my passion for the life I lead.

On that note, shortly after developing my personal manifesto, I decided to quit my job.

Working as a manager in a fast paced, high stress, rapidly growing business, the once exhilarating feeling of the hustle suddenly became daunting. I'm in my mid-twenties…My worldly view is taking on its perspective, my morals are chiseling out, things are just falling into place. The past 8 years of restaurant service are no longer serving their purpose…Simply making money.

It was time I took the things I've become passionate about & start making a living. Granted, it did in fact take my boss telling me I needed to prioritize my life…In so many words of course. I am incredibly thankful for that…Sometimes you need a little kick in the you-know-what to get moving in the right direction...And you know, I got a new job within 2 weeks…One that I set my mind to.

I'm not going to get all life coach-y on you guys, but seriously, take some time to think about what you are made up of. Maybe it's easy & you've got it all figured out. Great…Then let it be a reminder that you are on the ball....But for everyone else who falls under my category of a constant work in progress, write 5 things that define you. I do not mean to write things like "You don't tell lies" or "You are a healthy person". Define it…go inside. Why don't you tell lies? Maybe it looks like this "The truth is the most powerful tool in the universe" or "Never say things that don't reflect who you are". Make it yours, truly.

It worked out pretty well for me :)

Namaste!

Thank You, Guru: Sharath Teaches Ashtanga In NYC

2011-04-06T07:59:00.000-07:00

3 am: Loaded with excitement, the impossibility to get some decent rest has declared itself.

I will wait 5 years to travel to the KPJAYI, but for now, the Guru is coming to me.

5 am: I rise. Thoughts rushing through & out of my head: I must be crazy, I'm simply not ready to reveal my practice to the Guru. I stop myself. Detach from judgement. He does not expect anything from us other than to breathe.

5:30: Twenty minutes & fifty dollars (yes, to park) later, I am on the elevator up to the fifth floor. The woman next to me is already engaged in Ujjayi breathing…Maybe she's just as excited as I am.

I take off my shoes, leave them among the countless others, and then there is the room. A good group already is settled in, & a single empty chair in the front equally awaiting.

6 am: There he is, Guruji…His smile as effervescent as always. Flowers are draped around the photograph, commemorating him & his life's work. I feel warmth…Just to be this close.

I look around a bit & get nervous to see all of these practitioners. I am simply not so used to the presence of so many. There's some chatter about difficult asanas & worry of how to do them correctly, I softly smile. Others lie down with their towels over their heads.

6:30: The Guru arrives, his little girl in tow. He sits. And sits. And sits. And…sits. This is it…There he is. The tension calmly seeped out of me. Samasthiti.

There were no fancy adjustments, no excessive direction. Just simply numbers of english & sanskrit, cues of rechaka/puraka, & the occasional quip.

The possibility to sink into the Self was there for the taking. All I had to do was breathe.

8 am: With an Om & a Yawn, I have never enjoyed Savasana more.

I feel endless gratitude for healing to have been found in these beautifully vigorous inhales & exhales, & for this family to have brought the West this incredibly therapeutic system of Ashtanga Yoga.

Thank you, Guru. Until next time...

Namaste.

One Day Without Shoes: Will You Go Without?

2011-04-05T06:53:00.000-07:00

April 5, is the 2nd annual "One Day Without Shoes" brought to us by Tom's.

Since 2006, Tom's has been dedicated to providing less fortunate children with shoes on their feet. How? Every time we buy a pair of Tom's, a pair of new shoes is given to a child in need.
Talk about paying it forward.

Will you go without?

YOGAWOMAN - A Powerful Documentary

2011-03-29T12:37:00.000-07:00

YES! I LOVE yoga movies!

YOGAWOMAN, launching in July 2011, is a film meant to uncover a global phenomenon of how women have changed the face of yoga.

"A quiet revolution brews in yoga studios, hospitals and living rooms around the globe. In record numbers women are discovering their own strength, vitality, peace and power through yoga. Reclaiming this ancient spiritual path from its traditionally male form, the result is a radical transformation of modern yoga as we know it."

The film will show how yoga benefits the female race in such a way that it strengthens intuition & connection, balances emotion, & ultimately forms a healthier, happier life.

"Through rich personal stories, YOGAWOMAN reveals how yoga has utterly transformed the lives of millions of over-stimulated, overscheduled multitasking modern women. With vivid detail and poignancy, YOGAWOMAN shows how women have embraced yoga for easing health conditions like breast cancer, infertility, heart disease, anxiety and depression. And given a lifeline to women in prison, cancer survivors and those struggling with body image or eating disorders."

Yoga icons such as Cyndi Lee, Seane Corn, Sharon Gannon, Shiva Rae, Donna Farhi, Beryl Bender Birch, and so much more will be featured in the documentary.

Watch the trailer:

Preorder your copy here!

I love empowering stuff like this, though I can already smell the debates & disagreements! Tell us what you think!

Peacefully Present

2011-03-29T08:38:00.000-07:00

Rovinggirl

We do yoga for a few different reasons. Meditation, exercise, to feel better, to live better, to look better, to heal...Sometimes we do it for one reason & end up doing it for others.

I knew exactly why I needed yoga.

For years I'd been tormenting myself, throwing myself into a pit of victimizing defeat. A series of events that would likely be traumatic for anyone left me feeling so incredibly misused & mistreated that as I grew into adulthood, I had no idea what I deserved or who I was. Most of all, I was incapable of appreciating the good presently in my life.

The meditative aspect of the practice is what lured me, considering my mental state felt far from equable. Yoga didn't suddenly "free me" …there really was no epiphany or anything. It was quite gradual that I began to realize yoga was indefinitely healing me as I found the present.

The present? Why is this discovery so profound & how could it possibly possess any healing capabilities?

The present is what frees you from life's unforgiving ability to make time seem lost…To make you feel like a constant product of the past. The present creates reality. It's where you take responsibility…It's where you can start again.

You can apply that to any of life's troubles.

To embrace the present means to live mindfully well, making whole-hearted choices, for that will guarantee the best future. Being mindful of thoughts, words, & decisions leaves no room for regret, it gives you direct perception of the present moment.

It's impossible to forget what's already happened. We might find ourselves sinking pointlessly into the past or unable to move on from something. Believe me, I'm way too familiar with such thought. In order to move on, we have to resolve not to ever make those sorrows a reality ever again. We have to accept that good times past will always be a lovely memory, but yearning for them in the present will only create suffering.

Use the past as a tool, recollecting to see where you've gone wrong or to simply see the good you've done. Leave the future as a blank slate, knowing that the decisions you make now are the only thing which will unroll you into it.

I find it wondrous that above all of the reasons we practice yoga, be it mental or physical, living in the present is undeniably a concept we have the opportunity to embrace. In my journey so far, I found that now is the only time we'll ever have to make ourselves happy, content, at peace, or whatever it is you may need. Since we have total control, why not make the best of it?

Think of the negativity which clouds our minds just in our day to day. Think of the regret we so easily embrace even with the smallest of issues or interactions. Think of the sadness or frustration we harbor or grudge we hold because of our past or our upbringing. Now realize that all of that shit (yep I said it) is exactly what is keeping us back from acting on all that the present moment has to offer.

"Having spent the better part of my life trying either to relive the past or experience the future before it arrives, I have come to believe that in between these two extremes is peace."

Namaste.

Sharath Jois in NYC

2011-03-22T10:05:00.000-07:00

photo by mike hill

Ashtanga practitioners! Sharath Jois will be traveling to the states to teach from 4/4 - 5/7.

Sharath is the grandson of Pattabhi Jois (Guruji), who also took over the K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute as director & teacher when Guruji passed in May 2009. Sharath has been devoted to the practice, following in his grandfather's footsteps since a young boy.

We are so grateful to be having Sharath in the states, leaving his home at the Shala in Mysore to lead us in this beautiful, ancient practice.

His tour begins in NYC:

4/4-4/8 - Led Primary Series

4/11-4/15 - Led Intermediate Series

He continues to Encinitas, CA:

4/25-4/29 - Led Primary Series
5/3-5/7 - Led Primary Series & Intermediate at a separate time

You can find out locations & times, as well as register here.

No Slouching In Yoga Class, Please

2011-03-21T18:57:00.000-07:00

Yep, there is indeed such thing as slouching in yoga.

To prove my case, first think of how you sit in a chair. When we're being mindful of how we sit, we use our body structure to properly align the bones & joints. We need to be mindful, though, or else we will just collapse & slip into a careless position. On the other hand, if we try way too hard to sit tall & erect it won't be beneficial either. Who wants poor posture and/or stiff muscles? Not I!

When we practice yoga, it's a given that we've got to be mindful to our postures in order to do them correctly. The tricky part is: Although it may look like we're doing the right thing on the outside, it might not always be the same on the inside…& vice versa.

Take Downward Facing Dog for example:

I've seen some crazy Downward Dogs…Like where someones head is on the mat. I've always thought, "Wow! That person is really getting a great stretch." Personally, I've always pushed a little extra in my hands to get my shoulder blades to sink in a little, inching my head closer to the mat…I thought it was a good thing. Turns out, it's actually started to cause shoulder pain due to overly stretching the muscles & stressing out the joints. Stretching this way is weakening them.

Down-Dog is like "the one thing we've got right" out of all those other demanding postures. It's like home base (next to child's pose of course) when you've just did some crazy sweaty stuff...I'm right there with ya.

You may very well not need any tips in this department, but it turns out you also may be doing more harm than good in your "Downward refuge".

Another example is in the basic forward bend (but really any forward bend). The slouchy way to do it would be reaching for the feet & resting over the legs. Nose to knee, done. The problem here is that many things could be happening that are not helping your body. Things like rounding the spine, tensing the shoulders up near the ears, & pulling entirely too much on the back of the legs with no attention paid to the upper body.
To properly & actively practice a forward bend, you would need to use your upper body to lengthen the back before sinking into the posture & keep your spine straight. Puffing the chest is important to prevent tensing in the shoulders. Instead of just pulling on the leg muscles, concentrating on the upper body to lengthen first in order to further the stretch.

Anyone can just bust into a pose, but to properly do a pose is likely a challenge for many of us. It's important to use all of our body, paying close attention to where we tense or where we may neglect & making those areas an active part of the posture we're in.

Hypermobility is a huge factor in "yogic injuries" due to extensive stretching on the muscles, but with no strength to protect them. If someone's just being flexible, it's not working all of the body's potential & can actually cause injury due to wearing away of muscle tissue.

Slouching is when we're not actively doing a pose, but rather leaning or yanking on certain areas just to get there. Slouching is also when we're not fully doing a pose because we're being lazy...Like half way doing a Chaturanga. I've certainly done this in classes where I'm feeling hopeless, muscleless...I've discovered though, I can hurt myself. I might slip into a child's or just skip the whole thing next time...yikes.

I'd much prefer to keep my muscles, bones, & joints healthy so I can keep practicing yoga, are ya with me?

So, please, for your own sake…No slouching!!

Namaste.

Japan In Crisis

2011-03-16T22:07:00.000-07:00

After a massive earthquake, devastating tsunami, & nuclear crisis, Japan faces an unimaginable meltdown of multiple sorts. Currently, there are well over 4,000 people dead & more than 8,000 missing with numbers continuing to swell. The 430,000 who have survived (many who are homeless) are facing a deadly crisis in lacking enough supplies to keep them alive.
Even though access is possible to certain areas in need, people are stepping back in fear of aftershocks and radiation, but a worsening issue in reaching people in need is the lack of fuel available. Damaged refineries are resulting in a rapidly increasing number of supermarkets, hotels, convenience stores, & gas stations running out of supplies due to delivery trucks with out enough fuel.

As for the refugees, the need for medicine, food, blankets, water, & gas (for heat) is a huge concern.

[1.4 million households are lacking running water, leaving people to relieve themselves in plastic bags.]

[The food shortages in the 2,000 shelters available to the homeless is resulting in an allowance of just one rice ball a day in some places.]

[The icy weather conditions with sub-zero temperatures are leaving these people freezing with no available heat from the gas shortage & scarcity of blankets. A national broadcaster, NHK, even advised people to wrap themselves in clingfilm & newspaper to keep warm. Pneumonia & hypothermia are becoming prevalent.]

[Just about 1/4 of Japan's demographic are over 65. Many of these people need medicine & hospitals are overflowing.]

This is a national devastation. We must not accept that because we are 6,000 miles away from a suffering nation, we cannot reach out to help them.

My heart swells for the victims of Japan's disaster.

We must not be ignorant to the reality of the aftermath. It's not just a thought, it's not just news on your t.v screen's & computer's, this is actually occurring. Just as you read this, people are becoming ill, they are cold, they are hungry, they are homeless, they are lost, they are dying.

The possibility of further tragedy is just about eminent. Havoc will continue to break lose throughout Japan. Shortages will spread throughout Japan as fuel availability continues to lessen. The economy will be affected.

Yoga teaches us that we are all connected. It opens our hearts & encourages us to be selfless & compassionate. Why not help if in some way we have a moral obligation to?

Please, with all of your heart, choose a cause & donate to help the crisis in Japan.

Namaste.

A Lesson In The Misconception

2011-03-15T10:14:00.000-07:00

photo courtesy of google images

It would be incredibly false to claim that as yogi's we are not faced with challenges. Yoga can be a breeze at times, but it's mostly a beautiful mix of highs & lows which teach us that perfection is all in our perception of the journey.

It is a common illusion that yogis are all just naturally a certain way..

peaceful . f l e x i b l e . balanced . airy
healing . tranquil . limber
calm . healthy . impartial . radiant . joyous
happy . easy-going . grounded

Such juicy terms! I gotta say I feel pressure when people quickly assume once discovering I practice yoga that I am one or all of the above. I also find it unfortunate that even among a community of practitioners it is commonly assumed that the one who has both legs behind their head somehow has it all figured out. That assumption is so far from the truth. No matter how we grow, we remain the same person...We may find ways to embrace difficulty differently, but we aren't super human.

In reality there are many hurdles & hindrances that rattle one's practice. Yes, Guruji may say " Practice and all is coming", but that does not mean by getting looser muscles we somehow more easily acquire the previously mentioned attributes or that we're on some smooth path to the heavens.

Susanna Finocchi, Authorized Ashtanga teacher, made a quite profound statement on the subject:

"There are many, many, many obstacles. I think it’s a very personal journey. Somebody could be frustrated, somebody could find it easy, somebody can get sick or have pain and stop because they think yoga isn’t supposed to bring this up. Or you can have someone who does not have an easy body who meets yoga much earlier than someone who has an easy body because they have to find another opening. If yoga is a self-realization path, then these things have to come up. I think there is a lot of justice in this practice.
Justice in the sense that, sooner or later, everyone finds obstacles. Maybe you have such a flexible body and do unbelievable things but this doesn’t mean anything. It doesn’t mean you are focused or realized or enlightened, it just means you have an easy body. I see people that have a very difficult primary series and, to me, they are much more yogic. In a sense, they are more steady, they are more balanced, and they are more determined about what they want to do. They are more on the way. Some of us with an easy body, it brings us all over because we can do whatever. You don’t stick, you don’t meditate, and you are just wandering around."

There you have it. You just can't put judgement on another's practice. It is their journey...& it will never be like yours, & yours is perfect just the way it is.

I may be speaking for myself, but I've got a feeling I'm not alone in sometimes getting carried away by focusing way too much on my own practice fitting the stereotypes...judging it. My soul may be tranquil & serene, & by meditating I can for moments feel it, but I assure you my "person" isn't.
We may look in awe of some of our yoga-mates & gurus thinking "I only wish I could move how they move or love like they love". When I think this way, my right mind sneaks up on me & flicks me right on the forehead.
Maybe you've once built a wall around yourself thinking "Nobody will notice how depressed I really am if I do this crazy pose.. & if I can't, they'll know I'm a mess." In reality, this way of using your practice is detrimental.

Here's a lesson I've learned & still continue to teach myself:

Be vigilant to separate your practice from all that yoga is commonly perceived as. If you practice actively trying to embody the stereotypes, you are not in touch with yourself.
When I practice thinking this way, I feel like I'm acting & I am truly, completely uncomfortable. I get hard on myself if I fall out of balance or can't deepen a pose. I get angry because I was not:

peaceful . f l e x i b l e . balanced . airy

healing . tranquil . limber

calm . healthy . impartial . radiant . joyous

happy . easy-going . grounded

I'm unfulfilled.

Now if I practice while embracing myself, maybe being gentle on sore muscles or releasing stress with my breath...maybe I'll have an awesome, tension-free practice...I will leave my mat feeling satisfied.
Who cares that I didn't come into headstand or maybe I did, I know that I took care of myself. Only then it becomes easier for me to live & practice off of the mat.

When we try to be a certain way, it's suffocating. We are cramming ourselves into the tiniest hole, disabling ourselves from feeling naturally. Really, It's like balancing an elephant on a foot stool.

An important part of this lesson is to put your ego aside. Nobody is a super human. "So-&-so" who can do a jaw-dropping inversion could be struggling with their life in ways we couldn't imagine. Another person who crawls into child's every other pose could be so focused & inward we wish we were that deep into it.

Love so much the mountains & peaks of your practice. Strive & be open to feel...& not just one level of emotion, but the entire range of your being. It reminds you that you're here, that you are perfect, & that you are free to expand.

Namaste.

"Your hand opens and closes and opens and closes. If it were always a fist or always stretched open, you would be paralyzed. Your deepest presence is in every small contracting and expanding, the two as beautifully balanced and coordinated as bird wings." – Rumi

Yoga Sutras - The 'limbed' yogic path

2011-03-11T21:05:00.000-08:00

Since starting teacher training, I've committed to doing yoga at my studio 4-5 times a week. Ashtanga yoga is pretty tightly woven into my practice, but it's also one of the things I've had to curb a bit in order to participate in this teacher training.
Yes- so sad at first, but Ashtanga is not just a practice on the mat.
Since my schedule allows 1-2 Ashtanga classes per week, I decided to delve deeper into the Sutras.

No idea what I'm talking about?

The Yoga Sutras Of Patanjali outline 8 main parts or "limbs" pertaining to the overall practice of yoga. Ashtanga is a method of yoga developed for the cultivation of these 8 limbs within us.

Patanjali's 8 limbs of yoga include:

Yama [universal morality/how we treat the world & those around us]
Niyama [personal observances/how we view & take care ourselves]
Asana [yoga postures]
Pranayama [control of the breath]
Pratyahara [sense withdrawal]
Dharana [immovable concentration of the mind]
Dhyana [meditation]
Samadhi [divine union/the ultimate goal]

Ashtau (eight) + anga (limb) ….Clever, hm?

The limbs below Yama & Niyama are easily reached through attending yoga asana classes. Hearing the instruction, the reminder to breathe is something we likely take for granted. Having a rare opportunity to withdraw from the senses by heavily concentrating on the present moment are actually easy during a yoga class compared to living these practices off of the mat.

Example:
There's no instructor telling you "inhale as you turn on the sink, exhale as you reach for the sponge, inhale as you rinse the dish…" or "breathe deeply as you are frustrated this car just cut you off & nearly got you in an accident".

If you only concentrate on the physical aspect of yoga & simply coming to class, you certainly will see the affects, but the potential is so much greater.

The practice of Yamas/Niyamas are the aspects of yoga in which we cultivate moral observances toward how we treat ourselves (Niyamas) & the world around us (Yamas). They're like a garland of self discipline. Once you begin, it's like the rest effortlessly connect with each other.

I can certainly attest to the limbed yogic path being a richly satisfying experience, for it commands you to act peacefully from your heart, something we all could do better…even if we think we're doing our best. I don't think we should ever settle with the idea that we've reached our limit of spiritual growth or internal connection.

Growth takes a lifetime.

It's important to acknowledge that the Yoga Sutras aren't by any means harsh rules, but rather one way to live a more peaceful life of deepening consciousness.

Yoga is from your heart…your practice really does not come from a book, nor should you believe that it must.

For me, the Sutras are an inspiration...They remind me that I have endless potential. We all do.

Whatever brings you peace of mind is what your practice of yoga should be about.

Here's a link where you can view a basic outline of Patanjali's Eight Limbs of Yoga if you'd like more detailed input on the subject.

Alison Hinks created this amazingly easy to understand chart of the 8 limbs:

Namaste!!

2011-03-04T15:27:00.000-08:00

If you seek inner peace

find it in solitude, not speed

Seek to love the land from which you came

and resign from where you think you are going.

Namaste.

"Little Lulu Mat-Travel" Gets A Thumbs Up

2011-02-25T11:57:00.000-08:00

Yoga mats, seriously, will make or break your practice. Every time you try a new mat, you're taking a risk…

the mat can be sliding everywhere
you can be sliding everywhere
it can be too cushy,
too thin

None of which are acceptable for an enjoyable practice…We've all been there!
I've had quite a few mats in my journeys. A year ago, though, I bought myself a pretty red mat that has been my ultimate sidekick…I have an attachment to this baby, we bonded. She (yes, my mat) isn't thin, not too sticky, not slippery, & light weight. She even has name, Pretty Red.
While visiting a friend & fellow teacher trainee over at my local Lululemon, I explained the love I had for my mat & she confidently handed me The Mat-Travel, second runner up to Lulu's "The Mat". Just a side note: I've personally done a downward dog or two on this mama & nearly drooled at "The Mat's" effortless grip, but I'm a bit turned off by its weight since I occasionally travel a bit for some classes.
Anyway, I was excited to try out the travel version, but somewhat apprehensive since I'd have to leave Pretty Red behind.
So, I meet Little Lulu Mat-Travel. I picked blue since there was no red, I don't like pink, & black reminds me of a tire :)

I totally dig this mat. No, it's really not for everyone...but what one mat is?

Best Qualities:

+ Light weight. I don't know about you, but I don't like the feeling of holding a small child when I carry my mat!

+ Easily rolls/folds. Great for a gym bag or suitcase.

+ Super grip...those sweaty paws aren't going anywhere. It's not sticky, it's just pure grip. This is certainly ideal for Bikram, Ashtanga,& other more athletic styles of practice. There's a top coat of polyurethane that does the trick (nope, it's not toxic).

+ Long enough for most at 26 x 71" - that's almost 6 ft long folks. I'm a pretty tall lady, & I love the feeling of my feet actually on my mat during Savasana.

+ Does not contain PVC's. This is pretty common for yoga mats & it's something to watch out for. PVC's are carcinogenic & easily released into the air we breathe.

+ Made from natural rubber. Recyclable, biodegradable, & non-toxic!

+ Well valued at 38 bucks

+ Easily washable (spraying it down with tea tree oil, or even water & a couple drops of dish soap is said to keep it like new)

Fair Warnings:

+ The mat is made from natural rubber, so it has a strong odor when you first roll it out…it's best to air it out at home for 10 minutes so you don't stink out your yoga mates!

+ This can be a plus for some (it is for me), but if you prefer a thicker mat for certain comfort, it's 1.8mm thinness isn't quite going to serve that purpose!

+ If you jump through to sit down (maybe you're working on it), your feet will get stuck if they even graze the surface. It's super grippy, folks! Maybe that will be your reason for perfecting your jump-through :)

+ If you're a sweater (god knows I am), you will see it more than ever on this mat. Probably not on the black ones, but sweat & oils temporarily stain the mats surface during practice...No worries, it does fade away!

+ I've not had this issue yet, but people have said the stickiness can go away. I've read that soaking the mat in a bath tub with some drops of dish soap for 10-15 minutes & hanging it to dry overnight will restore it's godly grip, so not to fear.

This mat is probably not your best pick for a more gentle approach to yoga. I'm not sure you need its super grip in any restorative posture :)

Overall, I'd rate my Little Lulu Mat-Travel a solid 8. I never thought I'd part with my beloved red mat, but I like having the choice knowing that they're both awesome. Besides, Pretty Red can use a break sometimes…

Namaste!

Dare To Live Wide Open

2011-02-23T14:34:00.000-08:00

photo courtesy: google images

I challenge you

To be more loving

In the presence of a stranger

To live without j u d g e m e n t

To show empathy

In the presence of other's pain

To open your heart

So others can see you

I challenge you

To let go, to slow down,

And appreciate an inconvenience for its lesson

Or see beauty in the mundane

I challenge you

To be open to the possibility that anybody can inspire you

And that you can spark the fire in someone else

I challenge you

To believe anything you dream of can be possible

And that every single day is an opportunity

Most of all,

I challenge you to see the light in yourself

And once you do, find it in everything else

Namaste.

[Author & copyright: Brittany Irwin]

Dare To Live Wide Open is available for purchase here on my Etsy shop!

On Loving You

2011-02-16T14:59:00.000-08:00

lelove images

In the greater scheme of things, it's easy for most to say "I take care of myself ", right? You most likely practice yoga, hopefully eat a mindful diet, & treat yourself every now & then, however that may be.

Upon beginning a yoga practice, I can't say I was always the peaceful & compassionate model yogi & simply won't ever in my journey claim that. I honestly make an effort, though, every day to be a better person than I was the day before.
I believe in the extreme difficulty of always being in touch with your inner light, & yet I believe in slowly peeling away the layers in which dim that.

It's become increasingly important to me through the challenges I face in staying deeply in touch with myself, that I remember to be self-compassionate as well. It's easy to figuratively push yourself around when you don't do what you've said you were going to. Maybe you've missed a yoga class because you're tired, you've eaten a luscious chocolate cupcake, or perhaps you've lost your patience. The dreaded bully comes out of its shelter in which we've created upon our self-worth, "How could you do that?", "You'll never get any better at this", "You are weak".

I'd like to shed light on a vital fact in the process of self-love & acceptance. Within our heart's center is divine light, it's forever present. We are perfect beings because of it. Through various experiences we can become weakened, dim, separated, & at times even dormant, but I think it's so important we know that we're already perfect .

In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, avidya is defined as "ignorance to the nature of things, or the root forgetting". Patanjali outlines that if we do not understand the natural way, then we cannot possibly achieve self-acceptance or even self-love.

So, you're probably thinking of eating that cake now since it's naturally calling to you!

Controlling & diminishing bad habits or negative behavior is so commonly connected with feelings of self-defeat, leaving us angry & resentful. Like raising children or even training a pet, treating negative behavior with negative behavior never improves the behavior. Studies show, however, that treating yourself more kindly can help to build a strong defense against self-evaluating behavior, providing a brighter path to your inner light. So next time you act on the road rage you said you'd curb or flip out on your loved one, accept responsibility that it happened & try again. Honor the fact that you might need to give yourself time to breathe.

It's so common that we form a self-image around the judgements we make on ourselves when we're wrong.

What I'm getting at here is that in the wake of defeat, remember to love yourself. You'll never be truly happy with you if you are your worst critic. Accept that through your journey, it's not always going to be perfect.

Take care
of yourself.

Namaste.

"People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is light from within" - Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

Trust...Your Hands.

2011-02-12T09:25:00.000-08:00

Capt. Rachael Arabian

I know not everyone is there yet, or perhaps will ever be, but as I did some inversions & bakasana variations in class today I learned something quite important even if you never end up lifting your feet off of the floor.

My teacher stressed the importance finding the intelligence in your hands.

trust your hands be comfortable with them

Your hands can do exactly what you need them to do when you're ready.

The best way to find this intelligence is through a squat position.

Frog Stand/Knee On Elbow Pose

1) Hands are flat on the ground, shoulder width apart.
[Feel your finger tips on the ground, not your entire palm. Imagine there's a
peanut in the center of your palm.]

2) Lean forward, place the weight on your elbows/forearms, maybe your feet don't
lift.
[Keep that peanut there. Use your fingertips & outer edges of your hands

3) Repeat the process of simply leaning into your elbows/forearms, feeling your weight shift, & most importantly discovering the support of your hands. Let go of the pose, lean into it again.
[try to lean into the pose using your palms, & notice how uneasy you feel…notice the strain on your wrists…try not to face plant!]

Once you feel the intelligence in your hands, your practice of balancing on them will ease up. There are certainly many aspects to the body that should be addressed upon practicing these kinds of poses, but your hands are among the most essential…Kind of like one of those amazing "aha!" moments.

Namaste!

Posting From The Path: 1

2011-02-11T20:47:00.000-08:00

[If you haven't already read, "The Journey Begins", I've started my 200hr YTT. The series: "Posting From The Path" will be a documentation of the journey]

In this moment, I have one lesson to share with all of you.

The utterly important value of being true to who you are & mastering the art of surrender is a profound reality that must be treasured.

So, take me for example...

Everything that left bruises on my soul & all that has brought me endless love & gratitude has been incredibly hard to accept that both of these exact opposites of experiences have landed me where I am, in this beautifully perfect place in my life.

I digress:

In my first session of teacher training, we were to introduce ourselves & had to explain what we wanted out of the training program. I was moved at each & every person's honesty, but more of their openness & willingness to trust & surrender to the experience . It assured me that it was no mistake I had found myself in that room & in that company.

So, I am quite confident I know what to say when it's my turn. Something to the effect of "Hi, I'm Brittany! I practice Ashtanga & I want to teach it…I'd like to go to India in the near future, I'm married, I manage a coffee shop…I love yoga…blah".
As my turn approached & as I listened to the stories of my classmates, I realize I wasn't going to be true to myself if I say that picture-perfect life is mine. Presently speaking, yes, my life is lovely…But I've done lots of healing, & yoga was my greatest tool…it's where I found strength I didn't know I had. I still keep a "junk drawer" of some old stuff I still need to deal with, but this teacher training experience is about creating a life I love, & I intend to do just that. So, to sum it up, my introduction was a tear-fest, but I said what was in my heart. I'm so proud of that.

To tie everything together:

I mentioned how hard it has been to accept that the bad experiences in my life were just as meaningful as the the blessed ones. The lesson here is that if you don't accept everything as a great part of your life, then you will never be true to yourself. So, when I was given the chance to introduce myself to my fellow teacher trainers this evening, in that very moment I accepted the good with the bad & I spoke directly from within.

I'm not at all assuming everyone has junk they dare not speak of, but I know it's not so easy all of the time to be honest with yourself.
It's like you're jumping into the unknown,
when ironically, you always end up home.

Namaste.

"Sometimes what seems like surrender isn't surrender at all...It's about what's going on in our hearts. About seeing clearly the way life is and accepting it and being true to it, whatever the pain, because the pain of not being true to it is far, far greater."

Top 4 Yoga Poses To Do In The Shower

2011-02-11T06:03:00.001-08:00

For some reason I always do yoga in the shower. Silly to think my practice has actually come to this, but now that I think of it…Why the heck not? It's steamy & your muscles are relaxed…perrrrfect. Maybe I should mention I am seriously the slowest shower lady ever…So slow I've invented shower yoga.

If you're a slow shower lady (or man!), then here's some yoga you too can do all while getting your scrub on.

1. Vrkasana (tree pose) : Washing your hair? Do it in tree! If its too slippery to keep that foot up, slip into Standing Half Lotus instead! Left side for shampoo, right side for conditioner! Genius!

2. Tadasana (mountain pose) : Got a leave in conditioner? Stand in an active mountain pose, paying close attention to your posture & groundedness. That's a well spent 5 minutes!

3. Garudasana (eagle pose) : Gotta love an intense balance while your shower head shoots water at your back!

4. Padangustasana (big toe pose) : Deepen that forward bend! Who cares if a little water gets in your nose….

I'm thinking you can't wait to take that shower now, hm?

Namaste!

The Stay Strong Project Empowers Peace Through Song

2011-02-10T07:30:00.000-08:00

The song, Stay Strong, is part of a global support project for empowering people & communities during the multiple crisis we face around the world.

Most may know Durga Das (or David Newman) as a prominent artist in the chant & yoga community, but he's also behind the Stay Strong Project , creating the the song as a vehicle for the cause.

Many other prominent figures in the chant & yoga world gathered to support the Stay Strong Project. You may recognize Krishna Das (my fav), Jai Uttal, Sharon Ganon (Jivamukti Yoga), Seane Corn, Donna De Lory, & Girish just to name a few….Go on…Watch it!

Commit To Bliss!

2011-02-09T11:57:00.000-08:00

I love to see people living their passions.

Discovered in 1990, Blissology is sweeping the nation with its powerful message of love & interconnectedness.

Eoin (sounds like Ian) Finn, the founder & 1st ever Blissologist, is among Canada's most sought after teachers of yoga. Fusing his passion for the surf, environment, & his heart-opening inspirational path of Blissology, Eoin seeks to bring out the bliss in those who seek it, believing everyone should live their live's with love & intent.

So what is Blissology??

According to Eoin, Blissology is: "the art of consciously finding the balance between one’s personal desires and our impact on the web of life. It is not just a brand but a way of being. It is a path of interconnectedness and love."

Through Blissology, people are encouraged to realize what they are capable of, & the true impact it can have on the world. Instead of becoming complacent, Eoin insists that by mastering Blissology we can all reach the heights of prosperity.

How exactly does Eoin suggest we get in touch with our heart's potential? The Blissology Project outlines commitments one must make which include yoga, food awareness, & gratitude to name a few.
The project can be purchased on DVD or downloaded as a booklet for free.

Find more about Blissology & Eoin's YES (yoga, ecology, & surf) Retreats around the world here!

Like The Blissology Project on Facebook here!

Will you commit to Bliss?

Namaste!

Are You A Good Yogi?

2011-02-08T21:25:00.000-08:00

I've been around my fair share of yogis. From the smelly mats of a gritty yoga studio to the 6th floor of a multi-faceted, "prestigious" studio in New York City, it's refreshing to see the variety of us.
Through my journey of practice, I've been in the presence of people who chant beautiful sanskrit after they've completed asana practice, people who've yelled out for all to hear in the middle of a class that they've lost their balance, people who've effortlessly flown into poses I can't help but dream of, people who don't care to use a mat, people who don't care to listen to a teacher's direction, and even people who run into class 10 minutes late & leave 10 minutes early.
My question is, what makes a good yogi? Do you find yourself to be one? Or are you finding yourself lost in the depths? Maybe your completive edge gets the best of you?
Don't get me wrong, I've read & heard so much about non-judgement & the importance of accepting others. I've read & heard even more about how essential it is to just be. I am, however, a work in progress just like anyone else. I've certainly been in situations where I feel I just want the guy next to me to stop breathing so hard, or the woman across the room to just focus on her eyes on her practice.
Then it's those classes where afterwards I feel so guilty for feeling that way when I could have been thinking about my internal focus instead.
Not too long ago, I was practicing in New York City when all I could think about while I came out of Savasana as I stared tirelessly at the fluorescent bulbs on the ceiling was how I terribly missed the dirty little studio where I felt the most lovely energy despite the grossness.
So, what is it that makes a good yogi? Is it one who can be anywhere & feel whole?
I've chanted Om amongst many in a small room, harmonizing blissfully…I've chanted sanskrit uncomfortably in a studio where I simply needed to laugh & substitute words to keep myself from cracking up. I've practiced breathing exercises where snot literally shot out of my nose in the presence of an entire class.
Is a good yogi one who wouldn't laugh? Or would a good yogi acknowledge it as humorous?
I've been in the presence of practitioners who clearly exude peaceful shakti. Then those who seem closed. Is a good yogi one who shades themselves?

I believe there are none other than good yogis. The fact that those gather for self practice, whether it be for physical benefit, spiritual gain, or simply an exploration of exercise, is good yoga.

Some food for thought:

What do you think amongst the diversity of those who practice? Do you face difficulty in finding yourself to be a good yogi? Do you find you judge that in others?

Namaste.

Ahimsa: Love In All Of Its Strength & Glory

2011-02-08T14:01:00.000-08:00

Through yoga, we strive to reach the ultimate truth, which I like to call divine love. Self-awareness, selfless service, non-judgement, freedom from attachment to the physical…A fruitful, fulfilling lifestyle includes much effort in these practices, along with what I believe to be the ultimate practice: non-violence or ahimsa.

In his book "Bliss Divine" Sri Swama Sivananda describes the meaning of ahimsa:

"In its comprehensive meaning, Ahimsa or non-injury means entire abstinence from causing any pain or harm whatsoever to any living creature, either by thought, word, or deed. Non-injury requires a harmless mind, mouth, and hand.
Ahimsa is not mere negative non-injury. It is positive, cosmic love. It is the development of a mental attitude in which hatred is replaced by love. Ahimsa is true sacrifice. Ahimsa is forgiveness. Ahimsa is Sakti (power). Ahimsa is true strength"

Where there is love, there lies ahimsa. They simply go together. Also mentioned in "Bliss Divine", man has pasu-Svahava, or bestial nature. Why must we disconnect from such beastly nature? According to Sivananda, and many other spiritual philosophers, if you seek to truly love all things, to find ultimate peace, then you must.

During a yoga class some time ago, I was introduced the conscious practice of ahimsa. The instructor spoke about disengaging in violent acts. "Violent acts?" I thought. "I certainly don't need to concern myself with violence, I live a peaceful lifestyle…I don't go around provoking fights, getting into bar brawls or anything over the top". So, I dismissed his silly non-violent, preachy rant…Or so I thought. Days went by & I really could not stop thinking about this ahimsa. As I continued returning to this yoga class, the realizations slowly crept up on me. We think we are not violent, but it is that belief which makes us ignorant to when we are. Just as I thought the practice of non-violence, or ahimsa, meant to not go around inflicting physical pain on anyone, most of us believe the same idea.

I've come to learn that through close inspection of one's self, we will find the love we've been searching for. Though, instead of suppressing it in times we foolishly think it isn't necessary, we should live through it. This alone is the practice of ahimsa.

The difficulty comes when we are no longer meditating & practicing yoga. It is there when it is so easy to strip down your barriers, your burdens, your frustrations. When you step out into the real world, can you live through that same lens you saw through on your mat?

Yes, we should practice ahimsa in its purest forms, but be careful to not set an unrealistic goal for ourselves in an impulsive search for divine love. Instead, be aware of ahimsa first. Contemplate your life, the activities or thoughts you engage in. Do you engage in even the subtle forms of himsa? Maybe you harbour anger or hatred from a past relationship or unfortunate event in your life. This is himsa.

We all strive to attain love. In its many forms, love is supreme. Beyond knowledge or intellect, love has an importance to the well-being & nourishment of our soul that runs deeper than any learned fact or acquired skill. Most of all, love signifies strength. To withstand criticism, insults, or negativity & to resist violence by using a harmless hand, mouth, & mind is resilient, but only if we love.

It should be noted that absolute ahimsa is impossible. It is just not possible to sit, breath, eat, sleep, or drink without a life destroying. There is the idea that although ahimsa should be the focus, man will not falter if he defends himself with the use of little violence if he is in danger…This is not considered himsa. Motive is the ruling factor that underlies everything.

Lastly…

"Ahimsa is never a policy. It is a sublime virtue. It is the fundamental quality of seekers after Truth. No Self-realization is possible without Ahimsa. It is through the practice of Ahimsa alone that you can cognize and reach the Supreme Self. Those with whom it is a policy may fail many a time. They will be tempted to do violent acts also. On the contrary, those who strictly adhere to the vow of Ahimsa as a sacred creed or fundamentals of Yoga, can never be duped into violence."

How fascinating? Truly, it is a beautiful idea to be free from negativity. It might not be completely possible to live this way all of the time, but to acquire the mindfulness of ahimsa is a perfect way to start letting your mind feel more peaceful, & your heart feel more open.

Namaste.

"Bliss Divine" is an amazing informational book of spiritual essays written by Sri Swami Sivananda. Click here to purchase it.

The Dreaded Pose Challenge

2011-02-06T19:07:00.000-08:00

What pose do you really love to sink into? The hip opening Ustrasana (Camel Pose)? Maybe it's Bakasana (Crane Pose) or Astavakrasana (Eight-Angle Pose)? You could be simple & really love a good Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog) or Pashimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend).
Personally, it changes for me all of the time. During the colder months, I tend to drift from poses that can strain my hamstrings, & focus more on balances.
In the spring/summer, I'm all about a good Padangusthasana (Big Toe Pose) or Parsvottanasana (Intense Side Stretch Pose).

Yet, there's still those poses we always dread. Ironically, though, we need them the most.
This week, I challenge myself AND you to [drum roll]...The Dreaded Pose Challenge.

What's that pose which makes you just cringe?

For the next 5 days (or classes), welcome that dreaded pose into your practice. Maybe settle into it before sinking into Savasana or try it at home.

Once settled in to your posture, breathe. Try to give your disapproving mind the boot. Let go of the negative, and be quiet. Stay for 5 breaths in your dreaded pose (on each side if necessary) before releasing. Who knows, maybe after the challenge you two will get along better :)

Get ready One-Legged Pigeon….

Namaste!

Ashtanga: Castor Oil Bath

2011-02-06T07:00:00.000-08:00

If you practice Ashtanga regularly, you might know about the use of castor oil to aid in muscle healing, flexibility, & also pain/stiffness. Sri K Pattabhi Jois recommends that a castor oil bath be done once a week on the student's day off (assuming you are practicing 6 times a week). In India, this is a tradition when practicing Ashtanga. Guruji says castor oil will also reduce "internal heat" or pitta in Ayurvedic terms (read more about pitta in my other blog entry here. Pitta can be generated through things like alcohol/tobacco use, the consumption of processed foods, and even stuff like too much healthy food. I guess there is such thing as an over-sufficiency! Anyway, all these heat generators will usually reside in the joints, liver, & skin. Guruji also says that excess internal heat contributes to red skin, acne, eye redness, & even a short temper.

To take an oil bath, you must apply it first to your head rubbing into the scalp through to the ends of your hair. Apparently, to relieve years of accumulated heat, your first oil bath should only have oil on your head for 5 minutes, then it is safe to increase by 5 minute increments until you reach 2 hours. After rubbing castor oil on your head, you proceed to the rest of the body focusing on joints & the back, leaving it on for 5-10 minutes.

To remove the oil, take a hot shower. There is a green powder mixture used in India that easily removes the oil but I cannot find this ANYWHERE. I've read some articles about using Dawn dish soap, but that's about it.

After you've competed the bath, rest is recommended for the remainder of the day allowing your mind & body to refresh & revitalize. Upon your next yoga practice, it's said to be gentle on the body because the muscles will likely feel a bit more flexible. To keep from hurting yourself, don't take it too far.

In all honesty, I'd like to try this. I bought a bottle of castor oil at my local Whole Foods, but I'm quite apprehensive about putting it on since I really don't want to be stuck with oil on my head…& that darn green powder doesn't help me in New Jersey! I'm anxious to hear about anyone else's experience doing a castor oil bath at home, & any words of advice before I go ahead. I suppose I'll keep looking!

Until then, my bottle of castor oil will just have to sit pretty.

Namaste!

Pure Skin Care for the Mindful Yogi

2011-02-05T22:05:00.000-08:00

Super model gone entrepreneur, Giselle Bunchden, has recently come out with a completely natural, eco-friendly, yoga-lovin' skin care line. Called "Sejaa", meaning "to be", the line currently includes 3 facial treatments: A mud mask, a night cream, & a day cream. The ingredients use whole plants, & are free of any parabens, petrochemicals, & synthetic or genetically modified ingredients. In addition, they are non-irritating, allergy tested, & certainly not tested on animals.
Sejaa's packaging is even completely biodegradable…AND everything is manufactured using windpower & hydroelectric power producing no waste, carbon dioxide, greenhouse gas, or any other type of air pollution.
I gotta say..I'm way impressed & can't wait to try it out. Follow up to come!

Say it with me: Sejaaaaaaaa!

Namaste!!

The Journey Begins

2011-02-03T11:44:00.000-08:00

Starting next week, I'll be on my way to become a certified yoga instructor. I am so ready to dive in, learn things about the human body & study philosophy among others.
Most importantly, though, I am ready to dive even deeper into myself. To be able to touch & shape this part of me that will soon become a teacher. I don't know her yet, but I can certainly feel her peeking through.
Leading to this moment I've sought to teach myself, soaking in lessons & words from the wise. This is what life has been about to me for the past few years. Deciding to become a yoga teacher was really an easy decision when I made it, thinking it would be an incredible learning experience. It'd be an opportunity to deepen my practice & then of course I'd get to teach others…but now…teach others???? I find myself gasping at that very idea.

Have I seriously got what it takes to turn outward & give someone an experience like I've had? An experience that could better someone's life?

Really, my biggest fear is to be an embarrassment. I shouldn't be so hard on myself, but honestly, the respect I've got for yoga & all that it stands for is pretty darn huge. To think that I could potentially screw up & change someone's outlook on the practice for the worse is an embarrassment, truly!
Ever heard of word vomit? I really deserve a trophy for one of the best word vomiters if there ever was one.

So, I'm thinking this training program serves great importance for the sake of forming this little teacher in me just the way I want her.
What is my biggest tool? My experiences are what I will use to teach, just as they've shaped me into who I am.
I've had my fair share of unfortunate circumstances, but throughout the years I've found the blessings in them…I still continue to. To use them as a tool in my journey as a yoga teacher means coming to terms with everything in a different light. Though I find that idea a little frightening, I have a feeling I'll be thankful in the end.

"..And from the deepest pangs of sorrow, I will seek peace in the hearts of others."

I think I'll start there.

Namaste.