Living Breathing Yoga

New Moon in Aquarius, January 23

2012-01-24T01:16:00.001+05:30

Hello Ashtanga Yoga Community!

This is the First NEW MOON DAY of 2012!

And what a Beautiful Day it is here in Victoria BC!

So... where do we find this New Moon today?

It shows up in the sign of Aquarius - deeming 2012 as the Year of TRUTH!

The New Moon is the time of the month when we do not see the moon in the sky.

It is traditionally a day of rest from our physical Asana Practice, and is a wonderful time for introspection and personal reflection (pratyahara) and meditation (dhyana).

The energies during the time of the new moon are best utilized for NEW BEGINNINGS.

There is a much higher chance of anything planted or started during this time to come to fruition, and this gives us a great opportunity to plant new seeds and watch what grows in every area of our lives!

The New Moon this month is in the sign of Aquarius, the sign of SPIRITUAL REBIRTH.

It is ruled by the planet Uranus - the “Awakener”- the ruler of TRUTH.

Aquarius is most associated with our Dawning Age of Freedom, Abundance, Truth, Enlightenment and Peace.

Uranus is the God of chaos, who shatters old forms to make way for new ones...

Thus, this New Moon offers a huge potential for bringing with it a wave of breakdowns and breakthroughs... so get ready!

Today is a great day to ask yourself: What is you truth and Are you ALIGNING yourself with it?

Maybe you will have the opportunity find some quiet time to reflect on what opportunities are available to you right now?

One of my favorite questions has always been... "What would you dare to dream and do if you knew you could not fail?"

So, why not take some time today to get quiet, and set some intentions for the Year to Come...

Plant some seeds, Awaken some dreams, Listen to your Inner Truth, and begin to move in a Conscious way along your Chosen Path!

This New Moon Energy is here to help you today - so get to it!

What are you waiting for?-!!

January 1st - Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T04:14:00.000+05:30

So many hopes and aspirations are apart of this day, as we find ourselves excited about the future, the unknown, what is to come? The year stands before us, an almost blank slate ready to be written upon!

We are super excited about the year ahead for us at Ashtanga Yoga Victoria and we hope you will be too!

Starting this month - Tomorrow - January 2nd - You can join us in our Mysore Challenge Month!
This is a great way to start your year, and get back into the rhythm of a regular daily practice of Yoga.

Maybe practicing 6 days a week is something that you've never done, or even ever tried to do... so why not start this year?-!

Challenge yourself! You will be amazed with the results! You will feel so good!

You need not do a 2 hours of practice a day, but just come in and do something... even 20 minutes of sun-salutations with a nice shavasana will infuse your day with new energy and increase your positivity!

Interestingly enough... There is another 21 Day Vegan Kickstart Program starting this January 2nd as well... and it's not too late to sign up!

Perhaps your diet fell off the wagon during the holiday season... I know ours certainly did!
oops! (Too Many Bon-Bons for sure!)
If you are anything like us... you might have woken up this morning feeling like you could use a good cleanse, and with a strong determination to eat more healthy, and clean up your act!
This is a great way to start!
Sign up and get daily recipes, meal plans, videos, and a community to help support your new healthy food choices!

Let's Do It Together and make this month an AMAZING start to 2012!

Our second pro-tracked modular Yoga Education & Teacher Immersion Program starts January 13th!
We invite you to sign up for One or ALL of the modules. If you have a desire to deepen your understanding and practice of Yoga, we have created a series of informative workshop weekends that we know you will gain huge benefit from. This is an wonderful opportunity for self-growth. We hope you will join us!

We have some incredible workshops coming up this year starting with Certified Ashtanga Yoga Teacher, David Garrigues, who will be with us March 23-25, followed by Ashtanga Yoga Icon, David Swenson, who will be here for ten full days starting July 20-29.

These are two teachers we know you will love as much as we do, and we hope you will set aside both the time and resources to join us in learning all that you can from their wealth of wisdom, and years of experience in this practice!

Our beloved teacher and Yoga Master Sri. O.P Tiwari has also promised us that he will visit again this year, and will teach a workshop for our students while he is here! So... stay tuned as we will post the dates as soon as he confirms his travel plans.

Well, that's what we're looking ahead to as we take some time to stop and pause today... we hope that you are as excited as we are, as you begin to plan and anticipate what awaits you and your practice of yoga in the year 2012!

Waiting for 2012...

2012-01-01T07:40:00.000+05:30

As Jediah waits by the window to welcome the New Year, Jeff and I have time to reflect on what a year 2011 has been. We have so much to be thankful for... we can't even begin to count everything and everyone that we have deep gratitude for... the list is long and innumerable!

We have a little game that we like to play at this time of year, where we choose a word to describe our impressions of the year-gone-by, and then one for the New Year. We like see what word comes up to reflect our aspirations, hopes, intentions, and focus for the year to come...

I asked Jeff this evening, what word he would choose to describe 2011, and he said "Change" - funny - that was the same word I chose as well. This year was a year of "Change" for us, in every way!

Starting with the huge transition from our simple Mysore program at the Shambhala Center to opening a full functioning Yoga School in the heart of downtown Victoria. That, followed closely with the birth of our beautiful son Jediah, less than one month later, and of course all the changes that have come along with his arrival and first year of life... sleeping (or lack there of), smiling, laughing, sitting, eating, crawling, standing, walking, climbing, talking, and expanding more & more each day - getting into pretty much everything!

I looked up the word I chose as my intended focus from January 1st last year, and it was agapao - meaning "unconquerable benevolence and goodwill" or what we might also call love in its truest form. And looking back on 2011, it was certainly a cornucopia of this deep soul love.
How could it not be... just look at his precious little face!

So, as we stand at the crux of transition between one year and the next, what is our foresight into 2012?

Only time will tell...

But as we enjoy a quiet evening at home, and look forward to seeing what is the first word that comes to mind for us tomorrow will be - the First Word on the First Day of the New Year... we invite you to join us in our little New Year's tradition...

What's Your Word for 2012?

2012 - A Mysore Challenge!

2011-12-24T01:54:00.001+05:30

Merry Christmas!

Happy Hanukkah!

Let's Celebrate the coming of the LIGHT together!
Darkness Be Gone!

The days are about to start getting longer once again, as we all settle in for a little time of Rest & Relaxation with family & friends! Ashtanga Yoga Victoria will be taking some time to Chill from December 24 - 26, but we'll be back with Bells On come Tuesday December 27th!

We had a sweet little Christmas Gathering with many of our amazing students this past week!
A HUGE thanks to the talented & beautiful Laura Harris, who hosted the party this year. I think I speak for everyone, when I say... "It was so much fun!" It was a great opportunity to actually talk to the people you sweat beside daily in class, and also for us to hang out with everyone who was able to attend this year. Santa's little helper was there making a list & checking it twice... so watch out for what shows up in your stockings come Christmas Morning!

Thanks to everyone who brought delicious food & treats and made the party memorable! As well... We missed all those who couldn't come... and we look forward to celebrating with you in the New Year!! There will be more festive moments for sure!

As we turn to 2012... We are excited to welcome many new students to our beautiful Yoga School situated in the heart of downtown Victoria - Market Square. We love it here, and we know you will too!

It is hard to believe that it was one year ago now that we opened our doors in this great space!
Every day as we practice and teach, we feel so blessed to be apart of such an amazing community - we are surrounded with some of the best people in this city, and it just keeps growing!

May 2012 be the best year yet - for everyone and for Ashtanga Yoga Victoria!

So... 2012... Let's Kick Off the Year with a BANG! Let's get started on the Right foot!

In the traditional Mysore Style of practice, a student would typically practice 6 days a week.

Usually Saturdays are taken as a days of rest from the traditional Ashtanga Yoga asana practice, as well as Full & New Moon days, so most months every other week is a 5 day practice week.

We want to challenge you to take on this traditional method of practicing Ashtanga Yoga - Mysore Style - for the full month of January 2012!

Starting Monday JANUARY 2nd - Challenge yourself to commit to a traditional 6 day / week Yoga Practice!

You can come to our Mysore Classes held Monday - Thursday in the mornings from 6am - 9:30am or in the evenings from 4pm - 6:30pm... and if you can't make it to one of the Mysore Classes then come to one of our "guided" classes either at Noon or in the evenings at 6:30pm!

There is lots of opportunity for you to fit your practice of yoga into your day!

Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, we have several "guided" classes for you to choose from, to make up your traditional 6 day / week practice!

You can see our full Schedule for 2012 on our website!

(And if that's not enough... You can also find us at our Johnson Street neighbours lululemon on Sunday evenings at 7pm - teaching the community classes throughout the month of January!)

Don't worry... there are a couple Moon Days in there for you to take extra rest!

Monday January 9th & Monday January 23rd - Two Long Weekends in a month!

How Lucky!

So - There it is... Our Challenge to You & to Ourselves - to make it Happen starting this January - A NEW YEAR - 2012!

Let's turn our minds to things of a Higher Nature, to our True Spiritual Purpose here on the planet, and use this opportunity to Focus on the real practice of Yoga, to raise our consciousness and increase our awareness as we embrace another year! It's going to be GREAT!

For those who want to delve even deeper into the practice and study of Yoga, we will start teaching our EDUCATION IN YOGA course starting JANUARY 13th at Ashtanga Yoga Victoria.
These classes are offered on the weekends, and if you attend all the modules, you can qualify for a 200 Hour Teacher Training Certificate. Please read our details about Yoga Education for more Information.

We wish you all the best in 2012 & look forward to growing with you more & more!

Love & Light
Namaste
Om

Making Time...

2011-11-13T23:27:00.001+05:30

So here we find ourselves stuck in this busy life filled with a million things to do, people to see, work that demands our immediate attention, text messages to send, phone calls to return, emails to check, planning our next week, or possibly our next year, rushing kids to activities, doctor's appointments, and all the other meetings or engagements that seem to relentlessly pop up, and then someone asks for a "small favour" and we're just about to loose it... but we stop & breathe, pull ourselves together, and add it to the growing list of things to do...

So, where in the midst of all the different, and seemingly important things that demand our constant attention, are we able to find the time to practice Yoga? How do we find some time for Ourselves?

Now, I hear you... believe me - I can relate! With a 9 month old son, who (bless his little heart), on most nights still feels the need to wake up every couple hours, try to think of your most hectic day and add chronically sleep deprived to the mixture, and you'll start to get a glimpse of my new "normal".

I've learned though that if you don't CHOOSE to MAKE the TIME, then you will NEVER FIND the TIME!

Time is funny that way - it's slippery!
It has a way of sliding through our fingers... "like sands through the hour glass, so are the days of our lives... [insert music here]" (hopefully a certain generation will be chuckling at this point!)

When we find ourselves overly busy, and becoming buried by life's complications, then it becomes even more important to create a sacred time, and space for our own Self - a time set apart for peace and practice.
It is during the busy times that we need our practice of Yoga the most!
It is during the busy times that we will feel the benefits of taking this time the most as well.

So set aside a piece of your day for silence, mediation, and a time to connect with your own body, breath, and spirit.

You will never regret time spent in communion with that deep, true, Inner Self.
You will make better decisions throughout the day, and I bet you will find that you can accomplished more as well.
Through the practice of yoga, you will find that your clarity of mind and creativity increases.
You will feel better physically and mentally, and you will find more balance and enjoyment amidst the periods of craziness.

So the question is Not how can we find the time to get back on our Yoga Mats for a Daily Practice, the REAL question is how can we possibly afford not to?-!

You need not take a long time... but make some time.

It is the best thing you can do!
Do it not only for yourself, but for all those other people who need you functioning at your very best, filled with peace and positivity!

Do it, because to miss it, is to miss out on your chance to truly connect with something very deep, untouchable, and unspeakable.
And you certainly don't want to miss out on that!

Step'n It Up!

2011-11-01T00:38:00.001+05:30

What a Fall! Or is it simply the anxiety proceeding a FALL?-!

To me that's what this current season feels like.

Is it just me?
Or does it feel like an energetic shroud dropped onto Victoria the last couple of weeks?
It seems like everyone is fighting an internal tsunami of negativity and fear and it is more than simply a stuffy nose, cough or flu.

The fear of change is pervasive. Uncertainty. Big life transitions.
It seems like there is an overall general breath-taking, overwhelming, anxiety in our culture at the moment, and I'm not sure where it comes from or why it's here.

Yet, in times like these, when I am on the verge of panic I realize that this is exactly the reason I practice yoga... All of our training is specifically for moments like these!
The real practice starts when the times are toughest.

I hear Guruji's voice shouting: "YOU BREATH YOU! You breathing correct, fear going, pain going!" And I think in that order.

Eventually we must all move our practice off our mats.
We must begin to stand tall - Samasthiti - in the face of nagging worry or anxiety.
We must move from the core, and engage life with positivity, regardless of how we may feel in the moment.

We must breath!
Big, Full, Ever-Expanding breaths, especially when we feel choked by life's challenges.
We must engage the 4th bandha! "SMILE!" (Especially when we don't particularly feel like it)

Life is a series of choices!
Are we trying to hide from our fears by pulling the covers over our heads, and sleeping in yet one more day?
Or do we choose to face the world, stand tall, smile, breath, and be the light we wish to experience.

Your city (wherever you may be), and your community need to experience your purposeful positivity.
It needs your smile, your light.
It needs to sense your courage in the face of adversity.

So, what will you choose today?

Do I choose to get up, or choose to sleep late?
Do I choose to lift my heart, despite feeling bone tired and fatigued, and smile anyway, or do I contract and give in to the negativity that surrounds?

In times like these, we must refuse to allow our feelings to dictate our actions.

So, Step Up, Step Out, and Be Happy - if you wish to see happiness in the world!

Love you Guys. Jeff

Recipes to Nourish: Holistic Tips to Keep Your Family Healthy

2011-10-21T21:11:00.004+05:30

Recipes to Nourish: Holistic Tips to Keep Your Family Healthy: It’s that time of year again, the end of summer is approaching and the cold and flu season is around the corner. People are headed back-to-school, holidays are approaching and the commercial industry starts bombarding stores with processed candy and desserts.

Nutrition is the key to health. When the season changes and people start consuming large quantities of sugar-laden foods, immune systems weaken and become overworked.

Boosting your immune system is important if you want to stay healthy. A healthy immune system will lessen your chances of getting sick. If you do get sick, the duration of illness will not last as long and you will recover quicker.

Now is the time to plan for the season change.

Holistic Tips to Keep Your Family Healthy... continue reading

Check out this blog with some wonderful tips for the coming winter months!

We love to share these special Gems with you when we find them!

Hope it helps to keep you healthy & strong, and full of energy for your Yoga Practice.

We look forward to seeing you soon at ASHTANGA YOGA VICTORIA.

Love, Light, Peace.

Jeff & Harmony

2011-09-03T03:18:00.003+05:30

For those of you who may be a little nerdy about Food, Health, Yogic Diet...
PAY ATTENTION!
This video is adds some incredible insight into our modern problem with food & how we metabolize sugars!
It is something everyone can learn from.
Enlightening.

One Year Later...

2011-07-29T01:50:00.021+05:30

So, here we are... One Year Later.

A New Look... A New Year....

It is a tad shameful that it has taken us a full year to write a blog post about what we've been up to, and all that has happened... BUT hopefully after reading this post you'll understand how blogging about life may not have been on the top of our priority list (hard to believe I know!)

Life has suddenly become very full and yet sweeter then ever before!

It's our half year intention (we can have those right?-!!) to become much better at blogging about all the joy, love, excellence, challenges, struggles, growth, and everything else in between - ALL that comes with fully LIVING and leading a reflective and 'examined life' (enough to make even Socrates proud).

So here goes... the short & sweet version of the year as it has passed since we returned from India last summer!

Hang On - this is might get a little crazy...

Back in December 2010 we said a fond "Farewell" to The Shambhala Center, which was our home and landing spot since we arrived here in Victoria in the summer of 2009. We feel so fortunate for their kindness and support, and will definitely miss many things about their lovely Meditation Center!

We found a NEW and beautiful HOME in the heart of Old Town Victoria!

Market Square is a gorgeous heritage site that was built in the late 1800's when the city of Victoria was a hub of activity. It borders the trendy "LoJo" fashion district, and being only one block away from China Town, it is one of Victoria's oldest landmarks.

Finding the right location was Not an easy task... and once we found it... we had a LOT of work to do... this kept us busy right up until the New Year...

We officially opened our doors on JANUARY 1st, 2011... and despite a few minor glitches, everything unfolded pretty smoothly!

Classes began, and slowly but surely more students began to appear!

Meanwhile... while all this business was going on with finding and building a new Home for our growing Ashtanga Yoga community in Victoria, I (Harmony) was busy growing someone else!!

Still in early January, we were putting everything together, welcoming students into our new space...

...and hosting a Grand Opening party the second week of January!

During our Grand Opening Event on January 9th, lululemon and all the wonderful staff there made Jeff an Ambassador! Wow! We feel so blessed to be connected with such a phenomenal organization! THANK YOU.

At the same time, we were also expecting another kind of "ambassador" to arrive any day - The Captain of our Future Generation!!

Two weeks later, on January 29th - Jediah Om Douglas - came into this world to Light Up our lives! Daring us to Change, to become more Real, to get more Messy, and to Expand in a whole new direction.

Thus Begins "7th Series"...

February and March go something like this:

sleeping - what? practicing - what? eating - what? teaching - what? thinking - what?
WHO AM I?
How did this happen?? - WHAT? (Oh Right! - that's how! - seems like a long long time ago...)
Hang In! Hold On! There is a light... I can see it... almost through... pop! ouch! ahhhhh....

and finally... Sweet Surrender

And although we'll be the first to admit that we're still working through this whole new dimension of being a mother, a father, a family, we are starting to feel a little more comfortable in our new roles as parents and partners on this path of life long learning and loving.

Lots more to say on that front... but we'll save it for another day!

Two months later, Jediah gets a friend - Aya Rae! Sachiko Walton, our friend and fellow student, and AYVic teacher has a beautiful baby girl on March 26th.

In April... Jeff went to Calgary and taught at The Yoga Shala, and to Banff to help with a workshop that our beloved Teacher - Sri O.P Tiwari - was teaching. It of course was snowing in Calgary and Banff... but it was also snowing here in Victoria!

The day Jeff returned, he went in early to practice (as he always does) and the whole 2nd Floor of Market Square was filled with smoke! Holy Smoke?-!
He looked around everywhere, but couldn't find the source... so he called the Fire Department and Saved The Day!!
There was FIRE in Green Cuisine... and (thanks to God's Grace and Jeff's good timing) it didn't get out-of-control.

All this - just in time for Sri O.P Tiwari to arrive in Victoria, and bless our studio, and give our students the privilege of receiving his darshan.

The week long workshop was a great success! Tiwari taught pranayama in the mornings, we chanted together, and had a lecture with questions & answers in the evening...

It was a beautiful time with The Master. Having his presence in our space gave it an extra special boost of energy and prana. Having his presence in our lives gave Us a little extra special boost of love from the Guru.

We are so grateful to have had him here with us.

He is a living breathing example of True Yoga: "the science of experience and the art of living" and holds a lifetime of experiential wisdom within.

We humbly bow, and give pranam to his blessed feet.

Om Sri Gurubhyo Namah

This was the start of an incredible Teacher Training program that carried on through May and June and into the beginning of July.

What a great group of students we have learning and practicing with us!

We are so blessed by their presence every day!

And Finally... as we celebrated Canada Day... Chuck Miller joined us at Ashtanga Yoga Victoria to share his knowledge and 40 years of practice experience!

Students came from all over Canada, and the United States to join in this special intimate workshop with one of the living legends of the Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga system.

We feel so fortunate to have be able to bring him here to Victoria to bless our space and spread the deeper teachings of this practice to our students and everyone who came! It was a real pleasure and joy to have him here! Salt of the Earth!

And after all that... it's time to put our feet up!

...at least for a few weeks anyway before we head off to Calgary and begin teaching our FABULOUS Ashtanga Yoga Training Program at The Yoga Shala Calgary!

Back to West Coast Living!

2010-07-18T04:01:00.003+05:30

We are back to Victoria - back "home" - and oh how good it feels to have a "home" to come back to... and one that is so stunning at that! Lucky Us! We've been visiting the ocean every day, and enjoying the intrinsic beauty of nature, just taking it all in - it's been a sweet return to this island paradise.

The air is clean, the sea breeze is refreshing, the sun is shining, and the food is fresh, nutritious, and delicious! We feel so blessed to be able to call this place "home".

We've returned from India with a new certification to teach at a more advanced level, which was the main purpose for our visit to Mysore.

In addition to this however, we were blessed with the opportunity to reconnect with many colleagues and dear friends, with whom we shared and learned as we reinforce the strong bonds in the international community of Ashtanga Yoga practitioners and teachers.

In a way our time there was a bit of a "graduation."

A time to reconnect with the lineage of this tradition, and to have Sharath express his full confidence in our ability to transmit the teachings of this practice, and to go on teaching what we have learned with full authority.

Now that we are back, we will focus on continuing to build and educate the growing community of Ashtanga Yoga Practitioners and Seekers here in Victoria with deep gratitude and humble sincerity for all that we have had the blessing to receive!

Om Sri Gurubhyo Namah Hari Om!

Mysore - Week 3

2010-06-28T11:38:00.003+05:30

It feels great to be practicing in Guruji's Shala again. The energy of the space is just so full of life, and the practice is always a little more intense. Even though we are missing Guruji's presence very much, Sharath is doing a great job in guiding this dedicated group of long-term students and teachers. He loves telling stories about Guruji, which are always sweet and keep us smiling.

Last Friday Sharath bought Dosa and Idli for everyone in the course for breakfast. We all enjoyed the delicious Indian breakfast outside the shala. Yum!

It was a very spontaneous little breakfast picnic! What a great surprise & treat!

After practice we enjoy drinking fresh young coconuts! They are so refreshing and such a great way to cool off after a hot and sweaty practice! It is wonderful to be surrounded by so many friends from all over the world, and sharing in this very special time of practice with them.

After each Mysore Class Sharath will give a talk and opens a time for questions. Some days the focus is philosophy & pranayama, other days it is about the asana practice and adjustments, but each session is different and is a great way to have any of our "doubts" of concerns answered.

All of the students are doing a great job at teaching and adjusting. There is lots of feedback and more learning from each other as well. It is great to have such a close community of practitioners to connect with here.

Even though we miss having Guruji Standing in the door, waiting to say "next" or graciously smile as we bow to touch his feet in gratitude after the practice, Sharath is doing a great job of keeping his spirit alive and passing down the lineage of this tradition as he learned it from his beloved grandfather.

In Loving Memory of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois.

In Memory of a Great Soul: Joseph Dunham

2010-06-16T08:19:00.005+05:30

Here in Mysore, we received some sad news yesterday about the passing of an unforgettable person, and close friend to many, Joseph Dunham. Sharath has closed the shala for one day in remembrance of him, and some of us who were close to him are going to the Southern Star for breakfast in honor of his memory. "Mr. Joseph", as he was affectionately called, was a man with a generous spirit and huge heart. I don't think it is a stretch to say that Joseph was a pillar of the Mysore community, and he was a dear friend of Guruji and his family.

The last year of Guruji's life, Joseph visited him daily, and would read letters to him from students who were sending him their thoughts and love; he was always there whenever the family needed some extra help. So, it is with a deep fondness colored by a sweet sadness that we take today as a day of remembrance to honor this great soul and long time friend.

Julie Choi Trepkau had a wonderful Question & Answer session with Joseph when he came to Hamburg to teach a workshop in May 2008. She says that it was a great experience for the students in Hamburg to connect with Joseph and with his sweet spirit. His words in this interview, and his time in Hamburg was reassuring and inspiring for all who were present.

It is with her permission that I have reprinted the interview here, so that everyone can read and share in the wisdom that Joseph offered. I think you will get a sense of his remarkable wit and feisty spirit, but also the wealth of knowledge, and sincere dedication and devotion that he had for this practice, and for Guruji.

Joseph Dunham will be deeply missed by all of us who knew him, and were fortunate enough to share whatever time we did with him. May we meet again!

---------------

Julie Choi (JC): Joseph Dunham, the mystery man. Who is he? Where does he come from? How does he do what he does?

Joseph Dunham (JD): No comment. It’s always been a mystery. I have no idea where it came from... I could tell you but then I would have to shoot you ...

JC: When did you first come to Mysore? And was it Derek Ireland who first inspired you to come?

JD: Yes, I came in December of 1992 after being introduced to the practice by Derek Ireland in Crete for 3 weeks. He gave me Guruji’s address because I was going to Nepal. After I went trekking in Nepal, I went and knocked on Guruji’s door and I asked if I could study with him ... even though I did not like Mysore at all.

JC: Why not?

JD: I felt it was a dirty little town. I had just flown from Paris to Kathmandu and I came down from the mountains to Mysore and I just didn’t like it at all. I couldn’t imagine how I would be able to spend four whole weeks there ... really ... and fifteen years later I am still there. But I went anyway and knocked on Guruji’s door simply because he was there. He asked me how long I could stay, and I said, “I can stay a month!” He said, “That’s not enough time.” Someone in the room said (there was only Guruji and me in the room but I felt as if someone else was answering), “Two months?” And he said, “I need three months.” Then someone in the room said, “Okay, I’ll stay three months.” He said, “Very good, you come tomorrow morning.” I walked out where I saw a friend I had met at Derek’s place called Annie. I said, “Annie, I just told that man in there that I would stay in this two-bit town for three freaking months.” She said, “It’s gonna go by (snaps his fingers) like that!” And sure enough, after three months I said, “Guruji, I have good news and bad news.” He said, “What news?” I said, “The good news is I made it for three months, and the bad news is that I want to stay.” He said, “Oh, very good.” So I ended up staying for five months during that first trip.

During that period, there was a six-month trip being planned around the world, and a woman I was spending time with was a liaison for the hosts. One day, she came into the house and said, “He’s not going!” I didn’t have anything to do with this but I asked, “Why not?” She said, “I don’t know, he just said he wasn’t going to go!” So many people called and cried and begged on the phone and about a week later he was going. Then a week after that, he just said out of the blue, “I’m not going!” and without reason. I asked if anyone was going to escort him, and I was told, no people would take him to the airport and pick him up at the other end. Now, fifteen years ago, Guruji’s English was very marginal, and although he was a very important man to us, he was just a little guy in a sheet in an airport. I could see a lot of problems as in customs/immigration, so I went and knocked on his door and asked if he would like me to ride with him, and he jumped all over it. From that moment, he was going. And we went, spending six months traveling around the world with Guruji and his lovely wife Ammaji.

After that trip when people asked Guruji if he would go traveling, he would say, “yes, but if Joseph is not coming, I am not going.” And so for eleven years I organized all his travels and lived and traveled with the family when we were on tour.

JC: When you were organizing the trips were you also the liaison?

JD: I was working in partnership with the host of each city and we would work together. Then the tour would move on to the next city. On one tour we went to thirteen cities in fifteen weeks. It was bizarre ...

JC: 16 years ago, when Guruji was in his late 70’s?

JD: Yes, that’s when we first started.

JC: Would you talk a little bit more about what Mysore was like in the early 90’s? It must be so different now with hundreds of people coming in the winter time, and a lot of people who come and go for short visits.

JD: Yes, there was a maximum of eight people practicing at one time in the old shala when I started in 1992. There were three teachers: Guruji in very vital form; Sharath had just started; and there was also an uncle or cousin - I don’t know - I never saw him again and I don’t recall who he was, but there were three teachers. So it was very, very intense. There are pictures of of me being adjusted by both Guruji and Sharath at the same time. Then when I left after five months in May of ’93, we had a party, and I remember a whole bunch of people being there. You can count them all day long but there are still only twelve people in the photo. And that was everybody that was studying. It was just a very small group and everyone would stay for long periods. Very rarely would people come for just one month, ad they would be gone before you knew it.

JC: Were you already living there by then or did you leave and come back and leave and come back?

JD: Well, after touring with Guruji and Ammaji for six months, my life just evolved into being on these around-the-world tickets with one trip starting and blending into the next. I stopped counting my trips around the world at twenty, years ago. One period, I was gone for more than a year, but I never lived any place else. My stuff is all in storage. I haven’t seen it in sixteen years, so it’s a time capsule by now. There’s a cool television I got sixteen years ago, probably doesn’t even pick up TV anymore. There are letters, photographs and carpets I don’t want to give up so I keep paying for the storage though I haven’t been back even to look at it. I wonder if I could live without it??? I never really “moved” to Myosre, I just finally admitted that I live there.

JC: What does it feel like for you now to be there, especially during the busy times in January and February?

JD: It’s very different, but I don’t have a problem with it. It’s just a bunch of wild, beautiful yogis coming together from all over the world.

JC: Actually, you seem to quite enjoy it.

JD: I do, I love it. In all the years that I’ve been involved with this particular family group, I’ve never met anybody I didn’t like, which is quite remarkable considering the intensity of the personalities that are drawn to this practice. There are people I am madly in love with; there are people I like; and now, there’s a whole bunch of people that I don’t know. But I haven’t met anybody that I didn’t like. I’ve thought about it quite a bit because it is quite remarkable - a lot of that is because the practice is very humbling on some levels for everybody, no matter how many years or how new you are to the practice. I think everybody has a common respect for people who are on the mat and doing the work. There is just no B.S. You can’t B.S. your way through it. I think in other types of yoga, one can be naturally flexible and it can come to you easily, but in this particular type of yoga, it is challenging for everybody. So I think that’s the reason why. Everyone’s challenged, it’s not easy for anyone. I sense a common respect for anyone who is doing this practice.

JC: There are so many different kinds of people attracted to this practice, extremely different people physically, backgrounds and personalities so that the practice is expressed in different ways by different people.

JD: Yes, but the humbling aspect of the practice is a common thread, and I sense that it weeds out people that I might not have liked. That’s what I sense. If you’re willing to go through this and do this work, there’s a stability in the personality that is willing to do that, and put up with it, and humble themselves in the presence of other people. I hear some people talk about different perspectives, people showing off and the like, but I just don’t see it myself. Maybe it’s because I started this practice at the tender age of 43, there’s never been a whole lot of showing off in this practice for me. I was never delicate, supple and bendy to begin with.

JC: In a way that’s a special perspective ... a lot "Ashtanga people" actually do start the practice when they are quite young, with a background in dance or gymnastics or martial arts.

JD: They’re cheaters! We don’t like them! (One jealous joke is there.)

JC: Ashtanga is often seen as a practice that is very physical, and only physical. could you talk a bit more about the humbling aspect of the practice, and the ability to keep coming back to the practice despite the challenges. i think it takes a lot of courage to keep coming back to the mat.

JD: I think so, too. I don’t understand this, I keep hearing this about Ashtanga being only physical. Where the body goes, the spirit tends to follow. They are pretty entwined. For me, when I’m doing this practice, it’s very simple: I’m just a better man and a better human being. I’ve come in and out of the practice many times for various reasons, and I just find I’m a better person when I do it than when I don’t. And I know the difference. It’s a great motivator to get back on the mat.

JC: Do you agree that everyone can do Ashtanga?

JD: Yes, I believe Ashtanga is for everybody but not everybody will do it.

JC: What about the people who say that this practice is too strong for me, I’m too tired, I can’t balance it with my job and my family, or, this is too difficult for beginners -- what would you say to those people?

JD: Well, if you are coming into a class situation, you are given a plate with half the Primary Series on day one, going up to navasana or something like this, you’re going to feel like you’ve been hit by a truck. But on the other hand, as I was taught by Guruji, “You do surya namaskar A, surya namaskar B, now you take padmasana,” and I said, “What’s that?” and he and Sharath packed me into full lotus on the first day (I thought I was going to blow apart into tiny pieces), and my practice was over in twenty minutes, but it built up over time to two hours and eight minutes pretty consistently, practicing daily. I was very tired at first, and it takes some time to get the body acclimated to the practice -- but then that is all part of the lifestyle. Certainly, people have families and jobs -- and they are better for it by doing the practice. You can’t muscle it in and be the way you were coming into the practice, you have to adjust - the practice demands that you adjust your diet and your lifestyle. You can’t fit it into the way you were before, so you have to start it off slowly. And that’s difficult to do when you’re in a world where you pay for a yoga class, and you expect it to last for an hour and a half. In the beginning of practice, you should expect to be done in twenty minutes, and the next day, maybe in twenty-four minutes, and let it build. This can be very challenging for a business of yoga, especially when people are coming in on a sporadic basis. This practice needs to be built upon, regular, daily. And that’s a massive change for most people. If someone comes in once a week, and doesn’t do the practice for the rest of the week, they are never going to get it. It has to become like brushing your teeth, something you do daily or the day is just not right.

JC: What would be your advice to someone new to the practice who is interested but not sure?

JD: Watch a class first. Don’t take a class, watch a class. Certainly commit for a minimum of one month. Do a daily practice and be aware you will start of slowly, and it is a process that is slow for most people.

JC: What is one of your more memorable or powerful experience with Guruji, in terms of a student/teacher relationship?

JD: Guruji and I bonded very quickly in a matter of weeks. There was a mutual respect. He believes, and he told me this, that many of the people who show up on his doorstep were yogis from a past life. These were old friends. I don’t know that he knows that, but I know that I’ve met a lot of dear old friends for the first time in this practice and in Mysore. People I am just so familiar with. Like one of the students here in Hamburg said the other day that she felt so familiar with me. Guruji knows that in his heart of hearts. When I went to my first yoga intensive thirty years ago, I didn’t know anyone who did yoga, I didn’t have any personal relativity to it, it was a part of my life, but I was always curious about it and was drawn to it. I went to a two-week intensive in the Rocky Mountains and I was overwhelmed with a feeling that I had found my people, my tribe or something, very different than anything I had ever experienced.

I’ve always felt that with people in the yoga community: there’s some knowing there that goes beyond me. There are so many people I’ve met in this community that I just feel so comfortable with. Instantly. Like I’ve grown up with them or something but I’ve never met them. That’s a lot of what keeps me coming back to Mysore. One can have very deep, rich relationships with people you just met in this community! And you can be gone from them - the calendar says years - and you see them again and nothing’s changed, like time doesn’t exist. other than their kids keep growing up!

JC: The evolution of the Ashtanga Community - how do you see that evolving with things changing so much and the community worldwide growing so much and so fast?

JD: I think it will just continue. I did foresee this on my first trip to Mysore. It grabbed me so intensely and so fast. The first day I did this practice with Derek I loathed it with a passion. Couldn’t stand it. Second day I was too tired to think, and the third day I fell in love with it. Grabbed me so completely that I had a feeling this was going to blossom, once people became aware of it. It began happening when we started traveling and Guruji started getting out. Guruji and the practice are similar: if you talk about the Ashtanga practice before you do it, and then you actually do the practice, all the stuff that you heard before makes no sense. It’s experiential. You can’t talk about it or explain it. It’s like talking about strapping on a parachute and jumping out of a perfectly good airplane: you can talk about it all day but you haven’t got a clue until you’ve done it. Pattabhi Jois is the same - he’s experiential, and a beautiful one.

JC: Do you think the Ashtanga explosion will continue?

JD: Absolutely. More and more people will come. If you set up a solid foundation here at your new Breathe Yoga shala in Hamburg, be here regularly, people will find their way. It takes consistency and commitment, it takes being true to the practice, and people will come. It will work.

JC: And where do you see yourself in all of that?

JD: Hopefully contributing, facilitating interaction with the practice, helping to make the practice accessible to people.

JC: You’re doing quite a lot of teaching and traveling now. Have you been doing that, or is it something that is newly interesting to you?

JD: It’s something I had not been doing for many years, and I’ve been chastised for - jokingly - but rightfully so. I have had the honor of spending as much time studying with Pattabhi Jois, considered to be a living master, as only a few westerners, and I had not been sharing what’s been given to me. Pretty recently in the last few years, I started traveling and offering what I have, whatever that may be, and found that I really enjoy it and students are very receptive and appreciative. My life is enriched. This is a very special experience to teach this practice, breathing with students, sharing prana with them, and carefully helping to move them into the places they want to go. It’s a very intimate relationship that I’m very honored to be a part of. This is a traditionally-taught system of one teacher teaching another. I’ve always believed that we are all teachers and we are all students. And I’ve discovered great wealth from sharing what has been given to me and learning from other students.

JC: So you’ll continue to teach then?

JD: Oh yes, I hope so.

JC: Any final, parting words?

JD: As Guruji says, “Do your practice and all is coming” ... and all has not so much to do with asana ... All Is All.

---------------

For more information on Julie Choi Trepkau you can visit her website.

If you are ever in Hamburg Germany, please visit Julie at her Ashtanga Yoga Studio: Breathe Yoga Hamburg

Mysore - Week 1

2010-06-11T18:00:00.002+05:30

Well, the first week of our course is over. It was a challenging week in many ways. As India seems to do, she finds all the cracks and chinks in our personality and goes about in her Mysterious ways to tear down, clean up, rebuild, seal, and heal any of those parts of ourselves that need fixing. You either surrender to her momentum and direction, or much suffering is sure to ensue. So, it was a week of pulling down walls, opening hearts, creating an even stronger foundation upon which to build upon, and cultivating the soil of our souls for this period of growth.

Jeff has had the most difficult week between the two of us for sure. He was struck with a pretty nasty little cold early on this week, which has kept him awake, hacking up a lung, a few nights. He also was chosen to be in the first group of students here to be "tested". So, amidst overcoming not feeling well, he was also in the room adjusting and teaching the rest of us. He did a great job (of course) and today was put on the spot to lead a guided primary class under Sharath's critical gaze and acutely honed ear, which just happens to be completely tuned to hear every little mispronunciation of the Sanskrit counting and posture names.

A little nerve-racking to say the least!

However, now he is finished his "test" (or at least we think so) and he gets to cruise for the rest of our time here, which will be super nice! He'll be able to spend his time focusing on practice and doing his own studies, while the rest of the group sits in anticipation wondering if they are going to be next called in this process of seemingly 'random selection.'

Being the first to be tested has its up-side too!

As for me... well, my test starts on Sunday. First with a guided Primary class and then adjusting the Mysore class early next week. The group will be practicing Intermediate Series, so it should be an interesting experience assisting some pretty amazing practitioners while they do some pretty incredible things with their bodies.

Although this is the "formal" part of our training here, no matter what happens in that room, I feel that the real test isn't about guiding a class or adjusting postures. The real test is of your character and heart, and as far as this goes, I feel like Mother India has already been instructing, teaching, testing and guiding me in these matters since the first day we stepped off the plane, and set foot upon her ancient earth so rich in wisdom, and integrity.

She has been feeding my soul with her nourishing spiritual milk. However, I've learned that she is only willing to feed those who have the courage to earnestly hunger, and seek to drink from her bitter-sweet life-giving nectar. Luckily, I'm not alone in this yearning. I have Jeff beside me, who daily walks with me hand and hand through the vicissitudes of life, and we are also surrounded here by many beautiful friends who continue to join us time and time again in this monumental quest for truth and righteousness.

Back in Mysore!

2010-06-03T09:37:00.004+05:30

We arrived here early yesterday morning. As life goes in India, it took us over an hour to get out of the airport, with a mandatory security screening to leave the airport?-! We made the 3 hour drive into Mysore, and arrived just in time to watch the most beautiful sunrise color the sky with purple and pink hues, awakening the birds, and bringing the many bright bright-green palm trees to life.

Oh India, the land of my heart!

Yesterday was spent eating idlis, drinking sweet baby coconuts, and beginning to make a list of all the little odds & ends we need to do to help us get settled into our little apartment. We already have a scooter, and said "hello" to Sharath, as he celebrated Sambahva's first hair-cutting ceremony - a very big day for the family!

Still no news on what our schedule will be for the course... we're all pretty much on a need-to-know bases only. Nevertheless, we are super excited to be back in Mysore again, it truly is like coming home. I think somehow I had forgotten how much I love it here, and how much this place connects me back to my inner most self. It is so nurturing, healing, peaceful - everything one needs to rejuvenate the spirit. I suspect that this will truly be a 'Soul Vacation'!

Practice this morning was divine! It was so nice to just take our time and have a long luxurious practice - no rushing, no hurry - just being in the moment. Of course it helps when the jet-lag wakes you up at 1 am! with nowhere to go and nothing to do but practice!

We continue to think about of all our people back in Victoria, and also all those friends around the world. This city has created some of our deepest and most profound friendships with truly unique and inspiring individuals from across the globe. Being here, we cannot help be remember countless memories filled with laughter and good times over the years. This Yoga Community is really a very special gift that Guruji gave us, and we cherish it, as we continue to honor him in our hearts and minds every day.

Blessings and Warmest Wishes to All!

OM

Anyone For Some Solid Potato Salad?

2010-05-01T00:55:00.002+05:30

Since Summer is Almost Here...
I thought it was time we start thinking about Potato Salad, short Shorts, Picnics in the Park, late nights, even earlier mornings, and just having some good old-fashioned F-U-N!

So in the Spirit of Silly Summer Shenanigans - I hope you enjoy: The Ross Sisters!
(One of my All Time Favorites).

Always Love

2010-02-14T23:31:00.003+05:30

If nothing else, Valentine’s Day is a great excuse to write about one topic that I truly love – Love.

What is this elusive love?
It’s as commonplace as the air we breathe, and yet, as mysterious as Life itself.

The most famous description of love, which is recounted time and time again goes like this:

Love is patient,

Love is kind.

It does not envy,

It does not boast,

It is not proud.

It is not rude,

It is not self-seeking,

It is not easily angered,

It keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil

But rejoices with the truth.

It always protects,

Always trusts,

Always hopes,

Always perseveres.

Love never fails.

It seems to me that True Love is about what we can give, and how we can serve.

It exists only when we are not concerned about the fears and wants of our small self.

It appears when we are willing to surrender and release into the Mystery of the Infinite… into something so much Greater and more potent then our own expectations, anticipated needs, or assumed desires.

If it is happiness we seek, we need to focus on loving more and desiring less.

Desires always are tainted with selfish motives, which spring up from our deepest fears, and an anxious clinging to some version of how we want life to be.
They make us smaller, and ultimately, enslave us.

Love is a Freedom song.

It heals us, and restores our soul.

It is both the most tender and most powerful force we are able to experience.

It reveals to us our true nature, as burning sparks from a Divine fire we call God.

Although today is often thought to be a day for new lovers and sappy romance, it seems to me that this is only a place to start…

Real Love is what remains after everything else has fallen away.

It is the glue that holds us all together.

It is the foundation of every deep friendship that has stood the test of time, and is the cord that connects us over lifetimes.

It is present when we know all the faults and wrongs, and misguided steps of someone, and choose to adore them anyway - just because they Are.

It is the power of forgiveness.

We can feel it when we look deeply into the eyes of another, when our own ego-identity gets completely dissolved, and all that remains is the vastness of loving what Is.

It exists in our admiration for another being, simply because they are a beautiful creation, without wanting anything back in return.

Love is letting go.
And in letting go, we find true freedom and release.

We are strengthened by trust and hope.
We discover the Source of unlimited expansion and growth.

Love conquers all.
Love never fails.

Why Practice?

2009-12-23T05:03:00.007+05:30

Have you ever had one of those practices where ever posture felt like punishment?

Well, that was my practice this morning… there was a lot of self-pity “child’s pose” happening after each asana, along with some overly dramatic moaning and groaning as I chipped my way through the cement in my body, and even more so, in my mind.

I’m not sure if it was because today is the winter solstice, with the longest night of the year, but I was certainly feeling the heavy weight of the darkness pressing in on my thoughts as I slowly crawled my way through this morning’s yoga practice.

It made me think about why I choose to practice in the first place.

Have you ever stopped and asked yourself, “Why do I practice this Ashtanga Yoga?”

It certainly isn’t the easiest type of yoga out there.

It demands commitment right from the beginning, and doesn’t allow much room for flirting.

It requires a certain amount of trust in the process, courage to confront your fears and face your shadows, and the stamina to go the distance, even when it feels like more work then reward.

The practice demands all of this from a student before it will reveal the depth of its richness, or offer its bounty for the body and spirit.

For me, I practice because it carves out space within my body, and creates clarity in my mind.

It realigns me day after day with a higher purpose, and a more noble way of being in the world.

It teaches where to let go, and where I should hold on.

It strengthens my ability to bring forth the qualities such as patience, compassion, joy, forgiveness, peace, truth, and love.

It shows me that surrendering to something greater then myself is not as scary as it might seem, and that through renouncing the results of my effort, I find true freedom and release.

Today was one of those days. However, I was reminded that although I may not always feel fantastic during the practice, I somehow always feel better by the end, just for making it through, and doing my best on any giving day.

The practice is our mirror for life. As we polish the mirror daily, we can see more clearly the truth of who we are, and gain deeper insight into the ways we choose to live.

But it really is not so important to know why I practice this Yoga.

The real value is in answering this question for yourself: Why Do I Practice?

A Beginner's Mind

2009-11-22T05:21:00.004+05:30

Last week I took a guided “intro ashtanga” yoga class in the evening. As I was driving home I realized that it had been at least six years since I had taken an evening yoga class!

And what a breath of fresh air! I’ve got to say, the change of time, space, teacher, and class setting infused new life into my practice.

As the class began, whilst sitting with eyes closed focusing on my breath, I became acutely aware of the smell of the musty walls and floor, mixed with the heat and faintest sent of sweat from a previous class.

This aroma sparked memories of my very first experiences learning yoga in the upstairs space of an old heritage building, home to the much loved ‘Yoga In Motion,’ the yoga studio which first introduced me to the practice of “Ashtanga Vinyasa” and “Power Yoga.”

As we began our first sun-salutations I became immersed in the divine sensation of clearing my mind of all distracting thoughts, only breath, movement, and the one guiding voice of the teacher existed for me.

The practice took on a life of its own, and the “I” part of my mind began to dissolve into a perfectly synchronized dance of breath and movement.

There was no place to go, nothing to rush off to, no demands to perfect or perform, no expectations, judgments, or evaluations.

It was like everyone else in the room had faded into some hazy distant background, and I felt both completely alone, and yet somehow intimately connected to every cell, every breath, every being, and everything.

There was a feeling of complete surrender. The atmosphere was soft, warm and safe, allowing me to fully relinquish my sovereignty and let go to the experience.

I realized that finding the time, space and atmosphere to facilitate this complete release was a real luxury, and its presence was an unexpected gift.

It actually came as a surprise, that somehow in this small unassuming class, I would rediscover the heart of my practice, and the reason why I was drawn to this ancient discipline so powerfully from the very beginning.

There it was, that familiar homelike warmth; kind of like wrapping myself inside an old, soft, faded, cashmere sweater liberated from some long forgotten drawer.

That space within was nurturing and calm. For a little over an hour I found myself relaxing more, sinking into it, and drinking from a deep refreshing pool, one I visit often, but frequently only have time to just dip my feet in, before rushing off to the next activity.

This experience reminded me that as we integrate the practice of Yoga into our daily life, it is important that we don’t allow these practices to become so routine that they are simply done mechanically, making them little more than another box to check off on our “to-do” list.

It really is essential that we keep our awareness steady as we practice, and always remember the reasons for our practice. Otherwise, instead of creating more space, more clarity, and more energy, our yoga becomes a chore, another mindless activity added to our already desperately over-scheduled and hectic lives.

It also rekindled the wonder of entering a class with a ‘beginner's mind,’ and a delight in rediscovering all the hidden gems that each posture has to offer, along with the pure joy of sharing and learning with others.

We are all teachers for each other in one way or another, and the more open we are to receiving, and being in relationship, the more we will grow. We can learn something from everyone, if we choose to; but it requires us to set aside our preconceived ideas, and become receptive to other points of view, and knowledge.

Sri K. Pattabhi Jois (Guruji) would always repeat that there were no “teacher trainings” only “student trainings,” and he would remind us that he, himself, was still a student.
We would all do well to remember these words.

Some days taking a step back, and starting over from the beginning is more helpful then pushing forward. It may seem at times like we are not “progressing,” but if we are sincere in our efforts we will realize that as long as we remain open to learning, growing and expanding, we are always moving closer to the goal of Yoga.

Every challenge we encounter is an opportunity for us to extend beyond our own perceived limitations, and to soar off into new horizons.

Is Your Love Enough?

2009-11-15T05:13:00.005+05:30

It seems to be everywhere these days, the great debate: to vaccinate or not to vaccinate – that is the question... or is it?
My attention has certainly been aroused lately, but it seems that whatever side of the proverbial 'vaccination fence' we find ourselves sitting on, the real issue is: How much will we allow the collective fear of the world to infiltrate our hearts and minds?

The pull to buy into the hype and fear-mongering propaganda pushes against our psyche more and more. It drives us into darkness. Makes us feel isolated and alone.

On both sides of the issue there is fear. We vaccinate more and more as a way of avoiding pain, sickness, suffering and death; but over the years there has been some correlation between S.I.D.S, autism, and several neurological disorders and the administration of vaccines, and so we see a growing backlash against vaccinating, based on a fear of iatrogenic sickness, pain, suffering, and death.

There are a great many industries that benefit from keeping a large percent of the population in fear. The more fear we have the less able we are to expand beyond ourselves and to make connections with others; the less real connection we have in our lives, the more powerless and alone we may feel. The more powerless and alone we feel, the more insecure we become.

These feelings of insecurity make us more susceptible to the onslaught of images and ideas that bind us to a perpetual cycle of fear and contraction.

We hide our insecurity through consumption, attempting to create an image of confidence, to feel protected and powerful, and as a way of covering up our tireless longing to be desired, loved, and respected.

The more we consume, the more we buy, the more we buy, the more debt we create, the more debt we create, the more trapped we feel. The more trapped we feel the more we feed our feelings of isolation, insecurity, and weakness… and the cycle continues. More and more we feel trapped by a system that is profiting off our enslavement.

We become dependent upon the media to tell us what to think, believe, and feel.

This constant presence of fear prevents us from retreating into that soft silent place of knowing inside ourselves. The fear makes it difficult to really hear that still quiet voice guiding us from within.
Our daily yoga practice is a sacred time that allows us to reconnect to that inner space. We breathe into the silence of our soul, and somewhere in the emptiness that lingers between our thoughts, we begin to listen and respond to the soft voice of our gentle inner guide.

So, in my opinion, the real question is: How do we regain our independence amongst all the fear and pressure to conform on either side of an issue when there is no clear, definite, or undeniably correct answer?

We start by letting go of our need to be right. There are extremely educated people on both sides of this issue, each with good points and opinions, and data to back up their beliefs.

We begin to recognize and trust that being kind is more important then being right. We all know there are many issues we can debate, and the truth may just be that there is no unequivocal "right" answer that can be applied universally, but rather, it is an inner feeling that directs each individual to a conclusion that supports their personal choice.

And still we fear.

So, we might ask: How do we conquer fear?

The answer is so simple to say, and yet so challenging to act upon: Love is the antidote for fear.

We choose to love.

And this requires constant practice and perseverance. We must resist giving into the barrage of fear through love and actions based in love.

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out all fear” (1 John 4:18), and the foundation of love is ahimsa – non-harming.

When we learn to love each other, with a sincere love that is true and untainted by our lusts, we empower ourselves to give, to serve, and to support.

Real love does not seek its own gratification, it asks for nothing in return, but only seeks to give of itself fully and completely, without conditions, control, or manipulation. It always acts with the heart of compassion, and non-harming, seeking the highest good and growth for all.

When we begin to love with the explicit intention of giving, caring, and nourishing one another, we find ourselves in true relationship.

When we can create the space to support each other, to listen without judgment, and without always needing to agree or prove our point, we can preserve our mutual freedom, and these authentic bonds of love will begin to transform our own self and our world.

When we start to listen with love, we will sense the heart behind the words.

We will realize that we are not alone. We are intimately connected to each other in ways we cannot see or imagine.

Love will strengthens us; love will keep us healthy and strong.

Love will take care of the sick and weak, and continually offer to help those in need.

So what is the real question we should be asking ourselves?

The singer, songwriter, and poet, Michael Franti, sums it up perfectly when he rightly asks:

“Is your love enough? Or can you love some more?”

Elephants Never Forget a Friend

2009-10-24T23:35:00.001+05:30

A Beautiful Little Story.

The Beauty We Love...

2009-10-06T03:00:00.013+05:30

Let the beauty we love, be what we do.
~ Rumi ~

From the moment I first began this practice of Yoga - I loved it. It has inspired me in countless ways, and continues to do so day after day. I love introducing people to this practice and watching them awaken to themselves, revive their bodies, resuscitate their spirits, and recover a belief in their infinite potential.

Teaching new students always makes me smile, because I get to go back and remember how I felt in the early days of my yoga practice: I felt powerful, and real. It was quite literally like waking up and realizing you are connected to everything on the planet. I remember feeling like I could do anything. A deep-seated passion started clawing its way out of me, and I felt a compelling desire to change the world, or at the very least, make it a better, more beautiful, compassionate place. There was a distinct sense that all the answers I would ever need were hidden within myself, and all I had to do was uncover them.

I stood taller, walked with a new sense of confidence, and breathed deeper. Every breath was rejuvenating and sweet. I can remember feeling like all the toxins (and there was some serious toxic build-up I assure you) were being purged from my body, and I felt clean for the first time since I was a child: pure, simple, and soft. The idea of polluting my body started to become less and less appealing. I began eating healthier, and treating my body better. I felt a growing connection to the inherent life force within, and a deepening sense of self-worth (something I had never really felt before) and it penetrated every area of my life; all of my relationships changed because of this.

My connection to this practice began as a true love affair. I would have ecstatic emotions wash over me after every class, and when I left the room I felt as if I were walking on air.

I experienced so much joy and energy from this practice that I could not find enough people or activities to overflow it to. I wanted to have this experience more and more – I could not get enough. As a result, I practiced more, and immersed myself in every teaching I could find on this ancient philosophy for living, and way of seeing the world.

Alas, as with all brilliant love affairs, after some time, perhaps a few years or less, the “real world” began to creep back into my cloistered little ‘yoga-nirvana.’ Now, I found that many days the practice was challenging or even difficult. It seemed to push all my sensitive spots, pointing out areas of weaknesses, asking me to change certain things about my lifestyle, presenting obstacles to promote patience, strength, and perseverance.

Like every relationship, I was finding that this practice above all else, required consistent dedication, commitment, and daily attention. Some days it felt like more work then I thought I was capable of.

In the early days of Yoga practice I could not wait to get on my yoga mat, now… it required some strong determination, and it was only because of a promise I had made to myself to at least “show up,” that I would often even start to practice.

However, once the initial obstacle of getting on my mat was overcome, I found that I still loved it, challenging or not, and I still felt all the benefits and more afterwards. I would notice how it lifted my spirits, and created a sense of clarity in my thinking, and how much more balanced I felt from it.

The newness of first love had worn off, and the real practice had begun. Even though I did not have that same 'blissed-out,' rapturous sensation that often accompanied my early days of practice, I found that I had something much more substantial and grounded.

At this point I realized it was because of the Yoga that I made it through the day without a major breakdown. I would often find the practice with me periodically, sitting beside me in a stressful situation, whispering to me, “just breathed deeply,” and tenderly showing me how to release tension, before the anxiety could take hold.

The practice was with me in the passenger seat while driving the car, guiding me to be calm, telling me that there was no need to rush, assuring me that all things happen in their own perfect time. I would find it showing up in various situations all throughout my day, and because of it, I never felt alone.

These days, my relationship with this practice feels more like that of an intimate friend. I no longer find it sitting beside, but I carry it in my heart at all times.

My day would be incomplete without it, and I know that something essential would be missing from my life had it not found me.

It continues to bring me back to myself, while still challenging me to keep it real, be honest, let go.

It fully aids in transforming those dark nights into light, and it continually acts as my teacher both on and off the yoga mat.

It goes on gently revealing the many ‘blind spots’ I still have, and encourages more growth in those areas I would rather forget about.

Some days the practice is nurturing and tender, at other times it is strict and demanding; but every time I begin to inhale and lift my hands above my head, I know I have returned home.
Through teaching, I am reminded above all what this practice can be for people. I see the excitement at the start, the fresh joy of new love. I also witness the struggles and discipline that come up along the way, the contentment of coming home to an old friend, and the all the delight interwoven between each new transformation.

I get to witness the everyday commonplace courage that our students demonstrate on a regular basis every time they get on their mat.

I watch the practice be for them a lover, a teacher, a disciplinarian, a healer, a mother, a father, and a friend. I see all the work and effort that each person exerts in order to grow and change on a daily basis.

They become stronger and yet, somehow softer. They develop the willingness to bend, to adjust, to relate more intimately with their own self, and as a result, all their relationships deepen and become more meaningful.

Watching our students gives me hope. I find it tremendously inspiring to be a part of their journey. During those days when I catch myself wondering who is going to answer the many desperate cries from our planet, address issues of war and oppression, help cure hunger and hopelessness, bring friendship to the lonely and suffering, I look up and am reminded - We Are.

We practice for it daily. This practice of yoga not only works on us as individuals - transforming our lives; but it also brings us together.

Through our commitment to it, we begin to dip our feet into the ocean of the infinite, and taste something truly divine within. We recognize that we are all apart of this living, breathing, eternal life force, and that we are interdependent and indispensably connected.

Little by little the presence of this practice spreads into every area of our existence, and because of it we learn to listen.

When we take the time to develop this awareness, we realize that we instinctively know how to help each other, and will uncover our purpose more and more through working together to heal a world in need.

I Met the Walrus

2009-09-30T00:25:00.001+05:30

"In 1969, a 14-year-old Beatle fanatic named Jerry Levitan snuck into John Lennon's hotel room in Toronto and convinced him to do an interview.

38 years later, Levitan, director Josh Raskin and illustrator James Braithwaite have collaborated to create an animated short film using the original interview recording as the soundtrack. A spellbinding vessel for Lennon's boundless wit and timeless message.

"I Met the Walrus" was nominated for the 2008 Academy Award for Animated Short."

Beyond the Business of Yoga

2009-09-19T22:55:00.008+05:30

Today I had to face it. There is a beautiful, glowing, tantalizing, nymph-like Monster called “The Business of Yoga,” and she erotically dances circles around shops, studios, and retreat centers everywhere. If you’re at all interested in learning more about yoga, you will ultimately come face to face with her.

She is obvious, and yet still deceptive. Agitating our minds and seducing our desires, she is invoked whenever Big Business mixes with Yoga.

It seems that in many ways Yoga has become about Marketing: clothes, mats, make-up, the right look, the right book, the right attitude, the right choices, eco-friendly this, and biodegradable that, thinking positive rainbow-colored thoughts, while humming the latest rendition of the Gayatri mantra, and flashing your 200-hour Teacher Training certificate.

Yes, today I woke up with the ‘marketing blues.’

Lately I’ve been bombarded with messages from various sources all saying that as a “yoga teacher” you need to find some angle to market your “unique talents and abilities.” Learn to use the right “catch phrases,” learn to “sell yourself,” and start to “create more buzz.”

Of course everyone has the miracle solution on how to do this, and for “only $9.99” you can download the e-book that will change your life.

To be honest, I really loath the idea of have to market myself like some kind of new and improved running shoe that can be bought or sold at a discounted price.

On top of that, what really dampens my spirit and exhausts my enthusiasm are all the ‘spin-doctors’ who are more then happy to use the popularity of this ancient art for mass commercialization.

I’m sure there are many well-meaning, community oriented, feel-good, warm & fuzzy individuals out there, who have freshly read the newest best-selling self-help – ‘How To Become A Millionaire Entrepreneur In 30 Days While Changing The World’ - books out there; but it disturbs me that the latest fad seems to be taking pretty much any word and combining it with “yoga” to invent a new twist on an old philosophy, and create a tasty pseudo-spiritual item for consumers.

To be frank, the whole thing leaves a nauseatingly Fisher-Price flavor in my mouth, and I’m wondering if there is any real meaning to be salvaged in the word “yoga.”

It seems to me that even if the advertising strategy is smeared in icing sugar, and disguised as a delicious gluten-free vegan cupcake, it still promotes large-scale empty-caloric consumption, which really goes against the inherent wisdom of this bona fide tradition.

It’s not that the products and promotions are altogether sinister or completely off track. For the most part they are honestly trying to promote positive ideas and ideals. It’s just that the image has become so center stage that many have forgotten to look behind the curtain to see what makes the show worth experiencing at all!

I question: is there anyone looking for a way out of this modern-day onslaught of marketing madness?

Or are we so mindlessly dazzled by the glitz and glitter of the latest trend, too busy rushing off to the hottest ‘power-flow-yin-yang-restorative-shiva-shakti-sattva-shanthi yoga class’ that’s offered at the newest hip downtown studio, to notice that we’re hardly practicing Yoga in our lives at all.

I’m hoping that there are still some sincere seekers, questioning, enquiring, and looking for an authentic experience, and not so easily bemused by the wafting fragrance of Nag Champa.

I think it’s time to get back to the root of what Yoga is.

It’s time to dig deep down into the essence, and discover its Source.

The practice of Yoga is not about the clothes or the mat, nor is it about the way we look or even the way we feel. It’s not a hobby, something to do in your spare time, or a class you can “drop-in” or “drop-out” of.

Yoga is a commitment you make to your Self, a daily practice, a way of living in and relating to the world. It is a practice that can only give back to you as much as you are willing to surrender to it.

It’s not limited to what happens on a yoga mat, it extends into how we interact with other people, animals, and the planet itself. It is meant to permeate our entire life, and shine the light of awareness onto our very existence.

It is about being Real and Truthful. Meeting yourself Here and Now, exactly as you are in this moment, day after day, time and again. It will lead you to uncover the boundless inspiration buried in the silence of your soul.

Yoga is a spiritual practice.

It is a way to reconnect with a Spirit that once shone brightly from within, but somehow was forgotten, obscured by years of fear, pain, loss, and inhibition. This path of rediscovery is not necessarily easy. However, if we have the courage to truly begin this journey, it will be both rewarding and transformative.

Yoga is a discipline.

It is a discipline that works on your mind, your body, and your habits.

It can be challenging, and frustrating. Some days you won’t feel like getting out of bed to meet yourself on your mat, or your meditation cushion.

Some days you won’t want to look in the mirror of your life choices, and experience the veracity of how you are feeling, be it good, ugly, sad or bemuddled; yet when we do step up, we feel better for it.

Yoga is an ancient philosophy of living.

It demands both consistent practice, and an attempt to fully surrender.

It requires a desire to release the old and open to the new.

It is meant to weaken the ego, and awaken the Spirit. It entices us to drink drop by drop from the Infinite Ocean within, and experience the sweetness of what we truly are.

It teaches us to recognize authenticity both within and without, to sit with an uncomfortable thought, sensation, or situation and just breath without rebelling or reacting, and to confront our difficult relationships with compassion.

As one of our teachers said: “Yoga is the science of experience, and the art of living.”

And for this – there can be no marketing, only Practice.

A Special Thank You to Barry Silver for the use of his Fabulous Art!
For more information on Barry Silver and the work he does, please see: www.barrysilver.net

Dare To Change

2009-09-06T02:26:00.010+05:30

Change.

We love it, we fear it.
We seek it, we resist it.
We are both thrilled by it, and terrified of it.

Change.

Its promise moves us into the morning.
Its challenge drops us into night’s sleep.
Ever on the horizon, leaving a trail of evidence close behind.

Change.

We adore it, we abhor it.
We need it, we avoid it.
We continually crave it, and combat it at every corner.

Change.

It is ever present; but can never be caught.
It is our healer and destroyer, the great physician, the last mortician.
It breaks our heart, and renews our spirit.

Change.

It is the shadow of Time.
We are imprisoned by it, bound to it, there is no escape.
It holds the key to our freedom.

Change.

We can never step into the same river twice.
A person is never the same from day to day.
We can start over at any time.
We can choose who we want to be in every given moment.
Choose Wisely.

Change.

A Fresh Sea Breeze

2009-08-24T03:31:00.005+05:30

As many of you know, we’ve moved to Victoria BC, on Vancouver Island. It has been officially two weeks since we arrived, and the days have just flown by! We’ve been busying ourselves with tasks such as finding an apartment to rent, purchasing a few essential items like a table, dishes, some chairs, a mattress to sleep on... you get the idea, and most importantly seeking out a space from which we can begin teaching Ashtanga yoga Mysore classes from.

We purchased some plants a couple days ago. This, in my opinion, seems to be the ultimate symbol for ‘putting down roots,’ and beginning to grow in a new place, in a new way; integrating into a new community. The change and ‘newness’ of everything is very exciting for us, and all around we’re seeing so much possibility and potentiality. So, needless to say, we’re enjoying ourselves immensely.

Even in all this though, we’re being conscious to keep living from moment to moment, and doing our best to keep focused on what is immediately present and positive. For if the mind is left unchecked it wanders much too easily over into the territory of worry, and begins to feel the heavy weight of the future closing in. The mind tends to create anxiety, and gravitate towards what is negative, especially during times of transition, or under circumstances where there is a lot of uncertainty. It is especially important then during these times to be even more aware, and vigilant in guiding our thoughts towards inspiration, and lightness.

We’ve received many encouraging emails from so many wonderful people from around the world, and I can’t explain how much we appreciate all of the support from everyone. It has helped to keep our spirits high from day to day, and to feel closely connected to a larger global network of yoga practitioners and friends. These notes are such a blessing to us as we continue our search for the perfect space to transform into a little yoga haven. We know it’s coming…

Do you ever have those moments in your life when you just feel like you’re in exactly the right place at exactly the right time? Well, I’ve been having these moments all the time here. I feel so fortunate to be realizing a dream that I’ve held onto for the past decade. To live in a place that has always held a very special place in my heart, and then to be able to share the teachings of this profound practice with others who are also here. It feels like every experience from the past has been culminating to this very moment in time, and really I feel like I’m merely witnessing the unfolding of it.

Each day I begin to understand more what Krishna means in the Bhagavad-Gita when he says, “all actions take place in time by the interweaving of the forces of Nature; but the man lost in selfish delusion thinks ‘I am the doer’.” (BG 3:27). Now it is just learning to surrender even more, and then be open to receive.

Peace & Love,
Harmony