Yoga and Art

February 8, 2010 in Yoga, creativity, video | Add Your Comment

Namaste. 

For me, Yoga itself is an art form, the multi-dimensional sculpting of a whole-life.  I also have the great pleasure to know many artists who call Yoga their muse.

One of our fellow students is currently preparing a study on Yoga and Art, how Yoga practice can expand creativity and expression. I'd love for some our very-own artists and Yoga students to participate! let me know if you'd like to hear more about her vision.

Here's an example of living Yoga:

Aaron L. Jones, a local artist, musician, and very-humble yogi, has been painting and drawing since he was a child. His passion has been to imbue his images with the subtle nature of ethereal energy, and his latest paintings express this vibe. I've just got to share this video with you. He's painting Virabhadra, Warrior I pose with his music playing in the backround. Enjoy!

We're bringing Aaron's work to Lumina, where they will be on display, and for sale as well.  He accepts selective commissions for custom pieces, and does Yoga portraits too! Now that's one great way to check your alignment huh?  

Contact Tara at OmRachel@hotmail.com for more information about Aaron's work.

Om Shanti

John

P.S.  The next few weeks are busy, with a special Valentines Day Heart Opening Yoga class on the 14th, and I'm teaching the next few Saturday 8am classes at Yoga and Nia for Life in W. Concord.  Kirtan on the 20'th, Global 5:45pm on the 26th, and Restorative Yoga returns on the 28th.  The Events page has the scoop.

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Covered

February 2, 2010 in Yoga, abundance, jnanna, writing | 2 comments

Amachi Om Tapestry

The Om tapestry that covers my television

Last Fall, on one of those amazing warmish days, I had all my windows open, and had a great practice going.  When it was time to wind down I settled in for a nice shavasana.  As I lay there checking in, realized it was a bit chilly.  
 
My body voted for rest – my mind clinged to comfort. "Move, and get a blanket was the predominant thought."  My body won.  Just as I surrendered to the chill – to contentment,  a strong wind blew the Om tapestry off my TV.  It landed perfectly, covering my feet.
 
 I'm grateful, but not surprised anymore when I get just what I need, right when I need it.
 

While traveling India I found myself in a few precarious situations. Things turned out okay… not always the best outcome, but okay. 

This one time, I was on the back of a motorcycle, hurtling through impossible-traffic in Gaya.  The term 'holding on for dear life' must be indian in origin, and the only thing scarier was the thought of the return trip.  My hands went numb.  Taking a few deep breaths of the thick air, my grip loosened.
 
"Worry is a prayer for what we don't want."  -Sharon Gannon
 
A smile came over me, inside and out.  I seemed to realize It'll be okay… or not… but the fierce grip wouldn't help either way.  It's a level of trust, that I could handle whatever is coming my way.  My illusion of control dissolved.
  
"You can't always get what you want – you get what you need."   -Mick Jagger
 
An aspiring meditator who I work with individually, was walking in the woods when she came across a railroad crew working with power tools on the track. They were loud and she resented their presence.  They were 'ruining' her peaceful walk.  Her practice kicked in, trying to find peace, she created thoughts of how the crew was protecting life, making the trains safe etc…  
 
Alas, she walked a bit further than usual and actually got lost.  When she got still and tried to get her bearings… off in the distance she heard the workers, and their sounds guided her home to safety.  
 
When what is 'bad' becomes 'good'  what really changes?

Don't hold on so tight, and we'll get what we need… We're covered. 
 
I've got a great interview in the works from a Yoga student who is a master at manifesting.  She's going to share some of her stories with us.  If you've got a story about being covered, please, Click on the comments link, and share it with us.
 
Om Shanti, I'll see you in class.
 
John
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Yoga In The News

January 24, 2010 in Yoga, writing | 3 comments

I've missed you all, and sure missed teaching our classes.

I've been asked so many questions about India, most of which have no easy answer.
I wouldn't say that India transformed me, but she did expand me.

John in RIshikesh, looking for drinking water, my bill was too large to get change.

In the picture above I'm wandering Rishikesh with the equivalent of a $20 bill. I couldn't find a shop that can make change for a bottle of water, it's all I've got and I'm thirsty. I remember laughing about being rich, and poor at the same time.  

The man in the brown coat behind me had just literally saved my life.  I wish I had given him my thousand rupees. There should be some sort of exchange for something like that right?

My mind's thresholds of what is possible have been completely blown away, and the limits 
have not settled yet, will they ever?

But, I still have my center, and it's a nice place to begin again.

I have an incredible logjam of experience to share with you all as I decompress.



Here's a start though, A bit mindless from malaria pills, and without sleep for two days, a reporter called from the Metrowest Daily News. There's a story about our classes and my travels in India slated for todays paper.  They even took a few pictures of 
the Tuesday night class!  I just found the link to the story
.  

I've been taking a poll on how high Yoga students are scoring on this Happiness Quiz  Let me know how you do!

we'll post the results.

See you in class, oh, and the Events page is updated, check out the Valentines Day class, and the return of Restorative Yoga.  


-john

P.S.  I finally got water, Swami Sathasivom smiled at my predicament and gave me 20 rupees to quench my thirst.  The big bill went to a driver in Assam, probably a months pay for him.

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Needs vs Wants

January 7, 2010 in Yoga, abundance, frugal living | 4 comments

I packed very-light for this trip, just what I 'needed' went in the bag… the basics, and some precautionary medications.

Heading out for a day-trip, I left most of my things in Mumbai. The day-trip turned into 4 days on the road, sleeping on floors and in cars.  Without my bag.

Traveling even lighter left room for new levels of gratitude. I found myself basking in the treasured cup of warm water I made each night.

Of course, if by design the next place had no power. Sigh, it's all perfect.

Through challenging our consumptive ways, we gain clearer perspective on our needs vs. wants.  Our needs are mostly simple. It's our unchecked wants that get us into trouble, setting ourselves up for Duhka, or suffering.  Was it needs or wants that crashed the economy? 

On the stiff mattress, I wished for the cozy bed at home. sleeping on the floor I desired the stiff mattress, and trying to sleep in the car made the marble floor a dream.  Back at civilization, if by magic, the impossibly-stiff matress is now luxurious. 

What changed?

If we could cling less to comfort – Raga, and resist discomfort less – Dvesha, we'd be more content.  One of the points made in Yoga Sutra II.3

How much do we really need to pad ourselves from reality?  These are the conditions we place on our happiness.    As Yogis, we choose to peel away the padding… we dare to un-spoil ourselves.

We seek a closer connection to the earth.  Sthira Suhkam Asanam.

Many here sleep in the streets.  Whole familes sleep soundly in a row, their heads literally 2 inches from the passing tires.  In the first few weeks here, seeing things like this would surprise me.

On return to Mumbai, My host family slept on the floor, insisting I sleep in their bed.  A very humbling experience, and I was sure to lighten my bag before moving on. 

We don't need to sleep in the street, but we can learn from those who do.  Before indulging, pause… do you need it, or want it?  How will it serve your intentions?  

Perhaps try a little less on for size.

Practice gratitude, and sleep well.  I'll be back soon.

Om Shanti, 

-j

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Happy New Year

December 30, 2009 in Yoga | Add Your Comment

Namaste.

I'm taking rest in Chennai, after visiting the southern peninsula of Rameshwar, and the temple towns of Thanjavur, Madurai, Chidambaram, Trichy, and Arunachala.  I was able to visit the ashram of Ramana Maharishi, who's teachings of reverence for all life, even the simple blade of grass, I resonate with.  

Internet and phone have been very scarce, which can be a very good thing, thanks for all your messages and well-wishes.  I send all these blessings back to you all.

I've been challenged in my travels, there are so many lessons and opportunities to practice equanimity and letting go….  but my hardships are nothing compared to what the majority of beings who live here face every day.  Life is difficult, yet, joy abounds.  When I can put myself in their place for just a moment, I can realize how abundant I am.  Empathy is our awareness expanding to include all.

Sending you all the best for the new year.  I've got a few more places to cover, and have a pending appointment to see Sri Desikachar at the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandir here in Chennai.

I look forward to seeing you all very soon.

john

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opposites

December 15, 2009 in Yoga | 1 comment

I was able to sleep-in today, 7:30am, it was luxurious seeing as rise-time has been around 1:30am to attend sacred rituals that start the day.  Just back from Omkareshwar, an ancient Shiva temple on the Narmanda river.  The ride was 8hours round trip by taxi, and was on some of the smoothest roads I've yet to experience here in India.  

It was about 85 degrees and sunny.  I had plenty of good food,. and abundant water.  Could it get any better?

There are places of pilgirmage that are so hard to get to, and so stunning that the travellers skip the journey back and settle.

I have seen places here so beautiful it brings tears to your eyes, I've seen places so bleak it bring tears to your eyes.  Sometimes we cannot recognize the beauty until we've experienced the dark.  It's like that with empathy.  To really know empathy, you've got to have suffered.  In India, the opposites are extreme, and right in your face. 

There's a Sutra I was going to quote, but the power just went out and this battery will go along with it very soon, but you get the drift.  If we want the rainbow, we've got to ride through the rain. 

As Yogis, we see our challenges as teachings, as preparation, as the needed opposite.  Right now, if it's good or bad for you, don't worry, it will change. try to find the beauty in it all.  Sometimes hard…. but the practice is in the trying.

I've been warned to trust nobody, and have had minor scams tried on me… yet a stranger probably saved my life in Haridwar, and on a train a man returned a 500 rupee bill (around $10) that I had dropped. 

This pm I'm off to Mumbai by overnight train.  it's 12+ hours.  I've been well and appreciate all the well wishes in my inbox. Internet has been scarce and unreliable…. and sloooow.   I'll have new-found appreciation for my fiberoptic connection at home. 

Travelling has been wild.  planes, traints, boats, trucks, rickshaws, motorbikes, helicopters, horseback… whatever it takes to get there.  At 2am yesterday morning, rode to the temple clinging to the back of an ancient bread delivery truck.  The man back there with me didn't understand a speck of english, but we laughed together.   

Take care, I'll do my best to write from Mysore and Shirdi.

-j

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rich or poor

December 3, 2009 in Yoga, animals | 2 comments

At 3am the Delhi airport is a sea of humanity  The roads are a mix of new and prehistoric, and the air thick with dust, exaust, and puja fires. I'm whisked off to a fine apartment in Delhi for a beautiful home-stay with Jyoti and Sunthil.  Their dog Shelly barks in Hindi but we reach a quick understanding and become best of friends.

On the way to the Jammu/Kashmir border, The roads seem in absolute chaos. It's terrifiying and hilarious at the same time,  I do my best to defer to the back seat but have no choice but to ride shotgun for 14 hours.  It's an impossible mix of vehicles, horse drawn carts, pedestrians, bicycles and stray animals.  This can't be how it is, yet, it is. 

We're heading to VaishnoDevi, a mountain top temple to Mother.  In the backseat everyone is alseep.  How can they sleep at a time like this?  If I don't stay awake to jam on my imaginary brake pedal we're all doomed for sure!  

There is an amazing skill in these drivers, not an inch of space is wasted, and the timing is precise. Suthil and Swamiji are masters of these roads. What seems out of control is actually a moving-meditation, one that I'll not try today.

A helicopter is arranged for our ascent, after a trek and crawl/shimmy though a narrow crevice shin-deep in freezing water, there are the natural deities.  To have darshan is to be seen by her, and to hopefully take mothers blessings with you. 

Words could never do these places justice.  after an all-night harrowing drive from Amritsar,  Haridwar is stunning to sleepless eyes.  Against my doctors orders, a wade into the Ganges is refreshing and grounding.   I wander the streets trying to buy a bottle of water, alas not a single shop will accept my 1,000 rupee note. (about $20)  I'm so wealthy that I'm actually quite poor and thirsty.  That's probably a good metaphor to stop at. 

I'm flying off to Assam to a Shakti temple for Devi in the form of Chinnamasta and Tripura Sundari.  It's where Sati and Shiva would meet for their trysts before getting married.  I'm working on some pictures, hopefully soon.

I offer you all the amazing blessings these places hold. 

-john

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Enough is Enough

November 26, 2009 in Yoga, abundance, ahimsa | 1 comment

Thanks to all who came out for Thanksgiving Yoga practice this morning.

Our theme was Enough,  the prequel to Gratitude.  Our vehicle was flow, or Vinyasa.

Smoothing out, and honoring the transitions between postures tells ourselves at many levels, that in-between is a valid way to be. We don't have to know everything.  We don't have to do everything.  Flowing into postures can helps us get to where things seem to fit.

Our life is like a jigsaw puzzle, but we never get to see the picture on the box.  Keep going, slide the pieces in where they fit, and trust in the process.  If a piece doesn't fit, let it go.  It must be for another puzzle.  Trust that the bigger picture will become clearer in time, and resistance slips away.

When our mind drifts during practice, it's an expression of more, when we can focus our mind in practice, it's an expression of enough.  Continually returning our focus to right now strengthens our ability to remain there for longer periods of time.

                   The door to meditation will swing open on easy hinges.

We start out with just a glimmer of enough, an ember of content.  Each breath fans the flame.  Contentment, (Santosha) is like a big 'ol warm sweater on a cold day.  When we embrace enough.  We can turn down the thermostat of more… 

look around you, find two things.  Experience the space between them.  Carry that practice into all your actions and you'll need less to make you happy, guaranteed.

I am blessed with so many caring and earnest students.  You make it possible for me to teach and share, and I take your blessings with me to Asia.  

I resolve to see enough, and to soak up enough teachings to share on my returning.

Happy Thanksgiving.  Om Shanti, to all beings.  

John

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a few good books

November 20, 2009 in Yoga, books, video, writing, yoga films | Add Your Comment

Namaste.  Before I head off for travels in Asia I wanted to share what I've been reading over last month or so.

First off, our local teacher Jacqueline Ryan Brodnitzki has just published Awaken Your Inner Radiance.

Subtitled Four Steps to a Joy filled life, Jacqueline lays out a very-approachable map to happiness and vibrant health.  The book is a quick read, though you'll find yourself marking pages to return to,  I did some of the written exercises and found them thought provoking.   there are insightful quotes, plenty of recommendations for good books to follow along with, and it's apparent that she's writing from her own experience, Jacqueline lives, and teaches this.  Thanks J.  I enjoyed reading your book.

Doorways To The Soul.

Our own Elisa Davy Pearmain gave me a copy of her book almost a year ago. Why has it taken this long to review?  Well, Elisa's beautiful book has 52 chapters, and she encourages you to read it slowly, taking time to absorb the stories.  In our speeding culture, this is refreshing advice.  Elisa draws from a vast array of traditions to convey wisdom of the ages, peace, and connection with nature, divinity, and each other.  I took my time with this one, a story for each week.  you will want to as well.  Thanks E,  It's been nice seeing you in class.

Yoga in America.

Edited by Deborah Bernstein and Bob Weisenberg.    Deb and Bob sent out the question "What is yoga?"  to a community of teachers, 300 responses were edited down to 46 that are published in this substantial volume.  the spectrum of yoga represented is wide, and I appreciate the different writing styles.  this is another book that can be read over time, taking time to soak up what's been said.  Deborah lives in Boston, and does much work to comfort the families of fallen firefighters and disabled veterans.  Check out her Yoga blog, and beautiful retreat center, Florian Yoga – St. John, US Virgin Islands.

Thanking the Monkey

I'm still working on Karen Dawn's fresh look at Animal Rights.  I met Karen back in 2000 at the national Animal Rights Conference, but had recognized her from conferences in the past.  She's been actively publishing the E-newsletter 'DawnWatch' for many years, alerting us to how animals are represented or more often misrepresented in the media.  

This is a comprehensive, yet inviting book, intermixed with glossy photos, cartoons and a mix of philosophies.   Chosen by the Washington Post as one of the Best Books of the year, Thanking the Monkey is full of insight from the well known, and the rank and file.  Karen, thanks for all you do for the Voiceless animals.  I appreciate your efforts, and will revisit your book when I return from Asia.  Thanks for the tee shirt too !

Lastly, a film.   I just received the film Dalai Lama Renaissance, I was able to watch one volume chronicling the conference between His Holiness and 40 of the worlds current intellectuals.  Quantum physicists, talk show hosts, film makers and social scientists gather to discus the worlds problems and what can be done about them.   The scenery is amazing, but what struck me most about this documentary is the incredible patience the Dalai Lama has when dealing with this collection of mostly-Western minds.  

Renaissance has won 14 awards and is an official selection in at least 40 international film festivals.  I'll let you know about the other volume when I return.  Khashyar, thanks so much for sending me a review copy, I'll be showing it to my friend Ani-hla, a student of His Holiness this afternoon.

Be well.  Om Shanti.

john



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Downward Facing Dogmatic

October 23, 2009 in Yoga, jnanna | 4 comments

You've forsaken all other activities, and taken the time to get to class.  You unroll your mat, setup your space and: 

a: Go through the motions, muscle on through, and hope some of the Yoga sticks to you.

b: Focus, Flow, and seek to understand how the teachings relate to you, and how you relate to the teachings.

Taken at surface level, some of these teachings can seem superficial, trite, or yes, even dogmatic.   "Open your heart, Draw energy up the back of your leg,  Set a clear intention."  What does it all mean?  Better put, what does it all mean to you? 

One of the beauties of Yoga is it's pure potential to be what you need it to be. Need to stretch, strengthen, de-stress? Then yes, Yoga practices can help.  

But when practiced that way, it's like applying a band-aid.  The benefits are fleeting. Feel bad – get to Yoga – feel good for a while, then feel bad again.  

A small intention will get you just that, and that's all your Yoga may ever be.

When we approach our Yoga practice like we do everything else, we become more of who we already are.  I think the world has had enough of us all doing that.

We've got to dig deeper, scratch below the surface and get to the roots of our issues.  The bad feeling is there to show us a change is needed.  dare to look.

Shift your perspective

Yoga asks us to set aside what we think we know, and to vary our perception. We hone the ability to zoom our awareness in on a particular sensation, or zoom out and gain perspective on the whole of our lives.  In each moment, would the micro, or the macro view be best?  

The question becomes: How can this posture, this very breath, help me to become a better person, neighbor, parent, friend, partner, or spouse? 

Spice it up

When we practice this way, our efforts are concentrated, It's like a strong spice, say Saffron, it's sacred, and a little goes a long way towards the color and flavor of how we experience what's in front of us.

Unmake your mind

The teachings are a map, left by the anicents, a map to our freedom.  Each pose, each breath, is potentially a step closer.  In class we create a model of how we could live,  and after class shows how we could feel all the time.

We need to remember why we fell in love with Yoga in the first place, and be sure our Yoga is about, what our Yoga is about.

Om Shanti.  I'll see you in class.

John

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