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9 ideas to spark up your practice

May 17, 2011 in creativity, Yoga | 3 comments

praying mantis expressing the joy of Yoga

As the spring weather draws us outside, one thing that can slide is our Yoga practice.

The Sanskrit word for a steady and regular practice is Abhyasa. The ancients ask that we keep our tools of awareness honed and at the ready for what life will bring us next.

 

Like Steven Pressfield says about writing, Yoga doesn't give, it gives back. What you put in you get out, and 10 minutes every few days is more effective than one hour of practice once a week.

 

Here's 9 fresh ideas that could help keep your practice steady, or spark up a stale practice.

 

1. Positive peer pressure: Yoga is a solitary practice, but we don't have to go it alone. Find a Yoga buddy. take the time to say hello to the people you in your favorite classes. Exchange emails and encourage each other. Your next best friend could be right next to you! Form a posse and head out to some classes.

 

2. Focus on the outcome:  Remember how good you feel afterwards, and how your practice helps you to be there for others.

 

3. Upgrade your equipment. The Yoga world is overhyped with merchandise, but… if your mat is Circa 1949, recent advances in mat materials could really make a difference in your practice. 

 

One of my favorites is the Jade Yoga Mat. No more slipping around, this mat will grab you. If you're into the power Yoga, a favorite is the Yogi Toes Yoga Towel. no more sliding, Not usually one to follow the herd, but these are really great products. 

 

4. Blocking off time: Make a commitment. Mark a month's worth of Yoga classes in your calendar, start realistically, a number that you can follow through on. Treat them like an important appointment with your self. 

 

5. Use technology:  With My Free Email Reminders, it’s easy to have an encouraging note emailed or texted to you on the days/times you wish to practice.

 

I use this service to remind myself to backup my computer and other tasks that can fall behind.

 

6. Is there a workshop coming up that calls to you? a new studio or teacher you've been meaning to check out? Could you combine your vacation with your practice and join a Yoga retreat?

 

7. Make a space in your home for your practice. A refuge you can slide into for a few minutes of meditation a day, form a personal altar with art and icons that inspire you.

 

8. Would some new music spark up your personal practice? I've added some new recommendations to the Favorite music link. (left hand column)

 

9. All this being said, some days it's just nice to break routine, skip a practice and just be. 

 

Spend some creative time with your art form, or try something new. Borrow a book on drawing for beginners from the library and see if it's for you. Take the time to put together a really nice meal, invite someone over to share it. Take a walk in the woods. notice how alive, how aware you are. Taking time to notice the effects your Yoga practice has on your life can keep you coming back to the mat.

 

Overall, we're looking to create a practice so sweet that we gravitate towards it, that it becomes something we look forward to, not just another thing on our busy to-do list.

 

Click on the comments link and share with us what keeps you coming back to the mat.  (you can fake the email address it asks you for)

 

Om shanti, I’ll see you in class.

 

-john

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A Clean Sweep

December 27, 2010 in abundance, books, calling, creativity, Reviews by john, writing, Yoga | 12 comments

a clean sweep

One benefit of living on a busy street is that anything put out on the curb is gone in a flash. There's no time to change my mind and get it back.

I've lived in the same place for some time now, and much has accumulated. While I have been open to the new coming into my life, there was no clear path out for what no longer had a place, the flow impeded by sheer busyness, and by my grasping for permanence. 

I imagine if Yoga had a currency it would say "In flow we trust" across the top. “let it come, let it go” across the bottom… and of course, a picture of Patanjali in the middle.

Over the last few months I've been earnestly clearing out, I came across a great book which helped me in the process of making space, not just in my home, but in my mind, and in my life:  Your Spacious Self: Clear Your Clutter and Discover Who You Are

How can I realize my abundance with all this stuff in the way?

Out onto the curb go the belongings, mementoes, and anchors that no longer serve a purpose, or bring joy. Sometimes I see the new owner from my window, loading my old relics/their new trophies, into their car and driving off. I make sure to wish them both well, the material has become very easy for me to let go of.

It's happening, sometimes it’s scary. I started this outward flow, and who knows how deeply it will go. 

We’ve got so much invested in who we think we are, that there’s no room for who we’re becoming.

Old habits, no-longer friendly relationships, ideas, masks, and tendencies are going out onto the curb of my consciousness. Some by choice, some perhaps just getting caught-up in the outgoing tide. 

This is formidable, nobody takes these away. They were part of me, they defined me, and I am compelled by their gravitational pull. I’m practicing new ways of being, in hope that they take root.

The old us holds on for dear life, but the bold light of awareness loosens the grip.

As if by providence, I was sent two nutritional cleanse kits. One to give away, and one to try out and evaluate on my blog. They are from DrNatura, the Advanced Internal Cleansing Program.

Between the cleanse, some changed habits, a stronger practice, and a heartbreaking 'growth opportunity' that whacked my appetite, I've shed 18 pounds from my physical body, and much more than that energetically.

I can finally fit into the clothes that I gave away last month. 

My part in the economic stimulus will be buying some new clothing. If you happen to make black Vegan tee shirts, expect a surge in sales this coming year.

I feel so far away from my teachers, but can hear them say “keep going.” Forgotten postures are revealing themselves from the dusty corners of my Yoga practice. There’s new space in my music, in my Pranayama.

I'm opening to new ideas in my writing, my practice, and in what I've been offering in classes, and our retreats. I’m bringing vibrant colors into my space, new art, and new possibilities. I’m eyeing a sweet little house that I just may move to.

Trying not to rewind, or fast forward, I sit still, sometimes squirming with what I’m missing, what is no longer. Some things baffle me, and just cannot be figured out, some things are clearly out of my hands. Gate Gate – Para Gate, Parasan Gate – Bodhi Swah. They feel so gone, beyond gone.

As Rilke alludes, “May you someday live into the meaning.”

Loosening my grip I look forward to the new that will surely come… but for now, I'll sit with, and savor this beautiful space. Many thanks for sharing this journey with me.

We don’t have to wait till spring to start cleaning…

Just in time for New Years Resolutions, I’ve got this DrNatura nutritional cleanse to give away to a lucky reader. It’s the #1 rated kit, and has a retail value of $80. Here’s how we’ll do this. Make a comment on this post, let us know what you’re going to let go of in the coming year. A week into the new year I’ll choose one post randomly, and you’ll be well on your way to being shiny inside and out.

Om Shanti, I’ll see you in class, -j

P.S. We’ve got a great class raffle for January. Jason from Revolution Community Acupuncture is awarding one lucky Yogi three healing sessions. 23 chances to win this month. Also, please join us in ringing in the New Year with our Live Music Yoga Class – Sunday January 2nd 9am. West Concord.

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Tree of Life

October 10, 2010 in creativity, Yoga | 2 comments

Our Yoga community is teeming with such gifted and connected artists. I just had to share Jill C's latest painting of Tree Pose:

Now that's embodying your posture! Jill and her husband Bob practice with us on Sunday mornings in our peaceful 9AM Yoga class.

I love practicing, and teaching Vrkshasana, Tree pose. It's so rich with visualizations, symbolism, and connection to our earth – and all her inhabitants. Om Lokah Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu.

Thanks so much Jill, I love it! If you've got something you'd like to share with us, please send it along, I'll do my best to make some space for it. Columbus Day will stay on our regular schedule. 

Om Shanti,

-j

p.s.  I just added a 'spin the wheel' link to the left hand column. Each click returns a random post from the archives. Give it a click and see where it takes you!    

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The best laid plans of mice and men

August 20, 2010 in creativity, mantra, music, video, writing, Yoga | 1 comment

Namaste. Thanks so much for all the well wishes and welcome backs!  

I've been on a relatively fast pace since returning from India, and really felt the need to sit in quiet reflection. I headed off to Ananda Ashram for a few days of Mauna, the practice of sacred silence.

Arriving at Ananda is like coming home. No matter where you've been, the ashram always takes you back, and it's like you never left. I always pause at the old iron gates to set an intention for my stay. When I looked inwards, what came back was 'quiet'

Classical indian singing lessons at ananda ashram

Sitting down for my first simple meal, I looked up and there was the radiant Shrimati Kankana Banerjee sitting across from me.

She smiled and said, more as a statement than a question: "You're coming to my class tomorrow?"  Before I could even think about an answer, I felt my head nodding yes.

Turns out that Kankana is considered the best vocalist in india and she was at Ananda to teach a weeklong immersion in Classical Indian Singing.

          You can't always get what you want.

I was a bit resistant to this idea of not just singing, but singing all-day… I mean, I made my vow not to speak for 3 days, I was committed, or rather – attached to my plan.

After some going back and forth in my mind, I finally surrendered to the new plan, the opposite of what I 'wanted.' That next morning, I fixed myself a really huge mug of green tea and settled in for my first lesson.

           But if you try some time.

Kankana played an ancient harmonium, and led us in stringing many single syllables into beautiful – swimming melodies called Ragas.

           You just might find. 

Practicing the Raga scales is very meditative, There's a true sense of surrender to it  She leads, you follow, it's simple, beautiful, and beyond mind.  

My friend Kamaniya said "I didn't see you leave, but you were gone for some time, and I saw when you came back into your body. You were different." 

            You get what you need…

At some point, hours into the practice, I merged with the seductive sounds, sliding into a peace I've never experienced before. Words don't describe this new threshold, so I'll not even try.

Three days of Mauna practice may have been good for me, but surrender to the new plan was even better.  

I grapple with decisions sometimes. When faced with several equally nice sounding options, my mind gets all attached, looking for the 'right' decision. Is one ever really more right than the other?    

I've got this great opportunity to study with my teachers this October. It will take some effort to travel to Ohio to be with them for a few days. Planes, travel details and expenses… but mostly, being away from the students I'm so blessed to have.  

As I churn this choice in my mind, and type this, it seems I still haven't fully grasped this lesson that surrender is best. That things tend to appear right when we need them, and often not in the tidy packages we are looking for.

To make room for them, we sometimes have to un-make our minds.  Have you found yourself changing plans midstream, how did it work out?

I'll leave you with this beautiful video of Kankana singing:

Next Saturday August 28th is our free Open Mic Music Night at Yoga and Nia for Life.  And note the Live Music Yoga class with special Guest Tom Lena – 9am Sunday September 5th.    Om Shanti,  I'll see you in class.

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Back to Nature

July 17, 2010 in animals, creativity, jnana, writing, Yoga | 8 comments

a wild rabbit

I was sad one day and went for a walk; I sat in a field.
A rabbit noticed my condition and came near.

It often does not take more than that to help
at times– to just be close to creatures who
are so full of knowing, so full of love that they
don't chat, they just gaze with their marvelous
understanding.      -St. John

___________________________________________

We can't get back to nature.  We are nature.  When we can remember that, we tend to make better choices for our environment.

   What we do to nature, we do to ourselves.

Have you ever wondered why so many of the Yoga postures are named for things found in the natural world?  We have cows and cats, Camels and Crescent Moons.  Notice there is no Angry Motorist, Stressed Out Mom, or Corporate Bigwig posture…

The Yogis spent much time observing the natural world, and how we could live more in tune with the way of nature. They saw where the human condition could get us off track.  There's all the usual suspects of greed, fear, pride, stress, and strife, but the main culprit is our lack of awareness.

This is where our practice can really shine.  In slowing down, we can observe ourself in real-time, seeing aspects of ourselves we'd like to strengthen, and parts we would rather see less of.  

Our practice can return us to that simpler time, where we could do one thing at a time, more in harmony with the natural world.

   Our stress levels plummet, and we begin to heal.

Just stand in tree pose.  Go ahead, back away from the monitor. Stand up tall and true on one leg.  Embody the essence of a particular tree that you know.  

Aspire to her strength and suppleness, her grounding and reaching. Unconditionally sheltering and feeding all who come.  Stand in gratitude for your chosen tree.  

    All this time she's been breathing in your exhales,  and providing your inhales.  

Ask what you can learn from her.  If she could speak in our language, I'd imagine she'd say:  "Use less paper and wood.  When you do need to buy paper, seek out recycled… and in solidarity with me, stand in tree pose in the checkout line."

Yes, there is a Rabbit pose:  

Rabbit Yoga pose

 

And the rabbit stealing a cookie pose:

rabbit steals a cookie

Somedays, a carrot just doesn't cut it.  

Om Shanti,  I'll see you in class.

-john

p.s.  Two spots just opened up in our Oct. 2nd. Fall retreat, (The Oct 15th retreat is full up)  Let me know right away if you'd like to join us.

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Motivation

February 24, 2010 in creativity, Yoga | Add Your Comment

Making time for practice

Whatever it takes to get us to the mat…

The busier life gets, the more important Yoga becomes, and while crib notes may work for politicians, there are better ways to get your Om on.  

Sri Brahmananda Saraswati would say "Practice 10 minutes in the morning, 10 minutes in the evening, how hard is that?" When a reluctant student said "I don't have 10 minutes in the morning!"  he replied "oh, then you need an hour!"  

1. Make it a priority.  Remember how good you feel after your Yoga.  Plant the seeds for a daily practice.

2. Mark the classes you plan to attend on your calendar.   Go ahead, turn ahead to next month and write those classes in too!

3. Some people like to have a Yoga buddy.  Take turns driving to class, and now they're counting on you.

4. Technology can help,  Nowadays it's very-easy to send yourself a class reminder. Set it once and it will remind you every week.  Check out one of these free email and text message reminder services:

ReSnooze:  - Quick and easy to setup. The simplest of the bunch.

Time Cave:   –  Many more options,  precision timing.

My Email Reminders:  -   Highly configurable.

5. If you can't make the time for a full practice, 10-15 minutes of Yoga can really help keep the peace.  

If that's a challenge, Individual sessions really shine here, where we work together to develop a personalized home-practice.  

Hope this helps, I'd love to hear your ideas on making time to practice, just click on comment link and let us know how you get to the mat.

Om Shanti, I'll see you in class.

John

P.S.  check out the First Day of Spring countdown timer!, scroll down the left hand side of my website.  We'll be gathering for our special spring equinox class.  email me your rsvp.  -j   

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Yoga and Art

February 8, 2010 in creativity, video, Yoga | 3 comments

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.  Or talk with Aaron as he headlines our Open Mic Kirtan on Sat Feb 20th.  6:30 at Yoga and Nia for Life in West Concord.  I'll ask him to bring the painting!   By request, I'll be telling a few stories of my India travels. 

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.  

Don't miss posts like this, you can subscribe in the upper left hand corner.  -j

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