frugal living

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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

Be your own bailout

March 24, 2009 in Yoga, events, frugal living

Ram-Sita-Lakshmana-Hanuman

This Thursday is Ram’s appearance day. Ram is known for virtue, a word that has almost dropped from our vocabulary. Our politicians lie, our icons lie, the banks lied, even A-rod lied. 100% natural, new and improved, green? Who can you believe, who can you trust? Ram never lied, Ram always did the right thing. Even when it was very hard.

Don’t become cynical. Refine your self-awareness until your subtle body becomes a finely tuned truth-detector, then follow that bliss. When we sit down for practice, our mind often takes some time to settle down. Our endless to-do list. Are you worrying about work, Looking to get a life insurance policy? Dissolve these concerns with a long focused breath out.

Finding peace and stillness takes practice. Asana, Mantra, Kirtan, Meditation, a walk in the woods, listening to your favorite music, dance… a good run. What makes you feel connected? Do more of that. Double digit returns on your spiritual 401k ! This is how we bail ourselves out. Connection.

There’s a resurgence of the Kirtan wave in the Boston area, and throughout the country. People are gathering in Yoga studios, halls, and living rooms to share simple songs of connection. When we are connected, we make more appropriate choices, for ourseves, for others, and for our environment.

If you’re curious about Kirtan, come to our gathering at Yoga and Nia for Life in W. Concord on Saturday, April 4′th 6pm. it’s very low-key. Come listen, come sing along, and bring an insturment if you’d like. There’s no cost, and We’ll have information about the local Masters who have been cultivating these gatherings for years. Prajna, Ahsara, Shubal, and others. It’s a party, you’ll be glad you came!

In Honor of Ram’s day, this Thursdays Yoga classes at 4, and 5:30 will be inspired by Satya (truth), and Virtue, and of course, by Sita, Ram, and Hanuman We’ll crank up the harmonium and our voices to make space for truth, connection and virtue.

Om Shanti,

john

Dad’s Navy Bean and Kale Soup.

March 15, 2009 in frugal living, recipes | 2 comments

Yoga is Balance. Sun-Moon, Sita-Ram, Masculine-Feminine, Mom, and Dad… Mom’s soup was a tremendous hit, so, straight from Dad’s kitchen, here’s his latest favorite. Enjoy!

p.s. Yoga is about nourishing our whole-selves, body, mind and spirit. Create your soup with gratitude, with some great music on, with the best ingredients you can find. Be sure to share you soup.

Dad’s Navy Bean and Kale Soup
Kale and Navy Bean Soup
1 lb. navy beans, soaked, or quick soaked, see below.
8 cups vegetable broth
1 lg. can of diced tomato with juice
2 cups of carrots sliced
2 cups of celery sliced
1 large onion diced
3 garlic cloves minced
1 small can mushrooms, sliced
1 bunch kale, washed and chopped.
2 bay leaves, your best olive oil.
1 tsp. worcestershire sauce
salt and pepper to taste, pinch of red pepper.

Quick soak beans: cover with water, boil 2 mins. Shut off heat, let sit for 1 hour then drain off liquid.

Heat oil in large pot. Saute onion and garlic until soft.
Add drained beans, carrot, celery, vegetable broth, tomato, mushroom, bay leaves, and w-sauce. Add a pinch of salt, and a few twists of the pepper grinder.

Bring to boil, turn down heat, and simmer for 1 hour or so. Stir well, Adjust salt and pepper to taste, optional pinch of red pepper. Add chopped kale and simmer for another 10 minutes or so.

Serve with crusty bread and a glass of something nice… Let us know what you think by leaving a comment! -j

Concord yoga benefit

December 8, 2008 in Uncategorized, Yoga, events, frugal living | Add Your Comment

Kate, Natalie and I send our thanks for contributing to our wildly successful Yoga benefit class for the Acton Food Pantry. This was a day about raising the bar of generosity.

A record 45 people came to class at Yoga and Nia for Life in West Concord, MA.

I led a brief meditation to get everyone centered, then Kate led a spirited flow of Elemental Yoga. Some of this Yoga was new to us, and the focus in the room was incredible.

Natalie’s guided restorative session led us into a Shavasana that was truly welcomed by all. After the sighs, You could’ve heard a pin drop as people soaked-up their practice in serene-stillness.

concord yoga class to benefit the food pantry

Food, food, and more food! We counted 70 bags that weighed an average of 13 pounds. When I sent the original invite, I asked that people offer-up their favorite foods. Add in the generous donations by Whole Foods of Wayland of a case of olive oil and some great sauces and we’re around 1,000 pounds of food. A new record at the Acton Pantry!

There’s still some donations coming in, 100 more pounds and we’re at half a ton! Just look at what a committed group of Yogis can do:

food raised by the concord MA yoga students

I appreciate your huge hearts and participation in our yoga benefit. Bringing your favorite foods ensures a quality holiday dinner for many families in need. You’ve made a measurable difference. Our next step is to embrace this level of generosity year-round.

Thanks to Maria Skinner, owner of Yoga and Nia for Life for donating her beautiful practice space, Kate Millen for her skillful-compassionate teaching, Natalie Engler for easing us in for a peaceful landing, and Whole Foods of Wayland for their generous and thoughtful donation.

But most of all, thanks to you all! We’re blessed with the most amazing Yoga students in the MetroWest area. Your presence at these events makes our teachings possible.

Soooo, this does raise the bar a bit high, but I’m sure that together we can rise to it. Keep an eye out for the next benefit at the Yoga Events Page, or subscribing to this Yoga blog’s updates.

Om Shanti, I’ll see you in class.

John