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Signs of Life

March 14, 2010 in Yoga | Add Your Comment

Namaste.

Since way-back we have used seasonal changes to mark the passage of time. Creating rituals to honor what has passed, and welcome what's to come.

Spring Equinox Yoga Class

Long ago, I adopted the Spring Equinox to welcome change in my life, in a way it's my 're-birthday.' (I see a new line of hallmark cards…)

I take time to notice the past year, and welcome the new one. Not like a resolution, but more in the way of where am I coming from, and what am I doing with this gift of life?

Making space for ritual brings texture and depth to our lives. For me, the best rituals are simple, like taking a pause to notice and appreciate my connection to nature.

It's no accident that our Yoga postures are named for what the ancients saw daily in their lives. It's actually the first of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. YS 1.1: Atha Yoga Nushasanam. "Here is Yoga as I have observed it in the natural world."

We 'do' the tree pose to awaken the qualities of tree in ourselves. Strength and suppleness, our ability to reach high, from a very grounded place… Our ability to selflessly provide food and shelter for others.

If you're blessed with trees in your yard, go to a window, stand on one leg and reach out. Better yet, give your neighbors something to talk about. Go outside and get up close and personal with your tree.

If the police drive by really slowly, it's just a test of your focus.

On Saturday the 20'th we'll gather for our annual Spring Equinox Yoga class and outdoor – silent walk to the sacred circle. There we give thanks, and offer something old to the puja fire, making room for new growth:

This daylily sprout is the essence of Surya Namaskar. We can do this. Ground down, and reach high, through your obstacles, and come into the light.

Hope you can join us for Spring Equinox at Yoga and Nia for Life in West Concord, Saturday March 20th, 12:30 to 2:30pm. You can find out more on the 'events' page, or Click here to email an RSVP to john

Om Shanti,

-j

Patience Is Golden

March 4, 2010 in Yoga, writing | Add Your Comment

We tend to see our Yoga practice as the part that we do well, our favorite postures, that one that feels just right, the one that looks cool.

Our higher practice is actually the postures that challenge us the most, our least favorite, We've all got one that feels like Charlie Brown's Christmas tree:

tree pose, vrikshasana - don't try this at home...

Now this, is a tree that we can work with…

These are the places where we can learn ourselves, if we dare to look. Who do we become when our feathers are ruffled?

I was filling my Kleen Canteen at the Yoga studio today and found myself getting irritated, willing the water to move quicker. There it is, in that moment, noticing how I was being, The water bubble became my teacher. Guru Sakshat, What's happening right now – in this moment, becomes our teacher.

I was able to come around pretty quickly, and used the time to practice my Mantra, and gratitude for my access to unlimited clean water. These bits of mindfulness bring richness to our lives, and all we have to do is pay attention.

Of course, Many times our challenges have much bigger impact, and are much more challenging to see in this way. Practicing with the little ones, will help us deal with the big ones.

I've also found that the depth of the teaching is proportional to the depth of my inconvenience. I'm sure that I'm not alone in my experience of major letdowns turning out to be a huge favors with passing time.

Much of our suffering is avoidable.

There's a Yoga Sutra for this. Here's some homework: Lookup Patanjali's Yoga Sutra II.16. Google: Heyam Dukham Anagatam

Buddhist teacher Tich Nhat Hanh, never hurries, for anything. This irks his entourage at times, cause they miss many planes, He says "Why hurry, We'll have more time for meditation." I'm not saying we should all aspire to this level of patience, but a little goes a long way to reduce the stress in our lives.

Practice patience, make way for ducklings

What's your least favorite Yoga posture, What's your pet peeve?, Who irritates you the most? These are gold nuggets of opportunity. They are your teacher, they are your Guru Sakshat. If you slow down, and allow them to be.

All Day Yoga

Next time you're frustrated, or your Sun Salutation feels like a rusty-hinge, let your discomfort become the meditation chime. Ask, "what can I learn?" This is the Yoga you can do all day. This is the Yoga that will bring depth to your experience of this life.

I got another chance to practice at the supermarket. Molasses moves faster than this cashier! This time, I was ready for her. Cool as the cucumbers I was buying, I thanked her, and meant it. Slow down…

Om Shanti, I'll see you in class… and let me know what you find out about that Sutra II.16

-j

P.S. Yes, Joy can be a great teacher as well, next post…

Motivation

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

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

The Journey and the Destination

February 18, 2010 in Yoga | Add Your Comment

Yoga doesn't care about where we are from. Yoga cares about where we are going.

And how we get there matters…

Yoga is a journey and a destination

The teachings are clear, and very simple. We tend to become what we do all the time. Whether that is good news or bad, depends on how we practice. How much of life are we really present for?

Skim the surface, and the benefits of class are fading before we even reach the parking lot. Dig a bit deeper. and we experience lasting benefits, benefits that we can share with others… That's the Yoga that counts.

The recipe is simple. Set a clear intention, then follow through with a steady and focused effort. Don't succumb to the tyranny of a superficial practice.

No, you don't have to become a sadhu, Just focus. One thing at a time. It's that easy, and that difficult. Therein lies the practice, the returning to – right now. Slow down, live deep. Practice.

Change that old saying. Say no to the either-or. We can have both, The Journey, and the Destination.

You're closer than you think, Keep going.

I'll see you in class, we'll keep it simple, we'll focus, and we'll keep it real.

Om Shanti.

-John

P.S. A great post on Snow Shoveling Backache Yoga from Diane at the Everything Yoga Blog. Great job Diane, thanks!

Yoga and Art

February 8, 2010 in Yoga, creativity, video | 1 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. 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

Covered

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

a few good books

November 20, 2009 in Yoga, books, video, writing, yoga films | 2 comments

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

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

Vinyasa Yoga Defined

October 8, 2009 in Yoga, jnanna | 1 comment

What is Vinyasa, anyway?

by Daniel Dale

Many experienced yoga practitioners who have studied in other Hatha Yoga traditions, have shared with me that on the whole their experiences taking classes labeled “Vinyasa” have been very frustrating.

These are folks who approached me after taking a class I taught, and told me that they loved how we moved at a pace that allowed them to breathe. Some have literally reported that in all the “Vinyasa” Yoga classes they had taken previously, the pace was so frantic that they hardly had time to take a breath.

It seems there is a widespread conception of Vinyasa Yoga as being fast and aerobic. And that is how it is often presented. One might ask, is it appropriate to refer to aerobics, even aerobics that is done as a sequence of classical Yogasanas, as “Yinyasa Yoga?”

We can infer that there is disagreement over what constitutes Vinyasa Yoga, since such a wide range of approaches are given this common label. America’s most popular Yoga magazine said of Vinyasa Yoga, “This American innovation is more freeform than its progenitor, Ashtanga Yoga.” (Yoga Journal, Feb. 2008. p.75).

I disagree with 3 assumptions that are embedded in this definition, so I ask you to question:

€ Is it “freeform?” How freeform can a genre be without it being impossible to define?

€ Is vinyasa yoga an American, and not an Indian, innovation?

€ Is it, as Yoga Journal has called it, “derivative of Ashtanga Yoga?”

A good deal of the sequencing found in many vinyasa yoga teachers’ repertoires, does draw heavily on the Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series that was taught by the late K. Pattabhi Jois, who was a student of T. Krishnamacharya. And in many Vinyasa Yoga classes, one encounters a tendency toward relatively high speed that seems to have the same inspiration.

(Of course, not all Ashtangis are speed demons on the mat, but as a whole they tend to move faster than most yogis.)

On the other hand, it is said by Srivatsa Ramaswami, author of The Complete Book of Vinyasa Yoga, that Vinyasas are to be executed with a maximum breath rate of 6 per minute, possibly as slow as 2 breaths per minute for advanced practitioners.

Ramaswami studied for 33 years under T. Krishnamacharya, and says that as he learned it from the master, vinyasa yoga was “the antithesis of aerobic exercise.” He has also taken a stance on what parameters exist that limit what one might call Vinyasa Yoga.

I have made an attempt to address these elusive matters coherently in the article Vinyasa: about this form of Yoga, I’ve posted to my website, the Om Again Yoga Pages.

Much love to all of you who frequent Yoga With John — an excellent port of call for yogis sailing the seas of the blogosphere— and many thanks to John Calabria for inviting me to share this with you. -Daniel

Yoga teacher / somatic educator Daniel Dale is a student of yoga in the tradition of T. Krishnamacharya. He offers yoga workshops internationally, offers private yoga lessons and teaches weekly Yoga classes in New York City.

Yoga Retreat

October 6, 2009 in Yoga, abundance | 1 comment

I’ve got a great guest-commentary about Vinyasa yoga coming from my friend Daniel, a NYC Yoga Teacher and writer. I’m in the midst of formatting it, and will share as soon as I can.

Just back from our annual Fall retreat. Many thanks to those who could join us. Sprit Fire is amazing. Not an austere event by any means! in between focused classes and workshops we feasted on gourmet vegetarian food, Much of it organically grown on site. Yes, there’s coffee in the morning, and decadent snacks in between classes. It was a joy to teach, we had a great group. A full house, sorry for those on the waiting list, but as-promised, you’re first in line for our retreat in May, There’s been a tremendous response to the pre-invite and I’m doing my best to arrange for a second spring weekend to accommodate us all.

I’ll get that Vinyasa article up very soon.

In humble gratitude, it’s so great to see you all in class.

John

World Vegetarian Day

September 30, 2009 in Yoga, abundance, ahimsa | Add Your Comment

Namaste.

I got some emails regarding the Fruit Fly Liberation blogpost. Most were favorable, a few were fun, and a couple were hostile. I’m used to the full-spectrum of reactions to my suggesting compassion. For some reason, some people are threatened by the idea of caring for others.

I wouldn’t say they are cold or heartless, just misinformed. I bet they care for their dog or cat just fine. All of us have a level of compassion, where we draw our line. This is selective compassion. The Practice of Ahimsa, or non-violence asks us to lower this line to include more beings. This is a foundational aspect of Yoga.

Myself, I don’t feel qualified to decide which beings to care for, it’s a matter of simplification to care for all beings, even the small ones, even the unpopular ones. If the pigeons raid the feeder, I put more seed out. They are hungry too. Ditto for the Squirrels. Why not?

As I was washing my greens for dinner tonight I noticed this tiny little bug in the basin of water. He sure was small, and… he was swimming. I held him a leaf, and he climbed on. As I set him out in the garden, I could imagine his relief.

Yes, I project a lot onto others… But this bug was trying to save himself, as you would if you were dumped in the middle of the ocean. My dinner was nicer in knowing that he survived it.

This will to live is inherent in all beings. We share the same Prana, (not the Yoga-pants, but the lifeforce) that animates him.

Okay, so John’s ranting about the bugs again.

But It’s really not about the bugs, it’s about recognizing the gift of life in all beings.

October first is World Vegetarian Day. Please read: The Startling Effects of Going Vegetarian for Just One Day

Yoga asks us to examine our beliefs often, and hold our truths lightly, cause they change as we learn more about ourselves and our world. We don’t have to be selective, we can care for all beings. Om Lokah Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu.

The further I walk along this path, the less I need to know.

As we head off to our Fall Retreat at Spirit Fire this weekend, our group will live in peaceful practice and enjoy amazing Vegetarian food.

We’ve got a full house this trip, but a couple spots may still be left for the Spring 2010 retreat. Email me right away if you’re interested in joining us though.

Om Shanti, I’ll see you in class.

john

Yoga Books

September 21, 2009 in Yoga, abundance, books | Add Your Comment

I’m often asked "What Yoga books would you recommend?" I have more than a few favorites, but first a caveat.

Jnanna Yoga is the pursuit of knowledge. However it can be a trap. When we approach our Yoga studies like the rest of our modern lives we ‘collect’ Yoga knowledge. We stuff ourselves with the facts and figures and leave no room for clear understanding. Our culture is about more. Yoga is about less.

There are acres of ancient texts available, ancient maps to liberation, We’re fortunate that the modern masters have translated them for us. As usual in our culture, we can drown in our abundance.

Paramahansa Yogananda taught that once we integrate a single sentence into our lives, only then should we move on to the next line. A book would last a while huh?

When we approach our practice from the point of less is more, then we can appreciate the subtle. No need to run after every workshop, or fill your schedule with classes. Honor the space between things. This practice of space shows up in our lives, doing less, needing less, making some space for the unfolding. Pour a cup of something. Sit and sip. That’s enough.

I was brought to this most amazing Puja, (fire worship) for Chamundi, a form of the Mother. Very complex. All sorts of Mudras, Mantras, songs, and offerings to the fire. It took 4+ hours to conclude. At the end my teacher handed me a mala, and whispered a mantra in my ear. "Condensed" he said. The entire 4 hour ceremony contained in 7 words. Yes, the rituals are sacred and important, but balance is key.

You’ll never learn all the mantras. No need to, they are all contained in our sacred sound ‘Om.’ Can you really feel Om? It’s no surprise that we need to approach our Yoga Studies in a Yogic mindset of balance. Can we practice that most ancient Mantra of ‘enough?" Okay. here’s the short list:

I have a well used, and often referred to copy of the Jivamukti book:

Jivamukti Yoga: Practices for Liberating Body and Soul

and you’ll need a copy of the Sutras:

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: Commentary on the Raja Yoga Sutras by Sri Swami Satchidananda

and perhaps a translation of the Bhagavad Gita:

The Bhagavad Gita : A Walkthrough for Westerners

Start there. Savor them, a page a day. Let me know what you think. The teachings are vast, give up the idea of absorbing them all this time around.

Om Shanti, I’ll see you in class.

Fruit Fly Mukti

September 13, 2009 in Yoga, animals | 2 comments

When we chant Om Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu it means May *All* Beings Be Free of Suffering.

We vow to do our best. So you’ve got fruit flies?

Here’s a pic of my nifty fruit fly catch and release system:

how to deal with fruit flies

I’ve found that a copy of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali works very well as the base, I think they come for knowledge as well as the tasty bit of over-ripe banana. Leave this setup for a few hours.

While you’re waiting, go practice all the Yoga postures named after bugs. Scorpion anyone? I’m drawing a blank on the others, Perhaps we could list them in the comments. Let’s hear what you’ve got?

After your Shavasana, sneak up and swiftly pull the cork out, cause they are fast! (when you’re little you have to be.) Bring them outside and open up over another piece of nice fruit for them to take refuge on.

Make it organic, say Mantra for them and I can almost guarantee that you will never come back as a fruit fly.

Om Shanti, I’ll see you in class, and we’ll be sure to do ’Live-Bug’ pose.

John

P.S. Hope you can join us for Sunday’s Equinox Workshop, and the following week is our Open Mic Kirtan, and restorative class. See the events page for details.

Want Change? Make Changes.

August 27, 2009 in Yoga | 7 comments

"Want Change? Make Changes." is an old saying from back in my engineering days. Don’t get me started about stagnation in the corporate world.

Not just a big-biz phenomenon, We all form patterns of behavior, some serve us well, and some are in the way of who we’re becoming.

Yoga asks us to look at things differently, through a lens that is continually cleansed and changed by our practice.

Yoga asks us not to get lulled into the trap of complacency.

change through the heat of Tapas

Doing just one thing different can change everything. Take a different route home today. Buy that strange looking vegetable at the farmers market. Skip Netflix this week and go to the big screen, go to the drive in. Walk don’t drive. Wash the dishes by hand. Need some new and very-loyal friends? Buy a bird feeder. Go to that other coffee shop with a good book. If you always read, just sit and sip. Try a new Yoga class out. (hint… visit LuLu Lemon and pickup a bunch of first-class-free coupons to the area studios.) Yeah, I’ll miss you in class, but, it may be really good for you.

What do you avoid, shy away from? Why? Shake things up: Roll out your mat. Do your nemesis posture 10 times, with a smile. imagine it was your favorite. If you’ve been practicing for years, take a beginners class. Next time you’re feeling resistance to something, step right into it. Cook it with the heat of your Tapas. The resistance becomes dust in your path. Yes, you’re a step closer to who you’re becoming.

Sidestepping our normal patterns tells ourselves at many levels that we are open to change, really, and that we are making room for it.

Anyone can want change, anyone can set an intention, but a Yogi follows through with the effort required, and that Tapas creates lasting change.

"If we always do what we’ve always done, we’ll always get what we’ve always got." -Hanumanji at Ananda Ashram

So I put it out there, Make a change, click on the ‘add your comment link’ and inspire us all with how it goes.

Om Shanti, I’ll see you in Class -j

Yoga, Inc.

August 8, 2009 in Yoga, video, yoga films | Add Your Comment

At some recent point, the word Asana, (postures) became synonomous with Yoga.

Asana is a powerful vehicle for transformation, but without the framework of Yoga, it’s exercise, and the benefits are fleeting.

Asana is third on the eight limbed path of Yoga. It comes after the ethical and purifying principles of the Yamas and Niyamas. Ways for a society to live together in harmony.

You see, Yoga is much much more than the postures. It’s a path, a way of life handed down from the ancients. It’s a carefully mapped out way to end suffering and find liberation in our lives.

John Philp was kind enough to send me a copy of his documentary Yoga, Inc. to review for you all. John’s film addresses the sideshow that our national Yoga scene has become, Yoga (asana) competitions, lawsuits, franchises, infideliity and sexual misconduct. Here’s a short clip:

Major players have pulled Asana from the context of Yoga to stand alone as a way to make tremendous amounts of Money. Many of these major ’stars’ of Yoga mean very well, but some have lost their way. How can you tell? look at their actions, and how they treat others.

Thanks John, for making the film Yoga Inc.

It has become okay in some circles to abandon principle, call anything Yoga and peddle it as a means to make money.

Last year a heavily promoted, major "yoga" charity events headlining sponsor was a Factory Farm. The factory farms are major polluters, users of energy, and they wreak unmeasurable suffering on all involved. The tagline of the event "Come do Yoga to save Mother Earth!" Huh?

Am I the only one who sees the emperor has no clothes? Do we sidestep the teachings, and the idea of Karma when there’s money involved?

Money is pure potential, what matters is how you got it, and what you do with it. Are these teachers at fault, or are they giving us what we want?

We don’t have to go to these events.

The means do not justify the ends. Each and every dollar you spend is a vote for the world you’d like to live in. Who are your teachers, what do they stand for? How do their students act?

if you are a ‘Yoga’ teacher, what are you teaching? are your actions and words inline? Are your students getting more than buff?

Live your Yamas and Niyamas:

Yamas: Ahimsa – Satya – Asteya – Bramachyra – Aparigraha

Niyamas: Saucha – Santosha – Tapas – Swadyaya – IshvaraPranidad

I’m doing my best to live in Yoga, I’ve come a long way, and have a long way to go.

In gratitude for this path.

John

p.s. Many thanks for all the inspiring emails and stories for the "reflections" page. I love to hear how Yoga has been showing up in your lives.

Kirtan

July 24, 2009 in Yoga, music | 2 comments

I’ve been asked several times this week, "What is Kirtan?"

The experience of Kirtan is beyond words, But I’ll give it a try. Technically, Kirtan is a method of learning via call and response. Back before teachings were written down, they were passed in an oral tradition. Students would learn the acres of scripture by repetition and rhythm.

In the Vaishnava tradition, Kirtan is the only way to self-realization that works in our current times. Way back in the Sat-Yuga, (age of truth) people lived to be 100,000 years old, and that is the last time that Yoga really worked. In our current age, Kali-Yug, the age of darkness, we don’t have enough time, and must recite the name of divinity to realize our own divine nature.

If we lived to be 100,000 years old, our IRA’s might have enough time to recover huh?

In our culture, Kirtan has come to mean songs of devotion, called out in Sanskrit by a leader; responded to in chorus along with some instruments. You hear some of these songs in Yoga class. The voices unite, and you feel really good after. You can ‘hide’ in the chorus until you find your range, and join in…. Everyone can sing kirtan. Really.

My personal experience of Kirtan is that the whole of Yoga is contained within it.

The songs are sweet, or Ahimsic in nature. They are devotional: Ishvara Pranidad. We sit still, in Asana. These Mantras takes all our breath, a focused Pranayama.

Once The rhythm is established, we slide into Pratyahara, a withdrawal from the external senses. This brings about a single point of focus: Dharana, the gateway to Meditation: Dhyana. In this meditation we are cleansed of negative thoughts and emotions: Kriya.

When the music stops, In that viscous-stillness we look within: Swadyaya, and get a glimpse of Samadhi, our blissful true nature.

That’s a sliver of how Kirtan has unfolded for me. To find your truth about Kirtan, come try. I host at least once a month, and maintain the Boston Kirtan Facebook group where you can find out about all the local offerings.

Namaste.

-j

Seva

July 18, 2009 in Yoga | 6 comments

happiness is yoga

Psychology Studies have shown that happiness is contagious. By choosing to be happy, you are helping others to be happy.

Yoga tells us that happiness comes from contentment, non-grasping, and service to others. The Sanskrit word for selfless service is Seva.

It’s a very simple formula, Find what you serve, your calling, Do that.

Not sure what you serve? here’s a hint, we don’t choose our calling, it chooses us. Meditate on it… at some level you know what moves you. When we serve our calling, there’ s unlimited energy, and our sense of time slips away.

Still elusive? Try some volunteer work. There are countless opportunities to serve people, animals, and the environment. Coach a kids team, clean a river, help at the food pantry, walk the dogs over at Buddy dog… Let me know if I can help you find a gig.

I’ve been on the volunteer staff at the Pat Brody Shelter for Cats for over 15 years. Tomorrow morning I’ll be there, cleaning, grooming, feeding, and offering my care to the homeless animals. Maybe not for everyone, but for me, the work is pure Ananda, or bliss.

There’s a time for sadness and grief, surely they are healing emotions. I’m sure there’s times when anxiety helps protect us. but the way back to feeling good again is to:

Do what you love, for people who love what you do.

Om Shanti,

-j

p.s. let us know what you serve, post a comment, perhaps you’ll help someone else find their way.

Guru Purnima

July 7, 2009 in Yoga | 3 comments

On this Day, the full moon between July and August. We are asked to remember our teachers, and honor the scriptures and textbooks that bring us knowledge and light the way on our path.

GURU BRAHMA,
GURU VISHNU,
GURU DEVO MAHESHWARAH
GURU SAKSHAT PARA-BRAHMA,
TASMAI SHRI GURUVE NAMAH.

Guru is creator

Guru is Sustainer

Guru is Transformer

Reverence for all my teachers.

Guru Sakshat is the phrase that is most predominant in our Physical Yoga practice. this is the current teacher, in this moment what can you learn about yourself, and your world-view.

Create the posture, you are Brahma.

Sustain the posture you are Vishnu.

Watch for what is revealed in this moment. The fragile space between doing. This is the essence of Guru Sakshat. Learning what we can from our current predicament.

Whether the quiet space of child’s posture, or becoming the eye of the storm in your most challenging posture. This is it, this is where the Yoga comes. don’t miss it.

Release the posture back to where it came from,

you are Maheshwarah, or Shiva. Transformation.

We have to release what is, to make room for what we are becoming.

See all as your Guru, especially your biggest challenges.

Om Shanti, I’ll see you in class.

John

Just Ducky

June 19, 2009 in Yoga | 1 comment

Joy no matter what

Namaste!

I’ve been hearing lots of grumbling about our current weather pattern. Don’t join in. Come practice with us and be one of ’those’ people who smile in the rain!

With steady practice we can become as happy as

those people who rent the big tents.

Looking ahead

I’m sub-teaching Erin’s YNFL classes , 6/27-28,
and again on the 4th and 5′th of July. Saturday class is 8am, and

Sunday’s in at 9am, Yoga and Nia for Life in West Concord.

A treat

Sundari will be coming out from Jivamukti Yoga in NYC to assist our independence weekend classes on the 4′th and 5′th!

It’s been great to see you all in class, I’m grateful for the opportunity to teach.

Om Shanti.

-john

Swadyaya

June 7, 2009 in Yoga | 2 comments

Recently, I read where a seasoned Yoga teacher, with ‘impressive’ credentials was asked "What does Yoga mean to you?. Her answer surprised me…

One of the main foundations of Yoga is Swadyaya, often translated to study of scripture, but can also mean study of the self, in relation to the teachings.

It’s important to listen very-carefully in class. As your practice becomes seasoned, fine-tune your Viveka, or discernment as well.

What you’re hearing in class is one persons view, or suggestion of what might be good for your practice. You must weigh that with skillful Swadyaya, self study, to make the practice your own.

Too-early this morning I was sub-teaching a class, got distracted by my ipod, and told the class to rise into Setu Bhandasan, the bridge pose. Thing is, they were all lying flat on their bellies. There was a visceral pause, then I realized what I had said.

The Vinyasa-logjam was good for a laugh, and was a perfect teaching for us all. I talked a bit about Swadyaya, and how teachers are fallible, and how me must take responsibility for our Yoga, for our experience in class.

Don’t ‘audit’ the class. Dig deep. Yoga from the inside out.

Know when to color outside the lines. If your back is sore and you hear "Bow pose" perhaps a low-Cobra is more-appropriate. Be careful not to over-indulge in softening the practice., we still need to challenge ourselves, and steep our Yoga in Tapas.

So, the teacher I mentioned earlier, answered the question:

"What does Yoga mean to you…"

with a quote from a famous Yoga teacher. Huh?

Yes, quotes can be powerful teachers,

but it’s what someone else said!

So, as a teacher committed to helping people find their own truth, I ask. "What does Yoga mean to you?"

Please, take a moment to sit in Swadyaya, and type in a comment, your perspective could be just what someone else needs to hear.

Om Shanti, I’ll see you in class.

-john

Making Time for Practice

June 4, 2009 in Yoga | 2 comments

Namaste!

Just when I had thought I’d heard all the reasons not to practice, A regular and committed student told me: "My Dog ate my mala." Didn’t we all try that in grade school with our homework?

For those new to Yoga, a Mala is a string of beads we use to keep track in our mantra, or Japa Mala practice. The beads help focus our mind, and keep our commitment to the practice.

There are countless distractions to our regular practice, and without a firm commitment, our practice can become peripheral, or slip away completely.

There’s a great story from my teacher’s teacher Sri Brahmananda Saraswati. A student asked how to make time for his meditation practice, and he replied, "No problem, 10 minutes in the morning, 10 minutes in the evening." The student replied, "But I don’t have 10 minutes." "Oh, Then you need an hour" was the teachers response.

With regular practice, lasting benefits come, 10 minutes a day in between the days you take a class really help your practice to stay fresh, your mind, and body to stay supple. Where can we slow down, and make space for stillness, and a concentrated practice?

What works best for me is getting some early morning practice in, then finding opportunities throughout the day to practice Asana and Mantra; I plant and tend a garden at a friends house, and the walk there is a beautiful opportunity for spontaneous meditation practice.

Sometimes it’s Japa Mala, a song, or silent appreciation is what’s needed. What serves me best is getting out of my own way, and letting my practice out. Slow down. Breathe. A glass of iced tea can be a meditation. Weave practice into your day and your day will become practice.

As the ‘nice’ weather rewards us for the Tapas of New England Winter, it’s been traditional over the years for the studios to empty out. Not so these last few years, especially at Yoga and Nia For Life. (Sometimes we take refuge in turning on the air conditioning)

A bunch of us are meeting up for the special 108 minute Summer Solstice class on Sunday June 21, 12:30. Hope you can join us!

For the record, L. and M’s dog really did eat their Mala. I made sure to get them another, and they are practicing regularly. If you’d like to learn Japa meditation, (it’s great beach-walking practice) let me know, we often practice this in our workshops and focus classes.

Please share where you fit in practice, click on the ‘add your comment’ link in the upper left hand corner. We can all learn from each other.

Om Shanti, I’ll see you in class.

-john

P.S. Our Fall retreat is fully booked up, I’m forming a short wait-list, and if there’s enough people interested in coming we can explore adding a second weekend. There’s also been many requests for a Spring retreat. Let me know if that interests you, and I’ll see if we can set something up.

Want Less

May 27, 2009 in Yoga | 1 comment

Aparigraha and Santosha

The very next time you find yourself wanting, sit with the desire. This is the practice of Aparigraha, or non-grasping, one of the five Yamas, or restraints that are the foundation of Yoga.

As our practice evolves, what is important to us may change, but our mind may still be stuck in the old ways. Installing that pause to reflect helps us to discover what really matters. To more clearly discern wants from needs.

You’ve probably heard the phrase "The Yoga posture begins once we desire to be out of it." As Yogis, we stay and observe our mind preferring things to be different than they are. We breathe and make peace with the desire.

Practicing this in the controlled environment of a Yoga class can help us to be steadier when we cannot control what is unfolding in our lives.

Over time this practice will create space in your mind, in your life, and your closets.

Take care, and be sure to check the Events page. We’ll have special classes for the Summer Solstice on June 21, and an independence practice on the 4′th of July.

Happy Mothers Day

May 10, 2009 in Yoga | Add Your Comment

Help Mother earth

Happy Mothers Day !

Sorry to have missed you all on Thursday, I was was with a long-time teacher of mine who was in town for one night. I soaked up all he had to offer and will share with you all. Thanks for all your emails. I look forward to seeing you in class this week, and hopefully at our Community Kirtan gathering this Saturday, May 16, 6pm, at Yoga and Nia for Life in West Concord. See the Events page for more info.

Om Shanti.

john

Catch and Release

April 30, 2009 in Yoga | Add Your Comment

In Asana class the other day we talked about balancing strive with acceptance and humility. Our physical practice can invoke our striving nature, our need to compete, to improve, or ‘collect’ postures, especially the ones we see as advanced. This can distract us from our path, and can lead to frustration and injury. Depth in our practice must be balanced with humility and acceptance.

I recalled as a boy fishing with my father, We practiced ‘catch and release’ fishing. When hooked, we’d haul the fish in, unhook her, and set her free.

I thought about how that could be a metaphor for how we can aspire to live. With a loose grip on things and experiences, we can flow with what is, that dance between grasping and contentment, The sanskrit terms are: Graha and Santosha.

Everything is on loan, including the breath you just took. (stop reading, sit up straight, close your eyes and take three long, smooth, borrowed breaths)

I was always horrified to catch a fish, it is such an act of violence. Don’t tell dad, but towards the end of my fishing hobby I realized that if I didn’t bait the hook, I wouldn’t catch anything. Dad would be hauling them in, calling over to me , "Any bites?" nope, none at all Dad.

Vinyasa Yoga is to flow with breath and intention. Why limit this to Yoga class?

Live in Vinyasa, loosen your grip on things, thoughts, and experiences… Breathe. Catch and release. Step into your flow.

Om Shanti, Peace to the fishes. I’ll see you in class.

-j

p.s. did you do the three breaths? Couple spots still open for the Invoking Shiva class this weekend, and our Fall Retreat is 3/4’s full, or would that be 1/4 empty ? Let me know right away if you’d like to join us. Details on the Yoga Events page.

The You Bar

April 18, 2009 in Yoga, abundance, recipes | 6 comments

Food is life, it becomes part of us. Literally. I make the majority of my food at home, with quality ingredients, and tend to eat in restaurants where I know the owner, I believe that food created with intention is better for us.

Sometimes I resort to ‘food’ bars while on the road. Not too often, cause most of them seem to have just too much sugar for me. I feel better when I can pack something more substantial, simple, and real.

I’ve just hooked up with this great company that makes custom nutritional bars! there’s a great web interface, you choose your own tasty ingredients from a menu. They even print your chosen name on the wrappers! and, I’ve arranged a 5% discount for us.

My new favorite thing:

You Bar, at You bar, you build your own nutritional bar

I’m really excited to send ‘make your own bar’ gift certificates to my friends and family, and make bars with their names on them.

I ‘made’ myself a nice vegan bar with no added sugar, and called it by my nickname.

Make your own bar, perhaps name it after your favorite Yoga pose, and! Yes, I called the chef.

Anthony over at YouBar hooked us up. Remember to type in YogaJohn for a coupon code and get 5% off your order!

Check out youbars.com, and have a blast! let me know what you end up making, we could trade and have a taste-test.

how about a SuryaNamaskarBar?

Om Shanti, see you in class.

-john

P.S. Just A few spots still open in the special Restorative Yoga class next Sunday, and check out our Invoking Shiva class the following Saturday of May 2′nd. This will be the last workshop this season. see the events page for more info!

Vrkshasana

April 7, 2009 in Yoga, abundance, recipes | 6 comments

vrkshasana the tree pose. yoga and the environment

In Vrkshasana, or tree pose we are looking to reclaim our connection. From connection comes balance, and choices that are more life affirming.

When you rise into Vrkshasana, you reduce your footprint on Mother Earth by half. By lessening our impact, we deepen our connection.

Our practice serves as a mirror, if we have the courage to look, to see clearly how we’ve been living.

I hope you have a favorite tree you can clearly bring into your mind, if not, find one. I can lend you one of mine. Visit your tree, notice your tree through the seasons, even if it’s a drive-by, acknowledge and make connection, a relationship.

Learn from her. When you practice tree pose, you now have a model, internal drishti. Be a nice tree, a tree that birds would want to nest in.

Every day, 50,000 acres of trees are taken down for paper, packaging, and to make room for animals to be raised for food. Each American uses 740 pounds of paper every year. Can we use less, can we choose meals lower on the food chain?

As Yogis, we pledge to abide in truth. Do we have the courage to look honestly at our lifestyle and where we could change? I know that many of us are suffering from Green Fatigue, but here’s a few easy ways to make a difference, and deepen your connection.

Need to send a gift? plant a tree for them: BeGreenNow.com

Stop the catalogs for free:

Stop those telephone books for free:

Look forward to an empty mailbox:

Reducing junkmail is noble, but our individual footprint is primarily made up by our diet. Lower on the chain means much less area cleared for the raising of animals, We also inflict less harm, and improve our health. It becomes clear that what’s good for us, is good for all beings. visit Vegsource for recipes, or ask me for more info.

Reading about this is one thing, my hope is that you’ll take a step and enrich your connection. Every action, every dollar spent is a vote for the type of world you wish to live in.

Remember to visit your tree. Go ahead, give her a hug. Nobody’s looking, or even if they are…

Om Shanti,

John

p.s. Sharon Gannon’s new book: Yoga and Vegetarianism is a captivating read.

Zero Degrees of Separation

March 30, 2009 in Yoga, writing | 2 comments

P.S. join us for open mic-satsang this saturday at yoga and nia for life, west concord 6pm. sing, dance, read your poem, play your instrument, just listen… no cost. bring your peace.

The wave thinks that it is different from all the other waves. It says, "I have a name, a shape, I have movement in a particular direction’. The ocean, knowing that all the water is itself, just enjoys the dance.

The waves can think, ‘I am independent; I have many friends in front of me and behind me; we are all moving along together.’

The waves might even decide to have a satsang. They may get together and say. ‘Let us go off together and find the ocean. Let us meditate together and try to find out where the ocean is. I have heard it is very wonderful there.’

So, they travel along, looking for the ocean, and hoping that they will one day find it.

The ocean doesn’t know anything about this. It just knows that the still, silent depths and the froth on the surface are all itself.

~ Papaji, The Fire of Freedom (thanks Deborah)

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

Show Me a Sign

March 10, 2009 in Yoga, music | 7 comments

Krishna Das, Harmonium bina

After meditation this morning, I played a few Bhajans on this old harmonium, usually puts me in a great mood, and I’m ready for just about anything. I was thinking about our challenging times and our many different ways of coping. How practice can be seen as refuge, but eventually we must come out of our cave and live in this world of ours.

Looking down I noticed the reflection of a window in the harmonium glass. The spring thaw from the roof appeared to be raining upwards, like little gems, and the brilliant reflection framed Krishna Das’s signature "All Love – KD" perfectly. You could almost hear the angels sing.

I was transfixed by the simple messge that KD had written many years ago at the Ashram. It was his response to my question, "How do I live with my doubt" Perhaps it’s that easy. All Love, Love All. I felt blessed, to have the time to practice, to have this home studio as refuge, for awareness, for my teachers.

Then I got graspy, got up to get my camera, (why do I do that?) which doesn’t begin to show the beauty of that moment. Perhaps I could have sat longer, present to the teaching.

We can’t get back to now, but we can be in it, and practice Aprarigraha, – non-grasping. I’m still glad for the pic though, so I could share it with you all.

Thanks KD, your message, and your teacher, Neem Karoli Baba’s message lives on. I will practice this.

Om Bolo Sri Krishna Das Dev Ki – Jai!

-j

p.s. If you get these blog-posts by email, click to see the picture, I’m working on getting the email to include images.

Pom Wonderful Pomegranate Juice

March 7, 2009 in Yoga, events, recipes | 2 comments

Pomegranate juice antioxidant

Molly over at Pom Wonderful sent me a case of their pomegranate juice to try out, and tell you all about. I’m sure you’ve heard of pomegranates. My Mom would buy them for us as a treat around Thanksgiving time, We called them Indian Apples. Prying the seeds from the bitter rind was fun, and there was the sweet/tart reward.

POM has spent $25 million on research, and the juice doesn’t just taste good, but has many health benefits. "and the concentrated Polyphenols make it the most potent antioxidant in nature." According to Michael Davidson M.D.

If you’re curious, you can check out the health benefits, recipes, and more at Molly’s Pom Blog

No longer just a treat, and we no longer have to peel, the juice can be had in most stores. I like it cold with a splash of seltzer. I’ll see if I can get us some coupons.

Much appreciated Molly, and if you need a second opinion you’ve got my address!

So much Kirtan happening this month

March 14, Wah’s concert to benefit Amma, the Hugging Saint.

March 20, Krishna Das is in Cambridge

March 21, Kirtan with Prajna, Shubal, and Ashara at the Arlington Center.

March 22, Hanuman Chalisa at Prajna’s on the 22′nd. phew.

April 4, Satsang with John and guests, details to follow

April 5, Kirtan with Ashara in Topsfield – 978-887-9708

I’d love to see Wah! again, but I’ll be at the temple for a special Narayan – Lakshmi Puja.

March is a big month for Rama as well, the 26′th in particular. We’ll talk about Rama at The Sping Equinox Class on the 21’st, check the Events page for the scoop.

Om Shanti,

-j

Start Where You Are

March 5, 2009 in Yoga | 5 comments

Yoga With John

Growing up, I remember this ritual of my fathers. Every Saturday he would come home from work, and over lunch (a sandwich with potato chips inside) would sit up straight, and make out the list for the day. Here’s the magic: He would start with a few items that he had already accomplished, and cross them out. All this with the drone of candlepin bowling on our relic-of-a black and white television.

When I close my eyes, I can still hear the pins exploding, and the sedated Howard Cosell wanna-be announcer bleating out, ’strike, and that puts him up by 6 pins’ Dad reads this blog, do you still make these lists?

Practice already done is foundation, or ‘Sthira’. Hopefully it’s sweet, or ‘Sukham’. Something we can build on. Like the saying ‘you can’t step into the same river twice’ We can never be that person we were yesterday. But we can take what we’ve learned and move forward in understanding, trying not to repeat our mistakes. But it’s important to start where we are now.

Each day, set a clear intention, do your best to stay focused, and let go of the need for a certain outcome. Focused flow. A timeless teaching from the Bhagavad Gita.

There are places in the yoga world where study of scripture for 20 years is the prerequisite for learning a single Yoga pose. Here, we dive right in. What we are studying are very advanced practices, with very long lineages. is Yoga practice a hobby, a refuge, a path to liberation, or a good workout? It’s all, and none in the same moment. Pure potential, pure emptiness.

When you’re unrolling your mat, remember to start where you are, with clear intent, and practice relaxing your grip on the outcome.

I’ll see you in class.

Om Shanti

-j

Buddha Sees His Shadow

March 1, 2009 in Yoga, events, recipes | 2 comments

Spring Is Coming!

Buddha Statue in the snow, spring cleaning class

Not known to be a skier, he’s up to his eyes with this snow…

Thanks so much to the Yoga and Cooking class attendees this past weekend! Great food, lots of fun, and many requests to have another. Isn’t it the perfect place and huge kitchen for a class like that? It’s a joy to teach there every Monday morning.

Thanks to Amy for her kitchen skills. I’ll be sure to post the pictures and recipes up here very soon. Send in your recipe/theme requests for the next class. A series would be excellent.

I just opened the registration for our annual Spring Equinox Yoga class. Saturday, March 21’st 12:30 to 2:30pm at Yoga and Nia for Life. we already have a few sign-ups for this spring-cleaning class, let me know right away if you can join us. This will be an opportunity to honor the changing of the seasons, clear out old ways of thinking, dismiss lingering tensions and anxieties in our body/mind. Say Yes to spring.

Also check out the Restorative class that Natalie Engler and I are hosting at Yoga and Nia for Life on March 29′th. 12:20-2pm. Natalie is a master at restorative Yoga and this special class is limited to just 20 participants.

Yeah, another storm, but spring seems right around the corner! The Pic above is the Buddha who greets me as I leave my house each day.

I’ve been talking with Maria about Monday’s classes, we’ll make the call around noontime if the roads look safe or not. Please call the studio/check the studio website before you come out for Yoga class in West Concord.

Check the events page, or subscribe to the blog updates to be sure not to miss any announcements.

Om Shanti, I’ll see you in class.

-j

Breathing Space

February 26, 2009 in Yoga | Add Your Comment

Namaste.

I was excited to receive a review copy of Katrina’s new book, Breathing Space from the publisher. She co-wrote the book with Yoga-pioneer Alan Finger, of the Ishta yoga center.

Writing in a semi-autobiographical/journal context, Katrina takes us through her ‘awakening’ with the practices of Yoga, Meditation, and Pranayama.

As she faces her life’s lessons, Alan prescribes meditations and breathing techniques to guide her along, helping her to find her own solutions, make her own decisions as she struggles to understand her life’s mission in NYC.

Usually I can have a few books going at once, but this one I read all the way through, mainly to see what would happen next, and the curiosity of which Pranayama Alan would teach next. I like Katrina’s use of visual metaphors, inviting contemplation, yet not overdone.

There’s been a welcoming increase in the feminine voice in yoga texts, this can be nice to balance off of the more traditional, masculine ways of expressing ideas. Sun-Moon, Sita-Ram… Know what I mean?

A quick read, real world, and a little ‘chick-flickish’, Breathing Space is a nice introduction to Pranayama and meditation for someone new to Yoga, but there’s also valuble nuggets here for the more seasoned practitioner.

I think you’ll enjoy Breathing Space by Katrina Repka, give it a read, let me know what you think, click on the ‘add your comment’ link in the upper left corner of the post.

Om Shanti,

John

Shivaratri

February 22, 2009 in Yoga | 1 comment

Namaste!

You may have noticed all the Shiva references, and songs to Shiva in last weeks classes, We were leading up to Maha Shivaratri, Shiva’s Favorite night…. Which is tonight!

All over the world, and right here as well, there will be gatherings of Yogi’s who have fasted all day, and will chant the Shiva Mantras throughout the night, and into tomorrow. one repetition of the Maha Mritunjaya mantra is said to have the merit of 1,000 at this time. That’s a lot of value in these challenging times! Head over to Sri Lakshmi, or the Siddha Yoga Center in Watertown if you’re up for a joyous crowd.

If you’ve got one of my cards, look on the back for the Mantra, or a translation can be seen and heard here:

http://www.eaglespace.com/spirit/mahamantra.php

As we did at this time last year, We’ll join for a Shiva-inspired Yoga class tomorrow 8:45am in Acton, and at 4pm at Yoga and Nia for Life in West Concord. We’ll learn the Mantra and never be the same.

Om Namah Shivaya.

I’ll see you in class,

-j - Vamadeva

Smile time

February 17, 2009 in Yoga, events | 3 comments

Meet Marie Ansumana from Liberia:

Marie's first smile after cleft surgery

Last summer we offered a benefit Yoga class for SmileTrain, a group of doctors who perform free cleft palate surgeries in the most desperate areas of our world.

The benefit was a great success, and we raised $2,500, enough for 10 brand new smiles. I’m starting to get pictures of the children we helped to smile for the first time.

Marie is 3 years old, her family makes $115 a year. Dr. Gary Parker, and you, gave Marie a second chance at life.

When I put together a workshop, or benefit class, there’s sometimes a very-brief period of worry. What if nobody comes? I’m blessed with the most amazing students, and your presence in classes and workshops make so much possible.

Thank you so much for your participation! I’ll be sure to let you know when we can hold our next benefit Yoga class.

Om Shanti, I’ll see you in class

-j

p.s. I’m Sub-teaching the Saturday 8am class at Yoga and Nia for Life this week, Feb21.

Yoga and Creativity

February 8, 2009 in Yoga, writing | 2 comments

Great to see you all in class this past weekend! I wanted to share a bit of a conversation I had after class with a long-time yogi and artist regarding intention.

When practicing with an intention for strength, things seemed to click for her. When setting creativity as her intention, things were not so clear. I asked that perhaps it may be broad for an intention?

Becoming Clearer

After talking for a few minutes, we began to see there was a bit of fear involved. Hmm, perhaps courage could be the focus… Still a bit broad. Then it started to become clear… procrastination and resistance to creativity: the equivalent of Writers Block.

Overcoming and outsmarting procrastination and resistance is the key to manifesting an idea into reality. Everything in our world once started as pure thought, then the thinker had to deal with their block to bring it forth into reality.

Yoga can surely help with this, but we also need to employ our thinking-mind to help set up a framework or schedule that we can focus our creative efforts within.

If we see our art as something we’ll get to once everything else is done, then our art will become like an unused new-years gym membership. a well-intentioned specter of how we’d like to see ourselves. creatively buff.

How Can Yoga Help?

For our fellow artist and Yogi, perhaps starting with an intention of focus and clear sense of priorities might be a good start, then refining things as they become clearer. I’ve found that resistance likes to manifest in layers, and takes more forms that we can begin to imagine. Take time after Asana, Pranayama, and Meditation to bring clarity to your creative mission.

‘First things First’ could be the Mantra. Along with asking Ganesha for help of course. Ganesha is Shiva’s son, the Hindu God who removes obstacles. "Om Gam, Ganapataye Namahah" invokes him as an ally in our creative efforts. (Very funny, my spell checker wants to change Namahah, to Namath. Joe would be proud!)

Dissolving Resistance

Julia Cameron’s work: The Artist’s Way series of books has become the standard roto-rooter for Writers Block.

Morning-pages writing exercises, and the concept of "the artist date" have helped me, But I’ve also enjoyed working with The War of Art, which I would describe as a more firm approach.

If you’re finding yourself stuck, wanting to create and yet, the days tick-by with no progress, try the exercises in these books, or the others in the creativity section of my favorite books link. Don’t wait another day, another hour. Overcome the inertia. What would/could you create if there was nothing holding you back?

What works for you? Share by using the comments link up above.

Is it Spring?

Hope you’re enjoying our treat of warm thaw! The Buddha statue in my front yard peeked out from under the snow this am. Wonder if he shaw his shadow.

Om Shanti, I’ll see you in class this week.

P.S. Just finalized the menu with Amy, we’ve got a great meal, and a nice gathering in store for the Yoga and Cooking class on the 28′th of this month. Check the events page for the scoop on how many spaces are left..

karandavasana

January 30, 2009 in Uncategorized, Yoga, video, yoga films | 1 comment

A very-inspiring Asana practice from the folks at Elephant Beans, click the link below to see the video:

karandavasana

I’m often asked to recommend books, dvd’s, but am most-asked about the music playing in class. I’ve begun to populate the john’s favorite link on the left side of my website with selected items. I’m now working on a way to post the songlists from class. Now that would be very-cool.

Om Shanti, See you in class!

-john

om shanti

January 22, 2009 in Uncategorized, Yoga, events | Add Your Comment

"You are what all happenings happen in.
What happens must happen so remain
unaffected as Peace. Be Peaceful and
this Peace will Spread. What rises from
Peace is Peace and what rises from
confusion is confusion. So Be Peace and
give this to the Universe, it is all you
should do." - Papaji

The ancient teachings agree, the peace you seek is not out there. What you’re seeking, you already have. The practice of Yoga is one way to reveal this peace, your truest nature.

Join us for class tonight and we’ll be that much closer on the journey back to ourselves.

Not to sound new-agey at all, This is the map the ancients left for us. Ancient solutions for our modern issues. Yes, we need to practice.

Next weekend is our Banish the Winter Blues Workshop.

With the practices of inspired-Asana, Pranayama, Kirtan, and Bhakti we’ll replenish this reservior of peace that resides within us all.

When we shine, we light the way for others.

There’s some space left, but email me right away. Hope you can join us!

Om Shanti, I’ll see you in class.

-john

Hang Time

January 12, 2009 in Yoga, animals | Add Your Comment

Stepped out my front door on Saturday and swoosh, my feet went right out from under me.

Down the stairs I went. I’d like to say that I landed in wheel pose, but no. I slammed down in an undignified heap on the ground.

I immediately spouted something profane about the person who was supposed to clear the stairs. Of course it’s their fault, not mine…

I was able to right my mind stream before getting up, laughing at my automatic reaction of anger and finger pointing. Looking back, my mind was already in the car, and wondering how the roads were. Not being present landed me flat on my back. ouch.

I had great hang-time though.

That moment in the air. Can remember the last time you slipped, had a near miss in the car, reached for your wallet and it wasn’t there, tripped on something, or watched the car door lock closed with your keys in the ignition?

The split second before you react, that’s stillness, fully present in the moment. That’s what we’re moving towards in our Yoga and Meditation practice. More time in the present. Stretching out that stillness, so there’s time to choose an appropriate action instead of mindlessly reacting.

No, don’t throw yourself down the stairs! but slow down! Notice more. A few times a day, just stop whatever you’re doing and notice the posture of your body, your mind, your breath. Then return to your task at hand with a renewed presence. Practice…

Great Lineup of workshops and events coming up!

Jan 31 Banish the Winter Blues class at Yoga and Nia for Life 12:30-2:30

Practices to reclaim your inner smile.

Feb 15 Invoking Shiva, at Mystic Fitness in Framingham

1-3p learn the Shiva Namaskar, a challenging sequence.

Feb 28 The Art of Nourishment. Acton. 1-4pm

Conscious cooking, and eating event. I’m really excited about this!

The room is beautiful, and Solar powered!

Amy is a professionally cooking teacher, and is just amazing with food. We’ll practice in front of the fireplace, then hands-on learn to cook some beautiful dishes together. We’ll then set a nice table and enjoy our abundant organic meal with gratitude.

Very-limited space, and spots are starting to go already.

Call or email me if you can join us for this very-special event.

Looking ahead:

March 21, Spring Equinox Yoga class at Yoga and Nia for Life. 1-3pm

Celebrate Spring Cleaning for the Heart and Hips. More details soon!

Two New Group Classes:

Mondays, 6pm, Beginner Yoga, Yoga and Nia for Life. (alternating weeks with Ren)

Tuesdays, 5pm a mindful-flow class at Lumina. non-heated.

I’m sub-teaching these classes:

Sat Jan 17’th 10am Mystic Fitness in Framingham, a hot, challenging class

Phew, there were 39 of us there last week, with 100% humidity!

Thanks to you all that came out for my subbing Amy’s class.

Fri Jan 23’rd 5:45pm at Global Fitness in Stow. A special chill-out class! Do drop-in.

Sat, Feb 7, 8am Yoga and Nia for Life

Sun, Feb 8, 9am Yoga and Nia for Life

(Both are mindful-flow classes)

Om Shanti, I’ll see you in class. -john

P.S. Take off your Glasses and See was a fascinating read! (thanks Susan)

I was also intrigued by: The Oxford Project A riveting look at small-town American life.

Happy New Year

December 31, 2008 in Uncategorized, Yoga, animals | Add Your Comment

May All Beings be Happy and Free

Om lokah samastha sukino bhavantu

Om Lokah Samastha Sukino Bhavantu

Wishing peace and prosperity for you and your family in 2009

Om Shanti

Yesterday’s News

December 16, 2008 in Uncategorized, Yoga, events | Add Your Comment

In the 1920’s, it was believed that smoking cigarettes helped with respiration, Tour DeFrance riders would lite up and share cigarettes before big hills.

Tour de france smoking helps with hills

Aren’t you tired of the old thoughts, beliefs, prejudices? How do we release who we used to be, and embrace who we are becoming?

Steady practice wipes the slate clean. Patanjali wrote these Sutras over two thousand years ago:

1-13 Tatra sthitau yatno-’bhyasah

Being firmly established in the state of controlled thought waves
is called practice.

1-14 Sa tu dirgha-kala-nairantarya-satkarasevito dridha-bhumih

Persistent practice, becomes firmly grounded in presence when it has been practiced for a long, uninterrupted time, and with earnest devotion.

sah – that practice
tu – however
dirghakala – (for) a long time
nairantarya – without interruption
satkara – reverence, devotion, respect
avesitah – pursued, practiced, continued
dridhabhumih – firmly grounded

Yesterdays News

I saw this bag in the store the other day. Old news. Not much good except for cat litter and bird cages.

What old ways do you hold on to? Next time you practice, shed your skin, and thaw your heart. Let each breath out make room for the new. It’s never too late to re-write your story. I’m planning a special New Years Day workshop on making space for lasting change. we’ll explore our practice as a vehicle for transformation. Details to follow soon.

My brush with fame!

If you’ve got Fallon health insurance, before you recycle it, check out the members calendar they sent you for a pic of me standing on my head. I think it’s on the March page. Yeah, what a hoot. Mom took mine for her fridge.

There’s still room to join us this coming Sunday for the Winter Solstice Yoga Class in Concord, and note our annual day after Christmas class on the Yoga events page as well.

Om shanti, I’ll see you in class

-john

P.S. note the new Amazon link in the left column of my website. If you bookmark this link and start any Amazon shopping from there, Amazon pays a teeny-tiny referral fee which will go to feed homeless animals. Every little bit helps.

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

Gracias

November 25, 2008 in Yoga, music | Add Your Comment

Thanks to all who Joined us for the full-house Yoga of Sound workshop on Saturday. I’m getting lots of great feedback along with requsts for more Kirtan and Movie nights. Your presence makes these events possible.

The Namesake is one of my favorite films and the soundtrack is just stunning, it was a pleasure to watch it again with all of you.

Our next event is a Free Yoga Class with three teachers at Yoga and Nia for Life, December 6′th 12-2pm. Bring a donation of food for the Food Pantry and get a great Yoga class!

I’ll be warming us up with breathwork and gentle twists. Kate will take over for a nice flow. Natalie will then lead us through an amazing restorative series of postures, and ease us all into a nice long Shavasana. Join us in helping to feed people. You’ll be doing good, and feeling great. find out more at the Yoga Events page

We’ll end just in time for the Polar Bear Plunge at Walden Pond. Yes, they go swimming to encourage education about global warming. There’s a video of last years plunge on the page.

I wish you all a healthy, happy and compassionate holiday, I’ll be in retreat at the Ashram for the next five days, Susan Chorman is sub-teaching our classes on Monday.

Om Shanti,

-john

p.s. Here’s the link for everyone who asked about the amazing soundtrack for The Namesake Amazon is promising great savings at their black friday sale . Hopefully that includes that yoga book or music you’ve been wanting to get.

p.p.s.

Ani and will be back on December 21’st for the Annual Winter Solstice class, Let me know if you want me to hold a spot for you.

I’m planning the Second Annual Work Off the Fruitcake class the day after Christmas, and we’re looking at a New Years Day class as well. details up on the web soon.

Iyengar Yoga

November 22, 2008 in Uncategorized, Yoga, video, yoga films | Add Your Comment

Click to see the Newsreel video of B.K.S. Iyengar 1938 Yoga Asana demonstration:

Garudasana

November 19, 2008 in Uncategorized, Yoga, books | Add Your Comment

Garudasana (the eagle pose)

Before I had a name

I existed in the world as breath, as the wind, as a star.

For a moment, if I could be the breath

& the wind & the nameless star.

I’d meet the sky that holds them

as it holds me & I’d say Joyfully,

Namaste

-Leza Lowitz Yoga poetry – Lines to unfold by a nice book to read and re-read.

Bhagavan Das

November 11, 2008 in Uncategorized, Yoga, music, video, yoga films | 2 comments

This Bhagavan Das video will stir your soul, He’s been practicing Yoga and Meditation longer than I’ve been alive! Her he shares his journey of awakening, Alan Watts, Travelling to India, Neem Karoli Baba, and Ram Das. Be sure to watch till the end.

Jai Ma!

Join us for the Yoga and Meditation Workshop this weekend, and Free movie night!

Pranayama

November 4, 2008 in Uncategorized, Yoga | Add Your Comment

Breath Ratios for Pranayama
Inhale	hold	exhale	hold	result
6	4	6	1	energizing
6	6	6	1	energizing
6	2	6	2	balancing
8	1	8	1	balancing
6	1	8	4	relaxing
6	1	10	1	relaxing
4	1	12	1	relaxing
4	1	8	4	relaxing

Breath is life.

In class we've been experimenting with breath, and how different patterns of Pranayama affect the nervous system. Here's a nice chart that summarizes the effects of a focused Pranayama practice.

If you're looking to raise your energy, start with the first exercise, sit comfortably, draw a smooth breath in through your nose to the silent count of 6. Hold the breath in for 4, gently release the breath out through your nose to the count of 6, hold the breath out for a count of 1. Repeat 8-10 times, be still and notice the effect. Nice…

Start out slow if this is new to you. If you feel lightheaded, ease up on the holding of the breath in or out.

Om Shanti, I'll see you in class.

-john

P.S. Yoga with John was just listed as one of the top 100 Yoga sites

Zombie Yoga

October 28, 2008 in Uncategorized, Yoga, video, yoga films | 1 comment

Happy Halloween! Only By Popular demand…

I’m posting the Zombie Yoga video. I sent it to a few Yogis, and now everyone wants to see it. To publicize a new book, an invite to "Dress like a zombie and bring a Yoga mat to Central park in NY." was sent out. A bunch of NYC Zombies showed up. They filmed the zombie practice and posted it on Utube. Might be a bit squeamish for some, think Michael Jackson Thriller video gone bad…

P.S. There’s some room left in the November Yoga workshop on the 22′nd in W. Concord. There’s live Kirtan music starting at 2:30.

Maria is hosting a potluck dinner afterwards, and then I’ll be screening a movie 6′ish. I’m zeroing in on just the right film, and this will kick off movie nights at YNFL. Send in suggetsions for films you’d like to see!

P.S.S Yes, I think it was a new record at Lumina on Tuesday night!

Om Sweet Om

October 24, 2008 in Yoga, events, video, yoga films | Add Your Comment

Namaste!

Just posted this must-see youtube video to the blog. Stunning footage of our home planet, with a nice Ommmm… soundtrack. Tread lightly, John

P.S. Still a few spaces left in the November Yoga workshop on the 22′nd in W. Concord. We’ll have live Kirtan Music, a potluck, and movie night afterwards.

Yoga Etiquette

October 23, 2008 in Uncategorized, Yoga | Add Your Comment

The Etiquette of Yoga Class

Yoga is a very solitary practice, done in a group setting. Try not to distract your neighbor in class. Here are some basic guidelines for a peaceful practice for all.

Remove your shoes, leave them outside the studio.

Choose an appropriate-level class, if you are new to Yoga, introduce yourself to the teacher and let them know. Ask if this class is right for you. Let the instructor know if you have any injuries.

Turn your cell phone off. If someone forgets, send them compassion, not scowls.

Arrive a few minutes early, use the time to calm yourself, get in tune with your breathing, and prepare for class. Many arrive early to meditate before practice. Be fair, be quiet.

Enter and create your space quietly. Don’t snap your mat open. Set it down and roll it open. Don’t drop your blanket, the dust raised sticks to contact lenses.

If you arrive late, sit and wait till after the opening meditation to unroll your mat.

In the fuller classes, be generous with your space. You may need to move over.

If you need to leave early, please tell the instructor before class. Take a few minutes for your Shavasana, and then quietly depart.

Be relatively clean, and go easy on strong scents.

If you’re wearing shorts, they have a liner. Enough said.

Try not to crinkle your water bottle.

Please don’t chew gum, or eat in class. Believe it or not… it has to be mentioned.

Please clean up after yourself, especially important in the heated classes.

If in doubt, the Golden Rule always applies.

John Calabria teaches a very introspective Yoga class, he writes about Yoga, and publishes a popular blog at: www.YogaWithJohn.com

100 free yoga videos

October 16, 2008 in Yoga, events, video, yoga films | Add Your Comment

Namaste!

If you’ve got some extra time, well, alot of extra time, there’s a pretty amazing post at the Cloud 9 blog that lists 100 free online Yoga videos. Some are better than others, but there’s surely something here for everyone: 100 free online yoga videos

And for the poltical jesters, there’s a yoga practice created just for Sarah Palin on youtube. If you a fan of Sarah, you may not like it too much…

I’ll see you in class!

john

p.s. Just posted the Fall workshop on the 22nd of November, Join us for The Yoga of Sound. We’ll have live kirtan music!

We’ve decided that Nov 22′nd will be a potluck dinner and movie night at Yoga and Nia for life as well. Details to follow.

Reintegration

October 12, 2008 in Uncategorized, Yoga, events | Add Your Comment

Namaste! Everyone wants to know how the retreat went! Thanks for all the encouraging notes.

From the amazing feedback, I would say that our Fall retreat at SpiritFire was a great success.

Buddha at SpiritFire

The weather was perfect, each day the foliage turned more vibrant. Meals were astounding, and the rooms very comfortable. I really like how every detail was watched over and cared for by the staff. This allowed us to really focus on the depth of our practice. Having our morning Yoga practice and meals in total silence (Mauna) added a richness and texture to our presence at SpiritFire. The hikes were breathtaking, our Mantra practice cathedral-like, and our celebratory fire circle warmed us inside and out.

The act of spiritual retreat is ancient, and even more applicable in our times, To retreat is to step back and gain perspective, a clearer view of how we’ve been living. Through practices of awareness we measure that against how we’d like to be living, and resolve to create the appropriate changes. Leaving behind the old, we reintegrate back into our lives, holding space for practice, for presence, and to bring the essence of our retreat back home.

We’re already planning next years retreat, same place, same weekend! And we’re looking at a Spring Retreat to Ananda Ashram, Where I’ve been retreating in mostly silence for the last week. That will be a treat! If you’d like advance notice on the retreat plans let me know and I’ll keep you up to date as the details unfold.

Om Shanti, I’ll see you in class this week.

John

P.S. Just posted the fall Yoga Workshop

The Shift

October 1, 2008 in Yoga, events, yoga films | Add Your Comment

Namaste!

Thanks so much to all of you who attended the Yoga and Meditation Workshop over the weekend. Your presence at these events makes them possible. It was so nice to see Ani Desal so well recieved. I’ve been getting great feedback and we’re looking forward to the next workshop on November 22′nd at Yoga and Nia for Life, 12:30pm. Following Meditation and Yoga class will be live music/Kirtan featuring Prajna and guests. I’m very excited to co teach with these very talented people.

I’m heading out soon to our Fall Retreat, a great group of people getting together for a weekend of practice and renewal. After retreat, I’ll be spending a few days at Ananda Ashram. I’ve arranged some excellent substitue teachers to cover my classes next week.

I’ve heard good things about this film, thanks to Danielle for the pointer:

I’ll see you in class soon, Om Shanti

John

Your best class ever

September 23, 2008 in Uncategorized, Yoga | Add Your Comment

Yesterday over lunch, I was fretting about a recent loss.

My friend Ani Desal, a Tibetan Buddhist Nun told me, "In every moment you have a choice, positive or negative, focused, or unfocused, present or not present. Choose to see this in a positive light."

Simple, and profound. Yet sometimes difficult to practice.

Pausing to get clear on our intentions, may be the most important part of Yoga class. I’m not saying the words "Get very clear on the intentions that lie behind your practice" to fill space. It’s because setting a crystal clear intention works for me. It brings me further in my practice, and I share that with you.

You can let this be random, or you can choose a positive and focused presence. Random is dangerous. Random is like when you arrive at work and don’t remember the drive. Where were you?

Fog on golden gate bridge

Yoga practice is like driving through thick fog, you can just barely see in front of you, you’ve got to slow down and concentrate on what is right in front of you. (this breath, this posture) then, you may see the glint of a taillight up ahead. That is the teacher. Not smarter or better than you. Without supernatural powers, they are just a bit further up the road, so with some trust, you let go and follow. Hopefully the teacher has lineage, and is following their teacher, (choose wisely, ask who their teachers are.)

We have to stay present because we don’t know when the veils may fall away, the opportunity for clear vision, for enlightenment is going to happen. It could be your next class. Don’t miss it.

Maybe you choose that this will be your most focused class ever. Why not? Like the proverbial weed growing through the crack in the sidewalk, you rise from the ground up into your warrior pose, full-up with reason. You are grounded, and your outstretched arms are reaching for something. Your ViraBhadrasana is on purpose. You’re one posture closer to becoming your intentions. Live your intentions, radiate them, and become a source for others.

The fog is clearing.

Om Shanti, I’ll see you in class.

John

P.S. This coming Saturday Ani Desal and I are leading a Yoga Workshop , There are a couple spots left. and We’ve got a great group together for the Fall Foliage Yoga Retreat coming up in just under two weeks. There may be one spot left, (or we could squeeze a couple in) so if you were thinking about joining us, let me know right away.

Blisscombobulated

September 3, 2008 in Uncategorized, Yoga | Add Your Comment

Thanks to Valerie, we have a new word: Blisscombubulated.

That blissed, somewhat confused feeling where you come out of Shavasana after a particularly good Yoga class. Our lost and found bin is always overflowing with ‘forgotten’ items. Most of them make it back to their people.

I’ve just posted the invite to the Yoga and Meditation workshop on Sept 27′th. After a nice Heart Opening class, Ani Desal, a Tibetan Buddhist Nun, ordained by the Dalai Lama, will lead us in a beautiful meditation. I hope you can join us, this level of meditation instruction is rare in our parts.

Take care! I’ll see you in class soon.

john

P.S. just two spots remain in the fall Yoga Retreat I’ve got about 5 "maybes" for the two spots. Let me know right away if you’d like to join us. to be fair to all, the first "Yes" gets the spots.

SmileTrain Yoga Benefit Success

August 30, 2008 in Yoga, events | Add Your Comment

Namaste! Here’s the press release that was picked up on the newswires and printed in some of the local papers. My heartfelt thanks to all of you who participated and helped make this benefit a great success. Because of you all, ten children will smile for the first time. We’ve got another benfefit coming up soon.

Little Gita before surgery Little Gita with her new smile

Maynard resident raises $2500 to fund ten Cleft Palate surgeries in India.

Maynard resident John Calabria led a Yoga class last week to benefit SmileTrain, a charity focused solely on providing free cleft palate surgeries in developing nations. Now ten children will smile for the first time.

Calabria chose SmileTrain as the beneficiary of this Yoga fundraiser because 100% of all funds directly help children get a second chance at life; no one at SmileTrain collects wages. Mystic Fitness owner Amy Karibian generously donated the use of her Framingham Yoga studio for the event.

SmileTrain children, born disfigured, and into poverty have no little chance at a normal life. In many cases, they’re unable to talk, eat properly, or attend school. Hidden away, they suffer in silence and isolation. Now there’s a chance to help.

This modern-day medical miracle of cleft repair surgery costs $250 and takes as little as 45 minutes. It gives a desperate child not just a new smile, but a new life. SmileTrain has provided free cleft surgery for well over 300,000 children, and trained many doctors, native to their regions, to perform the surgeries.

"I’m so blessed with the most amazing students who went all-out in support of this benefit; we gathered for a yoga class and changed the lives of ten children,” noted Calabria.

The initial goal was to fill the Yoga studio and raise $500, enough for two surgeries. The donations started to trickle, then poured in. Many people came to the Yoga class, opened their hearts, and their wallets. With a generous pledge to round up the total to the next surgery level, a grand total of $2500 was raised. “I’m very happy with the outcome, and was not surprised. Yoga teaches us that true happiness can only come from helping others,” added Calabria.

Calabria believes, “Even if you don’t subscribe to the laws of Karma, when we give, at some level we are telling ourselves that we have more than enough. This feeling of internal abundance is very healthy for our psyche, especially in these challenging economic times.

Focusing on other’s needs gives us a break from worry and stress.” And he offers this challenge, “I’d like people to think about how many people they can make smile today. At the end of the day, count them up and email me your answer! Two free Yoga classes will be awarded to the person with the highest number.”

Calabria’s SmileTrain benefit was such a great success, he plans to offer another this fall. Visit www.YogaWithJohn.com, to find out how you can help these children smile for the first time.

John Calabria is an ethical Vegan, world traveler, wellness educator, and Yoga instructor. He has been practicing meditation and Yoga techniques for more than 25 years. After a successful engineering career— the last few toiling in the diamond industry—John now helps people meet their wellness goals, find peace in their lives, and of course… smile. He works internationally to help people and animals in need, and serves on the board of Maple Farm Animal Sanctuary. Calabria publishes a Yoga Blog.

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Fall Yoga Schedule

August 29, 2008 in Uncategorized, Yoga | Add Your Comment

Namaste!

A busy weekend of Yoga coming up. Take a break from the bbq’s, cool off and join us for a class:

I’m sub teaching the 8am Yoga class Lumina class today (Friday)
this is a gentler flow class that I’m teaching for Jyoti.

I’m sub teaching the 9am Yoga and Nia for Life class this coming Sunday the 31’st, a nice all-levels Sunday morning class to start the day.

Labor Day

This coming Monday I’m teaching two Classes:

a 9am class at Half Moon Hill in Acton at Email me for directions.
If you like real mellow, with lots of breathing then this class is perfect for you.

then, a 4pm flow class at Yoga and Nia for Life in West Concord.
Check out the cool "work off the Veggieburger" flyer for this one.
There’s a dedicated Monday crew of yogis, and this one is appropriate
for all levels. If your new to yoga for Life, this is a good opportunity to check this class out.

New Class!
Read the rest of this entry »

Labor Day Yoga Class in Concord

August 22, 2008 in Uncategorized, Yoga, events | Add Your Comment

Work off

The Veggie burger!

Labor Day Yoga Class

with John Calabria

All levels welcome.

Join us and relax…

Monday Sept. 1st, 4:00pm

Yoga and Nia for Life

50 Beharrel st. W Concord Ma

www.YogaWithJohn.com

Street Stretch

August 17, 2008 in Yoga, video, yoga films | Add Your Comment

Street Stretch This 60-second video, merges complex yoga poses with the scenery of everyday life in India. 108 Yogies were hired to create the film and promote the 15th annual International Yoga Festival in Pondicherry, India. There were over 300,000 people at the festival.

Relax and Renew at the Yoga with John Retreat this Fall in Western Mass

Enlighten up film coming to Boston

August 7, 2008 in Yoga, events, video, yoga films | 1 comment

Namaste, Enlighten up! the movie comes to Boston.

A woman takes a New York sceptic and immerses him in the world of Yoga. The trailer looks interesting, with cameos of Guruji, Iyengar, Dharma Mitra, and a trip to Mysore india to practice Ashtanga with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois.

It premieres at the at the MFA in Boston Sept 12-14, and then plays the Kendal Square cinema in Cambridge the 19′th through the 25′th. Let me know if you’re intersted in a group forming to go in and see the film together. Here’s the trailer:

A few spaces remain in the Yoga With John Fall Retreat in Western Mass. I’ll see you in class.

Jivamukti Yoga

August 6, 2008 in Uncategorized, Yoga | Add Your Comment

Namaste,

This weekend I’ll be heading out to Woodstock NY to spend time with my teachers David Life and Sharon Gannon.

David and Sharon are longtime yogis and founders of the Jivamukti style of Yoga. Jiva means soul, and Mukti means liberation. The Jivamukti yogi practices to become liberated in this lifetime, and to help all beings be free of suffering. Next time you are in NY city, head up to Union Square and visit their beautiful Yoga studio.

So next week I’ll be having some wonderful substitue teachers cover our classes. Jyoti will be teaching the Monday 4pm Yoga and Nia for life class in Cocnord, the Tuesday 6:30pm Lumina class in Wayland, and the Wednesday Bosse classes in Sudbury. Linda Seik will be teaching the Thursday 5:30pm Yoga class in West Concord.

The Monday Half Moon Hill class in Acton, and the Thursday 9am Maynard class will not be held next week.

I’ve got some great workshops planned for the fall, and there are still a few spots open in our Fall Yoga Retreat in western Mass. I’m looking forward to sharing what I learn when I get back, and hear how nice your classes with Jyoti and Linda were.

Om Shanti, I’ll see you in class.

john

Prayers for World Peace

August 1, 2008 in Uncategorized, Yoga, events, music | Add Your Comment

Prayers for World Peace

On August 5′th People around the world will be reciting the Sutra of Golden Light for world peace. You can join in, got to the IMI website to find out more, or sit in silence for some time that day to participate. http://www.joinprayersforpeace.org/

Save the date! I look forward to this all summer! Sunday August 17′th The India Association of Greater Boston presents: India Day at the Hatch Shell in Boston. This is a great celebration of music, arts, dance, crafts and food. Starts at 4pm. Let me know if you plan on going it would be great to meet up there.

Namaste!

John

www.YogaWithJohn.com

Bhujangasana Cobra pose

July 29, 2008 in Uncategorized, Yoga, books | Add Your Comment

Shedding my skin

skinning my shreds

leaving behind

every failure

every success

every anger

ever expressed

or never expressed.

What’s left behind

stays behind,

it’s ancient

poisonous sting

all but forgotten.

-Leza Lowitz Yoga poetry – Lines to unfold by a very nice book.

Prenatal Yoga

July 18, 2008 in Uncategorized, Yoga | Add Your Comment

Namaste!

I substitute taught a basics class the other night. A woman well-along with child came up to me and asked if it was okay that she was there. I made sure she knew how to take care of herself and told her she was more than welcome. Throughout the class I kept an eye on her and she did just fine.

I didn’t get a chance to talk with her after, but she told a friend that

she was asked to leave a recent class because of her ‘condition’, that it

would have been inconvenient for the teacher to have a pregnant

woman in class!

Have you ever heard such a thing? I could understand if it was a

heated class, or a power type class, but I don’t think this was the case.

Yoga is a very introspective and personal practice that is sometimes

practiced in a group setting. I encourage all to work at their own level and to make appropriate adjustments to keep their practice inline with their intentions. Unless your intention is to bring harm, then this resolve will bring only good from your practice.

I wish I could have talked with her afterwards, her presence added to the peacefulness of the class, and she’s welcome at anytime, to all my non-heated classes.

Great news! I’ve arranged for just 12 of us to spend a weekend immersed in practice and relaxation this Fall. The retreat center is gorgeous, and the food is amazing!

Signups are coming in. Be sure to check out the Yoga With John Fall Retreat and resgister right away to get the early bird discount.

Om Shanti, I’ll see you in class.

john

P.S. For free prenatal yoga classes, visit Destination Maternity

Waking

July 14, 2008 in Uncategorized, Yoga, books | Add Your Comment

Required reading for anyone who has a body:

Waking: A Memoir

A paraplegic Yoga teacher with much to share. I’ll be re-reading this book next time I feel challenged.

From the web review:

Matthew’s mental awareness–as a result of a spinal cord injury–was literally knocked out of the lower two-thirds of his body. While doctors were able to keep him alive, he was not given the tools to reconnect his mind to his paralyzed body.

Matthew describes how for years after the devastating accident, from the chest down, he experiences a "schism" or "a form of silence" between his mind and his body. During his first months in the hospital and later periods in intensive care units there was so much pain that leaving his body became a survival skill. These experiences alone catapulted Matthew into unknown territory when it comes to understanding the mind and body.

From this understanding Matthew begins to practice, and eventually teach Iyengar Yoga.

Take care, I’ll see you in class.

John

Smiletrain Yoga benefit class

July 10, 2008 in Uncategorized, Yoga | 5 comments

Smiletrain Cleft Palate

I’m very excited about the Smiletrain benefit at Mystic Fitness on Saturday July 26th 5:30pm !! Smiletrain performs surgeries on children born with cleft palates in developing countries. 100% of income directly funds surgeries.

We’re going to fill the room, and with 100% of this classes proceeds going to

the charity, we’re hoping to raise enough for several surgeries. how about 10 ?

The suggested donation for class is $15 to $20. Please come join us!

Some very generous donations have been coming in from some of you who cannot make it to class, thanks so much for your contribution torwards our goal !! Rememeber, 100% goes directly to the aid of the children.

You can send a tax deductable check for any amount, made out to smiletrain.org and mail it to me:

john calabria, 33 waltham st, maynard, ma 01754.

I’ll mail ‘em all in together and we’ll collectively share in the Karma of

helping these children. check out Shiva’s story

To take our Yoga to the next level, we must make space for it…

we must get out of the way. The best way I’ve found to do this is

to make an offering of the practice, offer your practice up to a person,

place, thing, or idea outside of yourself and see your practice soar.

On this day we can make an immeasurable difference.

Come support us in this noble effort, and please, please, please

pass this invite along ?

Thanks so much to Amy at Mystic Fitness for donating the space !

Namaste.

John

Humane Myth

June 30, 2008 in Yoga, recipes | Add Your Comment

Everyone seems to be going green, or talking about it anyway. Even yoga studios are trying to tread a little lighter on the planet. As yogis who seek the truth, we need to sift through all these claims and find out whats really happening. A new term “Greenwashing” has popped up. When you are beign pitched by a company claiming that they are the ’green’ choice, dig a little deeper. Often times, things are not what they seem.

Another area where talk is extremely louder than the walk is the food industry. My good friends and mentors James Laveck and Jenny Stein have launched a new website dedicated to the truth. Take a few minutes to ponder the HumaneMyth website. pass it along.

See you in class, om shanti

-john

Solar cooking

June 6, 2008 in Yoga | 1 comment

Saturday july 5′th I’ll be giving a solar cooking lesson at the Maynard Farmers Market. If you’ve not seen my solar oven in action come down and see what’s cookin.

Saturday July 26′th we’ll be having a free outside class at the Maynard Farmers Market. set your intentions for a nice cool partly cloudy day !

Happy Memorial Day

May 26, 2008 in Yoga | Add Your Comment

The Native American traditions have a daily prayer that acknowledges those new souls who are just arriving on ‘turtle island’ (their name for North America) they then pray those who this is their last day here.

Om Shanti

-john

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Mantra Yoga

May 20, 2008 in Yoga | 2 comments

Namaste.

In Japa Mala Mantra practice, once you learn the technique and mechanics, the key to results is focus, and practice.

Focus: on the result you wish to see, if it’s change, phrase it in a positive tense, see yourself as already in that new state. Really experience it with all your senses. How does it feel?

Practice: if this is new to you resolve to practice your mantra 4,000 times then, follow through with it.

Sounds like a lot? just 1 round a day for 40 days, a round each in the am and pm for 20 days, or the fast track, 4 times a day for 10 days. You can do this. You’ll be glad you’ve done this.

In the engineering community we had a saying, Want change? Make change.

Change takes action!

Thought is a start, plants the seed.

Thought + intention = the potential for change.

Thought + intention + regular practice = Transformation

This is a science. The science of clearly focusing the mind, (dharana) to make space for meditation(Dhyanna.) If you practice, you will see the results. Remember that it’s just one of many paths.

Don’t rush, fully articulate your mantra, respect the space between the beads, and the sounds. Like the transitions in your breath and your asanas, everything matters…. or nothing matters.

If you’re wearing your mala, it’s the right wrist (sun) for men, the left wrist (Lunar) for women.

I’d be glad to answer any questions, send an email or ask me after class.

Om shanti, peace… I’ll see you in class

john

We’ve become switchboard operators

May 10, 2008 in Yoga | Add Your Comment

Namaste!

I was at the computer breathing life into this new website I’m building when my cell phone rang. It was my mom, (who I’m convinced is the living Buddha.) As we were catching up, my landline phone rang. I was trying to focus on the conversation with mom, but found my mind drifting to the message being left.

As that person was talking to my answering machine, I could hear the call-waiting beep of my cell. I’m trying to ignore this and hear my mom when, this is great… She says: “Oh, I have another call coming in, I’ll talk with you later.” We hung up.

I find myself laughing, but feeling a bit overwhelmed. Two messages to check, a boatload of email, and I didn’t get to discuss what I needed to with mom.

When/how did some unknown caller become more important than the person you are currently with? I’ve long-ago asked Verizon to shut off my call waiting and they said they cannot.

We’ve become so fast, so adept at multi-tasking, even though many studies have shown that it leads to lower productivity, stress, and overwhelm. I’m going to develop a workshop for the fall and call it “The Lost Art of Single-tasking.”

When did this become something we need to practice? Do you wonder how it already got to be mid-May? Join me in slowing down, we can stretch time, doing less, enjoying more.

For the record, if you call me, I promise to never put you on hold or hang up on you to get to the next call. Perhaps I’ll learn to use the three-way calling and just invite the new caller into our conversation. All one right?

Be well, I’ll see you in class.

John

Sri Lakshmi Temple

May 7, 2008 in Yoga | Add Your Comment

Namaste!

This past Sunday, 12 or so of us met up in Ashland for a tour of the Shri Lakshmi Hindu temple. Arriving early, we walked around the building, admiring the Rangoli, (chalk designs drawn on the pavement.) Traditionally drawn by women for protection and blessings, they are stunning, temporary art.

Once everyone was gathered, we took off our shoes and headed inside. Shri Lakshmi is amazing inside and out, there’s always some ceremony happening, and the depth of devotion to their spirituality can be seen in the architecture, and demeanor of everyone present. It’s not silent like the churches I was brought up visiting on Sunday mornings. It’s alive, there are children laughing, cellphones ringing, bells chiming, many different prayers happening at the same time. This is not to say it’s casual, more like spirituality is not set aside for a certain day, time and ceremony, it is woven into every part of their lives.

We visited with all the deities, Ganesha, Sri Lakshmi, Vishnu, Shiva, Kartikeya, Garuda, and Ayyapa. Sharing stories of the gods, and making our offerings. Everyone adds a bit of knowledge, and our understanding grows.

My friend, and Shiva priest Jagadesh welcomed us, and blessed us wtih Arate, the blessed flame offering from Shiva and Ganesha… filling us with blessings and our hands with Prasad, (fruit that has been blessed.)

We said our goodbyes to the gods for today and headed off the The Dosa Palace for a dinner together. A day of devotion works up the appetite, and our table was soon abundant with delicious South Indian food. Tara and Arron Blessed our dinner with the traditional Sivananda gratefulness mantra, and we found a nice mix of mild to firey flavors. I’ve got some great feedback from you all, and we’ll be sure to gather again for another field trip soon. Keep in touch and I’ll see you in class. -j

Welcome

March 29, 2008 in Yoga | 5 comments

Welcome to the Yoga with John blog

Be sure to check out the workshops and events page also!

om Shanti, I’ll see you in class. -j

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Yoga

Now this, is a tree that we can work with…

Whatever it takes to get us to the mat…

The Om tapestry that covers my television

by Daniel Dale

So much Kirtan happening this month

Becoming Clearer

How Can Yoga Help?

Dissolving Resistance

Is it Spring?

May All Beings be Happy and Free

1-13 Tatra sthitau yatno-’bhyasah

1-14 Sa tu dirgha-kala-nairantarya-satkarasevito dridha-bhumih

My brush with fame!

Thanks to Valerie, we have a new word: Blisscombubulated.

Maynard resident raises $2500 to fund ten Cleft Palate surgeries in India.

Namaste, Enlighten up! the movie comes to Boston.

Namaste,

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