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Karnamrita Dasi

October 18, 2011 in calling, events, mantra, music, Yoga | 12 comments

Karnamrita Dasi Live Music Yoga Class

I have the best news to share with you! This coming Sunday, October 23rd. Karnamrita Dasi will be singing for our 9am morning Yoga class.

Inspired by her life story and beautiful music, I’ve been playing Karnamitra’s songs in class for years. You see, her mom’s dying wish was that she sing, and boy does she sing… in honor and memory of her mom.

Last weekend, her first time in Boston, I sat in on one of her gatherings. When she offered the first line of the first song, her soaring vocals enveloped the silence, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the full room.

So true to her name which means ‘Nectar for the ears.’

Whoah. Intending to just stay an hour… I ended up staying for the whole event and over an hour afterward to get a chance to talk with her.

I asked Karnamrita to come and sing for our Sunday morning Yoga class. Right away she said “Yes,” but then added, “I don’t have a way to get there from Boston.”

While I pondered that, a man offered to drive her to the studio. Nice, thank you Shunyam.

“Wow,” She then explained: “Okay, but I need to be in New York City by 3pm, can you get me to a bus or train?” As I started to ponder that tight a schedule, a woman stepped in and offered to drive her to NY after class. Thank you Madhuri.

Just then, a man handed the volunteer driver a roll of bills to pay for the gasoline. I’m sorry that I don’t know his name.

So many things came together for Karnamrita to join us this Sunday, She’s very happy to be coming, and I’m feeling very fortunate to be able to share her singing with you all.

I hope you can join us, Sunday morning, October 23rd, 9am for our all levels peaceful Yoga class at Yoga and Nia for Life in West Concord. An easy ride, just off Rt. 2, plenty of parking.

Please come early! Class will be mellow – peaceful Yoga, regular coupon rates apply, and beginners are surely welcome. Click to hear Karnamrita

You can read some of the glowing reviews of her music by clicking on her album below:

See you there!

-john

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In Tune

August 20, 2011 in Yoga | 4 comments

Photo illustration by Ray Graham

Remember tuning your old television set?

First you would turn the big knob, ‘chunk chunk chunk’ to change the channel. Then you would turn the knob’s outer ring till the fuzzy picture appeared on the screen.

With the focus of a safecracker, you would ease the knob back and forth a few times, tuning out the static, finally settling on the clearest reception you could get.

This could take some time.

Finding your Yoga posture is a lot like tuning these old televisions, each practice, each pose is different. Things drift, change, sometimes we need to use a block, or a strap.

Remember wrapping tinfoil on the rabbit ears?

Your yoga posture is not out there, not in a book, a video, or in a teacher’s lesson. You’ve got to feel your way there through subtle – minute adjustments. The static falls away, and clarity takes its place, flooding your body with awareness.

With practice you will ease into that place sooner, where it just feels right.

Where you’re in tune.

Om Shanti, I’ll see you in class.

-j

p.s.  There are still three spots open for our Fall peak-foliage Yoga retreat in Central Mass. Check out the pics of the solar powered eco-village we’ll be staying at on my Yoga Retreats page

 

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Don’t be the cookie

July 28, 2011 in ahimsa, creativity, recipes | 8 comments

In some popular styles of Yoga, students are encouraged to aspire to an ‘optimal alignment.’ While safe alignment is very important, I’ve seen much forcing in postures, the ‘ideal’ of a posture pushed like a cookie-cutter onto an unready body.

These kind of classes foster competitiveness, and echo much of our modern culture, which values appearence over substance.

Look where that focus has brought our society.

I think these lineages of Yoga mean well, but sometimes the language used can project that there’s something wrong with where we are currently at. You are where you are, and it’s a perfect place to start a Yoga practice.

Let your practice validate you on the way to transforming you.

Raise your right hand, make the peace sign, and take the Yogacratic oath…

Say: “I’ll do no harm.”

In our classes together, we adapt the postures to the current state of our bodies. Not an impose, but a Yoga pose, now helpful in the context of our lives. We foster a safe place where there’s nothing to prove, and we support each others unfolding.

In practice, we are not looking for paper mache’ shells of experience, but true postures, fully embodied, with substance and purpose.

Postures from the bones-out. Yes, Yoga is an inside job.

The true ‘optimal alignment’ is where the posture is safe, and of benefit to your whole being. Steady, with even breath, a meditative quality in your mind, and a clear sense of purpose. This place can be elusive. We get there by feel, and this takes practice.

Practiced this way, your favorite Yoga posture can be the one you are currently in. There’s just no place you’d rather be. From these peaceful places we can contemplate higher thoughts, like offering peace and compassion to all beings.

Our grandfather of Yoga, Sri Patanjalii suggested our postures be steady, and sweet, and on that note, I’ll close with some sweet postures:
Yogi Cookie Cutters yoga pose cookies

Yoga posture cookie cutters are available from The Kitchen Yogi, others from here. and compassionate recipes here. But remember, make enough to share, and don’t be the cookie!

Have you found yourself in a competitive class? Did you win? how did you feel after?

Om Shanti, I’ll see you in class. -j

SKBHBPMU7PS9

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9 ideas to spark up your practice

May 17, 2011 in creativity, Yoga | 3 comments

praying mantis expressing the joy of Yoga

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Om shanti, I’ll see you in class.

 

-john

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A Clean Sweep

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

a clean sweep

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Om Shanti, I’ll see you in class, -j

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

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Yogis wore their best shoes in 1944

September 17, 2010 in video, Yoga, yoga films | Add Your Comment

Enjoy this 1944 video of Henriques, Contortionist and acrobat:


 
Send this one to a friend, and for a real mind-blower, Be sure to also see the Ross Sister Triplet Video I posted a while back.    -j

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Tapas

September 11, 2010 in jnana, tapas, Yoga | 4 comments

The Sanskrit word Tapas means to burn, to be austere, but in Hatha Yoga, it usually means making a concerted effort.

Tapas is most often the doing part of Yoga, putting in that extra bit effort that makes us stronger… But for someone who tends to overdo, Tapas could mean doing less, say, resting in a child's pose for a few breaths during a challenging sequence of postures.

       Going against the grain of our conditioning creates friction.

This willingness to override our conditioning – our usual ways of doing things, strengthens our resolve, and we become more aware of our motivations.

       The fine line between wants and needs comes into focus. 

My good friend and revered teacher Swami Sathasivom recently vowed to perform a Sahasrara Chandi Homam.

Sahasrara means 1008, and the Chandi Homam (an elaborate and ancient fire ceremony) is his signature ritual of devotion. 

His plan was to perform 10 per day, for 108 days. His practice took 14 hours per day, for the avowed 108 days straight, a feat that has never been completed by a single person before.

Honored to be there for his 1008th Chandi Homam, I snapped this picture and as he wept tears of joy. 

Swami sathasivom coaxes an om out of the puja fire - sahsrara chandi homam

Can you find the Sanskrit Om in the flames of the Puja fire?  Sanskrit om - sacred syllable - Aum

When I find myself wavering on a commitment, I think of Swami Sathasivom, his focus, his determination to do what is so important to him. His 14 hours of practice a day, rain or shine for 108 days. If he can do that then I can surely follow through with my little challenge.

Slipping into Yoga-speak, it's the moving from Tamas through Rajas, to dwell in Sattva.

We don't have to practice 14 hours a day to benefit from Yoga, but we do have to put in sincere effort – sustained over time. If we truly want change, we need to go against our grain, to welcome the friction.

       Tapas can be as simple as not having that third cookie.

The heat of Tapas forges the new us, the who we'll be on the other side of our practice.  Less bound by conditioning we're that closer to freedom, closer to Mukti.

I've left some sanskrit words undefined here, so you can try out my new Yoga Glossary page.

Om Shanti,  I'll see you all in class.

john

p.s.  My brand new camera (long story) shot this great video of Swamiji performing his 1008th Chandi Puja: 

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Who are you

May 13, 2010 in jnana, writing, Yoga | 2 comments

"I know there's a place you've walked where love falls from the trees"  -the who

Who are you?

Parent, Student, Teacher, Runner, Boss, Worker, Friend, Yogi, Golfer, Lawyer, Human, American… We wear so many hats (masks?) that we can lose sight of who we really are.  We are not just these aspects we project into our world.

We are how we do, what we do… We are how we play these roles.

Our practice shines the light of awareness on all parts of ourselves. If we have the courage to look clearly at how we are doing what we do, we can see our weaknesses, fears and doubts, along with our greatest strengths.  

Only when we embrace the whole of ourselves, with equanimity, can change begin to happen.  

I came to Yoga to integrate the scattered parts of myself, Engineer, Yogi, Vegan, Teacher, Student, Human Man, Brother, Son… It just took too much energy to switch between roles.  

With practice, I get a clearer view, and gain perspective.  I wear less hats now, I keep simplifying, unbecoming,   looking forward to just being…  Unconsciously conscious.

How to mend the gap between how we are, and how we'd like to be:

The teachings are clear and simple, we become what we think and what we do. Set a clear intention of how you'd like to be, and practice living that way.  Start on your mat, and don't look away when you dislike what is revealed.

When you feel yourself squirm with resistance… that's where the juice is. The bigger the resistance, the bigger the potential breakthrough.  

Listen carefully, to your body, to your mind, to your breath, and to your emotions.  When they conflict, you can't hear your Ananda, your bliss trying to shine out.  When you get these aspects of yourself all inline, integrated with your intention… there's a profound clarity there. 

Yoga tells us: If you don't like what you're thinking or doing, to practice the opposite.  Stay the course. Breathe calm and acceptance into the discomfort.  On the other side is that clear glimpse of your true nature.

Lasting change comes from filling yourself to the brim with the antidote to how you don't want to be anymore.

Be steadfast and keep going.  Your efforts will shine-out into your other roles, your practice will radiate out to others… They're counting on you, and we're all in this together.

Om Shanti,  I'll see you in class.

-j

p.s.  A special treat!  I've arranged for Irene, a music therapist, to come play Live music for our Yoga class.  See the events page to meet Irene and get the details.

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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


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Motivation

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

Making time for practice

Whatever it takes to get us to the mat…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Time Cave:   –  Many more options,  precision timing.

My Email Reminders:  -   Highly configurable.

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

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

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

Om Shanti, I'll see you in class.

John

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

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