"Real" Yoga and our opinions about it!

We all have our personal opinions about what is "right" and "wrong" or the "real" yoga etc…

What I personally practice is embodied in the way that I teach, but I also get caught up in trying to please, and it ends of being a blend of what people want….and what I have to share.  What I teach is a blend of knowledge AND personal experience…. There is nothing like personal experience.

However, the POINT of this blog is this…

Dr. Omanand said something I will never forget (well, he said many things I will never forget but, this one is the topic of the day).  He was asked a question about what he thought about a particular "style" of yoga practice and his answer was the most beautiful, simple answer I have ever heard!!! "It is not for me to condemn another's practice."

My heart smiled so big when he said this! Too TOO often, especially on Facebook and blogs I see people (Yogi's) so eager and ready to knock another's practice, "it makes them sick" "it's not "real" yoga" blah blah blah… Really?!!!

For me, that's pretty much the same thing as saying what the "real" God is!? (or Religion, whatever).
How about you just do what YOU do and allow others the space to do the same!
You don't have to like it, so what! Is it bothering you? If you think it's ruining Yoga, well… Lead by example is all I gotta say! Let people find their own damn way!

I personally have strong opinions about what I enjoy for my practice and what works for me,  just because someone else has a different way about it doesn't make it wrong!

I don't give a lick what kind of yoga you practice! Just because I meditate, or practice the 8 limbs of yoga and you like your butt in a puddle on the floor does not make me a better person or yogi!!!

Practice... NOW!

Feeling anxious or run down!  Recharge your body in 15 min. I wanted to share a few yoga postures that are quick, easy and effective for a rapid recovery from a long day!  Also, a great practice for early morning, or right before a stressful meeting at the office!!!  No excuses not to practice, quick and easy!

Always remember to stay in your pain free range, adjust as needed my cues will be minimal… I have confidence in you that you can figure it out! Just move and FEEL in your body and use your own common sense. Practice at your own risk!

Start:

BALASANA ~ Childs pose - Breath deep… 

Press into your palms and hollow out your under arms relaxing the shoulders… 

Play with where you send your breath, breathe into your back, breathe into your side ribs, breathe up under your shoulder blades… Take at least 10 breaths here, settle in….

Knees can be together or apart… Arms extended or not… 

Be comfy and breathe!

This is an excellent place to begin to notice the inner landscape, 

set an intention for relaxation or anything your little heart desires!

ADHO MUKHA SVANASANA ~ Downward Dog - 10 breaths.

Move around bending knees one at a time, pressing heels or find stillness… 

Keep your abdominals active and strengthen by pushing all of your weight back to the legs and feet.

                                I love the play of giving and receiving here in this pose… 
                                       Press down your strength, lift up your grace!

                                                       

Hop or Walk forward to UTTANASANA ~ Standing Forward Fold - Dangle arms and head, 5 big breaths into your back. I like to keep my knees bent here, it allows my spine to create that much required "AHHHHH" space AND keeps my hamstrings and back safe! 

Enjoy a few yes and no nods of the head slowly here to release any neck tension! Rock side to side, this is a great pose to move slowly and see what opens up for you! 

OKAY - HERE WE GO.. Let's move!

SURYA NAMASKAR ~ Variation C - Be sure to switch legs (2nd time stepping back with opposite leg and switching on the way back up the other side) See below. (Do 2-6 rounds) :)

Move slowly…


EKA PADA RAJAKAPOTASANA ~ Pigeon Pose - 10 Breaths on each side

In Pigeon - From all 4's bring right knee forward behind right wrist, wiggle front foot forward as far as you can (activate toes and pinky toe side of foot pressing into floor) without feeling anything in the knee, then press back leg back until your hips lower towards the floor. Keep hips next to each other, back leg hip, knee and ankle are all in one line with each other and slightly in (rotation is an inward spiral). Front leg rotation is an outward spiral. *(Spirals are subtle) For extra support prop up bent leg side with a pillow under your butt.  This pose is intense but, never should cause any pain. 


JANU SIRSASANA ~ Head-to-knee forward bend - 5 breaths on each side.

This is a light twist and a fold… Grab ahold of your shin, or ankle or just sit upright if that's enough, how far you fold forward is not the goal. Breathing is the goal! Think Less, Feel More!

INVERSIONS ~ L - Shape handstand Prep 

From downward dog, shift shoulders over wrist and press feet into wall (butt height) as you straighten your legs let your hips move over your shoulders, press into floor with your hands and engage ALL abdominals, LIFT energetically with the backs of your legs! Advanced move - If anything does not feel right MOVE ON!

VIPARITA KARANI ~ Legs up the wall pose (10 breaths or longer if time permits)

SUPTA MATSYENDRASANA~ Reclined spinal twist - 5 breaths each side (or more, this pose is my favorite)!

If this twist is too much place a pillow between your legs!


ANANDA BALASANA ~ Happy Baby Pose - 5 breaths

Relax in your lower back, the wider your knees the easier it is to reach feet… or grab something closer to you so you can relax (ankles, back of thighs).

SAVASANA - Ahhh, Relax Time… THE MOST IMPORTANT POSE YOU'LL DO ALL DAY!  You could play your favorite song and when it's over stay for a few extra breaths. Sometimes I crave the silence and if I feel like I won't give myself enough time I'll count about 10 breaths then stay for at least 10 more…

BONUS  ~ Have your journal handy and write a few things down before you practice then after practice. Sometimes I like to write myself interview type questions then answer them.

                        And now.. You can enjoy your evening. Dance on the rug or whatever!

I always like to add a photo just for fun! 

** Comments, questions, requests for blog topics are always welcome! 

Thank you for reading! 

Remembering is Kindness

When you look back through your life, notice how important the relationships you've had, have helped to shape who you are.  Relationships can be friends, lovers, family members, simple acquaintances, teachers, and many many others who in some way or another have had an impact on your life.  The relationships we have, help weave our web of life in all it's intricate details.  Now, think of those relationships that at one point in our lives served a purpose; when that purpose was over, no matter how important they once were, did we discard that person? Discard, hrrmmm, that seems so harsh of a word to use well, it's true, we lose contact, don't call them anymore, avoid their voice mails or attempts to reconnect, is this kindness?  In this busy, hurried world of ours it's easy to use people for selfish purposes and then discard them like yesterdays newspaper when we are done.  Oh, don't fool yourselves I'm pretty sure we've all done this, sad thing is, you don't even realize it.  I bet if you look back at some of your "meaningful" relationships you've had in the past this has happened to you, or you've done it to someone else.  You may say well, you are walking different paths and maybe your paths just don't cross anymore; and while this may be true, if it was a meaningful relationship in the first place, or this person helped shape you in some way, is it kind to forget them?  What if the shoe was on the other foot?  You went out of your way to help someone, you thought they were your friend, you shared a strong bond, then all of a sudden, they don't need you anymore; how would or has that made you feel?  I've done this before, and it's been done to me (not on purpose but, still)! I'm just saying maybe the people who have crossed our paths and we've forged relationships with deserve better, even just a phone call a simple hello, how are you?  Our lives will continue, we will change jobs, lose loved ones, move, change our lifestyles ect...sometimes all we want as humans is to be remembered... We are like trees, even the deepest, furthest, smallest roots still matter. Take a moment to think of some of those people that mean or have meant a lot to you, if you can get in touch with them, give them a call, say hello, let them know they matter to you!  We want to be remembered, we want to matter.  We cross each others path in this life for a reason.  If you believe in reincarnation, there is a belief that everyone you come in contact with in this life, you had in your life in past lives, we are still working out those lessons in our every day encounters. I know I'm definitely going to give some of those people a call, even there was a reason at one point that we lost touch, they still made an impact on my life and I still care!

The inspiration from this blog came from: The power of kindness by Piero Ferrucci, chapter on Respect.

Intention

Our intention creates our reality. - Wayne Dyer

Feeling uninspired?  Does your creativity need sprucing up?  Is your life feeling dull, boring or confusing?  When I am having these kinds of days, I know it's time to go over my vision statement, and my goals. I re-evaluate my goals every time I need a pick me up or am feeling stuck...  I have goals for every area of my life; personal, financial, business, relationship ect... I'll usually only set goals out about a year because I am open to things changing in my life in ways I do not expect.  Also, i'll usually change my goals often even before the year is up.  I also like to make list, list of things that I want, out to the side I'll write the date I expect it to manifest, I have a special book for this.  I'll review this list once every 3 months or so and it's amazing the things you either have taken care of, or are no longer necessary.  I'm also amazed that these things usually come to me quicker than I imagined.  Creating vision statements is a way to visualize and create your goals into form.  With right intention and vision, through the law of attraction you bring people and things into your life that will help you reach your goals.  Basically, whatever you think about or dream about the most will be attracted to you.  Once you figure out what your vision and goals are; write them down, create vision boards, find the common theme, go over them in your mind on a daily basis or as much as you can.  See yourself living the life you want to live! Day dream about it - believe it to be true!  Also, through meditation you can begin to see things as they really are now, you can step back and observe situations and things with an open and non-judgemental mind; opening you up to more opportunities you may have missed.  Lucky people are usually just more aware!  When you are aware and living in the moment, you are not stuck on what you think is going to happen and you are more open to receiving what you need in a way that maybe you were not expecting.  So, with goals, visions and awareness, you CAN create the life you want to live!  Be willing to change often, your visions and goals should change as you grow, what you want today may not be what you need or want tomorrow!  I hope I've inspired you to create some goals or revisit the ones you may have already created! LIVE BOLD and don't be afraid to DREAM BIG!!!
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do.  So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. - Mark Twain

Om gam ganapataye

Ganesh - The remover of obstacles, patron of new beginnings, the arts, science, writing, intellect and wisdom...  


It's funny how you can have a whole slew of feelings one day and then have an immediate epiphany the next!  In this world of unlimited information and resources it's a wonder we even still have problems!  I know that sounds like a joke!  Whether the situation is good or bad, it will change!  It really is all about attitude, why then is it so hard to control it sometimes?  These feelings rise up within us without a moments notice, instead of trying to control them or analyze them, it might be a lot easier to just sit back and observe!  I'm not saying don't do anything about it, I'm saying that usually these feelings pass on their own if just given a little time! Basically, don't feed the fire of emotions!  You are indeed responsible for everything that happens to you!  In some way or another!


So, why Ganesh?  Ganesha has been popping up around me a lot lately, in songs, art, literature, I've been increasingly drawn to elephants everywhere!!!  As a remover of obstacles who wouldn't want him on your side?  With all of my emotions swirling around me I was too busy to notice the message being sent to me!  With Ganesh being representative of the Muladhara Chakra which is the root or first Chakra, the Chakra of innocence and the energy of creation. This root is where we derive our sense of self , place and purpose in the world.  This is exactly what I've been searching for lately, developing my creativity, trying to find my place in my new career, and in my life.  Ganesh is saying to me plain and simple - HELLO, sit your root Chakra ass down and meditate on it!  So, that is what I am going to do!  


~*~ You won't find yourself in the mirror!  

Honesty Vs. Being walked on!

I have had this reoccurring problem my entire life!  I know that I am in control but, how do I let this happen?  Not only once but, over and over!!!  I let people walk all over me! In my jobs, my home, pretty much anywhere...  Is it that I'm afraid to confront them?  Usually when it happens, either I don't notice it right away or, I can't find the right words in time to explain my feelings in a way that is tactful. So, most of the time I don't say anything at all.  Really, it's just about being honest!  Why is it so hard for me to be honest when people do or say something to me that I do not like?  Personally, I appreciate people who can find the words to be honest about how they feel! So, why then do I find it so hard to do myself?  I am finding it's easier with my close friends and family but, strangers and my employers are really what is tough!  Well, one obvious reason with employers is that you need a job! If you tick them off with your honesty, it might end up biting you in the tush!  I know though, there has got to be a way with finesse of words, to stand up for yourself while not poking the bear!  I am obviously, just not that good at it! I have an aggressive personality but, when it comes to this, sometimes I just don't want the hassle standing up for myself might cause!  Unfortunately, by not speaking up I cause storms within myself anyway! I did read a blog once that said maybe it's me that just "thinks" I'm being a victim!  Because, I always expect people to walk all over me it happens. There may be some truth to this but, still to this day I have not found a way to fix it!  It also seems that people in general would rather be lied to about certain things; then why I ask, do they ask questions they really don't want to know the answer to?  This is just an area I need to explore further!  Maybe with a better vocabulary and some daily affirmations I can feel more confident in standing up for myself!  Please, please if I ever say or treat you in a way that is offensive or hurtful, say something!  I may get butt hurt at first but, in the long run I will be great-full!  I just need to give others the same respect! If I feel I am being used as a doormat then it is unfair to me and them not to say something!  


My daily affirmation:
I am a strong, good person and I have the right to be honest about my feelings!


If you have any ideas or share a similar belief or experience about honesty please share!!!

Belonging!

In today's world of cell phones, email, internet, and all of our so called wonderful technology, where is the human connection?  You may say all of this allows us to connect more, share knowledge across longer distances ect... but, at what cost?  

If we haven't noticed this technology has created a rift in human relations. We know what's going on in Japan but, do we know what's going on right here in our own community? 

There once was a time when we needed each other to survive now, we focus on the individual me, my, mine!!! 

We fill our gap by contributing to causes that appeal to us on TV or otherwise advertised.  We can browse the internet and find that cause that just speaks to us and by sending our monthly check we feel like we are contributing to society and the betterment of the world.  

While, I am not saying this is not a good idea, I am saying we need to pay more attention to what's in front of us. The world we live in that's right under our noses.

I feel like our lack of kindness towards each other is a direct result of this individual way of thinking.  

Of course, this is just one way of thinking.  There are a lot of good things that have come from us cultivating our individuality. I just believe we need to find a better balance.  Relying on a smaller closer nit community would solve a lot of our problems, from the environment, to our health, our relations, and the way we think about our lives in general. 

A simple way to start would be to take your days slower. Actually pay attention to the person in front of you.  

Give of your self when ever you can.  

Be yourself but, also be aware of your community in where you live!  

Ask for help when you need it, give help when you can! 

Buy and eat locally and seasonally.  

Give back what you take in some way or another.  

Think about it, when has living this large fast more, more, more, life made you happier? 

Just an example: When you go shopping at one of these big chain stores, you can feel the stress as soon as you enter, no personal connection just the ching, ching, ching, of the cash register!!! 

Enjoy the simple things!  Smell the roses, look someone in the eye, shop at your local mom and pop stores, help a stranger, become active in your community.  

A Jewish tale tells of a good king who is dying.  Before all his weeping subjects, he calls for someone to bring him an arrow and asks the weakest of them to break it. The man does so with ease.  Then he asks for a bundle of arrows bound together and asks the strongest of them to break it.  Despite all his efforts, the man cannot do it.  To his subjects he says, "As my inheritance, I bequeath to you the union among you all. Be united with one another. This oneness will give you great strength, which alone you would never be able to attain."  (the power of kindness by: Piero Ferrucci)