I am going to reveal a secret. Something known to all the great masters - all the seers, priests, swamis, sages, holy souls and yogis around the world.
I am breaking no vows by telling this secret, because if a being is not ready to hear the secret, then it will have little effect. Yet, once read, it will be 'planted' like a seed in their being, waiting to burst forth from the dross of life to shine in freedom and wonder.
Here is the secret:
Do not mourn the past. Do not worry about tomorrow or any other future. Do not anticipate or expect. Just BE.
Live NOW .. in the present moment. Not dwelling on what has gone or what may be, but live right here, right now .. wisely and earnestly.
Om Peace!
Yogini Valare Devi
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
What We Think
Many believe they are responsible for what they do but not for what they think. In truth, we must be responsible in our thoughts, for what we think is where all our choices come from.
Understand that what you do come from what you think. Which is why you get what you focus on. It is not enough to say what you want, you must think what you want .. and let this be your daily thought.
Every thought we have is based on an aspect of our life in the world, so that the world appears as we think it to be. This is why, in your thoughts, your perception of your life and circumstance, even the world around you, must change to something better, brighter, more promising, in order for true change to occur.
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
Understand that what you do come from what you think. Which is why you get what you focus on. It is not enough to say what you want, you must think what you want .. and let this be your daily thought.
Every thought we have is based on an aspect of our life in the world, so that the world appears as we think it to be. This is why, in your thoughts, your perception of your life and circumstance, even the world around you, must change to something better, brighter, more promising, in order for true change to occur.
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Be Still And Know
Be still and know that I am god.
-Psalms 46:10
This short verse says so much. All we need to do, even in our busy lives, is to be still. We dont have to be still all the time, but mere moments. Which makes it even better.
When we are still - for a few moments after we wake up in the morning, and again before we go to sleep at night - we become quiet and clear of expectations. So it is that in this stillness we are able to 'see', to actually discern, the beauty of life all about us.
Being still is important, especially since it is our restlessness that causes frustration and stress, depression and sadness.
Be still and know!
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Unconditional Love?
On an yahoo list I am on, someone defined 'unconditional love' as loving some one 'despite what they say or do, and letting God bring about the changes' that individual wanted to see.
As a Yogini, change begins within, within myself, first. When that happens, I know from experience that I also see change in others.
Which is why, for me, 'unconditional love' is impossible unless we begin with our self. Which is why I am more comfortable with Metta, or "loving kindness".
The idea of Metta is "loving kindness" without attachment, so that I do not expect or anticipate god to change anyone (to include myself). Again, for myself, change must come from within.
There are six steps to Metta, or the cultivation of loving kindness. First, we begin with loving kindness towards ourself, then a good friend (not a lover). Easy enough. Then we cultivate Metta for someone we dont have any particular feelings for, a 'neutral' person for example. Then we cultivate Metta for someone we find difficult, then we expand our Metta to treating everyone we meet as deserving of loving kindess. The last step is to include the entire world.
In the Cunda Sutra, the Buddha said:
This is Metta.
The Suttanipata tells us:
This too is Metta.
And my favorite:
When we embrace Metta, beginning with our self, then we take one step towards peace in our life, towards all our relations, within our community, and finally to the world. Therefore, Metta leads us towards World Peace.
May All Beings Be Happy!
Om Peace, Peace, Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
As a Yogini, change begins within, within myself, first. When that happens, I know from experience that I also see change in others.
Which is why, for me, 'unconditional love' is impossible unless we begin with our self. Which is why I am more comfortable with Metta, or "loving kindness".
The idea of Metta is "loving kindness" without attachment, so that I do not expect or anticipate god to change anyone (to include myself). Again, for myself, change must come from within.
There are six steps to Metta, or the cultivation of loving kindness. First, we begin with loving kindness towards ourself, then a good friend (not a lover). Easy enough. Then we cultivate Metta for someone we dont have any particular feelings for, a 'neutral' person for example. Then we cultivate Metta for someone we find difficult, then we expand our Metta to treating everyone we meet as deserving of loving kindess. The last step is to include the entire world.
In the Cunda Sutra, the Buddha said:
May all beings be free from animosity,
free from oppression, free from trouble,
and may they look after themselves with ease!
This is Metta.
The Suttanipata tells us:
Even as a mother protects with her life her child, her only child,
so with a boundless heart should one cherish all living beings.
This too is Metta.
And my favorite:
May all beings be free from enmity,
affliction and anxiety, and live happily.
When we embrace Metta, beginning with our self, then we take one step towards peace in our life, towards all our relations, within our community, and finally to the world. Therefore, Metta leads us towards World Peace.
May All Beings Be Happy!
Om Peace, Peace, Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Faith
Across our beautiful planet, every living being has faith in god, even if they are not aware of it.
Certainly, we all have faith in ourself, that we live and breath, work and pay taxes. So for every living being who does not question their own existence, at one point they must ask: Who Am I? Once done, that is faith in god, in an ineffable force, in an absolute reality, in a sum total of all that lives.
We may not be god, but we are of god - just as a drop of water is of the ocean. And none can doubt that the taste of their tears - of sadness or joy - is salty. So to do our lives reflect god.
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
Certainly, we all have faith in ourself, that we live and breath, work and pay taxes. So for every living being who does not question their own existence, at one point they must ask: Who Am I? Once done, that is faith in god, in an ineffable force, in an absolute reality, in a sum total of all that lives.
We may not be god, but we are of god - just as a drop of water is of the ocean. And none can doubt that the taste of their tears - of sadness or joy - is salty. So to do our lives reflect god.
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Why Centering Prayer?
"For this reason, whenever you feel
yourself drawn to devote yourself
to this work, and whenever you feel by
grace that you have been called
to do it, lift up your heart toward God
with a meek stirring of love.
And understand by God the God
who made you and formed you
and who has graciously called you
to your present degree; and do
not accept in your mind any other
conception of God. And not even
all of this is necessary, but only
if you are so inclined, for a naked
intent direct to God is sufficient
without anything else."
-The Cloud of Unknowing
14th century contemplative text
Thursday, December 11, 2008
A Friend
I just found out that someone I have known from the Internet has passed away.
I was contacted by a police officer looking for next-of-kin. This friend, who I had been communicationg with for three years, had me in his phonebook with a star next to my name. It was the only star in the book so the police contacted me first.
In all my exchanges with this person, they were always thoughtful and considerate, kind and gentle. And though we never met, I feel a sense of loss .. for indeed, the earth has lost a kind soul.
I have said my prayers for Clifton already, and will continue to do so throughout this holiday season. What I thought about was all of you, and so many others that I know only from the Internet .. all dear souls that I call 'friend', yet have never met.
Consider these people or pray for them, but also include yourself, for we never know the impact we make on someones life. So it is, that even a friend not met is a friend indeed.
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
I was contacted by a police officer looking for next-of-kin. This friend, who I had been communicationg with for three years, had me in his phonebook with a star next to my name. It was the only star in the book so the police contacted me first.
In all my exchanges with this person, they were always thoughtful and considerate, kind and gentle. And though we never met, I feel a sense of loss .. for indeed, the earth has lost a kind soul.
I have said my prayers for Clifton already, and will continue to do so throughout this holiday season. What I thought about was all of you, and so many others that I know only from the Internet .. all dear souls that I call 'friend', yet have never met.
Consider these people or pray for them, but also include yourself, for we never know the impact we make on someones life. So it is, that even a friend not met is a friend indeed.
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
Monday, December 8, 2008
Alignment
"Centering Prayer is all about finding the Center. And it is a Center that we should be able to move freely from and back to. Beyond practice, when we live our Center, we recognize what is important in life, and so discard those things that are not connected to the Center. Centering Prayer sets our course on the heart's compass, so that alignment becomes more important than enlightenment."
-Yogini Valarie Devi
-Yogini Valarie Devi
Friday, December 5, 2008
Yoga certification (news article)
The truth about yoga certification
I periodically get asked by students (rather shyly, as if they are not worthy) about how to become a yoga instructor. Usually, I can sense who would become a future teacher, and am not surprised by the request, and try to reassure him or her that it's not a question that should cause them self-doubt, but one in which they should be applauded for even entertaining.
Often, I hear people (and sometimes fellow teachers) saying, "Well, in order to become a teacher, you need to be registered with XYZ organization, certified through ABC and then after yada yada yada, then you are qualified to teach."
Wait...Hold the phone...Rewind.
Yoga is not a licensed practice like massage or physical therapy. The entire premise of yoga centers around non-judgment and acceptance, so how can it now put a label upon what it means to be qualified or not qualified?
While I would not recommend it (for ethical reasons), technically, a student could take a single yoga class and decide they want to teach their own brand of yoga tomorrow. Will they be insured? No. Can they teach legally? Yes.
Another sentence I hear all the time is, "Well, I went through an intensive teacher training with Swami such-and-such for a year in [insert remote locale], while most teachers only go through a weekend certification." Here is my question to that person: "Did you study yoga prior to your intensive training, and are you certain that 'most teacher's' weekend certification involved training at all? Or, did they first study yoga for years, and then simply go in for a 48-hour test?" One person may have had no prior yoga experience, and sign up for a year (like one might enroll in college), studying philosophy, practice, contraindications, physiology, etc., prior to a final exam. Another may have walked into a certification after years of training, well-prepared, only to take that final exam. It is difficult to say if one is better then another, without taking the entire background of the student into consideration, as well as that of the instructor offering the training.
So, if there is no licensing, and if there is no defined lines regarding certification, what do you do? It would seem to be that there needs to be some standard to differentiate between qualifications and levels of experience, particularly with new students who may not know enough yoga to be able to tell a good teacher from a bad.
It is very subjective, though I like to believe that in practicing Ahimsa (non-injury and kind action) to others, a teacher-to-be will take into consideration the needs of the student, and prepare him or herself appropriately.
Do I think yoga should be standardized? No, that goes against the very nature of yoga.
Here is what I would offer - as a general guideline - however:
1) I would recommend that a future teacher study yoga for a minimum of two years prior to being trained to teach, or have the equivalent (i.e. a year of yoga and a year or two of a related discipline like martial arts, dance or physical therapy training). In that time, I would also suggest exploring different branches of yoga under that umbrella of "Hatha" (i.e. Kripalu, Ashtanga, Kundalini, etc.) to make sure he or she has a foundation into the family of yoga most appropriate for him or her (and - of course - add from there).
2) I would suggest certification vs. simply training with a guru, even though certifications are very different, because it will not only help establish credibility and some reference within the community, but it is necessary for liability insurance (which most studios require). The length varies depending upon prior training. Ideally, I would suggest a minimum of two years of study followed by a minimum week-long intensive teacher training and certification.
3) Supplement that certification with annual refreshers involving teacher exchanges (where teachers meet to teach each other), classes, study and workshops.
Again, I'm not suggesting there is one way to prepare oneself for becoming a teacher (until that time when yoga is a licensed practice), nor am I taking training lightly. I am letting future instructors understand what is and what is not "law", so that he or she can make appropriate decisions about how to proceed, and what they might take into consideration when exploring the path from student to teacher.
I periodically get asked by students (rather shyly, as if they are not worthy) about how to become a yoga instructor. Usually, I can sense who would become a future teacher, and am not surprised by the request, and try to reassure him or her that it's not a question that should cause them self-doubt, but one in which they should be applauded for even entertaining.
Often, I hear people (and sometimes fellow teachers) saying, "Well, in order to become a teacher, you need to be registered with XYZ organization, certified through ABC and then after yada yada yada, then you are qualified to teach."
Wait...Hold the phone...Rewind.
Yoga is not a licensed practice like massage or physical therapy. The entire premise of yoga centers around non-judgment and acceptance, so how can it now put a label upon what it means to be qualified or not qualified?
While I would not recommend it (for ethical reasons), technically, a student could take a single yoga class and decide they want to teach their own brand of yoga tomorrow. Will they be insured? No. Can they teach legally? Yes.
Another sentence I hear all the time is, "Well, I went through an intensive teacher training with Swami such-and-such for a year in [insert remote locale], while most teachers only go through a weekend certification." Here is my question to that person: "Did you study yoga prior to your intensive training, and are you certain that 'most teacher's' weekend certification involved training at all? Or, did they first study yoga for years, and then simply go in for a 48-hour test?" One person may have had no prior yoga experience, and sign up for a year (like one might enroll in college), studying philosophy, practice, contraindications, physiology, etc., prior to a final exam. Another may have walked into a certification after years of training, well-prepared, only to take that final exam. It is difficult to say if one is better then another, without taking the entire background of the student into consideration, as well as that of the instructor offering the training.
So, if there is no licensing, and if there is no defined lines regarding certification, what do you do? It would seem to be that there needs to be some standard to differentiate between qualifications and levels of experience, particularly with new students who may not know enough yoga to be able to tell a good teacher from a bad.
It is very subjective, though I like to believe that in practicing Ahimsa (non-injury and kind action) to others, a teacher-to-be will take into consideration the needs of the student, and prepare him or herself appropriately.
Do I think yoga should be standardized? No, that goes against the very nature of yoga.
Here is what I would offer - as a general guideline - however:
1) I would recommend that a future teacher study yoga for a minimum of two years prior to being trained to teach, or have the equivalent (i.e. a year of yoga and a year or two of a related discipline like martial arts, dance or physical therapy training). In that time, I would also suggest exploring different branches of yoga under that umbrella of "Hatha" (i.e. Kripalu, Ashtanga, Kundalini, etc.) to make sure he or she has a foundation into the family of yoga most appropriate for him or her (and - of course - add from there).
2) I would suggest certification vs. simply training with a guru, even though certifications are very different, because it will not only help establish credibility and some reference within the community, but it is necessary for liability insurance (which most studios require). The length varies depending upon prior training. Ideally, I would suggest a minimum of two years of study followed by a minimum week-long intensive teacher training and certification.
3) Supplement that certification with annual refreshers involving teacher exchanges (where teachers meet to teach each other), classes, study and workshops.
Again, I'm not suggesting there is one way to prepare oneself for becoming a teacher (until that time when yoga is a licensed practice), nor am I taking training lightly. I am letting future instructors understand what is and what is not "law", so that he or she can make appropriate decisions about how to proceed, and what they might take into consideration when exploring the path from student to teacher.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Attachment
"Time after time
I came to your gate with raised hands,
Asking for more and yet more.
You gave and gave, now in slow measure, now
In sudden excess.
I took some, and some things I let drop; some
Lay heavy on my hands;
Some I made into playthings and broke them
When tired;
Till the wrecks and hoards of your gifts grew
Immense, hiding you, and the ceaseless
Expectations wore my heart out.
Take, oh take - has now become my cry.
Shatter all from this beggar's bowl:
Put out the lamp of the importunate
Watcher.
Hold my hands, raise me from the
Still-gathering heap of your gifts
Into the bare infinity of your uncrowded
Presence."
-Rabindranath Tagore
I came to your gate with raised hands,
Asking for more and yet more.
You gave and gave, now in slow measure, now
In sudden excess.
I took some, and some things I let drop; some
Lay heavy on my hands;
Some I made into playthings and broke them
When tired;
Till the wrecks and hoards of your gifts grew
Immense, hiding you, and the ceaseless
Expectations wore my heart out.
Take, oh take - has now become my cry.
Shatter all from this beggar's bowl:
Put out the lamp of the importunate
Watcher.
Hold my hands, raise me from the
Still-gathering heap of your gifts
Into the bare infinity of your uncrowded
Presence."
-Rabindranath Tagore
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Christmas Yoga workshop
The Christmas Yoga workshop will focus on comfort and joy!
Christmas is the season of ‘comfort and joy’, the holiday that draws our attention to our deepest emotions and spiritual feelings. Even so, with the stress of commercialism and social pressure, sometimes it’s easy to forget the true meaningfulness of this most joyous time of year. Yoga is a gift to your self; a small present to cherish and receive the joy and sharing that is the heart of Christmas. Once renewed, we are better able – through increased health and a calm mind – to love and care for others.
The Christmas Yoga workshop will focus on the traditional cold weather asanas (poses) that generate heat, to warm the body and overcome stiffness. Asanas specific to increased circulation will allow warm blood to rush into areas of stagnation, to improve the bodies overall function. There will be immunity asanas to build the bodies resistance to and recovery from disease, and detoxifying asanas, that naturally flush impurities and toxins that have accumulated in the body.
Already it looks to be a cold winter. Couple cold and flu season with increased outdoor activity (shopping), the usual hustle and bustle of the holidays, and taking time out for a Yoga workshop only makes sense – especially a Yoga routine that emphasizes preventative healthcare. Yoga will help us to enjoy the holidays, not be miserable.
Remember that true Christmas is in our heart, and the best way to share sincere comfort and joy with others is by opening our heart to being happy, healthy and whole. Yoga shows us the way.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
9am-Noon
Hamsa Yogashala
1955 Round Road
Grayson, GA 30017
404 / 455 – 3667
http://hamsa-yogashala.com/
Tea and refreshments served afterwards.
35$ per person (15$ deposit).
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
Christmas is the season of ‘comfort and joy’, the holiday that draws our attention to our deepest emotions and spiritual feelings. Even so, with the stress of commercialism and social pressure, sometimes it’s easy to forget the true meaningfulness of this most joyous time of year. Yoga is a gift to your self; a small present to cherish and receive the joy and sharing that is the heart of Christmas. Once renewed, we are better able – through increased health and a calm mind – to love and care for others.
The Christmas Yoga workshop will focus on the traditional cold weather asanas (poses) that generate heat, to warm the body and overcome stiffness. Asanas specific to increased circulation will allow warm blood to rush into areas of stagnation, to improve the bodies overall function. There will be immunity asanas to build the bodies resistance to and recovery from disease, and detoxifying asanas, that naturally flush impurities and toxins that have accumulated in the body.
Already it looks to be a cold winter. Couple cold and flu season with increased outdoor activity (shopping), the usual hustle and bustle of the holidays, and taking time out for a Yoga workshop only makes sense – especially a Yoga routine that emphasizes preventative healthcare. Yoga will help us to enjoy the holidays, not be miserable.
Remember that true Christmas is in our heart, and the best way to share sincere comfort and joy with others is by opening our heart to being happy, healthy and whole. Yoga shows us the way.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
9am-Noon
Hamsa Yogashala
1955 Round Road
Grayson, GA 30017
404 / 455 – 3667
http://hamsa-yogashala.com/
Tea and refreshments served afterwards.
35$ per person (15$ deposit).
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thanksgiving Gratitude
Thanksgiving to me is a time of good fortune, divine grace and spiritual enlightenment. When I look around at what I have, I cannot help but feel thankful for:
-friends who honestly care about me, for you are my true source of sustenance and joy.
-a loving and attentive husband, whose embrace reminds me daily of the importance of love.
-a shala-refuge that is a center for being happy, healthy and holy, which is the heart's foundation stones.
-my dogs and cats, and orange-yellow trees against a bright blue sky, and cool winds that rustle leaves, and crisp mornings where the grass crunches underfoot.
I am grateful for these things and more. Gratitude is about the bounty of nature and a respect of god. To sit at a table with food before you - either alone or surrounded by family - considering the intent of this singular day, demonstrates self-respect for god within us.
"For I was hungry, and you gave me meat: I was thirsty, and you gave me drink: I was a stranger, and you took me in: Naked, and you clothed me: I was sick, and you visited me."
-Mattheuw 25:35-36
Yes, we should have thanks everyday, in every inbreath and out breath, and this gratitude should be felt and acknowledged and practiced in the most heartfelt way.
T - truth and tenderness
H - harmony
A - aspiration
N - now
K - knowledge
S - surrender
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
-friends who honestly care about me, for you are my true source of sustenance and joy.
-a loving and attentive husband, whose embrace reminds me daily of the importance of love.
-a shala-refuge that is a center for being happy, healthy and holy, which is the heart's foundation stones.
-my dogs and cats, and orange-yellow trees against a bright blue sky, and cool winds that rustle leaves, and crisp mornings where the grass crunches underfoot.
I am grateful for these things and more. Gratitude is about the bounty of nature and a respect of god. To sit at a table with food before you - either alone or surrounded by family - considering the intent of this singular day, demonstrates self-respect for god within us.
"For I was hungry, and you gave me meat: I was thirsty, and you gave me drink: I was a stranger, and you took me in: Naked, and you clothed me: I was sick, and you visited me."
-Mattheuw 25:35-36
Yes, we should have thanks everyday, in every inbreath and out breath, and this gratitude should be felt and acknowledged and practiced in the most heartfelt way.
T - truth and tenderness
H - harmony
A - aspiration
N - now
K - knowledge
S - surrender
Bow to the divine within you.
Give thanks every morning for your health,
for your body and for your mind.
Be thankful to live a life of usefulness,
for yourself and others.
Let your heart be filled with thanksgiving everyday.
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
Monday, November 24, 2008
"Hamsa" and "Shala"
This past weekend, several retreatees asked if I had a business card. I asked Dayna if it would be alright for me to give them out since it was her retreat and I did not want to detract from her efforts. She was agreeable to the idea so I handed out all that I had in my bag.
Frequently, I found myself explaining what "hamsa" and "shala" meant, so thought that I would explain that here as well. I know that most of you understand these words, having been long-time students, but there are a few new souls here so it is a good idea to review these words and their Yogic meanings.
"Hamsa" means, literally, "swan, gander"; however, there are several alternate meanings. Such as, "advanced sannyasi", or "advanced renunciate". For example, I am a sannyasi or renunciate. The best translation for sannyasi in English is "nun", which, according to the dicitionary means, "a woman member of a religious order, esp. one bound by vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience". So, as a Yogini, I did indeed take sannyasin vows. However, many in the States consider this to be a non-married woman, which is not necessarily the case. Just as Episcopal Priests can marry, so too can Yogins.
Likewise, "hamsa" refers to the breath/prana, as it moves within the body. Breath is seen as the physical manifestation of our spirit - that divine spark gifted us by god. When a baby is born, its first breath is an inhale, or "ham", and when we die or last breath is an exhale, "sa". So that every inhale is "ham" and every exhale is "sa". Hamsa then is considered the "innate mantra", or the one mantra that all living/breathing things share. Further, this idea is seen in the _Maha Vakya Upanishad_ (which is part of Ayurveda, or the health and healing aspect of Yoga). In this text, hamsa is expressed as "hamsa soham" or "I Am That / That Am I". This corresponds to Exodus 3:14 which reads:
"And God said unto Moses, "I AM THAT I AM": and he said, Thus shall you say unto the children of Israel, "I AM has sent me to you."
Because hamsa is the breath/prana, it is also referred to as the "heart of Yoga". And so integral is the idea of hamsa to Yoga that there is even a Hamsa Chakra - which is part of Vishuddi Chakra or the throat chakra (which is, of course, were we breathe). According to Yogic thought, the Hamsa Chakra is the center of discrimination and discernment, which helps us choose the right course of action in our everyday lives. If we consider the breath again – Hamsa Soham / I Am That, That Am I – this makes sense, because, when we trust in god, all our actions are the right ones.
One of my favorite Yoga parables relates:
Hamsa kshveta ha, baka ha kshveta ha.Ko bhedo hansa bakayo ho.Neera ksheera vivek e tu.Hamsa ha hamsaksh, baka ha baka ha.
"The crane and the swan, both are white.So what is the difference between the two?If you mix water and milk together,the hamsa (swan) will drink only the milk.It can pull only the milk from the water,while the bakha (crane) cannot."
My idea of an inhale/hamsa mantra that is positive, and an exhale/bakha mantra that is negative, is based on this parable. For example, in class, when I have suggested that the students inhale something positive and exhale something negative – like joy and sadness, or prosperity and poverty, or calm and turmoil – we are using a form of our innate breath. Another way of expressing this idea is a common childhood sing-song: In with the good, out with the bad.
Hamsa, as the swan that is the 'heart of yoga' is the power of breath that is always with us, like the presence of god, but also assists us in rising above the stress of the physical world. And in so doing, allows us to fly, or evolve, upwards into our natural state of being.
Regarding "shala", that means both "school" and "sanctuary". Not only is it a place where we learn Yoga, but it is a refuge from the rush of daily living, which is why I have always encouraged the students of Hamsa Yogashala to go there to simply relax, unwind, nap or meditate.
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
Frequently, I found myself explaining what "hamsa" and "shala" meant, so thought that I would explain that here as well. I know that most of you understand these words, having been long-time students, but there are a few new souls here so it is a good idea to review these words and their Yogic meanings.
"Hamsa" means, literally, "swan, gander"; however, there are several alternate meanings. Such as, "advanced sannyasi", or "advanced renunciate". For example, I am a sannyasi or renunciate. The best translation for sannyasi in English is "nun", which, according to the dicitionary means, "a woman member of a religious order, esp. one bound by vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience". So, as a Yogini, I did indeed take sannyasin vows. However, many in the States consider this to be a non-married woman, which is not necessarily the case. Just as Episcopal Priests can marry, so too can Yogins.
Likewise, "hamsa" refers to the breath/prana, as it moves within the body. Breath is seen as the physical manifestation of our spirit - that divine spark gifted us by god. When a baby is born, its first breath is an inhale, or "ham", and when we die or last breath is an exhale, "sa". So that every inhale is "ham" and every exhale is "sa". Hamsa then is considered the "innate mantra", or the one mantra that all living/breathing things share. Further, this idea is seen in the _Maha Vakya Upanishad_ (which is part of Ayurveda, or the health and healing aspect of Yoga). In this text, hamsa is expressed as "hamsa soham" or "I Am That / That Am I". This corresponds to Exodus 3:14 which reads:
"And God said unto Moses, "I AM THAT I AM": and he said, Thus shall you say unto the children of Israel, "I AM has sent me to you."
Because hamsa is the breath/prana, it is also referred to as the "heart of Yoga". And so integral is the idea of hamsa to Yoga that there is even a Hamsa Chakra - which is part of Vishuddi Chakra or the throat chakra (which is, of course, were we breathe). According to Yogic thought, the Hamsa Chakra is the center of discrimination and discernment, which helps us choose the right course of action in our everyday lives. If we consider the breath again – Hamsa Soham / I Am That, That Am I – this makes sense, because, when we trust in god, all our actions are the right ones.
One of my favorite Yoga parables relates:
Hamsa kshveta ha, baka ha kshveta ha.Ko bhedo hansa bakayo ho.Neera ksheera vivek e tu.Hamsa ha hamsaksh, baka ha baka ha.
"The crane and the swan, both are white.So what is the difference between the two?If you mix water and milk together,the hamsa (swan) will drink only the milk.It can pull only the milk from the water,while the bakha (crane) cannot."
My idea of an inhale/hamsa mantra that is positive, and an exhale/bakha mantra that is negative, is based on this parable. For example, in class, when I have suggested that the students inhale something positive and exhale something negative – like joy and sadness, or prosperity and poverty, or calm and turmoil – we are using a form of our innate breath. Another way of expressing this idea is a common childhood sing-song: In with the good, out with the bad.
Hamsa, as the swan that is the 'heart of yoga' is the power of breath that is always with us, like the presence of god, but also assists us in rising above the stress of the physical world. And in so doing, allows us to fly, or evolve, upwards into our natural state of being.
Regarding "shala", that means both "school" and "sanctuary". Not only is it a place where we learn Yoga, but it is a refuge from the rush of daily living, which is why I have always encouraged the students of Hamsa Yogashala to go there to simply relax, unwind, nap or meditate.
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Yoga for Christians
Camille, my dear Yoga friend, and I, spent the weekend at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit attending a "Yoga for Christians" retreat.
http://www.trappist.net/
It was presented by Dayna Gelinas of New Day Yoga, and Father Thomas Francis, a Cistercian Monk. The focus of Dayna’s practice is, "to lead people, through yoga and centering prayer, toward a fuller life in Christ, led by the Holy Spirit, renewed in mind, and strengthened in body."
http://www.newdayyoga.com/
Frather Thomas' focus is on the "need to deepen our commitment to God" through Contemplative Prayer or "understanding and experiencing the central place of the Triune-God in [our] lives" (*).
Camille and I shared a room, ate many of our meals together, and sat next to each other during the presentations – and for myself, I had a wonderful time.
By far, this was the most beautiful and meaningful Christian experience I have ever had the joy of partaking in. Likewise, the retreat was educational. For example, I have long sought out those bible verses that relate to Yoga, breathing and meditation, and now I have many wonderful examples.
By way of comparison, I could discern little difference between Yoga as it is taught in an ashram and Yoga as it was presented by Dayna at the Monastery. Our rooms were clean and ample for our needs; silence/mauna ("instrospection and reflection") was emphasized and rewarding; ritual/puja ("worship, adoration") was loving, gentle and filled with divine energy; and the monks/swamis ("master of Self") embodied the difference between reading spiritual scripture and living a spiritual life.
Dayna's asanas were gentle and nurturing, relating the basic Yoga 'limbs', namely: asana/body; pranayama/breathwork; dharana/concentration, chanting; dhyana/meditation, prayer; and Samadhi/contemplation. The only term I was unable to immediately identify to its original Yogic model was "Centeredness Prayer". I was finally able to make that correlation during Father Thomas' presentation on Centeredness Prayer, which he likewise referred to as "Contemplative Prayer". Both terms are the English equivalent of Samadhi Dhyana, or "meditation on the triad, sameness meditation".
For example, Yoga is meant to prepare us for Samadhi Dhyana, which is the highest state of meditation/prayer, in which our spirit resides within its natural state – unfettered by body and soul – within the god-self, or, as Father Thomas expressed, "within God-Triune". To stress how identical these two ideas are, both of them – Centeredness/Contemplative Prayer and Samadhi Dhyana – are conditions that are present all the time because they reflect our natural and true being. So that when we learn the Samadhi/Contemplative practice, we open ourselves to our inner grace.
The only unfamiliar aspect of the weekend was the food in which we ate (which I can not say was the same for what the monks ate). The food, though sufficient for our needs, was overly processed, which is quite unlike my experiences in ashrams (Hindu monasteries). One of the five basic aspects of Yoga is "right diet", or Ayurvedic diet, which means eating pure/sattvic food, high in the lifeforce/prana. Food that is pure, close to the source, without preservatives or artificial flavorings calms the mind and sharpens the intellect. Such a diet is easily digested, supplies maximum energy, increases vitality, and eliminates fatigue, so has a profound effect on the physical and spiritual body. This is why Yogi’s for thousands of years have preferred a pure/sattvic diet to one that is denuded of the lifeforce. Eating like a Yogi helps us attain and maintain a high standard of health, a keen intellect, and serenity of mind.
Because I brought fresh fruit and nuts with me, this was a small matter in a sea of metta/loving kindness. In all, I always knew that Christianity and Yoga shared a similar ideal, I just never realized how much – let alone how much information a Monk would have on the subject. Father Thomas, for example, related during his presentation that he "read, reflected, responded and received" wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita and considered it 'one of the worlds greatest spiritual god-texts', and that he particularily enjoyed the writings of Sri Ramana Maharshi:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramana_Maharshi
In all, this was a blessed and joy-filled weekend with my own personal "trinity" of: Camille, Dayna and Father Thomas.
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
*Angels: Our Guides to Contemplation for the Third Millennium – Trinitarian and Cosmic, by Father Thomas Francis, O.C.S.O., pages 3-4.
http://www.trappist.net/
It was presented by Dayna Gelinas of New Day Yoga, and Father Thomas Francis, a Cistercian Monk. The focus of Dayna’s practice is, "to lead people, through yoga and centering prayer, toward a fuller life in Christ, led by the Holy Spirit, renewed in mind, and strengthened in body."
http://www.newdayyoga.com/
Frather Thomas' focus is on the "need to deepen our commitment to God" through Contemplative Prayer or "understanding and experiencing the central place of the Triune-God in [our] lives" (*).
Camille and I shared a room, ate many of our meals together, and sat next to each other during the presentations – and for myself, I had a wonderful time.
By far, this was the most beautiful and meaningful Christian experience I have ever had the joy of partaking in. Likewise, the retreat was educational. For example, I have long sought out those bible verses that relate to Yoga, breathing and meditation, and now I have many wonderful examples.
By way of comparison, I could discern little difference between Yoga as it is taught in an ashram and Yoga as it was presented by Dayna at the Monastery. Our rooms were clean and ample for our needs; silence/mauna ("instrospection and reflection") was emphasized and rewarding; ritual/puja ("worship, adoration") was loving, gentle and filled with divine energy; and the monks/swamis ("master of Self") embodied the difference between reading spiritual scripture and living a spiritual life.
Dayna's asanas were gentle and nurturing, relating the basic Yoga 'limbs', namely: asana/body; pranayama/breathwork; dharana/concentration, chanting; dhyana/meditation, prayer; and Samadhi/contemplation. The only term I was unable to immediately identify to its original Yogic model was "Centeredness Prayer". I was finally able to make that correlation during Father Thomas' presentation on Centeredness Prayer, which he likewise referred to as "Contemplative Prayer". Both terms are the English equivalent of Samadhi Dhyana, or "meditation on the triad, sameness meditation".
For example, Yoga is meant to prepare us for Samadhi Dhyana, which is the highest state of meditation/prayer, in which our spirit resides within its natural state – unfettered by body and soul – within the god-self, or, as Father Thomas expressed, "within God-Triune". To stress how identical these two ideas are, both of them – Centeredness/Contemplative Prayer and Samadhi Dhyana – are conditions that are present all the time because they reflect our natural and true being. So that when we learn the Samadhi/Contemplative practice, we open ourselves to our inner grace.
The only unfamiliar aspect of the weekend was the food in which we ate (which I can not say was the same for what the monks ate). The food, though sufficient for our needs, was overly processed, which is quite unlike my experiences in ashrams (Hindu monasteries). One of the five basic aspects of Yoga is "right diet", or Ayurvedic diet, which means eating pure/sattvic food, high in the lifeforce/prana. Food that is pure, close to the source, without preservatives or artificial flavorings calms the mind and sharpens the intellect. Such a diet is easily digested, supplies maximum energy, increases vitality, and eliminates fatigue, so has a profound effect on the physical and spiritual body. This is why Yogi’s for thousands of years have preferred a pure/sattvic diet to one that is denuded of the lifeforce. Eating like a Yogi helps us attain and maintain a high standard of health, a keen intellect, and serenity of mind.
Because I brought fresh fruit and nuts with me, this was a small matter in a sea of metta/loving kindness. In all, I always knew that Christianity and Yoga shared a similar ideal, I just never realized how much – let alone how much information a Monk would have on the subject. Father Thomas, for example, related during his presentation that he "read, reflected, responded and received" wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita and considered it 'one of the worlds greatest spiritual god-texts', and that he particularily enjoyed the writings of Sri Ramana Maharshi:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramana_Maharshi
In all, this was a blessed and joy-filled weekend with my own personal "trinity" of: Camille, Dayna and Father Thomas.
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
*Angels: Our Guides to Contemplation for the Third Millennium – Trinitarian and Cosmic, by Father Thomas Francis, O.C.S.O., pages 3-4.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Yoga Winter Soup
This is a perfect winter soup for both Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Celery Root and Cashew Soup
serves 6-8
1 Tbls butter or margarine
3 cups chopped celery roote
4 stick of celery
2/3 cup cashews
4.5 cups water
1 potato, chopped
2 and 1/4 cups milk (soy or cow)
salt and pepper to taste
toasted cashews and parsley sprigs to garnish
1. Saute the celery root, celery and cashews in melted butter until lightly browned.
2. Add water and potato. Cover and cook over medium heat for 25 minutes, or until the veggies are tender.
3. Add the milk to the cook veggies, then pour all into a blender or food processor. Puree. Return the soup to the pan, season with salt and pepper, and return to a warm temperature. Its ready to eat! Garnish with cashews and parsley and enjoy!
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
Celery Root and Cashew Soup
serves 6-8
1 Tbls butter or margarine
3 cups chopped celery roote
4 stick of celery
2/3 cup cashews
4.5 cups water
1 potato, chopped
2 and 1/4 cups milk (soy or cow)
salt and pepper to taste
toasted cashews and parsley sprigs to garnish
1. Saute the celery root, celery and cashews in melted butter until lightly browned.
2. Add water and potato. Cover and cook over medium heat for 25 minutes, or until the veggies are tender.
3. Add the milk to the cook veggies, then pour all into a blender or food processor. Puree. Return the soup to the pan, season with salt and pepper, and return to a warm temperature. Its ready to eat! Garnish with cashews and parsley and enjoy!
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Troubled Times
In our troubled times, with stress and anxiety over the financial downturn at an all time high, with political uncertainty, and plummeting investments, more people are turning to Yoga.
Watching the morning news, either at home or on the ride to work, is stressing enough. Then when you or a friends company starts downsizing, its only natural to try to seek solace from the turmoil in a practice that offers balance and peace of mind.
Hamsa Yogashala is such a calming place .. an oasis in a sea of uncertainty. Here, you can come, sit, be still, relax, and learn time proven techniques to soothe and heal the body and mind.
Healing Yoga on Thursday is a weekly class for optimum health and well-being. Designed by Yogini Valarie, Healing Yoga is a weekly wellness program that detoxifies and cleanses the body, helping it return to a state of health and vitality.
Its always darkest before the dawn, and right now, its very dark. The demands of the world are becoming so intense that it is only natural - and self-preserving - to seek an island of inner peace and learning practices that help us with our fear and worry.
Yoga and Meditation are the best body and mind healing practices in the world. Combined, they help us restore balance, release stress and awaken the body's innate healing responce.
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
Watching the morning news, either at home or on the ride to work, is stressing enough. Then when you or a friends company starts downsizing, its only natural to try to seek solace from the turmoil in a practice that offers balance and peace of mind.
Hamsa Yogashala is such a calming place .. an oasis in a sea of uncertainty. Here, you can come, sit, be still, relax, and learn time proven techniques to soothe and heal the body and mind.
So many people have been hit hard by our current financial crisis,
and are honestly struggling to make the best of what
they have while coping with fear and uncertainty, anger,
frustration and loss. Which is why every class at Hamsa Yogashala teaches relaxation and deep breathing, so that students have an
opportunity to return to healing and calm centeredness.
Healing Yoga on Thursday is a weekly class for optimum health and well-being. Designed by Yogini Valarie, Healing Yoga is a weekly wellness program that detoxifies and cleanses the body, helping it return to a state of health and vitality.
Its always darkest before the dawn, and right now, its very dark. The demands of the world are becoming so intense that it is only natural - and self-preserving - to seek an island of inner peace and learning practices that help us with our fear and worry.
Yoga and Meditation are the best body and mind healing practices in the world. Combined, they help us restore balance, release stress and awaken the body's innate healing responce.
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Inexpensive Exercise
Like you needed another excuse not to exercise. The economy is worrisome at best, so most of us have cut back on expenses.
As Georgia's unemployment rate rises, more people are looking for ways to spend less. If weight control was the only issue, the solution seems easy enough: buy less food. But if health is your goal, it’s more complex. Bottom line in the checkbook: Gym memberships are expensive.
Hamsa Yogashala has a solution: FREE Yoga.
Yes .. thats right .. FREE Yoga.
Every Thursday, three times a day.
"I am very passionate when it comes to Yoga. So many who need to exercise for health, or need it for fitness, are going without. And our health and fitness are never something we can afford to cut back on, let alone lose." Says, Yogini Valarie Devi, Hamsa Yogashala's owner and resident Yogini.
As Georgia's unemployment rate rises, more people are looking for ways to spend less. If weight control was the only issue, the solution seems easy enough: buy less food. But if health is your goal, it’s more complex. Bottom line in the checkbook: Gym memberships are expensive.
Hamsa Yogashala has a solution: FREE Yoga.
Yes .. thats right .. FREE Yoga.
Every Thursday, three times a day.
"I am very passionate when it comes to Yoga. So many who need to exercise for health, or need it for fitness, are going without. And our health and fitness are never something we can afford to cut back on, let alone lose." Says, Yogini Valarie Devi, Hamsa Yogashala's owner and resident Yogini.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Kirtan
Radhe Govinda ~ Rocky Mountain Kirtan Summit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFPNS-HK_C8
NY Rathayatra Kirtan with Acyuta Gopi dasi and Gaura Vani das:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sJlfi3iWp4&feature=related
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZN71NGrdTbs&feature=related
Krishna Das:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rq-1bxJc7F0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFPNS-HK_C8
NY Rathayatra Kirtan with Acyuta Gopi dasi and Gaura Vani das:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sJlfi3iWp4&feature=related
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZN71NGrdTbs&feature=related
Krishna Das:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rq-1bxJc7F0
Friday, October 24, 2008
quote : Spirit
As space pervades a jar both in and out, similarly within and beyond this ever changing universe, there exists one Universal Spirit.
-Siva Samhita
-Siva Samhita
Monday, October 20, 2008
Take a Yoga Hike
Any any given morning, when the morning mist still hangs over the lake, you will find Yogini Valarie Devi at Tribble Mill Park for a few Sun Salutations and a brisk hike.
Hiking, akin to walking, is an excellent exercise - when done mindfully. And according to the American Hiking Society, some 73 million people - about a 1/3 of the population - enjoys hiking.
So if you enjoy a good hike, then add a few Yoga poses before you begin to reduce your chance of injury; which comes mostly from ankle sprains and lower back stress. A good Yoga warm-up does more to prep the muscles, it helps us avoid injury, reduce aches, and quickly recuperate for the next hike.
Om Peace!
Hiking, akin to walking, is an excellent exercise - when done mindfully. And according to the American Hiking Society, some 73 million people - about a 1/3 of the population - enjoys hiking.
So if you enjoy a good hike, then add a few Yoga poses before you begin to reduce your chance of injury; which comes mostly from ankle sprains and lower back stress. A good Yoga warm-up does more to prep the muscles, it helps us avoid injury, reduce aches, and quickly recuperate for the next hike.
Om Peace!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Five Things
1. Think before you speak and use a gentle voice.
2. Be kind and gentle in all your actions.
3. Be joyful, even when no one is looking.
4. Be sincere in all you do - its not all about self-gain.
5. Never let the sun set on your anger.
2. Be kind and gentle in all your actions.
3. Be joyful, even when no one is looking.
4. Be sincere in all you do - its not all about self-gain.
5. Never let the sun set on your anger.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
quote : Aim
"Always aim at complete harmony of thought and word and deed. Always aim at purifying your thoughts and everything will be well."
-Mahatma Gandhi
-Mahatma Gandhi
Sunday, October 5, 2008
quote : Clouds
"Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky."
Rabindranath Tagore
Rabindranath Tagore
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Yoga and Meditation
Many students new to Yoga get stuck on all the Hindu gods.
Yoga is not about them .. its about you.
Krishna, in the Bhagavad Gita, is an example of a Yogi.
Look to that example.
-Yogini Valarie Devi
I always tell my students that, "Yoga is more than the poses." The new students often ask, "What does that mean?"
Being a Yogi is more than taking a Yoga class. To be a Yogi you need to be in samadhi, which means "standing within one's Self". Samadhi is a way of thinking that becomes a state-of-being.
For example, when you are doing a Yoga pose you are not doing Yoga, but concentrating on doing a Yoga pose. Which is why I explain to my students that they need to "Stop doing Yoga! Become Yoga!" This means being in the moment, being in the 'now', this means that every Yoga pose is a meditation, a singular expression of beingness.
When the mind is perfectly still within a Yoga pose, not striving to do it any better, not thinking about how it should be done; and when the mind is simply there, breathing, relaxed, with no expectation or attachment to what that pose is or means, then that is Yoga.
A Yogini is someone who is wholly absorbed in Creation - in enstasy (samadhi).
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Corporate Yoga
Reduce stress in the office with Yoga!
Stress is part of the business world, the constant rush, the deadlines, the competition - its all very unhealthy, physically and mentally.
Maybe the office the last place you think of when you think "Yoga", but since your there all day, you might as well make the best of it.
"There are an incredible number of poses you can do sitting at your desk, using the chair, desk, wall and doorway.", says Yogini Valarie Devi, Hamsa Yogashalas resident Yogini and head instructor. "You dont need to sit on the floor to de-stress and feel happy and healthy while at work."
Om Peace!
Stress is part of the business world, the constant rush, the deadlines, the competition - its all very unhealthy, physically and mentally.
Maybe the office the last place you think of when you think "Yoga", but since your there all day, you might as well make the best of it.
"There are an incredible number of poses you can do sitting at your desk, using the chair, desk, wall and doorway.", says Yogini Valarie Devi, Hamsa Yogashalas resident Yogini and head instructor. "You dont need to sit on the floor to de-stress and feel happy and healthy while at work."
Om Peace!
Monday, September 29, 2008
90 year old Yoga instructor
For Antoinette Frank, acting her age is not an option.
Frank, who turned 90 last week, teaches yoga twice weekly at the Toms River Senior Center, and has been doing so for nearly 20 years. The spry 90-year-old could easily pass for a woman 15 to 20 years younger.
Her students threw her a birthday bash last week at the center, complete with cake, balloons and a cash gift.
"She never misses a class, nothing keeps her from getting to class and taking care of her 'yogans,'" said Bette Salman, who along with Shelby Schultz, organized the party.
"She has unwavering dedication, she can do more postures than any one," said Salman.
"We can't find anyone to replace her, she really keeps us going," added Schultz.
"We wouldn't be in the condition we're in without Antoinette," said yoga student Lillian Tvedt, 75. "She makes us feel like a million dollars, she's an amazing woman."
Bob Simonton, 79, the only male student in the 35-member yoga class, said he's been taking Frank's class for three years.
"There's great camaraderie, being with a lot of people who have similar interests. It's the only exercise I get. It picks me up, it's peaceful, I feel great afterwards," he said. "She's wonderful, she's always cheerful and she's a great inspiration."
Frank said she learned yoga 50 years ago from watching routines on television when her husband went to work.
"I love the people here, it's a wonderful class, I love being in the crowd," Frank said.
"I'm a giver. I don't care if anyone does anything for me. I wouldn't think less of them if nothing was done for my birthday," she said. Frank says she has no health problems, and her husband of 69 years still mows their lawn.
"He's 96 years old, he has macular degeneration and he's had a heart attack, but he's still active and independent," Frank said. "We get along well. I'm an individual and he's an individual."
Frank, who turned 90 last week, teaches yoga twice weekly at the Toms River Senior Center, and has been doing so for nearly 20 years. The spry 90-year-old could easily pass for a woman 15 to 20 years younger.
Her students threw her a birthday bash last week at the center, complete with cake, balloons and a cash gift.
"She never misses a class, nothing keeps her from getting to class and taking care of her 'yogans,'" said Bette Salman, who along with Shelby Schultz, organized the party.
"She has unwavering dedication, she can do more postures than any one," said Salman.
"We can't find anyone to replace her, she really keeps us going," added Schultz.
"We wouldn't be in the condition we're in without Antoinette," said yoga student Lillian Tvedt, 75. "She makes us feel like a million dollars, she's an amazing woman."
Bob Simonton, 79, the only male student in the 35-member yoga class, said he's been taking Frank's class for three years.
"There's great camaraderie, being with a lot of people who have similar interests. It's the only exercise I get. It picks me up, it's peaceful, I feel great afterwards," he said. "She's wonderful, she's always cheerful and she's a great inspiration."
Frank said she learned yoga 50 years ago from watching routines on television when her husband went to work.
"I love the people here, it's a wonderful class, I love being in the crowd," Frank said.
"I'm a giver. I don't care if anyone does anything for me. I wouldn't think less of them if nothing was done for my birthday," she said. Frank says she has no health problems, and her husband of 69 years still mows their lawn.
"He's 96 years old, he has macular degeneration and he's had a heart attack, but he's still active and independent," Frank said. "We get along well. I'm an individual and he's an individual."
Friday, September 26, 2008
Introduction to Ayurveda, part one
Ayurveda is rooted in ancient India; thought by many historians and scholars to be the oldest healing system on our planet.
'Ayuh' means life, and 'veda' means 'knowledge'.
Ayurveda focuses on the nature, scope and purpose of life, to include the metaphysical reality.
Ayurveda defines life as the conjunction/union of body, mind and spirit found in the Cosmic Consciousness and embracing all of Creation.
Ayurveda tells us that the purpose of life is to realize the creation - both internally and externally - and to express this creation in our daily life.
The purpose of Ayurveda is to heal and to maintain the quality and longevity of life. It is an art - the art of daily living - and has evolved from practical, philosophical and spiritual illumination, rooted in Creation. To those interested, it offers a profound understanding of each individual's unique body, mind and consciousness. This is the true foundation of health and happiness.
Traditional Western medicine, herbal therapies, surgery, energy-work, and many others, all have their roots in Ayurveda. Because of its broad scope, combined with length of development - over the course of many hundreds of years - Ayurveda embraces all health care disciplines and weaves them into an integrated treatment plan for each individual. This ancient approach includes surgery procedures, psychological or spiritual counseling, rejuvenation of the body, mind and soul, and much more, fully encompassing all these treatments and coordinating them appropriately.
This is why Ayurveda is called a 'living science', because it incorporates modern developments and techniques along with ancient wisdom. Many modern medical regimens are too specialized to design a plan that includes elimination of the cause(s), treatment of the condition, rebuilding of the body and the continueing support of a rejuvenation program; whereas Ayurveda is uniquely capable of suggesting a treatment regimen appropriate to each individual.
During Britian's occupation of India it introduced Western medicine, considering it superior to any other form of medical treatment; even suppressing and banning/out-lawing the practice of Ayurveda in some cases. Many Indians followed these new laws and adopted Western medicine, succumbing to the lure of quick fixes, pill popping, and a shot for everything - like their Western counterparts - avoiding personal responsibility for their own health.
Today, Indians are returning to their traditional and historical means of health and well-being - just as many Westerners are also embracing these ancient and highly effective approaches.
Western medicine tends to suppress symptoms and does not help to prevent problems from recurring. Western medicine is extremely helpful for acute conditions and trauma, it tends to overlook the importance of individual response to the streses and conditions of DAILY life and living. Western medicine focuses on specialization - a concept that does not exist in Ayurveda; for Ayurveda focuses on more than just an organ or system, but on the entire and whole (holistic) person.
Ayurveda - like all healing systems - has a basic foundation. For Ayurveda this is the Shad Darshan ("six seeings", or 'Six Philosophies'). This 'seeing' is both internal and external - which explains Ayurveda's dual approach of science and energy-work, or external and internal healing techniques.
The knowledge of Ayurveda, developed by ancient rishes/sages, come to us through the sutras (meaning, "suture", or 'threads, strings, verses'), and the Atharva Veda (one of the four principal Vedas). Recognized today as a primary text on Ayurveda is the Charaka Samhita ('Charaka' was a noted Ayurvedic practitioner, 'samhita' is a methological collection of texts or verses.)
Written on or around 400 CE, the Charaka Samhita is the oldest Sanskrit Ayurvedic text known to exist; being so concise as to contain even the five subdoshas of Vata.
Second to this valuable work is the Sushruta Samhita, written by Rishi Nagarjuna. It contains detailed information on surgery, blood conditions, and the five Pitta subdoshas. Other notable works are the Ashtanga Hridayam and the Ashtanga Sangraha, both written by Rishi Vagbhata in the 6th c CE. ('Ashtanga' means eight-limbed, and 'hridayam' means "nourishing, heart-healing"; 'sangraha' is "solidarity, upliftment, well-being". Respectively, these texts are "Eight-Limbed Heart-Healing", and "Eight-Limbed Well-Being".)
From mythology we learn that Brahma, the primal creator, taught Ayurveda to Prajapati, who then passed it on to the Ashvin Twins. In turn, they taught Indra, who passed the knowledge to Atreya (6th c BCE). He is said to have taught Agnivesa (15th c BCe), who wrote a major and often cited Ayurvedic text which no longer exists in its entirety.
The six roots of Ayurveda - the Shad Darshan - are also the six systems of Indian Philosophy. Listed below is the philosophy and its lineage founder:
-Sankhya / Kapila,
-Nyaya / Gautama,
-Vaisheshika / Kanada,
-Mimamsa / Jaimini,
-Yoga / Gorakhnath, and
-Vedanta / Badarayana.
Three of these systems - Sankhya, Nyaya, Vaisheshika - predominantly focus on the material world. The other three - Yoga, Mimamsa, Vedanta - observe the inner reality. Again, the darshan/sight of both inner and outer bodymind are taken into account in Ayurvedic healing techniques.
Combined, the six create a 'whole' and so total approach to health and well-being - on every level of being.
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie
'Ayuh' means life, and 'veda' means 'knowledge'.
Ayurveda focuses on the nature, scope and purpose of life, to include the metaphysical reality.
Ayurveda defines life as the conjunction/union of body, mind and spirit found in the Cosmic Consciousness and embracing all of Creation.
Ayurveda tells us that the purpose of life is to realize the creation - both internally and externally - and to express this creation in our daily life.
The purpose of Ayurveda is to heal and to maintain the quality and longevity of life. It is an art - the art of daily living - and has evolved from practical, philosophical and spiritual illumination, rooted in Creation. To those interested, it offers a profound understanding of each individual's unique body, mind and consciousness. This is the true foundation of health and happiness.
Traditional Western medicine, herbal therapies, surgery, energy-work, and many others, all have their roots in Ayurveda. Because of its broad scope, combined with length of development - over the course of many hundreds of years - Ayurveda embraces all health care disciplines and weaves them into an integrated treatment plan for each individual. This ancient approach includes surgery procedures, psychological or spiritual counseling, rejuvenation of the body, mind and soul, and much more, fully encompassing all these treatments and coordinating them appropriately.
This is why Ayurveda is called a 'living science', because it incorporates modern developments and techniques along with ancient wisdom. Many modern medical regimens are too specialized to design a plan that includes elimination of the cause(s), treatment of the condition, rebuilding of the body and the continueing support of a rejuvenation program; whereas Ayurveda is uniquely capable of suggesting a treatment regimen appropriate to each individual.
During Britian's occupation of India it introduced Western medicine, considering it superior to any other form of medical treatment; even suppressing and banning/out-lawing the practice of Ayurveda in some cases. Many Indians followed these new laws and adopted Western medicine, succumbing to the lure of quick fixes, pill popping, and a shot for everything - like their Western counterparts - avoiding personal responsibility for their own health.
Today, Indians are returning to their traditional and historical means of health and well-being - just as many Westerners are also embracing these ancient and highly effective approaches.
Western medicine tends to suppress symptoms and does not help to prevent problems from recurring. Western medicine is extremely helpful for acute conditions and trauma, it tends to overlook the importance of individual response to the streses and conditions of DAILY life and living. Western medicine focuses on specialization - a concept that does not exist in Ayurveda; for Ayurveda focuses on more than just an organ or system, but on the entire and whole (holistic) person.
Ayurveda - like all healing systems - has a basic foundation. For Ayurveda this is the Shad Darshan ("six seeings", or 'Six Philosophies'). This 'seeing' is both internal and external - which explains Ayurveda's dual approach of science and energy-work, or external and internal healing techniques.
The knowledge of Ayurveda, developed by ancient rishes/sages, come to us through the sutras (meaning, "suture", or 'threads, strings, verses'), and the Atharva Veda (one of the four principal Vedas). Recognized today as a primary text on Ayurveda is the Charaka Samhita ('Charaka' was a noted Ayurvedic practitioner, 'samhita' is a methological collection of texts or verses.)
Written on or around 400 CE, the Charaka Samhita is the oldest Sanskrit Ayurvedic text known to exist; being so concise as to contain even the five subdoshas of Vata.
Second to this valuable work is the Sushruta Samhita, written by Rishi Nagarjuna. It contains detailed information on surgery, blood conditions, and the five Pitta subdoshas. Other notable works are the Ashtanga Hridayam and the Ashtanga Sangraha, both written by Rishi Vagbhata in the 6th c CE. ('Ashtanga' means eight-limbed, and 'hridayam' means "nourishing, heart-healing"; 'sangraha' is "solidarity, upliftment, well-being". Respectively, these texts are "Eight-Limbed Heart-Healing", and "Eight-Limbed Well-Being".)
From mythology we learn that Brahma, the primal creator, taught Ayurveda to Prajapati, who then passed it on to the Ashvin Twins. In turn, they taught Indra, who passed the knowledge to Atreya (6th c BCE). He is said to have taught Agnivesa (15th c BCe), who wrote a major and often cited Ayurvedic text which no longer exists in its entirety.
The six roots of Ayurveda - the Shad Darshan - are also the six systems of Indian Philosophy. Listed below is the philosophy and its lineage founder:
-Sankhya / Kapila,
-Nyaya / Gautama,
-Vaisheshika / Kanada,
-Mimamsa / Jaimini,
-Yoga / Gorakhnath, and
-Vedanta / Badarayana.
Three of these systems - Sankhya, Nyaya, Vaisheshika - predominantly focus on the material world. The other three - Yoga, Mimamsa, Vedanta - observe the inner reality. Again, the darshan/sight of both inner and outer bodymind are taken into account in Ayurvedic healing techniques.
Combined, the six create a 'whole' and so total approach to health and well-being - on every level of being.
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie
Friday, September 19, 2008
Yoga - True or False
When friends and Yoga students look at my physique they often ask, "You only do Yoga? You dont lift weights or do another kind of exercise?"
They ask because, at 49 years young, I am slim, muscular, flexible, have amazing endurance, loads of energy, and put most the 20 and 30-somethings to shame.
No .. I dont do cardio or lift weights, and I am not double-jointed or 'naturally flexible'.
In fact, I hear so many falsehoods about Yoga that I decided to set the record straight .. so here goes.
True or False: You have to be flexible to do yoga.
My inner-Yogi's first responce is: "Flexibility is a state-of-mind". More down-to-earth, "No", you do not have to be flexible to do Yoga. In fact, being stiff can be a good thing in Yoga because it keeps you from over stretching.
Yoga is a gradual process that teaches us to return to our natural bodily movement, the natural fluidity of youth. It has taken us time to get out of this condition, so takes time to get back in - which is how Yoga also teaches us acceptance and patience.
With a weekly Yoga practice, both strength and flexibility develop naturally and evenly throughout the body (and mind). After all, we cannot be flexible without strength, and we cannot be strong without flexibility.
True or False: Yoga is aerobic.
The exercise and fitness industry has convince people that in order to be in good shape or to loose weight, they have to do cardio. Straight-up: This is incorrect.
Nonetheless, for those who feel the need to 'burn', Yoga does have a healthy, evenly paced routine that promotes power, fluidity and amazing endurance.
Ashtanga Yoga, 'Power Yoga', 'Flow Yoga' and Vinyasa Yoga are all new - and very Westernized - froms of Yoga. They are geared towards Americans who are convinced that exercise must be strenuous.
So, "Yes", some forms of Yoga are aerobic. In a typical Ashtanga class, for example, you will begin with 15-20 minutes of, well, Yoga's version of a squat thrust. But instead of a squat thrust with three parts (standing, squatting, thrusting), Yoga's version has a nine-point squat thrust that is followed by another version with a 17-point squat thrust.
After this warm-up, the session begins, so for the next 30-40 minutes each pose is 'threaded' by another Yogic squat thrust. Even the cool-down portion is intense, starting as it does with a Headstand that leads into a back roll and Shoulderstand. In all, Ashtanga Yoga is a 90 minute routine to satisfy even the most hard-core, cardiovascular craved gym fanatic.
True or False: Yoga is not exercise.
For many years I taught Yoga in gyms (not 'gym yoga'). Even there, with the air conditioning set at 62 degrees, students would walk out of class dripping with sweat. Much to the amazement of many gym-goers.
Sports Specialists and physicians all agree that "optimum health" is defined as: strength, flexibility and endurance.
Lifting-weights brings strength, but limits flexibility. Running on a treadmill brings endurance but limits flexibility. Yoga has all three. So, "Yes", Yoga is exercise, and through numerous studies over the course of several decades, is proving to be the "best" exercise for every age. In fact, unlike many other exercises, Yoga is meant to be done for life. I dont see many 90 years old lifting weights or running, but I see lots of 90 year olds doing Yoga that even a 20 or 30 year old cant do.
True or False: I have too much energy to do Yoga.
I hear this one a lot .. students going back to the have-to-have-cardio mindset. If you have too much energy, working out at a frantic pace does not remove that energy, it just exhausts you. Yoga finds that middle ground.
One of the reasons so many think that Yoga is not exercise is because the poses are done very slowly. In fact, the point is to "flow" from one pose to the next - without jerking of straining. Try doing that in a bench press.
And it is that state of fluidity, that movement with breath, found in Yoga that helps you to balance out all your energy. Too often, people either have "too much" energy or "not enough", or feel "tired yet energized". Yoga is that middle ground, that balancing point that shows us how to have energy when we need it and when we dont, to slow it down.
True or False: "Yoga is religious."
Because Yoga is rooted in Indian culture, and India's cultural religion is Hinduism, many mistake Yoga with religion.
Yoga poses define natural bodily movement, and because every human being on the planet has a body, Yoga is simply the "owner's manual" - teaching us how to move the body and how to maintain health in the body.
Unfortunately, gym yoga or fitness yoga is not the same as Yoga taught in a shala or "studio". The reason for this that Yoga is taught only as an exercise, and like most exercise, never teaches proper body alignment or breath coordination. A gym yoga class is simply aerobics with Yoga poses.
Which is why Yoga is best done in a shala (a Yoga studio) because there - with a well-trained instructor - it can be taught traditionally, with all the proper foot and hand alignments, breathing exercises, physical and internal organ manipulations that bring about the total package that is Yoga.
And it is the 'total package' that many confuse with religion, because Yoga makes us feel good about ourselves, not just physically, but emotionally and intellectually as well. That sense of a 'higher power' that some may experience in Yoga class is simply their own sense of self-centeredness.
So, get past the preconceived idea that Yoga is religion and take a real Yoga class, from a real Yogin, then you can see for yourself that Yoga was specifically designed for optimum lifelong health and fitness.
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
They ask because, at 49 years young, I am slim, muscular, flexible, have amazing endurance, loads of energy, and put most the 20 and 30-somethings to shame.
No .. I dont do cardio or lift weights, and I am not double-jointed or 'naturally flexible'.
In fact, I hear so many falsehoods about Yoga that I decided to set the record straight .. so here goes.
True or False: You have to be flexible to do yoga.
My inner-Yogi's first responce is: "Flexibility is a state-of-mind". More down-to-earth, "No", you do not have to be flexible to do Yoga. In fact, being stiff can be a good thing in Yoga because it keeps you from over stretching.
Yoga is a gradual process that teaches us to return to our natural bodily movement, the natural fluidity of youth. It has taken us time to get out of this condition, so takes time to get back in - which is how Yoga also teaches us acceptance and patience.
With a weekly Yoga practice, both strength and flexibility develop naturally and evenly throughout the body (and mind). After all, we cannot be flexible without strength, and we cannot be strong without flexibility.
True or False: Yoga is aerobic.
The exercise and fitness industry has convince people that in order to be in good shape or to loose weight, they have to do cardio. Straight-up: This is incorrect.
Nonetheless, for those who feel the need to 'burn', Yoga does have a healthy, evenly paced routine that promotes power, fluidity and amazing endurance.
Ashtanga Yoga, 'Power Yoga', 'Flow Yoga' and Vinyasa Yoga are all new - and very Westernized - froms of Yoga. They are geared towards Americans who are convinced that exercise must be strenuous.
So, "Yes", some forms of Yoga are aerobic. In a typical Ashtanga class, for example, you will begin with 15-20 minutes of, well, Yoga's version of a squat thrust. But instead of a squat thrust with three parts (standing, squatting, thrusting), Yoga's version has a nine-point squat thrust that is followed by another version with a 17-point squat thrust.
After this warm-up, the session begins, so for the next 30-40 minutes each pose is 'threaded' by another Yogic squat thrust. Even the cool-down portion is intense, starting as it does with a Headstand that leads into a back roll and Shoulderstand. In all, Ashtanga Yoga is a 90 minute routine to satisfy even the most hard-core, cardiovascular craved gym fanatic.
True or False: Yoga is not exercise.
For many years I taught Yoga in gyms (not 'gym yoga'). Even there, with the air conditioning set at 62 degrees, students would walk out of class dripping with sweat. Much to the amazement of many gym-goers.
Sports Specialists and physicians all agree that "optimum health" is defined as: strength, flexibility and endurance.
Lifting-weights brings strength, but limits flexibility. Running on a treadmill brings endurance but limits flexibility. Yoga has all three. So, "Yes", Yoga is exercise, and through numerous studies over the course of several decades, is proving to be the "best" exercise for every age. In fact, unlike many other exercises, Yoga is meant to be done for life. I dont see many 90 years old lifting weights or running, but I see lots of 90 year olds doing Yoga that even a 20 or 30 year old cant do.
True or False: I have too much energy to do Yoga.
I hear this one a lot .. students going back to the have-to-have-cardio mindset. If you have too much energy, working out at a frantic pace does not remove that energy, it just exhausts you. Yoga finds that middle ground.
One of the reasons so many think that Yoga is not exercise is because the poses are done very slowly. In fact, the point is to "flow" from one pose to the next - without jerking of straining. Try doing that in a bench press.
And it is that state of fluidity, that movement with breath, found in Yoga that helps you to balance out all your energy. Too often, people either have "too much" energy or "not enough", or feel "tired yet energized". Yoga is that middle ground, that balancing point that shows us how to have energy when we need it and when we dont, to slow it down.
True or False: "Yoga is religious."
Because Yoga is rooted in Indian culture, and India's cultural religion is Hinduism, many mistake Yoga with religion.
Yoga poses define natural bodily movement, and because every human being on the planet has a body, Yoga is simply the "owner's manual" - teaching us how to move the body and how to maintain health in the body.
Unfortunately, gym yoga or fitness yoga is not the same as Yoga taught in a shala or "studio". The reason for this that Yoga is taught only as an exercise, and like most exercise, never teaches proper body alignment or breath coordination. A gym yoga class is simply aerobics with Yoga poses.
Which is why Yoga is best done in a shala (a Yoga studio) because there - with a well-trained instructor - it can be taught traditionally, with all the proper foot and hand alignments, breathing exercises, physical and internal organ manipulations that bring about the total package that is Yoga.
And it is the 'total package' that many confuse with religion, because Yoga makes us feel good about ourselves, not just physically, but emotionally and intellectually as well. That sense of a 'higher power' that some may experience in Yoga class is simply their own sense of self-centeredness.
So, get past the preconceived idea that Yoga is religion and take a real Yoga class, from a real Yogin, then you can see for yourself that Yoga was specifically designed for optimum lifelong health and fitness.
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Menopause Yoga
Yoga has been shown, in medical studies, to reduce hot flashes and night sweats. It also sharpens the mind.
Women between the ages of 40 and 55 were assigned weekly exercise routines, those that practiced Yoga five days a week for eight weeks reported a reduction in menopause symptoms.
Yoga is both a physical and mental exercise, keeping our body and cognitive functions working well into menopause and beyond.
Women between the ages of 40 and 55 were assigned weekly exercise routines, those that practiced Yoga five days a week for eight weeks reported a reduction in menopause symptoms.
Yoga is both a physical and mental exercise, keeping our body and cognitive functions working well into menopause and beyond.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Face-lift
The beauty and cosmetic industry is a multi-billion dollar corporate machine. The world over, men and women are trying to look younger though surgery and drugs. Do these methods work? I say, "No." Now ask: 'Why dont we ever see cosmetic and facial cream models in their 50s, 60s, 70s or older?" Certainly many of these companies have been around for long enough to show that their products work.
And even if someone does succeed in making themself look externally younger, what about the inside of their body? Are they investing as much time and money into what goes inside their body compared to how they inject botox (*) or slather on chemical creams that enter the blood stream?
There is nothing wrong with wanting to maintain physical health, it is just the means that many people take to achieve this aim, which is literally backwards. For if someone wants to look and feel young and youthful, they need to start inside their body.
If you want to look and be young, do Yoga. Not only is it the organic way to maintain and/or achieve the flexibility, fluidity and strength of your youth, but does not require heavy drugs or surgical procedures.
Likewise, instead of investing in cosmetics that are poisoning the body, invest in organic foods and pure water. When the body is healthy inside, this reflects on the outside.
Couple Yoga's healing physical exercise with Ayurveda - the Science of Life and Living - with positive and uplifting thoughts and you have a combination of health and vitality, youthful vigor and abudance that will last a lifetime.
There is a Yoga maxim that says, "You are as young as your spine is flexible." This denotes mobility and flexibility, the natural limberness of youth that extends well into old age, where the spine is mobile. Likewise, the years maintain our youth as well. Yes, we cannot hold back wrinkles, but the eyes will maintain the shine and sparkle of youthful promise, so that in our 80s, 90s and well into our 100s, we will have a shine in our eyes.
Both the spine and the eyes are internal, the first ruling the bodies overall health, the second reflecting our state-of-mind and being.
Healthful thoughts and healthful physical exercise creates a natural condition of health and well-being. Seek these through Yoga.
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
*Botox is botulism, "one of the most poisonous naturally occurring substances, and..the most toxic protein."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botox
And even if someone does succeed in making themself look externally younger, what about the inside of their body? Are they investing as much time and money into what goes inside their body compared to how they inject botox (*) or slather on chemical creams that enter the blood stream?
There is nothing wrong with wanting to maintain physical health, it is just the means that many people take to achieve this aim, which is literally backwards. For if someone wants to look and feel young and youthful, they need to start inside their body.
If you want to look and be young, do Yoga. Not only is it the organic way to maintain and/or achieve the flexibility, fluidity and strength of your youth, but does not require heavy drugs or surgical procedures.
Likewise, instead of investing in cosmetics that are poisoning the body, invest in organic foods and pure water. When the body is healthy inside, this reflects on the outside.
Couple Yoga's healing physical exercise with Ayurveda - the Science of Life and Living - with positive and uplifting thoughts and you have a combination of health and vitality, youthful vigor and abudance that will last a lifetime.
There is a Yoga maxim that says, "You are as young as your spine is flexible." This denotes mobility and flexibility, the natural limberness of youth that extends well into old age, where the spine is mobile. Likewise, the years maintain our youth as well. Yes, we cannot hold back wrinkles, but the eyes will maintain the shine and sparkle of youthful promise, so that in our 80s, 90s and well into our 100s, we will have a shine in our eyes.
Both the spine and the eyes are internal, the first ruling the bodies overall health, the second reflecting our state-of-mind and being.
Healthful thoughts and healthful physical exercise creates a natural condition of health and well-being. Seek these through Yoga.
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
*Botox is botulism, "one of the most poisonous naturally occurring substances, and..the most toxic protein."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botox
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Health without Wealth
There is no quick-fix, but when funds are low Yoga offers a healing alternative.
Becoming healthy takes time and energy, but it doesnt always have to take money. Hamsa Yogashala offers three FREE Yoga classes every Thursday for you to get better, to de-stress, to exercise because you had to cut out the monthly gym fee.
Om Peace!
Becoming healthy takes time and energy, but it doesnt always have to take money. Hamsa Yogashala offers three FREE Yoga classes every Thursday for you to get better, to de-stress, to exercise because you had to cut out the monthly gym fee.
Om Peace!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Yoga and You
You wake-up in the morning, rush out the door, eat on the way to work, have a fast-paced day, then rush to the gym for a pounding music, high-impact work-out that leaves you physically drained and drenched with sweat.
Consider the alternative: A soothing, weight shedding, muscle popping, soft music, relaxing work-out that promotes health while relieving stress. There is no better way to end the day!
Yoga poses are natural bodily movement, so easy to learn. Yoga poses help you to naturally return to the suppleness of your youth while building and toning muscle, strengthening bones, increasing endurance, and creating overall health and well-being.
As winter fast approaches, Yoga’s deep breathing allows our lungs to expand, clearing them of mucous, bacteria and viruses, as well as allowing our blood to become fully oxygenated. Plus, Yoga poses decrease blood pressure, creating better circulation, and slows the heart’s rapid rate, to increase cardiovascular endurance.
When we couple the many distractions in today’s world with the repetitive motions of most occupations, there exists an increased need for Yoga – which concentrates on physical and mental balance. After all, balance is the information that our bodies need to know where it is in space, which is then transmitted through our nerves. Time spent on Yoga balance poses helps the body remember that equilibrium, and there is less tendency of tripping, falling or bumping into things.
Our bodies are designed for motion, so without it, the muscles tighten if not properly stretched, causing us to lose our range of motion. While at work, we train our bodies to be good at things that we do, so we tend to look like the occupation we have. For example, dentists are often hunched over. Over time, as we get older, our bodies take on that shape permanently, which is why Yoga is such a valuable life long tool to reclaim the natural grace and strength of youth. No one wants to look like they have sat in a desk for their whole life.
Yoga is simply the answer to a busy schedule filled with action packed and stressful activities, because Yoga helps us relax, calm down, get centered and be more aware of what the body needs to be happy and healthy.
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
Consider the alternative: A soothing, weight shedding, muscle popping, soft music, relaxing work-out that promotes health while relieving stress. There is no better way to end the day!
Yoga poses are natural bodily movement, so easy to learn. Yoga poses help you to naturally return to the suppleness of your youth while building and toning muscle, strengthening bones, increasing endurance, and creating overall health and well-being.
In Yoga, we bring together the body, mind and breath.
This helps us relax and flow through daily living.
At all times, Yoga is about nurturing self because
it affords us an opportunity to step away from the
judgmental and competitive environment of the workplace.
Yoga is our time to let go and be ourselves ..
or just find out what that means.
-Yogini Valarie Devi
Hamsa Yogashala’s owner and senior instructor
As winter fast approaches, Yoga’s deep breathing allows our lungs to expand, clearing them of mucous, bacteria and viruses, as well as allowing our blood to become fully oxygenated. Plus, Yoga poses decrease blood pressure, creating better circulation, and slows the heart’s rapid rate, to increase cardiovascular endurance.
When we couple the many distractions in today’s world with the repetitive motions of most occupations, there exists an increased need for Yoga – which concentrates on physical and mental balance. After all, balance is the information that our bodies need to know where it is in space, which is then transmitted through our nerves. Time spent on Yoga balance poses helps the body remember that equilibrium, and there is less tendency of tripping, falling or bumping into things.
Our bodies are designed for motion, so without it, the muscles tighten if not properly stretched, causing us to lose our range of motion. While at work, we train our bodies to be good at things that we do, so we tend to look like the occupation we have. For example, dentists are often hunched over. Over time, as we get older, our bodies take on that shape permanently, which is why Yoga is such a valuable life long tool to reclaim the natural grace and strength of youth. No one wants to look like they have sat in a desk for their whole life.
Yoga is simply the answer to a busy schedule filled with action packed and stressful activities, because Yoga helps us relax, calm down, get centered and be more aware of what the body needs to be happy and healthy.
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
Friday, September 12, 2008
Shanti Mantra
Om Poornamadah Poornamidam Poornaad
Poornamudachyate
Poornasya Poornamaadaaya
Poornamevaavashisyate.
This Shanti Mantra, or "Peace Mantra", is found in both the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad and Isha Upanishad, both date from the first millennium BCE. There are four commonly accepted translations.
That is whole, This is whole, the Whole rises out of the Whole.
If wholeness is taken away from wholeness, wholeness remains.
That is absolute, This is absolute, the absolute arises out of absolute.
If the absolute is taken away from the absolute, the absolute remains.
That is god, This is god, god arises out of god.
If god is taken away from god, then god still remains.
That is full, This is full, fullness rises out of fullness.
If the fullness is taken away from the fullness, the fullness remains.
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Yoga News : Cancer
Designer backs yoga project at US hospital cancer ward
October 30th, 2008 - 10:27 pm
New York, Oct 30 (IANS) Famed fashion designer Donna Karan has sponsored a major project at a premier hospital here to clinically prove that yoga, meditation and aromatherapy can enhance regimens of chemotherapy and radiation in treating cancer.
Karan, founder of the DKNY line of clothing and a yoga enthusiast, has donated $850,000, through her Urban Zen Foundation, for a year-long experiment combining Eastern and Western healing methods at the Beth Israel Medical Centre in Manhattan.
Overseen by Karan’s yoga masters, Rodney and Colleen Saidman Yee, 15 yoga teachers will be sent to the hospital’s cancer ward starting January next to work with non-terminal patients, and nurses will be trained in relaxation techniques, the New York Times reported Thursday.
Karan hopes to prove that the yoga and meditation regime can reduce classic symptoms of cancer and its treatment, like pain, nausea and anxiety and serve as a model for replication elsewhere.
Noting that a third of Americans seek alternative treatments, Beth Israel chief executive David Shulkin said: “To make care accessible to these third of Americans, we’re trying to embrace care that makes them more comfortable.”
Karan traces her commitment to integrative medicine to what she saw as the limited treatment of her sculptor husband and business partner, Stephan Weiss, who died of lung cancer in 2001 at the age of 62, and of Lynn Kohlman, a photographer, model and DKNY fashion director who died of brain and lung cancer in September.
Karan, who practises yoga daily, believes yoga works. “Now we have to prove it in the clinical setting,” she was quoted as saying by the Times.
She chose Beth Israel because it is among the handful of hospitals nationwide with full-fledged integrative medicine departments.
It has also experimented with integrating mainstream and alternative therapies for eight years.
http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/health/designer-backs-yoga-project-at-us-hospital-cancer-ward_100113265.html
October 30th, 2008 - 10:27 pm
New York, Oct 30 (IANS) Famed fashion designer Donna Karan has sponsored a major project at a premier hospital here to clinically prove that yoga, meditation and aromatherapy can enhance regimens of chemotherapy and radiation in treating cancer.
Karan, founder of the DKNY line of clothing and a yoga enthusiast, has donated $850,000, through her Urban Zen Foundation, for a year-long experiment combining Eastern and Western healing methods at the Beth Israel Medical Centre in Manhattan.
Overseen by Karan’s yoga masters, Rodney and Colleen Saidman Yee, 15 yoga teachers will be sent to the hospital’s cancer ward starting January next to work with non-terminal patients, and nurses will be trained in relaxation techniques, the New York Times reported Thursday.
Karan hopes to prove that the yoga and meditation regime can reduce classic symptoms of cancer and its treatment, like pain, nausea and anxiety and serve as a model for replication elsewhere.
Noting that a third of Americans seek alternative treatments, Beth Israel chief executive David Shulkin said: “To make care accessible to these third of Americans, we’re trying to embrace care that makes them more comfortable.”
Karan traces her commitment to integrative medicine to what she saw as the limited treatment of her sculptor husband and business partner, Stephan Weiss, who died of lung cancer in 2001 at the age of 62, and of Lynn Kohlman, a photographer, model and DKNY fashion director who died of brain and lung cancer in September.
Karan, who practises yoga daily, believes yoga works. “Now we have to prove it in the clinical setting,” she was quoted as saying by the Times.
She chose Beth Israel because it is among the handful of hospitals nationwide with full-fledged integrative medicine departments.
It has also experimented with integrating mainstream and alternative therapies for eight years.
http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/health/designer-backs-yoga-project-at-us-hospital-cancer-ward_100113265.html
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Meditation Made Easy
When we are enjoying the present moment,
not thinking about what we could be doing,
or what happened earlier that day,
then we are meditating.
-Yogini Valarie Devi
Meditation should be effortless, but it is not. All too often our minds are filled with thinking about the past or worrying about the future. But when we allow ourselves to simply enjoy the moment, the mind becomes calm, settling deep within the self, creating a sense of peace and harmony.
When we think 'right here, right now', so the mind does not wander 'back' (to the past) and 'forth' (to the future), it settles down, becoming able to release tension and strees. Much like how you feel sitting in your favorite chair - the body just relaxes into that comfort zone.
True happiness is found in that place .. in that settled mind.
Meditation is not about 'clearing the mind' or 'not thinking anything', but about being in the 'now', in the present moment. Try to do this in everything you do, whether it be driving or cooking, or playing with your children, or at work, or simply sitting quietly watching the wind blow through the trees. This is where you will find happiness. This is where you will find your true nature, and so improve the quality of your life.
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
Monday, September 8, 2008
Triangle Pose
Triangle pose is a great way to stretch the ribs or intercostal and latissimus muscles. It also opens your chest to allow deep and healing breaths, which clear the lungs of stagnation.
Stand with your legs 3-4 feet apart. Your arms are out, at your sides, at shoulder level.
Turn your right foot/leg 90 degrees, and your back foot/leg 35-45 degrees. Between the front foot and the back foot, try to create a heal to arch alignment.
Just breath deep and slow.
Inhaling, stretch your right arm out, over the top of the right foot/leg. Place your hand someplace comfortable, like your thigh, or your shin, or maybe even the floor. (The front and back legs do not bend.)
You can keep your left hand on your left hip for balance, or you can raise it upwards, towards the sky.
Turn the left hip skywards, then lift the ribcage, then the shoulder. You can look down, straight ahead (horizontal with the earth), or upwards.
Breath deep and slow. If you experience pain, then back-up and adjust. You may experience intensity, but thats alright .. its only pain that you back away from.
Try to stay in Triangle Pose for three breaths, then slow come out and try the otherside.
Stand with your legs 3-4 feet apart. Your arms are out, at your sides, at shoulder level.
Turn your right foot/leg 90 degrees, and your back foot/leg 35-45 degrees. Between the front foot and the back foot, try to create a heal to arch alignment.
Just breath deep and slow.
Inhaling, stretch your right arm out, over the top of the right foot/leg. Place your hand someplace comfortable, like your thigh, or your shin, or maybe even the floor. (The front and back legs do not bend.)
You can keep your left hand on your left hip for balance, or you can raise it upwards, towards the sky.
Turn the left hip skywards, then lift the ribcage, then the shoulder. You can look down, straight ahead (horizontal with the earth), or upwards.
Breath deep and slow. If you experience pain, then back-up and adjust. You may experience intensity, but thats alright .. its only pain that you back away from.
Try to stay in Triangle Pose for three breaths, then slow come out and try the otherside.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Gratitude
Every morning my day begins with meditation. Ok .. so after I take care of the girls (dogs)!
:D
Aside from yogic meditation I use a meditation deck. From this, I pull a 'daily card'. Over the years I have noticed that it always corresponds to something that will happen that day.
Yesterday I drew hearts. Its a lovely picture of loving hearts, hearts of embrace, enduring hearts, its such a warm and beautiful card. So all day yesterday I was looking for the hearts.
My day was typical. There was nothing out of the ordinary in anyway, and though I spent a loving day with my husband, that is normal so not the heart I was looking for. Then yoga class and Camille was there. She was my heart .. my warm loving embrace.
And she reminded me of gratitude, which is something I related to her, that I have tried to go back and express to all the souls in my life who have left me with an indelible impression. Beautiful souls like Pat and Kris, Camille and Terry, Morgan and Barbara, Sandy and Tish, Will and Alison, Michele and Melissa, Joe and Aly, Jackie and Tim, and so many more!
So it is, that this morning, I thought to share these thoughts with all of you. I cherish the experience of life, for true spiritual enlightenment occurs not from escaping life but in embracing life. It comes when we cherish every moment.
I cherish the challenges and challengers, for in troubled times the best retreat is within, where we can grow stronger and better.
I cherish the moments, for everyday is a treasure waiting to be seen. If I sit in the dark and never answer the phone, or cry in my pillow, never letting anyone close, then I will never find the treasure of life and living.
I cherish who I am. How can I not! I cherish my body so make it strong. I cherish my soul so seek its enrichment. I love myself so these are my gifts to self.
I cherish my visions and my dreams, for they are the children of my soul, the blueprints of all my achievements.
I neutralize negative thoughts by choosing to be positive. For me to be a better and stronger person, or to truly realize who I am, I must change the tired ways that have kept me tired. Remember, if you want to continue to get what you have been getting, then continue to do what you have been doing.
Kindness is the best way, my favorite way, to display my gratitude. Caring comes from the heart so caring is a spiritual practice that should be done daily - and all caring is expressed through the body.
A yoga pranayama (breathing exercise):
-Breathe in: "I will be happy."
-Breathe out: "I release all sadness."
-Breathe in: "I am grateful."
-Breathe out: "I release remorse."
-Breathe in: "I am love."
-Breathe out: "I release fear."
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
:D
Aside from yogic meditation I use a meditation deck. From this, I pull a 'daily card'. Over the years I have noticed that it always corresponds to something that will happen that day.
Yesterday I drew hearts. Its a lovely picture of loving hearts, hearts of embrace, enduring hearts, its such a warm and beautiful card. So all day yesterday I was looking for the hearts.
My day was typical. There was nothing out of the ordinary in anyway, and though I spent a loving day with my husband, that is normal so not the heart I was looking for. Then yoga class and Camille was there. She was my heart .. my warm loving embrace.
And she reminded me of gratitude, which is something I related to her, that I have tried to go back and express to all the souls in my life who have left me with an indelible impression. Beautiful souls like Pat and Kris, Camille and Terry, Morgan and Barbara, Sandy and Tish, Will and Alison, Michele and Melissa, Joe and Aly, Jackie and Tim, and so many more!
So it is, that this morning, I thought to share these thoughts with all of you. I cherish the experience of life, for true spiritual enlightenment occurs not from escaping life but in embracing life. It comes when we cherish every moment.
I cherish the challenges and challengers, for in troubled times the best retreat is within, where we can grow stronger and better.
I cherish the moments, for everyday is a treasure waiting to be seen. If I sit in the dark and never answer the phone, or cry in my pillow, never letting anyone close, then I will never find the treasure of life and living.
I cherish who I am. How can I not! I cherish my body so make it strong. I cherish my soul so seek its enrichment. I love myself so these are my gifts to self.
I cherish my visions and my dreams, for they are the children of my soul, the blueprints of all my achievements.
I neutralize negative thoughts by choosing to be positive. For me to be a better and stronger person, or to truly realize who I am, I must change the tired ways that have kept me tired. Remember, if you want to continue to get what you have been getting, then continue to do what you have been doing.
Kindness is the best way, my favorite way, to display my gratitude. Caring comes from the heart so caring is a spiritual practice that should be done daily - and all caring is expressed through the body.
A yoga pranayama (breathing exercise):
-Breathe in: "I will be happy."
-Breathe out: "I release all sadness."
-Breathe in: "I am grateful."
-Breathe out: "I release remorse."
-Breathe in: "I am love."
-Breathe out: "I release fear."
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
Thursday, September 4, 2008
What is Yoga?
The state of mind and being that Yoga creates is virtually ineffable.
Yoga has to do with the refinement of underlying - and quite commonplace - tendencies.
Yoga is a statement so correct that it does not have to be bold .. so poignant that it does not have to be beautiful .. so true that it does not have to be real.
Yoga is understanding, rather than knowledge. It is eloquence in silence. It is humility without prudery.
Yoga is elegant simplicity, articulate brevity, spiritual tranquility, and authority without dominion.
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
Yoga has to do with the refinement of underlying - and quite commonplace - tendencies.
Yoga is a statement so correct that it does not have to be bold .. so poignant that it does not have to be beautiful .. so true that it does not have to be real.
Yoga is understanding, rather than knowledge. It is eloquence in silence. It is humility without prudery.
Yoga is elegant simplicity, articulate brevity, spiritual tranquility, and authority without dominion.
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Yoga Therapy
A weekly Yoga class - coupled with a monthly Thai Yoga Body Therapy session - can cut down on the time it takes to get better, while improving your chances of not getting sick in the first place, and save you money by investing your health dollors into a practice your body responds to.
The FREE Healing Yoga class at Hamsa Yogashala will empower you to tap into the energy system of your body - letting you know what your body needs for health and wellbeing. A weekly Healing Yoga class is what you and your family needs to stay healthy and balanced. After all, in your house, everyone is less likely to get sick when everyone in the house is also healthy.
A weekly Healing Yoga class - coupled with a monthly Thai Yoga Body Therapy session - means:
-Fewer doctor visits,
-Less sick time lost from work and school, and
-The joy of life in good health.
If you are looking to heighten your quality of life, to better enjoy your life, and to not be held back by being sick or tired, this Healing Yoga and Thai Yoga Body Therapy is easy, fast and very effective.
If you are looking to rid of chronic pain, fatigue and depression, muscle stiffness and immobility, then Healing Yoga and Thai Yoga Body Therapy will enhance your health and vitality, bring about a condition of calm relaxation, and even promote anti-aging.
The FREE Healing Yoga class at Hamsa Yogashala will empower you to tap into the energy system of your body - letting you know what your body needs for health and wellbeing. A weekly Healing Yoga class is what you and your family needs to stay healthy and balanced. After all, in your house, everyone is less likely to get sick when everyone in the house is also healthy.
A weekly Healing Yoga class - coupled with a monthly Thai Yoga Body Therapy session - means:
-Fewer doctor visits,
-Less sick time lost from work and school, and
-The joy of life in good health.
If you are looking to heighten your quality of life, to better enjoy your life, and to not be held back by being sick or tired, this Healing Yoga and Thai Yoga Body Therapy is easy, fast and very effective.
If you are looking to rid of chronic pain, fatigue and depression, muscle stiffness and immobility, then Healing Yoga and Thai Yoga Body Therapy will enhance your health and vitality, bring about a condition of calm relaxation, and even promote anti-aging.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Renunciation
Renunciation is not about selling everything and wandering the world as a monk in order to achieve true spiritual release. Renunciation is not clinging to things, not controling things, not forcing things.
The wind does not force the stone to erode. The sun does not force the flower to bloom.
In fact, when we try to renounce something we are only taking it on ourselves, picking it up and making it attached to us. For example, the minute you deprive yourself of something - like chocolate or coffee or red meat - is the moment you want that thing. Then, there exists an internal struggle, one that often leads to feelings of guilt or inadequecy.
We cannot change ourself, but if you allow yourself to realize Self, then change becomes a natural flowing, a gentle expression of calm that allows us to weather any storm.
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
The wind does not force the stone to erode. The sun does not force the flower to bloom.
In fact, when we try to renounce something we are only taking it on ourselves, picking it up and making it attached to us. For example, the minute you deprive yourself of something - like chocolate or coffee or red meat - is the moment you want that thing. Then, there exists an internal struggle, one that often leads to feelings of guilt or inadequecy.
We cannot change ourself, but if you allow yourself to realize Self, then change becomes a natural flowing, a gentle expression of calm that allows us to weather any storm.
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Five Things
Proper Exercise
Proper Breathing
Proper Relaxation
Proper Food
Proper Thinking
Yoga leads the way!
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
Proper Breathing
Proper Relaxation
Proper Food
Proper Thinking
Yoga leads the way!
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Negative Feelings
When we remove negative thinking from our life, then our emotions will also become free of negativity. When we remove strain and effort from our body, then pain and confusion will also be removed. Then, when we experience negative thinking or pain, we are not only better able to gently remove it, but to identify whether it is ours are coming from someplace outside of our self.
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
Monday, August 25, 2008
Peace, not just "non-violence"
The word ahimsa is often translated as "non-violence", but his is not exactly correct.
Himsa means "violence" and a means the opposite of a thing. So more than non-violence, ahimsa means peace.
Consider this: even in non-violence, violence exists by merely considering it, even if considering it as non-action. Whereas peace is always peace.
A perfect example of this is idea was seen in Mother Theresa's request to participate in a anti-war rally. She said, "I was once asked why I don't participate in anti-war demonstrations. I said that I will never do that, but as soon as you have a pro-peace rally, I'll be there."
Mother Theresa new that anti-war still evoke the energy of war. Likewise, ahimsa still invokes the energy of violence when we translate it as non-violence.
For some, the idea of violence is far removed from them, mostly because violence is thought to be something that occurs in a war zone, for example. Yet, people are violent everyday.
When someone makes fun of someone else, that is violence. When laughing at a comedian who riducules people, that is violence. When eating junk food or over doing exercise, that is violence. When sleeping too much, eating too much, or anything in excess, that is violence. When taking pills for every complaint, when drinking coffee or alcohol, this is violence. When overly concerned about appearance - make-up, clothing, this is violence. When engaged in negative thoughts - 'Im stupid', 'Im too fat', 'I hate my hair', this is violence.
In Yoga, I often remind the students that, "flexibility is a state of mind", meaning that, when the mind is flexible and open and willing to flow with changes, then the body will follow. So it is that when we engage in the examples above, thinking and doing and having violent thoughts, the body will follow.
Think peace and the mind will be filled with peace. Think peace and peace will fill the body with peace. Think peace and others around you will experience that peace and bring it into themselves.
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
Himsa means "violence" and a means the opposite of a thing. So more than non-violence, ahimsa means peace.
Consider this: even in non-violence, violence exists by merely considering it, even if considering it as non-action. Whereas peace is always peace.
A perfect example of this is idea was seen in Mother Theresa's request to participate in a anti-war rally. She said, "I was once asked why I don't participate in anti-war demonstrations. I said that I will never do that, but as soon as you have a pro-peace rally, I'll be there."
Mother Theresa new that anti-war still evoke the energy of war. Likewise, ahimsa still invokes the energy of violence when we translate it as non-violence.
For some, the idea of violence is far removed from them, mostly because violence is thought to be something that occurs in a war zone, for example. Yet, people are violent everyday.
When someone makes fun of someone else, that is violence. When laughing at a comedian who riducules people, that is violence. When eating junk food or over doing exercise, that is violence. When sleeping too much, eating too much, or anything in excess, that is violence. When taking pills for every complaint, when drinking coffee or alcohol, this is violence. When overly concerned about appearance - make-up, clothing, this is violence. When engaged in negative thoughts - 'Im stupid', 'Im too fat', 'I hate my hair', this is violence.
In Yoga, I often remind the students that, "flexibility is a state of mind", meaning that, when the mind is flexible and open and willing to flow with changes, then the body will follow. So it is that when we engage in the examples above, thinking and doing and having violent thoughts, the body will follow.
Think peace and the mind will be filled with peace. Think peace and peace will fill the body with peace. Think peace and others around you will experience that peace and bring it into themselves.
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
Friday, August 22, 2008
Power Yoga
Does Yoga build power in the body? Can it be used as strength training?
No matter what you do, muscle loss begins in your 30s and continues at a rate of 3% per decade without adequate exercise and sound nutrition.
Yoga is a weight-bearing exercise, and several medical studies can support this fact. This means Yoga is good for seniors concerned about bone loss and athletes looking to get a serious work-out.
For example, a typical Hatha Yoga class at Hamsa Yogashala will burn calories, build strength, create endurance and improve flexibility. For most people, that is a win-win combination because there Yoga is no-impact routine so does not harm the muscles or bones.
For serious athletes, Yoga is an excellent addition to the weight training - or Martial Art, or Running, or any other sport that you may engage in.
Om Peace!
No matter what you do, muscle loss begins in your 30s and continues at a rate of 3% per decade without adequate exercise and sound nutrition.
Yoga is a weight-bearing exercise, and several medical studies can support this fact. This means Yoga is good for seniors concerned about bone loss and athletes looking to get a serious work-out.
For example, a typical Hatha Yoga class at Hamsa Yogashala will burn calories, build strength, create endurance and improve flexibility. For most people, that is a win-win combination because there Yoga is no-impact routine so does not harm the muscles or bones.
For serious athletes, Yoga is an excellent addition to the weight training - or Martial Art, or Running, or any other sport that you may engage in.
Om Peace!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
quote : Grace
To know that nothing hurts the godly, is a matter of comfort;
but to be assured that all things which fall out shall co-operate
for their good, that their crosses shall be turned into blessings,
that showers of affliction water the withering root
of their grace and make it flourish more;
this may fill their hearts with joy till they run over.
-Thomas Watson
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Saucha Yoga
Saucha means "physical and mental purification".
Hatha Yoga is more than getting in great shape, its also a way to maintain and/or restore health, to de-stress and de-toxify.
"When your body is cleansed, your mind purified and your senses are controlled, you experience the joyful awareness that enables you to realise your inner self."
-Patanjali, Raja Yoga Sutra 2.41
Ask your Yoga teacher about "saucha". If they dont know what it means, find another teacher, because you have been taking a stretch class, not a Yoga class.
Saucha is purification, as seen in physical cleanliness, a clean home, healthy food, pure water, and a mindfulness practice - like Yoga.
Saucha also means mental clarity and calm speaking, or refraining angry and de-basing thoughts, and emotionally charged rants.
Saucha is part of Yoga, for without it, you will never fully experience the inner calm and fullness that is Hatha Yoga.
Yoga asanas done with conscious and relaxed breathing will cleanse the body and mind, calm the emotions, clear your karma, lift your self-esteem, and improve your self-awareness. Combined, these create a reverence for life and a sense of sacredness to all you do.
Saucha is one of the ten precepts that Mahama Gandhi worked diligently on.
When we bring Saucha into our Yoga practice, it reflects in our daily life as transparency, so that all who see you will see the grace and gratitude shining within you.
Here are some suggestions for bringing Saucha into your life:
-Learn a Yoga Kriya, or "cleansing exercise", such as neti. To this on a regular basis.
-Resolve to clean your house everyday. If anything, to remove the clutter.
-Go through your home and find things you no longer need or use. Collect them in a canvas bag and at the end of the month, donate them to charity.
-Once a week, have a Meatless Monday.
-Practice truthfullness by saying what you mean. When we intend to speak truthfully we are more likely to stop before speaking - thinking carefully about what we will say and how we will say it.
-Meditate daily.
-Keep a journal. Jot down your thoughts, or something you overheard, or a passage from a book and why you liked it.
-Ask yourself, "Do I think my body is the temple of the soul? If so, what should I do to really treat it like a temple?"
Om Peace!
Hatha Yoga is more than getting in great shape, its also a way to maintain and/or restore health, to de-stress and de-toxify.
"When your body is cleansed, your mind purified and your senses are controlled, you experience the joyful awareness that enables you to realise your inner self."
-Patanjali, Raja Yoga Sutra 2.41
Ask your Yoga teacher about "saucha". If they dont know what it means, find another teacher, because you have been taking a stretch class, not a Yoga class.
Saucha is purification, as seen in physical cleanliness, a clean home, healthy food, pure water, and a mindfulness practice - like Yoga.
Saucha also means mental clarity and calm speaking, or refraining angry and de-basing thoughts, and emotionally charged rants.
Saucha is part of Yoga, for without it, you will never fully experience the inner calm and fullness that is Hatha Yoga.
Yoga asanas done with conscious and relaxed breathing will cleanse the body and mind, calm the emotions, clear your karma, lift your self-esteem, and improve your self-awareness. Combined, these create a reverence for life and a sense of sacredness to all you do.
Saucha is one of the ten precepts that Mahama Gandhi worked diligently on.
When we bring Saucha into our Yoga practice, it reflects in our daily life as transparency, so that all who see you will see the grace and gratitude shining within you.
Here are some suggestions for bringing Saucha into your life:
-Learn a Yoga Kriya, or "cleansing exercise", such as neti. To this on a regular basis.
-Resolve to clean your house everyday. If anything, to remove the clutter.
-Go through your home and find things you no longer need or use. Collect them in a canvas bag and at the end of the month, donate them to charity.
-Once a week, have a Meatless Monday.
-Practice truthfullness by saying what you mean. When we intend to speak truthfully we are more likely to stop before speaking - thinking carefully about what we will say and how we will say it.
-Meditate daily.
-Keep a journal. Jot down your thoughts, or something you overheard, or a passage from a book and why you liked it.
-Ask yourself, "Do I think my body is the temple of the soul? If so, what should I do to really treat it like a temple?"
Om Peace!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
FREE Yoga
Hamsa Yogashala responded immediately to the economic emergency by offering free Yoga classes every Thursday. Three class a day.
Come to heal .. come to relax .. come to simplicity .. come to come.
Come to heal .. come to relax .. come to simplicity .. come to come.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Global Awareness Meditation
Sit quietly and contemplate all the things that are going on around the earth at once, right now.
You may wish to sit outside to better hear the sounds of nature and feel the earth beneath you.
Let your thoughts be calm. Let deep awareness of your surroundings wash over you.
Offer a prayer for the world and all that is happening right now on the planet.
Become aware that the world is filled with people who are laughing and crying, who are loving and yelling, who are giving and dreaming, with dogs barking and cats sleeping, with children young and adults old.
Think on all these things and more as you sit quietly upon the earth, filling your longs with air, feeling the rhythm of your heart like waves upon a shore.
Now remember that all of this is divine, for all the world is divine.
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
You may wish to sit outside to better hear the sounds of nature and feel the earth beneath you.
Let your thoughts be calm. Let deep awareness of your surroundings wash over you.
Offer a prayer for the world and all that is happening right now on the planet.
Become aware that the world is filled with people who are laughing and crying, who are loving and yelling, who are giving and dreaming, with dogs barking and cats sleeping, with children young and adults old.
Think on all these things and more as you sit quietly upon the earth, filling your longs with air, feeling the rhythm of your heart like waves upon a shore.
Now remember that all of this is divine, for all the world is divine.
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
Friday, August 15, 2008
Spiritual Sounds
Krishna Das : Grace
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a19I8FtPscs&feature=related
Charlotte Church : Ave Maria
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8g6Tqqc6DQ
YHSVH sacred Chant
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FMQG4BQ-9s
Enigma : Sacred Spirit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5zUomoea6Y
JaiMa James : InterFaith Chant
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TAxTzPKmvI
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a19I8FtPscs&feature=related
Charlotte Church : Ave Maria
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8g6Tqqc6DQ
YHSVH sacred Chant
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FMQG4BQ-9s
Enigma : Sacred Spirit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5zUomoea6Y
JaiMa James : InterFaith Chant
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TAxTzPKmvI
Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Krodh
Krodh. That means "anger, wrath, rage; uncontrolled anger".
To understand ourself we must understand anger. Sometimes krodh takes the form of silent sullenness, and sometimes destructive temper. In Sanskirt, "krodh" often appears with "kam", as in "kamkrodh". This means, literally: desire-anger. Anger is the offspring of desire, specifically, thrwarted or jilted desire.
Yogis grow through a process of successive identifications. Anger is the emotional/chemical reaction produced when we are confronted with rejection or judgment or the inability to get what we desire. This is because our current self-identification is being threatened. Threatened with change (maya). Because none of us should fear change, let alone react negatively to it, anger is insecurity.
Anger is a downward spiral that drags spiritual growth with it. In India, it is said that "kam and krodh dissolve the body as borax melts gold." Anger is an obstacle upon the path of spiritual growth. The best way to repel anger is by deep breath .. which helps us remain calm. While breathing deep and slow we should see anger as impersonal, or as something not 'against me'. While breathing deep and slow remember love - the love of goodness, the love of truth, the love of change.
Let love be your guru, so that through boldness and courage, through labor and energy, you arrive at a place of wisdom and spirit.
Om Peace!
Valarie Devi
To understand ourself we must understand anger. Sometimes krodh takes the form of silent sullenness, and sometimes destructive temper. In Sanskirt, "krodh" often appears with "kam", as in "kamkrodh". This means, literally: desire-anger. Anger is the offspring of desire, specifically, thrwarted or jilted desire.
Yogis grow through a process of successive identifications. Anger is the emotional/chemical reaction produced when we are confronted with rejection or judgment or the inability to get what we desire. This is because our current self-identification is being threatened. Threatened with change (maya). Because none of us should fear change, let alone react negatively to it, anger is insecurity.
Anger is a downward spiral that drags spiritual growth with it. In India, it is said that "kam and krodh dissolve the body as borax melts gold." Anger is an obstacle upon the path of spiritual growth. The best way to repel anger is by deep breath .. which helps us remain calm. While breathing deep and slow we should see anger as impersonal, or as something not 'against me'. While breathing deep and slow remember love - the love of goodness, the love of truth, the love of change.
Let love be your guru, so that through boldness and courage, through labor and energy, you arrive at a place of wisdom and spirit.
Om Peace!
Valarie Devi
Friday, August 8, 2008
Pranayama
"Now I shall tell you the rules of Pranayama or breath control. By its practice the student will become the Yogi."
-Gheranda Samhita, 5.1
-Gheranda Samhita, 5.1
Thursday, August 7, 2008
In Christ
To live "in Christ" is to live in a mystery equal
to that of the Incarnation and similar to it.
For as Christ unites in His one Person
the two natures of God and man,
so too in making us His friends He dwells in us,
uniting us intimately to Himself.
Dwelling in us He becomes as it were our superior self,
for He has united and identified our inmost self with Himself.
From the moment that we have responded by faith
and charity to His love for us, a supernatural union
of our souls with His indwelling Divine Person gives us
a participation in His divine sonship and nature.
A "new being" is brought into existence.
I become a "new man" and this new man,
spiritually and mystically one identity,
is at once Christ and myself."
-Thomas Merton
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
No Organic!
Below is a list of foods that we do not need to buy organic. This is due to several reasons, ranging from the thickness of the skin, to the skin not being eaten, or that the pesticides used on them are minimal to non-existent.
Dr. Andrew Weil (the only physician I place trust in) says, "Of the 43 different fruit and vegetable categories tested, the following foods do not have to be organic. These had the lowest pesticide load, and consequently are the safest conventionally grown crops to consume from the standpoint of pesticide contamination." He also goes on to point out, "However, make it a habit to wash them thoroughly before eating or cooking, to remove dirt and bacteria."
In addition to Dr. Weil's 'Top 11', I found three more from reputable sites, so have included them below. For Dr. Weil's list:
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/TIP02559
The additional foods I found have been added below, in alphabetical order.
Asparagus
Avocados
Bananas
Broccoli
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Corn (sweet, frozen)
Eggplant
Kiwi
Mangos
Onions
Papaya
Pineapples
Peas (sweet, frozen)
Om Peace!
Valarie Devi
Dr. Andrew Weil (the only physician I place trust in) says, "Of the 43 different fruit and vegetable categories tested, the following foods do not have to be organic. These had the lowest pesticide load, and consequently are the safest conventionally grown crops to consume from the standpoint of pesticide contamination." He also goes on to point out, "However, make it a habit to wash them thoroughly before eating or cooking, to remove dirt and bacteria."
In addition to Dr. Weil's 'Top 11', I found three more from reputable sites, so have included them below. For Dr. Weil's list:
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/TIP02559
The additional foods I found have been added below, in alphabetical order.
Asparagus
Avocados
Bananas
Broccoli
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Corn (sweet, frozen)
Eggplant
Kiwi
Mangos
Onions
Papaya
Pineapples
Peas (sweet, frozen)
Om Peace!
Valarie Devi
Monday, August 4, 2008
Lobh
Lobh. That means, "greed, possessiveness, covetousness".
When we feel separate from All That Is, we have cravings for fulfillment. At its most basic, lobh manifests as our cravings for food and sleep, shelter and clothing - all of which are necessary for our survival, and so emanations of the first chakra (Muladhara).
Lobh, however, is when we confuse our sense of fulfillment with basic material survival. Which means, after we have the basic needs, we still feel empty. Because we all know how to obtain our basic needs - food, sleep, shelter, clothing - its when we seek to acquire more then we need that we are working from a place of greed.
In our society today we often hear, "money doesnt buy happiness", which is true. It does bring security, but when we feel paniciky about not having enough, that is when we begin to feel desperate or lost and should realize that greed is just around the corner.
Lobh comes from insecurity, and insecurity from mis-identifiction of our higher self. When we do not believe in our higher self, we do not believe in providence. Consider how pointless greed or worry; for example, you can acquire vast amounts of material wealth, yet when you die, it stays behind. Sadly, such vast amounts are fought over by our family, so that greed becomes inherited.
So it is that lodh should be used positively, as an asset to our spiritual growth. We do this by becoming greedy for the wisdom of our higher self, for spiritual knowledge, and for love.
Om Peace!
When we feel separate from All That Is, we have cravings for fulfillment. At its most basic, lobh manifests as our cravings for food and sleep, shelter and clothing - all of which are necessary for our survival, and so emanations of the first chakra (Muladhara).
Lobh, however, is when we confuse our sense of fulfillment with basic material survival. Which means, after we have the basic needs, we still feel empty. Because we all know how to obtain our basic needs - food, sleep, shelter, clothing - its when we seek to acquire more then we need that we are working from a place of greed.
In our society today we often hear, "money doesnt buy happiness", which is true. It does bring security, but when we feel paniciky about not having enough, that is when we begin to feel desperate or lost and should realize that greed is just around the corner.
Lobh comes from insecurity, and insecurity from mis-identifiction of our higher self. When we do not believe in our higher self, we do not believe in providence. Consider how pointless greed or worry; for example, you can acquire vast amounts of material wealth, yet when you die, it stays behind. Sadly, such vast amounts are fought over by our family, so that greed becomes inherited.
So it is that lodh should be used positively, as an asset to our spiritual growth. We do this by becoming greedy for the wisdom of our higher self, for spiritual knowledge, and for love.
Om Peace!
Friday, August 1, 2008
Chair Yoga
Did you know Yoga can be done in a chair?
Hamsa Yogashala has a relaxing atmosphere with trees on three sides, gentle music, and ambient lighting.
If you are unable to stand for long periods or sit comfortably on the floor, then we have a chair for you!
Chair Yoga is excellent for seniors or those with injuries. While sitting, you can still create strength, or maintain and restore it. Likewise, you can increase your range of motion, improve your balance and restore your energy. All while sitting down!
Om Peace!
Hamsa Yogashala has a relaxing atmosphere with trees on three sides, gentle music, and ambient lighting.
If you are unable to stand for long periods or sit comfortably on the floor, then we have a chair for you!
Chair Yoga is excellent for seniors or those with injuries. While sitting, you can still create strength, or maintain and restore it. Likewise, you can increase your range of motion, improve your balance and restore your energy. All while sitting down!
Om Peace!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Thinking Wealth
Recently, I have met with a few souls who have mentioned their concern about the economy in general and their personal finances in particular. It is important to understand that: what you think you manifest. This is as simple as thinking 'kitchen', then going there.
With this idea in mind, you can put it into practice by thinking 'wealth'. Over the years, some have called this 'positive thinking', but what that means is to simply state what your attention and intention.
In some cases, positive thinking works very well for the here and now, but for others, not so much. For example, if you are concerned about finances while thinking positively about finances, depending on the power of either thought,one will cancel out the other.
If you want to effect substantial change in your finances - in your very life - you must think 'different' thoughts. What is different from 'lack'? Abundance. What is different from 'fear'? Hope.
Om Peace!
Valarie Devi
With this idea in mind, you can put it into practice by thinking 'wealth'. Over the years, some have called this 'positive thinking', but what that means is to simply state what your attention and intention.
In some cases, positive thinking works very well for the here and now, but for others, not so much. For example, if you are concerned about finances while thinking positively about finances, depending on the power of either thought,one will cancel out the other.
If you want to effect substantial change in your finances - in your very life - you must think 'different' thoughts. What is different from 'lack'? Abundance. What is different from 'fear'? Hope.
Om Peace!
Valarie Devi
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Janma
Janma. That means "genesis" or "beginning".
When we sit upon our tapas (Yoga mat) and take a deep breath, we enter janma.
Janma is play, it is a game, something we do for joy and consciousness. In the beginning was the All, and the All became many so it could play.
Yoga has no directive, no goal, no purpose but playing and being playful. Janma Yoga is like a brilliant sun which illumines our personality, our independent decision, our unique life, the search for something new, for novelty and originality.
Om Peace!
When we sit upon our tapas (Yoga mat) and take a deep breath, we enter janma.
Janma is play, it is a game, something we do for joy and consciousness. In the beginning was the All, and the All became many so it could play.
Yoga has no directive, no goal, no purpose but playing and being playful. Janma Yoga is like a brilliant sun which illumines our personality, our independent decision, our unique life, the search for something new, for novelty and originality.
Om Peace!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
We are Truth
We are Truth. Yet, we can not possess any greater level of truth than what we are willing to accept and then manifest in every facet of our life - in every thought, word and deed.
Om Peace!
Om Peace!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
How To Live 100 Years
This is an excerpt from one of Swami Sivananda Ji's many books. This information is about 100 years old and still valid.
______
HOW TO LIVE HUNDRED YEARS
by Swami Sivananda
Preface
Gerontology is an ancient science! Since time immemorial Man has sought ways and means to conquer death; because, he is immortal. There is an innate urge in him to express that immortality, and to experience that immortality here and now.
The Isavasya Upanishad enjoins upon man the duty to try to live for a hundred years, performing right actions. The Rishis had in their forest-research-laboratories discovered various methods of prolonging life—Pranayama, Asanas like Sirshasanaand Sarvangasana, prayer, Havan, certain herbs, and Kaya Kalpa. They discovered that those living beings which breathed slowly, with less number of breaths per minute, lived longer, and that suspension of breathing led to hibernation and prolongation of life! They prescribed Pranayama for long life. But, let us never forget that long life in itself is not an undiluted blessing! Health, strength and vitality are not unalloyed blessings in themselves. It depends upon how they are utilised. Life should not mean prolongation of the miseries of old age, a gradual decay, a living death. Life should be so lived as to keep you in full vigour till the hundredth birthday. Even this will not do, is not enough. Till that day, you must lead the divine life, a life of selfless service to humanity, in such a manner that on your hundredth birthday people will still pray whole-heartedly to the Lord that you will live for another century.
Spiritual dedication, dedication to a noble humanitarian cause, is one of the most important factors in the prolongation of life. Other factors are: equal wear-out of all the vital organs of the body (without one decaying faster), absence of chronic diseases, warm-hearted love towards fellow-men, especially to the younger generation, zealous interest in some useful occupation and a will to live, and live for a mission. At the same time, there must be a willingness to accept the inevitable changes that occur as age advances. Dr. Crampton, a noted geriatrician, says: "If a man has sense enough to realise that in many different ways he is not what he was ten years ago, and acts accordingly, he is way ahead of the game. Know your limitations—adapt yourself to them—and enjoy your privileges to the utmost." And, that is very sound advice.
Be cheerful. Be child-like. Be youthful in your eagerness to know and to do. Rest in God and know, that the soul is birthless, deathless, ageless. Above all, meditate regularly and know that you are the Immortal Atman. You will be blessed with health and long life. May you all become centenarians and benefactors of humanity.
May God bless you all!
Swami Sivananda
For the free online book:
http://www.sivanandadlshq.org/books/es12.htm
Om Peace!
Valarie Devi
______
HOW TO LIVE HUNDRED YEARS
by Swami Sivananda
Preface
Gerontology is an ancient science! Since time immemorial Man has sought ways and means to conquer death; because, he is immortal. There is an innate urge in him to express that immortality, and to experience that immortality here and now.
The Isavasya Upanishad enjoins upon man the duty to try to live for a hundred years, performing right actions. The Rishis had in their forest-research-laboratories discovered various methods of prolonging life—Pranayama, Asanas like Sirshasanaand Sarvangasana, prayer, Havan, certain herbs, and Kaya Kalpa. They discovered that those living beings which breathed slowly, with less number of breaths per minute, lived longer, and that suspension of breathing led to hibernation and prolongation of life! They prescribed Pranayama for long life. But, let us never forget that long life in itself is not an undiluted blessing! Health, strength and vitality are not unalloyed blessings in themselves. It depends upon how they are utilised. Life should not mean prolongation of the miseries of old age, a gradual decay, a living death. Life should be so lived as to keep you in full vigour till the hundredth birthday. Even this will not do, is not enough. Till that day, you must lead the divine life, a life of selfless service to humanity, in such a manner that on your hundredth birthday people will still pray whole-heartedly to the Lord that you will live for another century.
Spiritual dedication, dedication to a noble humanitarian cause, is one of the most important factors in the prolongation of life. Other factors are: equal wear-out of all the vital organs of the body (without one decaying faster), absence of chronic diseases, warm-hearted love towards fellow-men, especially to the younger generation, zealous interest in some useful occupation and a will to live, and live for a mission. At the same time, there must be a willingness to accept the inevitable changes that occur as age advances. Dr. Crampton, a noted geriatrician, says: "If a man has sense enough to realise that in many different ways he is not what he was ten years ago, and acts accordingly, he is way ahead of the game. Know your limitations—adapt yourself to them—and enjoy your privileges to the utmost." And, that is very sound advice.
Be cheerful. Be child-like. Be youthful in your eagerness to know and to do. Rest in God and know, that the soul is birthless, deathless, ageless. Above all, meditate regularly and know that you are the Immortal Atman. You will be blessed with health and long life. May you all become centenarians and benefactors of humanity.
May God bless you all!
Swami Sivananda
For the free online book:
http://www.sivanandadlshq.org/books/es12.htm
Om Peace!
Valarie Devi
Monday, July 21, 2008
All Classes, All Levels
A traditional Hatha Yoga class is open to beginners, intermediate practitioners and advanced students. Regardless of your age or physical condition, your Yoga instructor should be able to work with you in any class at any time.
Hamsa Yogashala has such a trained Yogini. Every class - from Sunrise Yoga to Gentle Yoga to Hatha Yoga offers breath work, stretching, relaxation and detoxification. Even if you have never taken a Yoga class before.
Om Peace!
Hamsa Yogashala has such a trained Yogini. Every class - from Sunrise Yoga to Gentle Yoga to Hatha Yoga offers breath work, stretching, relaxation and detoxification. Even if you have never taken a Yoga class before.
Om Peace!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Maya
Maya. That means "change" or "changability".
Maya Shakti, the 'power of change' is a veil of illusion; and that illusion is that 'everything stays the same'. Not us, not anyone or anything we know. To think that someone cannot change is ignorance. To think that we are beyond change is ignorance.
Yoga helps us move past ignorance so that we can understand and embrace our true nature. The human body is composed of countless elements, from cells to peptides. The human body is in a constant state of change-maya.
We are divine. The Self within is the very dust of creation. Modern science and ancient wisdom agree that there exists a single primordial substance to which all forms can be reduced. This is the dust of creation. The cosmic particles the dance together and seperate - in ever different patterns - taking delight in its ability to change!
Om Peace!
Valarie Devi
Maya Shakti, the 'power of change' is a veil of illusion; and that illusion is that 'everything stays the same'. Not us, not anyone or anything we know. To think that someone cannot change is ignorance. To think that we are beyond change is ignorance.
Yoga helps us move past ignorance so that we can understand and embrace our true nature. The human body is composed of countless elements, from cells to peptides. The human body is in a constant state of change-maya.
We are divine. The Self within is the very dust of creation. Modern science and ancient wisdom agree that there exists a single primordial substance to which all forms can be reduced. This is the dust of creation. The cosmic particles the dance together and seperate - in ever different patterns - taking delight in its ability to change!
Om Peace!
Valarie Devi
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Yoga Therapy
Largely unknown in the West, Yoga Body Therapy combines deep tissue massage with coordinated breathing and Yoga stretching.
Your Yoga teacher, Valarie Devi, has spent most of her life studying Yoga and traveling the world studying the art of Yoga Body Therapy. Recently returned from India with the intention of sharing both Yoga and Yoga Body Therapy, I am exciting about sharing the deeper and more lasting benefits that I have learned.
Through both Yoga and Yoga Body Therapy, the goal is to bring the body back to a place of harmony. I have been a student of many Yoga forms since childhood, and can honestly say that Yoga and Yoga Body Therapy are the most comprehensive and intelligent ways to approach the body.
By weaving together ancient wisdom into a modern practice, a comprehensive and practical form emerges. Something similar to martial arts, when one studies and closely adheres to a form, there is freedom. Freedom within form.
Hamsa Yogashala offers daily evening classes for students to learn the framework and skills of a personal holistic Yoga practice. For each class is an immersion into the enriching experience of Yoga.
I have created a Yoga program that aims to heal from the earth up. A practice that weaves together the vital organs, the bones and muscles, with the breath, to create ease within the mind. For when the body and mind are in harmony, the energy or spirit of purity, flows naturally.
The goal of Hamsa Yogashala is to create and hold that sacred space for the student to heal them self.
Om Peace!
Valarie Devi
Your Yoga teacher, Valarie Devi, has spent most of her life studying Yoga and traveling the world studying the art of Yoga Body Therapy. Recently returned from India with the intention of sharing both Yoga and Yoga Body Therapy, I am exciting about sharing the deeper and more lasting benefits that I have learned.
Through both Yoga and Yoga Body Therapy, the goal is to bring the body back to a place of harmony. I have been a student of many Yoga forms since childhood, and can honestly say that Yoga and Yoga Body Therapy are the most comprehensive and intelligent ways to approach the body.
By weaving together ancient wisdom into a modern practice, a comprehensive and practical form emerges. Something similar to martial arts, when one studies and closely adheres to a form, there is freedom. Freedom within form.
Hamsa Yogashala offers daily evening classes for students to learn the framework and skills of a personal holistic Yoga practice. For each class is an immersion into the enriching experience of Yoga.
I have created a Yoga program that aims to heal from the earth up. A practice that weaves together the vital organs, the bones and muscles, with the breath, to create ease within the mind. For when the body and mind are in harmony, the energy or spirit of purity, flows naturally.
The goal of Hamsa Yogashala is to create and hold that sacred space for the student to heal them self.
Om Peace!
Valarie Devi
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Five Personal Principles
The five personal principles of positive action are purity,
contentment, a disciplined life,
study of the sacred texts, and worship of god.
Raja Yoga Sutras, 2:32
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Am I doing it right?
The sweet satisfaction of pleasure becomes the sensation of all our work when we are doing things right.
Are you happy? Are you satisfied?
When we relish the pose while doing the pose, not dreading it, not fretting it, then we are doing it right.
Om Peace!
Valarie Devi
Are you happy? Are you satisfied?
When we relish the pose while doing the pose, not dreading it, not fretting it, then we are doing it right.
Om Peace!
Valarie Devi
Monday, July 14, 2008
Sanskrit 101
Hmsa Yogashala is a traditional Hatha Yoga studio so we use traditional Sanskrit words and phrases before, during and after class.
Far from being difficult, Sanskrit is easy to pronounce, because you ‘say what you see’, and makes more sense to use than the English translation.
Here are some typical things you will here at Hamsa Yogashala:
-Anjali Mudra. This is a hand position, where the palms are lightly pressed together in front of the heart.
-Asana. This means “sit, pose”, so you will here this often, because Yoga has lots of poses! Mostly, you will hear it at the end of a word, like: Bal-asana, “Child’s pose”, and Dand-asana, “Staff pose”, and Tad-asana, “Mountain pose”.
-Chakra. This means “wheel” and are the naturally occurring energy centers within the body. They correspond with muscles, bones and organs.
-Mantra. This means “word, saying, prayer” and can be a single word or a phrase. Mantras are sometimes used during meditation.
-Mudra. This means “seal” and can be a hand gesture or an asana.
-Namaste. This is a traditional greeting. It means “The light in me recognizes the light in you." When greeting someone, you can say “Namaste” and put your hands in Anjali Mudra.
-Prana. This is the “vital life force” that permeates all that lives. Other words for this life force include chi, qi and ki. In Yoga we access this naturally occurring energy through deep breathing.
-Pranayama. This is “life force work” or “breath work”. Yoga and deep breathing go hand-in-hand.
-Surya Namaskar. This is the “Sun Salutation”, Yoga’s oldes Vinyasa or “breath flowing movement”. Surya Namaskara emphasizes the foundation of many poses so is used to begin a class to gently warm and stretch the body.
-Ujayii-pranayama. This is “exalted breath work” and the type of breathing Yoga is most known for. It is a deep, rhythmic and audible breath that creates warmth in the body, lowers the blood pressure, relieves headaches, and creates an overall feeling of wellbeing.
-Vinyasa. This means “breath flowing movement” or the coordinated way the asanas are done with the aid of ujaji-pranayama. For example, if you raise your arms you inhale, and as you exhale you lower your arms. This movement is Vinyasa.
Now your ready for your first Yoga class! So grab your tapas and head over to the shala!
:D
Far from being difficult, Sanskrit is easy to pronounce, because you ‘say what you see’, and makes more sense to use than the English translation.
Here are some typical things you will here at Hamsa Yogashala:
-Anjali Mudra. This is a hand position, where the palms are lightly pressed together in front of the heart.
-Asana. This means “sit, pose”, so you will here this often, because Yoga has lots of poses! Mostly, you will hear it at the end of a word, like: Bal-asana, “Child’s pose”, and Dand-asana, “Staff pose”, and Tad-asana, “Mountain pose”.
-Chakra. This means “wheel” and are the naturally occurring energy centers within the body. They correspond with muscles, bones and organs.
-Mantra. This means “word, saying, prayer” and can be a single word or a phrase. Mantras are sometimes used during meditation.
-Mudra. This means “seal” and can be a hand gesture or an asana.
-Namaste. This is a traditional greeting. It means “The light in me recognizes the light in you." When greeting someone, you can say “Namaste” and put your hands in Anjali Mudra.
-Prana. This is the “vital life force” that permeates all that lives. Other words for this life force include chi, qi and ki. In Yoga we access this naturally occurring energy through deep breathing.
-Pranayama. This is “life force work” or “breath work”. Yoga and deep breathing go hand-in-hand.
-Surya Namaskar. This is the “Sun Salutation”, Yoga’s oldes Vinyasa or “breath flowing movement”. Surya Namaskara emphasizes the foundation of many poses so is used to begin a class to gently warm and stretch the body.
-Ujayii-pranayama. This is “exalted breath work” and the type of breathing Yoga is most known for. It is a deep, rhythmic and audible breath that creates warmth in the body, lowers the blood pressure, relieves headaches, and creates an overall feeling of wellbeing.
-Vinyasa. This means “breath flowing movement” or the coordinated way the asanas are done with the aid of ujaji-pranayama. For example, if you raise your arms you inhale, and as you exhale you lower your arms. This movement is Vinyasa.
Now your ready for your first Yoga class! So grab your tapas and head over to the shala!
:D
Friday, July 11, 2008
Shuddhi
Shuddhi is "purification". But more than that, its a 'comfort zone'.
Shuddhi occurs when everything goes your way, when life seems to flow easily, without hinderance. When you walk and talk and drive and do your job with an overall sense of ease and fluidity, that is shuddhi.
Shuddhi occurs when our energy level is increased. One such energy level is our health. So when we are health - all the internal organs for example - we are in shuddhi. But shuddhi is also mind and emotion, so that when our thoughts are undisturbed and our feelings are simply 'there', then we are in a state of pureness.
Doing Yoga helps us get in shuddhi .. as does getting a good night sleep, eating wholesome food, spending time with friends (like in Yoga class), and simply stopping and enjoying the lovely weather.
Om Peace!
Valarie Devi
Shuddhi occurs when everything goes your way, when life seems to flow easily, without hinderance. When you walk and talk and drive and do your job with an overall sense of ease and fluidity, that is shuddhi.
Shuddhi occurs when our energy level is increased. One such energy level is our health. So when we are health - all the internal organs for example - we are in shuddhi. But shuddhi is also mind and emotion, so that when our thoughts are undisturbed and our feelings are simply 'there', then we are in a state of pureness.
Doing Yoga helps us get in shuddhi .. as does getting a good night sleep, eating wholesome food, spending time with friends (like in Yoga class), and simply stopping and enjoying the lovely weather.
Om Peace!
Valarie Devi
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Meditation
The success of your meditation will not be measured
by the brilliant ideas you get or the great resolutions
you make or the feelings and emotions that
are produced in your exterior senses.
You have only really meditated well when you have come,
to some extent, to realize God.
Yet even that is not quite the thing.
-Thomas Merton
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
The Perfect Body
Your body is perfect if it functions on its own, and you dont interfere. Your consciousness is pure if it functions on its own, and the body does not interfere. If you live in a non-interfering existence, you are pure.
Om Peace!
Om Peace!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Zen
There is a Zen saying: If you are in a hurry, you will never reach. You can even reach just by sitting, but in a hurry you can never reach. The very impatience is a barrier.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Hear the Flute!
The flute is a symbol of our breath. The sound of the flute fills the heart with delight, just as breathing deep and slow in Yoga class fills the body with strength and grace.
When we practice the breathing exercises in Yoga class we bring the body and mind together to make beautiful music.
Ham-Sa is the sound of our breath. Ham is the inhale and Sa is the exhale. Hamsa is divine swan, the pure white breath that fills our body with spirit.
Om Peace!
Valarie Devi
When we practice the breathing exercises in Yoga class we bring the body and mind together to make beautiful music.
Ham-Sa is the sound of our breath. Ham is the inhale and Sa is the exhale. Hamsa is divine swan, the pure white breath that fills our body with spirit.
Om Peace!
Valarie Devi
Monday, June 30, 2008
Oneness with God
Deep and daily meditation leads to oneness with god. Thinking daily of god fills the mind with god. Mind loses its own random thoughts when it identifies with god. Just as sugar melts in water or smoke mixes with air, the mind merges with god.
Om Peace!
Valarie Devi
Om Peace!
Valarie Devi
Friday, June 27, 2008
Impermanence
Yoga is like a verse written upon the surface of the soul, a ripple that dances across water, or unseen air that moves the mightiest of trees.
Om Peace!
Valarie Devi
Om Peace!
Valarie Devi
Thursday, June 26, 2008
A Yogi can ...
A Yogi can turn fear into joy, frustration into fulfillment.
Everything a Yogi sees has roots in the unseen world.
A Yogi does not believe them self to be a local event dreaming of a larger world, but a world dreaming of local events.
Yogis don't believe in death, for in the light of awareness, everything is alive.
A Yogi's power is the power of love.
A Yogi has perfect attention. This is how a Yogi creates order and clarity out of chaos and confusion.
To a Yogi there are no coincidences. Every event exists to expose another layer of the soul.
Om Peace!
Valarie Devi
Everything a Yogi sees has roots in the unseen world.
A Yogi does not believe them self to be a local event dreaming of a larger world, but a world dreaming of local events.
Yogis don't believe in death, for in the light of awareness, everything is alive.
A Yogi's power is the power of love.
A Yogi has perfect attention. This is how a Yogi creates order and clarity out of chaos and confusion.
To a Yogi there are no coincidences. Every event exists to expose another layer of the soul.
Om Peace!
Valarie Devi
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Feeling Peace
Peace is not a circumstance.
Peace is a feeling, a powerful, wonderful and desirable feeling.
Peace does not depend on any particular set of conditions.
It can be any place, at any time. Remember how peace feels.
And by so remembering, you make yourself available to peace.
Peace is what remains when
you've surrendered your ego and your fears.
Peace is always there, patiently waiting
for you to turn your awareness toward it.
The same part of you that longs for
peace is the part of you that experiences peace.
It is not complicated and is as close as your next thought.
Think lovingly of how peace feels to you.
And truly be at peace.
-Ralph Marston
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Practice Happiness!
Happiness should be a habit, something we practice like Yoga. I am not talking about pretending to be happy or fooling yourself and others, but reaching deep within to the indwelling spirit for your inner joy. When we do this, the outer expressions naturally follows!
During good times, allow yourself to smile. During difficult times, allow yourself to smile. It doesnt have to be a big smile, just a soft smile, a 'Buddha' smile, a smile that expressions your inner contentment.
A good way to start is by fasting from negativity, by refraining from being negative for just one day. If you normally complain about the weather, find something nice to say about it instead. If you normally complain about a co-worker, find something nice to say about them instead. Just for one day.
Om Peace!
Valarie Devi
During good times, allow yourself to smile. During difficult times, allow yourself to smile. It doesnt have to be a big smile, just a soft smile, a 'Buddha' smile, a smile that expressions your inner contentment.
A good way to start is by fasting from negativity, by refraining from being negative for just one day. If you normally complain about the weather, find something nice to say about it instead. If you normally complain about a co-worker, find something nice to say about them instead. Just for one day.
Om Peace!
Valarie Devi
Monday, June 23, 2008
Spiritual Life
Many talk about a 'spiritual life' but sometimes what that means eludes us. A spiritual life is one lived in balance, when the body's passions and the mind's fluctuations are in Yoga, in 'union'. When we join together the conscious thought with direct activity we find the all in all, the true spirit that dwells within us. So the true spirtual life is a life of knowing who you are, of love, of high minded thinking, of respecting self, and knowing that blessings occur in every breath.
Om Peace!
Om Peace!
Friday, June 20, 2008
Praise
My soul preached to me and said,
"Do not be delighted because of praise,
and do not be distressed because of blame."
Ere my soul counseled me, I doubted the worth of my work.
Now I realize that the trees blossom in Spring
and bear fruit in Summer without seeking praise;
and they drop their leaves in Autmn
and become naked in Winter without fearing blame.
-Kahil Gibran
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Intuitive Wisdom
Intuitive wisdom empowers us to expand beyond our ever uncertain world to find the center of divinity within.
Centered in spirit, every difficulty becomes impotent, because the source of difficulty is our inability to recognize spirit within.
When our spirit unites with our human nature, a powerful synergy takes place, a union - a Yoga - that allows us to remember our beautiful self.
Om Peace!
Valarie Devi
Centered in spirit, every difficulty becomes impotent, because the source of difficulty is our inability to recognize spirit within.
When our spirit unites with our human nature, a powerful synergy takes place, a union - a Yoga - that allows us to remember our beautiful self.
Om Peace!
Valarie Devi
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Twofold Duty
We each have a twofold duty on earth:
-to preserve our life, and
-to realize Self.
To preserve our life we must learn to work for our daily bread. To realize our Self we must serve, love and meditate.
Yoga shows us the way of body and mind knowledge. Yoga shows us the way of realizing the twofold duty.
Om Peace!
Valarie Devi
-to preserve our life, and
-to realize Self.
To preserve our life we must learn to work for our daily bread. To realize our Self we must serve, love and meditate.
Yoga shows us the way of body and mind knowledge. Yoga shows us the way of realizing the twofold duty.
Om Peace!
Valarie Devi
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