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!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
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
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