HEALTH * INSPIRATION * PEACE

ATHA YOGA

2010-03-17T08:34:00.000-07:00

“Then Krishna and Arjuna stood in their magnificent chariot, which was yoked to white horses, and blew their divine conches.”
Bhagavad Gita 1.14

Throughout the Gita, words like "yoke" remind us of the value of creating, sustaining and deepening our relationships with ourselves, each other and the world. There is no greater gift than knowing ourselves and discovering our Dharma. You are about to embark upon the ritual of battle. The first step is accepting the invitation to the battlefield and to make everything that follows this initial step, a meditation on the concept of Dharma.

We wish to extend our sincerest appreciation towards all of you. The past 9 months have proven to be quite a journey (of both inward and outward expansion) for all of us. It’s truly been an honor to share this path – this unique spiritual voyage into the body, the life, and the mind – with each one of you. Full of so many wonderful moments, this time was indeed most sacred. Our memories will forever be cherished.

With gratitude,

Vicki and Jeannie

The Art of Life

2010-03-09T09:39:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share a line from a fantastic book Sonja loaned to me. The book is Around The Year With Emmet Fox, and the quote is:

“The art of life is to live in the present moment, and to make that moment as perfect as we can by the realization that
we are the instruments and expression of God himself.”

Namaste,
Nancy

SAMADHI

2010-02-11T12:13:00.000-08:00

Agenda February 12-14:

Friday Evening: 5:30 - 9:30
Written Exam - 8 Limbs (not the anatomy exam)
Our Practice - Exploring the Chakras

Saturday: 9:00 - 6:00
Our Practice: Jeannie - Exploring the Elements
Samadhi Lecture
Raw Food Delight
Written Exam - Anatomy
Review of Benefits
Asana Review - Balance Poses

Sunday: 8:30 - 4:30
Our Practice: Heart's Desire - Journey of the Sutras
All Student's Teaching Exercise
Mantra Books - Chanting
Business of Yoga
Closing Ceremony

See you Zen...

2010-01-25T10:46:00.000-08:00

I had the opportunity to slow down this past weekend and enjoy a wonderful Restorative Yoga retreat in Asheville, NC. I was feeling ready to immerse myself into a weekend of restful yoga. I could feel my body had begun storing up tension and my mind was full of anxious chatter. I noticed I wasn't able to really take a full breath in. When I arrived at the studio and placed my mat down and laid back on two bolsters and a blanket, I exhaled completely. Ahhhh...perfect. This word kept resonating within. We had a break between workshop hours and I decided to take an Anusara yoga class. Guess what the theme was? Purnatva. I told myself, "this I must share with the group." :)

Purnatva is a sanskrit word that means "perfect fullness." It is the experience of feeling perfectly contented with existence, of receiving what is exactly needed, no more or less, in any given moment.

Purnatva describes the perfection that is the essence of all things. Because Spirit is so full and completely perfect. The yoga philosophy teaches us that since we are all an expression of the Spirit, then we are an extension of the perfection that is Grace.

I'm looking forward to our next gathering. During our next weekend, we will be exploring the final limb of Patanjali's Eight Limbs of Yoga: Samadhi, which means a feeling beyond the senses and in that moment there is no desire to be someone else or to be anywhere else on your path.

Perfect.

See you soon. Om Shanti.
Vicki

Integrating the Koshas

2010-01-11T17:51:00.000-08:00

The Annamaya Kosha: Physical body.
1. Yamas: Code of ethics relating to aspects outside of oneself
2. Niyamas: Codes for personal behavior, attitudes toward the inner life
3. Asana: Physical postures

The Pranamaya Kosha, first layer of the subtle body: Breath/Energy
4. Pranayama: Breathing exercises, channeling and expanding prana,
(life force), bridge between external and internal realms

The Manomaya Kosha: Mental/Emotional
5. Pratyahara: Beginning stages of meditation, controlling the senses,
not being buffeted by external stimuli, bodymind grows calmer

The vijanamaya Kosha: Wisdom/Intuition
6. Dharana: Concentration, focus, attention
7. Dhyana: Reflection, observation, contemplation

The Anandamaya Kosha: Bliss
8. Samadhi: Integration, living to the full human potential

FAITH

2010-01-01T13:02:00.000-08:00

The Intention Experiment is aimed at discovering how human intention can affect the world.

"What if I told you that a thought, any tiny idea that forms in your mind actually has mass? What if I told you that thought is an actual thing, a measurable entity with a measurable mass, a minuscule mass of course, but mass nonetheless.

So, if a thought has mass, then a thought exerts energy and it can pull things toward it.

One step further...What happens if many people start focusing on the same thought, all occurrences of that same thought begin to merge into one, and the cumulative mass of this thought begins to grow, therefore, it's gravity grows.

Meaning, if enough people create a powerful thought that becomes tangible, it can pull people back to it!"
The Intention Experiment

My morning mindfulness on the mat:
Would you like to join me?

FAITH AND FEARLESSNESS -" When you have faith in the supreme power, you are not afraid of anything" Bhagavad Gita 16.1

May I have faith in the supreme power.

May you - a specific person in your life - have faith in the supreme power.

May we - all those we know and all those we do not know - have faith in the supreme power.

Om Shanti.
Vicki

Destined for a Divine Christmas

2009-12-22T06:41:00.000-08:00

Fearlessness
A pure-thinking heart
Staying on the yoga path of wisdom
Always giving generously
Control of the senses
A desire to study scriptures
Discipline
Straightforwardness
Not causing pain to others
Truthfulness
Always peaceful
Selflessness
Never speaking falsely of others
Compassion for all beings
Not coveting what others have
Gentleness; Modesty
Full of vigor
Always forgiving
Courageous in adversity
Pure of body and mind
No hatred toward anyone
And never puffed up with pride.

These are the qualities,
Arjuna, of a man or woman
destined for a divine life.

AND A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Even though the list is a long one, if you develop even one of these qualities to the fullest extent, automatically you see the other qualities coming. Let any one lead; the others will follow because they are all links in a chain.
Bhagavad Gita 16.1-3

HO HO HO

2009-12-11T12:16:00.000-08:00

LET IT GO

LET IT GO

LET IT GO...

"To have what we truly want, we need to first let go of everything we don't want... self-imposed limits, constrictions, social conditioning, learned helplessness, beliefs that no longer serve us. In the space and clarity that remain, we will experience all the abundance that life has to offer us in the present moment. We will realize we are in the flow of pure abundance and always have been."

Deepak Chopra

Tonight! See you Zen.
Vicki

Training the Mind

2009-11-30T13:04:00.000-08:00

'When the mind is withdrawn from the sense objects, the sense organs also withdraw themselves from their respective objects and, thus, are said to imitate the mind. If the senses are allowed to see outside, they try to grasp pictures of the outside world. If they are turned inward, they will see the purity of the mind and won't take the color of the world outside."

The Yoga Sutras Of Patanjali
II.54

I am grateful for..

2009-11-24T20:50:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Day Prayer/Intention

May this day be an opportunity to deeply express my gratitude for family, friends and community.
May this day be an opportunity to deepen my relationship with the Divine, God, The Absolute.
May this day be an opportunity to offer the fruits of my actions to something or someone greater than myself.
May this day be an opportunity to practice compassion, humility, modesty, forgiveness and second chances.

May all beings everywhere be happy and free and may my actions contribute to that happiness and freedom for all.

Lokah Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu

Happy Thanksgiving.

JOY RISING

2009-11-21T07:46:00.000-08:00

Kirtan (from the Sanskrit word meaning "to sing") is easily learned. The message: Cultivate Joy. The form is simple: a lead group calls out the melodies/mantra and the crowd is invited to sing, clap their hands, dance, or simply sit quietly and soak up the vibrations!

Join us in the joy and magic!

HANUMANIS

Tonight, Saturday
November 21st
7-9PM

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Lowcountry

110 Malphrus Road (The road LOWES is on)
Bluffton, SC 29910

One mile past Lowes on the right.

BE PART OF THE EXPERIENCE!

Keeping the Breath in Mind

2009-11-13T11:59:00.000-08:00

It helps to have a focus for your attention, anchor line to tether you to the present moment and to guide you back when the mind wanders. The breath serves this purpose exceedingly well. It can be a true ally. Bringing awareness to our breathing we remind ourselves that we are here now, so we might as well be fully awake for whatever is already happening.
- John Kabat-Zinn

In the Bhagavad Gita, Krisha, Arjuna's Charioteer and Advisor, offers this piece of wisdom to Arjuna regarding the breath:

6.6 As you gain control of your mind, with the help of your higher Self, then your mind and ego become your allies. But the uncontrolled mind behaves as an enemy.

Kabir says: Student, tell me, what is God? He is the breath inside the breath.

Benefits of Pranayama

2009-11-07T10:20:00.000-08:00

Then sit and calm the mind and senses by concentrating on one thing: thus you practice Yoga (Meditation) for self-purification. Bhagavad Gita 6:12

Pranayama is a purifying practice. It cleanses our body and awakens our mind. It helps control the waves of our mind through the regulation of prana. When we learn to regulate the prana and make it function more optimally, we unlock the gateway to the subtle realm of self-healing, mastery of the mind and spiritual unfoldment.
Benefits of Pranayama:
* Drinking in gallons of vitality and immunity
* Supercharges the blood with extra oxygen
* The whole body vibrates with new life.
* Produces lightness of the body, alertness of the mind and sound sleep
* Eliminates sinus discomfort
* Exhilarates the blood circulation and stimulates the entire body

EnJOY.

Breath and the Heart

2009-10-30T09:25:00.000-07:00

Observe too
The place in the body,
The duration, and the count.
II.50B

"You can also send the breath, just in your mind, to a part of your body where you're not so strong yet, to give it sort of an energy boost. You just picture the energy of the breath flowing down and freeing up any part of your body that feels stuck or "choked". It really is true that picturing your back loosening up, getting better again, can actually help it happen, as you do your poses. This is one big secret of how yoga really works."

"Now the master says too that you have to watch the duration of your breath - how long it takes to get a full breath in, and then a full breath out. Which is to say how fast you are breathing. It's not really important how fast or slow you breathe, but rather that your breathing is deep and rhythmic, without any gasping or panting - no broken starts and stops, no ragged edges."

"The habit of staying aware of the count, or making sure that the out-breath takes the same number of heartbeats as the in-breath, also begins to carry over into your everyday life - say, while you are working at your desk or facing a tense situation, it relaxes you and helps keep you from choking off your inner channels (nadis) in the first place."

How Yoga Works
Geshe Michael Roach & Christie McNally

BREATHE...

2009-10-23T08:19:00.001-07:00

Patanjali recommends an Eight-Limbed System of yoga called Ashtanga or Raja Yoga. Each limb of the tree represents a purifying yoga practice. These yoga practices seek to purify the body and mind so we can experience self-knowledge or "Samadhi" which means the same as the highest. In this state we realize we are not alone. We shift identification with the body and mind to identification with the Divine Self. The mind recedes into its source which is the same source of all creation. This is an experience beyond the senses.

Predominantly the 8-Limbs are a path of effort, but the last 3 limbs must be attained through grace.

The Fourth limb of the eight-limbed path, pranayama, trains us to control or extend the breath. Pranayama begins to shift our awareness from the outside world to our inner essence, from the body to the mind and toward the Self. The yamas and niyamas teach us how to act with more mindfulness toward others and ourselves, the asana focuses on strengthening and honoring the physical body and now pranayama moves to harness the breath and help us find peace within.

Meditations on the Mat

2009-10-15T06:23:00.000-07:00

Om Hrim Namah Shivaya Tas Mai Sri Gurave Namaha
Shiva is a name that is given to consciousness that dwells in us all. When we chant this mantra we are bowing to this consciousness within - our inner self.

As I break down the meaning of each of these words in this mantra, I am particularly interested in the word HRIM pronounced as "Hreem". It means a mantra for Maya Shakti.

The literal meaning of the word "Maya" is illusion. Maya creates the ignorance of the individual self. So Maya Shakti is the divine power which brings out the evolution of this present world. Maya Shakti is a Goddess often depicted as lifting the veils of earthly form to reveal the true nature of the universe.

The Lessons of Maya Shakti
Maya moves subtly into our life to tell us to face our illusion. It is time to see what is so, what is true, what is real. It is easy to get caught up in illusion. Wholeness is nurtured when we accept where we are and forgive ourselves, become aware of the illusion, then consciously lift the veils to experience the reality. Seeing the reality behind the illusion is what brings us power.

Tas Mai Sri Gurave Namaha - I bow to this teaching.

Doing it Right

2009-10-08T09:56:00.000-07:00

Your practice must be done correctly, For then a firm foundation is laid.
Sutra 1.14c

"You see, the point is not what the pose looks like in the end, to someone watching you. It's the process of the pose as it goes on, it's what it does inside of you: how it works to begin to straighten and open your channels. But if you don't do the pose right, if you cheat, if you try to trick the pose and get around it just so you look good, then the pose doesn't work on you the way it's supposed to. It's what you can do now, if you do it right. And that lays a firm foundation to build from. We are here to make you healthy, not to make sure you can touch your head to your knees."

Chapter 5 - How Yoga Works

HANG IN THERE BABY

2009-10-01T11:52:00.001-07:00

In reviewing Chapter Five in The Living Gita: The Complete Bhagavad Gita, I ran across Sloka 23 and I wanted to share my thoughts.

"While still in a human body, if you can stand fast amid the forces of desire and anger, then surely you are a yogi destined for happiness."

This sloka speaks of persistence and reminds me of the fourth month of a teacher training program and how this month is typically the toughest one. This month requires great discipline and patience. But this sloka says it all. Stand strong and stable amid these challenging times. This month tends to be overwhelming. Your desires to run from this discipline may be stronger. Anger and many other emotions may even appear. But as the Gita suggests - Stand firm this month, keep your mind calm and joyful, equalize your breath and do not be distracted by external things. If you can do this - " you surely are a yogi destined for happiness!!"

We have an exciting month coming up! Keep your head up! You are doing great!

In Joy and Support,
Vicki

YOGA SUTRAS LECTURE: BOOK 1, What do you remember?

2009-09-27T08:30:00.000-07:00

Tracey's lecture on the Sutras was priceless and I am looking forward to her return in Dec...She mentioned that we would each only retain 2 things from her lecture. During our volunteer time, the silt fencing group each shared the 2 things we took away from it, and they were all different. We agreed, for Mary's sake especially(YOU WERE MISSED) that we would post our lessons learned...
My 2:
You are not your anger, or any of your emotions for that fact. Repeating the second sutra, Yogas citta vritti nirodhah, over and over, so that you can detach yourself from the modifications of the mindstuff, is very useful. Also when she mentioned that Satchidanda was over 6ft tall and he was lecturing at a medical conference, he emphasized the 'i' in illness and the 'we' in wellness, showing that selfish thought and action is the root of sickness, or brings nothing but harm. These are the impressions left on me.

Eager to hear all of yours..

Om Namah Shivaya

Jana -

2009-09-21T17:09:00.001-07:00

ASANA

2009-09-18T08:35:00.000-07:00

Patanjali recommends an 8-limbed system of yoga called Ashtanga or Raja Yoga. Each limb of the tree represents a purifying yoga practice. These yoga practices seek to purify the body and mind so we can experience self-knowledge or self-realization. This is called Samadhi - meaning "the same as the highest". In this state we realize we are not alone. Our identification begins to shift from identifying with the fluctuations of the mind to identification with the Divine Self. The mind recedes into its source which is the same source of all creation. This experience is the realization of oneness of existence and the same as boundless joy - an experience beyond the senses.

Predominantly the 8-limbed system is a path of effort, however, the last 3 limbs are attained through ease and grace.

We have reviewed the first limb, the Yamas, which teach us how we should restrain our behavior toward others. The second limb, the Niyamas, are recommendations on behavior toward ourselves.

This weekend, we will explore the Asana and learn how Stira Sukham Asanam, "a steady and comfortable posture" can still the body and the mind and bring us to a place of wholeness and balance. Ahhhh.....

See you tonight!

Many blessings...

A DAY OF SERVICE

2009-09-11T14:05:00.000-07:00

Cross the borders of your mat, studio, style and form of yoga...Be part of the Global Mala Project!

The purpose of the Global Mala Project is to unite the global community from every continent, school or approach to form a "mala around the earth" through collective practices based upon the sacred cycle of 108. Each global mala event can be dedicated to a yoga practice or to service by integrating local action.

SEPTEMBER 19TH:
GLOBAL-MALA PROJECT WITH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Building houses together in partnership with families in need.

Please join us!

8AM - 3 PM

Email: info@hipyogahhi.com

Om Shanti.

WEEKLY WORDS OF WISDOM FROM SWAMI SATCHIDANANDA

2009-09-04T12:05:00.000-07:00

“Karma Yoga means offering each action to the Almighty, or Nature, from where you got the energy to do the actions. Don’t act for yourself. The minute you perform an action for yourself, you are bound. That means: Perform selfless actions—actions taken not for yourself, but for others. Then, you are free from bondage; you become an agent, a trustee, and you can do all types of work. But as long as you feel that you are doing it for your own sake, then you are bound by those actions, good or bad. If you do it for the sake of others, for the sake of humanity, then you are not bound. That’s what is called Karma Yoga.

“God bless you. OM Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.”

-Swami Satchidananda

The Word Is Om

2009-08-28T08:45:00.000-07:00

"I will give you the Word all the scriptures glorify,
all spiritual disciplines express,
to attain which aspirants lead
a life of sense-restraint and self-naughting.
It is OM. This symbol of the Godhead is the highest.
Realizing it one finds complete fulfillment of all one's longings.
It is of the greatest support to all seekers.
Those in whose hearts OM reverberates unceasingly are indeed blessed
and deeply loved as one who is the Self."

- The Katha Upanishad - 1.2.15

CHANT

OM (or ONG) NAMO GURU DEV NAMO

Meaning: I bowed my head to God and God took all of me. Every imperfection, God took all of me. And everyday God lives and breathes through me. Looking in the mirror, I love you sweet God. -Snatam Kaur

Both Om and Ong have strong vibratory effects. While Om refers
to the force of all creation, Ong refers to the Creator, who is the Doer of all action.

Chant this mantra at least 3 times with your hands at your heart in Anjali Mudra.

The Inner Quest

2009-08-21T09:19:00.000-07:00

Aparigraha is non-possessiveness or non-greed. Aparigraha means not coveting what is not ours. It is different from Asteya, which is non stealing. Asteya is rooted from a lack of abundance. Aparigraha is the greed rooted in jealousy. Jealously means that we desire to be what someone else is or to have what someone else has. Aparigraha teaches us, in its essence, to keep the gaze inward and discover our own true nature. To be content with who we are.

Apply Aparigraha into your asana by not looking around and comparing yourself with someone else. Look inside and discover your uniqueness, discover your own self. Honor your body and work within your capacity.

The Yamas: Kindness, truthfulness, serving others, self-control and self-reliance teach us that the inner quest is what makes us feel whole.

Aham,
Vicki

Bhakti Yoga - Yoga of Devotion.

2009-08-14T05:57:00.001-07:00

Let go of your form identifications. Do not identify yourself with labels you have put on yourself or labels someone has given you. Because in form we will always be inferior to another or superior to another. In our true nature, however, we will be neither inferior or superior to another. In essence, we are one with life - radiant and free. This is the message of Kirtan.

When we are chanting, breathing and moving to the same rhythm, the energy and vibration connects to a higher vibration that moves beyond our need to be in control..beyond our ego. We connect to the space where the spirit of life resides...the heart.

So when you sing, sing from the heart. Kirtan is not about judgment or music. It is about liberation.

See you at the Friday night KIRTAN - Jiva Yoga Center, August 21st!

In the meantime, here is a chant you can sing and weave into your daily meditation/yoga practice:

AHEM PREMA
Ah-hahm PREH-mah

I AM DIVINE LOVE.

Vicki

(Picture: Jai Uttal and Daniel Paul)

Moose Practice Ahimsa

2009-08-09T09:03:00.001-07:00

I have always been fascinated with Moose. I was fortunate to see a few of them feeding in the water during my hike on Mt. Katahdin in Maine last week. As I often do, I wanted to find a way to weave the teachings of yoga into my experiences in life and especially today on this magnificent mountain. Moose happen to be one of my favorite animals! I sat on the rock and observed their beauty and strength and I realized there was something I could share with you regarding our last months teachings on the YAMAS.

Moose are the largest members of the deer family, with the biggest moose as high as seven feet at the shoulders. They can weigh over 1300 pounds, the males with broad, palm-like antlers up to six feet across can weigh 90 pounds! Despite their size and strength, moose tend to act very kindly toward their environment. They do not eat meat or fish. Moose eat all sorts of plant matter. In the summer, moose wade and swim through marshes and lakes, eating water plants. They also eat the tender shoots such as birches, willow, or poplar. In the winter, they will feed near the edges of forests, eating plant material such as bark or branches.

Moose practice AHIMSA and treat other animals and their surroundings with respect and care. They do not attack other creatures unless they or their offspring are in danger. They would prefer to avoid hurting others if possible. Moose shed their antlers before the winter each year and grow them back in the spring. One of the reasons they shed them is because starting over would allow the moose to expand not only in length, but also in broadness and strength!!! Ahhh...... Enjoy the video! See you soon!

NaMOOSEte' Vicki

God of the Broken Tusk

2009-07-31T08:43:00.000-07:00

"Pursue the obstacles...it will set you free."

"Ganesh is the Hindu god who is the provider and remover of obstacles. He is often depicted as an elephant. Ganesh is the lord of all existing beings. Legend has it that when given the task to race around the universe, Ganesh did not traverse the outer surface of the earth, but simply walked inwardly around Shiva and Parvati, his mother and father, who are the source and center of all existence. This is the secret understanding of Ganesh as the provider and remover of obstacles. For all too often, the obstacles that we experience are presented as ways to remember that the inner walk around the source, not the outer race, is the purpose of living. The obstacles are presented to break our trance with the race and jar us humbly back to the source, and they are often removed once our deeper sense has been restored.

It seems the truth of experience can only release its wisdom if embodied. It is the journey through the life of obstacles that is the labor we must endure in order to birth any wisdom at all."

- Mark Nepo

Often Ganesh is seen holding one of his tusks in his right hand, which he broke off in a fit of anger and hurled it at the moon. But the moon spit it back, and he carries that broken piece of himself as a remider of the earthly journey that no one can escape.

ATHA - NOW

2009-07-24T10:36:00.000-07:00

ATHA YOGANUSASANAM

Now begins the exposition of Yoga.

See you all tonight!

Cheers of Jai!

2009-07-17T09:31:00.001-07:00

Jai is a Sanskrit word that is used as an exclamation of wonderment, admiration, and deep respect. It could be translated as “"WOW!"” “"Awesome"” or “"Many Glories!"” It is a simple word that describes how hugely inspired we are by the practices of yoga!

See you all one week from today!
Please bring along with you: an object that is meaningful.

Jai,
Vicki

Inhale, Rise in Freedom, Exhale in Presence.

2009-07-10T07:34:00.000-07:00

Rise.
Bring your feet together at the top of your mat in Mountain Pose.
Join your palms together at your heart.
Pause... Take this moment to be grateful for someone in your life.
Inhale and extend your hands out to the side and up. Reach up and gaze up.
Exhale. Fold forward, grounding yourself.
Inhale to a long spine.
Exhale, step back to plank pose and lower to your knees, chest and chin. Inhale and glide forward into Cobra Pose or Upward Facing Dog.
Exhale to Downward Facing Dog. BREATHE for 5 full rounds of breath.
Inhale and gaze up between your hands. Walk your feet up between your hands.
Exhale fold forward.
Inhale extend your hands out to the side and up rising up in freedom.
Exhale hands to the heart. Be Present.

Repeat 4 more times. ( Every day until we meet! ) See you soon!

Namaste.

Mantra for Peace

2009-07-04T14:28:00.000-07:00

Lokah Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu

May all beings everywhere be happy and free and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all.

Namaste

THE UPANISHADS - What the Thunder Said

2009-06-26T11:32:00.000-07:00

The children of Prajapati, the Creator - gods, human beings, and asuras, the godless - lived with their father as students. When they had completed the allotted period the gods said, "Venerable One, please teach us " Prajapati answered with one syllable: "Da"

"Have you understood?" he asked.
"Yes," they said. "You have told us damyata, be self-controlled."
Then the human beings approached.
"Venerable One, please teach us."
Prajapati answered with one syllable. "Da."
"Have you understood?" he asked.
"Yes." they said. "you have told us datta, give."
"You have understood," he said.
Then the godless approached. "Venerable One, please teach us."
Prajapati answered with the same syllable: "Da."
"Have you undestood?" he asked.
"Yes," they said. "you have told us dayadhvan, be compassionate."
"You have understood." he said.

The heavenly voice of the thunder repeats this teaching. Da-da-da!

Be self-controlled! Give! Be compassionate!

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

Part of our training will include a review of the Upanishads. This hymn is from the
- Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, Chapter V, What the Thunder Said

AMAZING GRACE

2009-06-19T08:07:00.000-07:00

There are 3 pillars to the Hip Yoga - BODYLIFEMIND 200 Hour Teacher Training:
Healthy Body
Inspired Life
Peaceful Mind.

Our theme for our yoga class today is AMAZING GRACE. Grace falls under the pillar of Inspired Life. The definition of Grace is "to say a short prayer of thanks before and/or after a meal." It also means "ease of movement" and "thoughtfulness towards one another". Grace fits so beautifully into a yoga class because we typically begin our practice with a short prayer of thanks and gratitude when we set our intention. When we move through the challenging asanas we get to practice moving with ease and fluidity, it's a chance to allow the posture to be an expression of our thoughts. Finally, coming together in a safe environment provides the opportunity to honor each other where we are in our practice, to be thoughtful toward one another and ourselves.

May your weekend be filled with amazing grace.

Vicki

BODYLIFEMIND - GET READY FOR YOUR TRANSFORMATION

2009-06-18T18:33:00.000-07:00

Namaste everyone,

This is our official blog for the teacher training and intended to offer the opportunity for you all to share your experiences with each other as you progress through your journey of transformation. Transformation reguires passion, interconnectivity and giving the world your best. This blog will offer you the opportunity to stay connected with each other, share your passions and give your best to the planet.

Get ready. As you know the asana is a powerful part of the process and each of our sessions will begin with an extended challenging; yet mindful asana practice. If you are not already, I would suggest that you begin a regular home practice, take regular classes at the nearest studio, or practice with your friends.

This will be an exciting time! We have a line up of exceptional guest instructors that will teach special classes and offer lecture on the yoga lifestyle! We will be taking a field trip to Savannah to celebrate YOGA MONTH and Yoga as Peace In Action. We will be participating in Kirtan - singing and much more!

Please arrive at Island Soma Therapy by 5:15 at the latest. Give yourself time to register, sign in and get comfortable. Please bring your mat, water, towel, snacks and your open heart and mind.

I am looking forward to seeing you all!

Om Shanti,
Vicki