Ashtanga Yoga Library

Apr 14, 2013

Weekend Edition #9

Some notes and highlights from the week:

Leslie Kaminoff explains "accessory breathing":

Meet the Sweetest Vegan:

I'm going to Florida August 17 & 18 (I'll see you there!)
On facebook
The Shala's website
The details:

Sat. 8:30AM – 11AM Led Primary
Traditional Sanskrit count of asanas and vinyasas we well as each and every inhale and exhale. Ride each breath in and out, allow your mind to sink down, and surrender to the current. We will finish with deep relaxation and chanting.

Sat. 1PM – 4PM The Strength to Surrender
When we untether ourselves from mental chatter we are able to soften the heart, trust fully, embrace faith, and open to possibility. We begin to experience a lightness in the body and mind and an ease in practice that flows into all areas of our lives. Spend the afternoon with Elise delving into this topic to gain insight into where you are in your journey, what is holding you back, keeping you stuck, or bringing stuff up. Learn how to tap into the tools you already have to help you trust this process, let go, and feel more joy in life. Elise will touch on the mental and physical aspects of heat, resistance, purification and sweet sweet surrender.

Sun 8:30AM-11AM
Mysore & Chanting The weekend culminates with Mysore practice and chanting that shakes us to the core and aligns all aspects of our being with the light within.

Recommended Reads:
I may have recommended this before and here it is again: The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali with commentary by Swami Satchidananda. Yes, it comes en espanol tambien.

"Disease, dullness, doubt, carelessness, laziness, sensuality, false perception, failure to reach firm ground and slipping from the ground gained -- these distractions of the mind-stuff are the obstacles.
Accompaniments to the mental distractions include distress, despair, trembling of the body, and disturbed breathing.
The practice of concentration on a single subject [or the use of one technique] is the best way to prevent the obstacles and their accompaniments."

vyādhistyānasaṁśaya pramādālasyāvirati
व्याधिस्त्यानसंशय प्रमादालस्याविरति
bhrāntidarśanālabdha bhūmikatvānavasthitatvāni
भ्रान्तिदर्शनालब्ध भूमिकत्वानवस्थितत्वानि
cittavikṣepāste 'ntarāyāḥ
चित्तविक्षेपास्ते ऽन्तरायाः
duḥkhadaurmanasyaṅgamejayatvaśvāsapraśvāsā
दुःखदौर्मनस्यङ्गमेजयत्वश्वासप्रश्वासा
vikṣepasahabhuvaḥ
विक्षेपसहभुवः
tatpratiṣedhārthamekatattvābhyāsaḥ
तत्प्रतिषेधार्थमेकतत्त्वाभ्यासः
~Yoga Sutras 1.30-32

Apr 8, 2013

Yoga Comics: Isvara Pranidhana

"Awaken isvara pranidhana...especially when Sharath is counting soooo slooooowly during these three postures. Surrender and feel the inner strength expand (even as the outer strength diminishes)."

Isvara pranidhana means surrendering to the supreme soul, or worshipping God. Isvara is the purest form of the soul, not unlike samadhi. Once you surrender to isvara, to the divine, there will be no delusions. The yoga practice is a spiritual practice - not just doing exercise - it is striving to attain spiritual knowledge. First you surrender to the guru, then to the teachings. Only then will isvara pranidhana come. The more you think of God, the more you become attached to the divine, providing inner strength to deal with the uncertainties of life and with samsara.

Via The Yoga Comics

Apr 6, 2013

Weekend Edition #8

Been a bit busy planning this:

Here's a bit more about Krista:

Krista Shirley is a level 2 authorized Ashtanga Yoga instructor and founder of The Yoga Shala in Winter Park, Florida. Krista teaches traditional Ashtanga yoga classes in the Mysore method Monday-Thursday mornings 6:30-8:30am and counted led Ashtanga Primary series Friday mornings 6:15-7:45am followed by guided meditation from 8:00-8:30am. She also leads asana, meditation, and self help workshops and retreats at The Yoga Shala and around the globe.

Krista has been a dedicated student and practitioner of Ashtanga yoga for over a decade. She found this practice in college and it touched her so deeply she traveled down a path different than what was originally laid out for her. After graduation she started traveling the world delving deeper into her yoga studies. After meeting Shri K. Pattabhi Jois in a workshop in New York in 2004 Krista knew she had found her Guru – his essence was undeniable, his spirit light and loving, and his vast knowledge of asana, Sanskrit, chanting and philosophy was an endless well to draw from. Krista has made eight trips to Mysore, India to study at the Krishna Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute (KPJAYI) in order to study with Guruji and Sharath, connect to this lineage and feel the essence of this living parampara. Guruji passed away in May of 2009, the same month The Yoga Shala opened its doors. This space is a living, breathing dedication to Guruji, to his life’s work, and his never-ending passion for Ashtanga Yoga.

Krista’s dedication to her personal yoga practice and the Ashtanga lineage shine through in her teaching. Her energy is contagious and inspiring! Krista specializes in meeting each student where they are, helping them not only create a habit of daily practice, learn the sequence of asanas, work towards physical mastery of the postures, but also helping each student go inside themselves to heal old wounds, forgive old hurts, let go of the things in their lives that no longer serve them. Krista is here to help you begin or advance your Ashtanga Yoga journey and looks forward to sharing this transformational and enriching practice with you.

And there is this super sweet video as well:

Yay. Be sure to sign up early here!

Mar 30, 2013

One can't learn yoga from youtube videos, but if you are going to watch videos, watch these ones :)

Mini documentary on London's Stillpoint Yoga capturing the warmth of practicing together:

Kino MacGregor describes the stories we tell ourselves in "Strength of Body and Mind in Yoga - Stay Up for the Full Ten Counts in Utpluthih":

Guy Donahaye shares footage from the old shala in 1999:

An interview with Saraswathi Jois & Sharmila Mahesh:

Yuko's Story - Cancer Recovery and Yoga | URBAN YOGIS Episode 2:

Mysore clip from the film Enlighten Up:

Mr Ramesh - La peur (the fear):

Mar 27, 2013

Santosha & The Family Scooter

Since this is the last weekend of the Mysore season, we dedicate this comic to those of you who are still in Mysore, packing up your trunks, visiting the Temple one more time, having your last Mysore dosa and practice in the Shala. We hope you enjoy this comic. Say goodbye to that amazing place for us too. Until next time…

Title: Mysore ride on family scooter.

Story: My kids' favorite part about living in India was getting to ride on the "family scooter". Sometimes we would drive to the swimming pool across town and pile on the scooter with all of our floaties, swimsuits, picnic basket, and change of clothes, and we would all manage to fit. What's more, sometimes we could drive across town, beeping and swerving around vehicles and animals, without stopping once! It was pure freedom.

Wealth cannot be measured by the size and power of the 'Family Wagon'. It can be measured by the size and magnitude of the smiles on the passengers.

Santosha (contentment) is one of the niyamas. It means the knowing the peace that is already inside, and, at the same time, feeling unity with something much greater than ourselves.

via The Yoga Comics and Ashtanga Illustrations by Boonchu

Mar 23, 2013

Weekend Edition #6 Spring Cleaning

Spring is a lovely time to shift gears, shed tired habits, and start fresh from the inside out...

The quote above is from "Yoga and Vegetarianism" by Sharon Gannon. It is a quick and inspirational read that navigates food choices using basic yoga philosophy. I definitely recommend it.

While most Albuquerque growers' markets won't start until late April/May, the Corrales Growers' Market is open once per month in the off season with the next chance to get some super fresh food coming up on April 7th. In the meantime, here is a list of what's in season.

For life and space organizing check out "Organizing from the Inside Out" by Julie Morgenstern. Much more than a quick tips guide, the book gets you to do some reflecting on what is important to you in life and moves from there. Super helpful.

So how do you clean a yoga mat? It all depends on the mat you have...

And while we are on the subject of mats and feet... Foot warts happen. Take care of them now. Athlete's foot too. And if you find yourself slipping on your mat a bit more than usual try this tip from Yoga Journal:

To avoid slipping around on your mat, brew two black tea bags in one pint of boiled water for 15 minutes. Add two quarts of cool water and soak your feet for 20 to 30 minutes. The tannic acid in the brewed tea will change your skin's pH level and help prevent unwanted odor-causing bacteria.

Lastly, an article by Sally Kempton on the art of mindful speaking.

"You can change the world, or at least your experience of it, by becoming conscious of the words coming out of your mouth."

Spring forward!

Mar 18, 2013

Satya (The Yoga Comics)

Many times on our walks, complete strangers will come up to us, scoop up Maple, and kiss her on the mouth... Maple will lick their lips and they love it! I think it is so gross because I know exactly where her mouth has been... her privates, cat poop, garbage, dead birds. I don't encourage the kissing and I think about stopping them, but they are just so happy sharing the love.

Satya -- speak the truth but only if it is sweet.

Satya means "to speak the truth," yet it is not always desirable to speak the truth if it harms someone unnecessarily. If speaking the truth has negative consequences for another, then it is better to say nothing. The Mahabharata says: "Speak the truth which is pleasant."

Story by: Elise Espat
Edited by: Jessica Walden
Cartoonist: Boonchu Tanti, Ashtanga Illustrations by Boonchu

Mar 15, 2013

Pattabhi Jois talks about yama, niyama...

Conference at the Old Shala in Lakshmi Puram 1998 via Guy Donahaye and Ashtanga Yoga Shala NYC.

Mar 10, 2013

Bondage or liberation are in your own mind

As the mind, so the man; bondage or liberation are in your own mind. (Mana eva manushyanam karanam bandha mokshayoho)

Santosha: "At some point we all think to ourselves 'I'd be happy if...' or 'I could practice if...' The truth is that there will always be something that we think is in our way and that if wait for that 'perfect' moment, chances are that it will never come.

The Niyama, Santosha , is about contentment. Seeing things with equanimity and finding the grace in our daily lives. In this way, each moment is a chance for yoga, a chance for liberation, whether we are on a beautiful mountain top or in a teensy cubicle. 'As the mind, so the man; bondage or liberation are in your own mind.'"

Description: Elise Espat , Albuquerque Ashtanga Yoga Shala

Editors: Jessica Walden and Elise Espat
Cartoon guy: Boonchu Tanti, Ashtanga Illustrations by Boonchu

All comics here: http://is.gd/G89IRK

Mar 9, 2013

Weekend Edition #5

Yoga Stops Traffick 2013 was a great success. You can still donate online here.

Here in Albuquerque we chanted "Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu" 108 times. Some people counted with their own japa malas, others counted with their fingers, and we all followed the count of 108 New Mexico pinto beans dropping into a jar.

Before we began chanting, I gave a short talk on "ahimsa". Often defined as "non-harm", an easy way to practice ahimsa is to avoid violent or harmful situations. As we deepen our practice the definition grows to not only avoiding painful actions but actively working to end suffering. Perhaps it could even evolve to healing.

People sometimes wonder how can we say that we practice every day when we take so many days off (moon days, Saturdays, ladies' holiday). The answer is simple: asana is only one component of Ashtanga Yoga. While we practice asanas for just a short while on most days, opportunities to practice ahimsa are always available, both on and off the mat...

Here is a lovely video from the 2013 Ashtanga Yoga Confluence with Dena Kingsberg discussing ahimsa:

Mar 8, 2013

Be Steadfast in Yoga

karmaṇy evādhikāras te mā phaleṣu kadācana
mā karma-phala-hetur bhūr mā te saṅgo 'stv akarmaṇi

yoga-sthaḥ kuru karmani sanyugam tyaktvā dhananjaya
siddhy-asiddhyoḥ samo bhutvā samatvam yoga ucyate

कर्मण्य् एवाधिकारस् ते मा फलेषु कदाचन
मा कर्मफलहेतुर् भूर् मा ते सङ्गो ऽस्त्व् अकर्मणि
योगस्थः कुरु कर्मनि सन्युगम् त्यक्त्वा धनन्जय
सिद्ध्यसिद्ध्योः समो भुत्वा समत्वम् योग उच्यते

"Your right is to work only, but never with its fruits; let not the fruits of action be your motive, nor let your attachment be to inaction. Perform action, O Arjuna, being steadfast in Yoga, abandoning attachment and balanced in success and failure. Evenness of mind is called Yoga."
~2.47-48 Bhagavad Gītā

Mar 7, 2013

Yoga Stops Traffick: The Comic

One meaning of Yoga is "to come together", "to unite" and one of the 8 limbs of yoga is Yama, or our relationships with the outside world. Within Yama is Ahimsa, which means non-violence towards others, including working to end violence. Ahimsa means kindness, compassion and thoughtful consideration of others. It also includes our duties and responsibilities.

As yoga practitioners (or even those of us who are new to the asana practice), we can practice the true concept of yoga by coming together and practicing Ahimsa just by getting on the mat and supporting Odanadi's amazing work.

Odanadi:
Over the past 20 years Odanadi Seva Trust has rescued and rehabilitated more than 1850 children, carried out 57 brothel raids and brought 137 traffickers to justice. With your help, compassion and cooperation, Odanadi will continue to provide a place of sanctuary for the survivors of human trafficking and offer them a chance to rebuild their lives.

Closing chant meaning by Sharon Gannon from here:
http://jivamuktiyoga.com/teachings/focus-of-the-month/p/lokah-samastah-sukhino-bhavantu

By Boonchu Tanti via The Yoga Comics

Mar 6, 2013

Yoga Stops Traffick ABQ

YOGA STOPS TRAFFICK 2013
Saturday, March 9th at 9am
at the Albuquerque Ashtanga Yoga Shala
Fundraiser and fruit of our tapas to benefit Odanadi Seva Trust. We'll be chanting a mantra for peace 108 times to take a stand against human trafficking in India.
$20 suggested donation (cash only). All are welcome.

Lokah Samastah 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."

Mar 4, 2013

The Ultimate Vegan Baking Cheat Sheet

Thanks, PETA!

Mar 3, 2013

The Yoga Comics - Always Mula Bandha

via The Yoga Comics

Mar 2, 2013

Weekend Edition #4

Shining light on some basic questions on how to get started with practice:
How do I get started with Mysore practice?
Should I go to Mysore or Led class?
What's the etiquette?
How do I pick a yoga mat?
What is a rug for and where can I get one?
Where do I find a teacher?

Next Saturday, March 9th is the worldwide 2013 Yoga Stops Traffick event which aims to raise awareness and funds to fight human trafficking in India.
Find an event near you.
Here's the info for our event in Albuquerque.

For all you new vegans, vegetarians, and veg-curious out there, here are some food blogs that inspire:
The Post Punk Kitchen
Happy. Healthy. Life
Yum Universe

Lastly, be sure to like The Yoga Comics on Facebook. Word on the street is a new comic is coming out shortly...

Lokah Samastah 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."

Feb 25, 2013

Yoga Stops Traffick 2013

Based in Mysore, India Odanadi is a wonderful organization initiating real change and positivity in the lives of many. Their annual Yoga Stops Traffick event raises awareness and funds which help provide a "safe haven for survivors of human trafficking, sexual exploitation, slavery, domestic abuse and destitution".

Donate. Get involved. Learn more.

Feb 24, 2013

The Yoga Comics - Moon Day

My story and our Shala transformed into this cute comic about moon days by Boonchu Tanti of The Yoga Comics. Tomorrow is a moon day, no classes. Take rest!

Feb 23, 2013

Weekend Edition #3

"Stephen Theodore Schaffer, known to most as Shyamdas, was killed in a motorcycle accident in Goa, India on Saturday, January 19. He was 59. Namarupa has published a special 36 page issue containing an obituary, photographs and memories of Shyamdas and all the articles that Shyamdas ever wrote for Namarupa."

Download the special issue "Shyamdas :: In Memoriam" for free here.

“All forms of Yoga lead us to bhava – the enlightened, inspired state of pure being. Bhava creates in us a direct experience of the unity of all things. This journey of kirtan (sacred chant) introduces the subtle relationship between non-dual vision and loving devotion as the foundation for the yoga experience.” – Shyamdas (1953-2013)

This week we have conference notes from July 8 and October 21 as well as the appendix to our local conference which focused on breathing and awareness.

Kate O'Donnell writes from India on how waking up early for practice can bring the breathing to the spiritual and back again.

Meditations on food and practice continue with David Life's video on why diet matters and the conversation continues with Life and Sharon Gannon's discussion on the yamas and the connection to food.

T. Colin Campbell presents the science around why food matters and we end with a recipe for Super Easy Vegan Ice Cream and a thumbs up for The Yoga Cookbook.

May all beings be happy and free

No Meat Athlete's Guide to Vegan Egg Substitutions

Feb 22, 2013

Resolving the Health Care Crisis: T. Colin Campbell at TEDxEast

"Dr.Campbell has spent the last 40 years at the forefront of nutrition research. His major research project the China Project is the largest nutrition study ever conducted. Here he shares his ideas to revolutionize our nation's health."

Feb 21, 2013

Super Easy Vegan Ice Cream

Yes, this was breakfast a few days ago. While I'm saving the fruit cobbler for a future post, today it is all about the Super Easy Vegan Ice Cream.

Ingredients:

Banana (1 per person)

Directions:
Freeze banana. Yes, the whole banana -- peel and all. The taste will differ based on the stage of ripeness, so experiment. When you are ready to make the ice cream, take out the frozen banana and let it thaw out a little. Remove (and compost) the peel. Blend the banana. Enjoy!

(It is entirely possible that freezing a peeled banana is easier to handle. I just prefer it this way.)

That's it. Super simple. But that doesn't have to be the end...

Possible additions:

Shredded coconut
Vanilla extract
Cinnamon
Chocolate or carob powder
Other frozen fruits

Goes great:

By itself
On pies, cobblers, cakes, granola, etc.

Feb 20, 2013

Diet and Spirituality: Why does it matter?

David Life (Jivamukti Yoga) talks a bit on the relationship between food and yoga practice.

Feb 19, 2013

Aditya Hrudayam / Ādityahṛdayam / आदित्यहृदयम्

Feb 17, 2013

Local "Conference" Appendix #2 - Breathing & Awareness

How can we become more aware of ourselves and how we move in space? Can we begin to see new options and possibilities? We all breathe, so attention to breathing is a great place to start.

First, some theory. Check out Leslie Kaminoff's video "The Accordion and the Water Balloon":

Next, let's see how this works under the skin with Gil Hedley's "Exquisite lungs breathing":

Now, we move into practice with this video of a Led Intermediate class at the main shala in Mysore, India. Remember, Led 2nd is invite only, so these are really experienced practitioners.

A bit more in practice with Pattabhi Jois (Guruji) leading Richard Freeman through the final asanas:

Here is some additional reading on the breathing we do in practice:
Ujjayi vs. Free Breathing David Robson (Toronto) discusses the learning process and breathing.
Ujjāyī vs. Free Breathing in Ashtanga Yoga (Hatha Yoga Pradipika) The HYP on breathing.
Ujjāyī vs. Free Breathing in Ashtanga Yoga (Gheranda Samhita) The GS on breathing.

If you are congested, you might want to try neti (jala or sutra -- ask your teacher).

Also, food can be a contributing factor. Here are some foods known to increase mucus:

Sugar
Meat
Dairy
Wheat

Why does how we breathe matter? Breathing can either limit or increase our space in asanas. It can either calm or agitate the mind and the nervous system. Also, the heat that comes from good breathing is essential to purification:

A vital aspect of internal purification that Pattabhi Jois teaches relates to the six poisons that surround the spiritual heart. In the yoga shastra it is said that God dwells in our heart in the form of light, but this light is covered by six poisons: kama, krodha, moha, lobha, matsarya, and mada. These are desire, anger, delusion, greed, envy and sloth. When yoga practice is sustained with great diligence and dedication over a long period of time, the heat generated from it burns away these poisons, and the light of our inner nature shines forth.

Feb 16, 2013

Weekend Edition #2

In this Weekend Edition we've got the week's post popular post on ujjayi vs free breathing which goes along with tomorrow's local conference theme on breathing in asana practice.

You've probably noticed an abundance of food-related posts. The topic has been big around here the last few weeks and rightfully so. What we eat has a massive impact on how we feel and on our yoga practices (not just asana)...

How Digestion Works includes a basic primer on your insides from one end to the other. There's an infographic and short video, but there are also a couple of longer videos that you might find interesting that includes footage from a full-length Berkeley biology course.

A Strategy for Health "Many people confuse pleasure with happiness. This can be a big problem and can lead to some very unhappy results. It is imperative that we recognize the difference between pleasure and happiness."

How to Eat Right to Reduce Stress lists foods to include and avoid so we can stress less.

The Kind Diet explains how to transition to a kinder lifestyle, become vegan, and explore macrobiotics. Really great and simple recipes as well as clear and digestible information. And pretty pictures.

Forks Over Knives gets you thinking about why and what you eat. If you're feeling inspired to do some healthy cooking, head over to Going Home to Roost for plant-based dinner ideas.

Feb 14, 2013

How digestion works

Infographic by Jackie Chow

(In under two minutes)

(Expanded version)

(University version)

Feb 13, 2013

Breathing, emotions, and back pain

Leslie Kaminoff talks a bit on the connection between breathing, emotions, and back pain.

Feb 12, 2013

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

I found this simple and tasty recipe for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread from Pickles and Honey. I changed a couple of things based on what I had and I also used only half the sweetener. It came out beautifully. My last pumpkin bread was a bit and dense. Not this time.

Here's what I look for in store bought chocolate (or carob) chips:

absence of high fructose corn syrup or partially hydrogenated oils
grain sweetened or unsweetened (sugar isn't always vegetarian, more below)
dairy-free (milk, casein, whey, etc)

I had no idea that sugar isn't always vegetarian. Here is a list of companies that do and do not use bone char.

Feb 11, 2013

The Ultimate Guide to Dairy-Free Milks

I have never made my own non-dairy milk, but with this amazing guide from Heather Crosby of YumUniverse anyone can give it a go. Some possibilities include: almond, amaranth, brazil nut, brown rice, buckwheat, cashew, coconut, hazel nut, hemp seed, poppy seed...

Feb 10, 2013

Wondering about a vegan diet?

The Yoga Comics

Have you seen The Yoga Comics? This new project created by Boonchu Tanti is all about the real-life humor that goes along with being an 8-limb householder. Check out The Yoga Comics facebook page for new stories. There might even be one by me in the near future :) Here are the first two comics with stories by Jessica Walden.

"Andrew does a daily puja that involves chanting and meditation. On this particular day, Andrew did his normal preparations, dressed himself in his doti, did his chanting, and then started to meditate, sitting in lotus, on our living room floor. Biscotti (the dog) thought he must want to play since he was sitting on the floor. So she grabbed her favorite toy, the rubber chicken, and placed it next to Andrew's knee. She waited. He meditated. She growled. He meditated. She picked up the rubber chicken and placed it ON his knee. He meditated. She barked loudly as if to say "stop your meditating and throw that damn rubber chicken, will ya!!" He meditated….

In the samadhi state, a man had become one with a dog.....he had even become one with the rubber chicken."

"I was doing self-practice and the kids were home and playing together. I was in the flow of my practice, very focused and serious. I was doing arm balances in Advanced A series. My 5 year old broke my serious focus by hollering from the bathroom 'Mom, can you come wipe me!'

There is an ancient saying: ... 'Before enlightenment, wipe bottoms; after enlightenment, wipe bottoms.'

ABOUT
Jessica Walden began a daily yoga practice in 1994 and, over the last 12 years, has made several trips to Mysore, India, to study with Guruji, Sharath, and Saraswati. She is married to Andrew Hillam and a happy mother of two boys and one chihuahua.

Feb 9, 2013

Weekend Edition #1

Eating to support your practice
Guy Donahaye
Ashtanga Yoga Shala NYC
http://bit.ly/VMCWpx

How to learn Ashtanga Yoga. Led class versus Mysore class?
Magnolia Zuniga
Mysore San Francisco
http://bit.ly/YMwMme

How to practice when hell’s freezing over
Angela Jamison
Ashtanga Yoga Ann Arbor
http://bit.ly/V4PXYP

The winds
Kate O'Donnell
Ashtanga 4 Life
http://bit.ly/14JDXiD

Food + Yoga
New segment on the blog on you guessed it, food!
http://bit.ly/VLoo4f

Check out
No Impact Man (book, movie, how-to's)
Vegucated (trailer, watch online)

Feb 8, 2013

Vegan Black Metal Chef

Who says being vegan is boring?

Feb 7, 2013

Recipe: The Liz Berry Smoothie

This is a thick, nutrient-rich smoothie inspired by one of my good friends...

Ingredients:

Banana

A few leaves of kale

1 handful of blueberries, cherries, or other berries (frozen is okay). Amounts vary (I usually measure by handfuls).

Supplies:

Blender (I recommend using a hand blender. They are much easier to clean than a regular blender.)

Directions:
Blend ingredients until smooth. This is a thick smoothie for sure. For a thinner smoothie, experiment with the ratios.

Nutrients:

Bananas - potassium, dietary fiber, manganese, vitamin b6, vitamin c

Kale - fiber, calcium, vitamin b6, magnesium, vitamin a, vitamin c, vitamin k, copper, potassium, iron, manganese, phosphorus

Blueberries - dietary fiber, vitamin c, vitamin k, manganese

Feb 6, 2013

Create a pre-practice ritual aka jedi mind tricks by Elise Espat

Eventually it is possible that it won't matter. You'll wake up without any kind of encouragement and get on with it with ease and grace. Perhaps you're even able to right now decide to turn the switch for complete and absolute engagement to the "on" position. If so, now is the time to set it to "on" and leave it there.

As the senses contact the object of the senses, feelings of heat and cold, pain and pleasure occur, Arjuna. These sensations come and go; they're impermanent. Patiently endure them, great Prince. -2.14 Bhagavad Gita, Swami Satchidananda

The restraint of the modifications of the mind-stuff is Yoga. Then the Seer [Self] abides in His own nature. At other times [the Self appears to] assume the forms of mental modifications. There are five kinds of mental modifications which are either painful or painless... -1.2-5 Yoga Sutras, Swami Satchidananda

Yes, with practice (which implies time, right?... a repeated effort?) all is coming. But first, one has to actually practice. Talking about it, having special clothes, reading interesting books, memorizing facts, a bit of previous experience, etc., don't count.

Success comes to him who is engaged in the practice. How can one get success without practice; for by merely reading books on Yoga, one can never get success.

Success cannot be attained by adopting a particular dress (Veṣa). It cannot be gained by telling tales. Practice alone is the means to success. This is true, there is no doubt.-2.67-68 Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Pancham Sinh

As someone who has tried every sort of scenario possible to avoid the inevitable early morning practice, I can honestly say that a daily morning Mysore practice is simply the most practical, peaceful, and healing situation I have ever experienced. It just works.

That said, it was not easy for me to establish... Well, actually, it was really easy and simple. Or at least it could have been had I been even slightly willing to give it a real chance. For me, many things had to shift. Each day I had to look at how I was investing all aspects of myself. It was painful. I had to make big and what felt like big choices and sacrifices in order to make it happen.

For a long time it was uncertain. Each day had a question mark. I had to write down that I would do it so that I could check it off my list. I needed some sort of validation that I was making an effort. This was also around the time when I didn't think it was important to have a morning ritual.

Slowly I started to notice glimpses of light shining through the darkness. I moved toward it. A regular morning routine started to form. This regularity began to saturate everything else.

I've realized that it can be very helpful to do the exact same thing every single day. That when things are simple we have lots of room for pleasant.

How to create a pre-practice ritual:

Close your eyes and spend some time daydreaming.
Imagine your teacher, another practitioner, someone you respect that is further along the path. How do they wake up? What do they do? What is the environment like? What sensations or associations does it bring?

Close your eyes and spend some more time daydreaming.
Imagine a person you love, respect, or care for deeply. If you were creating a ritual and environment for them, how would you do it?

Insert yourself into the scenarios.
How does that feel?

Put it all together in a practical way.
Let's say you imagined waking up from a baby deer nuzzling your wittle nose. Birds lifting you to your feet. Cartoon flowers exploding from the floor with glitter shooting through the air. You get the point.

You get on the internet and get yourself a deer poster. You get an alarm clock that has nature sound options. You get a flower bedspread and a glittery practice top.

Set out your clothes the night before.

Set up coffee/tea the night before.

An exceptional music playlist can be very helpful.

Basically, arrange everything the night before so that all you have to do is get out of bed and have the willpower to not turn around and get back in it. Be strong!

Upcoming Local Cooking Classes to Consider

Annapurna School of Cooking
Website
Feb 9 Soup and Chapati
Feb 23 Baking
March 9 Spices
March 23 Spring Kitchari

The Ayurveda Institute
Website
March 1-3 Ayurvedic Cooking for Self-Healing

Feb 5, 2013

Local "Conference" Appendix

A few notes from our post-practice 1% Theory/Q and A on Sunday...

How long should I wait to eat after practice?
Your organs get a big massage each time you do your asana practice. Try to be sensitive to what is really happening on the inside. Are you eating out of habit or are you truly hungry?

Do I really have to shower before practice? What if I don't smell? Isn't that just wasting water?
You really ought to shower before practice. If you feel guilty and that you are wasting water, the solution is simple -- become a vegetarian and better yet, vegan.

You can also help offset your pre-practice shower by using public transportation or riding your bicycle, using reusable grocery bags... The book and movie "No Impact Man" are pretty inspiring. You might also find some good ideas here.

Fear in practice?
As Sharath says, "No fear, no fun!" :)

And anyway...

Is it weird that I am asymetrical?
Nope.

What should I focus on while I practice?
Pick one thing - God. Or the tip of your nose, or your breathing, or a happy thought, or your bandhas, or the vinyasa count... Pick one thing, because it all comes back to the same thing, right?

Ellen DeGeneres on being vegan

Because we are thinking about food...

Jan 27, 2013

Going vegetarian?

Here is a sweet video by Jonathan Mann and Ivory King that addresses some common questions...

Jan 21, 2013

Student Questions: I haven't been practicing... Should I come back?

Q: I haven't been practicing... With the holidays, and work, and life, and the cold weather I just stopped. Now I dread coming back because I think it will be too hard and also I am a little embarrassed and disappointed in myself. Should I come back?

A: Yes, of course you should come back to practice! Practice is effort toward steadiness of mind. Don't worry about completing some acrobatic feat. What is really interesting, really what it is about is just showing up. So okay, you got a little distracted. You can have a fresh start tomorrow. In terms of asanas, just start small and slowly do a little bit more each day, couple of days, weeks, or even months. It depends on how long you took off... No matter. It will probably take some time for things to feel natural again and to get into the daily rhythm and that is okay. While time off is not recommended, the good thing about it is that when you start practicing again you'll quickly realize why you missed it so much and it will probably be more difficult to let it go again when life gets stressful. No fearing, you come!

Jan 19, 2013

Should I practice if I am sick?

Yes, practice at home.
You don't want to get anyone else sick. Just do what you can.
If you have a fever, rest.

We are, of course, speaking of asana practice. Yoga is 24/7.

More "should I practice if..." situations covered here.

Jan 7, 2013

Guruji & Sharath Demonstration in Sydney

"Without vinyasa, don't do asana!"

Jan 6, 2013

Guruji in Copenhagen conference

"One day, two days, one month, two months, one year, ten years also no use. Satu dirgha kala. Life long you take practice, practice, practice. After that is totally correct, control is coming (sense organs)...sense organs is your control, mind control after one day also looking possible to God..."

Conference on Wednesday, August 16, 2006 in the yogashala of Astanga Yoga Copenhagen: