Category: Yoga

Categories
Yoga

Rose Moon

The summer solstice this week coincides with full moon named Strawberry Moon by the Native Americans. The same moon is named “Rose Moon” if referred to in Europe. It’s been 70 years since last time summer solstice coincided with the full moon. It’s a signal from the Universe we catch this week that will play out in the next few months until Winter Solstice…

I “teach” restorative yoga Sunday early evening and … quite frankly surprised that anyone showed up on Father’s Day with a big basket ball game live on TV at 5pm, exactly when the class starts. Most men I know were glued to the screen, a drink in his/their hands … a showdown between Warriors and Cavilers had 30+ million real time viewers (BTW, NBA players love yoga … Here, it’s true.) Restorative yoga is not heavily marketed and I actually like the idea of serendipity – fateful stumbling into the luscious space, the idea of a secret recharge station is somehow appealing – so I bow humbly to anyone showing up to reap the benefits of this subtle but powerful practice. I mean, no wonder, Judith Lasater, PhD in East/West Philosophy and Yoga & Physical Therapist got so hooked. It’s meditation prep flowing and floating… a respite, taking refuge from the extremely hectic lives we lead.

It’s the inner wisdom that these students listened to – that is – we have to detox/cleanse, purify our bodies, clear our mind – press that reset button- before we can even reap the benefits of a meditation practice. All the chanting and matras are not going to help if your inner light is dim … unlit. In fact, a real zazen is probably not sustainable unless you are well rested and somewhat clear headed …to steady yourself. Sunday is dedicated to worship and deep healing RESTORATION. What Judith calls a “radical” relaxation to tap into the inner brightness we can all source. That brightness doesn’t just happen – that radiance, the “Sri” as Brenna and Jean would say – is something we harness through yoga practice, step by step.

In celebration of summer solstice and full moon this week sharing my favorite chandra namaskar you can find on utube – sheer love. It’s a goosebump for me. Truly. I am karaoke-ing this…Reminded me of the time Srivatsa Ramaswami recited a chant along with the Surya Namaskar – the contrasting solar salutation, making us realize the sacred significance of this practice – it’s not mere fitness and therapy. It’s pranic vibrations through each layer of our Koshas …so that we may awaken to live fully, taking nothing for granted, especially the love and beauty that surrounds us:

Om Kamesvaryai Namaha, “salutations to she who fulfills desires”.

Om Bhagamalinyai Namaha, “salutations to she who wears the garland of prosperity”.

Om Nityaklinnayai Namaha, “salutations to she who is ever compassionate”.

Om Bherundayai Namaha, “salutations to she who is ferocious”.

Om Vahnivasinyai Namaha, “salutations to she who resides in fire”.

Om Tvaritayai Namaha, “salutations to she who is swift”.

Om Kulasundaryai Namaha, “salutations to she who is virtuous, respectable and charming”.

Om Nityayai Namaha, “salutations to she who is eternal”.

Om Vijayayai Namaha, “salutations to she who is ever victorious”.

Om Sarvamangalayai Namaha, “salutations to she who is the source of all good fortunes”.

**************

In an essence, it’s a salutation, blessing and honoring the deep humanness of ourselves. Let’s make it a ritual we engage in so we are reminded of the beauty within and all that surrounds us.
Everyday.

Categories
Yoga

“Namastay Home” or show up…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_USd5Cjxk0

I don’t watch TV … so not sure what I am missing out on? I rather be watching Mindful Biology anatomy video (this portion not available for public viewing yet – required for my Yoga Therapy TT, the curriculum created by Will Meecham, MD/MA) such a geek I am … So I did not know about this TV commercial – Besides, I have not been to Wendy’s so did not know about this salad promo either … until it popped up on facebook feed… This video made me realize how the students may be hearing and feeling so perhaps we will just not be too pretentious. Sometimes in order to sound like an authority or an expert, teachers use tons of Sanskrit words or anatomy technical terms … while rings well for some, sometimes for others? not sure. Yet new words and concepts and awareness is always good for me and you.

Here’s the translation:

Remember your ASANA (yoga postures/poses)
Feel your ANANDA (bliss)
Move from VRKSASANA (tree pose) To
NATARAJASANA (yes, dancer’s pose)

Does it sound like foreign language? It sounds like it because … well, it is.
He certainly has that deep grounding voice perfect for yoga … OMMMMM… go deeper.

She’ll be fine.
You will be fine.
We’ll be fine.

Categories
Healthy Living Yoga

Subbed a restorative class at Bay Club this Sunday morning at 10am – the class before mine was vinyasa taught by my dear friend. Her class was running a bit late and so I looked in while waiting, noticing the fact that it was a very packed class (no surprise – she’s a superb teacher). After her class and before the one I’m subbing, I greeted her with a hug, when I told her the size of her class being rather impressive she said – well, it’s actually smaller class than usual. Usually there are more like 50 – Then, modestly she said – it’s that time slot – it’s always like this – we both nodded knowingly – “it’s a church”. Yeah, it’s a worship time. Sunday morning class tends to be like church attending – hope not to sound sacrilegious but many of us no longer go to church and so … instead, this is our church. The entire Sunday is that intention of dedication towards well-being for ourselves and others. Sean Corn’s class Sunday morning at Wanderlust was exactly that for me (the young people with hangovers from Saturday nights do not show up, lol) and so … that explains the packed Restorative class in Vancouver Sunday morning where we stepped in ready to be restored both hardware and software. Check out the Sunday morning classes in your neighborhood – it’s probably packed as it’s the spiritual for the non-spirituals.

IMG_3379So many people have shoulder problems …Sometimes it’s all the burden we carry on our shoulders – literally.
IMG_3391 Here’s Baxter Bell, MD, one of my teachers at Yoga Therapy TT sessions.
IMG_3395Don’t try this at home – just kidding – only try with knowledge of science behind the move, that is, to know why you are moving this or that way and why that’s good – so know the why’s OR with a guidance from a teacher with experience in yoga therapy or physical therapy.
Speaking of science – Science behind Yoga & Meditation is HERE for us to embrace and … practice. One thing people sometimes overlook is in their urge to master meditation, they forget the steps. There’s general lack of rest amongst us which apparently is based on our notion of lack of time – lack of sleep sets up the inner-environment of distress and speeds up the aging process. Why would you want that? Unfortunately, insomnia sufferers are everywhere. For them, no matter how fatigued, luscious sleep does not come easily. & yet, your whole system is in need for a tune-up and a … restoration. Your brain function along with everything else will eventually decline if you do not treat your body with loving kindness. Here’s some more information to keep up this regular practice.

Awhile back, I was in one of those hard tough drippy with sweat class where a teacher cracked her whip and yelled, shaming the students, “THIS isn’t one of those – you know the kind of yoga you just sprawl out and relax – eliciting smirks and embarrassed laughter – this is hard work! We are going to build HEAT and burn the toxins to ashes – we are going to transform!!!”. The energy suddenly changed from that of dragged heaviness to that similar to a military boot-camp. I never went back to that class even though I probably could use the aerobics, the muscle strengthening and nagging lecture on empowering – actually, no, not anymore. I’m over that phase in life when I needed that approach. Our needs change with our circumstances.

99.9% of those who show up to the kind of class I like to teach is already a very very hard working people. To me, it’s enough that they showed up. The rest will take care of itself. As Judith’s introductory somewhere says “We work hard everyday in our lives”. Yes, the students I get are hard working either because eyes on the prize, they are high achievers or because they are caring for others; because they are so giving of themselves to others – or they are suffering from the aftermaths of overwork and extreme striving or giving. The practice or the style of yoga should meet the needs of each unique individual – those needs that change over time and space. I respect and embrace all styles of yoga and each has its place to serve the varied needs of the students.