Energizing Delicious Smoothie

So While I am a huge fan of juicing, on occasion I love to make smoothies.  I am also a big fan of a company called Vega.  Vega was created by Brenden Brazier, a Vegan Professional Iron Man Triathlete.  It is a complete plant based protein, alkalizing, rich in fibre and omega 3, and awesomely healthy smoothie brand that I enjoy adding to my drinks.  In one scoop it has 2 servings of veggies! When we drink our body has the ability to absorb and break down nutrients, which is why many athletes rely on smoothies and shakes as part of their daily routine.  While we know Pineapples are rich in vit C & A, Bromelain, and Bananas are a great source of potassium, and Mixed Berries are rich in antioxidents, it is unlikely that we would eat all of these in one sitting.....but add them to the blender and we can all get the benefits in one delicious drink!!!

Anyways, back to my delicious recipe.

THE ENERGIZING DELICIOUS SMOOTHIE

1/4 Pineapple (cut chunks)
1/2 Banana
1 Handful Frozen Berry Mix
1/2 Cup Coconut Milk
1 tsp Macca
1 Spoon of the Vega Energizing Smoothie in (Choc-a-lot flavor)
Sprinkle of Raw Cacao Nibs on top


Cheers to AMAZING Health!

How a NY State Supreme Court Judge became a Yoga Teacher

This is a long overdue post about an incredible Yoga student of mine, Honorable Doris Gonzales and her journey to become a Yoga Teacher.  When I first met her, I had no idea what her profession was, she was a blank canvas for me.  I was only interested in facilitating an experience for her to grow in her yoga practice masterpiece.  She also has an awesome daughter who would take my Kids Yoga Class, (Milta).

Doris was receptive to the practice of yoga, and dedicated to come to class.  She would cheerfully enter the studio with beautifully straightened hair, fully aware that after class she would leave with a curly mess on her head.  This would happen 4 times a week, some days she would do 2 of my classes, one of which was often joyfully referred to as "the Torture class aka ZOGALATIES" because it combined high intensity abdominal work, some mild yelling on my part, and a whole lot of sweat.  At one point she was quick to say my Level 2 Yoga class was a Level 4, which it probably was, but it was lots of FUN, the collective consciousness we would all generate was amazing, and she like everyone else always came back.  For many people the studio in NYC was like a little family.

While I knew she loved to practice, I had no idea she wanted to enroll in Yoga Teacher Training.  While I am always open to suggest other options of Yoga TT, especially in NYC there is an array of excellent teachers who I respect, she had practiced with me, and was determined to study with me.

She contacted me while I was away teaching in India, telling me about wanting to do Yoga Teacher Training. Since there was interest from 6 other people, I thought perhaps to offer an intimate Yoga Teacher Training for some former students.

I come to NYC August 2012, and the 5 other students have conflicts.  Doris was so dedicated and determined, so I gave my first ever one to one Yoga Teacher Training. 

I asked her what her goal is in Teacher Training and she said she wants to heal & also get back into shape.  Primarily she wanted to help herself, so ultimately she could help others.  She was already sharing some lunch time Yoga with some folks at the courthouse, but she wanted to officially be able to say she was a Yoga Teacher, and share with others.

We held the course in her home which began with a beautiful Puja ceremony.   Each day was dedicated to the correlated deity, and each morning we would begin with warm water and lemon.  We progressed to 7am Asana, then had regular Ayurveda meals and fresh juice that I prepared and tea for her dosha.  She was eager to learn about the Yoga Sutras and Bhagavad Gita with questions and enthusiasm to hand in assignments.  The Philosophy of Yoga was something she was so eager to understand for her own self development, which is always wonderful!  The way I teach Yoga Sutras and Bhagavad Gita is more in a way to relate to our own healing so we can ultimately be more compassionate to otherwise challenging memories or situations, and thus make us better teachers.

The Teacher training like most brought mind-body-spirit challenges, which I expected.  No Mud, No lotus.  It was designed to detoxify, and it did.  Some tears, sweat, pounds were all shed.

I feel like we both learned through the entire experience.  We would sprinkle in some more Yoga Asana classes, Subtle Body, Class Sequencing, Guided Meditation, and occasionally her incredible Spinx Cat, Cameo would join us.

We had an amazing guest teacher (professional nurse and PT Miguel) for anatomy, field trips to Boston and Upstate NYC to explore meditation and the subtle body.  Along with being a respected judge, an amazing Single mom, Yoga Teacher, she is also a Reiki Master and Crystal Healer.  So we were surrounded by some amazing crystals (both hers and mine).

By the 3rd week Doris was almost about to quit.  I will admit our days were long, and sometimes challenging, and she had a house and beautiful daughter to tend to after our full days.  But she was destermined, and by the end of the Training, Doris lost 13Lbs, had a huge smile and pep in her step that was not their before, she was able to do some asana work that she did not do before, and she was so excited to share with others.  The best part was she realized how the changes in her, attracted more positive change in her life.  People had noticed the transformation and she was loving it!

I had meant to write this post for many months, and had hoped to have a photo of Doris in some awesome Yoga Pose on her Judges Bench, or in Warrior Pose with her gavel in Hand, because that would be incredibly awesome and to show that this Yoga practice is for anyone!  I am still waiting for the picture Doris!  But I had an email from someone who is taking class from Doris, telling me what a wonderful Yoga Teacher she has become (not surprised) and that I should be very proud (I am).  Congratulations Doris on your completion and certification as a Yoga Teacher, I am ever grateful to have been part of your journey. 

For those of you who are curious about Yoga Teacher Training, it will happen when the time is right.  While it is best to have at least practiced Yoga for 3-6 months before embarking on a Teacher Training,  it does not matter what your job, your gender, your size, your ability in asana, only that you are present, humble and receptive to the awesome practice.  Also, you do not have to quit your day job or dress like a hippie, Doris is still busting balls on her judges bench.  The practice itself has a magical way of transforming the individual. 

For more information on upcoming Yoga Teacher Trainings please visit my website: www.zogayoga.com

Some Awesome Dates to Consider:
July 1-26th in Ireland
November 1-26th - Kerala, India

Was Jesus a Yogi?

After the weekend that marks one of the most celebrated weekends in the Christian Calendar (Easter), which commemorates the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, some people wonder if Jesus was a Yogi.  Some people wonder why we call it Easter, when it is referring to the Pagan Goddess Ishtar goddess of fertility/love/war and sex who was often depicted with rabbits and eggs.  The purpose of this article is not to debunk the efforts of Constantine in 4^th Century AD when he combined the 2 festivals of resurrection & Ishtar to draw more Pagans to the Christian movement, or to have people avoid eating chocolate eggs or bunnies, but rather to ponder if Jesus was a Yogi?

The question can arise from both Yogis and Non Yogis often creating division and emotional reactions. 

You could have some fundamental Christians who may condemn the practice of Yoga and therefore engage in the “judgment” or “biblical stone throwing” (John 8:7), towards those who practice yoga.  Then there are the super hippie Yogis of today (some may consider modern day Constantine’s) who cling to their yoga pants, cult worship of their favorite “style” of yoga/teacher, and chastise the thought of believing in Christ because it conflicts with their spirituality. 

Perhaps we should focus on the message of Jesus and the essence of Yoga (as highlighted in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika or Yoga Sutras)? One is the Prince of Peace, the other is the practice of Peace.....let's explore with that common thread in mind.

Some may point out that Jesus was prophesized in the Bhavishya Purana, which is considered to be one of 18 Puranas of the Vedic Canon.

Many refer to the teachings of the incredible Yogi Parahmansa Yogananda from his books “The Yoga of Jesus” or “The Second Coming of Christ” where he compares the Yogic Mindset to that of Christ Consciousness, he draws a parallel of the 7 seals in the book of Revelation to that of the Seven Chakra centers.  He like many scholars have brought to light their belief in the travels of Jesus that were unaccounted for in the Bible, as leading him to India, Tibet and immersing in the practice of Yoga.

So again the question arises, was Jesus a Yogi?

What is a Yogi – By definition a yogi is a practitioner of yoga.

What is Yoga – The Union of the mind, body, and spirit.  It takes its journey through 5 paths; Hatha (postures & pranayama), Bhakti (devotion), Karma (Selfless service), Jnana (knowledge through study), and Raja Yoga (royal path of meditation & control).

Within Raja Yoga, Patanjali refers to the 8 Limbed practice in order to achieve Samadhi.  All 8 Limbs can be achieved for those who abide by the Golden Rule that Jesus shared.

Luke 10:27 - "...‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

Jesus never came to abolish the previous Laws (10 commandments), but to make a new one, an umbrella or summation of the previous laws.  The amazing connection is The Golden Rule is also a summation of the 8 Limbs of Yoga.  Here are some scriptural references for just the Yama’s & Niyamas (limbs 1 & 2) as related to the “Golden Rule”. 

We all can aspire to be “yogis” when we abide by these ethical rules, which are summed up in Jesus’s Golden Rule.

1)   The Yama’s:

a)    Ahimsa – Non Harming (Luke 10:27 – Golden Rule)

b)   Satya – Truthfulness (Matt 15: 19,20)

c)    Asteya – Non Stealing (Golden Rule)

d)   Bramacharya – Moderation or sexual restraint,  (Matt 5:28)

e)    Aparigraha – Non-greediness/non hoarding. (Matt 6:19)

2)   The Niyamas:

a)    Saucha – Cleanliness/purity (Matt 15: 16-20 – sermon on the mount)

b)   Santosha – Contentment (Matt 6:25)

c)    Tapas – discipline austerity (Golden Rule)

d)   Svadhyaya – Self study of sacred texts (Golden Rule)

e)    Ishvarapranidhana – Surrender to a higher power (Golden Rule)

While one could find a Biblical reference to point out in favor or against the concept of Jesus being a Yogi, all in all his message was Love & Forgiveness in order to achieve the Kingdom of God or Spiritual Liberation, which Jesus said is within us (Luke 17:21), is much like the goal of Yoga.

In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali refers to this liberation or goal of yoga as: 

योगश्चित्तवृत्तिनिरोधः ॥२॥

yogaś-citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ ||2||

When you are in a state of yoga, all misconceptions (vrittis) that can exist in the mutable aspect of human beings (chitta) disappear. ||2||

While we may not have proof of Jesus doing Scorpion Pose, and we know for sure he did not wear LuLu Lemon, we do know that his message was that of Love, forgiveness, peace, humility, compassion, discipline, faith, and ultimately Spiritual Liberation (the goal of yoga). 

To my Jewish sisters and brothers who celebrated Passover, and my Christian Sisters and Brothers who celebrate Resurrection/Easter Weekend, I send you all love.  Eat some chocolate, do some sun salutations and live a life with Love & compassion for all.  Namaste

What Sivananda (with Prahlad) can teach us about Yoga

Sunday was the final day of the Yoga Conference, and since I missed the Sivananda class with Prahlad I decided to get on the GoTrain to Toronto. When I arrived I found out the class was a 6 hour intensive Advanced Hatha Yoga Workshop and without hesitation I signed up.  While I have read some books recommended by the Sivananda Center, seen the sequence, and met many Sivananda devotees, I did not take a class yet.  I tend to gravitate to the Vinyasa & Ashtanga styles of Yoga because of the fluid movement, but I knew the history behind Sivananda and wanted to experience it. I had some time to spend before class, so I went to the exhibition space to browse and met some lovely Sivananda Yogis from my Hometown.

I arrived in the class and lay my mat down.  The class was small with an intimate group of maybe 12 people.  First thing we do is relax also known as Savasana.  What a brilliant way to begin class.  While I have done this with my students, and even had other teachers do this, the concept behind this for the Sivananda program is to ensure the body is relaxed before approaching every asana class.  We follow with Om, and some mantra chanting led by Prahlada.

"Put your heart, mind, and soul into even your smallest acts.  This is the secret of success." ~ Swami Sivananda

Second thing we do is Pranayama.  Pranayama practice is something beautiful and many people have witnessed the benefits of this practice.  The regulation of breath allows for oxygentated blood to flow through the nadi lines and awaken the body, heal diseases and bring a sense of peace.  With Sivananada Kapalabhatti is followed by Alternate Nostril.  The Altnernate Nostril is to alleviate any blockages that may be impeding the flow of prana and balance both hemisphere's of the brain.  I Love Pranayama! However, Prahlad was wise to point out that too much pranayama can lead to an overly sensitive personality, especially for those who live in metropolitan areas.

"Purity, patience, and perseverance are the three essentials to success and, above all, love." ~ Swami Sivananda

We progress into Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations).  This is done to warm up the body, to prepare for asana.  The thing I love is the Sequence is the traditional sequence as taught in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, which is said to be the oldest text on the Hatha Yoga Practice.  Many people in the west recreate the Sun Salutation, and sometimes I feel like it is best to stick with the traditional way.  From there we do Leg Raises which inevitably helps to strengthen the core.

Finally, we progress to the Asana practice.  The sequence is the 12 basic asanas beginning with Headstand.  After each section of asana we do a Savasana.  Those that know me are aware that due to a few car accidents, Headstand is a pose that brings physical discomfort for me.....well not today.  Prahlad invited us to place equal energy on our forearms, and from their we would lift into SCORPION!!!  I loved it!  The BEST thing about the way Prahlad taught was instilling confidence in students.  Like me, many people had reservations or fears, and unless we face the fear we will always be frozen in time.  Since the class was aimed for advanced practitioners we were partnered up and taught how to safely assist and adjust.  After scorpion we progressed into some Handstand practice, which turned into Handstand into wheel, into a backflip....WHAT FUN!  Finally, we soon we were practicing falling, to get rid of any remaining fears.  My partner who was new to the practice, was doing brilliant but had fear.  Prahlad encouraged me to remind her of Hanuman, the great monkey deity who can do amazing things but only after he is told to.

The sequence follows with Shoulder stand, Plow and Fish Pose.  This is a rejuvenation pose that also helps to restore and heal the thyroid.  From there plow, bridge, fish pose, seated forward bend, backbends (cobra, locust, bow), seated spinal twist, standing forward bend, standing balance poses, triangle pose.  We repeated and held poses for maybe 90 seconds or more, and did some variations.  When we were in bow pose he encouraged us to touch our head to our buttocks, and made a joke about how some women can reach their buttocks to their head with ease, where everyone laughed.

"Whenever we attain a higher vision, the lower vision disappears of itself." ~ Swami Sivananda

Prahald is a brilliant teachers originally from Hydrabad, India.  He has taught with Sivananda over 25 years and truly makes students feel comfortable and relaxed when approaching the asana practice. He encouraged students to be open to mastering the basic asana.  He explained concepts with relation to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and also included some philosophy and anatomy.  I always encourage students to be open to yoga, be receptive to the practice more than the teacher (unless it is your Guru), but always be safe in your practice, meaning never overdo.  The one thing I loved about this class was the safety that it provided.  When Yoga asana is practiced in a safe way, we do not have injuries, instead we restore from them.  Most Sivananda Ashrams do not list the name of the teacher to encourage students to just show up for the practice.

While I have been considering exploring the Sivananda practice more, I am very grateful to have had this beautiful experience.

Toronto Yoga Conference & Show

Since I am still working through some jet lagg, I had totally forgotten about the Yoga Show in Toronto.  Luckily a fellow Teacher had reminded me about it and I decided to stop by and check it out.  After spending years out of Southern Ontario, I am always amazed to see how Yoga has grown here in Canada.  With so many schools, teachers, students, people are truly being receptive to the practice.

The Metro Toronto Convention Center was host to the Toronto Yoga Conference.  A 3 day event with over 76 classes available with some of the most recognized Yoga Teachers in North America, and 200 exhibitors.  Cyndi Lee, Rod Stryker, Seane Corne, Gurunam, Leslie Kaminoff, Prahlada, Sadie Nardini, and my favorite Sri Dharma Mittra were just some of the amazing teachers giving workshop classes. 

After being out of NYC, and so many months away from one of my favorite teachers Sri Dharma  Mittra, I decided my mind-body-spirit needed his class.  Classes were held in various rooms in the convention center.  After class I ran into a fellow Yoga Teacher from my hometown who told me she only ventured to Dharma's class because of the recommendation I gave the last time (2years ago) when we met, and as expected she was so grateful to have experienced the class.  While the workshop style class was 2 hrs, it combined pranayama, yogic diet, and asana work.  The wisdom, the wit, and the essence of Sri Dharma Mittra combine to make the perfect inspiration for every yoga aspirant.   Another class I meant to check out was from Sivananda Teacher, Prahlada about Meditation and Mantra.

After class I decided to check out the Massive Exhibit, met some awesome Yoga Teachers, Musicians, and Health Foodies.  The place was buzzing with good vibes, yoga teachers, yoga enthusiasts, yoga clothes, crystals, yummy food, healthy vegan food, and even a lovely woman who would walk around with a cart of fresh cut coconut water (straight from the coconut).  All in all this 3 day weekend was beautiful.  So happy to have met some radiant people, participated in class, and shared in the energy.

The Jimmy Kimmel-LuLu Lemon Yoga Pants Crisis Video

Recently on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Jimmy Kimmel announced how LuLu Lemon, the widely embraced apparel for many yogis, especially white upper middle class white ladies (as he said), recalled their yoga pants, which resulted in a dip in their stocks.  He maintained that this was a crisis.  The pants were apparently transparent and therefore had to be recalled.  Jimmy Kimmel made a super funny comedy sketch/public service announcement and told audiences that this is a crisis we should take seriously. 

While some may argue that $120 is far too much to spend on yoga pants and monopolizes yoga in a way that this far opposite from the non-attachment mindset that yoga aims to provide, many people embrace the pants as the standard uniform for their practice.  Cardboard, Bubble Wrap and Yogurt are not the best alternatives for yoga pants.

The video concludes with

"With your donation of just $120, you can put one woman in one pair of yoga pants"

YOGA's Yama and Niyama top 10 Tips in Kerala

While many people travel to India (including myself) to study Yoga, to teach Yoga, and to experience the purity of the birth place of yoga, sometimes the ashram is not the only place for enlightenment.  That being said, India the ultimate place for purification, and in my case the birthplace for my parents.  It is my favorite place to teach Yoga, practice yoga, and study.  You have the magical landscapes, and the traditional teaching of Ashtanga, Iyengar, Hatha Yoga, and many other incredible Guru's, Babas, and Ayurveda Teachers.

Prior to booking this trip, I had spent 5 months caring for my beloved Aunty who passed in January.  Many Yogis would consider this an act of Seva (selfless service), for me it was an honor and my duty.  I cancelled some amazing teaching opportunities in Malta, Switzerland and India to stay bedside with her.  Though every morning I maintained my morning yoga (while she would sleep), I quickly learned what the nurses were warning me about....the burnout.

She passed away in January, and I decided to accompany my dad on an emergency trip to India.  We were visiting my Uncle who was also in poor health condition, but I knew it was also necessary for me to get away.

While I was invited to teach yoga in 2 places in Kerala, I chose to truly take time for me and heal my mind-body-spirit.  In the West, yogis get caught up in routines and almost attached to them.  I wanted the most minimalist detox experience possible.

We left Toronto Airport after a beautiful snow storm, only to arrive in Kerala where the weather was comparable to most Bikram studios and was perfect for my morning & afternoon Yoga practice.

The top 10 Yama & Niyama, Minimalist guide to Yoga in India:

1. AHIMSA - Non Harming to all living things - Visiting a beautiful Elephant Sanctuary where these brilliant animals are trained with kindness & compassion and eventually go on to be working animals in the local Temples.
2. SATYA - Truthfulness - Being True to myself.  It would have been easy for me to teach yoga, or post daily updates online of my experience, but instead I chose to enjoy time with family and heal any grief or residual stress that may have unconsciously found its way into my being.
3. ASTEYA - Non Stealing - Often I tell my Yoga Teacher Trainees that as teachers we must respect people's time, privacy, and never misuse the precious classroom moments for our own glory etc.  On this trip I practiced Asteya by realizing I was there on a family trip, so instead of visiting an ashram, I consciously chose to practice every morning at 4 am in solitude so that I can have the remaining time to spend with my loved ones.
4.  BRAMACHARYA - preserving our sexual energy and redirecting it into our spiritual path - Most girls who take a vacation with their dad are guaranteed to be free from any opportunities or thoughts of romance.
5.  APARIGRAHA - Non Hoarding - I went to India with a suitcase full of chocolate to give to my relatives and friends, so I did not bother to pack too many personal items.  While there are so many amazing shops, malls and bazaars to buy things in Kerala, including the grand opening of the largest mall in all of India (LULU MALL) right in Kerala - I chose to keep purchases to necessities only.        
6. SAUCHA - Purity & Cleanliness - After my morning meditation, yoga, I would follow with lime/lemon water (picked straight from the tree) to alkalize my body.  I maintained my regular vegetarian diet, and kept my body clean.
7.  SANTOSHA - Contentment - While I faced many challenges during the time I cared for my aunty, I focused on contentment.  I reflected on blessings, and gave thanks for the challenges, challenging people, and lessons as they made me a stronger person. This contentment led me to the deeper awareness that all experiences are from ourselves and primarily our reaction.  Soon I was so overwhelmed with the contentment in the beauty of Kerala's tropical landscape, sounds of birds, and the lively orchestra of beeping horns, saree clad pedestrians, and all other things that were a celebration of LIVING IN THE MOMENT, Being right here, right NOW.
8. TAPAS - Disciplined use of energy - Tapas is bringing heat to the body to burn through all urges and purify.  With daily morning yoga without any fan or air conditioner, in the extreme heat of Kerala I was feeling purified.
9. SVADHYAYA - Self Study - Daily journaling, drawing, reading, meditating, chanting, singing, and walks all led to a self realization experience.  I made a conscious choice to stay off Facebook, my blog, twitter, and even refrained from email.  While I use Facebook to share/read inspirational quotes, stories of other fellow yogis, or share aspects of my self-discovery, but I chose to be as pure as possible and unplugged from the system. 
10. ISVARAPRANIDHANA - Celebration of the spiritual - Laying all your actions at the feet of divine.  With daily yoga, daily prayer, and time with loved ones we all can learn to celebrate the Divine.

Like always seeing my family in India is always a beautiful experience.  I am happy to be back.  For those who are interested to study Yoga, Ayurveda or Reiki with me there will be some workshops coming up in Ontario, New York, and a 200 hr Yoga Teacher Training I will offer this July in Ireland, and one in November in India.  Thank you to all those who emailed me after noticing my disappearance on social media.  We all face challenges perhaps in job, family, health, and for those who have the tendency to be care-givers, it is important to take care of our self as well.

Stay Blessed ~ Om Shanti