Yoga and Self -Realization

It has been many moons since I wrote in my blog, February to be exact.  I am grateful to say it has been an incredible journey.  I was fortunate enough to return to NYC in the Spring to attend the graduation ceremony with my beloved teacher Sri Dharma Mittra, for the 500Hr LOAY Teacher Training. 

The team of mentors, my inspirational fellow yogis in training, and of course to be reunited with a true yoga master, it was awesome.  I have written enough blogs, and over the years I have encouraged every student of mine to take at least one class with Sri Dharma Mittra, because it truly is transformational experience in the most authentic way.  I cannot write enough words to express my humble devotion and gratitude for this magnificent teacher.  I am so grateful to call him Guru.

While I began the first three months of this year in India, then back in NYC, I wound up being called back to the mother land in June and July.  I had the amazing opportunity to teach daily classes, 200Hr Riya Yoga Teacher Training, and Reiki at the beautiful Ram Yoga House, McLeodganj, India.  Ram has a deep part of my heart, and I am grateful for every chance to teach along side and at his center.  Also in my mind we share a beautiful Puppy named Bella.

Like with every chance of teaching yoga, I feel like I evolve while teaching the course.  These amazing yogis allowed themselves to immerse completely in every challenging aspect of asana, meditation, and self exploration.  They maintained humble appreciation for the practice, and I felt tremendously blessed by their presence.  One month intensive courses can be very challenging for students, and I am always impressed by the dedication students have to learning.  We had such a diverse group of people for daily classes, which is always great for Yoga Teacher Training, because you can see how a teacher navigates everyone, offers adjustments, demonstrates, includes everyone, and addresses therapeutic concerns/modifications, as well as encouraging advanced practitioners to dive deeper into asana practice.

Having the majestic Himalaya Mountains as the backdrop of our daily classes was an amazing bonus.  These students were "receptive" as Sri Dharma says, and therefore, had incredible out of body experiences during meditation, and healing.  Both the girls had their own awakening experience and challenges during teacher training, which is common and made it to the finish line victoriously.  I am very grateful to have been part of their journey.

I had a unique experience the following month where I had unexpected cancellations, and one solo student desperate to enroll in TTC.  I was still scheduled to be in India the rest of July, and I have been open to teaching one to one in the past and it has always been an amazing experience, so I agreed.  This particular student displayed some serious anger management behavior towards hotel guests, the owner Ram, and finally me.  There were even a number of racist comments toward Indians, that while I can acknowledge as an individuals ignorance, perhaps when embarking on a Yoga TTC in the birthplace of Yoga, India, with a teacher of Indian decent....silence may be a better option.  Om Namah Shivaya, Halleluia!  Each day I would calmly encourage peaceful reactions, love and compassion, and silence during class times to make full use of class time.  While her final outburst was directed at me because I requested her to "please come on time/complete assignments so we can utilize time effectively", the anger erupted in her, eventually transformed into tears explaining how she has a short fuse, and she has been through a lot.  I knew that this repeated behavior would take time to heal, and our clearly limited time was not enough for me to facilitate what she needed.  Since she did not pay a deposit or tuition fees, I asked her to return her manual, assured her that one day she will find the right teacher for her and possibly make an amazing yoga teacher, encouraged her to look into other teachers or an ashram setting, and calmly said the course is cancelled. 

This experience taught me to respect my boundaries, to maintain my sense of calm, and be true to what I believe in.  Students earn certification, and perhaps some students resonate better with other teachers.  It also taught me "Bear Injury, Bear Insult, that is the highest form of yoga." because she quickly decided to spread twist the story saying the course was cancelled because I yelled at her.  Well lucky for me my calm reputation has left an imprint with the locals in McLeodganj.  While I was unable to certify her, I wish this young lady all the best in her journey.

While I prefer to write posts about positive experiences, I choose to look at the positive in this experience.  I share this to encourage everyone contemplating teaching yoga to spend some time with the practice, cultivate some gratitude, peace, and joy as much as possible because this is energy which shines beyond a sexy instragram photo.  Nobody is perfect, and it is true that we all have our own painful past experiences, our own karma, and some people even battle with serious anger or mental health issues that are carried in the subconscious.  Yoga aims to calm that monkey mind, the poses are just one limb of an eight limb path, so before you want to teach someone else about it, spend some time doing your own inner work.  The saying "hurt people, hurt people" is far too often true, and even a yogi with years of experience is still working through the 8 Limb practice, so before we try to become a yoga teacher, spend some time cultivating a peaceful heart and devotion to the practice.  There is nothing to lose, and only peace to gain.  This is also a positive lesson for Yoga Teachers, to react with compassion for both yourself and others.

This experience was challenging for me, because I wanted to help this young girl. The beauty is the reminder that yoga is a life long practice, so everyone has a chance to continue their journey of self-realization.

Teaching Yoga in India

February 1st, 2015 is the first day I return to sharing my adventures with yoga.  After immersing in the inter module requirements of the 500Hr LOAY teacher training, I decided to continue following my heart with spontaneous joy and share my love for yoga.

This year I came to India with full intent to learn more, share and teach more yoga, and as always visit my family.  My original plan was to land in Kerala and see my family, head to the beach and teach yoga in Goa, and then venture North to Rishikesh.  I did land in Kerala and saw my aunty, and then somehow after meditation and prayer, I opted to cancel my trip to Goa and head to north India.  Rishikesh is considered the place for yoga, with many ashrams, gorgeous himalaya mountains, the mother ganga flowing, and all around amazing energy.  My beloved yoga teacher, Sri Dharma Mittra's guru, Yogi Gupta hails from Rishikesh, along with many other highly respected yogis.

Like many things in the Universe, things happen as meant to.  To my surprise a friend was their to receive me in Delhi airport, detoured my plans to go to rishikesh for a month, and instead I came to another beautiful part of India where I had the chance to teach daily yoga classes and reiki.

Having people from all over the world, with different yoga backgrounds come for daily class is an amazing experience.  With every experience teaching in India, I learn so much, compassion for people deepens, appreciation for the magnificence of mother nature unfolds, and more gratitude for this awesome practice of yoga unfolds, especially when you get to practice with the background of magnificent himalaya mountains.

So thankful for this amazing opportunity.  I am looking forward to exploring Rishikesh and learning from some of the magnificent teachers there.

Yoga Nidra Chakra Evolution

While I was in NYC, along with reuniting with beautiful friends, and taking class with my beloved teacher, Sri Dharma Mittra....I also had the chance to teach a Chakra Workshop at Yoga Nidra Studio.  Yoga Nidra Studio is an amazing space that is owned an operated by a student of mine, Stephanie Gianetti.  This place is a labor of love, and she has inspired so many people to the practice of yoga.  The space itself is beautiful, and the positive energy of the people who take regular classes is infectious.  I am so grateful to have been part of Stephanie's journey as a teacher, to witness her transformation during teacher training, and to call her friend.  Regardless of if people take Yoga Teacher Training and use it to open a studio, deepen their practice, or go on to teach at all, it is always amazing to see how the torch gets passed and inspires many others.  Stephanie has so much love in her heart, sprinkled with a dash of a quick wit, so it is no surprise how students are drawn to her center. 

Chakra Evolution @Yoga Nidra... Group Pic

This for me was a Karma Yoga experience, a chance to give back, and the beautiful part was that the entire group of participants also gave back because proceeds went to a local school (The William O'Conner School) that helps provides programs for kids with special needs, specifically autism.

Another big surprise of the day was my lovely friend, and fellow yoga sista Carissa came.  Carissa had already surprised me with one of the most beautiful mala's ever, that she created from her own heart and hands!!  The irony was, during my Yoga Teacher Training, I was silently thinking how it would be beautiful to see Carissa again.  That same day, she came in for Master Class!!!  Also, silently I wishing for an amethyst mala.  There were none for sale at Dharma's and one day I ventured with a friend to a local crystal shop, but they did not have any either.  Carissa never knew that I had a quiet hope to do Japa mala meditation on an amethyst mala, but I guess on a subconscious, cosmic level,....she did.  Thank you Universe, and thank you Carissa.  Another example of how powerful our thoughts are.  I am hoping soon Carissa will be showcasing her creations, so many others can have a crystal japa mala experience. 

Beautiful Mala made by my beautiful friend Carissa

The ladies began to line in the studio, laying out their mats.  I like to learn people's names and very soon, I realized the front row had doubles of the same name.  We laughed as one person suggested all the Kathy's and Maria's put their mats in the same line.  As the room began to fill with more eager bodies, and the aromatic fragrance of Panchavatti dhoop insence was softly spreading in the room, we began.  After Stephanie introduced me as one of her biggest influences, I was quick to say "Not sure if that is good or bad" and the laughter that erupted was so joyful, I knew this was going to be a fun afternoon.  Carissa also got a beautiful shout out, as she was another primary influence on Stephanie's early practice as well. 

More Highlights from a beautiful workshop @ Yoga Nidra

The sound of Aummmmm commenced our Yoga journey, and soon we began with chanting, and I was so touched by how joyfully people shared in the singing!  It was awesome.  While we did our chants to Ganesh, the meaning of surrendering fears and obstacles takes priority in every chant.  With the concept of an offering, we progressed with pranayama, yoga asana, bija mantra for the chakras, and concluded with a short Yoga Nidra.  At the very end, we added in one Kundalini type of Kriya for awakening the chakras.  It was a beautiful afternoon for our subtle body.  Special thanks to all the lovely ladies who shared in this Sangha, to Stephanie for inviting me, to Carissa for that beautiful mala and sharing your awesome energy in the space, and to Anthony for capturing such lovely photos of our day.  For those of you in NYC looking for a beautiful place to deepen your yoga practice, take the D Train to Dyker Heights and lay your mat in Yoga Nidra for class, your mind-body-spirit will thank you!  Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti

Yoga and Hypnosis

While most of my studies in health and wellness revolve around Yoga and Ayurveda, I have always embraced other teachings of great teachers to see how they can better improve the journey to self realization.  Many modern day teachers like Dr. Emoto and his teachings on thought vibration (Dharana), Louise Hay with her concept of Affirmations (Auto Suggestion/Mantra), and many others have inspired me.  On my path of exploring health and wellness I have also found inspiration in the teachings of Erikson and Ormond McGill (Hypnosis), Richard Bandler (NLP), Maxwell Marltz (Psycho-Cybernetics).  I have found the common link to the modern teachings of hypnosis and affirmation can be easily linked to ancient yogic practices of Pratyhara, Dharana and Dhyana, Yoga Nidra, and Mantra.  Hypnosis has similarities with guided meditation.  For those who associate yoga with only the asana practice (physical exercises), please be informed that it is an 8 Limb practice designed to calm the mental fluctuations of the yoga aspirant.

While many people are skeptical about hypnosis, or associate it with "stage hypnosis", the reality is we are bombarded by hypnotic suggestions in all forms of media on a daily basis.  Hypnosis only works if the participant is willing, and it has been proven the more intelligent the subject is, the easier they are to go into trance state.  Hypnosis involves an induction that puts a person in a more relaxed state, which is when the participant is in a heightened state of suggestibility.  The participant is in full control at all times and can then use the suggestions given by the hypnotist to break through patterns of behavior and improve areas of their life. 

After reading some works by Ormond McGill, I was intrigued about hypnosis even further.  Ormond McGill has written accounts of his travels to India where he learned guided meditation, and incredible mind taming exercises taught by Yogis, and Fakirs.  It correlated to my research in the power of the mind over the body, and I have utilized self hypnosis, affirmation, and meditation in my own journey successfully, so I wanted to gain more insight and guidance with a professional.  I have already witnessed incredible yogis in deep states of meditation, how they can perform incredible tasks, and overcome the mental fluctuations with practice.  Like every synchronicity, a friend found Jo-Anne Eadie of Power of Freedom for me.  I had a session with her that was incredibly transformational.

As positive and optimistic as I am, I am a human being who has been through my own situations, and found freedom with yoga, meditation, and forgiveness.  I could honestly say that Hypnosis was like a deep prayer and instant liberation bath for me, in a shorter time frame.  It allows you to tap into your sub conscious mind, the mind chatter that is usually talking more than we are aware.  Jo-Anne invited me to be a guest speaker at her Dowsing event, and it was a beautiful chance to share yogic concepts for calming the mind and inner peace.  The same friend who suggested Jo-Anne to me later decided to have a session with Jo-Anne Eadie and Heather Masters, which like my experience was successful. This inspired me to enroll in her course this summer.  I am grateful to have more tools to help people on their path to mind-body-spirit health and wellness.

We explored hypnosis, learned how to put people into trance state, and became certified hypnotists with the NGH (National Hypnosis Guild).  I am so grateful for these two ladies (Jo-Anne Eadie and Heather Masters) for their compassionate style of teaching.  I shared this experience with three other beautiful ladies, and together we practiced on each other, and observed incredible sessions of willing participants.  We also explored EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) which is basically tapping on meridian lines while saying affirmations.  The last week of August I was unable to bend the toe I had broken, and I was very discouraged, but we did EFT and within minutes I was able to bend it for the first time.

Joanne had invited me to be a guest speaker for the Canadian National Hypnosis Conference (CHC), which takes place on October 24th, 25th and 26th.  Incredible teachers will be presenting and sharing liberating techniques for people who are looking to improve their life.  I will be teaching a class on healing with breath (pranayama), and also daily yoga classes.  Since I am a guest speaker for the conference, during the week I was interviewed on Jo-Anne and Heather's online radio show WOW FACTOR - Wizards of Wellness.

While I would recommend a person to approach life with a daily yoga asana practice and a sattvic diet, often times each individual has their own "conditions" or personal challenges, that interfere with that, which makes hypnosis an incredible option.

One of the programs I learned was the famous Virtual Gastric Band, by Sheila Granger.  This program is a four session program.  One gentleman that came in lost 5 lbs in the first week alone.  The best part is the freedom the person obtains when they establish new and healthier habits.  Aside from this, stress and smoking were two other areas we explored. 

Since completing this course, I have practiced on a number of people only to witness how their subconscious mind has created successful changes in their life with the help of hypnosis. 

For those interested in attending the Canadian Hypnosis Conference or listening to the radio interview I did, please click on the highlighted links above.  Be sure to bring your yoga mat and share in some beautiful morning yoga and meditation.

Yoga, Reiki and more in Europe

This summer has been a whirlwind of events, experiences and adventure.  I am always grateful for every experience, encounter and learning/teaching opportunity.  I had the honor to travel to Belgium to assist in Yoga & Ayurveda Workshops & Thai Yoga Massage with a brilliant teacher from India, Ram.  Sharing the power of this ancient practice, and guiding people to methods of incorporating it into their daily routine is a beautiful experience.  Belgium was a beautiful country with incredibly kind souls.  I quickly realized how amazing the taste of Belgium chocolate truly is!  While in teaching yoga in Belgium, I was given the chance to teach a Karma Yoga class for a beautiful cause at Sampoorna Yoga.  Thank you to Sampoorna Yoga in Brussels, and all the yogis who participated.

Sun Salutations - Bringing balance to all Ayurvedic Constitutions

While in Belgium I had the beautiful news that my P.h.D. in Alternative Medicine was approved and recognized by the University in Calcutta, and the Indian Government.  I had been secretly working on this project for quite some time, and so grateful for the chance.  This was a culmination of my research in the power of Yoga & Ayurveda, how the achievement of yogic stillness relates to total mind, body health.  When people truly embrace yoga as more that an exercise for the body, and understand the physical tension we hold is a representation/manifestation of our mental fluctuations, karmic imprints, and emotions that are stored,  that are calmed with the help of physical practice and embracing the 8 Limbs of Yoga. 

While this amazing news was so awesome to hear, I had to miss the beautiful convocation in Calcutta, because I broke my toe.  This was the 2nd time breaking my toe, but this time the pain was a bit more intense.  This injury was a beautiful lesson in patience and stillness.  I kept my grateful heart as my travels brought me to Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, and Paris.


"Live as if you were to die tomorrow, learn as if you were to live forever." Mahatma Gandhi

After touring around the various parts of europe, the summer brought me back to Belgium and was capped off with a beautiful group of ladies who embarked on Reiki Level 1 Course with me.  This course was beautiful and so powerful. I have to share my gratitude to the teacher who guided my journey, Mary Henry of Mukti Healing, she guided me to the Reiki Master Level, and taught me Crystal Healing.  Every time I teach Reiki Courses, I am filled with gratitude to every teacher who guided me on the path of reiki, especially Mary.  For anyone in or around Ireland who wants to experience Reiki, Crystal and Angel Healing, and Singing Bowls, please click on the Mukti Healing Link above, you will be so pleased.


Congratulations these beautiful ladies, Piret, Saskia, Eva and Katariina, who embarked on Reiki Level 1, and continue to grow in their gifts and reiki practice daily.  Thank you Katariina for taking the time and effort to organize this course.  Your kindness and hospitality are much appreciated.  Thank you ladies for inviting me to be your guide in the process, keep shinning! For those who don't know, reiki is transfer of energy, a non invasive healing touch of peace modality.  To watch this group of beautiful ladies experience how powerful this practice is, to embrace their own power, and grow in self worth was an awesome experience to be part of.  Truly, every human being is born with the innate ability of healing, because we are made from the essence of love.

Congratulations Piret, Saskia, Eva and Katariina.

There are powerful modalities that teach people to go deeper into their own intuitive gifts that are beautiful tools for everyone, like yoga, reiki, crystal healing, pranic healing, qui gong, thai massage etc.  I myself practiced reiki for years, and loved the benefits of it, and loved how many people shared positive feedback.  Now more and more allopathic medical professionals are embracing holistic medicinal methods like yoga, meditation & reiki, as they have seen the benefits it brings to patients.  While I cared for my beloved aunty who passed away, often I would use Reiki on her to help her sleep, and it worked. 

Exploring Brussels, dining with fellow teacher, Ram, and enjoying Chocolate

Chakras with Yogi Vishvketu

While I was in India I was exploring the possibility to spend time in Rishikesh.  One of the Yoga Ashrams that caught my attention was run by Yogi Vishvketu.  Unfortunately, I became sick and was unable to add Rishikesh to my list of adventures.  Fortunately, Yogi Vishvketu teaches half the year in Rishikesh at his centre and the other half in Canada with his beautiful family, so I was able to participate in his Chakra Workshop this weekend at the lovely Jaya Yoga Centre.  While I have taught chakra workshops many times, I also love to be a student and take class, and kundalini based exercises is something I do not always do, so I wanted to take myself out of the comfort zone.  The workshop is part of a beautiful series, and this particular afternoon we focused on the Swadhistana (Sacral) and Manipurna (Navel) chakras.  Swadhistana affects our desires, passion and creativity with lunar energy, while our manipurna chakra or city of jewels is linked to the energy of confidence, determination and self worth with a lot of solar energy.  Much of the class included kundalini kriya work, postures, mantras, pranayama, bija (seed) sounds, visualization inspired meditation, and more.

“Men of great knowledge actually found out about the chakras – their workings, their petals, their sounds, their infinity, their co-relationship, their powers.  They found that the life of a human is totally based on these chakras.  They developed into a whole science.  This total science gave birth to Kundalini Yoga.  That is how Kundalini Yoga was born.” – Yogi Bhajan

While I was filling out information forms in the entrance of the studio, Yogi Vishvketu walked in with a big smile and joyful greeting to everyone.  Upon entering the class there was lovely mantra based music playing from art of living.  I sat in meditation for 30 minutes, enjoying this beautiful music.  Once we began class the collective consciousness of 20 participants was flowing, and it felt wonderful.  Between oscillating movements, dynamic and integrative pranayama techniques, Kundalini exercises can be very intense, bringing up emotions, and target energy flow within the chakras.  Our teacher was joyful and guided us to bring the same happiness to our inhalations and exhalations.  Since it is spring, many of us needed tissues to clear our nasal passage while we explored the dynamic pranayama exercises.  The experience was meant to guide everyone through transformation.  Yogi Vishvketu has a vast knowledge of vedas, and subtle body science, so when questions were asked at the end of class he provided very accurate and indepth responses to further everyone's interest in the subject of chakras.  At the end of class when I asked Yogi Vishvketu to take a photograph, he was happy to oblige.  The lovely yogini Savitri who snapped the photo initially cut out both our heads, and Yogi Vishvketu was witty and quick to point out the camera lens was focusing on the chakras we worked on today, to which we all shared in a laugh.  I am very grateful to have met this wonderful teacher, Yogi Vishvketu, and a few other friendly yogis this weekend at Jaya Yoga Centre.  Hari Om.

Art of Adjustments in Yoga Class

On Star Wars day (May the 4th be with you), I was inspired to write a post about adjustments in Yoga Class.  While I have studied Hatha Yoga (Sivananda), Ashtanga (Sri K. Pattabhi Jois), Iyengar (B.K.S Iyengar), and Vinyasa (Sri Dharma Mittra...), I am grateful for having wonderful adjustments in class.  I have also enjoyed taking new classes, experimenting with various styles of yoga including Anusara, Hot Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Acro Yoga, all in efforts to keep a positive and open mind, taking myself outside of my comfort zone.  Like everyone, I have a preference of style and teacher that I tend to gravitate to.  While I do like to keep an open mind and support new teachers, I also know my body, and if I feel an adjustment is not what my body needs in that moment, I have gestured or whispered to the teacher while in class. 

Ultimately, we are wanting to quiet the monkey mind, so if a teacher can take me to a place where my physical body blissfully swirls in fluid movements that are devoid of distractions, I am grateful.  As a teacher, it is important to understand the body, especially when adjusting.  I have heard horror stories of people getting injured in classes, and teachers giving painful adjustments, which result in injuries.  This should not be a reality.  Since it is an inward practice, I always prefer to say that our injuries are our biggest teachers, when we study the chakra system we understand the injury is a physical manifestation of unresolved mental fluctuations.  It is easy to blame yoga, blame the teacher, blame the snow that we had to shovel, but what happens when we look inward is liberation, which is the purpose of yoga. 

As a teacher when I train new yoga teachers we spend a good amount of time on adjustments.  The reality is, as nervous as some students are to be touched or adjusted by the teacher, some new teachers are equally nervous to adjust the student.  Much like the yoga practice is a practice, it is also a practice period for new teachers to get used to adjust different people into different poses.  The main reasons we adjust students is to ensure safety & alignment in poses, to bring people deeper into the pose, and to provide support when a student may not be able to maintain balance.  It is important to note that every body is unique, with their own history of injuries, physical limitations, fears etc, therefore every adjustment should be unique to the individual.  The goal should never be to get the pose exactly like the teacher/photograph, but to be able to breathe deeply in the pose to the full extent of that individual practitioner.

Here are some helpful hints to approach the art of adjusting.

1. Lose the nervous energy, when you are calm the student will feel that.
2. Ground yourself so you can provide adequate support for the student.
3. Notice their breath, Cue their breath, and move them with the breath. 
4. Notice their face and toes for tension, adjustments should be done when face is relaxed.
5. Notice their foundation, once they are secure....gently place your hands and adjust
6. Stay with the student during the adjustment, and support them out (it's not a game of tag).
7. Be gentle with your hands, (no need to make it a wrestling match)
8. If you adjust on one side, be kind and adjust the other side too. 
9. Keep your hands away from bathing suit regions.

The reality is, every pose has their own proper adjustment methods.  There are books and classes revolved around the concept of adjustments.  In a private class setting there is more freedom for adjustments, whereas in a group class the teacher needs to maintain the collective consciousness of the group, and still be ready to provide hands on adjustments when verbal cues are not enough.  Often times a gentle hand, accompanied with a clear verbal cue is enough to guide a student to safely get deeper or aligned into a pose.

This inspiration came from a recent post on Facebook where a video of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois was posted in the early days, that depicted some very intense hands on adjustments.  There were different opinions of the adjustments based off the footage, and everyone is entitled to their own view.  While I would say Ashtanga Yoga is one of the most intense approach to asana practice out there, I feel like it has evolved and grown like many forms of yoga.  I have not had the honor to practice with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, but I have practiced with incredible teachers who learned from him, and respect the fact that he was one of the yoga masters who brought yoga to the western world, and inspired what we popularly refer to as Vinyasa yoga, Flow Classes, Power Yoga etc..  While some teachers get certified, open studios and have the honor to guide people to the practice of yoga, it is important to respect the Gurus of India who started a worldwide movement that is truly a spiritual practice.  When we get to that place of undisturbed mind stuff, we embody the eight limbs of yoga, we see all things with beauty, understanding and gratitude which as teachers, should be our ultimate goal. While I practice ashtanga and vinyasa, I do it because my body enjoys the challenge, yet I do not recommend it for everyone.  I enjoy taking Iyengar classes, because an entire class that focuses on my trochanter forces me to quiet the monkey mind like nothing else.  Stay positive and grateful with every breath.

4 ways to deepen your practice with Satya

सत्यप्रतिष्थायं क्रियाफलाश्रयत्वम् ॥३६॥

satya-pratiṣthāyaṁ kriyā-phala-āśrayatvam ||Yoga Sutra 2:36||

Once a state of truth (satya) has been permanently established, each statement will form the basis for a truthful result. ||Yoga Sutra 2:36||

“When one is firmly established in speaking truth, the fruits of action become subservient to him."

The 2nd Yama (morale observance) as highlighted by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras is Satya, translated as truthfulness or living with highest integrity.   Patanjali explains how when the yogi bases their actions in truth, the results will always be truthful.  Truth is sometimes referred to as supreme consciousness, that which prevades the universe, without distortion, and equal to love.  The obvious expectation is to refrain from telling lies of any degree and speak, act, thing with integrity and compassion.  We see truth in all the Universe, and as a Yogi it is important to be example of this concept of divine truth.  Our truth can be seen in our words, and Patanjali highlights it as a Yama (restraint) to point out what we should refrain from doing, highlighting how we place a filter on our words so that we maintain harmony with the first yama of ahimsa (non-harming).  This interpretation of a filter is refraining from judgement.  Whenever we judge, we impose our perception on the world, and as explored in the calming of the monkey mind, seeing and speaking with "satya" is silencing our perceptions.

The Yogi should always acknowledge the difference between judgement and observation.  Judgement will create limiting beliefs while observation in the moment will allow for freedom of growth and flexibility of mind.  Our biggest truth is when we acknowledge that no person or situation is the creator of our suffering, but rather it is our interpretation/perception that makes us the creator of our journey.

The amazing reality is when these Yamas are applied in every area of our universe, the monkey mind becomes quiet, the ripple effect is the truthful result.  Words that are rooted in Satya have the ability to inspire virtue in others, every soul feels at home, and harmony is the successful result.

“Before you speak, ask yourself: Is it kind, is it true, is it necessary, does it improve upon the silence?”

4 simple ways to implement Satya to your practice include:

1. Be True to yourself - On the mat be in the moment embracing the fact that you are partaking in a yoga "practice", therefore if you cannot do a pose today, or it causes pain, be good to your body, it is something to work towards with practice.  Off the mat, if someone or a situation disturbs your inner peace, rather than allowing it to disturb your inner peace, walk away with compassion.  We can never control someone's actions, but we can always control our reaction.  If this is someone in your immediate family or work environment, look with compassion (ahimsa) before allowing judgement to formulate into anger or gossip.
2. Speak your truth - Words are powerful enough to harm or heal.  Perhaps in your journal or meditation reflect on areas of your life where you can be more truthful.  Often we cannot be true to ourselves till we acknowledge the areas where we refrain from being truthful due to consequences we have created or fears we have built up in our own mind.  Whatever truth we speak, while it is great to be direct, always abide by ahimsa (non harming) when we choose our words.  On the mat, be a witness to your internal dialogue, judgements, expectations, blame, excuses and remind yourself to bring focus back to your breath, replacing negative self talk with gratitude & love.
   
3. Be True with Love - There is no need to please or deceive people when we speak with truthfulness.  We can stay true to our convictions, goals and love of nature always in a loving way.   Communicate with love so to avoid misunderstandings.  Therefore rather than assume the yoga teacher is ignorant, take a childs pose in class (love yourself), and ask the teacher afterwards if you have concerns.  Respect another persons point of view, we do not always need to be right.  The moment we take a current life situation with the emotional reaction that places us in the victim role, we need to dig deeper and acknowledge that the scenario is bringing up unresolved feelings from a previous situation. 
4. Be your best truth - For yoga teachers acknowledge your time is value, and you deserve compensation, studio owners should always compensate their teachers, money is an exchange of energy and a yoga teacher should always be compensated for their time.  While there is Karma Yoga in many ashrams and yoga centers, be mindful of not taking advantage.  Yoga students remember to recognize the teacher is your guide and your classmates are there for an experience too so refrain from chatter and distracting or disrespectful behavior in class.  On the mat if your body is tight, or you have limitations embrace that moment, rather than push and strain muscles.  Off the mat, always strive to do your best for yourself and your self development.  Truth has a beautiful way of allowing us to be vulnerable, expose our ego, and find liberation past limiting beliefs. 
   

Truth is a foundation of our yoga practice, our relationships, our business ventures, our families, and ourself.  When our foundation is cracked it will affect everything.  While many people get caught up in living a lie, or profiting from a lie, the laws of karma always come into play, and liars & cheaters never seem to go too far.  Take some time to re-evaluate your life with truth, and eliminate things that need to be let go, so you can maintain your truth. Re-evaluate your yoga practice with truth, and recognize if this practice has inspired you to better relationships with yourself and others. 

Yoga meets London Dowsers Group

While yoga is an amazing practice that can be practiced anywhere and by any age, I was so grateful for the chance to share the practice with the people in the London Dowsers, who are part of the Canadian Society of Dowsers. Dowsing is technique using a pendulum, that acts as a visual tool for our subconscious mind.  Having a clear mind with meditation & pranayama is an excellent way to begin for dowsing.

We explored one of the 8 Limbs of yoga, Pranayama or regulation of breath.  This group of amazing ladies that gather to meet were very receptive to the guided meditation, alternate nostril breathing, meditation chakra journey, and various other yogic breathing techniques I shared.  The group was incredibly receptive to the techniques.  Most traditional hatha yoga ashrams in India place emphasis on pranayama, because breath is king.  We are all made of prana (life force energy).  More than learning any yoga pose, we need breath, we need oxygenated cells.  In a world where we tend to have short breath, stress, and lack of balance, taking the time to breath deep, and balance both female and male energy with alternate nostril techniques is something everyone can benefit from.  Pranayama is one of the 8 Limbs of yoga, though simple techniques is something everyone can incorporate into their daily life, advanced exercises should always be practiced under the guidance of a teacher.   Many of the members found how simple our breath can lead us to healing, one woman shared how these simple exercises helped her heal her pain just in this 90 minutes, many found tears, laughter, joy, and a new awareness of the importance of our breath.  All of us raised our EMF fields just with the simple techniques of pranayama. 

Alternate nostril breathing technique has many benefits, primarily restoring balance.  Yogis believe that we naturally alternate the side we breathe on every 90 minutes, however, when prolonged use of one nostril for breathing occurs, it can result in an adverse effect on our health.  Those who breath through the right side more will tend to suffer from nervousness and mental disturbance, while those who breathe through the left side more than required will tend to have chronic fatigue, memory loss and reduced brain function.   Alternate Nostril Breathing or Nadi Sodhana, brings balance, clears the nasal cavity, helps for those with asthma, helps with those with vertigo, increases pancreatic secretions to burn off toxins/fats/fluids, and especially beneficial for those with diabetes.  Yoga is an ancient science, and yogis discovered long ago most people with diabetes tend to breathe out of the right nostril more, which is the masculine/more aggressive channel of energy.  This simple technique can help restore balance to the entire body by bringing balance to masculine and feminine energy.

Nadi Sodhana

1. Using your right hand in Vishnu Mudra, sitting tall and keeping your left hand in gyana mudra.  Close the right nostril with your right thumb and inhale through the left nostril. Do this to the count of four seconds.
2. Immediately close the left nostril with your right ring finger and little finger, and at the same time remove your thumb from the right nostril, and exhale through this nostril. Do this to the count of eight seconds. This completes a half round.
3. Inhale through the right nostril to the count of four seconds. Close the right nostril with your right thumb and exhale through the left nostril to the count of eight seconds. This completes one full round.

Beginners can start with a round of 3, build up to 12.

Jo-Anne Eadie

This chance was made possible by the founder of London Dowsers & Brantford Dowsers, Joanne Eadie.  Joanne is incredibly gifted and highly respected NGH certified Master hypnotist who runs her own center (Power of Freedom), and hosts the Canadian Hypnosis Conference, where I will be teaching later this year.

For those who understand yoga as an 8 Limb practice, and that the purpose is to quiet the mind noise, they will understand the natural association of hypnosis as an additional method to achieve success of the second sutra (Yogas Chitta Vritti Nirodaha - stilling the movement of the mind) .   The mind noise, patterns of belief, perceptions, monkey mind, is a result of our unconscious constant state of hypnosis.  I myself and a friend from New York who traveled to Canada twice to take a session with Joanne can both attest to her expertise.  Thank you to the London Dowsers for being receptive to the practice of yoga, and thank you Joanne for inviting me to share with this lovely group.

5 ways to deepen your Yoga practice with Ahimsa

अहिंसा - AHIMSA - Non Harming/Non Violence in thoughts, words, or deeds. Compassion for all living beings.

While the popularity of yoga is growing worldwide, many people are discovering that yoga is more than just a physical exercise.  It truly is a path to spiritual liberation.  Let's remember that the meaning of "spirit" is to breathe life into, we are all made from spirit (breath: life force energy/prana), and yoga is a practice that teaches us to unite with our breath.  This liberation begins with understanding the 8 Limbs of yoga.

Many yogis take their practice to the next level with the study and embodiment of the 8 Limbs of yoga.  The first two limbs being Yamas and Niyamas comprise the ethical rules for the yoga aspirant.  The Yamas and Niyamas are the foundation of our yoga practice, the path to liberation.

The first Yama is Ahimsa, which means non violence/non harming to all living beings in thoughts, words, or actions.  This yama asks the yoga aspirant to take responsibility for their actions, choices, thoughts and be guided by compassion.  Here are 5 ways to implement ahimsa into your life

1) Plant based diet - While this respects the life of the animal it also is a choice of compassion to our own body as it is better for digestion and cell rejuvenation to consume plant based diets. It is also better for the environment due to excessive waste from factory farms, and it releases the chance to consume any karmic residue from the animal.  There are delicious smoothie, juice, and raw food or warm food vegetarian/vegan recipes available.  For people in North America, local farm foods or organic produce is always a good option, familiarize yourself with the "dirty dozen" and "clean fifteen".  For those omnivores out there this point is to encourage you to add more fruits and veggies into your diet, your body will thank you. 

2) Love Thyself - This itself can be a huge topic to discuss about self love.  Surround yourself with people, habits, literature, experiences that elevate your soul and bring joy to your life.  Be good to your body in yoga class with breath initiated movement, and child pose if necessary.  Let go of the toxic habits and relationships that infringe on your mental and physical health.  Take some time to celebrate your victories rather than rant about being a victim, celebrate your beauty rather than focus on media influenced flaws, celebrate your blessings at every moment and more will pour into your life.  This is not to diminish any trauma that you may have gone through, rather to empower yourself to never be defined by a traumatic experience.  Yoga teachers who have found this love always shine with more compassion on others.  Yoga students who found this love tend to see all things with a loving, understanding and compassionate heart.

3) Words - Speak Lovingly always to yourself and others.  Our self dialogue is so powerful, therefore take some time to make affirmations beginning with "I AM" and be mindful of what we say afterwords.  Refrain from gossip, and even release the habit to speak in a way that would harm another persons reputation or feelings, even if it is true.  A true yogi knows the power of silence, a person with inner peace knows the power of loving words, and compassion.  We may not always get along, we may have disagreements, it is the path of the yogi to walk away, send loving thoughts, walk the loving path, and always choose forgiveness.

4) Oneness - While many would claim the word as tolerance, I feel oneness better describes the choice to look compassionately on things that challenge us.  Perhaps a situation is disappointing, take time to understand the disappointing emotional reaction is bringing up unresolved emotions that are like rippling waves in our life, leading us to the current tidal wave moments. It is easy to blame and point fingers, the yogi always aims to understand, which means understand what makes us react with passionate disturbance, our inner peace is ours and when we truly have oneness, we always shine like stars in the night sky.  

 "Nothing in the world can bother you as much as your own mind.  I tell you, in fact, others seem to be bothering you, but it is not others, it is your own mind." Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

5) Gratitude - Cultivate an attitude of gratitude and say thank you in every breath, your life is guaranteed to reflect many more things to be grateful for.  Perhaps you had your hopes set on achieving something or success in something, rather than put all your energy on the loss, be thankful for the experience and trust there is better for you.  Where your energy goes, energy flows both on and off your yoga mat.  Take time to be grateful for everything, family, friends, life, home, food, the list of things we can be grateful for, is usually greater than we tend to realize.  Perhaps your yoga practice is not where you would like it to be, you may have had a set back physically, relax, breathe, and be grateful for where it is, challenge yourself to quiet the inner dialogue of expectations, judgements, and just enjoy being in the moment and dance with your breath.

Those who study the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali in depth, take workshops or yoga teacher training may have the chance to learn more about the yoga sutras.  For those of you intimidated to take a yoga class, lose that fear and take a class, and see if you can add anything from this list into your daily routine.  For those of you who are yoga students already (including teachers) see if you can revisit something on this list for your own life.  Enjoy every moment and shine your love in every breath. ~ Namaste

Top 5 Myths about Yoga

Many people seem to have assumptions or excuses as to why yoga is not for them.  Yoga is for everyone, and after learning from the most amazing teachers, and teaching yoga around the globe with kids to grown adults, children with special needs, senior citizens, people with mental illness, and people who do not even speak the same language as me, I have seen first hand how powerful and beneficial yoga is for everyone.  Here are the top 5 myths people seem to have about yoga. 

1. You need to be flexible - Yoga will improve your flexibility, therefore if you are not flexible you should do it to gain the flexibility.  The physical flexibility comes when we are flexible with our mind, releasing our doubts, fears, judgements, expectations, and just be in the moment with a grateful heart.

2. Yoga is only for women - Yoga is for everyone to find balance, inner peace, and a healthy body.  The healing benefits for yoga are endless, therefore beneficial for everyone, regardless of gender, sex, size, age, etc.  The first yoga teacher was Shiva, and first student was Parvati.  Since then many men, soldiers, warriors would practice yoga to gain control of subtle body energy, and physical body strength. Along with this, some of the worlds most famous yoga teachers have been men.  No excuses guys, time to roll out your yoga mat.

With Sri Dharma Mittra

3. You need to be young - It is never to late and never to early to begin yoga.  For those of you who think you need to be young talk to my two favorite teachers Sri Dharma Mittra (74yrs old) & Tao Porchon Lynch (94 yrs old). These two teachers dispel the myth that you need to be young by shinning their energy and love for the practice in every moment.

With Tao Porchon Lynch

4. You just do poses - Yoga is an 8 Limb practice, the physical practice only allows you to be more receptive to all the other benefits.  The 8 Limbs of yoga allows the person to go through a transformation where the results are healing, compassion, and improved health of the mind and body.  Beyond the 8 Limbs there are many other forms of yoga including Karma Yoga (selfless service), Bhakti Yoga (Yoga of devotion), Jnana Yoga (yoga of wisdom).  Yoga is ultimately to unite the mind-body-spirit, to calm the mental chatter and find inner peace.

5. People will laugh at you - No one will laugh at you, if anything you will learn to laugh at yourself, laugh at life, and find joy again.  Even if you fart in yoga class, generally no one will care.  Only one time during Navasana or 'boat pose", a student let out a big fart, and I could not resist the urge to make the connection to a motor boat, which resulted in everyone "lifting the corners of their lips" (another favorite verbal cue of mine), and the tension, of OMG who did that? being released (no pun intended).

7 Yoga and Ayurveda Tips in Spring

Happy first day of Spring!  This is the season where the winter cold starts to melt away and the blossoms begin to spring forth.  This is a natural time for cleansing and purification.  In Ayurveda this season relates to Kapha.  Kapha is the ayurveda constitution that has is strong, joyful, and stable when in balance much like nature in spring.  When a Kapha dosha is out of balance there will be an excess of phlegm, mucous, water retention, inflammation, and sometimes depression.

Due to the accumulation of Kapha in the winter months, people have a tendency to put on some extra weight (the winter coat), and even have a bit of mental dullness due to lack of sunshine or vitamin D.  In order to restore the balance of Kapha, here are some tips to add to your yoga and ayurveda practice:

1. Cleanse - Warm water and lemon in the morning to detoxify the body and bring some more vitamin C to the cells.
2. Purify - Neti Pot, for those allergy sufferers it is a good idea to get a neti pot and begin the practice of nasya, a natural method with flowing water to cleanse the nasal cavity.
3. Stretch - Along with your regular yoga routine Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations) be sure to add some squats (Uttkatasana, Malasana) these poses will fire up the energy in the legs to activate the lower chakras, and combine it with some back bending lunges for heart chakra opening movements.  Be sure to break a sweat in your asana, we want to get the body in a mode of cleansing, therefore, Spring is a wonderful season for Ashtanga.
4. Breathe - Do some deep breathing, and embrace Kapalabhati (skull shinning) pranayama.  
5. Nourish - Eat lighter meals, drink fresh juices, drink lots of water, and perhaps add some kitchari to your diet (legumes and rice).
6. Eliminate - An additional way to eliminate toxins is to incorporate Triphala to get the bowels clean and free.
7. Let Go - This is more important than anything.  Let go of the past, worry, judgement, the things that no longer serve you.  This is a time to clean and donate the clutter in your home, clean and forgive the clutter in your heart.  Forgiveness starts with yourself, so inhale love and exhale unforgiveness.  If you are in a toxic relationship or friendship - let it go and trust that Angels will watch over you for your days ahead.

Top 5 Yogic paths to success

What is success? While success is often defined by the attainment of a goal, for a yogi what would that goal be? Many yogis consider success as Samadhi (समाधि) which can be loosely defined as oneness with absolute truth.  Many including Manju Jois would consider Samdadhi as total happiness without leaving the body.  To be happy is a common goal for everyone all around the world.  There are Sanskrit scholars who will further break down the word Samadhi to discover it's etymology.  Patanjali breaks Samadhi down into 3 distinct categories, where the third is complete and ultimate wholeness where there is no longer mind, duality or experience from subject to object. 

After teaching yoga to various groups of people worldwide, everyone has their own perception of success, even when it comes to their yoga practice.  For some yogis it is getting passed the primary series of Ashtanga, for some it is doing the handstand, maybe to touch their toes, to heal from injuries and explore alignment, for some it is being able to learn as many Bhajans or Kirtan to the hearts desire, perhaps doing a teacher training course and becoming a full time yoga teacher, and for the great majority is a 90 minute chance to breathe and sweat through the noise that interferes with day to day life.  Whatever style of yoga that is practiced, whatever physical ability you may have, whatever perception... once the perception sees past the duality, the mind noise, and experiences total oneness with everything, the normal result is happiness.  Happiness is a common goal for those who have a physical practice and those who don't.  Is this goal of happiness realistic?  YES.  The beautiful thing is this attainment happiness, this success will shine both on and off your yoga mat.  We all will have our own obstacles (kleshas), and it is up to the individual to make the best with their individual path (dharma).

1. INTENTION : In sanskrit we would call this sankalpah.  Set your motivation, connect with your purpose before every practice, every interaction, so that your life begins with mindful intent.  This intent is backed up by Vedic philosophy, quantum theory, and many popular self help gurus.  It works.  Offer every class with intention, make it your moving prayer.  Begin your intentions with "I AM", and watch your practice transform.
2. FOCUS: In yoga focus is often referred to as Dristi, or gaze.  This gaze is to ensure students are in the moment. This focus is on and off the mat.  Never allow your external circumstances or other people to steal your joy.  In your life, you may face challenges, loss, stress, illness, vicious people, or distractions, regardless, you can always focus on something greater, you can always surrender situations to a Higher Power of Love & Forgiveness.  You are the creator, so always be in control of your focus.  Keep the focus on your breath, breathing in the good sh*t, and breathing out the bull-sh*t.
3. EMBRACE EVERYTHING: This means every fall, every challenge is to be embraced.  If we allow ourself to get beaten up over external circumstances, we could use some more time on our yoga mat.  A brilliant teacher I came across last year told me to look back at hurdles in life as "interesting events".  In essence it is our emotions that attach to our experiences, so while we cannot deny our experiences, we can learn from them and evolve.
4. LOSE EXPECTATIONS: If your goal is to be a famous yoga teacher, or just to be happy when that goal is all about yourself it is an expectation, when it is what can I do for others or the other person, it will naturally bring your goal to fruition.  As Leo Tolstoy says in reference to wanting to be happy "just be".  His Holliness Dalai Lama refers to happiness as a result of your actions.  When we expect, or have a "I want" attitude, we will unconsciously focus on what we do not have, however, when we surrender with total faith, gratitude and love, mountains can move.
5. SMILE: I often cue "lift the corners of your lips", because too often people hold their suffering in their face.  It takes more muscles to smile than frown, so do your work out, put the effort in.  Patanjali refers to cheerfulness more than any other concept in the sutras.  Be content (santosha) with where you are, who you are, and where you are going.  In essence we are all spiritual beings living a human experience, regardless of race, gender, religion, size, we all will have our own life lessons, it is up to us to smile through them (on and off the yoga mat).            

Thank you 2013 ~ Wishing everyone all the blessings of abundance, love, joy, health and success in 2014!Gra

Thank you 2013 for yoga, kids yoga, ayurveda, reiki, travel and joy!

RIYA YOGA Kids Yoga Graduation in Dharmshala, INDIA

RIYA YOGA Kids Yoga Graduation, Dharmshala, INDIA

RIYA YOGA Kids Yoga Teacher Trainees, Dharmshala, INDIA

Yoga Class, Dharmshala, INDIA

Yoga Bliss

Reiki Level 1

More Yoga and Reiki Love

Rogpa Kids NGO exploring yoga in McLeodganj (Dharmshala) INDIA

Raja ~ Taking my Uncle's neighbors pet elephant for a walk, Kerala, INDIA

Walking to Bagsu Waterfall with Ram and Cathrine.

Beautiful Breakfast with Ram and Stephanie, Dharmshala, INDIA

At Golden Temple in Punjab, INDIA

Tibetan Monks, and the blessing of one Dharma Talk with His Holiness HH Dalaia Lama.

Delicious Indian food.

Incredible Energy of Murhsir Temple, Kangra, INDIA