Saucha - Purity

The Niyamas are about self regulation, and us creating the most productive environment in which to grow closer to God. When we practice the five Yamas - non violence, truthfulness, non stealing, control of the sensual drive and non-greed, we achieve Saucha. Saucha is cleanliness, purity of our body, heart, mind and surroundings. Do we keep our energy clear, our surroundings clutter free, do we keep our body clean, and most important do we keep out thoughts clean? Sometimes we get caught up in doing the Yoga Asana, and forget about the other Limbs of the 8 Limbed Practice. We forget the purpose behind the practice is to get closer to God, to achieve Samadhi. I realized this the other day, when something stained my clothes, and I quickly changed clothes, because my daddy used to always say to wear clean clothes, not fancy but clean, and this is a way of practicing Saucha. More than practicing Saucha externally with clean clothes etc, lets focus on the inside, keeping our hearts pure. A clutter free heart, free of hatred, jealousy, greed, envy, grudge is a productive, compassionate, loving and Yogic heart. Sometimes situations in life, challenge our ability to love, challenge the balance in our heart chakra, it is up to us to heal that.

For me, I choose to pray, and ask God to heal the situation, and the person who wronged me, not just so they can be blessed, but more so my heart can find freedom. It is not necessary to carry too much baggage on our journey, it's best to travel light. Also, apologizing or accepting an apology is always a nice thing too. Use discernment always, meaning, if someone apologizes and repeatedly does the same thing, the apology has very little sincerity, and you have the right to disasociate yourself with the individual or situation, as long as you do this without grudge. No one said Saucha was easy, that is why life is full of lessons.

You may have heard the saying "Love your Enemies and pray for those who persecute you" Jesus or...

"Hate the sin, not the sinner" ~ Gandhi.

A sages prayer from one of the sacred Verses of the Upanishad:

Oh Lord,
May my body become pure.
May I be free from umpurity.
May I know myself as Divine Light.

Oh Lord,
May my mind become pure.
May my self become pure.
May I know myself as Divine Light.

Oh Lord,
May I realize You with my purified understanding.
May I realize the highest bliss with my purified understanding.
May I realize You who are the highest bliss with my purified understanding

Teaching Yoga & The Importance Boundaries

While I believe in being a life long learner, it should come as no surprise that I am constantly reading. This year a lovely student brought a wonderful book to me called "Teaching Yoga, Exploring the Teacher Student Relationship", by Donna Farhi. This book is a must read for every Yoga Instructor, and Teacher Trainee, and Yoga School. Without any reservations Donna breaks down the importance of respecting Boundaries, maintaining professional conduct, awareness & abiding by the Principals of Yogic Philosophy, all with a great deal of emphasis on Teacher-Student Relations. The timing of this book could not have come at a better time, as this year has provided amazing learning opportunities for me. Sadly, negative situations can be the catalyst for learning opportunities.

Being that my nature is very friendly and compassionate, being that I am blessed to have many students who are dedicated to the practice of Yoga, and caring towards me, sometimes there is are "bad apples" in the bunch. What I have learned from both the book and life experience goes as follows:

• Yoga Studio Owners - Managers should never take it upon themselves to play "match-maker". The Yoga Instructor may have a personal life that you are unaware of, and this is just "unprofessional behavior" that could lead to negative repercussions for both the Instructor and members of your establishment.
• Yoga Instructors need to assert themselves in their work. When I first started teaching I came across many situations where I was asked to work for free...and I did, while Karma Yoga is a beautiful thing, and I look at every experience as a chance to grow/learn, be aware when it is "exploiting your knowledge/experience" for their financial gain. Many times "Yogis" are not paid for their time, and their kindness is manipulated. This is wrong, as Yoga Instructors provide a valuable service, providing their time, to both establishments and students. In the Western world it may be necessary to have the means of payment in written contract form. One of my dearly respected "Yogis" once told me after discovering what he perceived as my incredibly low Private Sessions Fees...."This is NYC, and Yogis gotta eat too".
• Yoga Instructors should be aware that kindness from students of the opposite sex & even of same sex, could wind up being more of an infatuation or obsession that could be potentially dangerous. One hour of Yoga Bliss cannot undo someone with years of "severe mental illness", therefore be cautious as you never know who may be a future stalker. Even though we can inspire people in the time frame of class, we are under no obligation to maintain social contact beyond the Yoga Class, and we should use our intuition because in many cases we should avoid this.
• Healthy Boundaries goes on to call Yoga Instructors to respect the principal of "Dehabhimane galite vijnate paramatman Yatra Yatra mano yati tatra tatra sadhyayah" -"With the disappearance of the attachment of the body and with the realization of the Supreme Self, to whatever object the mind is directed, one experiences Samdahi". - This means after we teach, understand that when we pay more attention to one student/group of students others may feel dejected, also, we may be feeding into the infatuation of a student. As Yoga Instructors our goal is to facilitate an amazing experience for students, and respect the practice, so it's best to stick to that plan.
• Studio Owners and Instructors, be mindful of your words/conduct. We are blessed to provide an experience that has ancient energy & Philosophy attached to it. Much like when you take a Karate Class you respect the Sensei, the same goes for a Yoga Instructor. Even if you are around the corner or on the street, you need to maintain the energy of a "Yogi", as it is not just about owning an establishment with your photo everywhere, saying Namaste, or wearing Mala Beads, the Yoga Practice is a way of life, and should be respected as such. If we want to instill peace, we must be peace. Students watch our behavior, and hypocrisy leaves a sour taste in the mouths of many.
• Abiding by ASTEYA (the principal of non-stealing). We must be aware that when we create Manuals, Use Music or Meditation CDs are part of curriculum these are artistic materials that are subject to copyright laws. When I was asked to use another Teacher Training Manual for the launch of my YOGA ALLIANCE REGISTER AND RECOGNIZED ZOGA YOGA Teacher Training program, I was quick to refuse and say that I have put time and effort into "the itinerary of the program", taken over a year to create my own original TT manual, and refuse to be associated with NON-YOGIC behavior. Being that I am a musician, and have a few Original CD's under my belt, I have a tremendous respect for artistic copyright. We obviously cannot copyright Downward Dog, and in many respects the Yogis in India could hold the entire movement of Yoga in the West under Copyright infringement lawsuits, as everyone wants to brand this ancient practice as their own. Nonetheless, we should be more Yogic in our conduct, ask for permission, give credit to the source, and be aware that Karma is a cycle that needs to be respected. No one likes a COPY CAT and I have seen many organizations fall due to lawsuits which resulted in negative reputations. Be Yogic and don't use someone's artistic work without permission and contracts.

Given my recent "learning experiences" this year, I have decided to refrain from naming the location of places where I practice and teach, for my own safety. While often I use this blog to highlight AMAZING Instructors, ONLY and always after having their permission first, I will continue to do so, to inspire more people to embrace this incredible practice of Yoga, but without giving details of my schedule. ~ Namaste

Ashtanga Yoga at Reebok

Ashtanga Yoga which means 8 Limbed in Sanskrit is a style of Yoga popularized by the late Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. The practice is taught in Mysore, India now by Sri Pattabhi Jois's son, and is an amazing practice. Originally it was my dream to be an "Ashtangi", the intensity of the practice and power always peaked my interest. However, it never happened, and I just would be wide eyed with admiration for the Ashtanga Yogis that I came across on my journey.

Last night, my amazing friend/yoga student/Karate Sensei, Joseph, invited me to take an Ashtanga class at Reebok Sports Club. Joseph is currently doing the ZOGA YOGA 200 HR Teacher Training, and as part of his training he is taking regular classes. His receptivity to instruction is amazing, and his desire to learn is inspirational.

Reebok houses a lovely "Mind-Body Studio" and amazing Instructors. I used to take classes there regularly when I worked there, but never an Ashtanga class. I asked Joseph is there a lot of "jump backs?" (jumping back to Chutturunga), as I knew this was the flow of Ashtanga, and he said "no" the teacher holds the poses a lot. I said "are you sure?", as I was totally confused, and decided perhaps this is the "watered-down-American version" of Ashtanga, as this was not the description of Ashtanga I ever knew. Since I broke my toe earlier this year, I am laying low on the "jump backs", so I was excited to participate in class.

We enter the lovely space with natural light from wall to wall windows and lay out our mats. Joseph and I are joined by our friend Sensei Oscar. This was the first time I took class with all three of them. The teacher, Evan Perry walks into class. I turn to Joseph and say that I recognize him, and he explains how Evan is the father of a child that used to come to the PreK where we both taught. WOW, small world. Evan begins with a lovely chant, and into Surya Namaskar.....with "Jump Backs". I smile to myself, as I realize this is a serious Ashtanga class I am now in. With the traditional Ashtanga Cues, Evan leads us into a brilliant class. His adjustments were fantastic. He supported me in my forward fold as he noticed I had trouble with one side to balance, and also contorted me deeply into poses & binds that I don't usually do. Joseph calls it the "pretzel class"....it is. Evan concluded class with a wonderful chant, and before we got up from Savasana he was out the door with his back pack on.

The power of ancient techniques & tradition resonate in the Ashtanga practice. I love the emphasis on the breath as connection to the movements and the use of Bandhas, as those are keys to the practice. Thank you Evan for providing an amazing class, thank you Sensei Joseph and Sensei Oscar for sharing in the awesome vibration. All three of us left the class floating!

Picture: Me (Ambria), Sensei Joseph, and Sensei Oscar

Crystals & Stick Stone & Bone

For years I have been fascinated by crystals, loving the beauty, the energy, the relation to chakras and the wonder in Gods gems. Like many people I have ventured to various places to view and purchase crystals like Rockstar, Namaste, Angel in Union Square & of course Stick Stone and Bone. Stick Stone and Bones is by far my favorite place to go, and to purchase pieces. They have incredibly unique pieces, staff that is well versed in Geology and Gems, and the vibration in that store is absolutely incredible. If you are looking for the perfect gift for someone who is interested in Holistic Wellness, Stick Stone & Bone is the place to go.

Since doing my Reiki Master Training and Crystal Healing Training, I have experienced a deeper sense of Clairaudience. For me in teaching Yoga, doing Reiki & Shiatsu, Clairaudience has come in handy, as it is an amazing tool that provides extra sensory-perception and helps you follow the natural flow of vibration. Being around Crystals in Stick Stone & Bone is now an even more awesome experience. Whether it's crystals, Jewelry, Incense, Candles, Sage, Books, Gifts for you or a loved on, or just a nice trip to an amazing store, you want to venture to Stick Stone and Bone. You will experience a lovely energy, and you will learn a lot if you ask questions to the amazing Staff!

Photo: Me (Ambria) at Stick Stone and Bone holding a Celestite Cluster.

Celestite:

• A beautiful light Blue toned Crystal
• activating upper chakras and the angel realm.
• Generally used in Reiki Attunements,
• balances Male & Female energies.
• Activates intuition
• Promotes positive communication
• As an elixir it can help the digestive system

Yoga Enthusiast Organic Grocery List

Organically grown foods are grown without the help of pesticides and artificial fertilizers. With people growing in awareness of their health, it is important to know what to do when buying your food. The reality is your expenses may increase when purchases are "organic" but think of the long term benefit, and alleviated cost of medical expense when you invest in the health of your body. Organic foods are especially beneficial for a developing child and a pregnant woman.

Conventional Foods: use chemical fertilizers to promote plant growth, spray insecticides to reduce disease, give animals growth hormones & medication to prevent disease and increase growth, and use herbicides to prevent weeds.

Organic Foods: Use natural fertilizers like manure/compost, use insects and birds to reduce disease & trap pests, give animals organic feed & access to the outdoors while providing a clean area to live & graze that prevents disease, and mulch, till and rotate crops to prevent weeds.

For the Vegans or Vegetarians, the notion of organically fed meat is not a factor. In my opinion Organically grown produce tastes better and usually supports your local farmer.

According to the "Environmental Working Group" EWG, there is an annual dirty dozen list that they release, highlighting which foods we are better off purchasing organically grown, since these 12 seem to have the most pesticide residue.

The dirty dozen include : apples, celery, strawberries, peaches, spinach, nectarines, grapes, sweet bell peppers, potatoes, blueberries, lettuce, kale/collard greens.

The 15 foods with the lowest pesticide residue included: onion, sweet corn, pineapples, avacado, asparagus, sweet peas, mangoes, eggplant, cataloupe, kiwi, cabbage, watermelon, sweet potatoes, grapefruit, and mushrooms.

Obviously the more foods you have on your grocery list that are natural like fruits, vegetables and whole grains, the more benefits you will see for your body, and inevitably your yoga practice. Fruits and Vegetables are rich in vitamins, water & oxygen which are crucial for cellular development and prevention of disease.

The reality is that many diseases today can be linked to our dietary habits. Sadly, my personal observation has been that the foods that are being heavily promoted, usually cause the most harm to our body (due to high chemical contamination)...foods like Milk, Potato Chips, Burgers, Soft Drinks, etc.

With films like Food Inc., books like Eating Animals, and Yoga and Vegetarianism...Many believe our food industry has a heavy hand in the pharmaceutical business, and thus, work together to create profits, at the expense of the common individual.

Choose health and wellness, educate yourself, and support your local grocery store and farmers. Always remember for those with a sweet tooth, there are Vegan/Vegetarian, Organically grown snacks, cakes, cookies that are available and very tasty. Also, invest in a juicer and sip your way to wellness. ~ Namaste

Photo: This photo was secretly taken of me waiting at the Lifethyme Organic Market for a yummy cookie

Amma NYC - "Laughter is the Music of the World"

After a beautiful weekend with my family, I decided to go see Amma (the hugging Saint). Amma is the malayalam name for "Mother", almost everyone in Kerala has a few older ladies they call Amma, as it is a name of respect and love. I have heard about Amma for a long time, her humanitarian work, her hugs, and her popularity in the Yoga community here in the USA. Amma has a powerful message of peace, spirituality and love. When I entered into the massive Manhattan Centre, my friend and I wound up on the top balcony as the venue was packed. Amma began to speak, in Malayalam (the language my parents speak). She is from the province of Kerala, from an area not to far from my Mothers home in India. There was such a profound peace in her gentle voice. I understood her every beautiful word, and since this was my first experience at an Amma event, I was translating for my friend beside me, until we realized their is a translator who explains her powerful message right after (LOL). Initially, I was confused by the sea of people who most likely did not understand Malayalam, but her energy & tone of voice speak volumes.

She said "laughter is the music of the world", this to me is such a powerful statement as we spend so much time with frowns on our faces, disappointments guiding our mental state, anticipation of negativity in our bones, why not laugh a little more? Amma is so right! She also explained how we use our brain to stop movement in our legs, in our arms, when we want to....why not use our brain to stop and still the mind? WOW, what a beautiful sentiment. Our thoughts, our ego, often times dictate much of our mental state, why not sit in stillness, sit with God? Amma spoke about the cycle of Karma, how our actions will always come back to us. Therefore, when we do good, good will return to us, and when we do bad, it will return to us as well, at some point, our Karmic Cycle will always make sure we learn and experience life fully. Amma's work is pure Karma Yoga (selfless service), the event was run by a lot of volunteers (many friendly faces I knew from Dharma's and other Yoga friends volunteered their time), and all proceeds of Amma's gift shop goes to her charities. While she provides amazing food at this free event, words of wisdom, Holy Water, and Puja, she also provides Dharshan at the end giving Hugs to all. I am grateful to have participated in this lovely event, to have her her words, and experienced her love. After a lovely weekend with family, it was beautiful to hear her message in Malayalam as well. Thank you Amma for being an example of love and peace.

Reiki Master and Crystal Healing Certified

After an intense training with the amazing Mary Henry, my dear friend Joseph and I are Reiki Masters and Crystal Healing Certified. For some time when I would do Chakra Workhops or Reiki Sessions, I would use Crystals, as I knew how certain stones resonated with chakras or areas of the body. Like many people, I also had certain crystals that I would gravitate to. My new found knowledge of the amazing energy found in crystals for healing, transformation and balancing, and Reiki Attunements, has opened the door to a deeper understanding of God's beautiful earth. These crystals carry vibrational energy, and the yogis used them for many purposes for centuries.

As a matter of fact, the intricate details of the Taj Mahal were filled with beautiful Ruby, Saphire and Emerald cut stones. When the sun would shine into the Taj Mahal the beautiful, rainbow reflection was said to be the most magnificent sight to see, and a masterpiece of sacred geometry. The last time I went to the Taj Mahal I was amazed to see the beautiful details in the designs on all the walls, and each were filled with colorful stones. Crystals have amazing beauty and energy, Thank you Mary once again for being an incredible teacher!