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Brock Cahill's Environmental Project - The NEW Gulf War Operation: Start with the Turtles, Stop the spill.

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 21:02:00 GMT

Daphne and Tom know we are all sickened and saddened by the current oil spill crisis in the gulf. As a result, we are so inspired by our great friend and Sanctuary guest teacher Brock Cahill’s bold plan of action for saving Sea Turtles who migrate right through the spill site from Louisiana to Mexico. It is a great endeavor and as the ASPCA says, "We are their voice."

Here is Brock's Manifesto

“My name is Brock Cahill. i am an avid lover of the sea and all its creatures. i must admit, i do have a special and fond affinity for sea turtles. they are such beautiful, serene, and graceful animals. if you have ever swam with one, you know what chillers they are.

The unfortunate truth is that many species of sea turtles are endangered. their numbers have dwindled tremendously over the last century, but most especially in the last 50 years. one of our lil buddies in the most grave of danger is the kemp’s ridley turtle. in 1947 40,000 ridley nests were counted on a single beach in mexico. by 1985 the number of nests had dwindled to less than 200. more recently the number of nesting females has climbed back upward toward 6000. great news! but a long way from a full recovery.

Enter bp and the deepwater horizon oil spill… so far the turtle death toll has reached 407, and that is just the corpses that have washed up on the beaches. this is a massive percent of the population. the kemp’s ridleys follow their annual migration to the same beach in mexico every year. guess what, it leads directly past the deepwater horizon site. many lil dudes are getting caught in the oil as they come up to surface for breath. once fouled by the oil they cant swim and are trapped. bp is now towing collection booms behind fishing trawlers to wrangle oil on the surface, and once collected, burn the oil to get rid of it. i wonder what else they are burning in that mass of collected oil? …OH… you got it. juvenile kemp’s ridley turtles, amongst a plethora of other sea creatures, including pelicans and other sea birds, fish and anything that gets fouled on the surface of the oil. burning them alive! here is the kicker… it is in bp’s best financial interest to burn the evidence, as there is a mandatory fine of up to $50,000 that they will be liable for, for every turtle killed. there have been a few organizations out in the water trying to make rescues for these turtles, and bp will not let them near where they need to go. they have had some successes on the periphery of the spill, reaching some of the turtles and getting them cleaned transported back to the audubon aquarium in new orleans and nursed back toward health. but of course no one is being allowed near the collection booms, or the burns! hmm. wonder why..? this is not okay with me. not for a single frickin second! this is when my mission became clear. i simply can not sit by and watch this happen. im not the kind of guy that is going to let bp get away with this, at least not without having a severe problem with me.

My plan is to head down to louisiana, get a boat, and get to work saving turtles. i am a strong individual, both in will, and physical nature, and i tend not to let impossible obstacles stay in my path. my work ethic helps me turn impossibilities into mere challenges. i am not afraid of hard work, my only fears lie in letting this go down without a fight; without standing up for what is right. we cant go down like this. oh man, the gulf, my beloved caribbean, the entire ocean..? the integrity of our humanity, as well as our planet and home depend on our action now, more than ever. of course my mission is to save the turtles, but my real motivation lives in creating enough political outrage, enough social unrest, that we as a public, force the government into action. i cant sit around and talk about it. i’m hoping this story, and my example will light a fire under the ass of the nation, and the world, to get this spill stopped now. it is so urgent, and i dont feel as though the magnitude of this urgency has been comprehended. there are ideas on how to fix this, to stop the leak, and i am hoping that we as a people will not rest until we have exhausted every single possibility and come up with a solution. i know at times it feels helpless, but we must keep it on the tip of our consciousness, keep talking about it, keep brainstorming, and finding things that we can do as individuals to point our energies in the right direction. to fight the good fight.

So… the details of my mission are, that i hope to travel to the gulf for one month, to see how much i can accomplish, and then reassess. to put the plan into action, my target is that i will need to raise about $75,000. this will include a minimal travel & living expense as well as charter for boat, captain and crew. no small chunk of change, especially when the outcome is so uncertain. but… if i can save 25 turtles, the price tag looks manageable at $3k per turtle saved! that might be optimistic, it might be easy. not sure, and really hard to say until i get down there. the reason for this is that no accurate or trustworthy information has been funneled back to our communities. thorough my network, and new social media, i know i can get information out to people, and i wont rest until i do, so folks can really see what is going on down there. as i said before, my hope is that this will ignite a whole new army of activism.

This is really a grass roots effort. i believe that our community can pull this off. it is massive, but we have to get involved. here is a good first step! please, pass this around, if you know of any organizations or individuals or businesses that may want to help with donations or grants, could you talk it up to them? i got 5 days to raise the dough. i know you want to help, so lets do it together. if you are a yoga studio, perhaps you could throw a fundraiser or something? is there a chance that some of the yoga community businesses might donate? if you are a yoga teacher you could ignite your communities and rally the troops! etc…”

get in touch with me if you have ideas: brock@gravitycowboy.com

I hope to leave on the 4th of July. that’s sunday. Time is of the essence!

Please help. please get involved. we all have our part to play in this revolution. find yours! and maybe help me with mine?

you may want to take a look at this video link. this is mike ellis. he is my boat captain, and we will make a difference.

A Moment in Meditation

Sat, 29 May 2010 01:42:00 GMT

As I sat for early morning meditation led by my dear friend Shannon, I wasn't sure how easy it would be to sit. The days before had been so full of intense work. We were all swimming in the bliss of spending precious time with our teacher, taking time away from our daily lives, and playing in the vibrant city of San Francisco. On the first day of the training, I had been overwhelmed with happiness at our deep friendship and the years we had all shared together. We had been working very hard and long days had meant very little sleep for us all. So, on this morning, I simply showed up.

Partially to be supportive and partially to be fully receptive, I positioned myself directly opposite Shannon. I sat on a blanket and immediately felt comfortable. It seemed strange to be so comfortable so early in the morning. Without questioning, I settled in, placed my hands on my knees and closed my eyes. I was in such a grounded state - being reconnected with my teacher, with people I loved, and feeling very full. As I listened to her words something began to shift. I noticed that I could no longer sense my arms or the connection of my hands to my knees. Instead of being alarmed, I felt completely intrigued with the sensation. I stayed with the steady rhythm of my breath and with Shannon's words. At some point, we were sitting in silence. I noticed that I had no sense of my body at all. It was as if I was formless. I felt a moment of panic and thought about opening my eyes to bring myself back. I came back to my breath and decided to stay with it a bit longer. The next few minutes were filled with curiosity and utter delight in the feeling of being something that wasn't defined by or confined by my body. At once I felt the crown of my head as high as the ceiling - feeling unbelievably tall and at the same time incredibly small. I felt completely free. For a moment, I understood that I am not my body. I am not my achievements. I am not what others see. I am not that.

I began to hear Shannon's words again as she was guiding us back. As I opened my eyes, I was reoriented into the room. Here was my body, just as I had settled. My legs had fallen asleep. I reclined on my back and rested for a few minutes. Feeling the sensation return to my legs and being fully aware of my body, I felt so grateful for the glimpse at something both inside and outside of myself. It's so easy to get caught up in the external - how we see ourselves and how we want others to see us. When we are quiet and still, those things become less important.

Clarity comes at some of the most unexpected times and places. I cherish those moments.

Sanctuary for Yoga Featured in Fitness Magazine

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 12:10:00 GMT

We are very excited to announce that Sanctuary for Yoga is featured in the April issue of Fitness Magazine as one of the top 20 fitness centers in the country!

Each year they poll fitness pros and their readers to determine the top fitness centers and gyms. This year, they expanded the category to include yoga studios and YOU wrote in about us! We are deeply grateful to you - to our incredible community of yoga students, yoga teachers and friends who make Sanctuary for Yoga the fullest experience we could ever imagine - sometimes even beyond our imagination. Thank you!

Fitness Magazine's
The Best Gyms in America
Top 20 Places to Exercise

Top 5 Yoga Studios

Best Musical Motivation: Sanctuary for Yoga (Nashville, TN)
This is not your typical zen den. Expect myriad flow and power yoga classes, held nearly every hour, at this beautiful, 2,200-square-foot studio. There's the popular 6 a.m. Power Latte class, a flowing vinyasa yoga series designed to jump-start your day in lieu of java. The 60-minute Power Lunch class features rock and roll, techno, and hip-hop tunes, while the post-work Yin Yoga is accompanied by a slow, sensuous sound track. "I really enjoy the evening classes; the candles and beautiful music allow for a deep, close-of-day practice," member Sarah-Jane Hill says. "It's worth dragging your tired self to the mat and just letting go!"

PDF Version (yoga only)
-or-
FitnessMagazine.com (full article)

The Mesa

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 22:19:00 GMT

As we walked down the steps to the base of the mesa, I admired its beauty. I had no fear about this journey. One of our many adventures in Greece, we were climing to the top of this mesa to watch the sun set and take in the breathtaking view of Santorini. Laughing and talking - we starting climbing the winding path. Unexpectedly, I was overcome with dizziness. I have vertigo when I am in high places, but it had never occured to me that I would experience it now. Tom was far behind me and Coral had gone ahead far in front of me. I paused to ground myself and to wait for Tom. Tom always helps me to feel stong - like I can do anything with him. We started climbing again. Looking for the best rocky places to step and pausing to hold the rocks as we climbed higher. It was better.

Then we came to a landing near the top. Several people were gathered there looking at the ascent straight up the rock to the top. One person was at the bottom guiding climbers - pointing out the steps and the hand holds. At the top, you had to use your arms to lift yourself to the top. I was overcome with fear. One other woman had extreme vertigo and couldn't make the climb. We were going to wait on the landing. I could see others at the top. Coral waived down encouraging me to come up. Finally, there were only three of us left - Tom, myself and the other woman. I was going to try. The woman gave up and decided to make the trip back down. I had a moment of comfort with her sitting on the landing, but I felt like I needed to make the journey. When she saw I was considering climbing up, she left. Tom was willing to sit with me - even though I knew he wasn't afraid and that he would love to be at the top. I love him for that sacrifice.

I was at a very familiar place. The top was so close. I could see it. How many times had I been here? I usually retreated or stayed safely just below. I decided to try. Tom guided me. I placed my first foot and grasped the rock. The next step was big. I reached up but my foot missed. I could feel my legs shaking. I felt myself give up. Tom assured me that he was fine sitting on the landing to watch the sunset. I couldn't believe that I was here again. The only way to the other side was through. I started to cry. I knew that I would keep coming to the place. I felt disappointed, less than and separate. Shiva had often said, "don't leave yourself behind." This is what she meant. Then all of a sudden, I decided - I was going to do it. I stood up and came back to the rock. This time my legs were stronger. All I felt was determination. This was my opportunity. Tom guided me and I came to the last step. I reached up and pulled myself to the top. I heard someone say my name. The others were all gathered in a circle. The circle parted and we stepped in.

I was overcome with emotion. I needed to pause and take it in. We sat in meditation as the sun set over the Aegean. Tears streamed down my face. I felt so many things - happy, part of the whole, and a new freedom. Once again I felt gratitude. In the quiet of mediation, I found peace. How lucky I am to be surrounded by so much in my life - even the challenges. I will never forget the mesa and what it meant to me.

Reflections on Greece

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 22:28:00 GMT

I am filled with gratitude every day. I have just spent an amazing 10 days in Santorini with Shiva. The beauty of Santorini is almost beyond words. I swam in the Aegean Sea, climbed to the top of an ancient mesa - summoning courage to overcome fear of heights - and soaked in the local culture. Probably what made the experience even sweeter was sharing it with friends. Reconnecting with Coral, Luciana, Carlyn and meeting her fiance Rick was the best. Our days were filled with yoga, enjoying the sun, exploring the island, and laughing a lot. Our meals became more like family dinners with a table full of food and sharing and laughter. They had a rhythm all their own and we were all in sync. There are so many memories that I will hold dear for the rest of my life. I don't know when I have felt so free.

Most treasured are my long talks with Coral. I was constantly reminded of the abundance in my life. For the first time, I am fully present and taking in what is already in front of me - what was there all along. Letting feelings of unrest pass through and recognizing that there's no need to push forward. The current of my life is flowing freely.

I feel fortunate to be tasting santosa. It is as sweet as the honey I ate every day in Greece.

Navigating Change

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 22:31:00 GMT

Today is a new day. I am newly on the other side of a huge life change that I've planned for and anticipated for a long time. It's a dream come true. But the process of moving through the change brings the big question: "Now what?" Anyone who knows me well knows that I am not short on answers to this question. I started my day with so many things filling my head, so many things to do, so many options that I was all at once overwhelmed. So I stopped. I think we sometimes are so consumed with the planning that we not only miss the moment right now, but we forget to pause. I returned to gratitude. I need roots in this new place. I just planted new flowers in my garden over the weekend. Today I was so excited to go outside and enjoy their beauty. That's the way I feel about this new phase of my life. I am so excited for the new growth that I can't wait for the blooms. The seeds I have been planting for so long are finally beginning to bloom. So now what? Enjoy.

Spring is Here - So why not renew yourself with these ideas

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 01:35:00 GMT

Spring Cleaning
Spring is a traditional time of renewal. In our personal lives we can use this time to become renewed by cleaning out the old stuff. Like in fall when we rake up leaves and clean our yard in preparation for the arrival of new flowers and plants in spring, this is a time when we can remove the old and make way for a refreshed sense of well-being. Following are three ways to clean the body, mind, the space around us.

Mantra Japa
The Sanskrit word mantra consists of the root man "to think" (also in manas "mind") and the suffix tra meaning, tool, hence a literal translation would be "instrument of thought". Another explanation is that the suffix -tra means "protection".

Mantras were developed as an instrument to center the mind on a particular thought; in many cases as a tool to help protect the individual chanting. The most basic mantra is OM, which is known as the primordial vibration of the universe. Generally OM precedes and is sometimes chanted again at the end of the mantra. Mantra Japa is essentially the repetition of a given mantra over and over. The continuous repetition helps build power behind the mantra. So for this spring cleaning why not try chanting this mantra to enact and amplify your abilities to remove obstacles and enhance wisdom.

OM Gam Ganapataye Namah
- or -
OM Shri Ganeshaye Namah

Internal Cleansing
Cleaning the inside of your body is a vital part of staying healthy, not only physically but emotionally and mentally. Fasting has long been an excellent way of clearing the system and there many ways to approach a fast. From a yoga point of view, balance is the key to a more healthy life. Through Ayurvedic (Indian Medical system) practices, you want to cleanse the system of ama (toxic residue) which weakens the entire body. Ayurveda prescribes a five-day detoxifying fast through the use of kitchari (a rice and bean dish). Kitchari is very easy on the system and allows the body to naturally detoxify without over taxing the system, which a strict fast or nutritionally skewed one can.

The Ayurvedic mono-diet fast is simple. You eat one cup of kitchari for each meal for a duration of five days. This provides the body with just the basic amount of nourishment it requires to function properly, which lets the body wash itself internally. "To make kitchari, double rinse 1 cup each of basmati rice and yellow split mung dal (beans). Add the rice, dal, and a small handful of chopped cilantro leaves to 6 cups of water and bring to a boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then reduce the heat to low and cook partially covered for 25 to 30 minutes. Each kitchari garnished with freshly chopped cilantro and a teaspoon of ghee (clarified butter) three times and day for five days to cleanse your body and mind."

Source: Vasant Lad, Yoga+Joyful Living, May/June 2008

Spatial Cleansing
This should not come as a shock; spring is traditionally a time of cleaning around the house and yard. So as a simple reminder, here are a few ideas of key places to consider as part of your spring cleaning.

Kitchen - throw out old canned and packaged good (check those dates), damaged utensils / pots / pans / dishes / etc.
Family Room - what stuff has been collected here that should be in a different place or stored elsewhere?
Garage - does that lawn mower still work, empty or old lawn products, etc.
Basement - do you really need to store those old nic-nacs from aunt whatshername?
Closets - don't be surprised at the stuff you stashed away when your old college buddy came to visit
Attic - well some junk here might still be okay

Remember, some of that stuff can be donated to a good cause or someone in need.

About Yoga Series: Understanding the Niyamas

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 02:34:00 GMT

We previously discussed the Yamas and found them to be ethical disciplines for the yoga practioner. The Niyamas are the Yama's counterpart and are the rules of conduct the yoga student follows to build personal character. There are five Niyamas, which are:

* Saucha - purity of body/cleanliness
* Santosa - contentment
* Tapas - austerity/religious zeal
* Svadhyaha - self study
* Isvara pranidhana - total surrender to God

Saucha
Saucha is essential for our well-being. It not only covers keeping our external body clean, but also our internal system as well. Externally we use soap and water to cleanse, inside we eat right foods good for our constitution and we drink clean water among other internal options. In conjunction, we perform asanas and Pranayama to help move the toxins out of our bodies, to aerate the lungs, in general oxygenate and purify the entire body.

However, equally important to keeping the entire body clean is keeping the mind clean and free of disturbing emotions. By practicing the yamas of ahimsa, asteya and aparigraha we help reduce and remove emotions like hatred, greed, lust, anger, delusion and pride. But still more important is cleansing the intellect (buddhi). Impure thoughts bog us down and keep a veil draped over us. Through Svadhyaya, discussed shortly, we learn more about our true self through self study and the impurities are burned away. As BKS Iyengar states, "This cleansing gives radiance and joy. It brings benevolence (saumanasya) and banished mental pain, dejection, sorrow and despair (daurmanasya)." This cleanse helps the mind fight sorrow and despair and makes the mind more lucid, thus helping it become better prepared for and easier to be single-pointed (ekagra). This in turn prepares us for Pratyahara.

Santosa
Cultivation is the key to success with santosa. In this author's opinion, this is the 2nd most difficult of the niyamas, as being content is very hard for people to achieve. A non-content mind can not remain single-pointed, so learning to concentrate is key. A non-content mind continually desires something else, which is a constant distraction to the mind. When the mind is distracted, peace of mind is not always accessible. When the mind is still and tranquil, peace of mind can be found and the yogi can naturally become content and find bliss.

Tapas
Tapas stands for burning up ones desires. Although Patanjali indicated one should, with burning zeal, live a life devoted to God, whereby every action, thought, word and deed are illumed, pure and divine, this is just one part of the whole concept of tapas. The remaining part is the inner/outer balance, the natural struggle between opposites. For example, "Ahimsa can not be properly understood without reference to tapas. Tapas is the inner himsa (violence) by which we create the possibility for outer ahimsa. Ahimsa can not exist alone. A complementary force must necessarily exist." (Light on Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, p. 147). We need the polar opposite to achieve balance, to temper our overall actions, thoughts or words.

Try this the next time you are in an encounter with an irritating driver or individual. Ask yourself if you are irritated at them or at yourself, then determine if being more irritated will escalate or diffuse the situation. Try to recognize the himsa (violence) and see if you can create ahimsa (non-violence) in the situation. Tapas truly works when we are acting without selfish motives or expectations of rewards. Then desires and wants are burned-up, opening the door to a more illuminated (tejasic) life.

Svadhyaya
Sva means "self" and adhyaya means "education of" or "to study". Therefore the essence of svadhyaya is education of the self. We are not necessarily talking about education liked lectures, classed, seminars, etc., but a deeper more internal discovery. There are two paths to svadhyaya. The first is external to internal. This path leads us to better understanding of ourselves. Through this knowledge we can walk a straighter and more desireless second path. The second path is inner to outer and governs how we relate our self to the external world.

However, the two work hand in hand. For example, do we treat others violently (verbally or physically)? If so, then we are most likely very angry with ourselves and being violent internally if not physically to our body. Likewise, we may feel peaceful with ourself, but randomly attack others in thoughts and words. This indicated a hidden issue which, with svadhyaya we would want to study to understand why/what is causing these actions and thoughts.

This example shows us the ignorance in our mind. We may think we are pure, but our mind truly understands and gives us clues if we listen. "Ignorance has no beginning, but it has an end. There is a beginning but no end to knowledge. By svadhyaya the sadhaka (yoga practitioner) understands the nature of his soul . . .", (Light on Yoga, p. 39).

Isvara
Pranidhana Sutra II.45 samadhididdhih Isvarapranidanat translates as, "Surrender to God brings perfection in samadhi."(Light on Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, p. 148) First what is Samadhi? Samadhi is the eighth limb and represents the state of union one achieves when the sadhaka becomes one with the object he/she is meditating on, i.e. the Universal Spirit/God or whatever you may call it.

This union brings about an unutterable joy and peace to the yogi. So in the concept of yoga, God (Isvara) is not the canon proposed by organized religion, but one of universality, the Supreme Soul. Isvara is the beginning and the end, the creator, sustainer, destroyer, and renewer, and is not conditioned by time, space or place. The yogi has bhakti (adoration/devotion) for the Lord and seeks to leave their own desires and gratification aside and pray "I do not know what is good for me. Thy will be done." then "When the waters of bhakti (adoration) are made to flow through the turbines of the mind, the result is mental power and spiritual illumination." (Light on Yoga, p. 39) Without bhakti, physical power can be lethal, but without strength in character, mere devotion is likened to an opiate induced dullness. This means a balanced path must be followed. The practitioner has to curb their desires and gratification as these lead to moha (attachment) and lobha (greed). For if continued gratification is provided, then there is soka (sorrow) and this renders the mind harder to control.

So devotion to the Lord is liked the Sun, which dispels darkness. When there is true bhakti, that is true love, then the ego the "I" has no place and disappears. This is achieved by emptying the mind of the desires and gratifications and replacing these thought with ones of the Lord. This is total surrender, total pranidhana.

Referenced Sources:
John Charping/Betty Larsen, SIYI Teacher Training Materials
Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, by B.K.S. Iyengar
Light on Yoga, by B.K.S. Iyengar

About Yoga Series: Understanding the Yamas

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 02:56:00 GMT

As mentioned last month, the first limb of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras is Yama. The yamas are moral and ethical principles which transcend time, place, race, gender, and social position. They are:

* Ahimsa (non-violence)
* Satya (truthfulness)
* Asteya (non-stealing)
* Brahmacharya (continence)
* Aparigraha (non-coveting)

In this chapter we'll look at each part of the Yamas, discuss basic concepts of the individual principles, and provide suggestions for integrating this part of your yoga practice into your daily life.

Ahimsa - Non-violence
The practice of ahimsa is one of being non-harmful in your thoughts, words, and deeds.

Ahimsa is the concept of non-violence, harmlessness, non-injury, and the absence of hostility. In our society today, it is very easy to get caught up in the fast pace of our lives and ignore common courtesies toward others and ourselves. We may not actively assault people, animals, or things, but even negative thoughts about such actions are a form of violence. So ahimsa is the practice of trying to reduce the amount of violence not only within ourselves and our lives, but also in the world around us. Driving in traffic, juggling a busy schedule, taking some much-needed time for yourself - there are so many opportunities to practice ahima as you navigate through your day.

Many of us do not realize how harmful we are being to ourselves (and sometimes inadvertently to others) with simple negative thoughts. Generally, when we start to feel judgment about something, we are becoming harmful in our thoughts. Begin practicing ahimsa by having a more compassionate or tolerant attitude toward yourself. By adopting a more loving attitude toward yourself, you will positively affect those around you. You might be surprised how your perception shifts. It will be easier to extend the same kindness to others. You can also bring ahimsa into your yoga asana practice. As you move through your practice, notice if you're mindful of the body's subtle messages. Rather than muscling through to a place where the body is restricted and you risk injury, practice compassion. Turn off the judgmental thoughts and comparisons and be receptive to the rich benefits of the practice.

Satya - truthfulness
The practice of satya is one of being truthful in your thoughts, words, and deeds.

Satya is translated as real, genuine or honest. If we look at this literally, we understand that we should tell the truth and be honest with ourselves as well as others. But being honest also involves looking deeper. Begin by being honest with yourself. You may need to look at your own habitual patterns and conditioning that influence your interpretation of the truth. Look into yourself without judgment and observe. When you begin to understand your true nature, you may go a step further and allow the truth to transcend into your actions and in the way you choose to live your life. And since we are all connected, you will positively affect others.

Asteya - non-stealing
The practice of not stealing or being covetous in our thoughts, words, and deeds.

Many of us probably feel we do this one with the most ease. Yet being non-covetous in every action, mental or physical, is quite difficult when we start to understand the broad nature of this yama.

Here are a few examples of things we may "steal" or be covetous of:
* Other's possessions
* Other's ideas
* Someone's spouse/partner
* Someone's time or attention
* Money

This can also include copying movie rentals, using business resources for personal gain, as well as driving a gas-guzzler which in turn steals from mother nature.

Look at your life and daily activities and see if there is one thing or event you can change each day by not monopolizing someone's time or by returning something you borrowed from a friend, or look at your life as full without envying or taking something from someone that you feel is missing in your own life.

Brahmacharya - Continence
The practice of self-restraint in your thoughts, words, and deeds.

Continence is defined as self-restraint, but brahmacharya is also defined as chastity (moral purity, modesty, sexual responsibility) and studentship of spiritual education toward higher thoughts.

This is the most debated yama. To what extent are continence, chastity, and spiritual studentship to be practiced? In our studies, our teachers have equated brahmacharya to the higher intelligence of practicing common sense self-restraint. Removing obstacles and activities which prove to harm our body and psyche and decrease our health and longevity. The reduction and control over sensual pleasures (not to be confused with solely sexual pleasure) is generally considered to be the beginning steps towards practicing full brahmacharya.

Try this for a month. Pick a favorite food, activity, or habit which is not in your best interest or decreases your overall health, and replace it with an activity that instead, feeds your higher self.

Aparigraha - Non-hoarding/Non-collecting/Non-coveting
The practice of not accumulating excessive items or things in your thoughts, words, and deeds.

Aparigraha is much like Asteya and is simply another facet thereof. However, unlike asteya, aparigraha is looking to reduce the things you have in your life. Non-hoarding is the key to non-attachment. One should not collect things or hoard items one does not immediately need or require. According to BKS Iyengar, "The yogi feels that the collection or hoarding of things implies a lack of faith in God and in one's self to provide for the future." (Light on Yoga, p. 35)

So what about greed? Is greed part of aparigraha? Greed is one of the most visible forms of this yama. We see it just about everywhere we look. According to the American Heritage Dictionary, greed is "An excessive desire to acquire or possess more than what one needs or deserves, especially with respect to material wealth." We have probably all fallen prey to our "desires" being satisfied. When we start to satisfy desires, new levels of greed or attachment can start to develop. Coupled with asteya, parigraha (coveting/hoarding) can lead an individual to lie, steal, cheat, or even murder for the desired item, regardless of the outcome of their actions. Greed is probably the highest act of not practicing aparigraha, since greed generally equates to collecting things well beyond one's immediate or foreseeable future needs.

Try this to help with understanding aparigraha. Our teachers John Charping and Betty Larson suggest this method for deepening your understanding and practicing aparigraha. Take a close look at your possessions and consider what you do not really need or even want/use. Then give it away, clean out the closets, drawers, basements, etc. This part is easy and can be lots of fun. Start here, then begin to look around you at what's left. Which thing or things do you really like or take pride in, but do not really, truly need or use? Is there a nything here that you are able to part with? If so, give it away.

So as you can see, the yamas are straight forward, yet general enough to make the yogic practitioner be responsible for their own thoughts, words, and deeds. Since there are no "Thou shall not ...." type statements, one must develop personal strength and humility to sincerely achieve daily success in living by the Yama's moral and ethical principles as laid out in the Yoga Sutras.

If you want to learn more about the yamas, here are some suggested texts.
* Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, by B.K.S. Iyengar
* The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice by T. K. V. Desikachar
* The Secret of t he Yamas : A Spiritual Guide to Yoga by John McAfee

Referenced Sources:
John Charping/Betty Larsen, SIYI Teacher Training Materials
Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, by B.K.S. Iyengar
The Secret of t he Yamas : A Spiritual Guide to Yoga by John McAfee

OM Namah Shivaya

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 03:02:00 GMT

While in LA, Shiva played this song I had not heard before and I was just struck with a wave of exhilaration and internal ecstasy that was both uplifting and calming simultaneously. I didn't know what the name of the song was and I didn't have a chance to inquire. Then when we arrived home, a package had been sent to us with two CDs enclosed. I pulled them out and read the note from the marketing dude and thought, great more CDs that probably won't be music we can use or even like.

So they set for about 2 weeks on my desk, collecting cat hair...or at least dust. Then last Saturday, I needed to run to the store for something and I looked at the CDs and thought I would listen to one. Now I am a sucker for OM Namah Shivaya and Hare Krishna songs, so I picked the one that had the later of these two and went to the car. After the CD loaded, I flipped to track 6 - OM Namah Shivaya - and I started to hear this faint OM Hara OM, repeated about five times and I was again struck with a wave of exhilaration and internal ecstasy, as this was the song. I yelled out the window, I can't believe it, and started singing along with the song.

OM Namah Shivaya
by Wade Imre Morrissette (partial lyrics)

One day I was walking down the road and I caught myself in a big bright light...so bright
One day I was walking down the road and I caught myself in a big fat smiling...smilin'
OM Namah Shivaya, OM Namah Shivaya, OM Namah Shivaya...
In the highest...OM Hari OM
OM Sweet OM

Shanti,
Tom

LA with Shiva Rea : Good Times

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 03:05:00 GMT

It has been almost three weeks since Daphne and I came out to LA to assist our teacher Shiva, and an amazing time it has been. We were pleasantly surprised to run into some old friends we were not expecting to see and have made many new ones. Several paths finally crossed with fellow assistants we have been trying to meet for the last six odd years and we still don't know how that happened.

We couldn't have asked for better weather, but it's LA, can you say sunshine, sunshine, sunshine.....? Both of us have managed to get sunburned during our daily outdoor teaching sessions. Mine was pretty bad, guess I should have put some sunscreen on. And yes, we are not stuck in a studio the whole time. Because Exhale still has to have classes, Shiva finds other locations for us to continue our learning process. Since free public spaces work really well, off to a nice grassy knoll next to the beach we go for one or two sessions each day.

As we helped the new students learn about Wave Sequencing, I was reminded of Shiva's love of the ocean and surfing. Shiva teaches there is no better way to really feel the true current of the earth or that of your body than sitting on a surfboard in the water. The ebb and flow of the current under your body amplifies the feeling within as the fluids in your body begin to synchronize with the earths current. So just about every chance I've had, I grabbed my rented board, threw on the wet suit and headed for Sunset Beach, for some great waves. I was told we have been very lucky as the waves finally arrived from Antarctica after what many have said has been a very flat summer.

For those of you interested, my knee has been doing really well. I have had some days where I wished I hadn't worked so diligently on a pose, but have been making sure I don't over work the knee. Today I had a break-through and was able to touch my buttocks to my heels in vajrasana (sitting on my shins) without discomfort. This really helped my emotional body, as for the last few days I have been a little down. Although I am not holding on to anything about my knee, I was getting frustrated that poses I shouldn't have issues with were giving me problems. Also the intense all day long schedules don't help much either. But as I found the haze lifting from my head, I realized everything is fine if I just go with the flow and release from my expectations. This came as Shiva was helping me with King Pigeon variation 2 (from low lunge).

In my next entry I will go into more detail on my revelations........

Much Love and Peace

Om Namah Shivaya
Tom

Shape Magazine with LeAnn Rimes

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 03:07:00 GMT

Well the Shape Magazine issue with LeAnn Rimes is out and I am extremely happy with the outcome of the photo shoot. I am also pleasently suprised and happy with being included in the spread. I was not necessarily expecting to be in the spread but just the Contributor's section (don't miss it). You can see a quick layout of the shot on our site under the press section, but you'll need to get a copy to see the details.

Shanti OM
Tom

Lessons in Letting Go

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 03:09:00 GMT

Lately, I find myself facing a very familiar lesson again and again - letting go. I say it in nearly every yoga class, but the process of learning and integrating something into your being doesn't happen until you experience it. Learning to let go is important to clear space for what is next. It's a very natural evolution. If you can tune into the flow of your life, you will find opportunities to create, to nurture, to savor, to inspire, to celebrate and to let go. There is a tendency to hold on for many reasons, but holding on only interrupts and stagnates the flow. What is hard to remember is the new creation or incarnation that is waiting around the corner.

I have such abundance in my life. The path that my life has taken could only have happened by trusting in the flow and letting go when it's time. There is always the temptation to hold on. Sometimes it is seemingly easier to try to control things or to stay in a place that is comfortable, but it is rarely satisfying and immensely more difficult.

As I sit on a plane flying to Los Angeles - a trip I've made so many times before - I am again at the edge of letting go. We have an amazing opportunity to assist our teacher and immerse ourselves in the study of yoga. Reconnect with friends. Expand our community. Renew. The coming weeks are ripe with potential, but I have to be open. Leaving our studio and the incredible community for a few weeks, clearing some space for myself - there is resistance.

And here I am again in the full flow of my life. Staying present and trusting.

Journey of my yoga practice

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 03:14:00 GMT

You've been walking the ocean's edge,
holding up your robes to keep them dry.
You must dive naked under,
And deeper under,
a thousand times deeper!
- Rumi

The journey of my yoga practice began in a typical way - awakening to the body. There is the thrill of feeling the body work as the mind tries to keep up and the inevitable struggle of control between the mind and the body. But, eventually, the mind surrenders and the breath emerges. For a long time, the part of me that loved classical ballet was driven by mastery of the poses and understanding of the smallest details of alignment. I can remember the first time I was exposed to the form of Ashtanga yoga taught by Pattabhi Jois. How long must it take to master such a practice? I felt at once overwhelmed and almost drowning in this ancient practice. Luckily, I was safely wrapped in a year-long teacher training. Looking back, I had no idea where this river would lead and I dare say that I am only beginning to see glimpses of where it continues to lead. As my teacher training was coming to an end, I can remember distinctly the day that I stared out over the edge and tried to see what was next. I found my next teacher. With very little effort on my part - only the need to surrender to the flow - I came to the edge quite literally with Shiva Rea. The focus of the workshop was working at your edge. I can remember standing in tadasana with my hands in hasta mudra, eyes closed, envisioning standing on the edge. Suddenly, my heart was completely full and I was overwhelmed with the sense that I had found both my work and my teacher. For nearly ten years, I had been feeling that I wanted to work as a personal trainer or some variation. It never felt fully defined and I know now that I could only see it in its seed form. During all of those years, I moved back and forth between control and surrender. But not until I came to yoga did I begin to understand that. What has naturally flowed is a gradual opening to the grace of the practice. The beauty of the breath as it sustains and nurtures me is a something that I have found to be essential to my practice. And that is what I share with students. What I feel in my own body is now the sweetness of the practice. The Rumi poem at the beginning is a very potent reminder for me. How often do we walk just along the edge being ever so careful not to get wet, holding our robes so close? For me, it wasn't until I dove under did I see a completely different landscape. It is also a reminder that I must continue to dive deeper and surrender. What is waiting is intended for us all.

About Yoga Series : Introduction

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 03:30:00 GMT

The "About Yoga" Series which will introduce elements of yoga, yoga philosophy, and history.
atha yoganusasanam
(Translation: With prayers of divine blessings, now begins an exposition on the sacred art of yoga.)
So what is yoga? Yoga stems from the Sanskrit word, yuj, which means "to yoke together" or "union" among several other definitions and can also refer to "spiritual endeavor". Yoga is not simply just postures and some breathing techniques. It is a way of living which is designed to help us reach enlightenment.

According to Sri BKS Iyengar from his book Light on Yoga, "Yoga is one of six orthodox systems of Indian philosophy. It was collated, co-ordinated and systematized by Patanjali in his classical work, the Yoga Sutras, which consist of 185 terse aphorisms. In Indian thought, everything is permeated by the Supreme Universal Spirit (Paramatma or God) of which the individual human spirit (jivatma) is a part. The system of yoga is so called because it teaches the means, by which the jivatma can be united to, or be in communion with the Paramatma, and so secure liberations (moksa)." [1]

Just why are these Yoga Sutras so important? They are physical and spiritual teachings which provide us with a way of living, designed to help us quiet the mind, the ultimate goal for achieving enlightenment. The word Sutra translastes as "thread". As within a typical class, the poses are weaved together around a common theme, which the thread or sutra of the class.

Although there is no mention of specific poses or discourse on which style of physical practice should be followed, it is clear how we should live or act from moment to moment, day to day. The sutras are, in essence, poems which pass on or share information to the listener or reader. Traditionally they were passed down verbally from guru to disciple. To help in the overall understanding of the yogic process, Patanjali divide the sutras into four sections or padas. Each pada expounds on a particular aspect of the overall concept of yoga.

These padas are:

* Samadhi pada - on contemplation
* Sadhana pada - on practice
* Vibhuti pada - on properties and powers
* Kaivalya pada - on emancipation and freedom

In the second verse of the first pada, Patanjali tells us what yoga is and specifically does.

I.2 yogah cittavrtti nirodhah
(Translation: yoga is the cessation of movements in the consciousness)
By stopping the constant chatter in the mind, we will ultimately be able to achieve the state of Samadhi (profound meditation and complete absorption) which ultimately leads to Kaivalya (liberation, emancipation) which Buddhist refer to as Nirvana. Patanjali places forth this process by giving us an eightfold path as the basis to achieve enlightenment. Because there are eight limbs, many people refer to Patanjali's yoga system as Ashtanga Yoga, ashta (eight), anga (limb). These eight limbs are:

1. Yama - restraints and behavior
2. Niyama - spiritual observances
3. Asana - practice of postures (learning to sit still)
4. Pranayama - Expansion of the vital energy through control of the breath
5. Pratyahara - withdrawal of the senses
6. Dharana - concentration
7. Dhyana - meditation
8. Samadhi - complete absorption

So as you can begin to see, yoga is much more than simply linking some poses together in a class. Underlying the physical work is a matrix which impacts each aspect of our life, both on and off the mat. Even within a daily class, sometimes it is obvious we are working on more than just asanas and pranayama and sometimes it is more subtle. Either way, as we expand on the various aspects of the yoga sutras and delve deeper into their meaning and implications, we hope you will not only gain a greater understanding of yoga, but start to see how it impacts every aspect of your daily life.

Next Issue : Understanding the Yamas

Footnotes: 1. Light on Yoga, B.K.S. Iyengar, Schoken Books, New York, 1979.