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Wednesday, March 30, 2011
What is Karma Yoga?
I've been telling everyone that I'm heading to Yasodhara Ashram for the month of April to do Karma Yoga. But what is Karma Yoga? Most people are familiar with karma, at least in a general sense. The idea of you reap what you sow. That you can create both good and negative karma depending on your actions. There are many paths of Yoga. They include Jnana Yoga (Yoga of Knowledge), Bhakti Yoga (Yoga of Devotion) and others. Among them is Karma Yoga, the Yoga of selfless service. The idea with Karma Yoga is that we give of ourselves for the sole purpose of honoring the Divine. What does Karma Yoga mean at Yasodhara Ashram? I won't know what my tasks will be until they are given to me but they could include housekeeping, gardening or kitchen prep. Essentially Karma Yoga at the Ashram is doing those things that keeps the Ashram running. That is my purpose for the next month. Stay tuned here to find out what I end up doing as my Karma Yoga throughout my trip.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
4 days left!
Okay, now the excitement is finally hitting for my trip to Yasodhara Ashram. Eee!! What am I looking forward to right now?
- The bus trip from Nanaimo to Nelson (yes I'm kind of insane that way, but it will be an adventure).
- Starting to read Midnights with the Mystic during my travels.
- Listening to Eat, Pray, Love audiobook during my travels.
- Figuring out how to fit everything I need to take into my suitcase or backpack.
- Eating out during my travels (something I rarely do anymore).
- Figuring out what to do in Nelson when I get there at 5:15 am!
- Finally arriving back at the Ashram and knowing I get to stay for 4 weeks.
- Finding out what my Karma Yoga tasks will be.
- Satsang! I love it!
- Exploring Hidden Language Hatha Yoga.
- Posting blog updates on life at the Ashram.
And that's just the short list. 4 days left in Nanaimo before I leave!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Book Teaser - Midnights with the Mystic
I am excited to start reading a new book. It is Midnights with the Mystic by Cheryl Simone with Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev. I was sent it for review. I have included an excerpt below from the publicist. During my previous conversations with the publicist, I had missed the tag line after the title, but it is the first thing that drew my attention when I received the book. Midnights with the Mystic: A Little Guide to Freedom and Bliss. That tag line definitely made me more curious to read about Cheryl's experiences learning at the feet of a great guru. I will share a review of this book when I'm done.
Excerpt - Midnights with the Mystic
By Cheryl Simone and Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev,
Authors of Midnights with the Mystic: A Little Guide to Freedom and Bliss
Then Sadhguru asked me if I had heard that some researchers in India had been scanning the brains of people who have been through Isha Yoga's Inner Engineering course and practicing the techniques for more than three months.
I had heard about that, so I nodded yes.
Sadhguru went on to say that the scientists had found that the coherence between the practitioners' right and left brain were phenomenally high. "That means, Cheryl, that you will get to use a little more of your brain than before. Generally they say that people are only using 12 percent of their brain, but from my experience of people, I don't believe they are using even that," he said and let our a hoot of infectious laughter.
Then he went on, "Yoga is the path of becoming limitless. Yoga transforms and liberates human beings so that they can reach this unbounded state. Humans, unlike animals, do not merely exist. They are becoming. 'Human' is not an established quality; one has to grow into it. One has to become that. To evolve as a human being is to become aware of one's limitations, to strive, with intense passion, toward the transcendence for which we all have the potential. Yoga is a way of finding your ultimate potential. In a specific context, yoga had come to mean spiritual union with the absolute. Liberation while living is the goal of yoga, the highest experience, a fusion of the individual with the universal."
Although his words seemed both inspiring and filled with possibility, I caught myself again wondering if such transcendence really could be possible for me. Even though many remarkable things had happened to me, I continued to wonder if I would truly be able to become self-realized in this lifetime. Part of me wondered how much the yoga, the practices, had to do with it. It's a technology that affects not only your body, mind, and energy, but that also somehow makes you receptive. I know it's a big part of it, but I also know that it's not the whole thing. Some of the practices Sadhguru teaches are similar to those I was exposed to in the past, but he puts them together in a completely different way. Even with all the yoga, Sadhguru did in previous lifetimes, and with all that he accomplished, he said that he did not become enlightened. The reason why is shrouded in mystery. I knew the practices were working, but perhaps this process is more than something I can do myself. Something seems to have to happen that I'm not doing. I have often heard Sadhguru say that "you have to put yourself aside."
Perhaps the answer to this question could be found in Sadhguru's own story. . .
The above is an excerpt from the book Midnights with the Mystic: A Little Guide to Freedom and Bliss by Cheryl Simone and Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev. The above excerpt is a digitally scanned reproduction of text from print. Although this excerpt has been proofread, occasional errors may appear due to the scanning process. Please refer to the finished book for accuracy.
Copyright © 2011 Cheryl Simone and Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, authors of Midnights with the Mystic: A Little Guide to Freedom and Bliss
Author Bios
Cheryl Simone, author of Midnights with the Mystic: A Little Guide to Freedom and Bliss, is a lifelong student of human potential, a spiritual seeker, an entrepreneur, a wife a mother, the CEO of several businesses. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia.
Sadhguru Vasudev, co-author of Midnights with the Mystic: A Little Guide to Freedom and Bliss, is a yogi, mystic, and visionary. He is a spiritual master with a difference. An arresting blend of profundity and pragmatism, his life and work serve as a reminder that inner sciences are not an esoteric discipline from an outdated past, but a contemporary science, vitally relevant to our times. Probing, passionate, and provocative, deeply insightful, devastatingly logical, and unfailingly witty, Sadhguru's talks have earned him the reputation of a speaker and opinion-maker of international renown.
Excerpt - Midnights with the Mystic
By Cheryl Simone and Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev,
Authors of Midnights with the Mystic: A Little Guide to Freedom and Bliss
Then Sadhguru asked me if I had heard that some researchers in India had been scanning the brains of people who have been through Isha Yoga's Inner Engineering course and practicing the techniques for more than three months.
I had heard about that, so I nodded yes.
Sadhguru went on to say that the scientists had found that the coherence between the practitioners' right and left brain were phenomenally high. "That means, Cheryl, that you will get to use a little more of your brain than before. Generally they say that people are only using 12 percent of their brain, but from my experience of people, I don't believe they are using even that," he said and let our a hoot of infectious laughter.
Then he went on, "Yoga is the path of becoming limitless. Yoga transforms and liberates human beings so that they can reach this unbounded state. Humans, unlike animals, do not merely exist. They are becoming. 'Human' is not an established quality; one has to grow into it. One has to become that. To evolve as a human being is to become aware of one's limitations, to strive, with intense passion, toward the transcendence for which we all have the potential. Yoga is a way of finding your ultimate potential. In a specific context, yoga had come to mean spiritual union with the absolute. Liberation while living is the goal of yoga, the highest experience, a fusion of the individual with the universal."
Although his words seemed both inspiring and filled with possibility, I caught myself again wondering if such transcendence really could be possible for me. Even though many remarkable things had happened to me, I continued to wonder if I would truly be able to become self-realized in this lifetime. Part of me wondered how much the yoga, the practices, had to do with it. It's a technology that affects not only your body, mind, and energy, but that also somehow makes you receptive. I know it's a big part of it, but I also know that it's not the whole thing. Some of the practices Sadhguru teaches are similar to those I was exposed to in the past, but he puts them together in a completely different way. Even with all the yoga, Sadhguru did in previous lifetimes, and with all that he accomplished, he said that he did not become enlightened. The reason why is shrouded in mystery. I knew the practices were working, but perhaps this process is more than something I can do myself. Something seems to have to happen that I'm not doing. I have often heard Sadhguru say that "you have to put yourself aside."
Perhaps the answer to this question could be found in Sadhguru's own story. . .
The above is an excerpt from the book Midnights with the Mystic: A Little Guide to Freedom and Bliss by Cheryl Simone and Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev. The above excerpt is a digitally scanned reproduction of text from print. Although this excerpt has been proofread, occasional errors may appear due to the scanning process. Please refer to the finished book for accuracy.
Copyright © 2011 Cheryl Simone and Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, authors of Midnights with the Mystic: A Little Guide to Freedom and Bliss
Author Bios
Cheryl Simone, author of Midnights with the Mystic: A Little Guide to Freedom and Bliss, is a lifelong student of human potential, a spiritual seeker, an entrepreneur, a wife a mother, the CEO of several businesses. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia.
Sadhguru Vasudev, co-author of Midnights with the Mystic: A Little Guide to Freedom and Bliss, is a yogi, mystic, and visionary. He is a spiritual master with a difference. An arresting blend of profundity and pragmatism, his life and work serve as a reminder that inner sciences are not an esoteric discipline from an outdated past, but a contemporary science, vitally relevant to our times. Probing, passionate, and provocative, deeply insightful, devastatingly logical, and unfailingly witty, Sadhguru's talks have earned him the reputation of a speaker and opinion-maker of international renown.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Restorative Yoga
I am a big fan of restorative Yoga. We don't adequately rest our bodies or minds enough and restorative Yoga can help heal our bodies.
Here's a great article on restorative Yoga from The Vancouver Sun: Yoga minus all that pesky effort
Sorry for the short post today, but I seem to be running short of time this week.
Peace, Love and Light
Here's a great article on restorative Yoga from The Vancouver Sun: Yoga minus all that pesky effort
Sorry for the short post today, but I seem to be running short of time this week.
Peace, Love and Light
Monday, March 21, 2011
Recognizing the Edge
I talk with my students about finding our edge. That spot where we get a good stretch, but if we go further it's too much. Usually we find our edge by toeing our way over the line, and then backing up to it.
And if we take on too much, too fast, we risk injury. If we're going so fast we don't even see the edge, we're pretty much guaranteeing damage.
I certainly play with the edge in my own Yoga practice and it changes day by day. But today isn't about Yoga.
I walk nearly every day. I walk to work and I wear a heart rate monitor to ensure I'm walking fast enough. I usually avoid walking down the big hill from my house because it is hard for me to get my heart rate up high enough while going downhill.
So today I ran part of the way. And what was I thinking after a few short, very slow, jogs?
And if we take on too much, too fast, we risk injury. If we're going so fast we don't even see the edge, we're pretty much guaranteeing damage.
I certainly play with the edge in my own Yoga practice and it changes day by day. But today isn't about Yoga.
I walk nearly every day. I walk to work and I wear a heart rate monitor to ensure I'm walking fast enough. I usually avoid walking down the big hill from my house because it is hard for me to get my heart rate up high enough while going downhill.
So today I ran part of the way. And what was I thinking after a few short, very slow, jogs?
- I stopped running for a reason. Because my body kept telling me that running was a little too much for it.
- Back when I injured my knees I was told that running downhill is one of the worst things I can do to my knees.
- My knee hurts. Already. After a very short run.
Then I had a choice. Listen to what my body was telling me and pull back from the edge. Or push through. I listened. I will not be running. After work I tried some techniques to get my heart rate up while walking.
The edge is about listening to the wisdom that lies inside of us before it screams to be heard.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Exciting Changes
A lot of people have been asking me "are you excited about your trip?". First of all, if you don't know what trip, keep reading. But my answer has inevitably been that I'd like to be excited, but I just don't feel like I have the time to be. And I've had several signs that I need to take the time to honor the exciting changes happening in my life. A little preview of what's coming:
1) Going to Yasodhara Ashram. I leave April 1st for the Ashram in the Kootenays. I am spending 28 days doing Karma Yoga (selfless service) and exploring my spiritual path. It is going to be an amazing experience. When asked by the Ashram what my expectations were of them, I honestly said that I have no specific expectations. I am just looking forward to the opportunity to continue to travel my path in the company of others on similar journeys. The Ashram has this amazing energy and I'm looking forward to being there.
2) Going to Whistler Yoga Conference. I return from the Ashram on May 2nd and on May 5th I leave for Whistler Yoga Conference. It will be an amazing 3.5 days of learning. I'm looking forward to being exposed to more new ideas and learning more things I can share with my students.
3) Starting to teach with the City of Nanaimo. I start teaching 3 classes in May at the City's facilities and I'm excited about this opportunity. I met with them this week to get one of the facility tours and sign some of the paperwork.
4) Devoting myself to teaching full-time. My last day at my day job is March 31st and the stress of wrapping up this month has been what has held back my excitement over everything else. But as I worked on my May teaching schedule, I realized how great it is going to be to put classes in anytime I want and how great it will be to devote my time and energy to my passion.
I am really glad that I took a moment to embrace and share the exciting things happening in my life.
1) Going to Yasodhara Ashram. I leave April 1st for the Ashram in the Kootenays. I am spending 28 days doing Karma Yoga (selfless service) and exploring my spiritual path. It is going to be an amazing experience. When asked by the Ashram what my expectations were of them, I honestly said that I have no specific expectations. I am just looking forward to the opportunity to continue to travel my path in the company of others on similar journeys. The Ashram has this amazing energy and I'm looking forward to being there.
2) Going to Whistler Yoga Conference. I return from the Ashram on May 2nd and on May 5th I leave for Whistler Yoga Conference. It will be an amazing 3.5 days of learning. I'm looking forward to being exposed to more new ideas and learning more things I can share with my students.
3) Starting to teach with the City of Nanaimo. I start teaching 3 classes in May at the City's facilities and I'm excited about this opportunity. I met with them this week to get one of the facility tours and sign some of the paperwork.
4) Devoting myself to teaching full-time. My last day at my day job is March 31st and the stress of wrapping up this month has been what has held back my excitement over everything else. But as I worked on my May teaching schedule, I realized how great it is going to be to put classes in anytime I want and how great it will be to devote my time and energy to my passion.
I am really glad that I took a moment to embrace and share the exciting things happening in my life.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Meditation and Swimming
As a child, I didn't like having my face in the water and it took me two tries to pass the first level of swimming lessons. And that's where my swimming ended. But I always loved the water, loved being in the pool or lake.
At 18, I took Learn to Swim lessons and fell in love. I love swimming. I love doing laps. I can back crawl forever, and I love the challenge of front crawl.
Since the beginning of the year my skill level in the pool has increased and I finally realized why. Meditation has improved my swimming.
Meditation taught me to sit with the discomfort. It taught me that I don't always need to retreat. That sometimes, when I wait and sit, things get better or I discover something new.
In the past, if I swallowed some water or was struggling, I would stop swimming and dog paddle the rest of the length. Now I just keep going. Yes, sometimes it feels a little like I'm drowning; but I'm not. I make it to the end every time. I feel stronger and I enjoy my swimming a lot more.
I am eternally grateful for all of the little ways that Yoga (big-Y Yoga, including meditation) has touched my life.
At 18, I took Learn to Swim lessons and fell in love. I love swimming. I love doing laps. I can back crawl forever, and I love the challenge of front crawl.
Since the beginning of the year my skill level in the pool has increased and I finally realized why. Meditation has improved my swimming.
Meditation taught me to sit with the discomfort. It taught me that I don't always need to retreat. That sometimes, when I wait and sit, things get better or I discover something new.
In the past, if I swallowed some water or was struggling, I would stop swimming and dog paddle the rest of the length. Now I just keep going. Yes, sometimes it feels a little like I'm drowning; but I'm not. I make it to the end every time. I feel stronger and I enjoy my swimming a lot more.
I am eternally grateful for all of the little ways that Yoga (big-Y Yoga, including meditation) has touched my life.
Monday, March 14, 2011
March Love List
Last month, for Valentine's Day, I made a love list. I enjoyed it so much I decided to make it a monthly event. Here is my list of 20 random things that I love right now:
- The new arrangement of our furniture.
- The cat curled up at my feet.
- My new car-less status.
- Compliment's oatmeal raisin cookies.
- Breakout Kings.
- Doing my personal Asana practice in my teaching space.
- BC cucumbers with vinegar and salt.
- My light, quick dry pants that travel in my backpack and still don't wrinkle.
- My big blue hoodie.
- My new printer.
- The fun of making Yoga challenges for my students to enjoy while I'm away.
- My friends and family, far and wide.
- Teaching.
- Learning.
- My Yoga playlist for my personal practice.
- The moments we get a little sunshine.
- My spiritual guides.
- My backpack.
- Chicken Caesar salads.
- The peacefulness of meditation.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
An Inspiring Story
I read a variety of Yoga blogs. Sometimes I get inspiriation for a post (like I did with the Savasana post). And sometimes I just feel a great kinship and inspiration.
We each have our own Yoga story. Some are just getting started, some are short, some haven't started yet, some are in the midst of transformation. But each story is uniquely our own.
I am completely inspired by Cyndi Roberts' story. We each get something out of Yoga, even if it's just more flexible hamstrings. But for some of us, Yoga appears in our lives when we need it most and we get so much out of our practice.
I encourage you to read Cyndi's story and think about what you want out of Yoga.
We each have our own Yoga story. Some are just getting started, some are short, some haven't started yet, some are in the midst of transformation. But each story is uniquely our own.
I am completely inspired by Cyndi Roberts' story. We each get something out of Yoga, even if it's just more flexible hamstrings. But for some of us, Yoga appears in our lives when we need it most and we get so much out of our practice.
I encourage you to read Cyndi's story and think about what you want out of Yoga.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Corpse Pose - Diana Killian
I recently read Corpse Pose by Diana Killian. This is a Yoga murder mystery novel. ?!? I was quite happy when I stumbled across this book. I used to read murder mysteries and the combination of that with Yoga was an intriguing one.
Instead of reviewing the book, I've decided to read the reviews already out there and add my own commentary / thoughts.
Most of the reviews I found on this book were quite good. I agree with the comments that the book doesn't have that much actual Yoga but that it doesn't suffer from that. It is a great mystery with just enough Yoga for me to feel some sort of kinship with the characters.
Many people comment that it's not for serious mystery readers and I'll agree with that too. I enjoyed it but it is lighthearted with some romance going on. I like a book with some good humour to break up the darkness.
Through reading the reviews I've been introduced to the term "cozy mystery" which I think I'm going to really enjoy reading more of. I look forward to the next book in the series Dial Om for Murder.
Instead of reviewing the book, I've decided to read the reviews already out there and add my own commentary / thoughts.
Most of the reviews I found on this book were quite good. I agree with the comments that the book doesn't have that much actual Yoga but that it doesn't suffer from that. It is a great mystery with just enough Yoga for me to feel some sort of kinship with the characters.
Many people comment that it's not for serious mystery readers and I'll agree with that too. I enjoyed it but it is lighthearted with some romance going on. I like a book with some good humour to break up the darkness.
Through reading the reviews I've been introduced to the term "cozy mystery" which I think I'm going to really enjoy reading more of. I look forward to the next book in the series Dial Om for Murder.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Savasana
I've been inspired by Spoiled Yogi, and will share some Savasana "not so deep" thoughts.
What have I thought about during Savasana?
What have I thought about during Savasana?
- Mmm...wings and creme brulee from Simon Holt.
- I'm freezing!
- That song is really annoying, I wonder if I can change it without the students noticing.
- Do my students want a quieter Savasana?
- Do my students want a more guided Savasana?
- What time is it?
- What reading was I going to do after Savasana?
- Where is my cat and is she about to pounce on one of my students?
- My back is sore.
- Why is relaxation so hard?
Friday, March 4, 2011
Embracing My Path
I am super excited to be embracing my path. On March 31, I'll be done my day job and working on my Yoga business full-time (after I get back from my trip to the Ashram). I will be teaching more as well as continuing on my personal path.
A month ago today, Shaw TV was here taping a class. When it aired, the interviewer said that my vision is to teach Yoga full time. I was really happy that she shared that as I'm a strong believer in positive intention.
And a couple of weeks ago I made the decision to leave my day job. It wasn't an intellectual decision, it was one from my heart. I didn't even bother with pros and cons. I just knew, unequivocally, that it was the right choice.
The only way that I will be able to fully devote myself to my purpose (sharing Yoga with others) is to make the time to devote to it. I am super excited about what is on the horizon. I'm excited by the connections I've made. I'm excited about and inspired by all of my students. And I'm excited about all of the surprises life has in store for me.
A month ago today, Shaw TV was here taping a class. When it aired, the interviewer said that my vision is to teach Yoga full time. I was really happy that she shared that as I'm a strong believer in positive intention.
And a couple of weeks ago I made the decision to leave my day job. It wasn't an intellectual decision, it was one from my heart. I didn't even bother with pros and cons. I just knew, unequivocally, that it was the right choice.
The only way that I will be able to fully devote myself to my purpose (sharing Yoga with others) is to make the time to devote to it. I am super excited about what is on the horizon. I'm excited by the connections I've made. I'm excited about and inspired by all of my students. And I'm excited about all of the surprises life has in store for me.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Rediscovering Journaling
I have journaled for years. At first it was now and then and then for a couple of years I was writing in my journal every night. Sometimes it was deep, reflective thoughts and sometimes it was light stuff about my day. I found when things were going well in my life I felt like I didn't have a lot to say.
When I went to Yasodhara Ashram last year, it was like a journal binge. We reflected on everything and I wrote pages and pages each day. When I left I wrote in my journal everywhere. And then I started working again and it became inconvenient except at the end of the day.
Recently, I'd wandered away from regular journaling again. I would write in the journal when I felt I had something to say. And I found I was missing the regular reflection. I was missing sharing my thoughts.
So I've recommitted myself to daily journaling. And I'm loving it. I love the chance to check in with myself on what's happened and where my head and heart are at. And when things are going well, I dig a little deeper into my thoughts and feelings.
When I went to Yasodhara Ashram last year, it was like a journal binge. We reflected on everything and I wrote pages and pages each day. When I left I wrote in my journal everywhere. And then I started working again and it became inconvenient except at the end of the day.
Recently, I'd wandered away from regular journaling again. I would write in the journal when I felt I had something to say. And I found I was missing the regular reflection. I was missing sharing my thoughts.
So I've recommitted myself to daily journaling. And I'm loving it. I love the chance to check in with myself on what's happened and where my head and heart are at. And when things are going well, I dig a little deeper into my thoughts and feelings.
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