Articles

• Bodhisattva
• Gittin'in the Spirit
• Waves in the Ocean of Infinite Mind
• The Nose Knows! Really! Nasal Breathing vs Mouth Breathing
• Yin Yoga
• The Three Gunas....Ways of Being
• Yoga Therapy for Depression
• Shauca
• Our 6 Senses (Endryias) and a Personal Reflection on Kritajnata
• Reflections on Gratitude - Kritajnata
• Mindfulness Meditation Goes Mainstream ...Magical or Mystical?
• On Being Guided From Within
• Resolve to Evolve! The Four Cardinal Virtues
• The Cortisol Connection
• Loneliness
• Kama
• My Rant
• Artha
• Purusharthas
• Asmita
• Sangha
• Kritajnata
• Saucha
• Vikalpa and Kalpana
• Yoga Philosophy: Teaching of the Month
• Uppeka - Equanimity
• Mudita - Gladness
• Getting Started - Begin From Where You Are
• Getting Better at Yoga
• Yogic Rest
• Yoga Injuries
• Current Affairs: Doom & Gloom or Opportunity?
• APARIGRAHA
• Yogaaaaaah!

January 2012
Yoga Philosophy of the Month:BODHISATTVA

Bodhisattva is a Sanskrit term which encompasses two words...Bodhi which means enlightenment, and Sattva which means being. In Tibetan Buddhism, a Bodhisattva is anyone who is motivated by compassion and seeks enlightenment not only for him/herself, but also for everyone.

Most people are self-motivated and work only to solve his/her own problems, while keeping others' problems a distance second. While we may learn about difficulties in other parts of the world/ country/ city/ neighbourhood, we are still primarily interested in our own. In addition, if we do consciously work an act of kindness, it is often accompanied by an expectation of a thank you or further praise.

A bodhisattva is motivated by pure compassion and love. Their goal is to achieve the highest level of being – that of a Buddha. Indeed, The Buddha has been quoted as saying "I will become a savour to all those beings, I will release them from all their sufferings." Interestingly, this intention is present in most world religions – including Christianity. Jesus Christ was a true Bodhisattva.

Beginning the journey of becoming a Bodhisattva is the way of enlightenment. If we can be of aid to others, this is the path. The path is laid out for us in the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism in the Six Perfections. They are as follows:

1. Generosity 2. Ethics 3. Patience 4. Effort 5. Concentration 6. Wisdom

Do the Six Perfections sound familiar?! If we look to the yogic teachings of Patanjali, there they are!

1. Ahimsa, typically translated as non-violence and inflicting no harm, can be extrapolated out to the very opposite of violence – to sharing, caring, generosity and love.

2. Satya – truth in word and thought. Asteya – not stealing, and non- coveting that which is not ours. Santosha – satisfaction with what one has. Are these qualities not Ethics?!

3 and 4. Tapas – austerity and associated observances for body discipline and mental control...Patience and Effort.

5. Pratyahara, Dharana, and Dhyana – the 3 steps to meditation. Concentration.

6. Svadhyaha - The study of scripture and the search for God and the soul. Wisdom.

Here are some questions to ask ourselves during meditation.

1. How can I become more generous? In my thoughts, words, actions? Is it possible to control materialistic tendencies and to work toward being kinder to others? How is it possible to share what I know about yoga and the teachings so that people are able to help themselves?

2. How can I refrain from doing harm to myself, and all those around me...in thoughts, words and actions? In every way? Do I know the difference between what is absolutely right, and what is absolutely wrong?

3. How can I develop more patience? Patience it an the antidote to anger. In Chandrakirti's 'Supplement to the Middle Way' he writes: "Anger makes us ugly, leads to the unholy, and robs us of discernment to know right from wrong." When we become angry, our body stiffens, our blood pressure rises, our breathing is impaired, as is our reason. "

Patience creates a joyousness within us. Our features become relaxed and we can look many years younger. We are then tolerant and happy and much further along the path of becoming a Bodhisattva .

4. Enthusiastic effort is necessary if you want to achieve anything, but for something as noble and challenging as joining the ranks of the Bodhisattvas, effort is definitely a requirement. Who doesn't want their efforts repaid instantly? However, the way of the Bodhisattva is arduous and requires virtues that many of us currently lack. Laziness (Tamas – inertia and lack of effort/laziness) is a huge fault that curtails effort. Tapas is the discipline that moves us forward! Our effort is needed NOW!

5. Concentration - Developing a calm mind through meditation will sharpen our concentration. Being able to focus single-pointedly on one object with a non-wavering mind will be a great advantage. The calm-abiding mind develops clairvoyance and abilities to heal ourselves and others. When radiating inward and outward calm, you'll become like a lighthouse in a stormy night. You'll inspire others with your strong mental capabilities and they in turn will want the inner peace that you have found for yourself. Concentration is a form of mindfulness. This means that when you pay unwavering attention to what you're doing – while you are doing it - you avoid many frustrations.

6. Wisdom, the sixth perfection, is said to be the root of all great qualities we can cultivate in this life. The Buddhist texts emphasize two vital subjects when it comes to knowledge – selflessness and impermanence. When we have clear understanding of impermanence, that everything is changing, that everything begins, is, and then ends, that all in the physical world and all living beings are created by the mind, only then will we have 'wisdom.' This clarity of mind then brings about all the other 5 perfections.

A Bodhisattva is often likened to a lighthouse on a stormy, dark sea. Is there anyone in your life who has been – or is - a Bodhisattva for you?
Are you a Bodhisattva?! Can you BE a Boddhisattva?!

The above was prepared with notes from http://www.essortment.com Many Thanks!

"In an increasingly interdependent world our own welfare and happiness depend on many other people. Other human beings have a right to peace and happiness that is equal to our own; therefore we have a responsibility to help those in need. Many of our world's problems and conflicts arise because we have lost sight of the basic humanity that binds us all together as a human family." ... Dalai Lama

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November 2011
Yoga Philosophy of the Month: Waves in the Ocean of Infinite Mind

My very wise yoga teacher, Erich Schiffmann, speaks a LOT about Infinite Mind. About our being connected to Infinite Mind. He sometimes refers to this as Big Mind. Or - God. Whoa! Don't stop reading now....take a risk and dive in!

First of all, let's try to explain Infinite Mind. Some teachers of yoga/meditation refer to Infinite Mind as Universal Consciousness, or the Intelligence (with a capital "I"), that is behind all that is. Wow! Now that is a BIG statement.

So let's begin at the beginning. (A logical place to start.) If we accept that fact that we ARE, that we are HERE, that we are living, and existing, that we are spiritual beings currently having a human experience, one has to wonder how it is that we actually got here in the first place. Did we hatch? Did we just appear out of nowhere? We certainly did not make ourselves. Our parents got together, winked at each other, and voila! A human body....into which our spirit plummeted! There we were! Inside a body....!

Now, where did our spirit come from? Clearly, who we are is not our body....and who we are is not our thoughts. So who are we? We are Spirit. Individual spirits, not one of us alike! More to the point, we are part of a greater whole, part of – and not separate from – a much, much bigger Spirit....Universal Consciousness or Big Mind.
Namaste, Yogis!!

Scientists and mathematicians might explain Universal Consciousness more concisely in terms that only they understand. Vibrational frequencies, the Big Bang Theory, and all. For the rest of us, we can rest in the somewhat simpler explanation that there is – there MUST be – some Intelligence of some kind - that created – and continues to create - us, and our world as we know it.

Where does yoga fit into this concept? Erich explains very well. When we are still – when we experience ourselves in stillness and feel the peace within us, we will come upon a new awareness of who we are. The new awareness convinces us that we are part of a greater whole, that we are not a separate energy nor a separate consciousness. We are an individuated and specific expression of one energy, one Consciousness, one Infinite Mind – much like a single wave on the ocean is a specific expression of that ocean. Waves are not separate energies. They are individuated and unique, one of a kind, but they do not exist apart from the ocean. They ARE the ocean.

Thus, we are connected – one to the other – and all connected to Universal Consciousness. There is no You, no Me, there is only Us. All together. All one.

I think that is enough to meditate upon this month! So, here is the practice. Get comfortable. Practice being still without holding yourself rigidly still. Breathe. Breathe into and out of your heart. As you breathe in and breathe out, feel the air that you breathe. Feel the ground beneath you. If you are in a room with other yogis, feel the energy around you. Feel the energy of YOU! Feel the connectedness of Everything. Your existence then will be more in harmony with those around you, with the happenings of your life – because you will be experiencing yourself and everything in a new and awesome way!

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December 2011
Yoga Philosophy of the Month:GITTIN’ IN THE SPIRIT!

In the tradition of yoga, spirit is the word given to our inner-most self. Buddhist thought has it that the spirit enters our body 40 days after conception. That the soul (spirit) exists before conception...and is placed there by The Creator.

In another line of thought, we can then say that the whole process of respiration is a way in which we are continually inspired! If inspire truly means breath, can we then say that we are ‘breathed’ by breath? If we are all breathing (and one would assume that we are!), can we therefore say that we are truly inspired with every breath that we take?! Oh my. I am becoming dispirited with this line of thinking!

For those wishing a partial visual look at the word spirit....(see more in the Visual Thesaurus): (partially missing word at top is ‘emotional state.’ 

Whew. I am uninspired at the moment to go further with this rendering! Further, having said all that...This season let us all conspire to ensure that those near to us, and those far from us, are truly inspired with the true meaning of Christmas Spirit.  

And so, with a glass of spirits in hand, and anticipating a dose of aspirin in the morning,  we wish you a spirited Merry Christmas and the Best Holiday Season Ever!  

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November 2011
Yoga Philosophy of the Month: Waves in the Ocean of Infinite Mind

My very wise yoga teacher, Erich Schiffmann, speaks a LOT about Infinite Mind. About our being connected to Infinite Mind. He sometimes refers to this as Big Mind. Or - God. Whoa! Don't stop reading now....take a risk and dive in!

First of all, let's try to explain Infinite Mind. Some teachers of yoga/meditation refer to Infinite Mind as Universal Consciousness, or the Intelligence (with a capital "I"), that is behind all that is. Wow! Now that is a BIG statement.

So let's begin at the beginning. (A logical place to start.) If we accept that fact that we ARE, that we are HERE, that we are living, and existing, that we are spiritual beings currently having a human experience, one has to wonder how it is that we actually got here in the first place. Did we hatch? Did we just appear out of nowhere? We certainly did not make ourselves. Our parents got together, winked at each other, and voila! A human body....into which our spirit plummeted! There we were! Inside a body....!

Now, where did our spirit come from? Clearly, who we are is not our body....and who we are is not our thoughts. So who are we? We are Spirit. Individual spirits, not one of us alike! More to the point, we are part of a greater whole, part of – and not separate from – a much, much bigger Spirit....Universal Consciousness or Big Mind.
Namaste, Yogis!!

Scientists and mathematicians might explain Universal Consciousness more concisely in terms that only they understand. Vibrational frequencies, the Big Bang Theory, and all. For the rest of us, we can rest in the somewhat simpler explanation that there is – there MUST be – some Intelligence of some kind - that created – and continues to create - us, and our world as we know it.

Where does yoga fit into this concept? Erich explains very well. When we are still – when we experience ourselves in stillness and feel the peace within us, we will come upon a new awareness of who we are. The new awareness convinces us that we are part of a greater whole, that we are not a separate energy nor a separate consciousness. We are an individuated and specific expression of one energy, one Consciousness, one Infinite Mind – much like a single wave on the ocean is a specific expression of that ocean. Waves are not separate energies. They are individuated and unique, one of a kind, but they do not exist apart from the ocean. They ARE the ocean.

Thus, we are connected – one to the other – and all connected to Universal Consciousness. There is no You, no Me, there is only Us. All together. All one.

I think that is enough to meditate upon this month! So, here is the practice. Get comfortable. Practice being still without holding yourself rigidly still. Breathe. Breathe into and out of your heart. As you breathe in and breathe out, feel the air that you breathe. Feel the ground beneath you. If you are in a room with other yogis, feel the energy around you. Feel the energy of YOU! Feel the connectedness of Everything. Your existence then will be more in harmony with those around you, with the happenings of your life – because you will be experiencing yourself and everything in a new and awesome way!

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October 2011
Yoga Philosophy of the Month:The Nose Knows! Really! Nasal Breathing vs Mouth Breathing

The more I learn about breath – and breathing – the more I am in awe of our entire respiratory system! Every yoga teacher knows that there cannot be yoga without the breath. And there are virtually hundreds of permutations of breath ....many pranayama practices from which to choose. Yet, one question that I am asked time and again is “Why is it so important to breath through your nose?” Most pranayama techniques are just that – in and out through the nose – although there are a few practices which require the mouth to be open on exhale and a couple where we breathe in and out through the mouth. But it is true, the majority of time we breathe through our noses.

So, I will take a deep breath (through the nose!) and begin.....

You know those tiny hairs in your nose? They are called cilia. Their job is to gather up dust and bacteria, and to move these invaders to the lining of the nose – which is gooey...and full of specialized cells which stick together and harden. Then we blow our noses (I hope) and again hopefully, use a neti pot to cleanse the inside of the nose. (Although I know of a couple of kids who use their fingers for this job! Do you know any?!) So, in addition to filtering, warming, humidifying the air, the nostrils and the sinuses operate together to affect the body in many astounding ways. If you – or anyone that you know – is a mouth breather, this article is going to change your (or their) life! And if you snore, or if anyone you know snores, you know what problems
this can bring! Read on...

Obviously the nostrils are smaller openings than the mouth. So, it is easier, and quicker to mouth-breathe. Nostril breathing requires more work of the organs of respiration. It’s harder to breathe in/out through the nose rather than the mouth. And so, the organs respond by becoming stronger. We tend to breathe shallowly at the best of times, and to not enervate our respiratory system in a healthy way. Nostril breathing helps to fend off chronic diseases of the lungs and bronchi eg. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This is a disease of the elderly that need not happen.

Oxygen is diffused into the blood stream during exhalation. When we mouth-breathe, the air that we have inspired (breathed in) tends to be expelled quickly, and Oxygen uptake is decreased. The longer the air stays in the lungs, the more circulating Oxygen we will end up with...somewhere around 20% more Oxygen uptake. This bodes extremely well for the entire body as every cell requires life-giving Oxygen. Now you are likely thinking, well, why not hold the breath in after an inhale, aren’t you? Yes, there are some pranayama techniques that require this….but please, this is taught only for specific conditions, and always by a yoga teacher that has training in this area. Better to e-x-t-e-n-d the exhale.

Now, this is fascinating! Tiny receptor cells are found on the inner lining of the nostrils. These cells are highly specialized, in that they serve to send messages to the hypothalamus (sometimes called the brain’s brain). The hypothalamus is a master gland that operates on many levels – keeps the heart rate even, helps to stabilize blood pressure, regulates body temperature, detects thirst and hunger and searches for smell. Strong smells may bring up memories which are stored in the brain. And some smells keep us from harm...and others lead us to it!

Tiny smell-receiving cells – called olfactory bulbs – are located within the
lining of the nose. These cells are the direct end-points of fibers that
connect directly to the brain....who knew that our brains were in our noses?! Older folks often lose their sense of smell (and taste – as the two go together). As a result, their quality of life is lessened. Perhaps this happens because they are mouth-breathers? Watch the older folks in your life to see if this is so.

During mouth-breathing, air bypasses the nose and sinuses, and goes directly to the bronchi and lungs. Did you know that the sinuses are actually good for something other than getting plugged up and infected?! Yes! They are designed to add moisture to the air, and to warm it before it is taken into the lungs. As well – a super important chemical change occurs in the sinuses. Nitric oxide (not nitrous oxide – the laughing gas) is produced in the sinuses when air is taken in. Small amounts of nitric oxide act in the body as warriors against bacteria...and interestingly, nitric oxide serves to dilate the large blood vessels of the body – decreasing blood pressure, slowing heart rate, calming. In other words, nostril breathing is a powerful antidote to stress!

No wonder we feel GREAT after 3 deep breaths in and out through the
nose! The Nose Knows!

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September 2011
Yoga Philosophy of the Month: Yin Yoga

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August 2011
Yoga Philosophy of the Month: The Three Gunas....Ways of Being

Namaste, Yogis!! 

We hope everyone is truly enjoying summer.   And thank you to everyone who responded to last month’s newsletter with personal stories and with support.

We had such a tremendous response to our ‘blurb’ last month on Depression, that we are going a little further down this road this month. It is our hope that it will provide yet another tool to keep some of us from sliding down that deep, dark well!

The Three Gunas

As a little bit of background, yoga views mood  (bhavana in Sanskrit) - as states of mind that, for the purposes of practice and understanding the human mind, can be separated out into 3 categories.  These are called the Three Gunas.

Let’s talk about Rajas first.  We all know people who are in Rajas state of mind.  Oh yes!  In our culture, we have many, many people who are continually in this state of mind!  This is a state in which excessive mental activity occurs.  The body as well may indicate a Rajas state...fidgeting, erratic movement, pacing, etc.  Rajas is characterized by motion and passion... sometimes out of narcissistic desires and attachments.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, we have Tamas.  Tamas is inertia – a state in which insufficient mental activity dominates.  Tamas may exhibit as boredom, heaviness, lethargy.  And we all know people who suffer from a Tamasic state of mind as well. These people may feel like they are mired in the depths of darkness.

In the centre – between Rajas and Tamas – we have Sattva – or equilibrium...this is the mind’s normal state in which it discriminates wisely.  

The teachings of yoga tell us that when the mind is established in its original state of silence (Sattva), we are naturally drawn to make choices that bring about balance, health and happiness into our lives.  When the mind is not in Sattva, our discrimination will be weakened by the chaos of too much energy or the dulling effects of too much Tamas.  Neither Rajas nor Tamas are bad in and of themselves...Rajas is necessary for bringing things to fruition, and Tamas is necessary for bringing things to a conclusion.  In fact, the perfect balance of the two brings about a state of Sattva. (1. Donna Farhi...Bringing Yoga to Life.)

Okay, you say.  How does this understanding of the three states of nature, how does all this help us to elevate mood?
Physically:  When Tamas – depression, inertia, heaviness are prominent, movement such as walking and dancing are most helpful. Being in nature, especially near moving water – river, waterfall – or the ocean is especially effective for Tamas.  Even a cool shower... and dining lightly on fruits, veggies and grains. All this helps to dissipate lethargy.    

Mentally:  When Tamas dominates, there is a strategy called pratipaksha bhavanam, or shifting perspectives, that is most effective.  When feeling depressed and down, consider the opposite.  At times, these habitual negative patterns cut deep grooves into our minds...and they take persistence, patience and practice to root them out. Contemplate the qualities of vitality and optimism.  Bring up in your mind a time when you were overjoyed, perhaps a time when you achieved a great accomplishment, or a time when you first found yourself in love!  Giving the opposite mood more energy – and lessening the energy directed toward feeling down – will bring about a shift in perspective.  

Wherever you direct your energy...the energy goes to that place. Here’s a little story to that end.

A man had saved his money his whole life in order to one day purchase the house of his dreams.  He achieves this, and he and his little kitty cat move into the house.  To his absolute horror he discovers that his new house is infested with rats! The man goes to the monk and asks what he should do.  The monk replies simply, “Feed the kitty.”  

Now what do you think the monk meant?  (I love this!  Little sticky note on bathroom mirror!)

If you give negativity all of your energy, for sure, you will continue to have the Black Crow on your shoulder for much of your life.  You have the power to re-direct your mind.  Do not allow the mind to drive you through your life.  YOU are the one in charge!

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July 2011
Yoga Philosophy of the Month: Yoga Therapy for Depression

Much has been written about the therapeutic effect of both meditation and yoga to alleviate symptoms of depression. Although the clinical research trials have been small to date, the evidence is clear. Focus directed toward the postures of yoga, in addition to or as a complement to meditation techniques, serve to balance the relationship between the brain and the body.

Neither are a quick fix, by the way. Although benefits can often be noted within a day or so, both meditation and yoga require a long-term commitment since they, very often, do not produce fast results. But if persistent, these practices of self-acceptance and calming of mind and body can be wonderful complementary remedies to get at the root of depression and aid in the healing process.

It has been estimated that fully 10% of the population will face a major depressive disorder during their lifetime. Older people are particularly at risk, as are teenagers. People with chronic illness and cancer also may fall prey to the illness. It is important to understand some of the causes of depression, and the types of depression, as well as their symptoms.

Understanding Depression – Symptoms
1. Decreased or increased appetite
2. Weight gain or weight loss
3. Difficulty sleeping, or sleeping too much
4. Agitation/restlessness or the exact opposite – no energy, listless,
chronically fatigued
5. Lack of concentration/inability to make decisions
6. Feelings of worthlessness, loss of hope, low self-esteem
7. Suicidal thought

The types of depression are categorized by their symptoms and the length of time that symptoms have persisted. Medical conditions and substance abuse may cause depression, and must be taken into consideration when diagnosing a depressive condition,

The most common type of Depression is called Reactive Depression (also called Adjustment Disorder)
This type of Depression may be due to a single traumatic event or life
circumstance (called Reactive Depression). Symptoms of this type of
depression are similar to other depressive disorders. The treatment may
involve talk sessions with a therapist or behavioural modification therapy. Due to the relationship between the symptoms and a specific stressor, there is more emphasis put on resolving the problem that created the stress. (Donald J. Franklin, Ph.D.) This may involve making concrete changes in the way one manages one’s life, and may require specific actions and decision making. (e.g. If job stress is resulting in depression, one may need to decide whether changing jobs is the most appropriate solution.) Often, people become depressed in reaction to psychosocial stressors when they don't believe a solution exists to their problem. In such cases, developing a reasonable solution is a key part of the treatment process.

This is where yoga comes in! We often are so wrapped up in following the same old routines and ways of doing things in our lives (called Samskaras in yoga) that we resist change no matter what. Better the devil we know than the devil we don’t know...or so we think. When we get quiet, and become still, our minds clear...and we are better able to ‘see’ areas of our lives which are creating stress and anxiety, fear and depression. The first step in change is to notice. The postures of yoga require our focus and mental concentration, and in so doing, they cause the Samskaras of the brain patterns to slow....and begin to bring about change.

A less common type of Depression is Bipolar Depression
This type of Depression is a complicated disorder complicated by episodes of depression alternating with manic episodes. Each individual has a unique pattern of mood cycles, combining both types of episodes, and for those patients and their families, it is a most distressing illness. Professional help is always advised in these cases. Bipolar depression tends to run in families, although a genetic link has not been found to date. While yoga may have a place in the long-term management of this disorder, chemical treatment and psychotherapy are the mainstay of the treatment regime. The symptoms of a manic episode are extreme irritability, feelings of euphoria, bizarre behaviour, extreme risk-taking, poor judgment and more. Patients are almost always in denial. It is important to note that this disorder CAN be successfully treated.

Interestingly, there is new research to support that the practice of the
physical postures of yoga (as opposed to breathing alone) brings about an elevated level of a naturally-occurring neurotransmitter in the body called GABA (gamma amino butyric acid.) GABA is the primary neurotransmitter known to counterbalance the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate, which in the case of anxiety and depression, is over-active. According to a study published recently in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, asanas increase GABA levels in the brain. Anxiety is associated with low GABA levels.

The study found that yoga participants had greater reductions in anxiety and greater improvements in mood than people who did other types of exercise, eg walking.. These mood improvements and reductions in anxiety were correlated to changes in GABA levels. The increase of activity in the GABA system found using yoga postures are similar to those found with medications.

This research is new, and is preliminary. However, its positive results not only warrant further research but begin to explain why yoga improves mood and decreases symptoms of anxiety and depression.

On a personal note, as many of you know, yoga has been a virtual life-saver for me, as depression has been a life-long struggle for me. It has helped to keep my mood lifted and light.

As always, if you have a personal story to share, we would be happy to hear. Depression is real. And it affects not only the person with the disorder, but everyone else in her or his life. It is time that it came out of the woodwork, and onto the mat!

by Maureen Rae, RN, E-RYT

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June 2011
Yoga Philosophy of the Month: Shauca

For most yogis, we are drawn initially to the practice by the wonderful poses – the asanas. Many people stay with this practice – which can be a meditation in and of themselves. With a multitude of physical and mental benefits. Yet, when asanas draw us deeper, and we begin to study the philosophical underpinnings of yoga, we begin to understand that yoga presents us with a clear path by which to pattern our lives. Although yoga is not a religion, per se, these same truths are part of most of the world’s major religions.

In the tradition of yoga, these truths are called Yamas and Niyamas. These pearls of wisdom were set out by an ancient sage, Patanjali, and it is by following them that we come closer to true freedom and to spiritual connection. Through the practice of the 5 Yamas and 5 Niyamas, we help to clear away the negative physical and mental states of being.

The truth that we shall discuss this month is one of the Niyamas (things to do – as opposed to things NOT to do) is Shauca..sometimes to referred to as Purity .

Certainly when we think of purity as it applies to the physical body, we know that we ought to keep our bodies clean, obtain adequate rest and eat fresh and healthy food. The practice of the physical poses will cleanse from the inside out.Yet Shauca goes further to implore us to move beyond our own physical body into the surroundings and our whole environment to strive for cleanliness,
orderliness and a return to nature’s own balance.

Patanjali further states that negative thought, negative talk, and negative action all work against this Niyama. He implores us to exchange positive thinking for dark thoughts. And to not engage in gossip or ill will by way of speech. Every action begins in the mind, and is many times manifested by saying it aloud. We are asked to turn away from darkness and to turn toward the light.

Where to begin? Where to begin? Well, one of the ways that we can begin is to begin de-cluttering our own personal surroundings – our home and perhaps our office. When we clear the outside space, the inner space begins to expand. Take a look around. What are you holding on to? The past is gone, and will never be here again. The past weighs on us — exhausts us, and prevents us from seeing what is.

This month, let us resolve together to give away or toss out 50 things. They need not be large things. Your closet is a good place to start, or that bedroom table that is burgeoning with books and magazines. Old emails not only take up space in your computer, but every time that you notice it, it drags you into the past or hurls you into the future. We’d be pleased to hear how giving up/giving away/clearing space makes you feel this month.

by Maureen Rae, RN, E-RYT

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May 2011
Yoga Philosophy of the Month: Our 6 Senses (Endryias) and a Personal Reflection on Kritajnata

Spring Greetings, Yogis!!    

Last month in our April Teaching, we were reflecting upon the many gifts with which we have been blessed during this lifetime.  I promised a personal story this month.  And so, here goes…
 
Most yogis are aware of the endriyas. These are the ten senses which help not only to keep us safe in our surroundings, but also serve to help us to learn about our world and all that is in it. The endriyas enable us to see, hear, taste, smell and feel.  As well, they enable us to speak, to move, to grasp, to eliminate and to reproduce.
 
The endriyas are divided into two categories – those which enable us to interact with the rich internal world inside us – they import knowledge. These are called the Jnanendryias.
 
The second category – Karmendriyas – enable us to export our thoughts, and actions and to move outwardly – to interact with the external world. They enable us to communicate with others and to fulfill our life’s work while we are here in this lifetime.

Here is a concise graph which will help to clarify.


Very soon after we come into this life the Jnanendriyas kick in. It is said that the sense of hearing is first to come in, and the last to leave…hence, admonitions against speaking ill of those in coma, or on their deathbed!  The sense of touch is said to be so well informed at birth, that an infant, when deprived of cuddling, will not thrive.   The ability to see is refined after a few weeks, as are the senses of taste and smell.
 
How blase we become!  How complacent we are about these most splendid gifts!   Perhaps, pause now to reflect now on the last thing that you truly smelled, tasted, touched, heard or saw – with your whole heart.  Even when we are ‘in the mud’ as referenced by last month’s teaching, we still are blessed!
 
How truly blessed I was became very evident about 3 years ago.  At that time, due to a chronic, unrelenting, and utterly miserable condition of sinusitis accompanied by polyps (small growths inside the sinus cavities), I lost both the sense of taste and that of smell.  Prior to that time, I truly enjoyed cooking, and of course eating!....but since then, these activities had become a real effort. (Interestingly, I chose food by its colour, by its texture – the feel of the food in my mouth - and by the memory of the taste.  Truly interesting.)    In spite of many many medications, specialists’ appointments, natural therapies, even surgery, everything remained as it was.  No smell.  No taste.  More importantly, I was told by all in the medical profession that there was an almost zero chance of recovery. There was no hope. (Heads shaking side to side!)  No.
 
However, being born an Aries, and by nature a stubborn, ankle-biting, driven person (!), I continued to search and most importantly, to hope, for something – anything - that would bring me back to full health.
 
This past January, after an especially bad episode of sinusitis, asthma and pneumonia – and a couple of trips to Emerg - two things happened which literally changed my life. I don’t know which it was…perhaps you can decide.  I saw a new doctor who prescribed one of the medications that I was already taking  - but in a different method of transport…..and I spoke with a healer – long distance – over the phone – in California.  A few days after these two events, I was in my kitchen placing ginger cookies on a platter ready to serve to the family, when I stopped short in my tracks… I THOUGHT I had smelled ginger!  And I did!  Since then, I am positively overjoyed at being able to both smell …. And taste!   In fact, I would have to say that I am smelling and tasting things I have never really smelled or tasted before!  I would have to say that I have been twice blessed.  
 
A miracle?  Maybe.  Or just a very inventive doctor.  Or both.  Possibly a miracle!? I don’t suppose I will ever really know for sure.
 
To say that I am grateful is to say the very least.  
 
Yogis… the message here is…..SAVOUR what you have.  And never give up HOPING for what you would like to have! 

by Maureen Rae, RN, E-RYT

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April 2011
Yoga Philosophy of the Month: Reflections on Gratitude - Kritajnata

If ever we were to be reminded that everything in life is temporary, the time appeared out of nowhere a few days ago in Japan. In the middle of a work day, a magnitude 8.9 earthquake (one of the biggest in history) struck. A tsunami ensued, washing everything in its path into the sea. In a few seconds, life as many people knew it to be, literally disappeared.  Such is the power of nature.

Such is the energy of the earth. A sobering start to this article, for sure. 

To that end, how many of us are fully, 110% cognizant of all that we have? If we began to list all the things in our lives that we currently have, we would run off the edge of this page, and many more after it. Yet, how many of us assume that we (and those that we love) will wake up the next morning, arrive home from school/work, that there will be food on the table, a place to sleep and possibly a little hug before nodding off?

Now, our intent here is not to frighten. The intention is to encourage us to open our eyes, become fully awake in this lifetime, and to fully see all that we have. And further, to practice being grateful. To give thanks. To Some One. Or Some Thing.  Whoever it is that you think is responsible for your being here on the earth today.

How caught up we are on the flurry of our today…Everyone is in a hurry. It is as if we are late for our lives. Blackberries, cell phones, computers have so helped to speed up our lives that we are no longer aware of hours, much less minutes, and seconds.  It is life that is happening while we are hurrying. Here is a practice to try.

Take 2 minutes a few times a day, and do the following:
1. Stop what you are doing.
2. Get still. And quiet. Turn off the cell phone, TV, etc.
3. Ask yourself these questions: Where am I?
    Who am I? How do I feel, now?
4. Follow up with a short prayer of thanks. Thanks for all we have.

There are references in yoga to those times in our lives when we are literally in upheaval. The saying is ‘Kundalini* Stirs the Mud.’ These are the times when the ground shakes, when the carpet is pulled out from beneath our feet, when we are flattened by life’s events. Gratitude helps to keep  our stability and balance in place so that we can ‘sit with’ the phenomena of passing waves when they occur – whether they are caused by waves of real water, or those of the mind – thoughts and emotions. We can prepare ourselves while times are calm, for those times of earthquakes and fear. Gratitude keeps us steady. And even. And smooth.

More next month on Gratitude – a personal story.

by Maureen Rae, RN, E-RYT

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March 2011
Yoga Philosophy of the Month: Mindfulness Meditation Goes Mainstream ...Magical or Mystical? 

Well, it’s a very good question! The answer is it is a lot of both! Meditation
methods can be seen to be as mystical…but the results are truly magical!
Meditation is being taught to deal with everything from physical pain and
disease, mental anxiety, eating disorders, and on and on.
Seems like we are living in extremely stressful times and Meditation offers
not just relief from stress, but builds qualities of the mind that will serve us
as we live out the rest of our lives.

Yogis have known since ancient times the amazing benefits of training the
mind, and now mainstream media is on board.

The Globe and Mail:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/meditation-alters-your-greymatter- studies-show/article1913697/
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/stressed-out-try-mindfulnessmeditation/ article1862270/

And CBC News:
http://ottawamindfulnessclinic.wordpress.com/2011/02/11/mindfulnessmeditation- and-mental-health-news-article-on-cbcs-the-journal/

Meditation to the public at large may still be visualized as a group of longhaired,
ill-washed, bearded types sitting in a circle, holding hands, and chanting incantations. Nothing could be further from the truth. At the studio we have students from literally every walk of life participating in classes. No special requirements are necessary…just bring yourself, and you are ready to go!

Mindfulness is a concept in Buddhism that refers to the quality of attention
that we pay to events. It is a trained ability to concentrate, pay attention,
observe and orient to an event….without reacting to the event. The ability is
to step back and simply experience the flow of thoughts going through the
mind, without reacting to them.

Mindfulness-based training builds qualities of mind like steadiness – the
ability to stay focused on a single event or situation … to find one’s centre at all times.

Pliabilty – the quality of flowing with and around life events without being laid low.

Concentration – the quality of seeing things as the really are and not as we would like them to be.

Spaciousness - a quality of simply being freer from fear, anxiety and worry
and feeling part and parcel of the world around us and beyond.

Practice of the postures of Yoga is one of the many ways in which we train
our minds to focus, stay with what we are doing, learn to accept our
limitations in the physical body and to work with them, and to loosen blocks
of energy in the body and mind that may have obstructed a healthy flow of
energy (prana.)

In the Buddhist Tradition, it is a given that we are all suffering…whether it
be emotionally, physically or mentally. Mindfulness meditation is a very
potent intervention which has lifetime effects on how we live our lives.

by Maureen Rae, RN, E-RYT

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February 2011
Yoga Philosophy of the Month: On Being Guided From Within 

Did you ever know anyone who was paralyzed by indecision? Maybe even you? Every day, every hour, every minute of our lives we are deciding. We are choosing. When to get up, what to wear, what to eat for breakfast and so on……every little thing involves a decision…a choice. I’m good with the little ones! It’s the big ones that are paralytic. Will I or won’t I? To be or not to be….glad to realize that even Shakespeare had some thoughts on making decisions! Racing thoughts, rational vs intuitive mind collide, creating confusion and murkiness. And so, I sit. Still. And remember that which yoga teaches us about decision-making. Early on in my yoga studies with my main (and amazing!) teacher, Erich Schiffmann, he shared his views on choosing….on deciding. Erich is a great believer in inner wisdom…that we already ‘know’ if only we would be still enough to ‘listen.’ He has a magical way of writing/teaching that makes the most complicated areas of life as clear as a tingshaw bell!

Here’s an example:“When you are in the store buying apples, for example, instead of choosing the ones you usually buy, pause inwardly for a moment and silently ask, "Should I buy red, green, or yellow apples today?" Buy the ones you are prompted to buy. Dare to do what your deepest impulses encourage you to do. Do this as many moments of the day as you can. Do it whenever you have a decision to make. The practice is: Ask, Listen, and Do. Ask for guidance, listen inwardly for your deepest impulses, and dare to do what these prompt you to do.” Do this with the small things in life…and then when the big things come along, you will be well-practiced.

For Erich’s full article on being guided from within, please go to http://www.movingintostillness.com/book/meditation_divine_guidance.html

by Maureen Rae, RN, E-RYT

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January 2011
Yoga Philosophy of the Month: Resolve to Evolve! The Four Cardinal Virtues

I started to put together the blurb for this Newsletter...and then came across a wonderful article by Dr. Wayne Dyer. I think it is perfect for the start of a New Year. At a time when many people take stock of their lives, and find that they are not so happy with their situation, many resolve to change. The more
that we can remind ourselves of the Four Cardinal Virtues, the more likely we are to stay on track with our well-intentioned resolutions. And the more we will begin to evolve. The article....SOME 2,500 YEARS AGO, Lao-tzu spoke of “the four cardinal virtues” and noted that when we practice them as a way of life, we come to know and access the truth of the universe. These four virtues don’t represent external dogma, but a part of our original nature—by practicing them, we realign with Source and access the powers that Source energy has to offer. According to the teachings of Lao-tzu, the four cardinal virtues represent the surest way to leave habits and excuses behind and reconnect to your original nature. The more your life is harmonized with the four virtues, the less you’re controlled by the uncompromising ego.

The First Cardinal Virtue: Reverence for All Life

The first cardinal virtue manifests in your daily life as unconditional love and respect for all beings in creation. This includes making a conscious effort to love and respect yourself, as well as to remove all judgments and criticisms. Understand that you are a piece of God, and since you must be like what you
came from, you are lovable, worthy, and Godlike. Affirm this as often as you can, for when you see yourself in a loving way, you have nothing but love to extend outward. And the more you love others, the less you need old excuse patterns, particularly those relating to blame.

The Second Cardinal Virtue: Natural Sincerity

This virtue manifests itself as honesty, simplicity, and faithfulness; and it’s summed up by the popular reminder to be true to yourself. Using an excuse to explain why your life isn’t working at the level you prefer isn’t being true to yourself—when you’re completely honest and sincere, excuses don’t even enter into the picture. The second virtue involves living a life that reflects choices that come from respect and affection for your own nature. Make truth your most important attribute. Walk your talk; that is, become sincere and honest in all that you say and do.
If you find this to be a challenge, take a moment to affirm: I no longer need to be insincere or dishonest. This is who I am, and this is how I feel. When you know and trust yourself, you also know and trust the Divinity that created you. If you live from honesty, sincerity, and faithfulness to the callings of your spirit,
you’ll never have occasion to use excuses.

The Third Cardinal Virtue: Gentleness

This virtue personifies one of my favorite and most frequently employed maxims: “When you have the choice to be right or to be kind, always pick kind.” So many of your old thinking habits and their attendant excuses come out of a need to make yourself right and others wrong. When you practice this third virtue, you
eliminate conflicts that result in your need to explain why you’re right. This virtue manifests as kindness, consideration for others, and sensitivity to spiritual truth.

Gentleness generally implies that you no longer have a strong egoinspired
desire to dominate or control others, which allows you to move into a rhythm with the universe. You cooperate with it, much like a surfer who rides with the waves instead of trying to overpower them. Gentleness means accepting life and people as they are, rather than insisting that they be as you are. As you practice living this way, blame disappears and you enjoy a peaceful world.

The Fourth Cardinal Virtue: Supportiveness

This virtue manifests in your life as service to others without any expectation of reward. Once again, when you extend yourself in a spirit of giving, helping, or loving, you act as God acts. As you consider the many excuses that have dominated your life, look carefully at them—you’ll see that they’re all focused on the ego: I can’t do this. I’m too busy or too scared. I’m unworthy. No one will
help me. I’m too old. I’m too tired. Now imagine shifting your attention off of yourself and asking the universal mind How may I serve? When you do so, the message you’re sending is: I’m not thinking about myself and what I can or can’t have. Your attention is on making someone else feel better.

The greatest joy comes from giving and serving, so replace your habit of focusing exclusively on yourself and what’s in it for you. When you make the shift to supporting others in your life, without expecting anything in return, you’ll think less about what you want and find comfort and joy in the act of giving and serving. The four cardinal virtues are a road map to the simple truth of
the universe. To revere all of life, to live with natural sincerity, to practice gentleness, and to be in service to others is to replicate the energy field from which you originated.

Wayne W. Dyer, Ph.D., is an internationally renowned author and speaker in the field of self-development. Wayne holds a doctorate in educational counseling from Wayne State University and was an associate professor at St. John’s University in New York. Visit: www.DrWayneDyer.com

by Maureen Rae, RN, E-RYT

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September 1st, 2010
Yoga Philosophy of the Month: The Cortisol Connection

A few months ago our studio offered a 7 am Meditation Class with the focus on relieving stress. We were very surprised at the number of students that registered for this offering - especially since it was so early in the day! When the session ended many of the students gave us so much positive feedback as to how it ‘set them up for the day with a clear head’, ‘looked forward to it each week’, ‘when will you be offering this again?’.....etc. What we did not expect to hear was that the meditation sessions seemed to be having an affect on eating habits - lessening craving for sweets, and carbohydrates. We decided to study this further.
 
Let me begin by saying that many of us are living at the Speed of Light.
 
We know this...everything has to be had, or done, RIGHT NOW. Bosses, Blackberries and Media Bullies .....we are running at full speed through our lives. We cannot go any faster for much longer.  Something will need to give. And, of course, people’s lives are now beginning to unravel. Stress, as everyone knows, makes one feel miserable...on every level....mentally, physically, and spiritually. There is much clear medical evidence to support this. The medical experts tell us that the higher the stress level, the higher the body’s Cortisol level.  Hmmm. Let’s consider Cortisol and it’s role in the body. It can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on how much is present and where it hangs out, and how long it sticks around. Exposure to unrelenting stress leads to unrelenting and long-lived Corisol levels. This substance is secreted by the adrenal glands in response to perceived danger (stress) - whether real or not. (Adrenal glands overlie the kidneys in the back body.) Cortisol is responsible for many physical reactions in the body - acting on the Sympathetic Nervous System to supposedly ‘keep us safe’ by speeding up heart rate, pumping up blood pressure, moving blood to the major muscle groups of the body, etc...keeping us in fight or flight mode. You can see how this would be a good thing were we continually presented with a saber-toothed tiger! But, the body doesn’t know the difference between a tiger and a deadline. It just responds by pumping more Cortisol. Normally, Cortisol fluctuates regularly throughout the day with the highest levels in the am and the lowest in the pm. However, there are many
variables.....as we know.
 
The Really Bad News.
What is not so well known about Cortisol is that it talks to the fat cells in the body, and magically turns skinny little fat cells into giant containers of the gelatinous stuff. Especially those around the belly button area. Call it what you will - a beer belly, or a muffin top......this is the handiwork of Cortisol. Cortisol also leads to osteoporosis, fibromyalgia and a whole host of other ailments. 

In short, Cortisol is The Evil Master Hormone that wrecks your life!
 
Now for The Good News !
We can counter act the effects of chronic stress and cortisol. To this end, at the studio this fall we are very excited to announce that we have shifted our schedule to include specific Cortisol-Balancing Programs: Two Meditation Classes, an Early AM Yoga class specific for business types, a Women’s Weight Workout Class, and ZUMBA!
 
Please view the flyers on our site for more information. We can see the Cortisol levels of our students already waving the white flag of truce! We fully recognize the impact of stress and elevated Cortisol levels and are pleased to present our Fall Schedule with specific stress-reducing programs. 

by Maureen Rae, RN, E-RYT

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August 1st, 2010
Yoga Philosophy of the Month: Loneliness

No, this is not a Sanskrit word.  This is an English word that is defined as a feeling in which people experience a strong sense of emptiness and solitude. Loneliness is often compared to feeling empty, unwanted, and unimportant. Someone who is lonely may find it hard to form strong interpersonal relationships . One of the first recorded uses of the word "lonely" was in William Shakespeare 'sCoriolanus  , "Though I go alone, like a lonely dragon..." Act IV Scene 1.
How well Shakespeare put it.

Over the past few weeks I have become very aware of many people who are lonely and in need of contact with others.  And so, our Yoga Philosophy of the Month is being put on hold for a bit.  Poets, songwriters, playwrights, artists from all walks of life have expressed their feelings of loneliness in verse, song, drama and paint since the beginning of recorded time.  This month we are asking everyone who reads this letter to sit with this thought for a bit, and to recognize those in our daily lives who may be in need.
 
We are asking this month to be a month where everyone REACHES OUT to at least one person. You CAN make a huge difference to the quality of someone’s life.  In the yogic tradition, we do not expect self-gratification for this action. Our aim is to include others, to ease the path of someone who may be suffering (often in silence.)  I could go on and talk about loneliness and it’s very close ties to depression. Only recently we lost one of our studio members to suicide.  We did not know that this person was so lonely.  The pain of living was too great.  We needed to open our eyes, and to REACH OUT.  Read more on our website this month as we try to reach out to you our members with some special classes in August.
For Example:

KIDS FREE DURING AUGUST!
8 – 16 Years
Must be accompanied by an adult!
(Excluded in the Kids’ Offer: Yin Yoga 9:30 Fridays)

YIN YOGA
FRIDAYS AT 9:30
If this is your first Yin Yoga Class, try it for FREE!
 
If you wish to send us an email to let us know that you REACHED OUT, we will be logging responses! And will report in the September Newsletter!

by Maureen Rae, RN, E-RYT

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June 1st, 2010
Yoga Philosophy of the Month: Kama

This month we are back on track focusing on the Four Aims of Human Life ­ The Purusharthas.

In March and April we discussed the first two Aims ­ Dharma and Artha.
Dharma, briefly explained, is all that is undertaken by an individual ­ in harmony with the moral and ethical principles (Yamas & Niyamas).

Artha refers to wealth and security. Wealth, because the human needs to uphold his dharma and take care of the needs of his family and community. (For more information on these two Aims, please refer to our March and April newsletters)

And so, we arrive at Kama. Kama is pleasure, joy, fun! Having acquired some money and some security, the next step for everyone is to use this money for comforts, enjoyments and fulfillment of duties, desires & responsibilities. However, there is a caveat. Acquisition of objects simply for the sake of satisfying a desire is not part of Kama. The idea is to enjoy the blissful feeling that accompanies the acquisition of the object. The moment that an object begins giving the opposite experience, this is the time to let go of the object.

Kama is often referred to as love, and sometimes given much attention as sexual pleasure.

It is very easy to see that in this day and age, Artha and Kama are the stand-outs! There is no harm in these Purusharthas as they are needed for the ultimate fulfillment of our lives. However, the pursuit of money and pleasure should not become the only aims of our lives.

The ancient teachings of yoga ask us to strive to keep pursuit of money and pleasure in line with commitment to family, community and self - all the while observing the ethical and moral principles of yamas and niyamas.

by Maureen Rae, RN, E-RYT

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May 1st, 2010
My Rant: HST

The usual yoga philosophy blurb that appears in this space has been postponed till June!

Of immediate importance, I am going to take this opportunity to draw myself up to my full height of 5’, 4” (have no idea what this is in metric measurement), jump on my tiny soapbox, and rant about the upcoming new Ontario tax grab called the Harmonized Sales Tax.

On July 1, the new HST will become law in Ontario. What this means is that almost every little thing will now be subject to a 13% tax. This is a HUGE increase over the previous 5% GST which has been effect on most sales. The new HST tax will now be applicable to fitness, health and yoga studios. Premier McGuinty has – once again – pulled ‘a fast one’ on the unsuspecting tax payers of Ontario…..….and we – good, non-questioning, acquiescent Canadians that we are, have neglected to stand up and be heard.

Not only will basic amenities such as gas and hydro costs rise, but those of us who take our health and mental balance seriously, are going to be penalized for doing so. The HST will now apply to all yoga studios and health clubs.

Premier McGuinty recently back-tracked extremely quickly on his new proposal for sex education in schools - mainly due to the huge public outcry. Why have we Ontarians not made a lot of noise about this new tax? Where we were paying only 5% GST previously, there will be an 8% additional tax added, and further, fully 17% of the purchases that we now do not pay taxes on are going to be taxed….

It is not too late to have this tax repealed. But everyone needs to be heard!!! Please visit the following link to sign the petition, and to learn more about this most unfair tax grab.

http://www.unfairtaxgrab.com/home.html

by Maureen Rae, RN, E-RYT

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April 1st, 2010
Yoga Philosophy: Teaching of the Month.
ARTHA

Last month in this section we introduced the concept of the
Purushthas; the Four Aims of Life.

1. Dharma (duty, ethics)
2. Artha (prosperity, wealth)
3. Kama (pleasure, sensual gratification)
4. Moksha (the pursuit of liberation)
   

We went on to explain a little about the first aim or ‘pillar’ - Dharma. Ones Dharma is our life-path/purpose. The purpose being one of knowing or seeking to know what our purpose is here on this earth while striving to be the BEST person that we can be – in every aspect. To read our articles on Dharma and Artha – the first of the Purushthas, please email us for the newsletters from February and April.

Now, let us keep in mind that as we read these teachings, It is clear, that the Four Main Stages of Life were originally designed for males and did not include women. Traditional Hinduism, in order to better understand the second aim or ‘pillar’ of the Purushthas, the concept of Artha, it is necessary to back up a little and to fill in a some background information about the Hindu concept of the Four Stages of Life. Many religions place women in a dependent role. In a traditiona view, women always need the protection of a responsible male, whether father, husband or adult son. This does not mean that women have no religious life. On the contrary, women are actively involved in worship, both in support of their family and on their own. On the one hand, a married woman is responsible for carrying out many of the domestic rites along with her husband.

Many rituals cannot be performed with her involvement or in some instances leadership. On the other hand, women are often active practitioners of forms of Bakhti Yoga, that is, the worship of the gods and goddesses.

In the modern period, this subordination has begun to change and women have gained more active roles in public life. Indira Ghandi,
for instance, was a Prime Minister of India for many years
(women have yet to gain a corresponding position as in North America). As women achieve more and more prominence, the teachings of Hinduism are altering to become more inclusive of women. We can certainly see as we read on that the Four Stages of Life apply equally to women as to men!

So, briefly, The Four Stages of Life are:

1. Student – period of time in which one acquires knowledge
2. Householder - period of time where one sets up a household with a partner and establishes him/herself in a career. Caretaker of family and community.
3. Retiring Person. Release of career duties. No longer
   responsible for maintaining family leadership. Beginning to contemplate end of life. The elderly are held in esteem and are honoured members of the family.
4. Ascetic. Rejection of life. Acceptance of death.
   

Stage 1 is thought to be that of the Student. In this stage of life, traditionally a boy between the ages of 8 and 12 would be expected to go and live and study with a teacher or guru for several years. He would learn the sacred texts of Hinduism and various rituals. Girls, of course, would be kept at home and would help with the household tasks.

The 2nd Stage of life is that of the Householder. This stage would infer that the person is no longer dependent on his/her parents but is setting up his own home, getting married, raising a family, and starting a career. It is thought that this stage corresponds to the time of life when the physical powers are at their peak. If you view the Four stages of Life as paralleling a day, then the student stage is the morning and the householder stage is noon, the peak, the apex of one’s energies. During this stage interests and energies turn outwards in three directions:
family, vocation, and the community. A person’s “attention will be divided between the three. This is the time for satisfying the first three human wants: pleasure, primarily through marriage and family; success, through vocation (Artha); and duty, through civic participation.”

Hinduism says that it is perfectly appropriate to satisfy these needs at this stage of one’s life. It does not advocate denial and asceticism. It basically says that it is natural to want pleasure and success, and as long as one also fulfils one’s duties, seeking these things is not frowned upon.

With this background information then, the second of the Purushthas is Artha. Artha is defined as wealth and material possession. Artha is the duty of a person in the second stage of life, the householder stage, the Householder Stage. During this stage a person strives to accumulate as much success and wealth as possible, without being greedy, to help, and to support, his family. To ensure a comfortable and secure lifestyle for his family so that they, in turn, may move forward to seek their life’s purpose. We can easily see where not striving to ensure family stability – where shirking one’s responsibility to family would have the descendants end up living in poverty with few opportunities to pursue Dharma. So, this is Artha. Please note the words in italics – without being greedy. How backwards we seem to have it in our society where MORE is seen to be the main goal of living! The teachings of Yoga would have it that yes, we do need to accumulate enough to support ourselves and our family, with hopefully some left over to support the community. But....when is enough enough?

It is important to remember that Yoga also teaches us to divide our energies equally between vocation/family/pleasure. ………….. Something to meditate upon.

In next month’s teaching, we will write about the third pillar of
the Purushthas....Kama – pleasure.

What is it that YOU need to do today to balance your life energies?

by Maureen Rae, RN, E-RYT

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March 1st, 2010
Yoga Philosophy: Teaching of the Month.
Purusharthas

Harmony is the coming together of the different elements that
constitute a coherent whole.

Balance is the basic and the most fundamental aim behind the practice of yoga - whether your practice is physical as in the doing of the postures (asanas), whether it is mainly breathing, or meditation, chanting - hot or cold, strong or soft….the aim is the same. To find that elusive balance where life is easy (well, easier!) and we can abide in a sense of freedom and ease. Where the energies of our body/mind are free-flowing throughout. Where do we start? Over the next four newsletters we will take a look at an underlying, all-important philosophy surrounding the practice of yoga. That of the Purusharthas - or the FOUR AIMS OF LIFE. Each month, for the next four months, we will try to describe what these four aims are, and to give you tips on how to practice.

The Four Aims are:

1. Dharma (duty, ethics)
2. Artha (prosperity, wealth)
3. Kama (pleasure, sensual gratification)
4. Moksha (the pursuit of liberation)

Let's begin at the beginning (which is the only logical place to begin!) with Dharma. Dharma is said to be life's purpose. Do you know what your life's purpose is? It is said that each one of us is here on this planet for a purpose…that we each have been given a set of special skills and talents by which we can achieve what we have been put here to do. As Douglas Brooks, a professor of religious studies at the University of Rochester states…"the cosmos is all laid out for you: your job is to get with the program."

Dharma begins with that which gives life a scaffolding - a structure.
Pursuing your Dharma begins with all the little things that we do each day to live us energy to continue. Proper food, proper rest, proper surround, proper work. This takes continual effort. But by being at our healthy best we can then continue to pursue our life's work.

For some of us our Dharma is certain. Others may have yet to have our path made clear. Here in the Western world, we have many more choices than perhaps are available in other parts of the world so our Dharma may be a little more elusive. But, yoga teaches us that Dharma, nonetheless, is what it is all about.

Ethics play a big part while keeping an eye out for Dharma. The way that we live our life involves being the BEST person that we can be…(I sound like Oprah here!)….being the best partner, the best son or daughter, the best mom or dad, the best friend, the best employer, or employee, and on and on. Giving consistent thought to whether the things that we are doing are serving our highest purpose. This is where yoga has a lot to say about how we live our lives…the yamas and niyamas provide a strong construct for us.

So to sum up,
whether or not you know what your Dharma is,
keep your eyes open,
follow what you love and
keep practicing!

by Maureen Rae, RN, E-RYT

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February 1st, 2010
Yoga Philosophy: Teaching of the Month.
Asmita - I-am-ness

Lonely. Separate. Disconnected. This is the feeling that is associated with the concept of Asmita. The ancient Sage Patanjali tells us that this feeling leads us to identify with the body, mind and possessions and keeps us apart from others. We begin to identify ourselves with our ego. We can create a self-image of ourselves that we believe is us, but it is not us. Yoga teaches us that the self is different from the ego. This self-image can contain both external (I am poor) or internal (I am a bad person) false projections.

In Indian philosophy, the true nature of man consists of a divine kernel, which is in itself pure and infinite. This true nature is called Atman, the world-soul, which all living beings share and which is the source of life.

As we experience life, we begin the journey through the senses - the eyes, ears, nose, mouth and skin - and this sensory world begins to drag us away from our true nature.. We begin to strive for more of what brings us pleasure - material things, pleasurable acts and thoughts. We begin to confuse this 'self' (really EGO) as the true self. In this ignorance we can easily lose our anchor and our foundation.

We can see Asmita acted out every day in ourselves, in our families, in our colleague, even in our studios. When people purport themselves to be something other than what they are, this is Asmita. They can either pump themselves up, or put themselves down. A false view of self.

Yoga teaches us that one of the ways in which to overcome Asmita is in the act of generous sharing. To give rather than to strive to acquire. What better month of the year - February - than to give from the heart?! The point isn't so much what we give or how much we give...the point is that we loose our habit of clinging - and acquiring. We reverse the process!

Yoga teaches us that we are not here on this planet to simply please ourselves. We are not meant to live in a vacuum. We are part of a much larger community. Tibetan Buddhism teaches us that we are here to ease the suffering of others. One of the ways that we can do this is by giving. At our studio during the month of February, students are asked to take part in a self-challenge of giving a gift every day of this month. More information on this wonderful practice can be had in Cami Walker's book entitled "29 Gifts. How a Month of Giving Can Change Your Life."

Gifts need not be large and may be made to anyone - family, friend or a stranger - a simple smile, giving a dollar to a street person, holding the door for someone. Preparation of food, dusting furniture, washing dishes can all selfless acts of giving - when viewed in that way. Your full attention to someone while really listening to them is perhaps the most precious gift that you can give.

To participate in the self-challenge in a more formal way, please download the tracking form (Word, 1.5 Mb) which will allow you to note down what you freely gave away each day, and then to reflect on the feeling that giving engenders inside you. At the end of the month, you may wish to reflect on, and integrate the teachings of this practice. No one will see this form except for you!

Questions to ask at the end of the month:

• What have I learned about myself as a result of this month-long practice?
• What have I learned about others?
• Is there a separation between the one who gives and the one who receives?
• Is it possible to find the place where there is no sense of giver, receiver, or gift, but simply of giving and loving?
  

by Maureen Rae, RN, E-RYT

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January 1st, 2010
Yoga Philosophy: Teaching of the Month.
Sangha.

by Maureen Rae, RN, E-RYT

The most learned Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh writes that in our society much of our suffering comes from feeling disconnected from one another. That we do not feel a real connection even with people we live close to, our neighbours, our coworkers, and even our family members. Certainly the advent of the computer has played a large part in this feeling of separation and isolation, where we spend hours each day face to face with a machine. Many of our family members are spread out over long distances, and we see them not often enough. Maintaining friendships/relationships requires work – the effort of trust, compassion and real listening. And the offering of the most precious gift of all – your presence.

To flourish in our lives, we need connection with others.

Recently our studio yogis have been practicing a Buddhist technique which has made quite a change – and a big difference in our lives. We thought to share it with you this month during which time ‘change’ is often thought about, but rarely embraced whole-heartedly.

Whenever people of like minds come together, this is called a Sangha. Sanghas can be everywhere - in our families, in our workplace, in our neighborhood, in our studios…wherever people come together for similar or like purpose. It’s important to note that Sanghas are like gardens – with plants, flowers and trees of different species, heights, colours, times of bloom, big, small, etc….just like people! One plant (person) is simply a plant or a person – by itself, alone. Two plants (people) become a garden. Yet every plant in the garden is special and unique unto itself – yet connected…to each other….to form a garden…or in the case of people, a community – a Sangha.

Each person in our Sangha has unique gifts to offer, and also unique needs. When we can appreciate these gifts, and also the areas that need attention, we can help the others to feel special, and to feel cared for. We can help our garden to flourish.

Here’s our practice. The name of this practice is called Second Body System as described by Thich Van Nanh. It can take as little as a minute, or as long as you like.

Your First Body is your self. Your Second Body is another person who you look after as an extension of yourself. If you are my Second Body, then I am your Caring Friend. Everyone sits in a circle, and has the person to their immediate right be their Second Body. In this way, everyone has someone to look after, and everyone is looked after by someone else. We try to feel very connected to our Second Body, as if he/she is a part of ourself, and we want to pay attention to and care for this person. So if your Second Body is not well, we find out how we can assist him/her, often just by offering your undivided presence. Often just by sitting together, by breathing together, or by simply Listening with your Whole Heart. Sometimes a few words of kindness are needed, and at other times, dwelling in your own island of conscious breathing is the best support for your friend.

This practice of Second Body helps us to stay connected with those around us, and also helps us to clearly understand how all people of Earth are part of our garden/Sangha.

All One.

"Unity is the reality; separateness the illusion. The nearer we come to reality, the nearer we come to unity of heart. Sympathy, compassion, kindness are modes of this unity of heart, whereby we rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep."
From the book Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by Charles Johnston.

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December 1st, 2009
Yoga Philosophy: Teaching of the Month.
Kritajnata.

by Maureen Rae, RN, E-RYT

The Practice of Gratefulness and Appreciation

Kritjnata is defined as having a feeling of gratitude and appreciation toward other living beings and things (plants and animals) that have been helpful to us. It is this feeling which is at the basis of a law in India which prevents the killing of cows. Indeed, even the dust that a cow kicks up as it passes, is revered! We have so much for which to be thankful. Let us pause at the end of this year to give thanks to all beings/things who have made this year one in which to be thankful.

Consistently Expressing Sincere and Heartfelt Gratitude For What You Already Have Is The Underlying and Often Overlooked Force Which Opens Doors To Immeasurable Abundance and Happiness.

As this will be the last Newsletter of 2009, we thought to share with you some of our own Thank You's of this past year. We are grateful for our eighth year at the studio - and to see so many new yogis in our classes. We thank you, our students, for making the time in your life to find out, and to bring out the very best in yourself.

We thank our teachers for their ongoing dedication to our students, and for their continuing commitment to furthering their own knowledge of yoga. We especially thank our teachers for their very fine teaching of classes that were not their own over the past few months - where they filled in for other teachers who had to be absent. We have had our share of our own and family illness, moving challenges, and work-related issues.

Maureen is especially grateful for the invitations this year that have come from across Canada to instruct new teachers of yoga. During the past year alone, over 300 students have taken training in Calgary, Regina, Moose Jaw, Winnipeg, Kingston, Halifax and Moncton and of course, Toronto. Recently, the Canadian Armed Forces has become aware of the enormous benefits of yoga to their enlisted men and women. As a result Maureen is introducing yoga to 11 new yogis in the military at CFB Borden later this year.

Yoga is indeed spreading like wildfire. Imagine….If every yoga teacher brings yoga to 10 new individuals each year, imagine the collective result!

"He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has." - Epictetus

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November 1st, 2009
Yoga Philosophy: Teaching of the Month.
Saucha.

by Maureen Rae, RN, E-RYT

 
No, this is not a tea-pot!
It is a Neti Pot!
Please read on……

It seems particularly appropriate at this time to turn to alternative medicine to look for ways to keep healthy. For many centuries, yogis have practiced rituals for cleansing the body….(the yogic practice of Saucha….purity.) Some of these practices are rather far-fetched (!), but here’s one that is extremely practical. Read on…

Nasal irrigation or nasal lavage is the personal hygiene practice in which the nasal cavity is washed to flush out excess mucus and debris from the nose and sinuses. It has been practiced in India for centuries as one of the disciplines of yoga. Clinical testing has shown that this practice is safe and beneficial with no significant side effects….and has been actively promoted by Oprah Winfrey! Nasal irrigation in a wider sense can also refer to the use of saline nasal spray or nebulizers to moisten the mucus membranes.

The simplest technique is to snort water from cupped hands. Spraying the solution into the nostrils is more convenient, but also less effective. The most effective methods ensure that the liquid enters through one nostril and then either runs out of the other nostril or goes through the nasal cavity to the back of the throat from where it may be spat out. The necessary pressure comes from gravity, from squeezing a plastic bottle or a syringe, or from an electrical pump. Warm salt water is commonly used, often with sodium bicarbonate as a buffering agent. The water and additives serve to flush the sinus regions and helps to displace bacteria.
Bacteria love to hang out in dark, damp places, and what better place than the sinuses?! Especially now, during this active flu season, why not give a Neti Pot a try? The first time you use it, you will feel like you are under water….but as one new user said just the other day…”Wow! You would be surprised at what is up there!”

Most Drug stores carry the Neti Pot! They usually come with the prepackaged packets of mix. For an online demo, please go to:
http://www.5min.com/Video/Learn-about-Neti-Pot-114223554

Saucha is purity that operates on many levels. We aspire to cleanliness for our bodies by washing ourselves, maintaining clean and orderly homes, eating healthy food and drinking clean water. We aspire to cleanliness in our minds and speech by not polluting our minds or speech with negativity or grasping after emotionally and physically charged obsessions. In other words, we find a balance that gives us a way to feel ourselves as clean and clear. As are the other yamas and niyamas, saucha is a pre-condition for experiencing the fullness of yoga and attaining enlightenment.

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October 1st, 2009
Yoga Philosophy: Teaching of the Month.
Vikalpa and Kalpana.

by Maureen Rae, RN, E-RYT

Thought we would diverge this month from the more basic traditional teachings, and ponder a little about the current state of affairs about the ‘upcoming plagues’ – flu and H1N1. And then to look at this from a yogic perspective.

The doom-sayers are certainly at the forefront of the media these days, predicting that many of us will fall ill this season. To vaccinate, or not to vaccinate, that is the question. And with what vaccine? And when? And who?

Oh, my.

While we remain watchful, and more than a little skeptical of the ‘approaching pandemic,’I think it is prudent to take some precautions.

Yoga, as we know, has many ways to overcome the obstacles to dharma (life purpose.) One of the obstacles, it would seem, may be illness. So let’s focus first on down-home remedies to boost the all-important immune system this fall/winter.

Individuals with compromised immune function seem to be the most likely to develop more severe symptoms – the very young, the very old, the chronically ill. Yet, there are some cases of young adults as well who have fallen ill.

First (and foremost), take a look at your diet! Fresh fruits, vegetables are recommended. Avoid processed, chemically laden foods.

Wash your hands. Often. The backs of the hands, too. And your wrists. And clean under your fingernails.

For now, when you meet someone, maybe NOT shake hands! A big smile is even better!

Change your towel linens frequently. Have a different towel for everyone in the house.

Avoid exposure to chemical pollutants – whether in the home or workplace or environment, heavy metals, chemical solvents, household cleaning products.

Limit your intake of caffeine, alcohol and pharmaceuticals – especially over-the-counter, self-prescribed drugs. Of course, no one is smoking these days!

Get enough rest. Adults need 8 – 9 hours per day. Teenagers and children need more.

Reduce your stress level. YES YOU CAN! How fast CAN you go after all? What’s the prize at the end of the race? Yoga can help!

Negative emotions. Seems these days that anger, fear, frustration, envy and hatred are more common than happiness contentment, compassion and love. Yoga again.

Sneeze/cough into your sleeve. Not on everybody else. If you are sick, stay home from work. Please do not come to the studio!

Positive Affirmation. Every day, recite “I am a healthy and contented person.”

Interestingly, September’s issue of Yoga Journal has an excellent article written by Sally Kempton, on just this subject! Visualize you being healthy! And this is where more of the subtleties of yoga come into play.

Vikalpa and Kalpana are both Sanskrit words for imagination.
Sally writes “Vikalpas are basic mental fantasies, and these account for most of our imaginative experiences. Vikalpas are the images, thoughts and mental static that play randomly in the mind. In fact, most of the contents of your mind belong in this category.” (Mental images of things that have not yet happened.) “Yogic texts war against falling for these stories, and they all have the same advice: Let the vikalpas go. Classical yoga practice aims to dissolve them. Through meditative focus, we can begin to recognize them as simply empty thoughts – not real. (Just fanciful bits of energy that run through our minds…a Lot!)

With Kalpanas, we enter the realm of deliberate creation. A kalpana is an INTENTIONAL mental image. Because of this, it is more more purposeful and powerful than an idea or uncontrolled vikalpa or daydream, (or nightmare). Kalpanas are the foundation of human art and science, mythology, religious constructs, political and military strategies and the fictions that sometimes seem to drive our culture. Since kalpanas can take on a life of their own (those who write fiction know that moment when the characters start speaking for themselves,) we often find we have to untangle the threads of what seems at first like an innocent mental creation. Thus the saying “Be careful of what you wish for!”

We have lot of exposure nowadays to the idea of using the imagination to create what we wish to happen. Research has shown that these imaginations are good for our health and even for developing skills – athletes creating a ‘win’ in their minds - they see, feel, hear themselves with the gold medal in their hand! Before the actual event. We can, by repeating and taking part in the fantasies, make them happen!

This fall and winter, let’s Think Ourselves Into Wellness. Imagine you in a state of healthful balance where your energies are all flowing in an unobstructed way.

So, all the above is a pre-amble to Do yoga! Move your body. Move that negative energy outta there!


Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured. ~B.K.S. Iyengar

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September 1st, 2009
Yoga Philosophy: Teaching of the Month.

by Maureen Rae, RN, E-RYT

In our July and August Newsletters we wrote about what the Tradition of Yoga has to say about ways to overcome the obstacles to Yoga. Let’s keep keep in mind that the word Yoga does not refer merely to the physical poses of Yoga, but rather to the liberty – the freedom – that comes from practicing ALL the 8 steps of Yoga – ethical and moral restraints, postures, breath, and one-pointedness meditation.)

To review, the obstacles were listed as:

• Illness
• Languor (mental dullness)
• Doubt (negativity, skepticism)
• Heedlessness (lack of foresight)
• Sloth (laziness - fatigue)
• Dissipation (overindulgence)
• False views (living under illusion - inability to face reality)
• Lack of perseverance (giving up or not finishing what we’ve begun)
• Instability or regression
  

The tradition shows us ways in which we can overcome these obstacles.

These are listed as:

• Uppeka - Equanimity
• Mudita – Gladness
• Maitri - Friendliness
• Daya - Compassion

To date, we have written about Uppeka and about Mudita. (See past newsletters.) This month we shall muse on Daya (or Daia) which means Compassion.

Daya is a fundamental teaching in Yoga. It is the opposite of Himsa – violence. It is deeper than having sympathy for others, or to have pity on. And it is more positive in sentiment. So rather than feeling like we are so very sorry for the other person, and having pity for them, and making ourselves sad, too, we can choose to take the suffering onto ourselves in the belief that by doing so this will not only alleviate others’ unhappiness, but will help us to feel more friendliness, equanimity and gladness. So, Daya has many positive qualities to it as well. Helping others to lighten their emotional and spiritual load can only mean that we will allow all of our hearts to shine more brightly!

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”
The Dalai Lama

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August 3rd, 2009
Uppeka - Equanimity

by Maureen Rae, RN, E-RYT

Last month we wrote about the nine distractions of our consciousness - ways of thinking that can keep us from reaching a place of contentment. In the yogic view, these are:

• Illness
• Languor (mental dullness)
• Doubt (negativity, skepticism)
• Heedlessness (lack of foresight)
• Sloth (laziness - fatigue)
• Dissipation (overindulgence)
• False views (living under illusion - inability to face reality)
• Lack of perseverance (giving up or not finishing what we’ve begun)
• Instability or regression
  

We offered up a little information on how to overcome these hazards…again, in the yogic view. The Yoga Sutras cite four main ways (there are others!) to detour around the obstacles. These are:

1. Friendliness
2. Compassion
3. Gladness
4. Equanimity
   
   

Suggestions were made last month as to go about building our Gladness Muscle. This month, let’s talk a little about Equanimity.

Equanimity, or Upekkha in Sanskrit, meaning “to look over,” is one of the most sublime emotions of Buddhist practice. It is the ground for wisdom and freedom and the protector of compassion and love. While some may think of equanimity as dry neutrality or cool aloofness, mature equanimity produces a radiance and warmth of being. The Buddha described a mind filled with equanimity as "abundant, exalted, immeasurable, without hostility and without ill-will."

The word Upekkha refers to the equanimity that arises from the power of observation, the ability to see without being caught up by what we see. To stand in the middle of chaos while remaining balanced and centered in mind. When well-developed, such power gives rise to a great sense of peace.

We practice this each day on the mat by pausing at the outset of practice…noticing everything, just as it is, on that day…..in that moment. Physically, mentally, emotionally. We try not to change a thing. We just come. To observe what is.

Practice pausing – often – while practicing your yoga poses, or while moving through your day - to just observe what is going on in your body, and in your mind, without praise or blame, without judgment or labeling, without negative self-talk. Try not reacting to it. No need to travel down the road with each thought that comes up. Come back to your centre. Stand in the middle ground and find that peaceful space. This is Uppeka.

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July 30th, 2009
Mudita - Gladness

by Maureen Rae, RN, E-RYT

Underlying the physical postures of yoga (Hatha Yoga) is an ancient Indian philosophy that has been around for approximately 3,000 years. The principles and practices of this way of thought are as applicable in today’s society as they were way back when, at a time people surely faced similar obstacles to happiness.

Yet, today - here in North America - much of the way that yoga is taught is from a purely physical point of view. The ancient and healing teachings are being diminished, overlooked, and even lost. Yes, the postures are strengthening and toning. Yes, the breathwork is physically purifying and energizing. But what’s the point of practicing postures and breath on the mat a couple of times a week while ignoring the more important teachings that can surely lead us to equanimity?

The Yoga Sutra tells us of the nine obstacles to Yoga (keeping in mind that the word ‘Yoga’ does not mean just physical postures!). These nine distractions of our consciousness - ways of thinking that can keep us from reaching a place of contentment - are listed as:

• Illness
• Langour (mental dullness)
• Doubt (negativity, skepticism)
• Heedlessness (lack of foresight)
• Sloth (laziness - fatigue)
• Dissipation (overindulgence)
• False views (living under illusion - inability to face reality)
• Lack of perseverance (giving up - not finishing what we’ve begun)
• Instability or regression

We could discuss each of the above for a long time, but what is more to the point is..... does Yoga teach us how to overcome these obstacles? And Yes! The answers are there, too!

The Yoga Sutras cite 4 main ways (there are others!) to detour around the obstacles. These are:

1. Friendliness
2. Compassion
3. Gladness
4. Equanimity

Mudita is a virtue. Finding joy in the happiness and success of others. This quality is found in the Buddhist teachings and in the Yoga Tradition (as well as many others.) How easy it is to find joy in one’s own successes - yet how difficult it is to feel the same level of joy when someone else (with or without good reason!) is successful.

To quote Eileen Siiriwardhana "Seeing the good in others and learning to recognize and admire what good there is, is what mudita tacitly implies. Laughter and exhilaration are not characteristics of mudita. Mudita is joy and appreciation flowing quietly out of the core of one's heart towards others like the waters from a spring flowing outwards from the bowels of the earth. Spontaneous and sincere participation in another's glorious hour is possible only when the quality of mudita is developed to its fullest."

How to begin to cultivate this quality? Let’s begin by Noticing. (I’m not sure that there is a Sanskrit word for ‘noticing’ although likely one exists. Yoga has many words to describe feelings. To me, this is the very first instant that I feel a mood change. ) Noticing when envy or jealousy enters our hearts. Let’s ask ourselves the question...Why are we jealous? The answer is likely Because someone possesses something we do not. This is Ego speaking. - the lower self. Follow this up with the question "Do we not already have that which would give us great joy?"

On the mat - either at home with yourself - or at our yoga studio, where we actively encourage noncompetitive practice, we encourage you to acknowledge where you are in your postures, and where others are in their postures, where you are in your life, and where others are in theirs; and to consciously cultivate the healing quality of Gladness - Mudita. Let anger and envy be gone. And....don’t forget to notice how you feel when you engage in this practice. Notice.

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June 8th, 2009
Getting Started - Begin From Where You Are

As a teacher of yoga, almost every day I answer a telephone or email inquiry from a person who is interested in beginning yoga, but does not know where to begin. It’s difficult to advise the newbie - sight unseen - yet there are some guidelines that may help to point the student in the right direction and also for the student to consider.

One of the things that often comes up in the initial conversation is a feeling on the part of the student that he or she is not ‘ready’ to begin....that there is a certain level of yogic knowledge, and of strength and flexibility that one must have BEFORE beginning. This is not true! One of the main reasons for starting and continuing with yoga is to develop strength and flexibility! Even the most advanced yogi is always seeking to learn! This is a life-long process!

My dad, who is now on the Other Side (and no doubt watching our escapades very intently), had a very dry, Scottish sense of humour. One of his favourite sayings was, tongue in cheek, that when setting out on a journey, you cannot get there from here...that you have to begin from somewhere else......’ And then he would follow up with a hearty laugh! My brother and I used to think he was very strange..... It took me many years to learn the true meaning of this old saying. He meant, of course, to point out that there is no other place to begin, other than from that place in which you already are! This is one of the major teachings of yoga.

Yoga teaches us to come to the mat with what we have - all of our ailments, our limitations, our thoughts, our ways of being - and to just begin. The following are some other guidelines that may be helpful to a new yogi.

It does not matter how old you are. Yoga is not only for the young.

You can begin yoga at any age at all.

If you are out of shape, have not exercised in a while (years!), it might be best to embark with one of our Beginner Classes. Take a look at the times that you are available to come to class. Days, weekends,
or evenings....then match this time to a class that is on the schedule.
To this end, we have added more Beginner Classes to our schedule,
As of July 6, we will have added classes on Monday at 7:30 pm,
Tuesday at 6 pm, and Thursday at 6pm. Another good choice for
beginners would be our Level 1 classes held Wednesday at 9:30 am or
Monday at 9:30 am.

If you are older, tight and inflexible, hurt (emotionally or physically), stressed and in need of relaxation and rest, or have some sort of on-going condition such as cancer, heart disease, arthritis, high blood pressure, etc. etc., you might wish to investigate one of our Gentle Yoga Classes. These classes are held on Tuesday at 9:30 am, Tuesday at 7:30 pm, and Wednesday at 6 pm.

If you are relatively fit (regardless of age), even if you have never done yoga before, you might wish to visit one of our Level 1 and 2
Classes. These classes are held on Monday at 9:30 am, Monday at 6pm, Thursday at 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 11 am.

If you are a warrior and are looking for a physically strenuous class, then one of our Level 2 classes is for you! These classes are held on Friday at 9:30 am, Saturday at 11 am.

If you are looking for a class that is physically challenging without a spiritual component, then Pilates is for you! Tuesday 6 pm.

Other considerations:

We are often asked what to wear to yoga. Bare feet, comfortable clothing...so, a t-shirt and yoga pants for women, sweat pants for men. Ladies, it is helpful to have a longer top so that it does not ride up during the class. Also, hoods on shirts are not such a good idea. Hair gets in the way during yoga, and should be tied back. We have mats that are available for your use while at the studio, but if you are serious about continuing yoga, it is advisable to purchase your own mat - for hygienic reasons, and because you will want to practice at home! For sure!

Each one of our classes - including our more advanced classes- are taught in such a way that each pose is taught step by step. So you will not be ‘behind’ the others, or feel ‘left out.’ If you have an injury or a physical limitation, your teacher will want to know this before class. You will be asked to fill out a waiver form. The teacher may offer you modifications that will help to make the poses more suitable for you. However, you should not feel that every pose will be modified just for you. You must listen carefully to your body, and not push beyond your limits - physically or mentally. You are the one who lives inside your body, and only you know your body best.

Our classes are not over-crowded. We have a spacious, airy studio and a wonderful teaching staff and clientele. We will all do our utmost to make you feel at home.

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May 5th, 2009
Getting Better at Yoga

As a teacher of yoga, I often am on the receiving end of the question “How can I get better at yoga?”

This question generally comes from a yogi or yogini who has been doing yoga for a short time…and whom is interested mainly in the practice of the physical poses (asanas) of yoga. While the asanas are beneficial in so many ways, purifying, strengthening and improving flexibility…essentially, taking care of the physical self (the container in which we live out our lives on this earth), they are not the most important aspects of a yoga practice. These questions, then opens the door for a teaching about the finer points of this ancient tradition!

Many, many years ago (no one knows exactly when – but the estimate is about 2,500 AD) a sage called Patanjali collected what he had learned from his guru (teacher) and wrote it down for all of us who practice today. He called this collection “The Yoga Sutras.”

There are 196 sutras – pearls – of wisdom – divided into 4 chapters. Ways in which to control the workings of the human mind, which is believed to be the cause of all suffering. Much has been written, taught and passed on about these teachings.


In one of the main sutras, Patanjali explains that liberation/freedom (which is the main goal of yoga) – freedom from the mind – can be cultivated and obtained by practicing what he called the Eight-Fold Path of Yoga.
These eight steps are as follows:
Yamas "yama," originally meant "bridle" or "rein." Patanjali used it to describe a restraint that we willingly and joyfully place on ourselves to focus our efforts, the way a rein allows a rider to guide his horse in the direction he would like to go. In this sense, self-restraint can be a positive force in our lives, the necessary self-discipline that allows us to head toward the fulfillment of our dharma, or life purpose.
The 5 Yamas are: Ahimsa - non-violence
Satya - non-lying
Asteya - non-stealing
Brahmacharya - moderation
Aparigrapha – not coveting that which is not ours
The Yamas are oriented toward our public behavior and allow us to coexist harmoniously with others.

Niyamas "niyama" means "observance," and these practices extend the ethical guidelines provided in the first limb, the yamas. While "yama" is usually translated as "restraint," and the yamas outline actions and attitudes we ought to avoid, the niyamas describe actions and attitudes that we should cultivate to overcome the illusion of separation and the suffering it causes. The 5 Niyamas are: Saucha - purity
Santosa – contentment
Tapas - austerity
Svadhyaya - self-study
Ishvara pranidhana - devotion to the Lord.
The other 6 steps to freedom are:
Asana – the physical postures of yoga
Pranayama – control/redirection of the breath
Pratyahara – withdrawal of the senses from the external
world to the inner one
Dharana – interrupted focus of mind
Dyhana – uninterrupted, steady stream of mind
Samadhi – Freedom/Connection with Divine Source.
Self-actualization. Pure awareness.

Let’s take a little closer look at the important Yamas called Svadhyaya – self study. Yoga teaches that all humans are here on earth to fulfill a purpose (Dharma). And it is up to us to figure out what that purpose is, and then to go about the job. Essentially, svadhyaya is about self-knowledge…knowing who you are beyond what you do for a living, what kind of foods you like or dislike, or what music is pleasing to your ears. The quiet poses of yoga, and meditation, give us an opportunity to practice being alone and to discover the truth.

We are sometimes face-to-face with imperfections – things we do not like about ourselves. This is the first step in transformation. Little by little, our practice on the mat brings us closer to knowing. So, then, there are many many ways to ‘go deeper’ in yoga….! There is so much to learn and study.

The way is inside. The last stage, the ultimate sage, Samdhi is not attainable by any external means. Freedom has always been available…it’s simply masked behind the trappings of our lives and our own (often false) beliefs about ourselves.

Peace.

Maureen

“Before we can find peace among nations, we have to find peace inside that small nation which is our own being.” B.K.S. Iyengar

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March 15th, 2009
Yogic Rest...

The wisdom of the body is all-powerful. Virtually every cell (with a few exceptions) is imbued with an innate ability to "repair" itself... to heal. Healing is the process by which the cells in the body regenerate and repair to reduce the size of a damaged or necrotic area. This regeneration and repair incorporates both the removal of necrotic tissue (demolition), and the replacement of this tissue.

This ability is called "innate intelligence" ... an intelligence born of knowing. Thus is the healing power of nature. This is the process by which the body restores, revitalizes and heals.

This truth is indisputable.

In our North American culture, much emphasis is placed on conventional science to bring about a quick fix for ailments and conditions. Our impatient dispositions crave rapid (if not instant) relief. Classically, "vitalism" - a term used to describe a natural tendency toward healing - is overlooked.

In many Eastern cultures where patience is still considered to be a virtue, healing practices include herbs, oils, teas, massage, postures or poses, chanting, breath work and most importantly of all, rest. For many of us, rest is an unknown. We have grown, as a society, to regard rest as something to be considered akin to laziness, even as slothfulness. Every single second of every single day has to be accounted for by doing, doing, doing.

Such modern technologies as Blackberries and instant text messaging devices have made us accessible to everyone, everywhere, at any time. Who was it that said, "There is no rest for the wicked"? Are we so wicked that we do not deserve rest? Our society works more hours than any society ever has worked before, yet we have more "stuff" and little or no time to enjoy it. Our kids' time is micro-managed ... no time to be just kids. How can we go any faster when we already are running at top speed?

At no time in our society has attendance at church been so low. What are we doing to fill our days? Libraries are closing, movie theaters are shutting down, community recreation centres are being reduced, all because we do not value free time, leisure and rest.

Rest is an integral part of the practice of yoga. An experienced yoga teacher will consciously program periods of rest into a class to allow a brief interlude between two postures, or between sets of postures (Vinyasas). This pause allows for integration and reflection ... a time to digest the effects. This is a period of relative inactivity to allow recovery and growth.

Many experienced instructors begin the class with Savasana (Corpse Pose). Savasana is the great leveler! There is no conflict or competition as students come into the studio, climb onto their mats, lie down, and close their eyes. Savasana at this point in the class is a beautiful way to come into the practice of yoga ... a bridge between the unreal world in which we live most of our lives, and the rich, inner world that we inhabit too little of the time.

It is a time of investigation, inquiry ... an acknowledgment and acceptance of what is. A place from which to begin. This is intelligent.

Rests during practice may be dynamic (moving), or still. They may also include gentle counter-poses (e.g., gentle Cobra - Bhujangasana following Shoulder Stand - Sarvangasana). Dynamic resting postures may include moving between Cat and Cow (Bidalasana) or Child's Pose (Balasana) to Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana). There are many examples of still and quiet resting postures; Staff Pose (Dandasana), Child's Pose (Balasana), or Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana Pranayama) following a particularly vigorous Vinyasa flow).

Practices are traditionally completed by a period of Savasana (Corpse Pose) to allow for rest and recovery, at least five minutes for every 60 minutes of practice.

Teaching rest while on the mat gives your students permission to practice rest while off the mat. They learn that it is not only just OK to not do but entirely advisable. They learn to simply just be more of the time.

As an aside, it is interesting to note that some itching or tingling may accompany the healing process in the affected area. It is believed that this is the body's way of communicating with the mind - letting it know that it is working! Perhaps this is the reason why so many beginning students fidget and itch while in Savasana (although I believe it is rather indicative of boredom, impatience, and "fidgeting in the mind").

However, learning to rest is an integral part of healing. An easy mantra to remember and practice with your students is: "Do less and less of everything".

Maureen Rae, RN, ERYT

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February 2nd, 2008
Yoga Injuries

A recent article in Time Magazine pondered some of the reasons as to why we are beginning to see many injuries as a result of yoga. The article stated that with more than 14 million people practicing yoga or tai chi nationwide, up 136% since 2000, orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists and chiropractors across the country (U.S. figures) are dealing with the increasing fallout from yoga gone awry. Over the past three years, 13,000 Americans were treated in an emergency room or a doctor's office for yoga-related injuries, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission...and certainly, in conversation with several Canadian sports physicians, it appears that statistics are similar here in Canada.

Alarmingly, it appears that hands-on 'assists' from teachers of yoga are thought to be one of the major causes of injury. 'Helping' students to go deeper - physically - and ultimately breaking the first 'law' of yoga - non-harming (Ahimsa in Sanskrit.)

This Time-ly article definitely gives plenty food for thought - and a great topic for discussion in our next Yoga Teacher Training session here at our studio. As a yoga teacher, and educator of yoga teachers, and after having been most fortunate to study with world renown teachers Erich Schiffmann, Angela Farmer and T.K.V. Desikachar, I wish to comment that each and every one of these gurus place just as strong a focus on spirituality as on postures. The term 'yoga' is so not about just the physical postures!

Peace. Maureen Rae, RN, ERYT
Maureen Rae's Yoga Studio, Toronto Ontario

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December 9th, 2008
Current Affairs: Doom & Gloom or Opportunity?

Current Affairs
Oh, economic Woes! Over the last couple of decades – due to a variety of reasons - we have seen an unbelievable collapse of the nuclear family as we once knew it, and an unhealthy trend toward a more isolated, me-oriented society. The media and big business have exhorted us to spend all that we have, and more....way more. The children of the last decade in particular, are not being allowed to be ‘just kids’…but are being exploited by mass advertising campaigns, and in many cases, are growing up way too soon…and without the moral, cultural and financial values that our older generations have learned….and earned.

The current economic times being what they are, offer an excellent opportunity to practice connecting back to the family and friends to find gratification in the smaller things of life. There are many lessons to be learned.

Of interest, in our own teaching community, the family of one of our teachers has given up their second car. Interestingly, the family is finding that they are spending more time talking to each other, and being aware of what other members of the family are doing. Basically, they are arranging for rides to and from places, and being there for each other.

A second teacher’s family has down-sized their home – opting for a smaller home which is financially easier – and has brought everyone in their family closer together.

Perhaps this current downtrend in the economy is, in reality, a wake-up call. A reminder to be content with what we already have – and a golden opportunity to practice gratefulness..and then to notice how we feel when we practice being grateful.

Yoga
Have you ever really thought about why it is that Yoga is so popular now? Why are so many people coming together to practice Yoga? It’s an easy thing to learn at home...once you’ve read a couple of books or viewed a video or two, you are good to go! So, why then, come to a group Yoga Class?

I sense that the #1 reason why people are gathering to practice Yoga is that they enjoy practicing in the company of others. Have you ever FELT the energy in a Vinyasa Flow class when everyone is breathing and moving in sync? Wow! There’s a special kind of magic at work! Like an energetic force field. You may never acknowledge the person on the next mat, yet you’ve made a connection. Add to that, of course, that Yoga teachers can add dimension and depth to your practice....that you might not have realized on your own.

The next time you attend a class at the studio, why not take a moment to be grateful for the way that the other people in the room enhance the experience of your practice.

By Maureen Rae, E-RYT

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November 29th, 2008
APARIGRAHA

APARIGRAHA is one of the 5 moral restraints called ‘yamas’ as described by Patanjali in his Eight-Limbed Path to Yoga. Aparigraha is defined as ‘not wanting’, ‘not needing’, ‘not coveting’, anything that is not already within your grasp. Patanjali tells us that we are already perfect just as we are – filled with goodness and light. How lovely!

Every human being (and I imagine some animal beings, as well) aspire to know their purpose for this time on the planet. Everyone aspires to know one’s self, and to know to know the reason why we are here. This is called spiritual pursuit, of course. Most unfortunately, our culture breeds the idea that we will find our purpose by accumulating more, desiring other what we already have, and striving always to want MORE, and to be MORE. Further, the myth that ‘happiness’ is obtainable from without, is …or has been – up until very recently – the means for our economic stability…which has now utterly collapsed. How complacent we were as we went merrily on our way – accumulating, gathering, and still not satisfied.

Consider the young couples who have now found themselves overwhelmed with insurmountable debt because they needed to have housing that was above their means.

Consider the aging population who spent literally millions of dollars per year – often money that they did not have – in creams, potions, and even on cosmetic surgery – in an obsession of perpetual youth.

Consider the low and middle income earners who now find themselves in a unbelievable state of not being able to repay credit card debt due to ‘needing and wanting’ what was outside of their means.

Our economy has been based on pumping up GREED.

We must overcome this. Aparigraha is a discipline that requires work. And work we must. The next time you see something that you desire, ask yourself “Do I truly NEED this?” And then, answer honestly.

True happiness comes from within. From that which we already have. From family, friends, from working hard, from learning, from loving, from compassion and kindness. From moral DISCIPLINE. Aparigraha. Not grasping.

By Maureen Rae, E-RYT

November 3, 2008
Yogaaaaaaah!

Flashback to 1998 ……The word "Yoga" begins to surface! Madonna and Sting were doing it….clothing companies were jumping on the yogic bandwagon…cosmetic corporation pushed rejuvenating creams and potions with models in yoga poses…but, in truth, most people had no idea what yoga was all about! Images of people sitting round in a circle, holding hands and muttering incantations. Was it religious? What it acrobatic? What exactly was Yoga, anyway?

That was 10 years ago - and now Yoga is everywhere! Yoga has been around for 5,000 years. In recent memory, it resurfaced in the late 50's and again in the 70's enjoying moderate popularity at those times. But why is Yoga so pervasive NOW?

It would seem that a convergence of events is the reason for the Yoga resurgence. The aging – and educated - population of North America
understands that something must be done to get fit and /or keep fit. And, further, the people of this generation acknowledge the aging process…many years of sports, or hi and lo impact have left injuries to skeleton and muscles.

Added to this is our sped-up society… "Hurried Woman Syndrome" is now an official medical term to describe many women of our society - those of us that try to be all things to all people - and all at the same time - with NO time to relax, unwind and breathe.

Yoga is a system of learning to be present more of the time – a system of self-discovery. Physical benefits are many – longer, leaner, toned and trim. The mind is clear and focused. You begin to FEEL YOU when you practice.

Hard to believe that something that feels so good can BE so good (not only for Body but for Mind, and for Self!

Maureen Rae, Reg. N., R.Y.T.

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