Tag: Yoga

Teaching Yoga from Abroad

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As I stated in my last blog, I traveled to Greece and Croatia last month. This was at the peak of the classes I was teaching at an art gallery in Greeley, Co.  The students were excited for me, however, I didn’t want them to miss any classes.

Therefore, I took some time on my trip to capture some classes on video. Honoring an earlier blog: Perfectionism, an Imperfect Practice, I chose to post as is, with no edits.

This was also a challenge, as I had a fear of doing videos. Said fear has been overcome. I have become a Facebook Live Whore! So if you have a fear of spending money to go overseas, just traveling overseas, or shooting videos, I highly recommend you get off your @$$ and just do it!

And here they are, for your viewing pleasure:

Athens, Greece

On the balcony of our first Airbnb. My very first video, complete with errors. Ha!

Dubrovnik, Croatia (Part 1 of Flow)

It started to rain in the middle of this one! I had fun anyway because that’s how Yogis roll…

 

Oia, Santorini – Greece (Part 2 Flow)

This was about the best view ever. Unfortunately, I forgot how to use my tripod and so could only actually use the cooling down floor poses. Still, check out that background!

Hope you enjoyed this! If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? If you could teach a video class from said location, what would you teach?

Owning Your Sh!t

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I was guiding a Yoga Class the other day and we found ourselves in Dandasana. Dandasana is the Sanskrit word for Seated Staff Pose. I decided that we would hold this pose for a bit, “Dandasana is commonly used as a transitional pose.” I continued, “But tonight, I think we should take a moment and consider Seated Staff Pose. You see, I cannot do fancy inversions or wrap my leg around my neck. I can, however, do Seated Staff Pose like a boss. Watch me!” “Impressive!”, one of my students exclaimed.

“Well, how do you feel about your Dandasana?”, I asked. I heard crickets. “Come on now,” I pressed, “Own your sh!t”!

You see, whatever we do, whether great or small, we have earned the right to own it! I am not a “great” Yoga instructor. But I give 100% to my students. I cultivate and nurture the memory of each moment I get to spend with them. I feel the same in my other hustles: Virtual Assistant/Blog Writer.

The Benefits of Owning Your Sh!t

  • By owning your sh!t, you get to know the real you. Accepting your darkness as well as your light is pretty damn powerful. Your Darkness – Own it! Your Light – Own it!
  • We get out of our damn way. Most of us eventually find that we are the ones holding ourselves back.
  • You learn, to be honest with yourself and accept other’s honesty.
  • We begin to love ourselves fully, deeply. What’s not to love? You are an effin’ badass! Accept it. Own it.

E – How do I own my sh!t? I am so glad you asked!

Stop Blaming Others

Really, we all succumb to this ridiculous behavior at one time or another. Well, stop that sh!t. When it comes down to it, we make the choices we make. If you felt you were manipulated, guess what? You made the effin’ choice to be manipulated. Own it!

Close the Book

You know that story about your failures that keeps playing in the back of your mind? Tell the narrator to shut the f*ck up! Time to move on to another story. The one that tells you that all people make mistakes. It is part of being human. Replaying that bullsh!t over and over just makes us useless and wastes precious time. Time, you will never get back. Stop playing the victim and step into the victor’s role!

Accept What You Deserve

Yeah, that’s right. You deserve the best friends, relationships, careers, home spaces, and self-love. If you don’t believe that, you’re a voluntary a$$hole! Some people like being a$$holes, I don’t. Do you? Be honest with yourself, because if the answer is yes, you know where you need to start. Go from being an a$$hole to being awesome! It’s your choice – own it!

Recognize Your Good Sh!t

While you are taking a good look at yourself, acknowledge the good sh!t. You know you have some! Pay attention to your actions. Write down a list of what good you have to offer the universe. You know you got one! Do you unconsciously serve coffee to someone every day? That may be a little thing to you. But on the grand scale of things, if you give 100% to that cup of coffee, you are a Java Rock Star! Kind of like my Dandasana pose.

So, Own Your Sh!t…And Stay Blissful My Friends – E

Final Days at Konalani

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Finals Yay!

“I am so over these geckos!” I exclaim to myself as I clean massive gecko poop droppings. These beautiful creatures were so fascinating in the beginning but they have become the biggest nuisance of my life. They poop everywhere, and my bathroom is covered in it. I am in full Pitta mode now. I am trying to find someone at the Ashram to blame for this. “Really?” I ask myself. As if anyone has control of the gastric contents of these reptiles.

I decide that I need to take the Yoga class before our final exams, not caring about any physical limitations today. I need to burn this off and to find some good meditation. Being that it is Independence Day, Satyam has come up with a theme class based on freedom. We start off with a gratitude flower meditation, just what I need.

We each had to randomly select a peak pose for our 15-minute final. This was to be taught to our fellow classmates. Of course, I picked shoulder stand. My back will definitely not allow me to do this so I have JP and Miko on stand bye to step up and demo the pose as I cue it to the class.

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I got bonus kudos from my ratings for this. My key needs for improvement were that I moved too fast and my voice was too low. My key strengths were using breath, my explanations of arms in Salabasana and the foot massage I added to Butterfly pose.

Yet, I still felt defeated. I felt like I got my ass kicked throughout most of my teaching. Though some would say I was too into my head, others would say that I was making so much improvement in getting out of my head. Most said they wanted my story when I taught, rather than the quotes I added throughout my teaching. It’s all good. I didn’t expect to be this awesome teacher at the end. Just a good beginner teacher and I was not sure I had achieved that.

Satyam explained to me that what I had learned during teacher training was like the first draft of one of my blogs. He wants me to use that and sprinkle my personal finishing touches in a way that everyone would be able to comprehend the published writing. I felt better, knowing I was up to the challenge.

Spirit had made a special lunch for all of us and it was delicious. At the table, Satyam and Abhaya said they could drive us down to the parade if we would like but we would need a ride back if we wanted to watch the fireworks. Most of us just wanted to stay back at the Ashram and have some downtime. So we all gathered in the living room and watched Kung Fu Panda III, per Satyam’s suggestion. It was an enjoyable night of just hanging together. I am glad we chose to do so.

Later that night, I was awoken by the loud fireworks. I headed to the bathroom and it was really dark. Some strange looking animal was coming at me. I thought it might be a young boar, but it turned out to be a bulldog that had wandered onto the Ashram. I was a bit scared at first but he just walked up to me and smiled like a bulldog would smile. Then he followed me everywhere. When I got to the bathroom, he tried to go inside with me but I had to say no. Then he wandered off toward Satyam who was walking around handing out ear plugs.

Satyam said to pay no mind to the dog. I thought the dog must have been scared by the fireworks and felt the good energy of the Ashram. He was gone by morning.

Graduation Day

We started out with meditation, then breakfast. Afterward, we were given an hour to clean and pack. Then we did our final craft assignment. The first being a braided necklace made from some of the plants that grow on the Ashram land. I am not good with my hands so I stopped at the first string and turned it into an earring.

I had better luck with the headband and I just loved it. Satyam wanted us all to get together for a picture and of course, Angela went right into a full headstand. “Angela, unless you can hold one of these branches with your toes, get down and take a picture with us!” I scolded. She laughed and joined us.

After another break to clean up and change for graduation, we each met outside the shrine. “I can’t believe it is over.” Alexa smiled sadly. We hugged. We were then taken into the shrine and organized in a circle. We all sang a song together, then Satyam and Abhaya presented us with our certificates and lovely kukui nut necklaces.

Satyam and Abhaya took turns sharing something about each of us and it was truly a beautiful experience. I am now a certified Yoga Teacher!

Afterward, I was more than ready to spread my wings and fly…or at least take a bus to the next part of my journey: the Hilo side of the island.

My Konalani Ashram experience was over and it was a worthwhile and meaningful part of my story. I will always look back on it with bliss!

emails To The Hubby

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6/11/16

Good morning babe. I have come to realize that I will probably learn how to respond and teach my students when they have back pain.

I have already learned so much from April and Rick.

Watch out world! Elysia is in full acceptance! LY -E

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My dearest Brian,

I hope things are well at the homestead and that you are in good mind, body, and spirit.

It has been an extremely busy week of physical, mental and spiritual learnings. There are six of us trainees: Amy and Angela, who live nearby in Kona, Mico from Japan (I named a sequence after her), Alexa from Canada and one male, JP from Oahu.

I am grateful for the camaraderie and the energy each of us brings to the Ashram.

The teaching staff also run the ashram. Satyam and his girlfriend Abhaya. There is also a cook, her name is Spirit and she is from Denver. All have spent time at Shoshoni. The ladies wear no makeup yet they are both beautiful.

It is far too humid to wear makeup anyway. That and the numerous mosquito bites can cure anyone’s vanity issues. We are all natural all day long.

The ashram life begins at 5:30am and ends at 5:30pm. We have breakfast and lunch breaks and a half hour for Seva, which is the service part of yoga. It is done mindfully and does not matter if we have completed all our chores. When the leader rings the bell, we are to stop immediately. This is not as easy as one would think. Especially when I really had my eye on a certain spot.

Twice a week we get to choose between going to the mall to pick up needed items or go to the beach. By the time we get to either place, we have 35 minutes before we have to get in the van and return for lunch.

I got to snorkel for the very first time and swam with a turtle, a school of brilliant yellow fish and some parrot fish! The water felt so good on my back. What I did learn is that even though I was completely in water, the sun is still very strong on my head. I went to bed that night without dinner and missed my homework session.

So after dinner and showers, most of us return to the Yoga deck and do a study session for about another hour and a half. We are all basically in bed and fast asleep by 8:30!

Because I missed my homework session, I had to wing my morning presentation to my group. It turned out to be my best presentation so far. Go figure…

Today was our day off but we didn’t want to do too much because we have processed a lot in our first week. We started with a half hour meditation, an hour of studying, then a trolley ride into town for lunch and some shopping. We returned and did another hour of study. Whew!

A few key learnings: Keep standing with my core engaged, I need to lose the habit of hyperextending my knees (bending your knees slightly while standing immediately actually brings you in the moment.) And the purpose of asana is to prepare you for meditation.

Well, that is about it for now. I love you, miss you, and appreciate you – E

6/26/16

Hi Babe, 

Sure do miss you. I speak often to my group about the support you have been to me.

We are a week and a half into our Yoga teacher training and have somewhat found our rhythm in the Ashram lifestyle.

One of my favorite practices is selfless service, aka Seva. Seva is to be performed in silence or while chanting. Today, I began chanting “Om Namah Shivaya”, during Selfless service. I found this to be a blissful practice and I plan to implement it in my daily life when I return home.

We were supposed to have our midterm test today, however, Satyam and Abaya said we did so well on our practice tests that we deserved a few hours at the beach instead.

My biggest feedback received is that I do so well when I bring my practice and teach from the heart, yet I often find myself in my head searching for cues. So basically, I need to stop over thinking my sequences.

Hawaii is indeed paradise except for these little demons from hell we call mosquitoes.  You will see more of that in a text soon. Alexa, our Canadian student recorded a video.

Emotions hit a peak the other day and several of the girls were shedding tears. This is normal, as a lot comes up when you have 3 sessions of meditation and allowing ourselves to be vulnerable in presenting sequences.  I blogged about it and had Satyam and Abhaya read it before posting.  They loved it! Satyam even said that I am a good writer!

There is so much more I want to share with you. But I will be patient and tell you more when I return home.

I love you and miss you dearly. I’m also attaching some pictures for your viewing pleasure.  – E

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b

7/3/16

Hi babe,

Hope all is well with you and our babies! It’s hard to believe that we trainees have only two more days. Monday is our final exam and Tuesday, graduation. I’m off to Hilo Wednesday.

Such an amazing journey and we have learned a whole lot. I’m glad there’s only 6 of us. That’s plenty of personalities in one location. 

Tomorrow is our day off but a few of us are staying in to finish our final writing assignments. If there’s time after, we are going to do beach yoga.

Well, just a little more than a week and we will be together again. You might not recognize me, though…

Hey, did you get my text with the video I took by the mango tree?

Love you – E

 

Arrival

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Well, I have finally arrived at Konalani Shambhava Ashram in Kona, HI! I shared a cab with a nice young man, who goes by the name of JP.  We are greeted by Satyam and Abhaya, who give us cool wash cloths to wipe off any stickiness from the trip. Then we are presented with leis and freshly squeezed mango juice. Yum!

I will be staying in a tent cabin and at this very moment, I am ready to pass out for a while. There are two semi-outdoor bathrooms for each of us staying in the tents. Since JP is male and I am female, we are in separate tents and he chooses the bathroom at the far end. Our showers are outdoors underneath beautiful bamboo trees.

Satyam has given us the best instructions to keep the geckos and bugs out of our tents and bathrooms as much as possible. The first time I see a gecko, I scream. But I get used to them soon after. The main reason to keep them out of our tents is that they like to poop everywhere. Gross.

There are six of us taking the teacher training. 5 women and 1 man. So far, I think it is a good group. I have always thought of the number 6 as lucky.

Our home for the next 3 weeks is lovely and the view is awesome. We are located in what is known as “The Mango Belt”, and when there is a soft rain, the sweet fragrance is pleasing to the nasal senses. We all get to know each other at the dinner table, sharing about our lives, careers, and goals.

I don’t know if it is the humidity or the pain killers making me nod off. Staying alert during orientation was quite difficult. We must be on the mat at 5:30 am and coffee is ready at 5, so I plan to get up super early to have a cup.

Our schedule is as follows:

5:30 AM               Warm up and practice teaching.

6:30 AM               Meditation and Chanting in the Shrine

(skirts required for women, slacks for men).

7:00 AM               Breakfast

7:30 AM               Seva (Selfless Service)

8:00 AM               Break

8:30 AM               Yoga workshop and lecture

12:30 PM             Lunch

2:00 PM               Meditation/Chanting

2:30 PM               Yoga Workshop

5:00 PM               Dinner

6/15/16

Morning begins at 5AM. Note to self: Make it 4:30 AM…

It’s 5:00 am and I am still in my tent, fidgeting in the dark, trying to find my flashlight app when I hear “Good morning, Mija!” I had inadvertently dialed my mother’s phone. “I am so sorry mom,” I say, “I can’t see. I love you.” Then I hang up and find my way to the bathroom.

I wash my face, take meds, brush teeth, change clothes. (I will later sleep in the clothes I will start my day in and have my bag packed to save more time…) Grab a quick cup of coffee before entering the Yoga deck at 5:25 AM for our personal practice.

The coffee is a welcome joy to my senses. Gazing at the ocean view below us, I couldn’t imagine a better setting for the next three weeks. What a gift! What a life!

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My personal practice consists of a much modified Sun Salute then a Yin Yoga practice. At this point, I realize I should have taken the pain meds. Because they made me dizzy, I thought I didn’t need them anymore. More likely, it just means I need less. I make a mental note to take a half dose at breakfast and see if that works. It does. Why does pain have to be so high maintenance?

After personal practice, we are given a presentation on feedback and suggestions. It is called a “Wish and a Star”. Starting with a wish, which is a suggestion and finished with a star for the positive points. I understand the concept, though, toward the end of our training, some have become accustomed to doing the “Star” first, followed by a “But…” Somehow this disappoints me. Still, a small issue, overruled by the many positive experiences we will share.

We then move on to meditation. Today, learning something new: We don’t just “arrive” at our meditation. We move into it, slowly coming into stillness. Satyam is teaching this and uses a “bobble head” analogy that is quite fun to do. We then move into a small 3-count breath in, 3-count breath out walking meditation in a circle.

Breakfast at 7AM with more coffee! I am enjoying the vegetarian cuisine so far. We had oatmeal with bananas and nuts, Greek yogurt with honey, and mango lassi. Our meals are eaten at the patio table facing the ocean. No phones allowed as we are expected to commune with one another during mealtime. I love this! Today, we get an hour to ourselves and I will be drinking more coffee!

Abhaya gives us a class on anatomy and we take pictures to view our postures. I can see why I might be experiencing back pain.

It is so humbling to have limitations. I had worked so hard with strength training since February and was hoping I could get tips on some complicated poses. For now, I am just grateful for the ability to attend this training.

Time for ego to step aside and let Spirit take over. Nothing short of amazing that this is not too difficult a feat. Even when some of the other ladies go into headstands and splits, I feel content that I CAN bring SOMETHING to the mat.

This recovering addict/alcoholic had never imagined herself here in Hawaii, studying to become a Yoga Teacher. In addition, having the finances to do this very thing, was beyond my wildest dreams. Now is as good a time as ever to be grateful and enjoy the sunset.

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Stay Blissful My Friends – E

Yoga Sequence – Forgiveness Part I

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While writing my final “theme” vinyasa for completing my Yoga Teacher training, I was challenged by my instructor Satyam to bring my life experiences into my asanas.

Turns out, a recurring “trigger” of an old hurt has been rearing its…scowling head once again, reminding me of the topic of forgiveness.

Like my fellows, I have been wronged and hurt by others. Sometimes extremely harsh wrongs, other times, little hurts that simmered within for long stretches of time.

I have also known the effects of never receiving the apology I felt I deserved. In the end, rather than holding on to the toxicity of resentment, I learned to let go and surrender to forgiveness.

My Yoga practice has been a loving channel, which brings me through this process each time a hurt, angry emotion, or resentment begins to invade my inner being. Today, I would like to share some asanas, which have been effective to me in regard to forgiveness and surrender.

1. Forward Fold

2. Warrior II Both Sides
As we inhale we remember that our strength remains within. Exhale, acknowledge: ” I am a warrior and my sword is love”

3. Lateral Angle Pose Both Sides

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Photo by Satyam Ehinger – Konalani Shambhava Yoga

Twists are commonly referenced as detoxifying poses. We are not only detoxifying our digestive system with twists.
Anger and resentment are toxic to the mind, body, and spirit.

4. Downward Dog

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5. Crescent Lunge Both Sides (counter by straightening front leg) —>Downward Dog to Mountain Pose

6. Dancer Pose Both Sides (Flying Breath in between)

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Reflect on life as a dance. Stop taking it so seriously and enjoy it!

(Forward Fold to Downward Dog to Table Pose)

7.Devotional Pose
Breathing into this pose, we surrender to life on life’s terms.
(Lifting from Devotional Pose, bring legs straight out to the front of the mat.)

8. Staff Pose
Establishing our firm personal values as we inhale, pressing our sit bones into the floor, lifting our hearts.

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Photo by Satyam Ehinger – Konalani Shambhava Yoga

9. Sitting Forward Fold
We also acknowledge and accept our gentle nature as we exhale and soften into this bend.

10.Shoulder Stand

11.Fish Pose
Further releasing fear and anxiety.

12.Half Lord of the Fishes Both Sides
Twisting out remaining toxins. As we inhale, lifting our hearts, we let love in. As we exhale, let go of resentments.

(Come on to your back, bringing knees to a tabletop position. Then to knees and transition to your back, knees bent to a table position).

13. Reclined Twists Both Sides

14. Bring knees back to center, bring your nose up, giving knees a big hug. Remembering to accept self-love and appreciation for who you are and what you have to offer to the universe.

15.Cooldown of your choice to Savasana.

Namaste.

Stay blissful my friends! – E

Plans?

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There is a saying that if you ever want to make God laugh, just tell him your plans. Well if it is possible, I might be the one who had my Creator peeing his holy pants!

Since October, I have been planning and preparing for a three-week stay at Shambhava Konalani Yoga and Ashram in Kona, HI. My end goal, to be more spiritually, mentally and physically unified and be yoga teacher certified.

Part of my preparation this journey has been stepping up my practice. My main focus has been Vinyasa and Yoga Sculpt for strength. I was loving the results. Then, just three weeks before I was to set off for this epic journey…I injured my back. I contacted my doctor, modified my practice, got massages and was the best patient I could possibly be.

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A few days before my flight to Seattle, I was feeling quite better. The hubby took me out to Mongolian BB-Q. My fortune cookie said, “Be prepared to modify your plan. It’ll be good for you.” Not exactly what I wanted to read but profound enough to prepare me for the unknown.

The first leg of my trip was in Seattle to spend a couple days with my best friend and a couple days with my brother before heading to Hawaii. I kept telling my girlfriend that I couldn’t wait to do Yoga with her. Unfortunately, I had about the roughest traveling day ever and by the time we were walking into a cafe, I could not stand straight.

My friend convinced me to visit the ER, and I am glad I listened. I needed stronger medicine. Because my Soul Sista had experience taking care of her husband when he had a bad back, she spent the next three days nursing me and preparing me for my upcoming 6-hour flight.

I got to spend about a day and a half with my brother and it was good quality time. I have to say it was the same with my girlfriend and I just can’t complain, back injury or no back injury.

When I arrived at the ashram, everyone here has been looking out for me and I have had to make several “modifications” to my poses. This has been quite humbling considering how my practice was just two months ago.

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Yet I see this as another opportunity to be a better, more compassionate and empathetic teacher. Not only have I modified my plans and poses, I have also modified my attitude, ego, and temperament. No complaints today! Stay blissful my friends – E

Gravity Was Not My Friend

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“What the hell is this?, I ask myself loudly in my mind. I’m in my first inversion and I have no idea what the teacher just called it. All I know is that every part of my body and skin is sagging toward the floor and it does not feel good at all. When did gravity stop being my friend?

But something about my first Yoga class inspires me to return. I am 3.5 years sober, 185lbs and I smoke and in a very sick marriage. I am so unhealthy, spiritually, and physically. I have learned that Yoga means “Union of mind, body, and spirit”. This is exactly what I am looking for.

For the next few years, I will research Hatha, Kundalini, Yin, and Hot Yoga. I will find the unifying qualities in each one.

When I suffered from Panic Attacks, Kundalini helped bring me, courage, peace and calm. When I had Gastroparesis and was too weak from lack of nutrients, Yin Yoga kept me going. When I was able to do more, Hatha. Now, I have found Hot Yoga and Yoga Sculpt with weights.

What is most delightful to me, is that there is a Yoga for just about any situation in our lives. Don’t get me wrong, it is not a cure-all. But Yoga helps us get through each circumstance as long as we are open-minded and spiritually willing to seek it.

Yoga has no bias towards age, race, body size. Yoga is true union, not just for those who are from the east, hippies or new age. Yoga also evolves with each cultural shift in each community. There  is no need for a purist attitude. Traditional Yoga is just as powerful today as it was in ancient times. Alongside traditional Yoga, Power Yoga, and Bikram bring about other options for various needs. One size does not fit all, and there is a Yoga for every type of individual alive today!

There is much controversy over Yoga. Some consider it a religion. In the Christian world, I have heard many warn of the demonic spirits present during such practice. I have let this type of influence keep me from trying Yoga for several years. Fortunately, I have experienced a wonderful spiritual awakening.

I no longer have to live with such religious restriction, concerned about my salvation. I have confidence in my relationship with my Christ. It is a wonder how many women are made to feel shame and guilt for our careers, hobbies and interests, and even our own form of worship.

I believe that God is loving, kind and forgiving. Not the vicious disciplinarian who can’t wait to strike us down with lightning for each transgression we have made. The message of Christ is one of grace and salvation, not damnation and destruction. Furthermore, Christ is not as restricting as he is represented within the church.

When I think of the video explaining Savasana below, I think of this scripture:

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” – John 12:24

We believers in Christ, allow ourselves to die to the flesh daily and be born again in His Spirit. I truly believe that God speaks to us as we best listen and receives us as we uniquely worship Him. My worship is no more better than my brother’s or sister’s, it is just mine.

Since I started my yogic journey, I have:

  • Lost a lot of weight
  • Gained some weight back
  • Left an abusive marriage
  • Quit smoking
  • Suffered and overcame Panic Attacks
  • Suffered and overcame Gastroparesis
  • Got remarried
  • Bought a House
  • Got a promotion
  • Became a grandmother

My practice has been with me through it all. I have often uttered these words:

“There is not much else that can fill me with the same exhilaration as my Yoga practice. When I arrive on the mat, I am blissfully home.  This is a joy I would like to pass on to as many people possible.”

Yoga has brought me closer to my God and I see Yoga as one of my greatest gifts from my God. And after many years, gravity and I have become friends again!

Stay Blissful My Friends – E

The 8 Limbs of Yoga – Part 7 Dhyana

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A continuous flow of perception (or thought) is Dhyana (meditation).[1]

Forgetting the body, your surroundings, and your relationships.  This will help improve your  meditation a great deal. Remembering God will help you forget all other things.

We are able to taste the spiritual consciousness by withdrawing our minds from all other senses and fixing them on our meditation. This is considered “Samadhi”, the highest goal of Yogis.

To reach this point of meditation, it is suggested that you meditate in the same spot daily.

Simply put, to initially attain samadhi requires a unity of both body and mind, so in stilling the body and calming its energy flows (by detaching from them and the sensations they generate), we can speed any efforts to calm our minds. Through the stability of sitting meditation, comforting the body helps still the mind for its entry into samadhi. In other words, if we can calm the body consciousness, we can detach from it and achieve the emptiness required of samadhi concentration. [2]

Sound easy? Yeah, no. But is it attainable? Absolutely. Most likely we arrive at Dhyana/Samadhi when we least expect it. Because we are not concentrating, focusing, or willing it. It just happens, and then becomes our second nature.

In the video, Amir Mourad explains more about Dhyana and the difference between the Western concept of mediation.

So attaining Samadhi through Dhyana, like any other desire we have in life, is done by not trying too hard. Just let it happen. And so it is. Stay Blissful my friends – E

  1. http://sivanandaonline.org/public_html/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=923
  2. http://www.meditationexpert.com/zen-buddhism-tao/z_dhyana-samadhi-3.htm