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| thoughts & offerings |
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February 21, 2011 The Power of Mantra |
Mantra (a sound, word or phrase often heard in audible repetition) can have a differing meaning and purpose depending on the varying historical lineage or school of philosophy. Often when we hear the word mantra today in common language, I think of a repeated phrase or an ideological guidepost by which someone might live their life. Repetition of sound, whether in a sanskrit phrase that you might hear in a yoga class, or a riff in a jazz song, or the "hook" in one of your favorite songs, can serve to be relaxing or energizing (depending on the sound) and often times the repetition can be a bit hypnotic. Whether you're listening to the repetition of a mantra or you're reciting it yourself, you may discover that the experience may be a bit "transcendental", even if you are just repeating the mantra or sound silently in your mind. shanti! |
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January 21, 2011 Be Green: Klean Kanteen
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I was recently able to partner with a wonderful company called KleanKanteen, for an event in New York City. Many progressive yoga studios today no longer avail bottled water for purchase and encourage practitioners to partake of filtered water or water fountains on their premises, so as to not contribute to the thousands of plastic bottles being added to landfills around the world. KleanKanteen is a pioneer in the hydration bottling industry, offering BPA-free, aluminum "kanteens" that allow you to carry your own water and refill your water responsibly. I just wanted to share this product and put positive action and information into the atmosphere. shanti! |
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December 21, 2010 Featured Pose: Downward Facing Dog
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"Downward Facing Dog" pose is probably the most recognizable and iconic pose in yoga. Though it is sometimes classified as a "beginner" level pose, this posture is truly a "full-body" stretch, requiring equal strength and flexibility. Downward Facing Dog stretches and strengthens the legs, arms and torso. Your down-dog will probably evolve throughout the life of your yoga practice. Enjoy the wonderful stretch of downward facing dog! namaste |
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| Mind Your Mat
In a yoga class, it's not uncommon to look at what other students in the class are doing. Sometimes we look at others for cues on what to do because we didn't see, hear or understand the instruction of the teacher. I think that's natural. However, when we look at others in their practice, it can create a dynamic where we begin to compare ourselves (capabilities and appearance) to others in the class and perhaps judge ourselves harshly if we don't appear to be as "advanced" as others. And sometimes you might feel self-conscious, like others in the class are looking at you, judging you based on how you look in your practice or in a specific pose. I operate by a golden rule; "mind your own mat" meaning that I try to keep my attention and mind focused on my own practice. The moment you begin focusing and comparing yourself to someone else while in class, you're no longer "present" in your practice and you're cheating yourself. Once you're aware of this, bring your focus back to "your" practice. And if a feeling pops up that others are judging you, rest assured that 99% of the people in the class are focused on their own practice and not paying attention to anyone but themselves. shanti. |
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