Peace Through Yoga Book Club’s first meeting will take place on May 26, 2013, 12:00-1:00 pm, at the PTY studio inZionsville.  We will be discussing the introductory pages and Chapters 1-4, pages 5-55. The Book Club is open to anyone who is interested in learning more about the Yoga Sutras, the essence of Yoga or in finding a deeper meaning to their Yoga practice.  No prior knowledge of the sutras is needed.

In the book “The Secret Power of Yoga”, author Nischala Joy Devi’s heart felt personal interpretations of the Sutras embraces the spirit of the sutras rather than the literal meaning, from a heart-centered, intuitive, feminine perspective. At each meeting our discussions will focus on the ‘Spirit’ of each sutra through our own interpretations as well as through our own experiences. At the introductory meeting in late April, our discussion focused on the introductory pages of the book, most notably page xxv.  Here Devi informs the reader that, “The Secret Power of the Yoga Sutras can be found not by intellectual reading or discourse alone, but by deeply meditating on each aphorism, imbibing the spiritual truths and bringing them to our everyday life.”

Devi goes on further to explain how these ‘spiritual teachings have been transmitted in Eastern culture from ancient Vedic times to the present’, through a three part learning process. It is this three part learning process that will help to ‘guide’ us through our discussions of the sutras during our meetings. (xxv) Part one is Sravana (listening). Part two is Manaana (reflecting). Part three is Nididhyasana (experiencing). Part One: Sravana: One person from the group will read the sutra aloud. After having read the sutra, we will have a brief moment of silence to allow this great teaching to reverberate through our minds, bodies, heart, emotions & spirit. Part Two: Manaana: This time is open for those who wish to share their personal insights and reflections on the commentary that follows the sutra just read. Part Three: Nididhyasana: Open discussion about how the essence of each sutra has been or can be integrated into our every day life.

I have re-read this ‘meeting guideline’ several times……and yes, I agree with those of you who read this and immediately thought, ‘YIKES! Seems strictly structured.’  KEYWORD here is ‘guide’…and Devi actually encourages one to ‘listen’, ‘understand/reflect’ & ‘experience/feel’ the sutra. (xxv)

I encourage you to read the introductory pages several times if at all possible. Here Devi invites the reader into her heart and offers insights into her personal journey of interpreting the sutras ‘from a heart-centered, intuitive, feminine perspective.’ (back cover)

Page xxvi…… A bit of wisdom that Devi shares with us here is the phenomenon that ‘the heart forms much before the brain,’ in embryonic development, adding that, ‘this early formation of the heart allows us as new beings to be guided by the rhythm of the spirit, and it is from the heart that feelings are born,….’

OK…..I believe, intellectually, many of us know this scientific fact to be true, but Devi presents this fact from a heart-centered perspective and suddenly this scientific fact takes on an entirely new dimension for me.

Another thought from our April meeting……. We were in the midst of sharing thoughts about our own personal experiences of taking our yoga practice off the mat or something like that…….and there happened to be a moment of tranquility……stillness……when we all were meditating….reflecting….thinking…. without being cued. The silence was broken by someone saying, ‘Words are not always able to express what I feel in my heart…’

That moment became a beautiful ‘A-ha’ Divine Moment for all of us. Each of us acknowledged we had experienced moments in our lives that were beyond words.

A Divine Moment for the Divine Beings we truly are. (Devi offers more insight into ‘wordless’ moments on page xxvi.)

Rather than paraphrase or quote what Devi says about ‘……… knowing we are Divine Beings’, in the opening pages (xiii-xiv) of The Secret Power of Yoga, we at Peace Through Yoga invite you to join us on our Journey toward connecting & identifying with our Divine Self through the study of the Yoga Sutras.

      Elizabeth Cassalini – May 2013

The post The Yoga Sutras – PTY’s Book Club appeared first on Peace through Yoga.

A royal welcome given by head of the trainstation in Haridwar, friend of Diane Hancock’s.

After staying a few days in New Delhi at a 5-star hotel, our group of 3 Canadians and 5 Americans embarked on a journey to the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’, Rishikesh, India.  Our 5-hour trip to Haridwar from New Delhi left us reminiscing about the beautiful children and babies we met at The Welfare Home for Children we visited while in New Delhi.  After giving them some needed donations collected throughout the year, we all got to sing songs together and play for a while.  We were overwhelmed by the gratitude and shear joy these children had for our visit!  We left with a feeling of hope, love and appreciation for not only the beautiful children, but also for all the workers that shared in the daily lives of the children!   

Upon arriving at the train station in Haridwar, we were greeted personally by the Head of the Haridwar train station, Mr. Singh, and taken into his office where he had his workers serve us coffee.  Just before leaving for India from the States, one of our passengers met his cousin here in Indy and they set up our meeting him!  Many serendipitous moments occurred such as this on our trip!  It truly is a small world!  It is recommended that when one travels to India, one should go with an open mind, with no expectations.  Sound familiar?  The more we can bring these qualities into our daily lives,  as taught in the Sutras, the more the Universe can give us these pleasant surprises!  How many times do we resist when things don’t go according to plan?  “Letting go and letting God” is no easy task, but one well worth the effort of letting go!

 Ever since the Beatles rocked up the ashram of the Maharishi Mahesh yogi in the late ’60s, Rishikesh has been a magnet for spiritual seekers.  After a 45-minute bus ride through the base of The Himalayas, we arrive at our ashram, Parmarth Niketan, just down the street from maharishi’s ashram!  Situated on the banks of The Ganges, it is filled with beautiful flowers, palm trees and sacred sounds of chanting, bells and the rushing waters of the sacred river, The Ganges.  The balmy weather and sunshine fills the soul with delight after a long, dark winter!   Here our group visits Ramana’s Garden nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas a few miles away from our ashram.  The streets of Rishikesh bustles with friendly locals selling their goods on the streets, cows, monkeys, motorcycles and beautiful music wafting through the warm breeze filled with the scent of Sandalwood and chapati.     

At Ramana’s Garden, we play with a parachute with the younger children in the schoolyard.  Afterward, we break into groups giving art classes, singing, painting nails and getting to know these innocents from the hills of Rishikesh.  What a blessing!  We got the chance to visit them throughout our stay and eat at their cafe which helps bring funding for their school.  Everything is organically grown from their garden.  We got to drink Rhododendron juice and try a new recipe one of the children had, a type of coconut desert.  This was by far our favourite restaurant! 

A few days after arriving in Rishikesh, the yoga festival begins!  We are given several classes to take at our leisure each day for a week!  Theses include Iyengar, Yoga Nidra, and Kundalini, to name a few.  There are also many lectures given by renowned swamis from India and around the world!  There are over 35 countries represented by the participants at this festival.  Many of us left with many new friends!  If we were not in a yoga class, we were getting full body massages in the Ayurvedic clinic on-site for a mere 400-500 ruppees ($10), shopping, visiting Ramana’s, or meditating by The Ganges.  Taking an excursion to Maharishi’s ashram is always a highlight as well! 

If you have always wanted to visit the motherland of yoga, we highly recommend this excursion, as it is as diverse as India itself!  One can do as little or as much as one likes.  To be sure, whatever you do, India begs you to look deep inside yourself.  It is a journey of a lifetime that supersedes the human intellect, delving deeper into the heart of the Self.

Until next year, Namaste!

Christine Yovanovich, Global Proj. Dir.-India

The post International Yoga Festival 2013~ Chris Yovanovich appeared first on Peace through Yoga.

TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013

The weekly communication continues with John, an inmate in an Indiana prison.    He continues to be totally absorbed in learning all he can about yoga.  Incredible news, too!!   John started teaching a yoga class in the prison officially as of today.  He has nine students. 

A recent article entitled “Become a Prison Yoga Teacher” by Judy Tsuei had some interesting statistics.  There are 2.25 million prisoners and incarcerated individuals in the United States.  Stated another way, the U.S. has 4% of the world’s population and 25% of the world’s prisoners.  What’s more, the recidivism rate in our country (people who return to prison within three years) is 60%–that’s 6 out of 10 people–mostly because these individuals are not rehabilitated while serving their sentences.  How can we change this trend?  Yoga and meditation. 

John’s life in prison has totally changed since he has embraced yoga.   He has some interesting students that he teaches one-on-one.   Here’s what John says, “B & E are super hyper, especially B.  He breathes so violently and is a life long user of speed.  Getting this man to slow down is a real challenge.  Tomorrow will be my first day working with E and I am thinking he won’t be too resistant. 

Cali is over-weight, which is a first for me and surprisingly he is more agile than I first thought.  After 3 days working with him, I am amazed.  He keeps good time on Surya Namaskara A & B, which is all I am teaching these guys at this time.  In two weeks I will move to some standing poses.  Cali is such a cool man.  After he and I were done with a seated meditation at the end of our 20 minute session, he started talking about all he is experiencing within the past three days, and he blew my mind.  Sally, this dude said some things that made me ask if he had ever read anything on Yoga, and to my surprise he said no.  The other thing that really blew my mind was how he said, “I feel as though I am really relaxed and feeling myself” and pointed with both hands to the center of his chest. 

Old School is just that, he is in his 70′s and has signs of arthritis and back pain, kind of hunched over.  He says his sister is a master in an Ashram and has been teaching for a long time.  Teaching these guys has gotten me back on the mat more and I’m really taking it slow with these men.  I think I pushed my previous students too far too fast.  For two weeks I plan to do 5 rounds of A & B Sun Salutations and a seated meditation to end.  Namaste.  John.”

THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

“A few days while walking through my dorm in prison, I thought of the time I have left to serve.  I come across this wavering dilemma quite often and it either strikes me with drama or excitement.  In this particular instance, I was down on myself wondering how in the world I will ever get by.  Like a recent meditation, the answer kind of dawned on me.  ‘Oh, don’t worry John, your mind will take care of all that.”  Due to the impermanence of my mind I can’t be certain how I will greet the dilemma on its next tour.  For the next 24 hours, I subconsciously turned this over and over in my mind and have come to the following conclusion:

I can allow my wavering mind to continue rambling or I can become mindful and be present in the moment.  I instantly started back pedaling at the thought of being present here and now, for fear of consciousness to the second hand on the clock.  I then realized I am looking for the ‘fast forward button’. 

Growing up I couldn’t wait to get my driver’s license, the ability to buy tobacco (even though I never smoked), and then alcohol, always saying just a few more months or years.  Trace Adkins sings a song called “Your Gonna Miss This,” and it was playing on the radio as I made the rough draft for this letter.  How awesome!  So here my mind goes again, what could I possibly miss about my time in prison, if I did hit fast forward?  The Joy List!  The very simple moments of deep thought with complete understanding, which my hear absorbs.  How long this truth will beat in my heart, I am not sure, but it will be waiting to be turned on again like a light bulb should my mind turn it off.

Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.  Namaste!  John”

THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013    

John’s assignment from prison this past week was to explain what the first two limbs of yoga meant to him.

The First Limb of Yoga – The 5 Yamas (non-violence, truth, non-stealing, sexual purity, and non-greediness)

“Ahimsa (non-violence) is one word that reminds me to control my anger and destructive ability.  Non-violence, the other 4 Yamasa and the Niyamas are kind of like the blinders on a horse’s bridle.  Ahimsa keeps us in our lane.  Violence is a given in prison, so trying to control it and its numerous roots and branches is exhausting.  My Zen Buddhist class on Wednesday nights is helping me to understand my thoughts.  I recently learned about how a thought arises, endures, and then passes.  The thought of violence is no different than any other thought, it will pass. 

I have learned to be humble while here in prison because there is no shortage of combatants.  I actually practice using drishti to avoice confrontation while walking around here.  I put my drishti (eye focus) on the floor so I don’t have to make eye contact with the 150 other men who stroke there egos and poke there chests out.  But this is not out of fear, it is my way of being passive and non-aggressive.

Satya (truth) is very important to healthy relationships and key to being comfortable in my skin.  For a long time I tried to hide my drug addiction from my Mom and Dad and in turn I was lying to myself.  I am still trying to figure out why I was a drug addict.  I believe by studying myself through the 8-Limb path, I will one day understand why I’ve done the things I’ve done.  Not being honest has really bad side effects and you are bound to loose contact with who you really are. Recently I had a run-in with Satya when I finally told my friend Diana that I was involved with a prison gang for the past two years and is the reason for me loosing so much good time.  Needless to say, Diana was upset.  She got so upset that the thought of being honest with my family frightens me.  So I have a lot to learn about Satya and the side effects of the thruth no matter the situation. 

Asteya (non-stealing) relates to Satya in a big way for me because hiding from the Drug Addiction I consequently gave up precious time with the family and myself in the hopes of keeping my drugs.  So by not being honest I stole from a lot of people!  Asteya has to do with physical things but I believe the unseen aspect is the one that needs the most attention.  Now that I am conscious to non-stealing I have made improvements on both Asteya and Satya, and belive life will be much more pleasant with a free conscience. 

Brahmacharya (sexual purity) is obviously unavoidable for me.  I am forced to succumb to this guideline.  I do avoid the magazines that float around here because looking doesn’t help the matter.  Check-out Yoga Journal March 2013 issue, page 20!  Wow, wish I felt the same way as her but then again maybe I m just not looking and listening enough.  Maybe I could do more to respect sexual purity. 

Aparigraha (non-greediness) is something I deal with every day in prison.  My family supports me more than most, which makes me feel guilty or spoiled in the face of these other men who either have no family/support and have had a much much harder life than I.  A lot of these men have been in trouble since they were in their early teens and have burnt every bridge they crossed.  I am so blessed to be able to order food from commissary every time and I order enough to get ME through that two week period between orders.  When I only have one bag of coffee to get me through and someone asks me for a cup, I must say NO or I will go without.   Believe it or not there are people who have money but choose to ask for hand-outs and eat better than me.  When I say no I am saying no not just because I don’t want to go without, but also because my family doesn’t send me money to support another grown man’s coffee addiction.

The one thing I would love to let go of in order to effectively climb the 8-Limb path is prison.  Can’t let go of it, haave to be released!  It has become obvious while doing this assignment that prison is affecting my inner self in ways that makes the 8 Limbs difficult.  Going home will present a whole new environment so I will have to stay on my toes once I am home.”

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2013

It has been approximately one year since I started communicating to a guy in prison.  John’s interest in yoga was so sincere that regular correspondence began about the subject in earnest.   In December Peace through Yoga sent an official proposal/scholarship for John to obtain his Yoga Teacher Training certification.   John’s prison sentence is at least another 3-4 years so he, obviously, won’t be completing our training in the usual time period.  On the other hand, John has time to not only read and meditate, but he is putting what he is learning as we go to great use with his fellow peers.

Below is part of a letter written January 30, 2013:

“Hi!  I was so excited to receive my first homework assignment.  What a bummer about the book you tried to send.  Not sure if I told you about books having to be sent from the publisher or Amazon.com.  That is so cool to hear about you teaching students at Butler University.

You know in the past two weeks I’ve been able to help three men in here.  There was one guy who kept holding his lower abdomen and trying to stretch out, so I asked him where exactly it hurt and what motions triggered the pain.  Well, turns out it was his iliopsoas and after showing him the deep lunge pose as well as Utthita Trikoasana, he was blown away that there was such a muscle and how well the asanas stretched the area he had trouble with.  I even let him read the article you sent called “Wounded Warrior Pose”.

Next there was this dude on my dorm who watched me do my daily Asana practice and asked if I could show him.  His name is Eric.  He was in a bad accident in 2007 and he had a traumatic brain injury which caused him to have to learn to walk and talk again.  There was still something not right with him, his motor skills were slow.  I showed him Surya Namaskara A, which proved to be very difficult for him.  He really had a hard time transitioning from Cobra (bhugangasana) to Downward Dog (Adho Mukha Savanasana).  His alignment was always off once he tried the jump to Down Dog.    So I told him to go from Cobra to Cat/Cow pose then push up into Down Dog. 

Last, there is “Ray Ray” who has been trying to learn from the Ashtanga Book you sent to me.  He is on another dorm and he really needs better instruction on alignment and would rather have me there to help (reading just isn’t clicking with him).  I’ve done what I could and told him about “Light on Yoga”, which I think is a great book for beginners.  Hope he gets the book, I no longer have it as it is at home.

Speaking of home, my girlfriend is waiting on me to come home so I can teacher her.  She is happy that I found yoga.  My mother is doing daily Asana practice from a tape.    She says it is something from Jane Fonda.   You were right about me being here for a reason other than the obvious!  And, maybe me writing a book would possibily inspire someone and let them know.  NOW is as good a time as any.. if I can find my inner peace in a horrible place like this then mom, dad, teenagers and anyone in between can find it as well. 

I hope you can resend the book.  I’m studying every day.  I can recognize the Sanskrit but there is no possible way I could speak the language.  I need pronunication for the Asanas.   Enclosed is my homework assignment.  I feel like I could have elaborated on some of the answers but I have not come to understand this stuff with my own understanding.  Ecclesictes says something like “there is nothing new under the sun”, so I’m never going to be 100% original. 

Your sidhaka (your student),

John

A couple of answers from John’s homework:

QUESTION:  What Chakra do you want to focus on right now and why?

ANSWER:  I would like to focus on Vishuddha because this environment is full of people I don’t want to associate with and this silence has caused me to feel mute when it comes to expressing myself to loved ones.  Then again Muladhara might be the better choice because it brings balance to the other six.

QUESTION:  What is a mudra?

ANSWER:  A mudra is a gesture of the hands which channels energy (prana) through the Nadis and the Chakras giving a person specific experiences in the mind and spirit.  A mudra is common throughout religion.

Needless to say, those in charge of Yoga Teacher Training think we have an exception pupil who will go deep in his practice.  Stay-tune as you hear and learn more from John.

The post Yoga Training from Prison appeared first on Peace through Yoga.

Peace through Yoga is one of the sponsors bringing Somaly Mam, a woman who was born in the hills of Cambodia and sold into sexual slavery as a child, to speak this week in Indianapolis.  It has been exactly a year that I read Somaly’s book, “The Road of Lost Innocence”, then proceeded to ask if she would come share her gut-wrenching story to raise awareness and funds dedicated to stopping human trafficking.

As one of the fastest-growing organized crimes in the world, it is generating more than $32 billion year and enslaving approximately 3 million women and children  In Somaly’s country girls are sold for as little as $10 and as young as five years old.    In the United States there are could be more than 300,000 children in danger of exploitation.  Human trafficking victims are subject to rape, torture, forced abortion, starvation, and threats to family members.

It will be an honor to have Somaly stay with our family this week.  She is one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2009 and a CNN Hero.   Somaly survived a childhood of forced labor and prostitution in the brothels of Cambodia.  Since her escape, she has dedicated her life to a rescuing young girls from a similar fate. Through her work, which at times has put her own life at risk, more than 4,000 women and children have been saved from human trafficking.  Her efforts to rescue children in Cambodia were recently highlighted in the PBS documentary “Half the Sky,” based on the book by New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof and his wife, Sheryl WuDunn. Both Pultizer Prize winners.

The second speaker at this annual tea will be Linda Smith, a former U.S. congresswoman heading up an international effort to save children from being forced into prostitution.  She is the founder of Shared Hope International, an organization that exists to rescue and restore women and children in crisis.

Throughout this process, it has been so fun to work with the committee members of Women Like Us Foundation, the non-profit my friend, Linda Rendleman, and I co-founded five years ago.

Another special treat in coordinating Somaly’s visit has been to work with a former colleague, Kelly Campbell.  Kelly is owner and co-founder of The Village Experience.   It is a true delight to see “a woman like us” have a heart and drive to fight for causes and make a difference in areas all around the world.  She not only offers trips that the average volunteer/traveler can participate in, but she also sells unique items in her store that were made by women from those areas.

Bottom line:  One person can make a difference.  I hope this blog gives you awareness to a horrendous crime that is taking place all over the world—human trafficking, as well as to inspire you to make a difference like the women described below.

Why is this blog on our Peace through Yoga site?  It is all about Karma Yoga.  Karma Yoga is the path of selfless action and selfless service.    You, too, can be a yogi.  As Kelly and I know…it’s called “off the mat and into the world.”

The post Human Slavery is a Fast Growing Crime appeared first on Peace through Yoga.

A dear friend of my mine was diagnosed with four stage cancer just a few weeks ago.  It is devasting to her entire circle of friends and family.  Not unusual, my friend is very optimistic and plans to conquer this battle through prayer, positive thinking, and faith.

As I was leaving the hospital after visiting with her, she asked tentatively if I could help her with some breathing  techniques.  All her internal organs have been effected, including her lungs.    Below is the beginning of a text series that I will be doing  every couple of days.  Hope this is useful to you to also share with a friend or family member who might need it in the future.

“Hi!  I am going to send you short five minute meditation/breathing  techniques every couple of days.  Try to do it in a quiet and solitude  place (good luck with that in the hospital      Close your eyes  and breathe through your nose.  Try to hear the sound of your breath at  the back of your throat…like you are fogging up a mirror even though  the mouth is closed.  The Ocean Breath.  Visualize lying on the beach.   Inhale wellness and exhale toxins.  If mind wanders, bring your attention back to breath.   xo?

Stay tune.

Response:  “Ok, I will try it.  Breathing is so important in my situation.”

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

“Hi!  Hope you found the first breathing tip useful.  Let’s do “Three Part Breathing” technique today. Close your eyes and become aware of your breath like meeting a long lost friend.  (Westerners only use about 85% of their lung capacity so this is going to help with healing, energy, and calming).  Place one hand on your chest and one hand on your stomach.  Inhale from the bottom of your lungs expanding the abdominal area; keep sipping in air expanding the sides of the chest; then fill lungs to capacity all the way to the top of your collar bones.   Visualize filling a pitcher of water by inhaling from bottom to top.  Now exhale from top to bottom like emptying the pitcher.  At the end of the exhale you are contracting the stomach muscles in and up.  Repeat slowly for several minutes.  Add your Ocean Breath at back of throat if you can.   Send you lots of prayers.  ”  

Response 8/1/2012:  “Thanks, Sal.  I’m on it!”

Monday, August 6, 2012

“Hi!  Heard you went home on Saturday!  Did you start treatmnet pills yet?  Keep doing Ocean Breath with visualization plus three part breath from bottom to top of lungs then exhaling top to bottom.  Another tip coming soon! ”

Response 8/6/2012:  “Taking Chemo pills put have a few issues so need to go back to hospital for 24 hours.  So bummed, I’ll keep you posted.”

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

“Hi!  Hear you are down at IU Hospital in Bloomington getting second opinion.  The updates on www.caringbridge.org are so appreciated.  Try doing this to expand lungs and stay centered.  Close eyes.  Inhale six counts, hold six counts and exhale six.  Do for several minutes.  You are a trooper…and you always have been!!  Love, Sal

Monday, August 20, 2012

Today is a beautiful pre-fall/summer type day with pure blue sky.   Like many Mondays, especially late August, it is a time to get back to the day-to-day living and fall schedules.  My youngest daughter started her second year of law school today.  My oldest daughter is in Spain with her husband celebrating their second wedding anniversary.  My executive husband was off to the office in his suit and tie looking as professional and handsome as ever.  I, however, got to enjoy this beautiful day doing my weekly horseback riding lesson outside.

Life.  Health.  Two wonderful things we often take for granted as we go about running our daily lives.

Then I get an update on my friend who has four stage cancer.  She is breathing via an oxygen tank.  The family wants to halt all visits .

“Suffice it to say that “M” is struggling with every breath and we feel it’s in her best interest to stop all visitors.  She is now using oxygen and without getting into all of M’s own personal feelings of embarrassment of her looks, etc. due to the liver and swelling issues (no matter how much we tell her that isn’t important and that she is just as beautiful as ever),  we just are no longer seeing the benefit to having friends visit.  We realize everyone is hopeful that it isn’t as bad as it seems, and though there is a glimmer that there could be some good days, hours, minutes, but for the duration, we need to keep her comfortable for all the bad and the good moments.”

As we enjoy heaven on earth on beautiful days like today, my friend is laying in the hospital struggling for her life.  It is all so unimaginable.  43 years old and two children, 6 and 10.

I believe that heaven above will be beautiful like today.  However, no one wants to rush the process as we do have living to do here on earth.  Families to raise…grandchildren to experience…places to visit…

Every  breath counts…from the first one at birth to the last one at death.   Just like every moment we get to experience.  Be still and feel blessed by every one of them.

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Marci’s funeral was today.   It has been so heart-breaking.   My friend was an earth angel to everyone she met.  There is no happy ending to this story.   She will be greatly missed.

There is a quote, “Life is a journey, not a destination.”  Maybe it truly is about the destination.     Heaven is definitely brighter today with Marci there.

The post Cancer and Breathing Techniques – Texting a Friend appeared first on Peace through Yoga.

As I look out over the rainforest and Caribbean here in Costa Rica, there have been many things to contemplate.  Being able to do yoga twice a day for two weeks has brought yoga even more alive to me.  And every afternoon has allowed me to truly experience getting to know…and love the local children even more, an opportunity I have wanted for sometime.

This is my eighth trip to the Samasati Nature Retreat near the town of Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica.  Our group trips along with one-week side visits with family members have made this one of my favorite places in the world.  It’s become my second home.

There is so much to do here when I lead groups to Samasati—zipling through the jungle, going to beautiful beaches, visiting an animal center where you can actually hug a monkey, kayaking, bicycling, getting massages, staying in bungalows and eating gourmet vegetarian food, exploring town like a local…

The highlight is usually the two half days working with the local children at our library.  I love that…our library.  A short 15 minute walk from Samasati is a library made of local wood and filled with books that have gradually increased due to our passengers bringing them on four trips.   We hired an English teacher almost a year ago, Addison Demaree from Indianapolis, who has truly made an impact with children ages 7-14 years.  The library is open from 1-4 p.m. and some kids come almost every day and others periodically.  That is a challenge for any teacher when you have different levels of learning to teach.

By working at the library the past week, we have come up a list of priorities we would like to implement through fundraising:

* Continue to provide an English teacher year-round

* Purchase material for English as a Second Language (workbooks, computer programs, etc.) on quarterly basis

* Expand library with more new and gently used books (first-third grade levels at this time)

* Provide 4-6 computers, desks, and monthly wireless internet service

* Build a playground by Fall 2012

* Offer two yoga/service/adventure trips each year to work with the kids at library

* Give four to eight bikes annually to children who need it for school ($130 each new)

* Provide two scholarships a year to elementary students going to high school

* Design a women’s revenue project by purchasing a sewing machine that would help with making school uniforms, etc.  ($430 per sewing machine)

* Bring soccer uniforms for the children through a non-profit in Indianapolis and having our passengers deliver

* Develop an on-going volunteer program so the English teacher has assistance listening to children read and learn to words.

Two additional considerations for the future would also be supporting the local clinic by bringing needed equipment, medicine, etc. as well as future preschool next to the library.

In the meantime, here are some of the fun things I have learned this trip:

* The rainforest is full of incredible sounds and sights to delight your senses.  It’s like an orchestra of sounds even in the middle of the day right now.  In the early mornings you hear howler monkeys that truly are roaring like a lion.

I have a pet lizard that I’ve named Leo.  He is always right in front of the bungalow door when I open it, acknowledges me then skirts off to his little hole after I say hello.  No joke! 

One of the dogs on sight was pregnant when I first got here and had her babies a couple of nights later.  Every morning before going off to the library I stop in behind a shed to just be with her.  We look into each others eyes and just stare as a source of communication.  Then I hold and kiss on her babies.

So take time to just be with an animal.  Gaze in to its eyes and connect. It is a calming and peaceful act that brings a special a moment of connection.

* Old saying but true–when you give you get so much more back!  What a joy it was this week.    

Marvin has not been going to high school on a regular basis because it took him so long to get there.  Rosa Amalia, who runs the grounds where we hold English classes, has been walking miles to even get to the bus stop to go to town to take a tourism class that would increase her job opportunities.  So, I had the pleasure of going to the local hardware store, bought two bikes, and delivered them to Rosa Amalia and Marvin. 

Bringing beanie babies for each of the children coming to the library was even more of a hit than I thought it would be.  No matter what age…no matter boy or girl, they were pleased to be given a present of their own.

* You are never too old or too inflexible to become more flexible and stronger in mind, body and spirit.  Trust me.  Try it.  By doing yoga twice a day here in the heat, I’ve taken my practice further that I could even imagine.  Each pose, when taken a little further with breath, patience and focus, was like discovering a new friend. 

* Teachers are a blessing and should be held in the utmost respect.  I learned I love teaching children this past week when I had their undivided attention…and I was totally frustrated when a child interrupted and needed to be disciplined.  God Bless teachers!

* There is a difference in really good chocolate .   Chocolate is grown in this area and it is delicious.  I discovered a new restaurant, Bread and Chocolate, in town where they sell truffles that melted in my mouth.  I’ll definitely be back.

* Ahimsa, or non-violence in Sanskrit, applies to flies. 

* Anytime you meet someone out of the country and see them again on a return trip, it’s like meeting a long lost friend.  Yesterday I rented a bike in town to ride out to meet a friend to go to the beach.  On the 30 minute ride outside of town, I saw six people I knew from past trips.  It truly felt like I was part of the community.

* Meditation, an abstract concept for many, will only happen with time and practice every day.  Close your eyes and maybe practice some meditation techniques before simply letting your mind stay clear of thought.  Suggested techniques:  follow your breath; pray; focus on one chakra at a time from the base of spine to the crown of your head; visualize a light right between your eyebrows; take your attention to your heart; etc.

Let me end with a wonderful passage I saw in the café yesterday while eating chocolate.  It seems perfect since I am writing from a jungle.

ADVICE FROM A TREE

By Ilan Shamir

- Stand tall and proud

- Sink your roots into the earth

- Be content with your own natural beauty

- Go out on a limb

- Drink plenty of water

- Remember your roots

- Enjoy the view!

Until next time…

Namaste!

The post Things I Learned In The Jungle- Costa Rica- June, 2012 appeared first on Peace through Yoga.

My thought has always been that praying is talking to God and meditation is listening to God.  But it takes time, discipline and devotion to truly create a meditation practice.  Why?  Because we all have such busy “monkey minds” that takes time to quiet and calm down enough to truly let go of thoughts, words, and ideas.

Below are suggestions to start you own meditation practice:

* Find a quiet place where you will get no interruptions.  Turn your cell phone off, shut the door, make sure the pets are in another room, etc.  Then get as comfortable sitting position as possible, whether on a chair or on the floor, with your spine straight.

* Close your eyes, take your attention internally to the space right between your two eye brows,  and pray.  Pray for everyone that comes into your thoughts; praise God for all the blessings in your life, ask God for help with any needs or trials you are going through; then let all thoughts go.

* If your are still finding it hard to quiet your mind, do some pranayama (breathing) exercises.  Cover one nostril and breath completely through the other nostril; re lease the held nostril and cover the other one; exhale.  Inhale through the same nostril; cover and release the other nostril as you exhale…Continue for several minutes.  This is called Alternate Nostril Breathing.

* Saying a mantra internally (a word or phrase) can also assist in calming the mind.  Find something that works for you.  It can be as simple as saying the word Love as you breathe in and the word Peace as you breathe out.

* Be patient and consistent in dedicating 10-40 minutes a day to a meditation practice.  Some days you will find that your mind will quiet down in seconds where other days it make 30-40 minutes.

* By focusing internally on your “third eye”, the area between your eyebrows, it will be like looking through a porthole into your spirituality.  When you mind is still, you will be able to discover this space with awe.  As thoughts come up, you will just recognize them as clouds passing by in the sky.

* Your vision through the porthole might be that of looking up into the darkness of the universe where the spaciousnes of infinity is miraculous.  Bigger than the universe.  For some, it might be looking out the porthole into what you would imagine heaven to be…bright floating clouds.

* At the porthole at your “third eye” (also called the Ajna Chakra) you might see an image of your Higher Source.  For me that is Jesus all dressed in white.    This is also known as Dharana, concentration on something specific.   With time you will not need the internal focus.  You will go to Dhyana where true meditation will take place.  You will feel like you are in the presence of God, or your Higher Souce, whatever that is for you.   The highest or eighth limb of yoga is next.   Samadhi.  You go so deep that you feel you are one with God.

* When you are ready to come out of your meditation slowly give thanks for practice…for the joy, peace, and love that are the benefits of meditation.  End with a short prayer:  Om, Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.  (Peace. Peace. Peace).

The post Meditation Tips–Taking Your Practice to a Deeper Level appeared first on Peace through Yoga.

It was from a man incarcerated in prison and was seeking some answers regarding the deeper side of yoga. Below is his letter and my response.

To whom it may concern,
January 2012

I am writing to you in regards to literature relating to the spiritual side of yoga. I have been practicing yoga for about 10 months now and find a release from my present situation which nothing else can bring. I have a subscription to Yoga Journal which gives me some intellectual understanding but I need more. My first book on yoga was “Light on Yoga” which mentioned the BagavaGita and its poetic style of writing. My aunt is the one responsible for sending me such great material but she is limited. Wanting to understand yoga in a deeper sense I asked for more books where she then sent me “How Yoga Works”, Hatha Yoga illustrated and the Yoga Journal subscription.

As you can see I’m presently incarcerated and fortunately have plenty of time to read. LOL. I don’t plan on being incarcerated forever but while I’m here I would like to devote my time to understanding this wonderful thing called Yoga. I’m 26 years old with a background in martial arts, so flexibility (asanas) have come to me with ease. Unfortunately, Christianity is hindering me from opening my mind to the spiritual side of yoga, and find the articles in Yoga Journal to be a little mushy for me—a “convict” LOL. Have someone to correspond with would help me answer questions I might come across in the future.

In closing and in short I guess I’m asking for some assistance or guidance. If you or this yoga center is able to help me on my way then I would be forever in debt to you. Thank you very much for your time or consideration on this matter.

Sincerely Written,
John

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Dear John,

Thank you for your letter to Peace through Yoga inquiring about the spiritual side of yoga. First, let me apologize for not writing sooner. I am currently 39,000 feet high in an aircraft returning from India. Your letter was given to me while I was in India by one of our yoga teachers at PTY. She had been carrying it around for quite awhile meaning to give to me. Maybe it was not meant for me to reply until after this two week journey to Rishikesh, the yoga capital of the world.

Second, it is awesome that you have discovered yoga and are reading Yoga Journal, Iyengar’s “Light on Yoga”, and anything else you can find. Your current circumstances just might give you the opportunity to truly explore yoga and meditation in a way that many people cannot—or say they can’t find the time. Take advantage of it!!! After two weeks on the Ganges River, there is nothing like being able to practice yoga fully—mind, body and spirit, many hours a day.

Most westerners come to yoga due to the physical exercise. That’s okay—it gets you into your body as well as mentally become focused. It sounds like you have the flexibility, strength, and endurance that most people seek during their physical practice of yoga. Your questions at this stage wondering about the spiritual side of yoga is natural.

I, too, am a strong Christian and had these same questions when I started practicing on a regular basis 12-13 years ago. I soon signed up for Yoga Teacher Training. During that year each student was required to do side research on a subject or area of their choice. My research was entitled “Christ through Yoga”.

Yoga is definitely not a religion. It is a science that can actually bring you to a deeper religious practice regardless what you believe. Don’t let that scare you. Yoga was developed over 5000 years ago with the physical postures (asanas, as you know) being such a very small part of it. It was practiced to still the mind.

There couldn’t be a better time for yoga to be growing in the United States with all the multi-tasking we do and the “monkey-mind” never ceasing. Through concentration and meditation, you can also have a closer relationship with God than ever before.

I like simple so let me end by sharing the Eight Limbs of Yoga. Try to learn and truly understand each Limb. If you aren’t doing pranayama as part of your practice (breath work), it will be a great place to start.

• Yamas – the five ethical principles you observe before ever getting on the mat: non-violence (ahimsa), non-stealing (asteya), non-greediness (aparigrapha) , sexual purity (brahmacharya) and truthfulness (satya)
• Ni-Yamas—the five self-restraints: cleanliness, contentment, austerity, self-study, and surrendering to God
• Asanas—yogic poses: the hundreds and hundreds of physical postures that get your mind and body ready for meditation
• Pranayama—breath control for cleansing, balance, and calming. Just focusing on your breath is meditation
• Pratyahara—withdrawal of the senses
• Dharana—concentration
• Dhyana—Meditation
• Samadhi—connection to a higher source

Once again, just take in a little bit of time. We call it a “yoga practice” because it is a lifelong journey of learning.

Enclosed is a great international magazine that has an article on the 8 Limbs as well as the Chakras. If you aren’t familiars with the seven Chakras, I think you will enjoy learning about these energy sources in your body that can be blocked. I personally love bringing the Chakras into my teaching.

This past week I read an incredible book, “The Journey Home—Autobiography of an American Swami”. I will try to track down a copy for you. In the meantime, take care of yourself and enjoy discovering yoga. There is nothing like it.

Namaste—which means the light in me recognizes and respects the light within you.

Sally from Peace through Yoga

The post Questions from Prison appeared first on Peace through Yoga.

As co-founder of Women Like Us Foundation, I always look at our name as more of a statement.  On every continent and in every country, there are women just like us struggling but also being empowered more and more every year…every day.

This week I’ve talked to a lot of women from India.   One gave me a massage.  A delightful youthful looking lady who has two children in their twenties.   Her husband was a drunk and took off many years ago.  This woman can never marry again.     I’ve had eye contact with another woman who is a beggar on the street.  She sits in the same place every day.   The first time we talked I was carrying baby blankets.  I gave her one…she desperately wanted all four that I held.  I gave them to her.  Yesterday I saw her with two young children.  We shared bananas and oranges that I had just purchased.  We are all the same with the same needs…just culture mores often make us different.

Per my earlier blog this week, we get wrapped up with what society says we should be.    The following prayer was sent this week in an email and thought I would share.  It is a symbol of what we have come to want.

Now I lay me Down to sleep I pray the Lord My shape to keep. [Soft Break]Please no wrinkles Please no bags And please lift my butt Before it sags. [Soft Break]Please no age spots Please no gray And as for my belly, Please take it away. [Soft Break]Please keep me healthy Please keep me young, ! And thank you Dear Lord [Soft Break]For all that you’ve done.

However, below is a wonderful poem Audrey Hepburn wrote that puts us back into perspective when asked to share her ‘beauty tips.’   It was read at her funeral years later.

BEAUTY TIPS by AUDREY HEPBURN

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.. Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms.

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.

So, women everywhere:  Celebrate!  Walk with poise, confidence and empowerment of who you are.   Happy Day!

The post Happy “International Women’s Day” from India appeared first on Peace through Yoga.

Bhagawai is a woman like us.  She has talked of happiness and what is like to be a woman in this period of time to find spirituality.     She has asked many very, very successful people in the U.S. if they are happy.    Every time the answer has started by“I’ll be happy when….”      The propaganda in the West is huge.  “You’ll be happy if you wear this…eat that…go there…buy this…”  Advertising is a billion dollar industry.

We are searching for something that really is within us.  What is the purpose of running so fast if we are going in the wrong direction?    Unfortunately, we often go within and we find it is very crowded [Symbol].  We find people inside that betrayed us, abused us, etc.    The very art of observing sometimes assists with change!

With all the demands on women becoming grounded is so very important.  Who are we?      The real answer is TRUTH.  We are not anyone but ourselves.    However, if we are forty, we are told to look 20.  We say things like “wow you look good…you lost weight…”.  If you look the truth, we have failed.   It’s like manufacturers have figured something out better than God.    Hold on to your truth.

Femininity is always changing.  Mother Nature is always changing.  We won’t be the same as yesterday.  Be okay with the truth.   If you are tired in this moment..if you are sad in this moment..if you are angry in this moment, it is okay.

Can you connect with Spirit even if you gained a few pounds this weekend…or had a fight with a spouse…    Can you stay connected to the Spirit?   Yes, if you stay grounded, stay with the truth.

Besides the many fascinating lectures by people who have meditated decades on the meaning of life, there is a wide range of physical yoga classes.   I have taken six hours already of  Iyengar Yoga with one of the top teachers in the world.  Iyengar is often thought of as the Nazi yoga because it focuses so much on the “perfect” alignment.  I’ve always said that the asanas (the yoga poses) get to be like your best friend and it is such a delight to practice them on the mat.  Monouso Manos has introduced all the traditional poses like you are meeting them the first time.   Can’t wait to share what I’ve learned at Peace through Yoga.   I miss Karen, the Susans, Erica, Harriet, Kimberly, Carrie, and all the other special students that I teach.

This morning led me to Kundalini Yoga.    Every Kundalini class is different.  The teacher, Gurmukh, is also world-renowned.  We bounced, we jumped, we marched…all with the purpose of achieving an attitude of gratitude…the highest power in life.  Pretty lofty goal but by the end of the physical movement and we meditated.  There is absolutely nothing like the feeling of true meditation and a connection to higher source.  Through yoga, there are many, many paths to get there whether it is Iyengar, Kundalini, Vinyasa, Hatha, Ashtanga or the other type yogas I’ve never heard of before coming to India.

It’s time to go back to Ramana’s Garden for dinner and time with the children.  The approximate two mile walk from the Ashram to Ramana’s Garden is also a magical time.   I am only wearing white yoga shirts and pants with colorful shaws and mala beads.  They just might not fit in Indiana so I am going to enjoy being “local” as long as I can.

Namaste!

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