Learning to surrender ... Bhakti, Kirtan, Devotion

Leading Kirtan this past Sunday was an extraordinary experience for me.  The voices of our group and the expression of love infused within the sound of the chanted names, was pure joy. We were transported to a space of perfect peace and I long for the next opportunity to share that group experience. Bhakti Yoga, of which I am a new student, has allowed me to open to higher levels of self-understanding. It serves as a tool with which to work through fear, insecurity, and yes, those bits of self-loathing that we all seem to hold in a deep pocket.  Chanting the names of Sita, Ram, Hanuman and others, brings to the forefront, our highest sense of self, opening us up to the memory that we are pure and gentle beings. When we chant with a group, we feel the connection we have with one another, with all things good, and peaceful, and true.

Since discovering Bhakti Yoga and consciously trying my best to live each moment as a devotional practice (all things for a higher purpose), I have been less inclined to put energy into negatively charged feelings and ideas. What works best for me?  When I sense a bit of negative self-talk coming, I instantly bring mantra to the conversation, “Sita Ram, Sita Ram, Sita Ram …" chanting internally or out loud if need be, until I get to the to the point where I feel, physically, the loving presence of the deities in me, around me, all-encompassing. It has become easier and easier. The calmness, the awareness of peace, the knowledge that spiritual assistance IS there is so reassuring.
By allowing myself to open to this practice, what have I come to notice above all? I am learning to surrender. 

What keeps you from living your truth?

Yogas citta vrtti nirodhah  
The restraint of the modifications of the mind-stuff is yoga.
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Book 1 Sutra 2

What keeps you from living in a state of spiritual awareness?
What keeps you from being in yoga (union)?

The Yoga Sutras explain that, as humans, we experience modifications (vrttis) to our mind-stuff (our connection to the universal truth) in order that we may live within the society into which we have been born. Unfortunately, we develop a lot of attachment to these vrttis; and they interfere with our ability to live consistently in a state of yoga. Therefore, we must learn to restrain, control, and/or govern, these vrttis. There are five basic vrttis with which all of us will contend as part of being human. They can be perceived as good or bad, painful or painless (Yoga Sutras 1.5), but they occur as part of our human experience.

They are: Right Knowledge, misconception, verbal delusion, sleep, and memory (Yoga Sutras 1.6).

We all experience these vrttis. If you want yoga, you need to learn to control your attachment to them.

Yoga is the restraint of the modifications of the mind-stuff.

Now, the learning of yoga begins for you!

Atha Yoganusasanam – NOW the Instruction of Yoga begins. Book 1 Sutra I of, The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

Atha yoganusasanam
NOW, Yoga is being made apparent to you, reader.
NOW, it is time for you to step into the spiritual deep waters of your time.
NOW, it is time to do your practice.
NOW is not the time to simply listen to others talk about the benefits of yogic living, or to read of the transformative experiences of others and acknowledge their credibility, but to do it.
Be in it, walk it, breathe it, eat and sleep it.

NOW, TODAY.
If this sutra has found you, if you are hearing, seeing, or reading it then you are being given a sign to begin your spiritual practice. If you have fallen away from your practice and are now reading this first Sutra, you must recognize that your inner truth is calling you, crying to you to return to your practice.  Atha Yoganusasanam – NOW, the teaching of yoga begins, right here, and right now. Listen. Take the step. Know it and be in it. Be ready for what comes next.  

Put forth effort ... make a contribution

I own one business with two locations. I love what I do, but that does not translate to, "I don't work". I have heard the phrase, "If you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life". Well ... I understand the sentiment, but the statement implies that work is a bad thing; or that if you feel like you are working, then you must not really love what you do for a living. Hmm ... I love what I do. I am a business owner, a teacher, mentor, administrator, retreat leader, curriculum developer, cook, cleaner, and cheerleader. I shop for beautiful candles, exotic incense, intricately created mala beads, special books, and toilet paper. I meet interesting people everyday, I travel and study with amazing teachers and share what I learn, and I pay the water, electric, and internet bills, rent, and insurance premiums. It is also my job to compensate teachers, file taxes on time, and make sure there are plenty of candles, matches and New Student Forms at both locations. Oh, and I teach yoga classes : )

I work full time; I love what I do and I love that I work. I love that I put forth effort to create and develop and collaborate in order to contribute to helping make the world a better place. Why has work become, to some, a negative? The Yoga Sutras (1.21) tell us that our success is dependent upon the intensity of our practice. Yoga is a way of living. Yoga is not an exercise class that you "take" two or three times a week. If we are to live yoga, and respect the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali as a manual for living, then we need to pay attention to the message and apply it to all aspects of our day to day living. It feels good to know that I have put forth effort into all the things that need my attention. As a result, I have balance and a sense of accomplishment each day of my life.                                                                                         

Heal the body, nurture the spirit

Today was really nice; I got up this morning, showered, practiced, and made a green smoothie. The smoothie was delicious with strawberries, banana, pineapple, mango, red kale, baby spinach, and some leftover spring mix - so good! When the body is healthy, the spirit thrives; I am already noticing more clarity and a deeper sense of well-being than I have in months (years) past : )
I went to the studio and taught the morning Vinyasa class in which I spoke about using the body as a gauge and a tool for monitoring and healing ourselves, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I reminded students that it is important notice their internal dialogues and to practice moving and messaging themselves in ways that are positive and encouraging; when we practice positive self-talk and offer kindness to ourselves, we create a better environment for the divine spark that resides in us all. Essentially, a peace-centered practice and peace-centered lifestyle create contentment, peace, and healing in the world.
The significance of the body as a theme for the class is reflective of my current state of being and perspective; I have been very in tune with my body recently which has positively influenced the way I feel in all aspects of my life. I have been taking more time for self-care than I have in the recent past; I have been drinking healing teas, bathing with nurturing, herbal remedies and aromatherapy treatments, cleansing with green smoothies, and monitoring my self-talk, especially when the subject is body-criticism. This has been really powerful toward letting go of unnecessary thoughts and negative feelings.
It is amazing how strong the intention is when it is applied consistently and with full awareness. It is also interesting to observe changes that occur in the yoga practice; the natural flow of the practice weaves around different aspects of our lives so that we give attention where it is needed. Today's focus may be different than yesterday's and both may be different from tomorrow's depending on where one needs to work.
During this morning's class, I reminded the students that the body, the breath, and intention are necessary tools that assist us in changing habits of behavior which keep us from reaching our highest potential. Negative self-talk, mindless behavior, and aggressively moving through our asana practice, all  contribute to creating negativity in our lives. This shows up as disease and discomfort in the body. When we take the time to care for ourselves as we would a loved one, the body responds with health and wellness. Commit to taking care of yourself. Speak to yourself as you would a lover; you will gain much and feel better. Namaste

Green Smoothies ... mmmm!!

I taught a Detoxifying / Cleansing Workshop on New Year's Day as a way to start the year off healthy and clean from the inside out. We discussed cleansing and I made fresh juice for the students. I explained that the cleansing process can be intense, invigorating, and challenging, but the benefits far outweigh any difficulty that one may encounter. Many who do a cleanse, notice more clarity of the skin, brighter eyes, elimination of "brain fog", more energy, and an overall increase sense of well-being. When we allow ourselves to eat natural, clean, freshly prepared food, we create an environment through which all goodness can manifest. Our physical being reflects our spiritual, mental, and emotional health. We have the ability and the tools to create a positive, healthy life of joyful contentment for ourselves. if you want to work toward optimum health, start here, clean the body; the mind and spirit will respond and you will know the feeling of true heath and wellness.


Over the past week I have been on a cleanse in order to rid my body of the sugars and heavier foods I consumed over the holidays. Cleansing is a great way to rid the body of toxins and wastes that put unnecessary strain on the digestive system and other body functions; it is a positive way to begin a new healthy way of eating and caring for oneself. It is not only physical, but a spiritual, mental, and emotional experience as well. If we create a healthy body, we create a respectful space for our spirit.

I have been doing a green smoothie cleanse since last Monday. Actually, I cleansed Monday through Friday, and then on Saturday and Sunday allowed myself some "regular" meals (still vegan and fairly healthy). Two or three times per day, I whip up a delicious smoothie with organic fruit and fruit juice and one bunch of greens. This makes enough for two. This morning I used two bananas, frozen raspberries, strawberries, and green chard - delicious. This afternoon, it was bananas, a bag of frozen blueberries, and a box of fresh spinach - yum! I find that no matter how hungry I am before the smoothie, my hunger is satisfied with this lovely drink!

In three weeks I am teaching a follow-up to the New Year's Day workshop. We will be creating smoothies and discussing the healthful benefits of greens and the significant role they should play in our diet. In the meantime I will keep you posted on my experience.
Namaste

Holiday peace requires work; and it is so worth it!

It is the holiday season and I strive to maintain balance. Morning runs, asana practice, pranayama, meditation. I nourish the body with wholesome, vegan food that is mindfully prepared with love. Friends visit. We talk and laugh, we share stories and memories and make plans for the new year; it is good.

What brings you joy during the holiday season? I cherish the simple things that create holiday contentment at home, like stringing popcorn for the tree, making mince pies, sitting by the fire drinking hot chocolate or warm spiced rum, watching holiday movies that I practically know by heart. I love fresh ground, brewed coffee on Christmas morning, listening to Dean Martin, Johnny Mathis, and Bing Crosby sing carols. I love knowing that my family and friends are happy and healthy, and nearby.

The magic of the holidays doesn't happen accidentally; we create the reality that we desire. I want to enjoy this time of year with those I love. I choose to maintain calmness and peace. Therefore, I do the run, I do the practice, and move through my days with kind thoughts toward others with the intention of manifesting love through all actions. And guess what? It is totally worth it : )