Welcome to the Living Practice – January 2002
Letter
from the editor
Poem by
Rumi
A New
Year and a New Beginning by Sam
Dworkis, MS, LMT
A New
York Minute reported by Megan Lurie McCarver
What is Spiritual Life by Neel
Kulkarni
Website Review by Dr. KEV
The Benefits of Massage by Tanja Barnes, L.M.T.
Ode to Scout by Gary McCarver
Love Lies Here by Walter De La Mare
How I Found Out About Yoga by
Chris DeBrauw
Nirvana Yoga ~ Practice for Better Digestion by Elle d'Orado
A Note
From Yogaeverywhere
Yoga eVents
Past Issues of the Living Practice
Dear
precious readers,
Please check out the revised
eNewsletter page, We have now included short summaries of each
past Living Practice eNewsletter. There are some really interesting articles to
be read from past editions. As the New Year begins, I am so thankful for the
contributing writers and all the loving support and devotion from you, our
readers. Thanks for inspiring me to make it happen!
As for January’s teachings, I
strongly encourage you to continue from now, to ease into our New Year. January
is often the month we get tangled in resolutions that are beyond our reach,
resulting in disappointment. Remember the Tibetan lama who crossed the
Himalayas on foot to escape the Chinese occupation. He was asked how he
survived his difficult journey. He answered, “One step at a time”.
With
love and respect to you,
megan
Poem by
Rumi
Today,
like every other day, we wake up empty and frightened.
Don’t
open the door to the study and begin reading, take down a musical instrument.
Let the
beauty we love be what we do,
There are hundreds of ways to kneel
and kiss the ground.
A New Year and a New Beginning by Sam
Dworkis, MS, LMT
The events of September 11th have forever
changed how we view life. What was once a free and unfettered way of being
has given way to scrutiny and caution. Necessity now dictates that we become
increasingly guarded as the safe and secure emotional and community
environments we once cherished have been severely compromised.
If scrutiny and caution have been thrust upon us and are now
at the forethought of daily living, how can we proceed into the New Year
without allowing these recent events to darken us both emotionally and
spiritually?
Historians tell us that celebrating the New Year was one of
mankind’s first widely recognized holidays and was observed approximately 4000
years ago. Although the celebration was originally tied to the first new moon
after the Vernal Equinox, which is the first day of spring, various non-secular
and secular adjustments moved its observance to the first day of the modern
calendar.
Whether celebrated during winter or spring, New Year’s
observance is tied to rejuvenation, renewal, and transformation. With enormous
changes taking place all around, many of us are finding it difficult to
maintain emotional and spiritual stability and the centeredness it brings. This
is a major reason why an appropriate yoga practice is so beneficial.
It is said: “as goes the body, goes the mind; and as goes
the mind, goes the body.” If the New Year represents rejuvenation, renewal, and
transformation; then these qualities are exactly what an appropriate yoga
practice generates. Whereas recent political events created external
instability and change, an appropriate yoga practice offers us internal
strength, flexibility and endurance.
As individuals, we have little control over all the changes
taking place around us. It is human nature to feel anxious and even fearful of
change; especially when it appears so nonsensical. However, as individuals, we do in fact have
substantial control over how we react and respond.
Yoga is simply a process of self-observation of the body and
mind, which affords us a training ground to see reality as it truly exists.
Forget about trying to contort your body or to sit cross-legged for hours while
trying to contemplate your navel.
Appropriately done, yoga is not about trying to do anything.
It is about learning to do what you can do, not what you can’t. And in so
doing, anxiety and fear evaporate within the realm of self-understanding.
In fact everyone, from world-class athletes to chronically
ill people including those who are non-ambulatory, has the ability through an
appropriate and regular yoga practice to take emotional control of their lives.
Finally, it is important to know that yoga cannot do
anything for anyone. Yoga is merely a tool to help restore centeredness and
balance to what might otherwise be a non-centered, stressful life. When used as a tool, “lightness” is created
where heaviness and darkness once prevailed.
Sam Dworkis is author of
ExTension (Simon & Schuster 1994) and Recovery Yoga (Random House 1998). He
instructs individuals and small groups in Wellington, Florida, conducts yoga
trainings nationwide, and may be reached through his educational website, www.extensionyoga.com
A New York Minute reported by Megan Lurie McCarver
My sister told me a refreshing
story about daily practice and human kindness. Let me relay it to you. It took
place one busy afternoon in New York City. Lisa, my sister, boarded a crowded
NY city bus. She greeted the bus driver who was squirming around in her seat.
Lisa asked her if she was ok. And she replied no and that she had an awful
cramp in her upper back. So Lisa inquired where the pain was. The bus drive
pointed to an area under her right shoulder blade. Then instinctually, Lisa
placed her hand on that spot and dug in through the bus drivers blue uniform.
It was just long enough to invite some relief of her discomfort. The bus driver
was very grateful and reported that Lisa’s touch helped soothe the pain. Lisa
smiled, swiped her metro card in the fare box, and took her seat and the bus
moved on.
What is Spiritual Life by Neel Kulkarni
Salutations to Lord Ganesha. In this article we shall see what is meant by
Spiritual Life. The next article shall mention why we need to adopt
Spiritual Life. And, later articles shall describe the ways of leading
Spiritual Life.
What is Spiritual Life or 'Adhyaatma', a Sanskrit word? Adhyaatma is
formed like this: Adhi = towards, about, related to; Atma = Spirit, Soul;
Adhyaatma = with Spirit as the main center. Spiritual means exactly same.
What is 'Spirit'? If we look at a life of any person, we consider body,
intellect, relatives, property, etc. But, on a close look, we find that
all these change with time, nay even vanish in the course of time. But,
the person under consideration remains the same. To repeat, when all
related
things are changing, the central person or existence remains the same without
any change. This unchanging existence is called 'Spirit' or 'Soul' of a
person.
When any person understands existence of such a Spirit, the behavior of that
person starts changing or gets transformed. The person is drawn to fully
understand or realize this Spirit. Until the full realization dawns, there
is a state in life when existence of the Spirit if felt at times, and the same
is not felt at other times. But, the behavior of such a person is based
upon the existence of Spirit as the main thing. Such a life is called
'Adhyaatma' or 'Spiritual Life'.
When the effort to realize the Spirit is intense, the life of a person is
called 'Adhyaatma-Saadhana' or 'Spiritual Practice'. When the full
realization dawns, the person becomes completely peaceful and does not have
necessity to know anything else. Such a realized person comes to know
that his/her Spiritual existence was constant. That is, as a Spirit, he/she
existed in the past, is existing in the present, and shall exist in the future
as well. Such a person also realizes that as a Spirit, he/she never
performed any action in the past, never performs any action in the present, and
shall never perform any action in the past.
Finally, this person realizes that Spirit in all beings is one and the
same. This single Spirit which appears to be different in different beings
is called 'Paramaatman' or Universal Spirit or God. And the apparent
Spirit in an individual being is called 'Atman' or Spirit or Soul. This
fact is described by statements such as 'Individual Spirit is a part of Universal
Spirit, God made man in his image, Atman is a reflection of Paramaatman',
etc. After this Spiritual Realization, the person exists as a Spirit
rather than individual being. In other words, he remains merged into the
Universal Spirit. This merger is called 'Yoga' or 'Joint'. As this state
is totally peaceful or satisfying, this state is also called as Samaadhi
meaning Complete Satisfaction.
Thus, Spiritual Life or Adhyaatma means living in accordance with the Spirit.
Neel Kulkarni, born in India, has studied Yoga in Classical
Style for over 31 years and taught for over 24 years in many countries and to
variety of audience. He completed his Health and Yoga studies in 1999,
and opened his Yoga School, which gives many types of Yoga Classes including
Hatha, Meditation, Chanting, Philosophy, and Sports. Neel holds B.S. and M.S.
in Aerospace Engineering from an International Ivy League and has worked as
Computer Consultant for 21 years in many countries.
Website Review by Dr. KEV
For sensible information and advice about diet, nutrition,
lifestyle modification, and other natural healing techniques, be sure to visit
Gary Null at www.garynull.com/
This and other vital links can be found in the "Health
Related Sites" section at: yogaclass.com/links.html
Wishing you all a happy, prosperous, and peaceful 2002!
Dr. KEV
www.yogaclass.com
The Benefits of Massage
by Tanja Barnes, L.M.T.
Massage is something for every body. Unwind and leave the stress of the outside
world behind... Immerse your body, mind and spirit in deep relaxation...
Rejuvenate, stimulate and increase your mental and physical energy... www.tanjabarnes.com/newsletter/index.html
Ode to Scout by Megan and Gary McCarver
I remember that day seven years ago that I picked her up from the breeders. She
could easily fit in my outstretched hand not more than eight weeks old, a
bundle of fuzz. They placed her in a small box on the passenger seat floor with
a toy and a blanket. I headed back the 100 or so miles to my home. Within
moments, the little Keeshond puppy hopped up on the seat, climbed across my lap
and fell soundly asleep. She was always a great traveling companion. They said
it was in her breed, but I always knew that she just wanted to be where all the
action was. She camped with us, she played with us, she announced our comings
and our goings, and she was a part of our family.
On Christmas morning, Scout died and will be missed with all of our hearts. For
those that have never shared your life with a dog … imagine a friend that
always accepts you unconditionally, a protector, a companion, and a furry
reminder not to take yourself too seriously.
I remember seeing a framed poster a couple of years ago entitled "Everything I need to know I learned from my dog". It was, of course, a take-off on the "Kindergarten" book that was very popular a couple of winters ago. And although the poster may have been in jest, the message is one that we can all benefit from.
"Dogs teach us many things..... When loved ones come home, always run to
greet them. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride. Take naps and
stretch before rising. Run, romp, and play daily. Thrive on attention and let
people touch you. Avoid biting, when a simple growl will do. On warm days, stop
to lie on your back on the grass. On hot days, drink lots of water and lay
under a shady tree. When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout ...
run right back and make friends. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk. Eat
with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough. Be loyal. Never
pretend to be something you're not. If what you want lies buried, dig until you
find it. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle
them gently. "
And most of all, don't forget to stay in the moment and celebrate with those
who surround you. Tomorrow is not guaranteed, it is a gift. So long Scout, we
miss you and will never forget your teachings of pure unconditional love and
acceptance.
If you've ever lost a pet here is a website to visit: Rainbowsbridge.com/Poem.htm
Gary McCarver is a Certified Financial Planner with his own investment advisory company, serving clients throughout Southern California. His personal websites include www.expertplanner.com and www.annuitybonus.com. In his spare time he helps in the production of the Living Practice eNewsletter and maintaining the YogaEverywhere.com website with his wife Megan.
Love Lies Here by Walter De La Mare
Where is my love -
In silence and shadows she lies,
Under the April-gray calm waste of the skies:
And a bird above,
In the darkness tender and clear,
Keeps saying over and over, Love lies here!
Not that she’s dead:
Only her soul in flown
Out of it’s last pure earthly mansion:
And cries instead
In the darkness, tender and clear,
Like the voices of the bird in the leaves, Love -
Love lies here!
How I Found Out About Yoga by Chris DeBrauw
About a year and half ago, I had a totally unexpected injury. Seemingly
"out of the blue" I contracted a staph infection in my left hip. It
took an operation and several months of recovery to get back on my feet and
walk again. At that point I felt "ready" to go back to one of my passions,
tennis. However, my doctor told me I couldn't jump or have any impact on
the hip for another year! Wow, that was a setback.
In one of the places where I used to play tennis, the SPAC athletic center at
Northwestern University, I knew there was some kind of stretching class going
on at the same early morning hour that I was there to play tennis. It seemed
like a very pleasant peaceful type of session, with nice classical music played
on the side. So, for lack of being able to play tennis, I decided to check out
what this class was all about, and it turned out to be a yoga class.
But now that I was there, I decided to go along, and I still remember what a
revelation it was to me, that very first class, even if I could only do about
half of what everyone else there did. I felt rather embarrassed, especially
because there were only three guys and more than a dozen women in the session.
But afterwards, I felt fantastic, light, almost like I was floating. I came
back, and back, and after about 4 sessions I was hooked. Whenever possible, I
now attend two classes a week.
I have started doing yoga on my own, several times a
week. I have discovered it is easy to do in hotel rooms when I am traveling for
work, and so much more rewarding than using the cramped workout rooms you find
in most hotels.
The teacher, Maria, is a petite, lean person with an incredible aura of care,
love and knowledge about physiology. She encourages, pushes you, but isn't
demanding. She does everything much better than everyone else, but isn't
intimidating. Her relaxations at the end of the sessions are always
different, yet familiar. You visit places in the body you never thought of.
When the time came for my check-up, my doctor was amazed about the range of motion I had in my hip. The X-ray showed that the cartilage had grown back, so I was cleared for tennis again. Now that I am back to tennis, I find I am better able to concentrate and control my game, and I am playing at a higher level than before.
Yoga has become a discovery process for me. There are so
many different things to learn, so many things that you gradually get better at
over time. Best of all, it starts to affect almost everything about you. You
start to like how you feel, how you stand, how you move, how you breathe, how
you think about your relationships with others. It enhances your energy level, stimulates your digestion and
regulates your bowel movements and your sleep.
This week, Maria, my yoga instructor, is on vacation and we were supposed to have a "sub". But at 6:45 this morning no one was there. Our group was impatient. Everyone wanted to do their yoga. One person suggested that I lead the group, and when others said, “yes please”, I went ahead to the front of the class. "How do you want to start?" The class responded, "It's up to you".
So I led the group though a yoga class very similar to
what we usually do with Maria. I also shared my teachings on what I felt. Also,
when you have to say what to do, your breathing is affected, but I usually took
the time for my own breathing to get balanced again, before going on.
At 7:30 the sub came in. "I am so sorry" she said, "I thought
the class started at 7:45. What do you want me to do?” Someone in class
said: "Just grab a mat and follow along, we're doing fine". So I
continued teaching, and we ended the class with a nice relaxation period. I
used my imagination and led the group mentally to a beautiful beach. We also
visited some of the charkas, which I called magical places. It was totally
spontaneous. It was fun.
When we were done, everyone said it had been great. I was so incredibly happy.
It felt like I had been able to share what I love about yoga. I guess I do feel
confident about yoga, even if I'm still very much of a beginner. I am looking
forward to having it with me the rest of my life.
Chris is originally from Holland, now living in the US
with his wife and two grown sons. By profession, he is a marketing researcher.
He has a regular practice of both yoga and tennis. Stay tuned to Chris’ new
book about how to enjoy tennis, even if you're not that good at it.
Nirvana Yoga ~ Practice for Better Digestion by Elle d'Orado
Vajrasana "Thunderbolt pose" also the
"Jewel" position in Buddhist meditation.
Directions: Sit on your knees with your legs together (knees
to toes). Place your seat back on the heels, but avoid sitting on the ankles.
Important: If this asana causes you pain in the knees,
please do not practice it!
Benefits: This posture massages the tops of the feet, where
the reflexology points for the gastro-intestinal tract are located. It helps
aid the digestive process, relieve the feeling of fullness after a big meal,
and prevents excess wind.
Tips: Back is straight, as if pressed gently up against a
wall. Tailbone is moving downward, slightly tucked. Shoulders are aligned over
hips, soft and relaxed. Shoulder blades moving down the back. Crown of head
floating towards the ceiling. Neck is relaxed, chin slightly tucked. Chest
lifts ever so slightly up towards chin.
Variations: To support ankles, roll up a blanket or towel
and place under them. To relieve knee strain, tuck the roll tight into the
backs of your knees.
Practice: Hold
the pose with eyes closed in quiet meditation on the breath for 1-3 minutes, or
as long as it remains comfortable.
Virasana "Hero's Pose"
Again, please only do this pose if it does not cause you
knee pain. From Vajrasana, keep knees together and separate feet to come to sit
in between. Use props (pillow, folded blanket...) underneath your buttocks as
needed.
Directions:
Pushan Mudra ~ A hand posture to aid in digestion. Symbolism: Pushan is the god
of nourishment. Right hand: The tips of the thumb, little and ring
fingers are together, pointer and middle fingers extended. Left hand: The tips
of the thumb, middle and ring fingers are together, the little and pointer
fingers are extended.
Benefits: Influences the energy currents responsible for
absorbing and utilizing food.
Also aids in elimination, therefore detoxifying. Relaxes solar plexus area
(organs of digestion).
Tips: You can hold this hand mudra anywhere, anytime,
and in any position! Hold this mudra while in Vajrasana or Virasana for
maximum digestive aid. On inhale, slightly apply pressure to fingertips, relax
on exhale.
Pranayama with Mudra: After inhaling, pause at the top of
the breath for a count, then extend the exhale (50 percent or as much as twice
as long as the inhale) for further detoxification and relaxation.
Practice: Can be used for immediate help for any length of
time that is needed; or for chronic complaints, hold 4 times a day for 5
minutes at a time.
Yoga Mudra: Sit in Sukhasana, "Easy" or
"Happy" Pose, preferably with a lift under the sitz bones. Place
hands behind your back, one hand encircling the other.
Inhale, moving the breath with your consciousness from the Muladhara (root)
chakra at the base of spine to the Ajna (third eye) chakra at the forehead.
Hold the breath, and turn your gaze to your third eye for a few seconds.
Exhale, bend forward and direct the breath using your consciousness from the
Ajna to the Muladhara chakra. Hold the
breath, and keep your attention on the root chakra for a few seconds. Inhale,
sitting up straight and directing breath and consciousness from root to
forehead. Exhale.
Repeat 6 times, allowing it to become a flowing, dynamic
movement. Now cross legs in other direction, and change handclasp to encircle
the other hand. Repeat the cycle 6 times here.
Final
Meditation: Take three deep breaths through the nose, exhaling in a sigh
through the mouth. Sit quietly for a moment and notice the effects of your
practice. Smile and Give Thanks!
Credits: Mudra information is from
the book "Mudras: Yoga in Your Hands" by Gertrude Hirschi.
While seeking
serenity in a high-tech world, web yogini Elle d'Orado was blessed by spiritual
experiences, which inspired her to immerse herself in the traditions of Yoga
and Buddhism. She is a certified Hatha Yoga instructor through Samadhi Yoga in
Seattle, a student of Vipassana meditation, and practices 1st degree Reiki healing.
Elle weaves mantra, Kundalini kriyas, hand mudras, and Buddhist teachings of
dedication and merit into her Nirvana Yoga classes. www.nirvana-yoga.com
A Note From YogaEverywhere
Let us give a warm welcome to the
following yoga teachers joining YogaEverywhere’s Teacher Directory...
Heartwood Yoga & Body-Centered Therapies, www.heartwoodyoga.com in Birmingham, AL
Yoga Connection, in Montgomery, AL
Canyon Spirit Yoga Center in Auburn, CA
The Body/Mind Connection, www.thebodymindconnection.info/ in Fairfield, CT
Transformation Learning Center, tlcspirit.com in
Clifton, NJ
Its Yoga for MindBody Fitness in Fargo, ND
Celina Cancelliere in Jenkintown/ Huntington Valley
area, PA
Ken Morgan in Manchester, England
Any input, feedback ideas, always let me know. Change of address or removal from our list
With love,
Megan, Gary and Rose