2016 Kiss My Asana #21: The “Yes, and….” Sādhaka February 23, 2016
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Books, Changing Perspectives, Confessions, Dharma, Donate, Faith, Fitness, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Health, Hope, Karma, Karma Yoga, Life, Men, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Music, One Hoop, Peace, Philosophy, Science, Twin Cities, Volunteer, Wisdom, Yoga.Tags: awareness, community, donation-based events, finding hope, Improv, Karma Yoga, KISS MY ASANA, Mind Body Solutions, Yoga To The People
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“Improv is an art. However, it is also a craft. A craft is something that is learned through practice, repetition, trial, error and hard work. Much like any other art, skill in improv is acquired over time. The more time spent improv-ing the greater the improvement (pun intended).”
– Excerpt from Rules of Improv Part I by David Alger (Pan Theater)
Yoga is as much an art as it is a science; as much theory as practical application (i.e., craft). Every once in a while, a yogi walks in and is clearly open to all these different aspects of the practice. Seemingly ready for anything…fearless, like a jazz virtuoso or an improv king, these people walk in with a “yes, and…” attitude. They create the moment, stay in the moment, and keep adding information that allows movement into the next moment. On the outside, this go-with-the-flow attitude can be deceptive, because it’s not that such a person can do everything right off the bat; it’s not that they are the Superman or Superwoman of yoga. It’s that yogis like Tyler (Yogi #21) are willing to give it a try. Scratch that…Yogis like Tyler are willing to skillfully give it a practice.
“Practice, practice, practice. All is coming.”
– Sri K. Pattabhi Jois
“Sādhanā is a discipline undertaken in the pursuit of a goal. Abhyāsa is repeated practice performed with observation and reflection. Kriyā, or action, also implies perfect execution with study and investigation. Therefore, sādhanā, abhyāsa, and kriyā all mean one and the same thing. A sādhaka, or practitioner, is one who skillfully applies…mind and intelligence in practice towards a spiritual goal.”
– Excerpt from Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by B. K. S. Iyengar
Pattabhi Jois and B. K. S. Iyengar started practicing with T. Krishnamacharya in 1927 and 1934, respectively. Each would go on to expose the Western world to a physical yoga practice that can (in our modern experience) seem very different on the outside: one (Ashtanga) involving the ability to flow with the breath and the other (Iyengar) involving alignment principles which enable a practitioner to focus on the breath. Practicing one can enhance the experience of the other. In fact, some vinyasa teachers even encourage a regular Iyengar practice. But, ultimately, the thing to remember about different physical yoga practices is that the foundations supporting each practice are essentially the same.
Jois’s famous words above could just as easily be, “Abhyāsa, Sādhanā, Kriyā. Yoga (union) is coming.” Every non-translated Sanskrit word in the above Iyengar quote could just as easily be replaced with the English word “practice.” Do we lose something in the translation? Maybe. Or, perhaps such word-play reminds us that in outlining the philosophy of yoga Patanjali devoted a whole chapter to ways to practice – and two out of four chapters are devoted to what happens when you practice!
“Are you practicing?”
– David Swenson, on the cover of his Ashtanga Yoga: The Practice Manual
A few summers ago, when I was getting ready for my rooftop classes, I noticed the David Swenson quote above – and it got me thinking: Sometimes it’s not only “Are you practicing?” Sometimes we have to ask ourselves, “What are you practicing?”
If you know what you’re seeing, you can pick up on what type of yoga a person already practices. You can also notice, for instance, that they have a regular seated meditation, tai chi, martial arts, or gymnastics practice. It’s a fascinating exercise in physical tendencies. But, as a teacher, I’m also fascinated by how many people spend their time on the mat practicing their asana/seat (vs. their toe picking); their drishti/focus (vs. their clock-watching); their pranayama/awareness of breath (vs. their habit of holding the breath/not breathing when things get exciting/challenging), and their possibilities (vs. their limitations).
One thing I’ve noticed about Tyler in the short time he’s been practicing in the Twin Cities is that he seems to consistently practice acceptance, gratitude, and joy. Not surprisingly, given where he comes from, he reminds me of a story about the guy who started going to Yoga To The People and telling each teacher that he had had the best class ever!
So, it wasn’t something cute to say at the end of class. What I discovered, over the next couple of months, was…he would get up and authentically, genuinely, have loved the experience, that he created for himself…. When was the last time you created the greatest class – that wasn’t predicated by the teacher? That wasn’t predicated by the sequence? It wasn’t even predicated on what you could do and not do – But the essence that you create for yourself is this really great class. So, my invitation to you today, is to make this the greatest class you ever had.”
– Yoga To The People teacher telling “Brian’s” story at the beginning of Podcast 2
“Each practice session is a journey. Endeavor to move with awareness and enjoy the practice. Allow it to unfold as a flower opens. There is no benefit in hurrying. Yoga grows with time. Some days are easy and the mind is calm and the physical body is light and responsive. Other days you may find that the mind is running wild and the body feels like wet cement. We must breathe deeply and remain detached. Asanas are not the goal. They are a vehicle to access a deeper internal awareness.”
– Excerpt from Ashtanga Yoga: The Practice Manual by David Swenson
Like me, and several other yogis in our midst, Tyler is a transplant who wandered into the studio and promptly made himself at home. It’s exciting to move to a new place, to find a new part of your tribe, and to be full of hope and potential. But, making yourself at home on (and off) the mat involves making yourself at home in your own mind-body. In this world that moves fast and focuses on perfection, it is easy to get disconnected from our true selves. It is easy to forget we are connected to each other. It is all too easy to lose hope. Mind Body Solutions is on a mission to reconnect us to our hope and to our potential.
Every time I inhale, every time I exhale, I’m inviting you to be part of my KISS MY ASANA tribe! Every time I inhale, every time I exhale, I’m inviting you to dwell in possibilities, and remember we are all one!
Want to KISS MY ASANA while you practice? Contact Myra at a joyfulpractice.com to reserve a spot (or two) at a donation-based class on Saturday, February 27th (3:30 - 5:30 PM) or Saturday, March 5th (6:30 - 8:00 PM). Space is limited.
~ MAY OUR STUDY TOGETHER BE BRILLIANT & EFFECTIVE ~
2016 Kiss My Asana #20: This Is What a Yogi Looks Like February 21, 2016
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Books, Changing Perspectives, Confessions, Dharma, Donate, Faith, Fitness, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Health, Karma Yoga, Life, Men, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Movies, Music, One Hoop, Peace, Philosophy, Science, TV, Twin Cities, Volunteer, Wisdom, Women, Yoga.Tags: awareness, community, donation-based events, Karma Yoga, KISS MY ASANA, Mind Body Solutions, music
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“If ever there is a tomorrow when we’re not together…there is something you must always remember: you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think…”
– Christopher Robin to Winnie-the-Pooh
“She’s anything but typical…”
– “She’s Every Woman” by Garth Brooks
Certain people make me wonder why they come to class. They seem not to get that there’s a science behind the poses and sequences – that alignment matters – and they seem not to enjoy the experience. It’s almost like they’re sleepwalking through the practice. But, they keep coming back; so they must experience some benefit. On the flip side, there are people like Yogi #20 (Vickie), who is definitely awake – and awakening.
The first time I saw Vickie, she was outside of the studio looking at a bulletin board full of information about what the gym offers its members. I had just finished a class, looked out the window and saw what I thought was a typical “health seeker,” someone who wants a healthier life but doesn’t know where to start. We started talking about the yoga classes. When she ended the conversation by saying, “Maybe I’ll try it,” I thought I’d see her in class…once.
I had no idea I’d pegged Vickie all wrong or that, years later, she is still “trying” it.
“Do. Or do not. There is no try.”
– Yoda in The Empire Strikes Back
An asana is not a posture which you assume mechanically. It involves thought, at the end of which a balance is achieved between movement and resistance.”
– B. K. S. Iyengar
Vickie may come off as easy going and happy-go-lucky, which she is to a degree; but, she’s also incredibly conscientious. She’s a dot your I’s/cross your T’s kind of yogi. She works hard, on and off the mat; but, she doesn’t sweat the small stuff. She’s too busy enjoying the work, and soaking up all the little lessons that come from practicing with awareness.
She also enjoys the music. Turns out, the other thing I didn’t know about Vickie when we first met: we enjoy the same music. But, honestly, we could up on the rooftop with only the sound of the wind and distant traffic as a soundtrack and at some point in the practice I’m still going to look over at Vickie and realize that she is completely absorbed in every aspect of the practice. That’s yoga. And that’s Vickie.
“Listen not to the critics / Who put their own dreams on the shelf / If you want to get the truth to admit it / you gotta find out for yourself”
– “How You Ever Gonna Know” by Garth Brooks
I say it all the time: There’s a yoga practice for everybody. The problem is everybody isn’t as intrepid as Vickie; everybody doesn’t take the time to find their yoga practice. Sometimes the obstacle is perception, sometimes the obstacle is accessibility. Sometimes, however, people don’t take the time to find their practice because they aren’t aware that there’s more than one way to practice.
Thinking of Vickie makes me think of Matthew Sanford’s yoga journey. He, or his teacher, could have easily said no when a friend suggested he try yoga – and he would have missed out on doing it. He could have allowed distance or financial resources be an obstacle – and he would have never known all that he has to offer. He could have thought about possible naysayers, instead of loading up his lap with mats and heading over to the Courage Center – and the world would have missed out on a great teacher.
Mind Body Solutions is best known for its adaptive yoga program, but anyone can take a class there and benefit from what the practice has to teach. And, anyone can KISS MY ASANA! In fact, please do.
Want to KISS MY ASANA while you practice? Contact Myra at a joyfulpractice.com to reserve a spot (or two) at a donation-based class on Saturday, February 27th (3:30 - 5:30 PM) or Saturday, March 5th (6:30 - 8:00 PM). Space is limited.
2016 Kiss My Asana #17:Practicing in Scordatura, As Intended February 18, 2016
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Bhakti, Books, Buddhism, Changing Perspectives, Confessions, Dharma, Donate, Faith, Fitness, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Health, Hope, Karma Yoga, Life, Loss, Love, Mantra, Meditation, Men, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Movies, Music, Mysticism, One Hoop, Pain, Peace, Philosophy, Science, Suffering, Tantra, Tragedy, Twin Cities, Volunteer, Whirling Dervish, Wisdom, Women, Writing, Yoga.Tags: answers to tragedy, awareness, community, finding hope, KISS MY ASANA, Mind Body Solutions, music
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“And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
– Romans 12:2
“It is the aim of my pilgrimage on earth to show my brethren by living demonstration how one may serve God with merriment and rejoicing. For he who is full of joy is full of love for me and for all fellow creatures.”
– Baal Shem Tov*
“‘Where are you going?’
She said, ‘To that world.’
‘And where have you come from?’
She answered, ‘From that world.’
‘And what are you doing in this world?’
And she said, ‘I am sorrowing.’
‘In what way?’ they asked her.
And Rabia replied,
‘I am eating the bread of this world,
And doing the work of that world.’”
– “Rabia Song” by Zuleikha*
Follow me for a moment, while I tell you a story: Once upon a time, a great composer created a piece of music that would inspire the world. The only problem was that none of the existing instruments in the world sounded quite right as the featured soloist. She tried everything. Finally, she decided to make a special instrument – that had to be played a special way. In her studio, the instrument sounded, mostly, divine. Honestly, it sounded OK if treated like any other instrument. And, it had the unfortunate knack of being really off-key if it wasn’t held properly or used appropriately. However, when proper care and attention were taken, there was nothing like it on Earth. It would sound heavenly and enhance the sound of all the other instruments in the orchestra. Knowing she wouldn’t be around to pass the instrument along in person, the great composer left the instrument, music, and instructions for a very competent musician.
Like all music, the figured bass should have no other end and aim than the glory of God and the recreation of the soul; where this is not kept in mind there is no true music, but only an infernal clamour and ranting.” – Johann Sebastian Bach
I have it on good authority that Yogi #17 (Greg) is a very competent musician. Like Yogi #16 (my good authority), he is also a healer whose presence is as soothing as his favorite music. If the world really were an orchestra – full of divine instruments and competent musicians (like Greg), who knew how to play their holy instruments – all would be right with the world.
Unfortunately, the musical story above doesn’t always end well.
In some versions of the story most of the composer’s instructions were lost; the music was rearranged; the special instrument may (or may not) have gotten a little dented; and the conductor didn’t know who was supposed to lead.
So, there you have it: the state of the world as we know it. We have these bodies that can touch and be touched – yet, we often feel disconnected from our bodies, and all the bodies around us. We have these minds that can draw in, process, and evaluate information in the present moment – yet, we spend quite a bit of time making up stuff about past and future moments. We have something driving us to live, to love, to play and be known – let’s call it a spirit – yet, we continuously ignore that our bodies, minds, and spirits are connected. It’s enough disharmonious ranting to make Bach pull off his powdered wig!
“Two things are guaranteed to hook you up with the God of Love: sorrowing and rejoicing. You do not need to go searching for either; they are written into the architecture of human existence.”
– (*All with asterisks) Excerpted from God of Love by Mirabai Starr
Somehow there is harmony and beauty in the world. Maybe, as Mirabai Starr indicates, that harmony and beauty (like sorrowing and rejoicing) is part of our basic make-up. Maybe we just need a practice, the right music, a healer like Greg, or a teacher like Matthew Sanford to help us connect to the very fibers of our being.
All I know for sure, is that on any given Sunday (or Monday through Saturday), someone realizes that they are more than their body, more than their mind. On any given Sunday (or Monday through Saturday), someone awakens to the fact that they are connected to something Divine/Universal. And, maybe they see the Divine/Universal something as an anthropomorphic being, or maybe they feel it as a sensation of connectedness to the people around them. Either way, this awakening comes with a responsibility and a purpose to play the notes they’ve been given.
“To be tender, loving, and caring, human beings must be tenderly loved and cared for in their earliest years, from the moment they are born.”
– Ashley Montagu
“The simple act of touching is of extreme importance to the healthy functioning of the human organism. The skin can be considered the outer layer of the nervous system. The skin is the boundary of our bodies. Through touch, that boundary is gently broken down, permeated by another, and our whole internal system enhanced and stimulated.”
– Excerpt from Wheels of Life: A User’s Guide to the Chakra System by Anodea Judith, Ph.D.
Greg, like Matthew Sanford, believes in the power of touch. It is important not only for the person who needs care, but also to the caregiver. It is critical to the person dying, as well as to those who go on living. During the KISS MY ASANA yogathon, it’s easy to reference the people who have obvious external signs that they’ve experienced trauma, loss, and disability. However, let’s not forget the caregivers and the space holders. While “best known for adapting yoga for persons living with disabilities,” Mind Body Solutions also offers workshops and trainings for caregivers, healthcare providers, and whole organizations. Remember: Everyone benefits when we integrate our mind-body, on and off the mat. So, if you want to honor a healer (or a musician), go to Sharon’s page (she’s matching donations) and KISS MY ASANA!
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“If there is light in the soul,
there will be beauty in the person.
If there is beauty in the person,
there will be harmony in the house.
If there is harmony in the house,
there will be order in the nation.
If there is order in the nation,
there will be peace in the world.”
– Chinese Proverb
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2016 Kiss My Asana #16: Peace Like A Gardener/Farmer February 17, 2016
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Bhakti, Books, Changing Perspectives, Confessions, Dharma, Donate, Faith, Fitness, Food, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Health, Hope, Jane Hirshfield, Julian of Norwich, Karma, Karma Yoga, Life, Loss, Love, Men, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Movies, Music, Mysticism, Pain, Peace, Philosophy, Science, Suffering, Tantra, Tragedy, Twin Cities, Volunteer, Wisdom, Women, Writing, Yoga.Tags: community, finding hope, God as Mother, KISS MY ASANA, Mind Body Solutions, peace, personal crisis, yoga therapy
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“When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to know,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.”
– “It Is Well With My Soul” by Horatio Spafford
“All shall be well, and all shall be well and all manner of thing shall be well.”
– Excerpt from A Revelation of Love – in Sixteen Shewings by Julian of Norwich
Towards the beginning of the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali emphasizes that cultivating friendliness/loving-kindness, compassion/mercy, gladness/goodwill/joy, and acceptance/equanimity creates a calm, peaceful, and undisturbed mind (1:33). A bit later, he states that a person can be so firmly grounded in non-injury (ahimsa) that other people lose their hostility just be being in the vicinity (2:35). Towards the middle, he indicates that samyama (the collective practice of focusing, concentrating, and meditating/becoming) on these qualities produces the great strength or power of these attitudes (3:23). Finally, towards the end of the sutras, he explains that in order to realize great power through the practice, a yogi has to be like a farmer or gardener (4:3, although he hints at this throughout).
Some people read about the siddhis (great powers) described in the Yoga Sutras and think them as “supernormal” or psychic powers – while others reference quantum physics or Jedi Knight tricks. And, some people just think the whole text is an extended metaphor. How ever one thinks about siddhis on paper, there’s no denying the power of being in the presence of someone grounded in love. Considering Julie (Yogi #16) is a gardener, it should come as no surprise that being around her is a little like being hugged by love.
The moment you walked inside my door
I knew that I need not look no more,
I’ve seen many other souls before – ah but,
Heaven must’ve programmed you”– “Heaven (Where True Love Goes)” by Yusuf Islam
“More and more I have come to admire resilience.
Not the simple resistance of a pillow, where foam returns over and
over to the same shape, but the sinuous
tenacity of a tree: finding the
light newly blocked on one side,
it turns in another.”
– Excerpt from “Optimism” by Jane Hirshfield
Julie is one of my favorite people and part of another one of my favorite yoga couples. I met her and her husband within my first year of teaching – and I am always thrilled to see them. Every once in a blue moon one will come without the other; but, more often than not, they come together. (And, spoiler alert! I started writing their posts in tandem because I think of them as my two anchors, or touchstones, in the corner of the room.) They come when it’s cold; they come when it’s hot; they come when they’re tired; they come when they’re busy; and sometimes they come when they’re not feeling 100%.
Julie mentions me helping her adapt her yoga practice during one of those times when she wasn’t at 100%. However, I wasn’t her only resource. She also practiced with the amazing Michelle P-W who, in addition to being a world-class yoga therapist, has practiced and taught with Matthew Sanford.
There are lots of people in the world who could benefit from a yoga practice if they had the resources to facilitate their practice. Sometimes the necessary resource is a knowledgeable teacher, sometimes it’s an accessible studio, and sometimes it’s just the awareness that there is more than one way to practice yoga. Either way, if you KISS MY ASANA, you help create more resources and opportunities for more people to discover and continue practicing yoga.
~ Forever, and ever, Amen. ~
2016 Kiss My Asana #15: The Statesman February 16, 2016
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Books, Changing Perspectives, Confessions, Dharma, Donate, Faith, Fitness, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Health, Hope, Karma Yoga, Life, Love, Men, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Pain, Peace, Philosophy, Science, Suffering, Tragedy, Twin Cities, Volunteer, Wisdom, Writing, Yoga.Tags: community, donation-based events, KISS MY ASANA, Mind Body Solutions
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“Whether young, old or too old, sick or lean, one who discards laziness gets success if he practices Yoga.”
– Hatha Yoga Pradipika I:66
According to Walter Lippman, “The opposition is indispensable. A good statesman, like any other sensible human being, always learns more from his opposition than from his fervent supporters.” Ergo, this month of profiles would not be complete without Yogi #15 (Paul). For those of you who are keeping track, Paul is the third yogi I met in a bar and the third person in the line-up who doesn’t actually practice with me – which also makes him the third person to agree to this endeavor without a whole lot of information up front. He is also the fourth, but not the last, person posted in tandem with a significant other.
Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay.”
– Book of Ruth 1:16
There is something super sweet and special about people who practice yoga together. Really, there’s something super sweet and special about people who share a life together and also share any interests. Paul, however, will be the first to tell you that he and Yogi #14 (Ruth) don’t practice yoga together regularly.
Paul works out at a local gym. He has a routine he likes and, every now and again, he’ll check out a yoga class. Paul, like Yogi #14, is a straight-shooter. So, he doesn’t waste a lot of time apologizing for what he does or doesn’t do. He does what he does. And, while it is very obvious that Paul appreciates what yoga can do for the mind and body, he joins at least one other person here (out of 29) who may not actually like yoga.
Your speech doesn’t need music, it needs logic.”
– Excerpt from Simply Speaking: How to Communicate Your Ideas with Style, Substance, and Clarity by Peggy Noonan
In principle, my experience is not so different from yours, it is only more extreme. … My mind-body relationship changed in an instant — the time it took for my back to break. But the changing relationship between mind and body is a feature of everyone’s life. We are all leaving our bodies — this is the inevitable arc of living. Death cannot be avoided; neither can the inward silence that comes with the aging process.”
– Waking: A Memoir of Trauma and Transcendence by Matthew Sanford
When we first met, Paul and I spent quite a bit of time talking about Matthew Sanford and the adaptive yoga program at Mind Body Solutions. Like so many people, Paul had heard about Bruce Kramer’s experiences practicing yoga after his ALS diagnosis. And, like so many people whose interest is sparked by the work Mind Body Solutions is doing with people who have experienced trauma, loss, and disability, Paul’s interest is personal: He knows someone who could benefit from the work you support when you KISS MY ASANA!
~ OM SHANTI, SHANTI, SHANTIH OM ~
2016 Kiss My Asana #13: This Contender Has Class! February 14, 2016
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Books, Changing Perspectives, Confessions, Dharma, Donate, Faith, Fitness, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Health, Hope, Karma Yoga, Life, Mantra, Men, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Movies, Music, Pain, Peace, Suffering, TV, Twin Cities, Volunteer, Wisdom, Women, Yoga.Tags: community, KISS MY ASANA, Mind Body Solutions, music, personal crisis
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“You know, we just don’t recognize the most insignificant moments of our lives while they’re happening. Back then I thought, ‘Well, there’ll be other days.’ I didn’t realize that that was the only day.”
– Burt Lancaster as Dr. Archibald “Moonlight” Graham (in Field of Dreams)
When I first started practicing yoga, I often heard my teachers say, “How you do yoga is how you do life.” Since then I have heard a teacher say, “How you do anything is how you do life” –and, while that second statement may also be true, the bottom line is that some things mimic the highs and lows of life better than others: boxing, poker, yoga ….
While not a sport, the physical practice of yoga can be like practicing a competitive sport in that its rules and guidelines create a safe space to play, experiment, test your limits, learn, and grow. If you show up to practice and learn the rules, you get to study yourself as you encounter challenges. Study yourself as you encounter challenges and you start overcoming the first set of challenges, and prepare yourself to meet new ones. Greet the new challenges and you begin to realize that the practice is just like life: you can do all of this while you enjoy the moment and have fun – or you can spend the whole practice stressing out. Either way, you have to get your mind straight. Either way, (to paraphrase Timothy Gallwey and Matthew McConaughey) the only person you have to best is yourself – and, in doing so you become your best self.
“Winners are simply willing to do what losers won’t.”
– a poster behind Hillary Swank as Maggie Fitzgerald (working the heavy bag in Million Dollar Baby)
Yogi #13 (Dennis L.) came to one of my classes because of his dear friend Meghan G (Yogi #12). He had heard about some of the benefits of yoga. He had heard why his friend loves yoga. And, ultimately, he decided it was only one hour. What could possibly happen in one hour?
“Even if you’re down there for one hour, you’re down there.”
– Kirk Acevedo as Tommy (in Invincible)
Like Dennis L., a lot of people come to practice with their friends. While it’s great to see that community building and strengthening on the mat, I always celebrate a little when someone who seems to come because of their community, starts coming even when their friends aren’t available. First time I saw Dennis L. practicing on his own, I knew he was hooked! I knew he was committed. And I was a little awed, because I realized he was a contender!
Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place, and I don’t care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward; how much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done! Now, if you know what you’re worth, then go out and get what you’re worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain’t you. You’re better than that!
– Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa (in Rocky)
“If I was thinking straight I’d go back home, find a used trailer, buy a deep fryer and some Oreos. Problem is, this the only thing I ever felt good doing. If I’m too old for this then I got nothing. That enough truth to suit you?”
– Hilary Swank as Maggie Fitzgerald (in Million Dollar Baby)
There may be times when you’re injured, tired, filled with dis-ease, or feeling your age. There may be times you’re having a bad day (or what feels like a bad life). And, what you do in those moments is your practice.
Truth be told, there are times when we all feel like tapping out. And, when we have those times, there’s always going to be someone – sometimes, even someone in our corner – who’s going to support that decision to just throw in the towel. But, in such moments, it’s important to remember that life (like your yoga practice) isn’t actually a game. Giving up is not your only option.
On the mat, you can go into child’s pose; you can take a comfortable seated position and just breathe; you can take a modification; you can explore another style or tradition. Off the mat, you can go into child’s pose; you can take a comfortable seated position and just breathe; you can stop focusing on what your goal looks like on the outside and remember the intention that’s driving you; you can explore another way of doing things.
On or off the mat, remember: We’re not competitors; we’re on the same (joyful KISS MY ASANA) team!
~ 2:26 ~
2016 Kiss My Asana #11:Spiritual Activists, Feel the Vibration! February 12, 2016
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Bhakti, Books, Buddhism, Changing Perspectives, Confessions, Dharma, Donate, Faith, Fitness, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Health, Hope, Karma, Karma Yoga, Life, Loss, Love, Mantra, Meditation, Men, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Music, Mysticism, One Hoop, Peace, Philosophy, Religion, Science, Texas, Twin Cities, Vipassana, Volunteer, Wisdom, Women, Yoga.Tags: community, KISS MY ASANA, Mind Body Solutions, Mindfulness, peace
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Bringing this to the entire nation
Black, white, red, brown
Feel the vibration
Come on come on
Feel it feel it
Feel the vibration
– “Good Vibrations” by Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch, featuring Loleatta Holloway
In Light on Yoga, B. K. S. Iyengar spends approximately two (2) pages explaining the importance of studying AUM. Two pages may not seem like a lot, until you realize that many people just think of Light on Yoga as a practice manual for the physical practice. In fact, people often buy the book to “master the poses.” However, Iyengar begins the book by introducing the philosophy of yoga and stating, unequivocally, “one can master nothing” without single-pointed concentration. “Without concentration on Divinity” he writes, “one cannot unlock the divinity within oneself or become a universal man.”
Tom H (Yogi #11) has spent his life unlocking the divinity within himself. This becomes obvious if you spend any amount of time (at all) talking to him. He and I have talked in the studios; on the rooftop; in restaurants and bars; and in cars. We seem to talk about everything. Yet, it doesn’t matter where the conversation starts (or ends) there is always an underlying connection to the subject of the Divine, how the Divine is connected to us, and how we are connected to each other.
Turns out, it’s all one and the same.
“Master Patanjali describes AUM – that which is indescribable – by using the Sanskrit word pranavah. Like most words, pranavah has numerous meanings.”
– Excerpt from Sweeping the Dust by Jivamukti Yoga teacher Ruth Lauer-Manenti (“Lady Ruth”)
I am the innate nature of everything. In pure water I am the sweet taste. In the sun and moon I am the radiance. In the very center of human beings I live as virility and courage. I am (pranavah) the sacred word Om, which designates the Divine, and I am the sound of it heard throughout the universe” – Excerpt from The Bhagavad Gita (7:8)
Tom H is a spiritual activist because his practice doesn’t stay on the mat. When he’s unlocking the divinity within himself, he’s also figuring out how to help the rest of us unlock the divinity within ourselves. His commitment to individual and social change, as well as his efforts towards uplifting people of all ages and backgrounds, is the direct result of his eclectic spiritual life. He blends his physical practices, in different modalities, with his philosophical practices and beliefs. He continually questions, only to examine the questions and the answers he finds. He consistently takes his practice off the mat (and the cushion) – then brings it back again! When he practices yoga, you can practically see his heart-energy vibrating, shimmering, and shining. He literally vibrates.
And, that vibration has a ripple effect.
“Can you feel it baby? / I can too //1 2 3 now we come to the pay off” – Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch, featuring Loleatta Holloway
If you practice yoga for any significant period of time, you will find the physical practice affects more than your body. It affects your life. And, the more you practice, the more you vibrate, shimmer, and shine. Mind Body Solutions adaptive yoga program is an opportunity for more people to feel the vibration. Your donation may just be a drop in the 2016 KISS MY ASANA bucket, but it will ripple!
Join me for meditation at the Walker this Saturday the 13th (5 PM & 7 PM)and you might find yourself sitting next to a yogi!
~ AUM…, Tat Twam Asi (That Thou Art) ~
2016 Kiss My Asana #8: A Peaceful Warrior February 8, 2016
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in 108 Sun Salutations, Bhakti, Books, Changing Perspectives, Confessions, Dharma, Donate, Faith, Fitness, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Health, Hope, Japa, Japa-Ajapa, Karma, Karma Yoga, Kirtan, Life, Mala, Mantra, Meditation, Men, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Music, Mysticism, One Hoop, Peace, Philosophy, Science, Surya Namaskar, Twin Cities, Volunteer, Wisdom, Yoga.Tags: community, Karma Yoga, KISS MY ASANA, Mind Body Solutions, music
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“in the Bhagavad Gita you teach us Bhakti
your divine past times are so sublime / they open the heart and reassure the mind
providing us shelter when the monsoon lingers”
– “Krishna Love” by MC Yogi
a peaceful soldier who used his mind / to fight for the rights of human kind
but not just people, animals too / and his basic teaching “God is Truth”
he joined Muslims, Sikhs, & Hindus / Christians, Buddhists, Jains, and Jews
all the many paths that lead into / the light that shines bright inside of me and you
(chorus)
Be the change that you wanna see / in the world, just like Gandhi
– “Be the Change” by MC Yogi
We live in a world where people think power has to be loud, obnoxious, and brash. That change has to come like a tornado or a monsoon, dramatically altering everything in its path. But, change is always happening – even when we don’t notice it happening. And, some of the most powerful people I know are doing powerful things in the world – quietly. Listen, really listen; look, really look – and you will find little seeds of change deliberately (and quietly) taking root, blossoming, and making the world a better place.
Like a seed taking root, Yogi #8, the aptly named Krishna, quietly strolled into class one day a couple of years ago and quietly blossomed. Truth be known, he had blossomed long ago – but he won’t tell you that unless you press him. In fact, most of what I know about the truly amazing things Krishna has done in industry, in our community, and in the world, I learned by paying attention: listening to other people toot Krishna’s horn; noticing when he had meetings with people planning community outreach; or realizing an amazing show of support during a personal crisis was all organized by Krishna. In appreciating some of the feedback he has given me over the years, I recognize that Krishna has more dharma wisdom and knowledge in his pinkie toes than I have in my mind and that he could easily teach my classes, but for some reason he’s listening, practicing, learning, and being present with me.
Some days you will see him front and center; some days he is anchoring a back corner or making up one part of a 108 surya namaskar circle. Sometimes he is contemplating the teachings with a group; sometimes silently letting his thoughts settle between laps in the pool; sometimes putting the dharma into action by wiping down another person’s mat; and sometimes he is laughing hysterically in amazement (at how I explain ancient wisdom for the modern mind to grasp). But he is definitely present. And, in being present, he is definitely contributing.
Engage in action, do your work, but with full control of your mind and senses. And be aware that the work you do should contribute in some way, directly or indirectly, to the higher good of humanity.”
– Krishna’s advice to Arjuna in The Bhagavad Gita 2:7
It’s no accident that Mathea’s and Kirshna’s posts feel like a call to service. This week, as MC Yogi says, is “Dedicated to all Spiritual Activists, Truth Seekers, and Peaceful Warriors Worldwide.” The people I’m highlighting are in our midst. Pay attention, listen, bring a friend or family member to class, and please consider making a donation to KISS MY ASANA! Every bit of action (karma) makes a difference.
~ OM ~
2016 Kiss My Asana #6: Serenity Now! February 6, 2016
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Art, Changing Perspectives, Confessions, Donate, Faith, Fitness, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Health, Hope, Karma Yoga, Kirtan, Life, Love, Mantra, Meditation, Men, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Music, One Hoop, Pain, Peace, Philosophy, Science, Suffering, TV, Twin Cities, Volunteer, Wisdom, Yoga.Tags: community, KISS MY ASANA, laughter, Mind Body Solutions, music
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F: “Serenity now! Serenity now!”
G: “What is that?”
F: “The doctor gave me a relaxation cassette. When my blood pressure gets too high, the man on the tape tells me to say ‘serenity now!'”
G: “Are you supposed to yell it?”
F: “The man on the tape wasn’t specific.”
– Frank and George Costanza, Seinfeld episode 159
If you’re a Seinfeld fan, then the title of this post might send you into fits of giggles and seriously hysterical flashbacks. You might even stop reading (or pause the video) so you can find all or part of episode 159 (aka, Episode 3 of Season 9) and laugh all over again. Or, maybe you have no idea what I’m talking about and you use the link above to get looped in. Either way, if you laugh hard enough you experience the same kind of lighter than air, super relaxed sense of euphoria that Frank Costanza and the other characters desperately seek in the episode – or that real people actually find when they come to one of Andrew L’s regular yoga classes.
For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure, Yogi #6 isn’t the teacher at the front of the room – he is one of my very first yoga studio regulars. And, all these years later, he’s still keeping the joy in the practice.
While some people will say they come back to class because of me or how the yoga practice makes them feel, everyone who misses a class with Andrew L. will consistently comment on how much they miss him! Because, ultimately, part of the genius of comedies like Seinfeld, as highlighted by “The Serenity Now” episode, is a sense of community: for about 23 minutes viewers become part of a fun-loving, close-knit group of people, where everyone belongs. Classes with Andrew L. are like back-to-back episodes of Cheers – only without the beer!
Naaraayana Naaraayana Naaraayana / Om Namo Bhaagavaate Vaasudevaaya //
For your love… / I’d give the moon if it were mine to give / I’d give the stars and the sun for I live / To fill you with delight / I’d bring you diamonds bright / Don’t you think it would excite– Krishna Das singing “Naaraayana/For Your Love”
Andrew L. may not remember this, but our first encounter happened several months before our first yoga class together. He was, as it turns out, doing one of the things Andrew L. does best: Endeavor to make the things he enjoys more enjoyable for everyone. What I didn’t know at the time is that Andrew L. is also a loyal community-builder whose wit is not only obvious in his occasional one-liners, but also in the public art he creates to bring communities together. He’s a bit of a perfectionist (which means we sometimes butt heads); however, I think his family and friends will agree that our lives (and practice) are better for knowing him.
If you smile when you think of Andrew L., please consider making a donation to my 2016 KISS MY ASANA team!
~ Om Naaraayana Shanti Om! On Every Plane of Exstence, Peace To All Living Things ~
2016 Kiss My Asana #4: Couldn’t Be Much More From The Heart! February 4, 2016
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Changing Perspectives, Confessions, Dharma, Donate, Faith, Fitness, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Health, Hope, Karma Yoga, Life, Love, Men, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Music, Peace, Philosophy, Tantra, Twin Cities, Volunteer, Women, Yoga.Tags: KISS MY ASANA, Mind Body Solutions, music, peace
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“Do one thing every day that scares you.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt
As some of you know, I love a great love story. What you may not realize is that sometimes what makes a love story great is the hero. The hero’s gotta be a real man – meaning, he must acknowledge his mistakes, and learn from them; he must be willing to try something new (even if it scares him); he has to be strong enough to show that he has a heart; and he has to have a really great laugh (or cry). But, most of all, he has to respect the people in his life – especially his significant other. According to this criteria, Yogi #4 ranks right up there with James Hetfield (circa Francesca), Johnny Cash (circa June), Carey Hart (circa P!nk), Elton John (circa David), and Bill Gates (circa Melinda).
I never opened myself this way
Life is ours, we live it our way”– Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters”
If you know anything about the men listed above, you know their spouses are no slouches – which is another reason their stories are so great! If you read the post for Day #3, you know John G (Yogi #4) is part of a great love story. But, ultimately, what makes a man like John G a great hero is that he is, unapologetically, nothing if not himself.
Speaking of not being a slouch, Sandra Razieli is dedicating her Kiss My Asana teaching to not slouching! Be sure to check out her donation-based class on February 28th if you are in the Oakland area! Or, you can donate directly to her 2016 Kiss My Asana page.
A Joyful Practice 