Benevolence in Yoga

Benevolence in Yoga

The theme of my yoga instruction for the past one month was, “yoga to cultivate benevolence”. Last week, I wound up one of my classes in Savasana with a note: yoga is a quest to purify the body, mind and spirit; and an invitation to join the original intended design of our self. “How do we know we are in the right path”, asked Kevin when he got up after the Savasana. I knew Kevin and knew what he meant. Being a practicing yogi, Kevin did not seek an answer on how to measure the circumference of his biceps or how his balance in tree pose increased with time. His query was deeper- how does one know if are facing our “home” and we are in the right direction. We may be farther (like the prodigal son), but does our practice invoke that nostalgia? Have we accepted that invitation to clean the mind, body and spirit; and its unity: divinity!

What is the most important attribute of divinity? Benevolence, period. It is the altruism in love; unbridled compassion; and untrimmed service. If you see changes in your life (not getting upset when somebody, irrelevantly, honk you; or when you are able to think in their shoes; or when you are able to help somebody even without being asked (as St. Nicholas did), you may be in the right path. I could see many frowning faces, “why do we need yoga to do all these?” Fair enough. If you are able to do this, you’re already a yogi!

The theme is more relevant in this season of the year- a time to contemplate and evaluate. I happened to hear a good homily last week (very rare these days). The woman spoke about how we prepare ourselves to receive the abundant blessings. “Let it go”, she said. It may be a hug, a smile, a small talk, or an unsolicited service. Let’s do that without hesitation. The birth of Jesus heralds a new beginning: a life of love, compassion, service, peace, joy and hope; and a commitment to mend, guide, lead, protect and connect us with the divine. The goal of yoga is that union with the divine through practices in our life. One of the greatest yogis I have seen is Jesus; He is the personification of karma, jnana, bhakthi and Raja yoga. The warriors in your practice represent the grace you seek, the balance we cultivate, the resilience we foster, the humility we nurture and the accomplishment at the end. The manger, the shepherds and cattle are the heights of the humility endured by that great king.

I will continue love, compassion, service, peace and joy as the themes of my classes in coming days. We will focus on heart chakra and the heart “openers” I will bring several essential oils, including myrrh, to the class. These oils have the attributes of spiritual fulfillment and transcendence. Hope you may be able to join.

Peace, Love and Joy to you and your family when you celebrate Christmas; May God Bless you all abundantly in 2018 and years ahead.

Jay

Yoga to recreate, strengthen and maintain the spinal curves.

Yoga to recreate, strengthen and maintain the spinal curves.

Skepticism in yoga and its benefits highlighted my past few weeks. My wife and I hosted one of our long-time friends- a seasoned scientist and an executive in an oil corporation. The discussion started with meditation and mindfulness and ended up in universal energy (she disagreed when I called that God), refinement (we disagreed, again, when she said “we need only common sense to achieve it”), and the path of yoga, karma and soul haven. My task after five hours of discussion, over three Moscow mules, turned ominous when Bindhu inclined to my friend. “Yoga folks oversell it”, my friend concluded when we called it a day (rather, night); and I, dubiously, conceded. I had been there when challenged for evidences and proof for myriads of benefits embodied in yoga, mindfulness and meditation. When I direct to the scientific studies they quip: “It’s a small sample”; “a good model to that sample”; “even placebo would do the same”…

A woman has been practicing yoga with me for a long time; attended many of my workshops and have been a committed yogini. Few months ago she mentioned she had breast cancer and would be out of the class for some time dealing with it. When she came back last month, I was happy to see her and enquired how she was doing. I was stricken by her momentary silence. She grabbed a piece of paper from her bag and said, “This is my report.” I peered through the clinical jargon. A single highlighted line at the end caught my attention: “The tests show no indication of cancerous tissues.” I congratulated her for the resilience and perseverance during the treatment. Her comment was, “It was all natural, I spent lots of time in yoga, meditation…as you say” I was happy and felt the sense of achievement.

When I told this story to my quest she quoted Robert Langdon (in Angels and Demons), “Faith is a Gift I have yet to receive”

Leaving stories behind, I took a middle ground for the theme of my classes for next few weeks: Yoga to recreate, strengthen and maintain the spinal curves. Of the umpteen definitions of this thousands years old art, philosophy and science, therapeutic duo sequences resonated the most with many who attend my classes. They seek relief from shoulder and neck pain, lower back pain…These few pair-sequences in yoga are simple and our body is designed to do these movements with minimal efforts (and there are plenty of anatomical evidences to it):

1.       Cat/Cow

2.       Crescent moon/ pyramid

3.       Pascimottanasana/ Poorvottanasana/ Vasishtasana (It’s a trio)

4.       Pavanamukhtasana/ Dwipadapidasana or sethu bandhanasana

5.       Viparithakarani/Supported shoulder stand/ Fish

What is the science behind these vinyasas?

1.       These sequences relax and strengthen the agonist and antagonist muscles to recreate and maintain the spinal curves.

2.       They enhance the “diaphragmatic space” for lumbar curve.

3.       They offer an opportunity to engage the three major locks- kegel floor, diaphragm and chin.

4.       You don’t need lots of faith for these poses; your body is rightfully designed to do that.

If you have any questions how to use combine these poses, please do not hesitate to call, email, message or talk to me. Hope to see you in one of the classes. Jay

Crowdsourcing in Lifestyles

Crowdsourcing in Lifestyles

Several ideas popped up in my mind while pondering a theme for Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu finale this Sunday: “Modulate behavior through life practices”, “Balance Your Nature”, “Food for Healing”, “Food as Medicine”, “Genes are not your destiny, “Culture trumps everything”, “Satsang”, etc. I wanted to have all these addressed in the same evening through practice, discussion and interaction with my good friends who have recognized the benefits yoga, meditation, mindfulness and other healthy life practices. With everything we are planning for that gathering, with contributions from participants and with ensuing discussions, nothing came out as apt as “Crowdsourcing in lifestyles” as the theme for the day.

So, welcome to Crowdsourcing in lifestyles! A “Satsang” to meet, greet and explore the benefits of time tested practices that are ignored by many in the modern world this Sunday (June 25, 2017 from 5 to 7 PM in Cambridge Chase park: 1359 Haversham Dr., Aurora, IL 60502)

Whom you may meet?

Vade Sankar

Vade is a Community Health Advocate and Social Entrepreneur with years of experience in various branches of yoga and Emotional Freedom Technique. Vade’s latest venture is the community wide health and wellness program (Be Café) in Downers Grove. According to Vade, the mission of the Café is to support individuals to reach their highest potential by reconnecting to their mind, body and spirit through natural super foods and drinks. “Health is the greatest wealth”, believes Vade. Vade will present how antioxidant super foods detox and reboot our immune system.

Christy Kabbani

Christy is the Founder / Owner / Head Chef of World Fusion Cuisine that specializes in creating meals based on the concept “food is medicine”. Christy is the executive Chef for Be Café for corporate events and workshops. Christy’s Mediterranean inspired recipes and the ability to personalize them to cater the needs of people with specials needs have been inspiration for many. Christy will demonstrate the benefits of rainbow salad with a turmeric dressing.

Karen Ryan

Karen is a Life Coach and Certified Yoga Teacher. Her yoga practice embraces ashtanga philosophy, pranayama, meditation and self-love in a self-nurturing ambiance. She guides participants in healthy living through yoga with meditation for physical and mental balance. Karen is a practicing travelling yogi and a compassionate wellness consultant whose ability to deliver the art, science and philosophy of yoga is remarkable. I am happy and proud to have Karen on board.

Schedule

5-5.45 PM: Yoga Practice: Theme: Yoga to Balance Doshas

We are what we do with our life; it’s not a legacy; it’s not the lineage. Most ailments, according to Ayurveda, could be attributed to the imbalances in three doshas: vata, pita and kapha. Each dosha has its own attributes and endow a character to a person. Understanding one’s character is the beginning of our refinement. Yoga poses and sequences may be tailored to address these imbalances (deviations from our nature) in us. Please see my blog http://twinheartyoga.blogspot.com/2016/05/ to read more about doshas and how yoga helps to balance doshas. We will practice yoga poses and sequences to balance the doshas.

5.45 to 6 PM; Pranayama and Meditation; Theme: Nurture Kindness

Deep breathing in mindfulness triggers parasympathetic nervous system stimulating “rest and digest” and “feed and breed” mechanisms. This is opposite to the “fight or flight” stimulation triggered by sympathetic nervous system and shallow breathing. Yoga, meditation, pranayama techniques, corpse pose (savasana- easiest pose to perform but hardest pose to master), Mindful Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and prayer could all lead one to mindfulness and kindness. Is there a better way to enter into a party than with a kind heart!

6-7 PM: Food for healing; Theme: Genes are not your destiny

“Mediterranean food extends life span”; “identical twins do not have same genetically controlled diseases”; “you’re not the one you’re born to be”… All these statements have a common denominator: our culture and practices override everything. “Fixed gene” model is changing to a more fluid expression of genes. Fitness instructors and life style councilors often stumble upon these fossilized statements: “I was born like this”; “this is what I am”. I find it hard to accept these avowals. Who are you? Burgeoning evidences from epigenetic (over genetics) studies show what we do with our life (what we eat, what we do, etc.) determine how we look, present and perform; life practices control your nature and “culture trumps everything.” It appears that the food we eat, the exercise we do and our life practices act as switches and dials for the 25,000 some human genes that control our destiny.

Hear Christy Kabbani and Vade Sankar to re-organize your food platter to control your intuition, ability to express your emotions, compassion, gut feeling, addiction, sensuality, relationship and balance. Foods sensitize chakras- the energy centers in our body. Yoga philosophy reiterate how the practice of yoga strongly connected to what we take in (prana) and how. Our food needs to be polychromatic. It’s time for us to embrace the ancient wisdom in culinary art; it is time for us to adopt the time tested life style practices from our traditions. We will also explore the role of essential oils in modulating our life.

Hope to see you all,

Jay

P. S. Feel free to bring one of your favorite dishes, drinks or juice to share.

Strength In Yoga

Strength in Yoga

“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from indomitable will…your struggles develops your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength”, Mahatma Gandhi.

Welcome to the next session of Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu (LSSB) this Sunday at 7 AM in the Cambridge Chase Park (1359 Haversham Dr., Aurora, IL) when we incorporate the yoga sequences to strengthen the body, mind and spirit. The planks, supported arm and shoulder stands engaging myriad of abdominal muscles are sure to develop the biceps, triceps and a sculpted six-pack. But, the strength through yoga means much more than we normally envision.

Jesus was a yogi; so was Buddha; what made them different? They were able to arrest the deviation of mind. Was that not the classical definition of yoga by Patanjali, “Chittah Vrithi Nirodah”- it’s our ability to harness the mind; it’s our ability to prevent the deviation of the mind.

If we are not talking about mantra, jnana or karma yoga, why popular yoga (in the west) focus mostly on poses? We may spent hours in 105⁰F with rigorous (or athletic) vinyasa; same sequences again and again with counts; or hold poses for several minutes (while pondering an exit strategy- as I do in restorative!). They all proclaim the same philosophy. If one needs to connect the yoga definition with the asana practice, we need not go far – it is in the definition of asana, “Sthira Sukham Asanam”. Yoga poses need to be stable, comfortable and easy. Really? Instructors use comforting jargons to boost participant confidence in a class: “yoga is a journey”; “one needs to differentiate challenge and the struggle”; “with practice comes perfection”; “be where you are”; “honor thyself”, etc.  In order to access poses as Patanjali perceived we need to put our thoughts into it; we need to refine our thoughts; and our mind, body and spirit need to sync. Now…does it make sense to say, yoga, “Chitha vrithi Nirodha”?

How does yoga strengthen the spirit?

One of the cardinal rules in Ashtanga Yoga is “Iswarapranidhana” (see divinity in everything as an ethical observance, Yoga Sutra II.32) that spins off love, compassion and service and respect one self and others around you. Free, total and fruitful and faithful relationship emanating from that adherence is what we foster, slowly and steadily, through the path of Yoga.

We will work on a total body strengthening sequence focusing on all chakras- the lights one need to reach our goal, our destiny- purification of mind, body and spirit.Hope you will be able to join us.

Love,

Jay

P. S. What is new on 18^th? One of my good friends, Karen Ryan, has kindly agreed to lead part of the practice this Sunday. Karen is a practicing travelling yogi and a compassionate wellness consultant whose ability to deliver the art, science and philosophy of yoga is remarkable. I am happy and proud to have Karen on board. Thanks Karen!

Warriors in Yoga

Warriors in Yoga? Inexplicable?

When I first heard the English translation of Veerbhadrasana (as warrior), I was confused. I have never heard of a word that could candidly render the depth of that word (veer- valiant; bhadra-companion). Krishna in Mahabharata was Arjun’s bhadra; Katniss Everdeen was a bhadra for Peeta in Hunger Games for a cause. What a warrior has to do in Yoga where ahimsa (non-violence), love and compassion are paramount. How those poses got their names? What Veerbhadra means to you and me.

For starters: Veerbhadra is a legendary warrior, loyal and devoted to his Lord, Shiva. According to Hindu legend, Veerbhadra was born of the intense wrath of Shiva at the humiliation and death of his consort. Sati, the daughter of King Daksha, was in deep love with Shiva. Daksha did not approve this courtship as Shiva was an unorthodox and ill-groomed God. He slept in cemeteries; wore human skulls, ash, tiger skin and snake. A reclusive vagabond, he mediated on mountain tops. Daksha (as a loving father- as most Indian fathers are!) doubted Shiva would be able to spend any time with his daughter. The presumed safety, comfort and happiness of his daughter prompted Daksha to seek other suitors. Sati stood fast on her love and married Shiva. Later, Shiva was furious when his beloved had to face agonizing public humiliation from her father that lead to her death from the pyre materialized from her agony. Veerbhadra was born of the dreadlocks of Shiva to revenge the death of Sati. He sought grace from Shiva and meticulously executed a balanced fight with humility. The ensued exaltation was the result of his commitment to Shiva.

The story symbolizes the fight against ignorance (Daksha) by the inner self of love and compassion (Shiva); it’s a fight for shining light and seeking grace; it’s struggle for harnessing balance to establish stability. Warrior poses in yoga - warrior 1, warrior 2, warrior 3, meek warrior and exalted warrior- embody the attributes of the physio-spiritual significance of that original warrior: a valiant friend, a staunch supporter, an illuminating guide and a compassionate aide. Through practice of these poses in yoga, one achieves these attributes. Veerbhadra is a companion in all of us- committed and loyal to add balance and stability to succeed in our life’s journey. It reminds the practitioner the humility (meek warrior) through which one achieve the goal (exalted warrior).

You are invited to join some fine yogis and yoginis when we celebrate yoga at LSSB on Sunday at 7 PM in Cambridge Chase Park (1359 Haversham Dr., Aurora, IL.) The bravery in these gracious and skillful friends embody yet another unique meaning of yoga: body, mind and spirit cleansing through a vinyasa of warrior poses.  Hope to see you all when we incorporate a smooth flow of these poses to seek grace and nurture humility to reach that exaltation we all are intended to. We will end the practice with Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR).

Love,

Jay

Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu 2017

June 21^st is International Yoga Day. It is fitting to commemorate millions of yogis who paved the way; developed and refined this great science and philosophy of yoga. To promote the benefits of yoga, Twin Heart is excited to organize the morning yoga practice this year too- on June 4^th, 11^th, 18^th and 25^th. What an experience to practice with you all in the bright mornings of June (real Sun salutations!) in the vast expanse of Cambridge Chase Park in Aurora! (1359 Haversham Dr., Aurora, IL). These are all inclusive sessions; no prior yoga experience is needed. Please bring your own yoga mat.

The mind, body and spirit cleansing through grace, grounding, balance, humility, strength, ahimsa (non-violence), swadhyaya (self- teaching), mindfulness and pranayama is going to be the theme of Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavanthu (LSSB) 2017. LSSB is an opportunity for you to interact and practice with many fine yogis in the area who are committed to yoga. Please feel free to bring your children too. This time we have Indre Jasinskaite, an expert in working and practicing yoga with children to guide them in the endless practice of yoga.

The schedule:

Day 1: Cleansing through yoga. 7-8 AM on June 04, 2017

We will practice a detox flow sequence, poses and cleansing pranayama to prepare for days 2, 3 and 4. We will end the practice with meditation.

Day 2: Warrior in you! 7-8 AM on June 11, 2017

A smooth flow incorporating all warrior poses depicting the grace we seek, stability we need, balance we foster, humility we nurture and the ensuing exaltation in yoga practice (and life). We will end the practice with Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) through relaxation.

Day 3: Yoga for strength. 7-8 AM on June 18, 2017

Beyond the physical strength enshrined in yoga, strength also means our ability to face (and fight) extraneous influences that may affect us. I believe, the Patanjali definition of yoga (“Prevent the deviation of mind”) could be extrapolated to body and spirit.

Day 4: Satsung: 5-7 PM on June 25, 2017. Theme: Food as Medicine

After a brief yoga practice, we will explore the benefits of various preparations to heal our body. It is an occasion to interact with a group of committed people who believe in the benefits of yoga and practice it with dedication; a group whose thoughts and actions sync to open the discussion on benefits of yoga. It's a "crowd-sourcing" in yoga. Hope you will be able to join these wonderful yogis and yoginis.

Thy,

Jay

Christmas and Yoga

It is advent- a season to contemplate and evaluate; a time to clean our mind, body and spirit to prepare the room for the savior. I have been taught to eschew obsessions this time of the year and symbolically, I would forego meat, fish and alcohol. It works most of the time.

 I heard a good story a while ago and would reproduce as I heard then in a homily. Pastor Paul worked in a remote impoverished parish in India. They were, however, rich in sharing their love and resources with those who were not able to afford. The parishioners and the pastor took the message of Christmas around the village by singing carols and sharing the message of love and peace. One day they were to visit a rehabilitation center for lepers. The person who was to dress up as the Santa was not able to come on that day. The trustee of the parish, a rich man, decided to sub him. They dressed him up in red shiny trousers, matching jacket with fur trim, bright black shoes and belt, red hat with fluffy trim; substituted a mask for the white shiny beard and long hair; and filled his bag with chocolates. The group went to the center which treated and rehabilitated many stricken with the disease. They sang, gave chocolates and shared the love and the message of Christmas. Pastor Paul watched Santa shaking hands with a man in his early sixties and saw tears rolling out of his eyes.

Everybody was happy. They got into their bus and drove back to the church. Normally, Santa would change costumes in the bus; the trustee, however, did not. Not even the mask. The pastor was surprised. Even after reaching the church, even after everybody left the premises, he wore the mask. At last, at the insistence of the pastor, the trustee removed the mask. His eyes and the face had turned red; he bore a heavy saddened look on his face. No words came out of his lips and sobbed as soon as he took the mask.

“What happened”, the pastor asked. Broken words came out of his shivering lips. “In those few minutes that I spend with that old man in the center he told me who he was. He was a retired school teacher. His family left him in the center when he was inflicted with leprosy. He thinks of his children and grandchildren during this Christmas and every Christmas” He stopped for a minute. “I could not stop crying when he said, I would pray for you” He sobbed leaning onto the pastor’s shoulders.

The leper prayed for one of the richest persons in the parish. What an event to teach the power of prayer- pray for others wherever you are and to whomever you are praying for. We pray when we pray for others; we live when we give life to others; that is what the advent and Christmas is all about. Keep Jesus in Christmas.

The birth of Jesus heralds a new beginning: a life of love, compassion, service, peace, joy and hope; and a commitment to mend, guide, lead, protect and connect us with the divine. The goal of yoga is that union with the divine through practices in our life. One of the greatest yogis I have seen is Jesus; He is the personification of karma, jnana, bhakthi and Raja yoga. The warriors in your practice represent the grace you seek, the balance we cultivate, the resilience we foster, the humility we nurture and the accomplishment at the end. The manger, the shepherds and cattle is the height of the humility of that great king. The purity and the commitment of the holy family should be the goal of the every family in this season. May our good Lord bless you all abundantly.

I have taken love, compassion, service, peace and joy as the themes of my classes for this month. We will focus of heart chakra and the heart “openers” I will bring several essential oils, including myrrh, to my class. They have the attributes of spiritual fulfillment and the transcendence. Hope you may be able to join.

Peace, Love and Joy

Jay