Class Update :)

Here is an update of classes I take/have taken at Blissful Yoga :)  I'd almost have to say that all of them are my fav... but Wall and Restorative are a bit ahead in the Favorite Class race ;)


Purple Highlight means they have been conquered.. :D

-All Levels
-Ashtanga Primary (Monthly)
-Blissflow
-Candle Light Yoga Level I/II
-Hot Yoga
-Hot Yoga I/II
-Intro to Yoga
-Level I/II
-Level II/III
-Restorative Candle Light
-Restorative Yoga
-Stretch and Restore
-Vinyasa
-Yin Yoga
-YinYasa
-Yoga Core
-Yoga Fit
-Yoga Wall (ABSOLUTE favorite class)

Shanti!

Time For Mantra Meditation

Sometimes your plans and life's plans don't quite add up.  Here is a beautiful practice to help let the universe know you need a little extra energy :)

Life and my plans are at a cross roads right now so I'm starting a mantra practice for 1 month.. or longer if it feels necessary :)

The mantra I have chosen

Ganesha: Aum Gum Ganapatayei Namaha

Rough Translation: 'Om and salutations to the remover of obstacles for which Gum is the seed.'
The story of Ganesha is found in the chapter devoted to this principle. But for your immediate need, you need only know that for seen or unseen obstacles which seem to be standing in the way of your progress or achievement, either specifically or generally, this mantra has proved invaluable. It has been used it with great success not only in India, but here in the West dozens of people have related to me their success in turning things around in their life by using this mantra.

Mantra Meditation

Mantra is one of the simplest, yet a very powerful method to achieve meditation. Why? Mantra involves the rhythmic invocation of a sound. This provides a foundation for the aspirant so that his practice is just not "in the air". This anchor or foundation helps the mind to gradually disconnect with the external experiences provided through the 5 senses, which is the first step to successful meditation. The Nature of Mantra Although mantra has often been riled as a "religious thing" through invocation of the names of deities or Gods, it is not actually so. Mantra is a sound form. It is a Sanskrit word which etymologically means "by the repetition of which the mind becomes free of external experiences". That is how it is to be seen and experienced. Sound has a form; sound has a color. Every sound creates patterns of forms and color in the mind. Vibrations of different frequency create different patterns. These patterns result in withdrawal from sensory experiences. As you proceed further successfully, they would result (transiently) in deeper experiences such as ESP, mystical experiences etc. Eventually, they will help the sincere practitioner to even surpass these inner experiences and distractions and move towards eternal bliss. Now, sound of mantra is not to be seen in the context of the written word. In fact, the sound formed by following the written word could be severely limiting for higher experiences. The nature of mantra is that of a cosmic sound and should preferably be HEARD from a teacher. Mantra repetition could be done as 3 ways - audible, whisper or silent (in the thought). Each method of repetition has different frequencies, different forms and has different effects. The most powerful is the silent method, because it has the highest frequency. Louder the sound, greater is the velocity but lower is the frequency. Preparations for Practice   Get yourself a mantra - Once a mantra is chosen, it should NEVER be changed, however much you may like to. Often people change their mantra because it is too common - they wish to get something unique as a kind of a rare elixir. Be warned that this is a mistake and will result in complications at higher levels in your spiritual journey. So be careful in selecting a mantra. Go find yourself a teacher and if you can't, mentally recite a selection of mantras, each for some stretch of time and see which 'feels' right for you - which one creates the right vibrations and then stick with it. Have a symbol to focus upon - A symbol could be mental - the sun, a star, a candle flame, a crescent, a cross, symbol of Om, a lotus flower, your personal deity etc. Or you could have a physical point of focus such as the nose tip or the pulsation in any particular part of the body etc. Place of practice - Have a designated area of your house - a room or a corner for your mantra practice. It is important that you use the same area for your regular practice. You will find that over time this area will be charged with the favorable energies of mantra and spur you onto spontaneous meditation. Posture - The posture for your mantra practice should be a seated one with spine erect. Siddhasana and Padmasana are especially suited for the purpose as they provide the maximum stability to the body preventing it from drooping or falling. These postures, when perfected, enable the practitioner to sit for long spells without tiring, something very essential in meditation practice. Siddhasana also exerts the right pressure on the mooladhara chakra (energy center), the seat of kundalini and is recommended as a meditation pose. Breath flow - Before proceeding with mantra meditation, it should be verified that the predominant flow of the breath is from the left nostril (as opposed to the right). Or then, the flow should be balanced between the nostrils. Mantra meditation is not advised with the right nostril more free flowing than the left. This is because the left nostril corresponds with the lunar (mental) forces and the right for the physical forces. It would be difficult to have successful meditation with the right flowing predominantly. If necessary, breath flow between nostrils can be altered using a Yoga Danda. Role of a Mala - Often, as you proceed in mantra repetition, you will find the mind drifting involuntarily from the physical point of focus - to a dreamy state or then swamped by thoughts. If you are practicing Mantra in coordination with the turning of mala beads, this drift is stopped whenever you reach the head bead (sumeru). The sumeru provides the disconnect and you are reminded to turn the Mala around for the next round of repetition. This brings back the awareness and prevents it from going out of hand for long periods of time. That is the first point. The second point is that the Mala provides the "physical" anchor which is so necessary as you proceed to higher levels of the practice. At the higher levels, as you are disconnected from the external world, it may be quite an experience - sometimes even terrifying. The mala serves as your connection with this world to bring you back. This coupled with your symbol as the mental anchor, makes for a successful journey. The Practice Once you are equipped and prepared as outlined above, be seated in the posture advised. Start turning the beads in synchronization with the mantra, with the mantra being repeated with every bead turned. To know more on how to turn the beads, read the "How to Use" section. Rhythmic Repetition of the Mantra - the mantra should be repeated with a certain rhythm of your choice. The rhythm could be synchronized with the breath or with the pulsation in any part of the body or in any way you wish. The mantra should be repeated with every bead turned. Method of Recitation - As mentioned earlier, the mantra may be repeated audibly, as a whisper or then silently. This depends upon your mental state. If the mind is disturbed or you are drowsy, it is best to repeat the mantra audibly and then progress towards whispering and then to the silent thought of mantra. Beginners may also proceed from audible repetition to the more powerful silent repetition. Speed of Recitation - Repeat the mantra at a speed that feels right. The slower the recitation, the greater is the frequency and the power behind the mantra. Conversely, a faster repetition implies a lower frequency and reduced power behind the mantra. However, you may have to alter speeds depending upon the state of your mind. A dissipated and drowsy mind may require a faster repetition of the mantra - a slower repetition may put you off to sleep! Eyeball movement - For successful mantra meditation practice, it is important that the eyeball movement is absent. Eyeball movement is always there (even when we are asleep in the form of REM), but for this practice it is essential that the movement is stalled for desirable results. This movement is gradually eliminated by constant focus on your symbol at an imagined place on the eyebrow centre. Also, it often helps to imagine the vibrations of the mantra converging at the eyebrow center. Mind focus - be aware of the Mantra at all times. The mind will waver; you will find it drifting to other thoughts. As you realize this, gently bring back your awareness to the Mantra. Don't feel frustrated by the oscillating mind - this is normal, and is part of the process itself! Important: Don't make the mistake of correlating the mantra sound with its written form. As mentioned earlier, this could be limiting its potential greatly. Practice in this manner for as many rounds of the mala as you feel the need or have the time for. You must start the practice at the head bead (sumeru) and also end it at the sumeru. Regularity of Practice - It is essential that Mantra meditation is practiced everyday without a break. It may be just 5 minutes but regularity is a must. It is preferable to do it at a designated time - in the morning or then in the night, before going to bed at least an hour after meals. Over time, you will find the effect of the mantra on the subconscious through its unique calming influence at any time of the day and in any situation. You are then truly on your journey to spiritual growth.

(healthandyoga.com)

Namaste Ash

Prana Part 5

Nadi Shodhana

Breathing left nostril right nostril.. moon and sun.. Centering and calming to the nervous system.

Developing Breath Awareness In your Practice:

In Asana practice adopt a calm, peaceful, and steady breathing pattern while mindfully keep coming back to your breath during your practice.  Use exhale to release and still the mind as the chatter expels with your exhale.

When transititioning in an asana, most inhale as the heart rises and exhale as the heart falls.  Breath proceeds transition as you ride the breath through to your next pose.  Inhales create length and expansion.  Exhale to find space,surrender, and relax.  In twists and binds always create length first with the inhale, move into the twist with the exhale.  While in the pose exhale to find space and with each exhale move deeper into the pose.  In standing, balance the center first.

"B.K.S. Iyengar explains how the three stages of the breath in pranayama—inhalation (puraka), retention (antara kumbhaka), and exhalation (rechaka)—can connect us to the universal soul. During our inhalation, we are inviting prana to come in. According to Iyengar, the individual self must then move out of the way in order to make room for the soul. Iyengar believes that through this process, we are able to generate energy, expansion, and awareness within."

Aum Shanti <3

Prana Part 4

Developing Breath Awareness

Diaphragm: Low gravity area of the lungs.  The Diaphragm contracts and moves towards the abdominal area.

Thoracic or Chest: Brings oxygen to the upper lungs, by itself is inefficient, more frequency of breaths.

Clavicular: Movement in the collar bones expands very top of the lungs for maximum oxygen intake.


Most Efficient Ways to Breath

Diaphragm Breathing: Best suited for everyday relaxed functioning, the lungs expansion is focused on the lower area of the lungs where oxygen can exchange most efficiently.  When more oxygen is needed, the thoracic is then engaged.

Full Yogic Breath:  The three types of inhalation can be coordinated into one smooth exercise in which a maximum deep breath is taken.  This is the Yogic Complete Breath, which has the diaphragmatic, thoracic, and clavicular phrase.

Phase One: Diaphragm contraction resulting in slight expansion of lower ribs and protrusion of the upper abdome, drawing oxygen into the lower lungs.

Phase Two: The middle portions of the lungs expand with outward chest movement, the inhalation proceeds further.

Phase Three: At the end of inhalation, still more air is admitted boy slightly raising the clavicles.

Full Yogic Breath must be mastered before moving on to other forms of pranayama.

Nadi Shodhana

Breathing in the left nostril (moon) and then out the right nostril ( sun) and then breathing in the right nostril ( sun) and them breathing out the left nostril (moon).  Repeat this to desire.  This helps center and calm the nervous system.

Prana Part 3

Breathing Modes and Habits

Diaphragmatic or thoracic (diaphragm or chest)
Continuous or interrupted by pauses
Rhythmic and continuous or irregular and choppy

How Do We Breath When...

• we are angry
• we are excited
• we are emotionally effected or very sad
• we are scared
• we are physically exhausted
• we are clam and relaxed

 So if our physical, emotional, and mental state has such an obvious effect on our breath, is the reciprocal true?

Practiced breath control envokes a corresponding state in body, mind, and emtion.  This is why in yoga breath proceeds motion a thought.  Controlling the breath and calming the nerves is the pre-requisite to integration of and control over mind and body.. the Ultimate Subjugation of the Universal Energy of Prana.  To the Yogi; body, breath, nerves, mind, prana, and the universe are all part of the continum, with no distractions between them.

The Link

So how can this be? Why?  What is the link between the body and mind, conscious and unconscious, physical from and subtle body.  In the body our nervous system is subdivided into the central and autonomic system.  Breathing is the only body function we can control both unconsciously or consciously.  If we do not attempt to control our breath our brain will carry on breathing automatically and unconsciously through our autonomic nervous system that runs all of our other automatic functions (heart beat and digestion are a few to name)  If we have the ability to deliberately channel and regulate the breath through the conscious mind with the central nervous system we create a bridge between the two nervous systems and hence between our conscious and unconscious minds.  We also begin to control the body through breath.

Namaste

Prana Part 2

Continuing on with Prana.. Here is part 2 :D

Everyone breathes, just not as well as others.  Without developing awareness of breath it is easy to fall into unhealthy breathing patterns that effect both mind and body.  The breath can be allowed to run haphazardly and create havoc in the body and mind, or it can become part of your constant awareness and be harmoniously coordinated.  Once the breath is integrated into your awareness...the mind will calm, and you will live in the moment and develop body awareness.


Why breath fully, deeply, completely?

Increasing breath volume (inhalation) increases the amount of oxygen supply.  By increasing the oxygen supply on inhale we then exhale more toxins.

• Mental Toxins
• Emotional Toxins
• Physical Toxins
• Environmental Toxins

All toxins have a tendency to be held and stored in the body in "stale" dead areas where there is only a small amount of oxygen.  This can lead to a vast array of health problems and eventually chronic disease.

The main reason we practice breath control in yoga is to still the mind.  Yoga Sutra 1.2 states " Yoga is the stilling of the fluctuations of the mind".  To work mindfully means focusing awareness on the movement and breath acting together so that such single-pointed concentration unites the body, breath and mind in the present moment, and the NOW.

Breath awareness can teach us about our attitude in posture.  At times the breath may sound strained, labored, short, aggressive, and flat shallow or fast.

By bringing back an ideal smooth rhythmic breath we can begin to correct our attitude in posture.

Prana Part 1

Prana is the currents of energy or life force.  Prana is the Vital energy of the Universe.  For now we will focus on the vital energy within our being.  One who has learned to control prana has learned to control both physical and mental and also control of the body and mind.

Breath is the vehicle for prana as the energy travels through and extremely complex anatomy, composed of pathways called Nadis.  What in the world are Nadis?  Nadis are energy channels that flow through out the body.  According to text the number of nadis exceeds 72000.  Of these 14 are the most key.. and of the 14, 3 are of those relate to breathing.  These energy channels extend from our base and travel up the spine to the right and left nostrils.

Pingala (solar or surya) sun flowing through the right nostril, and Ida (lunar or chandra) moon flowing through the left nostril and sushumna (central energy channel up through the spine to the top of the head) which is the moment when both nostrils flow freely without obstruction.

Left Nostril or Lunar: Breathing through the left side promotes relaxation, passiveness, and sleep
Right Nostril or Sun: Breathing through the right side stimulates the mind and body as well as aids in digestion.

The physical body is built around this subtle framework of energy channels (nadis) sustained by the flow of prana through this network.  The techniques of pranayama are aimed at opening up subtle energy channels (nadis).  The currents of prana flowing through these nadis are the subtle counterparts of nerve impulses.

When we breath badly we create obstructions in various parts of the body.  All these blockages clog up the free flow of prana, the life breath that animates our body.  With practice like pranayama we learn how to move and generate prana to store it and use it.  We are then able to loosen and dissolve these obstructions so prana can flow free.

In Sanskrit the most basic translation of pranayama is the science of breath.  Pranayama literally means "the ayama" (expansion or manifestation) of prana (the energy)

Pranayama is the 4th limb of Yoga.  Pranayama is a separate practice from your asana practice.  Both practices should have separate times.  Prana also helps drive your asana practice.


Stay tuned for Prana Part 2!

Ash

Hatha : Ashtanga vs. Iyengar

When practicing yoga we sometimes hear our teachers speak about the types of yoga that are available... or you hear different studios offer one of the three types of yoga.  Being the most popular types, I wanted to go over what each type of yoga is and what it means for you in your daily practice.  Maybe branch out and try something new!  I practice at an Iyengar based studio that has a monthly Ashtanga Primary Series.  Heres what that means..

Hatha Yoga:

The word hatha means willful or forceful. Hatha yoga refers to a set of physical exercises (known as asanas or postures), and sequences of asanas, designed to align your skin, muscles, and bones. The postures are also designed to open the many channels of the body—especially the main channel, the spine—so that energy can flow freely.  Hatha is also translated as ha meaning "sun" and tha meaning "moon." This refers to the balance of masculine aspects—active, hot, sun—and feminine aspects—receptive, cool, moon—within all of us. Hatha yoga is a path toward creating balance and uniting opposites. In our physical bodies we develop a balance of strength and flexibility. We also learn to balance our effort and surrender in each pose.

Ashtanga Yoga:

Is a system of yoga transmitted to the modern world by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois (1915-2009). This method of yoga involves synchronizing the breath with a progressive series of postures—a process producing intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm mind. 

Ashtanga yoga literally means "eight-limbed yoga," as outlined by the sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. According to Patanjali, the path of internal purification for revealing the Universal Self consists of the following eight spiritual practices:

Yama [moral codes]
Niyama [self-purification and study]
Asana [posture]
Pranayama [breath control]
Pratyahara [sense control]
Dharana [concentration]
Dhyana [meditation]
Samadhi [absorption into the Universal]

There are six different Ashtanga series through which a student progresses at his or her own pace.

The Ashtanga method stresses daily Vinyasa flow practice using ujjayi breathing (audible sounding reath,ocean breath), mula bandha (root lock), uddiyana bandha (abdominal lock), and drishti (point of focus while practicing).

There are six different Ashtanga Primary Series.  The first or primary series, called Yoga Chikitsa, is described in Yoga Mala. Yoga Chikitsa, which means yoga therapy, realigns the spine, detoxifies the body, and builds strength, flexibility and stamina. The series of about 75 poses takes an hour and a half to two hours to complete, beginning with sun salutations (surya namaskara A and surya namaskara B) and moving on to standing poses, seated poses, inversions and backbends before relaxation.  The intermediate or second series is called Nadi Shodana, meaning nervous system purification. It cleanses and strengthens the nervous system and the subtle energy channels throughout the body. This series is only introduced when the primary series is strong. It follows the same progression (sun salutations, standing, sitting etc.) as the primary series, but introduces new poses and variations.  The four advanced series are called Sthira Bhaga, which means divine stability. Pattabhi Jois originally outlined two intensive advanced series, but later subdivided them into four series to make them accessible to more people. These series emphasize difficult arm balances and are only appropriate for extremely advanced students.

Iyengar: 

The Practice

The Iyengar method of Yoga is initially learned through the in-depth study of asanas (posture) and pranayama (breath control).
BKS Iyengar has systematised over 200 classical yoga Asanas and 14 different types of Pranayamas (with variations of many of them) from the simple to the incredibly difficult. These have been structured and categorized so as to allow a beginner to progress surely and safely from basic postures to the most advanced as they gain flexibility, strength and sensitivity in mind, body and spirit.

Asana

In practice Iyengar yoga focuses particularly on three aspects. Correct body alignment allows the body to develop harmoniously in an anatomically correct way so that the student suffers no injury or pain when practising correctly. As all bodies are different and people have different weaknesses and strengths.  Iyengar makes use of props to help the body into the correct positions required. Props are objects like wooden blocks, chairs, blankets and belts that help one adjust or support oneself in the different postures so that one can work in a range of motion that is safe and effective. An added benefit is that although the therapeutic aspects of asanas and pranayama have been known for centuries, Mr Iyengar's unrelenting emphasis on correct anatomical alignment and methods of working have refined the therapeutic aspects of Yoga. Thus practice of Iyengar yoga will often result in eliminating aches and pains, improve posture etc. but Iyengar Yoga can also be used to treat many ailments, including extremely serious medical conditions, under the supervision of a suitably experienced teacher. The other two key aspects of asana practice in the Iyengar system are correct sequencing in which there is a powerful cumulative effect achieved by practicing asanas in particular sequences. The concept of timings means postures are held for considerable lengths of time to let the effects of the poses penetrate deeper within the individual

Pranayama

Pranayama is started once a firm foundation in asana has been established as physically the student requires the alignment, flexibility, lung capacity and training necessary to sit and breathe correctly while practicing. Pranayama gives numerous physical benefits including toning the circulatory, digestive, nervous and respiratory systems, activating the internal organs and creating a feeling of energy and calmness. Equally importantly it also brings the mind and senses under control and make the individual fit for the experience of meditation.

With that being said, the studio that I practice at makes great use of props that are available.  Blocks, blankets, straps, bolsters, sandbags, and the Great Yoga Wall.  Each of these props allows for safe practice allowing you to explore your comfort level and then if ready, taking it to the next level.. all safely :)

Ash

The Yin Side of Yoga

MyYogaBlog.com has a beautiful written piece on their blog that I want to share with you. 

Aum Shanti Shanti Shanti

In the dance of yoga, we can feel inspired and we can feel grounded. Inspiration and connection are manifestations of spirit and soul. For most of us in the West, soul and spirit seem like synonyms: when someone we love dies, we may say his soul has departed, or we may say his spirit has left. What's the difference? In the Eastern Daoist philosophy, there are five distinct kinds of soul, not just one. In Western psychologies, such as the model proposed by Carl Jung, we also recognize that our inner landscape is not just one flat terrain: within each of us are many personalities and functions. Within each of us are both spirit and soul, two vastly different aspects of our being.
Spirit is that which inspires us; lifts us up. Spirit is exciting, and gives meaning to life and what we do: spirit is the top of the mountain. It is our inhalation. Spirit is the deep longing for purpose; it can pick us up and move us thousands of miles away from our front door and comfortable bed. Pilgrims are moved by spirit. Spirit has its negative aspects too: it can be very cold, dry and lonely on the top of a mountain! Spirit can be too analytical, clinical and aloof from feelings and from others. 
Soul is found in the valleys: it is being with others, communicating, belonging and living with our daily dramas. Soul is baking bread, cooking meals and cleaning toilets. Soul is deep: spirit is broad. Soul is our exhalation. Soul is antecedent to meaning: it is life in its primal expression - we can grow in its rich soil but we can also get stuck and wallow in the slime and the refuse of life. Spirit is enriched by ideas. Soul is nourished through rituals: the family gatherings at special times of years where old squabbles are reignited are soul expression.

You will often hear people talk about finding, or wanting to find their soul mate, but what they often are looking for is their spirit mate! Someone to bring meaning and excitement to their boring, drab, ordinary life: a special friend (it doesn't have to be a lover) who will go with you on an impulse to Greece or India, or join you on some other wild adventure.

And sometimes, what we really do need is a soul mate rather than a spirit mate: someone we can deeply communicate with - not always with words, but always with presence. A special friend with whom we can take a long walk through the woods or along a stretch of beach, and not exchange a single word: that is a soul mate.

Soul and spirit combine to make us realize our true wholeness. Often we look for someone, our soul mate, to help us become whole but the whole is always the whole: pour out half a glass of wine and what remains is all of what remains – diminished but still whole. Refilling the glass does not restore wholeness, it simply adds to it. Symbols of totality have been found in every culture and most often it is depicted simply by a circle. A little circle is not less whole than a huge circle. The symbol of the Daoist yin and yang reflects this wholeness and it also illuminates the complementary nature of the territory within.
The darkness of the yin side complements and completes the light of the yang side. The whole could not exist without these two aspects. It is easy to think of light and dark as opposites, but they do not oppose, they complete! Look more carefully: the darkness doesn’t exist at the expense of the light! There is darkness even within the light. Light requires darkness to give life contrast and definition, and vice versa. A life lived fully in the dark is empty and void, but a life lived completely in the light is blind and sterile.

Soul and spirit are not opposites: they are complements - like the yin and yang symbol: the dark, soulful swirl complements and completes the light, spirited swirl. We absolutely need both in life and these two forces pull us back and forth: sometimes we shrink from committing to one aspect of life, or to one person because we fear we will have to give up the other. If I choose this person, who makes me feel so alive and inspired, am I giving up my soul? If I choose this other person who makes me feel so happy, safe and comfortable, am I abandoning the purpose of my life? 
Spirit is in the head: it is calculating and visionary: it is Leonard Cohen's major chord. Soul is the minor chord: it is in the gut. It is real and present. They meet in the heart, halfway between the head and the gut, where the dance begins. In our yoga practice, we can enjoin the dance: there will be times of soaring spirit and times of deep soul-felt emotion.

The North American culture is very spiritual but at a cost of a loss of soulfulness. We seek inspiration; we want constant improvement; joy and happiness is our divine right and pulls us away from that which builds soul. "Smile" and "have a nice day" are oft heard, high-spirited invocations of spirit. In more traditional cultures, family, religion and rituals provide the soulfulness that grounds life. To balance, to become whole, we need to create space for both spirit and soul in our lives.

Yoga can provide a wonderful way to build our spirit: many people come to yoga classes to be inspired, to be lifted up and to find purpose in life. Yoga can offer more than that - yoga can also provide regular rituals that also take us back down into the valley of soul and help us reconnect with the depths of our nature. A yoga class is a chance to reconnect to a community of fellow students, to the studio or teachers you have come to know and enjoy: yoga can become your regular, soul-building ritual. The ritual can be as simple as sitting for a few minutes before and after the class begins.

Many years ago, in my first yoga teacher training, I was told a teacher should never play music that has words during a yoga class, especially English words, because it was too distracting. I wondered - distracting from what? Words inspire us: words are one of the most important ways that we communicate with others. Words can't be bad: but they can be used in unskillful ways at times.

Many yoga teachers get around this edict by playing songs that have words of another language: usually Sanskrit. But, the symbols of South Asia mean little to most of us in the West: what do Hanuman, Ganesha and Kali Durga really mean to an accountant in Toronto? If we want to evoke and explore spirit and soul, it can be very helpful to use symbols and music that are part of our culture. In your yoga practice choose some music that has meaning to you, or that viscerally affects you. Music can be inspiring or it can be soulful: notice how you feel when you listen and move to your own chosen music. Imagine a great movie without its soundtrack. Star Wars would not have become the mythic movie it is without its music. Imagine Lord of the Rings or Avatar with no music: there would be no movement.

While you practice your own, unique physical yoga, indulge yourself: see if you can dance with the dark swirl of soul and the soaring swirl of spirit. At times allow yourself to be lifted higher, and then allow yourself to be brought down low. Rejoice and wallow in equal measure. Life is not always clean and antiseptic: love is not always milk and honey - sometimes it is down and dirty. We need dirt and sunshine. Find the dance in the intersection: it is not one or the other - seek the synthesis between yin and yang, between soul and spirit. When you have found that synthesis, pay attention - something interesting is about to happen. 
Hallelujah Om! 


About Bernie Clark:
Bernie Clark has been teaching yoga and meditation since 1998. He has a bachelor degree in Science from the University of Waterloo and combines his intense interest in yoga with an understanding of the scientific approach to investigating the nature of things. His ongoing studies have taken him deeply inside mythology, comparative religions and psychology. All of these avenues of exploration have clarified his understanding of the ancient Eastern practices of yoga and meditation. His teaching, workshops and books have helped many students broaden their own understanding of health, life and the source of true joy.  You can learn more about Bernie and his teaching at YinYoga.com.

More Classic Mantras

Yoga Teacher Student Prayer 

OM saha navavatu
saha nau bhunaktu
saha viryam karavavahai
tejasvi navadhitam astu
ma vidvishavahai
OM shanti, shanti, shanti
May we be protected together.
May we be nourished together.
May we create strength among one another.
May our study be filled with brilliance and light.
May there be no hostility between us.
Om peace, peace, peace.
Gayatri Mantra
Om bhur bhuvah svaha
Tat savitur varenyam
Bargo devasya dhimahi
Dhiyo yona prachodayat
I reflect on the unity of Divine Spirit, which pervades everything in the earth, the atmosphere and heavens.
May this Supreme Consciousness protect me and illuminate my intellect that I may realize my inherent oneness with That.
I meditate on the great luminous light that enlightens all three worlds.
May it enlighten all.

Namaste’
~~ I honor the light in you and in all – used as a greeting and goodbye
Loka samasta sukino bhavantu
~~ May the entire universe be filled with peace and joy, love and light.
Asatoma sad gamaya ~ Tama soma jyotir gamaya ~ Mritorma amritam gamaya
~~ Lead us from the unreal to the real. Lead us from darkness to light. Lead us from death to immortality.

Mantras for Japa (repetition)
108 Beads on a Mala, 125,000 for mantra siddhi

Om
~~King and Queen of all mantras ~ sound of infinity and immortality. Contains supreme wisdom.
Om Namo/Namah/Namaha ~Shri
~~ Used to invoke, appreciate and honor a deity Swaha – giving of self, let go
Om Shanti Om Shanti Om or Shanti, Shanti, Shanti, Om
~~ for peace
So Hum
~ I am that. Universal mantra sound of the breath ~ so is inhalation, hum is exhalation.
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
~~ to the divine indweller in all. Oneness.
Hari Om
~~ Purifies and removes obstacles. Opens the heart. Awakens prana (natural energy) in the body.
Sita Ram ~ opens the heart and celebrates love
Om Shri Saraswataya Namaha – for help & inspiration in art, music, literature
Om Shri Kali Durgaya Namaha – dispels negativity, provided protection
Om Shri Ramaya Namaha ~ Ram is a name for God. It engenders God consciousness, truth, blessings
Om Namah Shivaya – honors the divine within oneself & others – destroys negativity & replaces with positive
Om Gum Ganipati-ya Namaha – to remove obstacles and bring success
Om Shrim Lahshmi-ya Namana – for noble abundance, prosperity, beauty, grace
Om Tara Tu Tara Tu Ray Swaha ~ for rescue & benevolent help – for compassion
strength & healing
Gate gate Para gate Para sum gate Bodhi Swaha ~~ Gone beyond the beyond to enlightenment (Buddhist)
Om mani padme hum – the Jewel of the lotus of the heart (Buddhist)

Bija Mantras for the Chakras

Chakra Bija sounds for activation

1 Lam
2 Vam
3 Ram
4 Yam
5 Hum
6 Om
7 Silence or Ommmmmm

Vowels to share and spread energy

1   O as in toe
2   O as in two
3   Ah as in awe
4   A as in play
5   E as in Speak
6   M as in mmmmmmm
7   Silent or ommmmmm or NG as in wing or silence

Shakti Bija Mantras To invoke the Feminine Divine 

Aim
Saraswati,
Art, Music, Literature, Wisdom
Hrim
Parvati
Purification,Transformation
Klim/Krim
Kali
Fiercely conquers obstacles, energizes
Dum
Durga
Warrior of Protection
Shrim
Lakshmi
Abudance, Beauty, Grace
Tam
Tara
Mercy, Compassion, Removes fear. Protects

Namaste

Ash