December 20^th, 2005

Namaste,

It was great to see a lot of energy despite the holidays!  

Practicing Silence: Sharada Devi, - a pseudo-name for a person - who regularly brings a great deal of positive and unique spiritual energy to the classes at the center, had the opportunity to spend a whole day observing Silence last week. Practicing Silence can be a very powerful ally in your quest to stand up amidst the unwanted noise and play the role of a pure seer - both of the world outside and within you. As you practice silence, remind yourself constantly to keep the noise away from the mind - the thoughts that add no value to existence. Practicing Silence can also be accompanied by lighter activity and eating than usual. Practicing Silence can be reflection (without dwelling) with reinforcement of what you observe. Your mind needs Silence and will benefit from it. 

Recap of your class: A different format this time, should help you recap quickly as you scroll top-to-bottom for the sequence.

For the second class we had more time and we practiced a few variations of the Shoulder stand and the Plough before the Corpse.

It is a privilege to teach Yoga to you all God's children. I always will thank you for the opportunity. Have a great time the rest of the holidays and see you all in 2006. If you have any questions feel free to email me.

Ash Aragam, RYT

December 15^th 2005

Namaste,

It is common to hear - 'I couldn't do all the postures in the session. Why is it so? Many asanas were pretty simple and this bothers me'. Well, there are many reasons for this.

• Your current level of physical activity in daily life physical limitations
• Correct knowledge of the postures/techniques
• The time of day when you practice
• Your state of mind

If it is your first few classes, set yourself a reasonable goal - typically it takes 3-6 months or more to get a handle on the body if you haven't been exercising. The point is to do what you can in the class. That is a great beginning. Also remember, the instructors would usually be practicing Yoga for a long time  and regularly. The key is to start and keep-up a practice.

Last week's recap: After centering or Focused-breathing, we worked our lower backs with Yoga Mudra. We further warmed up the spine with the Cow-Cat posture; the extension of the opposite  leg and arm in the table  is a great way to strengthen the shoulders and lower back. The   Downward  Dog  and  variations were more energetic and is a great   way to  strengthen the arms. The Child posture next was extremely relaxing. If you feel heavy while practicing this posture, pull up the back so that the head is higher up. We practiced the Half and full Cobra; then the Half-Locust variation. You want to ideally combine the two with the Bow. We got a brief respite lying on the back in Corpse. Lying Bound Angle added to the relaxation while working the back further. The Knees-to-the-Chest that followed is another posture to work up the back in a comfortable way. This was followed by the Knee-to-the-Chest with each leg. The Bridge rounded up the postures lying on the back. (If) we had time, we were up seated in the Seated Side Bend, the Seated Bound Angle followed by Focused Breathing for the rest of the session.

: The coming Saturday's class is the last class this year due to the holidays; so do your best to attend to keep those joints active and healthy. If you can't attend, don't forget to stretch on your own during the holidays.

Ash Aragam, RYT

December 4th, 2005

Namaste,

Being your Self: I am sure all of us have heard the saying 'listen to your heart'. We are all trained, though, to think using the mind, and excessively rely on it for planning, decision making, day-to-day activities. When the mind dominates, you are not letting your Self speak. The Self speaks through the heart. Train yourself to listen to your heart and within, you will hear the Guide within you.

As I taught last week's class, many of the words that came out were those of my Self and I heard those very words/sentences in my heart space. I literally felt the vibration in the area as the words resonated. Sentences such as 'let the peace glow within you' and others. As Yoda said in the 'Empire strikes back' you will Know when you are calm (or the heart speaks).

One way to train to listen to the heart is a simple technique we have been practicing all along - meditating on the breath. Just make it a habit to mediate often and let your Heart guide you and you will feel stronger.

Last week's recap: We were back to Yoga with Centered breathing. Alternate Nostril breathing helped us further calm down. We started stretching with Yoga Mudra. Seated Mountain used our shoulders and lengthened our spines. Practicing a simple posture such as Seated Mountain regularly is a simple way to keep the shoulders strong and the spine healthy. You can try the mountain even at work - just raise your arms up and breathe well often; you will notice the surge of energy within you. We took the hands back and as we rested on it, we arched the spine to the front. There was a lot of energy in the arms; the chest opened up as well permitting good use of the lungs. We practiced the Seated Bound Angle to open the hips a bit and work the lower back. Onto the back, we practiced the Lying Bound Angle, the Lying Twist, followed by both the Knees-to-Chest and the Knee-to-Chest postures.

This was followed by variations of the Boat. The Cobra and the Half Locust made us use the back very much; we put the two together with the Bow. To wind these postures up, you can practice the Half, Intermediate and the Full Sun Salutation if you feel comfortable. We ended the session as usually with the Corpse.

*The postures above that are both in bold and italics are especially good to build strength in the back.

Holiday closures: We will be closed during the Christmas and New Year weekend. With holidays, chocolates, food and any lack of exercise, you may find it beneficial to keep up your Yoga practice throughout. The more you carry your Yoga practice through to the holidays, the more balanced you will be. Try to make it to the next two classes.

See you all next week. 

Regards,

Ash Aragam, RYT