by Darlene Edmonds, Yoga Teacher who delights in colour

I think of this book as my colouring book to the chakras; a user friendly guide, leading the reader step by step, chakra by chakra through the energy bodies. The book is divided into sections which provide important background information on the workings of the chakras, and introductory beliefs which set the stage for more colourful information to be discovered.

Each chapter explores a specific chakras, and energy body. It begins with a meditation which helps to bring the focus for the reader to the energy body.  I feel that the opening meditation really connects me as a reader to the meditation because of the specific words the author chooses to use. Also, it provides a direct connection with that particular chakra.  The author delves into greater detail and expands on the   characteristics, the elements, and qualities related to the chakra.  At the completion of each chapter exploring an individual chakra, the reader is left with pages of meditation, breathing and asana practices that intricately connect to the chakra being studied.

Personally I feel this book needs to have colour on the pages because colour seems to ooze through the black and white printed words. I found myself  compelled to buy pens of an array of different colours, in order to highlight different sections directly linked with each of the seven chakras.

Wheels of Life is a helpful resource book. Each chapter includes end notes which provide references to additional sources of detailed information.

As I read each of these chapters on the chakras, it inspired me to want to drop to the floor on my  yoga mat and try all of the suggested asana, which in most cases I did.

“Our Body is a vehicle of consciousness. Chakras are the wheels

 of life that carry this vehicle about-through its trails, tribulations

and transformations. To run our body (vehicle) smoothly, we

need an owner’s  manual as well as a map that tells us how to navigate

the territory that our vehicle can explore”

In Part Three, Judith brings all the pieces together, so as a reader you have a solid understanding of the basic chakras, and how they are all connected and how the interactions occur.  You as a reader can even take a chakra self evaluation and analyze your own distribution among the chakras.

This book continues to offer more information regarding the chakras and fosters healthy developments of the chakras in children. It also includes a glossary of the Indian terms which for a beginner is very useful. As I was reading this book, I was able to flip to the back and look up the meanings of some of the unfamiliar terms.

I look forward to learning more about the chakras, and reading more of this particular author’s books. I do believe that the impact of colour and the energies play a significant role in each of our cosmic lives each and every day as

“We are a circle within a circle… with no beginning and no ending!”

NAMASTE

What is one thing that every yoga teacher trainee must do to survive and flourish in the program?

One must have his/her own personal yoga practice.  Having personal practice has helped me refine my postures and become attuned to my own body, mind and spirit. It has also permitted me to become a better teacher. More so, it has made me understand the challenges that each practitioner face while working with their bodies and aided me to move away from ‘one-way-fits-all-students’ philosophy to take more accepting and nurturing stance on yoga teaching.

What is one thing that every yoga teacher trainee must avoid?

I would avoid doing too many things at one time and over-complicating the schedule. Keeping things simple and workable with emphasis on doing the home-work has worked for me. I suggest the same to students: keep it simple and practice. (Personally, I have found that the more comfortable I have become in my own practice, easier and simpler it has become for me to teach)

Is being a yoga teacher just trendy or is it here to stay?

Yoga is going to be around for a long time, just like all other perennial wisdoms. However, it is likely to go through some unwelcome transformation due to commercialisation and ever-blurring distinction between yoga and fitness.

Can yoga teachers be successful even though they are in a crowded niche?

Yes, it is very much possible. Doing my own personal practice has allowed me to teach in my own way without violating its integrity and foundational principles. That has been a truly empowering experience for me.

What has the yoga teacher training done for you?

One of the reasons I did the teacher training was to improve my personal practice and refine my understanding of its principles. Even though I have had reasonable understanding of yoga principles and I had practiced postures on my own for a while, yet going through the formal process was enlightening and humbling. It allowed me to understand my own body and its structural limitations and have helped me to develop a compassionate attitude toward it. I have come to take the same attitude while teaching others encouraging them to take note of their structural peculiarities and then work with them without feeling a sense of inadequacy.

Second, doing formal training and working with an experienced teacher (Ms. Heather Greaves) has equipped me with necessary tools, cautions and practices to faithfully teach this ancient art and science with competence and compassion.

www.parmjitsingh.com

by Lisa Walter, Yoga Instructor

Author David Servan-Schreiber is a neuroscientist and doctor who was diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of 31, and suffered a relapse a few years later. After some questionable experiences as a patient on the other side of the fence in the medical field, he undertook the writing of this book to help inform the public about anti-cancer foods and lifestyle. The book is a compilation of years of research by various medical scientists, and their findings regarding natural ways to keep the body healthy and cancer-free, as well as natural ways to support a body struck with cancer.

Inflammation is seen as a mechanism that can act in the body as a double edged sword. In one respect, it brings immune cells and blood into a damaged area of the body, thus initiating a healing response. In another respect, however, if inflammation in the body occurs on a regular basis, either through poor diet, viruses, or other circumstances, the process can be used to promote cancerous growth. Most of the research cited looks at a variety of foods that reduce inflammation in the body, as well as lifestyle changes that promote health and longevity.

The principal influences that reduce inflammation in the body are as follows: a Mediterranean diet, Indian cuisine, and Asian cuisine; multigrain flours and whole grains; very little red meat; olive oil, flax seed oil, and canola oil; fatty fish, which are rich in omega-3; dairy products from animals fed on grass or flax meal; eggs from hens that are raised in a natural environment or fed flax meal; laughter, lightheartedness, and serenity; and a clean environment.

There are many appendices included in the book to assist in choosing foods that have been found to impede the growth of cancers, as well as information about everyday household products to avoid, what inhibits and what activates immune cell production, the anti-cancer plate, choosing foods based on glycemic index, and classification of the effects of certain foods on several specific cancers. These appendices work very well to break down the large amounts of information included in the book, and serve to summarize the necessary steps to take when making changes in diet and/or lifestyle.

Dr. Servan-Schreiber also looks at what he calls the anti-cancer mind, citing research that proves the mind-body link. There is an emphasis on reconnecting with the life force, such as the use of mindfulness meditation, yoga, and use of breath and mantra to produce “cardiac coherence.” Cardiac coherence is associated with better functioning of the immune system, reduction in inflammation, and better regulation of blood sugar. Physical exercise is also discussed, as much research has shown a decrease in certain cancers with an increase in physical exercise.

Overall, I thought this was a wonderful book, and much needed in our modern-day world, in which I feel there is too strong an emphasis placed upon fixing what is wrong with the body instead of preventing illness. The book includes extensive notes and a bibliography for further research and study if desired. The topic is fascinating, and I felt that Dr. Servan-Schreiber’s insight into modern cancer treatment was refreshing and courageous.

by Ravi Ravindra

A Reflection…

What a wonderful treasure to have found within one hundred and fifty seven pages. A compilation of essays are arranged within four distinct chapters all dancing as one to provide the reader and student with extensive insight into the traditions and origin of yoga.

Although a glossary of the Sanskrit and Pali words used throughout accompanied the book, I found it a challenge to remember the meanings of these terms as I read and would have preferred a translation within the text to provide a smoother interpretation.

Woven within each article are wonderful lessons and inspiring words referenced from the two great texts of yoga in India, Bhagavad Gita and Patanjali’s, the Yoga Sutra. Amongst the vast array of powerful words, there were a handful of phrases that I felt represented the chapter and resonated with me the most; I have shared these special quotes as you read on.

1 – Yoga & Religion
The author was very skilled in his exploration and clear definition of religion and the integration with yoga. He dedicated time to describe the idea of yoga as religion and how it encompasses psychotherapy as a merging of physiology and psychology. Ravindra effectively described the universal God and how the title given by various religious groups is irrelevant. He further described how yoga accompanied this concept of God and a higher power.

“An awakening to the real, to the realization that the person within is one
with Brahman or with God, brings a freedom from death, or from death and re-death, the endless cycle of birth and death, as is classically said in India. This is the principle concern of yoga and of spiritual disciplines everywhere.” pg 30-31

“A person for whom the ego-identity, which claims “I am this” or “I am
that,” is no longer the central motivating force of life, but who is cleansed in the supreme identity of oneness with Brahman or God or Suchness,
can say simply “I AM.” pg 43

2 – Yoga in the Yoga Sutra and the Bhagavad Gita
Extracting from two of the most integral writings; the Yoga Sutra and the Bhagavad Gita, this chapter included extensive lessons on all aspects of “what is yoga” and its encompassing components (i.e. limbs, types, ethical principles etc…). Ravindra eloquently interlaced the term “Royal yoga” throughout the essays. He effectively touched on yoga and its position with respect to concepts of power and spirituality. Furthermore, to raise the awareness of self, self consciousness and self realization Ravi introduced the Teaching of Krishna from the Bhagavad Gita.

As Krishna says: “Renouncing all action on me, mindful of your inner self
without expectation, and without self-occupation, struggle without agitation.” (BG 3:30) pg 89
“We can not be right with respect to external nature
unless we are right with respect to our internal nature.”pg 99

3 – Yoga & Other Paths
This section explored yoga and its position within different religions such as Christianity and Sikh tradition. Ravindra displayed sensitivity and care as he conveyed how each spiritual path currently practiced on our earth are all integrated and seek the same ultimate goal. Yoga resides in the shadows of each of all paths.

“When we are emptied of our own self, we can be filled
with God and become one with the source.” pg 107
“…almost all of us – whether we label ourselves as Hindus, Sikhs,
Buddhists, Christians, or whatever, are being driven by forces other than the
wish to connect with the highest or deepest insights; we are driven by egotism, fear and desire.” pg 112-113

4 – Yoga off of the mat
This chapter spoke to me to a great extent as it simplified and created a true sense of how to live a yogic life. It reminded the reader how important living yoga in daily life but to not live as though you are above others.

“It is the lack of a love affair with life that makes
everything stale, dull and uninteresting.” pg 149
“We become aware that deep down in ourselves there is a
contradiction, there is a part that searches for the truth.” pg 151
“Involved, they seem like onlookers, The various forces of nature do not
disturb them.
They know that this is all a play of forces. They are firm, unshaken.”(BG
14:22) pg 157
“Daily life is not only the place of spiritual practice,
it is the goal of all spiritual practice.” pg 156

A true example of a gem, this is a resource that I will pick up time and time again – each experience and learning different from the last.

Laura, teacher and forever student of yoga

by Heather Greaves

As a Yoga Training Teacher I answer questions from potential students. Here are a few questions I received recently and my reply.

    1. Would the teacher training allow for adjustments for my injured ankle?

Most definitely. That is the beauty of yoga. It must be adjusted to suit the individual rather than trying to make the individual fit a yoga pose or technique. I am very passionate about this point. That’s why at Wellwood where I volunteer teaching yoga, I wanted so much to offer a Restorative Yoga class for those who were unable to take the regular yoga class. And that class has started now after about 5 years of wishing to do this.

While my ankle is getting better, I know that the next year i will have to be conscious of this injury to ensure proper healing and i think that it might still need some adjustments.  I can do most basic poses now, but I just want to ensure that i will not be expected to hold poses for lengthy periods without adjustment for my ankle.

The very first principle in yoga is Ahimsa – Non Violence. You can rest assured that you will not be expected to follow instructions that cause injury to yourself or another. As a practitioner of yoga, you will learn how to modify poses to facilitate healing of your ankle. In addition, in the yoga teacher training program it is important that this principle is modeled. We always have opportunities for this to happen. We have even had a few students who became pregnant during the training.

For your ankle, enjoy legs up the wall with entitlement and without guilt.

    2. What is your general philosophy of yoga?

Allow me to share just 3 points.
1. Yoga is like a diamond with many different facets or styles to suit the different personalities and needs. For e.g. Bhakti yoga is the yoga of devotion for those who especially love chanting. Chanting touches the heart.
2. Yoga is a discipline. Practitioners of yoga must practice regularly with patience and perseverance over a long period of time. Results take time.
3. Yoga is both theory and practice. Students of yoga benefit more when they embrace both aspects.

3. What are your feelings about the commercialization of yoga?

As a result of the commercialization of yoga, so many have come to experience the benefits of yoga. The down side is that many who are marginalized are not able to attend classes. The anti-oppression training in my yoga instructor training addresses this point.

    4. How do you think that yoga can positively affect a community?

Here’s an example of yoga working locally and globally:

The Africa Yoga Project uses the transformative power of yoga to empower communities and change lives. By inspiring the global yoga community into active service, AYP delivers effective and innovative programs that foster peace, improve physical, emotion and mental well-being, facilitate self-sufficiency and create opportunities to learn and contribute across the communities of East Africa.

http://web.mac.com/paigeelenson/Africa_Yoga_Project/Vision.html

5. I read that you, in your courses offer “study of the anti-oppression aspects of yoga”.  what does that mean to you?

This 2-hour workshop increases the group of yoga teachers’ awareness of their position in society both as a group and as individuals; and what responsibilities come with the power and privilege of teaching yoga. This knowledge can help teachers create connection rather than separation, relate to others with a sense of equal value rather than reinforce isolation, and have a spirit of cooperation rather than competition.

Within yoga, issues such as  clothing, equipment, language, gender, sexuality, holidays, age, religion, advertising can actually create separation, isolation, and competition. A yoga teacher who is aware of how this can happen in her class can help create a more inclusive society. We discuss these things in our collaborative classroom.

6. What is your spiritual connection with yoga and how does that enter your teaching?

Aah – my spiritual connection with yoga started when at age 21 yoga found me through a book. Distraught, a jilted bride-to-be, yoga soothed my soul. While I practiced the postures and was aware of some yoga philosophy, it was 12 years later that I became a sincere student of meditation, visiting India annually for meditation about 10 times. This connection was great for my mind, and terrible for my body which I ignored.

My teaching of yoga is influenced by this personal experience. Practices for the mind (meditation) must be balanced with practices for the body in whatever form that takes. In terms of my teaching that practice is Hatha yoga. My teaching emphasizes practicing and learning to teach both yoga and meditation. It is the important to pay attention to all aspects of the individual.

Honoring the uniqueness of each individual is another important feature in my teaching. I strive to meet each individual right where they are on all levels, and to show ways that a student can take small steps for improvement, if they are ready and if they so desire.

About the author:
Heather Greaves’ youthful appearance, calming presence, and vitality, makes her sharing the rejuvenating benefits of yoga and meditation authentic. She helps practitioners in helping professions and healing arts, learn the science and art of sharing yoga for wellness in ways that honour each person’s uniqueness and challenges.

For insights into power and privilege or the benefits of yoga meditation, contact Heather through http://www.yogatogo.com or email heather@yogatogo.com