Amazing how all cells of the heart beat in synchronicity. When removed from the heart, heart cells continue to beat individually. When they touch however, they will beat in unison. The wonder of Nature. I find this fascinating.
How do we care for this heart that is always on?
Here’s quick advice for a healthier diet from the mayo clinic website: Eat grass-fed beef, limit unhealthy fats, choose low fat protein sources, use omega-3 fatty acids, enjoy walnuts and almonds, savor healthy chocolate in moderation, eat more vegetables and fruits, select whole grains, reduce salt in food, practice moderation.
If exercise is bad word for you, think of staying active instead. Staying active will help to keep the heart healthy. Keep moving: walk, swim, dance, take the stairs. Do what you love doing, what gives you pleasure. This way you can keep that activity up easily. Other steps for a healthy heart: quit smoking, meditate, let go of revenge and greed, bring more love in your life.
You will relax more, breathe better, think more clearly, be more energized, and need less sleep. And you will need less pharmaceutical drugs.
The heart is quite central to yoga. Yoga means union, to bind, to yoke. The foundations of yoga are the Yamas and Niyamas. These two limbs of yoga, suggest that we relate to others in a non-violent way, and to ourselves with truth. When we do so, another amazing thing happens. We begin to open the heart and release the pain held there.
May we experience deeper and fuller breaths as we accept ourselves, and love life more and more.
Yoga practitioners develop self observation skills even during the relaxation at the end of the yoga class. Relaxation exercises are a welcome end to a yoga class; and it is very common to hear a comment like, “Ah, this is the best part” when it is time for shavasana, the corpse pose. Most times we remain alert while relaxing, though hearing a snore, even our own, will definitely perk us up more.
Researchers, from Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (SVYASA) and Bangalore Institute of Oncology (BIO), tested yoga relaxation techniques on those living with breast cancer in second and third stage and found that the exercises were not only successful in fighting the side effects of the ailment, but also helped maintain immunity levels to fight the disease.
Yoga techniques include poses, breathing, hand positions, meditation and relaxation. Singling out relaxation, there are at least ten yogic relaxation techniques to quiet the mind and relax muscle tension. Benefits from relaxing mind and body affect us physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. They include:
- Reduced muscle tension
- Increased productivity
- Contributes to increased energy levels
- Increase ability to communicate with others
- Reduction in compulsive and impulsive behaviour
- Increased self acceptance and inner peace
- Reduction of stress related physical symptoms
Self-observation and self assessment can be an ongoing practice, on and off the mat. In a formal yoga on the mat practice, we can pay attention to many intricate details of our physical body. And on the other hand, we may find that simply being aware of whether we are maintaining length in the spine, might suffice for self assessment of the physical.
Moving with the breath, or maintaining awareness of the movement of breath while we hold a pose, develops self-observation. And on a more subtle level, awareness and self assessment of how grounded we are, or how much lightness we experience could keep us balanced energetically.
On deeper levels, as we remain steady in the pose, we might observe how much sadness our heart holds, and/or how much determination we feel. The longer we are able to hold the pose, we may observe ourselves enveloped with feelings of softness, surrender or courage.
The more we are able to connect with all levels of our being, the more we improve health and foster the sense of well being. Energy follows our attention.
How are you developing your self-observation skills as you relate to the world?
When I started my morning, I was feeling fine. By the end of my morning yoga practice, I felt enthusiasm touched by gratitude, was overflowing with optimism, and clarity filled my mind. There was a spring in my step, and I felt ready to greet the world. How come such a boost?
Today’s yoga practice started with a warm shower to freshen the body (I hope to get back to cold ones when the temperature rises). A reading on personality types inspired me and freshened up the mind. This was followed by a practice on the mat that began with a centering chant.
The warm-up was core strengthening. I kept awareness of my breath in order to synchronize it with the movement, and this increased mental focus. The rhythmic chant playing in the background was an encouragement for me to keep up… and I needed that towards the end.
I rested after the warm up to allow my heart beat and breathing to slow down a bit. And I remained aware of what was happening in my body and the thoughts in my mind. Some body parts pulled my attention.
This is day 2 of the Kundalini Yoga Sat Kriya workout – a series that helps digestion and elimination, and any sexual ailments. It is very strengthening and builds endurance. I enjoyed the kriya workout and the short rest periods during the series. Day 2 was easier than Day 1. The longer relaxation at the end was soothing for my body and soul. I floated away with the healing chant that also doubled as a 10-minute timer.
I had time to include the special 1000-day meditation chant at the morning practice today. The practice ended with me heartily singing the Kundalini closing prayer:
May the long time sun
Shine upon you
All love surround you
And the pure light
Within you
Guide your way on
Yes, courage came with a good workout and a song in the heart. Let’s keep the faith.
1. What is one thing that every yoga teacher trainee must do?
Begin your journey with an open mind, otherwise you will miss many wonderful opportunites to see things in a different perspective. When your practice is done with an open mind, you eventually discover and meet your true self. Yoga is about discovering who you are and as a teacher, you should know who you are so that you can guide your students on their own journey of self-discovery.
2. What is one thing that every yoga teacher trainee must avoid?
Never doubt yourself. Always believe in yourself and your abilities as a teacher and as a student. Each time you bring yourself to your mat is a new experience, a new opportunity to learn and grow.
3. Is being a yoga teacher just trendy or is it here to stay?
I believe that yoga is here to stay. Although the western philosophy of yoga is different from the eastern philosophy, it has become more widely popular in so many forms. Yoga is constantly evolving, just as we humans do. However, I believe that any form of a yoga practice should always have the emphasis on Mind, Body and Soul. This way it will be a true and meaningful practice and not just a trendy fad that will be forgotten when the next new “exercise” comes along.
4. Can a yoga teacher still be successful if they are in a crowded niche?
Absolutely! Yoga offers up so many opportunities for a teacher to diversify him or herself. I believe that the sky is the limit with yoga practice and making it your own! If everyone practiced yoga, don’t you think the world would be a much more loving place?
“It is not that the student needs to accommodate him or herself to yoga, but rather the yoga practice must be tailored to fit each person.” T.K.V. Desikachar
5. What has the yoga teacher training done for you?
Where do I begin? In a nutshell, the teacher training was transformational for me. I learned so many things about yoga, life and myself. The training provided me the opportunity to push myself beyond my limits and to build up the strength and courage to face many challenges. I feel like a new person and the possibilities are endless for me to go out into the world and share my new yoga knowledge with others. Last but not least, the yoga training enabled me to meet many wonderful and special people, ones I know I will have friendships with for a long, long time to come.
Yoga is an endless journey and I am forever grateful for the teachers that have come into my life to help me along the way. It is through their teachings that I have been inspired to teach others.
Francesca Di Falco is a recent graduate of the yoga teacher training program here at Body Therapies Yoga Training.
The Earth in all her toxicity and glory has faults. Likewise, we human beings with all our broken dreams and victories, have faults.
As below our feet or seat… so it is above.
Eruption of Energy
The year 2010 has begun with Earth releasing energy causing its area known as Haiti to quake and tremor. Without so much as a by-your-leave, Earth released energy by the rupture of a geological fault without a warning.
Earth did what she needed to do; she released energy that was pent-up holding that which could be held no more. Earth must be freer now.
Healing Trauma
I am reminded of Dr. Peter Levine’s work in resolving and healing the psychological wounds of trauma through the release of energy trapped in our bodies’ tissues. Energy that was aroused because of a threat or challenge and for whatever reason was never discharged.
That aroused energy remains stuck in the body, manifesting post traumatic symptoms until it is finally released. Shaking and tremors accompany this release. It is a very physical experience. And the secret to healing trauma in this way lies in listening to the body’s voice.
“Riot is the language of the unheard.” Martin Luther King
Haiti’s Healing
We rush to the aid of the people in Haiti, with our toxicity, glory and yes, our faults. In our pain, we cry for things to be better, not perfect, just better. And also pause to remember, we like the Earth, have faults.
Living on Earth, we are humbled by Her faults from time to time, and experience just how vulnerable we really are…Vulnerable to the faults of Nature, the faults of our brothers and sisters, the faults of our systems, and ourselves.
There are many millions that have experienced and are still experiencing fear and helplessness from the numerous threats as a result of the Earth’s faults. I pray that once the threat has passed, they experience calm down deep within the tissues of their bodies … sooner rather than later.
An now for similar articles in the pursuit of spiritual, psychological, and mind-body health and happiness visit http://www.soulscode.com/
Want another way to warm up your body, mind and soul during the winter? Apart from a steam or dry sauna, engage in scintillating discussions, have fun as you move your body, then relax in a simulated tropical atmosphere here at Body Therapies Yoga Training in Dundas. Come together, create warmth and spread joy.
The Tropical Winter Break starts with snacks and a mix and mingle, followed by an in-depth informative discussion on the topic for the month. The session ends with dynamic movement and deep relaxation. Stay overnight for a mini retreat. Dorm style accommodation is available at a reasonable rate.
Saturday’s treat starts with a restorative yoga class designed to bring the theme to life in a personalized way. Keep the theme alive as you partake in Caribbean delights, a spa treatment of your choice, sauna and a Kundalini yoga class in the afternoon.
Jan. 29 p.m. & 30 – Gems, Stones, and Your Life
Feb. 26 p.m. & 27 – Express Yourself Carnival Style
Mar. 19 p.m. & 20 – Spring Forward with Focus
Gems, Stones, and Colors in Your Life
Bring your favourite gems, stones and story. In Ayurveda, gems are used for healing. What gems and stones have been prominent in your life? What are their energetic qualities and problem solving capabilities? Why should we care how they came to be in our hands? Meditate with a gem of choice.
Express Yourself Carnival Style
Come with mask and/or costume and story. How essential is music, rhythm and dance to human existence? In what ways can the goal of a future Samadhi, Nirvana and Liberation prevent us from living fully in the present?
Flow, dance, and refresh the mind… experience a meditative mind.
Spring Forward with Focus
Bring journal and coloured pens or pencils. Honour the milestone of another Spring. Where are you now? Where do you want to go? Review and experience desires, goals, dreams and let a choice of yogic techniques help you.
For more details click here.
Register by calling the facilitator, Heather at 905-628-6463 or email at heather@yogatogo.com
It’s such an automatic response to blame the messenger and/or message when anger is a reaction to that knock on your door. Of course we know that when we point a finger, 3 point back. (That’s such a clever image. Who thought of that?) Of course we get it when we hear it … and then we forget the point.
Somewhere along the anger line, we do remember. And it’s with some curiosity we can stop, take a breath, close the eyes and look within. That’s how we’ll come to know ourselves better and what’s really going on.
Here’s a kind of anger test for personal reflection. The fire of Anger gives important feedback. The hotter the fire the more light to be shed. The pointers for personal reflection and action. Choose the one(s) more relevant to you.
- Even if it seems unfair, can you forgive yourself and others?
- If lately you feel you are being taken for granted, are you meeting your own needs?
- Does failure in the project really mean you are unworthy of love?
- If in spite of it all you are still misunderstood, can you still do what you planned to do?
- Can you show up even though you’d rather disconnect from others?
- Must you be 100% sure before you act?
- When you can’t get what you want, do you jump or escape to the future?
- Are you giving others their freedom, just as you want your freedom?
- Can you yourself count yourself as important too?
Have fun as you personally reflect on the anger test. And if you would like to share any of your discoveries, send me an email at heather@yogatogo.com. I’d love to hear from you.,
Lots to learn and look forward to. Hats off to the past and future.
In the quiet, listen. There’s a beat in the quiet. Will you march or dance? Have you decided if you will be excited?
It is amazing that a decision to be upbeat when it is okay to be so, can change posture and facial expression; and of course fosters a good feeling. And any doubt about the future, big or small, that was hiding in the background, is exposed. “How long were you there?”
Creation time. Yes, emotions must play a vital part. They bring color, facial expressions, and movement. Is it a dance or a march? Keep moving if you can, with gratitude.
Time marches on. Keep dancing. If you cannot move your feet, and you notice some resistance to that, breathe in any disappointment right into your heart and breathe out peace or love. Relax into the situation as it is, then breathe in any fear or pain, and breathe out love.
It is as it is. Time marches on. We march on.
Wishing you the very best in 2010.
Words by William Cowper
- God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.
- Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sov’reign will.
- Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.
- Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.
- His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flow’r.
- Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.
Words that came to me this morning as I deal with the death of my former husband.
In gratitude for the gifts God has given me through Franklin L. Chandler. May he rest in peace.
If you are thinking of becoming a yoga teacher, you may be wondering whether it is important or not to become certified, and perhaps who grants the certification.
The Yoga Alliance was established in 1999 to recognize and promote teachers with basic and advanced trainings that meet their minimum training standards. The Alliance is a non-profit organization with an emphasis on mutual respect, sensitivity and support of the many different approaches to yoga.
To be a certified teacher, you must complete at least 200 hours of education in techniques, teaching methodology, anatomy and physiology, and practicum as well as yoga philosophy and ethics for yoga teachers.
How do you know which yoga teacher training programs are certified? Yoga Alliance maintains a Registry of Yoga Schools to recognize yoga teacher training programs of at least 200 or 500 hours. Registered schools must satisfy or exceed Yoga Alliance’s minimum training standards.
By choosing a yoga teacher training program that is registered with Yoga Alliance, you will receive training in the minimum training standards set by the Alliance. (Just to note we are registered with the Yoga Alliance). After successfully completing the program, you can then promote yourself as a teacher that has been certified with an excellent yoga education.
After you are certified, you may choose to register with Yoga Alliance. As teachers progress in their careers, Yoga Alliance continues to recognize the significant milestones in education and experience. Designations are at the 200 hour and 500 hour levels of study and teaching experience.
More and more people are choosing yoga to improve the quality of life, and yoga is included in many organizations’ wellness and fitness programs. Teachers that are certified help take the guess work out of hiring a yoga teacher.
As a teacher you will find it quite fulfilling as students experience benefits such as stress relief, more flexibility, and inner peace.
To find out more about our Yoga Teacher Training click here.
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