A yoga project highlighted on NPR

Click here for a link to the NPR story about a Yoga Project started in a Nairobi slum to offer its participants a way to ‘cope with their lives, and develop a livelihood to help others’. We found it interesting maybe you will too

 

 

Constant Change

The past few weeks have shown visible signs of the ever present state of change that we live in. We have reached the apex of seasonal transition and are taking the first steps into spring.  The moon has filled with luminosity and is now ready to shed its layers. Rain has finally graced our city to turn trickles of streams into raging rivers, clearing and cleansing the banks as she flows.

This is a reminder of why I practice yoga. To feel at home in constant change. I notice it in my breath. Inhalation effortlessly leads to exhalation. Exhalation effortlessly links to inhalation. Where is the transition here? Is it found in between these two states of the body in breath?

The idea of flowing through transition is often attributed to Vinyasa yoga where the breath is mindfully filled with movement. In this practice the shape of the body is in constant change. As Cindy Lee writes, “Vinyasa is a way to embody the notion of being with change.”  It is the physical exaggeration of what is going on in our cells and in our minds at every moment of every day. Through this practice on our little mats, we can explore what it’s like to flow mindfully with change in a bigger, daily life, kind of way.

I invite you to stay awake to the sensations of each transition, as well as each pose. To cultivate appreciation in each part of your life, in those of breath, and in those parts found in between.

much love,

Jaime

Craig Williams interview – Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga

This April 27th Craig Williams brings an in-depth study of Patanjali’s ashtanga yoga.  In one of his more in-depth interviews he provides a broad context for an often misunderstood subject.

For those that have never heard of Patanjali or studied his works, can you give us some background and historical context?

   CW:  Unfortunately we know next to nothing about Patanjali. The Hindu tradition identifies him with the famous grammarian of the same name who authored the Maha-Bhashya and lived in the second century BCE.  The overall scholarly opinion does not agree with this due to the style of the terminology and contents of the Yoga Sutras seemingly originating in the second century CE. There were several famous teachers who were named Patanjali so most likely the moniker “Patanjali” is used as a way to convey authority and tradition by initiated students teachers and Acharyas much like in other Eastern cultures where students would assume the name of their teacher out of respect or as a way of representing the ultimate unity of the underlying streams of gnosis.

Hindu tradition also portrays Patanjali as an incarnation of Ananta or Shesha, the divine Lord of Serpents, the thousand headed ruler of the mysterious serpent race called Nagas who reside hidden deep within the earth guarding mysterious treasures. He was named Patanjali because he fell ( “pat”) into the palm ( “anjali”) of a virtuous woman named Gonika. Interestingly this mythos suggests a powerful feminine origin of Classical Yoga which is rarely if at all discussed today. Regardless of the confusion over “who” Patanjali actually was, he is now considered the “father of Yoga” which is an inaccurate notion. It is more accurate to refer to Patanjali as a great compiler and systemtizer of Classical Yoga not the originator. Most modern teachers of Yoga in the west are not familiar with the complicated and tenebrous background of the Patanjali mythos and still refer to him as the father of Yoga.

The text which is connected to Patanjali, the Yoga Sutras, is one of the most important and complex texts in the entire corpus of Yogic literature.  Consisting of 4 chapters or “padas”, the Sutras form an elaborate and comprehensive psycho-spiritual technology for de-conditioning the mind and reaching an ecstatic state of Self Realization.  Each chapter describes particular methodologies for approaching transforming the mind and opening gateways into the numinous, gateways which exists not “out there” but deep within the body and mind of the practitioner.  It is ironic that the Yoga Sutras have been seemingly chosen as the “bible” of modern western yoga as it requires extensive preparation and guided study to truly grasp on even the most basic level.  The average western Yoga teacher is introduced to the Yoga Sutras with little to no background training or contextual understanding and as a result often lacks any ability to truly digest the puissant gnosis found within the pithy verses of this mysterious text. Sadly this often leads to both mistranslation and complete abandonment on the part of the teacher.

The Yoga Sutras are written in a complex aphoristic style referred to as “sutras” which can be translated as “a thread”. This unique composition style functions as a powerful mnemonic device which allows the reader to use short pithy statements in order to stimulate the nervous system to trigger past memories of catalogued data. These short “threads” of gnosis are easy to memorize and can fertilize the mind of the aspirant allowing the seeds of past study to come to fruition and yield true understanding. To the prepared and trained reader, the sutras are far from mysterious or vague however to a mind with no experience or ripening by past methodical study, the sutras seems obscure and confusing. It is my hope that in my lecture we can explore important foundational ideas which allow yoga teachers and students to penetrate to a deeper level of understanding of the Yoga Sutras and experience the transformation power inherent in this sacred text.  We will experience this text not as a dry historical philosophical text but rather as a sacred body of transformative gnosis!

Could you share some of your own background on your studies of Yoga philosophy

 CW:    I became interested in Yoga philosophy at a young age. I was “lucky” to be gifted with a copy of “Autobiography of a Yogi” when I was 12 and never looked back after devouring that book. This lead to more and more studies of Yogic teachings , especially the Bhagavad Gita. I was also very lucky to have some inspiring theology teachers in high school which created a desire for deeper studies once I was in college where I studied Philosophy and Religious Studies with a focus on Hinduism and Gnosticism. After my academic studies, I pursued deeper initiatic “gurukula” study with teachers from India and other areas. This term means “one to one transmission” and is the traditional method of deeper study in eastern cultures. I studied the Yogic tradition as well as Vedanta, Ayurveda, Jyotish and Tantra. So I approach the study of Yoga from varied perspectives; however I believe that the purely academic paradigm is limited and often slanted to a western bias. I feel the texts from India must be examined on their own terms and with their own teachers if one wishes to penetrate into the deeper mysteries of Vedic / Indian gnosis. And to do this , one must have a Guru or teacher and one must reorient the mind to an entirely new “geography of thought” which is alien to the modern western consumeristic Newtonian paradigm.

Can you elaborate on the common definition of yoga as “union”, how do you define yoga?

 CW:    I don’t have a personal definition of Yoga per se, I define it in the traditional manner as a science of Self-Realization, a psycho-spiritual technology of transformation.  The word Yoga derives from the verbal root “yuj” which means “to yoke, harness”. Eventually this word came to be associated as a system of spiritual praxis and endeavor. I often find that people tend to create their own definition of Yoga, defining according to their personal belief systems or emotional experiences. I find this problematic and troublesome. There are wide varieties of Yoga: Bhakti, Jnana, Hatha, karma, mantra, raja, kriya, etc. However all of these pathways are based on the foundational definition of yoga as spiritual technology which seeks to unite or “harness” the individual to a higher Kosmic force. Vis a vis this “uniting”, the individual is able to return to an original state of Unity. Modern definitions of yoga describe it in most cases as a type of exercise with synchronized breathing. While this does vaguely describe Asana / pranayama, it excludes the root idea of an alchemical spiritual transformation. I feel some of the reasons we have such shallow definitions of Yoga in the modern western world is due to a vapid spiritual environment, resistance to traditional study / traditional belief systems and an obsession with the physical Newtonian paradigm. I would like to take a moment to define my use of the word “traditional.” By traditional I refer to an established set of teachings which has a true lineage of authentic teachers. Western minds often rebel against “tradition” and one can see this in the modern yoga world as well. This becomes apparent when yoga teachers struggle to define standard yogic terms and attempt to turn every emotion or physical posture into a spiritual experience that is “juicy”. It truly saddens me to see ancient teachings ignored and / or homogenized into cafeteria style “pick and choose” recipes. The true power of ancient teachings is that they are eternal and are never “out of style”. Yes there may be signs of cultural residues that accrue due to societal conditionings, however the main core of the eternal teachings of Sanatana Dharma remain timeless and are beyond issues of race, gender, age or social appetites. This is why the role of the teacher is so crucial. He or she must become a beacon of light and help dedicated seekers grasp the true inner essence of the ancient teachings in order to avoid turning the teachings into a homogenized fundamentalist “closed book” which attempts to control and manipulate rather than transform and illuminate.

Ashtanga today is most associated with a physical branch of Yoga asana. How does the eight limb path reconcile from the physical practices to the spiritual teachings?

  CW:   The use of Patanjali’s Ashtanga yoga allows the teacher or practitioner to move beyond a soley “asana based” practice. Each one of the limbs moves the aspirant deeper into the subtle body and away from external influences. The physical practices should always be seen as preparatory in nature and are not the ultimate goal of Yoga despite the claims of modern practitioners. When the eight limbs are understood and integrated, a power system of psycho-spiritual transformation is created which will guide the practitioner into deeper states of gnostic awareness. These deeper states are what Ramana Maharshi would refer to as “dips into the Ocean of the Heart” and gradually soften the reliance and / or addiction to external sources of validation. This severance of dependence on the external allows one to cultivate a deep sense of peace and security and allows one to navigate the daily grind in a balanced and empowered manner. And one does not have to be an athlete to pursue deep practice in the eight limbs of Patanjali Ashtanga Yoga. This is the most important offering of the ancient Ashtanga Yoga path! It excludes no one!

 How will this program be of benefit to Yoga teachers?

CW:    I think this may be the most important lecture for modern yoga teachers to experience. Not only will it allow them to move beyond a dependence upon “asana based” yoga, it will give them unlimited tools for personal transformation and unlimited resources to offer their students! Each limb is a fecund source of praxis and gnosis and teachers can dramatically expand their teaching abilities once they understand the depth of each of the eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga. They will learn how to adapt to the needs of the student and offer practices which will gradually and safely guide the student into a relationship with the spiritual Heart, the source of true healing and the ultimate medicine which does not have to be purchased as a commodity. You don’t need a yoga mat to transform your mind and the eight limbs will also allow teachers to show students how to truly integrate yoga into their daily lives and not just see it as 45 mins “on the mat.”  It will truly be an inspirational and transformational offering!

Saturday April 27th 2pm to 6pm at Eastside Yoga – register online at www.eastsideyoga-austin.com

 

 

Spring Renewal – 14 day Cleanse program FAQs

Next weekend we begin our Spring cleanse program,  this will be a rare opportunity for self transformation in our 14 day cleanse program utilizing Yoga and Ayurveda in the process.  Craig Williams has compiled this program and will guide the orientation and give a lecture on boosting immune support on Friday Feb 22nd .  We have received a few questions from folks interested in the cleanse, so here are responses for all to read.

Most people have heard of cleansing or detoxification, how does this program differ from the usual cleansing programs?

CW-The unique aspect of this program is that is will utilize a method which will plant seeds of healing deep within the body AND the mind of the participant rather than just being a “two week cleanse”. We will provide the tools necessary for deep and lasting transformation rather than just a temporary “fix”. It is also unique in that it unites two powerful sciences: Ayurveda and Yoga. This combination allows for a powerful program that can address body, mind and spirit and allow the participant to become a co-creator in their own health and healing.

First timers feel slightly anxious about the thought of cleansing, do you have any advice for those that have never tried a cleanse program before?

CW-Its natural for people to be hesitant and nervous about cleansing as so many programs are needlessly extreme and sometimes even dangerous. This program is gentle, safe, and provides a map for a lifetime of health and balance. You won’t be required to drastically adjust your daily life, however we will examine areas where we might be planting seeds of disease in our daily routine which can cause significant problems in the long term if not addressed. My personal vision for this cleanse is for short term AND long term healing.  This might require adjustment and change, two very frightening words to many individuals! But one of the most imporant foundations for long term health is flexibility in how we view the world and in our reactions to the world.

If students have physical limitations will the yoga posture part of the cleanse be possible for them?

CW-Yoga asanas performed in the right context can be an excellent compliment to a cleansing protocol and we will explore various methods to ultilize asanas in this manner. However this does not require strenuous or dangerous programs. If someone has physical limitations, asanas can easily be adjusted or modified. Remember, we have to be flexible in all approaches!! Its also important to remember that the ultimate goal of asana is to create stillness in the mind and body, not to be an ego driven exercise progr One of the most important and unique aspects of this cleanse is that is will address the mind as well as the body. We hold toxins in many levels, not just the physical level. In reality, many people suffer from more psychological disease than physical ailments. And psychological malaise and toxins can become the catalyst for future physical ailments if not addressed. We have a body which is mechanistic, but we are not machines. Ayurveda stresses that the majority of diseases start with the mind and to completely address deep healing we must examine our minds and the “diet” we feed our mind. We are what we eat, think and believe for better or worse. Ayurveda and Yoga provide powerful tools for balancing, cleansing and transforming our minds allowing us to lead a life of creativity and independence which is the key to true vitality and health. We will provide tools and methods from Yoga and Ayurveda which will allow participants to examine what builds up their minds and how food can be more than just a physical substance. We “eat” images, thoughts, and emotions. If one does not address this aspect of healing, cleansing will be shallow and fleeting.

The strength of combining the systems of Ayurveda and Yoga is that is provides a method which can address each individual in their unique biochemical and physical individuality rather than treating a person as a standardized statistic.

How will this program differ for the spring season?

We modify the cleanse in the spring phase to target specific detoxification pathways in the liver and lymphatic system and to tonify important aspects of the digestive system. This is very easy to do by emphasizing certain foods and spices and does not require harsh laxatives or fasting.

Dietary protocols are slightly modified to prepare the body for the coming spring months and to nourish and buffer the nervous system which can have trouble adjusting if the body or mind is out of balance.  To truly cleanse, we must envision our bodies as cosmic in essence and understand that we do not live a life in isolation from the earth or the distant universe!

How complex will the food sourcing and preparation be?

CW-Its my vision for this program not to be a boring mono-diet approach. We will provide significant options for food choices and examine various options for participants to utilize. We will not be fasting or forcing participants to eat food they dislike. This type of approach can actually cause more harm than good. We will emphasize ways to prepare foods, ways to ultilize common and unique spices, specific timing of meals, optimum foods to support safe and effective cleansing and address seasonal eating routines. I want people to walk away from this program realizing that food is their medicine!

With an Ayurvedic emphasis, will there be dosha (body type)  specifics for the cleanse?

CW-One of the most important aspects of Ayurveda is the characteristic of Doshic methodology which targets the unique bio-chemical / psycho-physiological expression of each person. However for each Dosha to function in a balanced manner, our digestion must be balanced and functioning in an appropriate manner. This is extremely important to keep in mind when approaching cleansing. The herbs and protocols we use in this program will address this issue for every Dosha and target each Dosha in its foundation: digestion. If a participant has a specific unique condition, I can address this and make specific suggestions / modifications.

Our 14 day program runs from February 16th – March 1st with Registration due by February 11th.  To register either call 512 779 8543 or online at http://www.eastsideyoga-austin.com

14 Day Spring cleanse program – FAQs

Next weekend we begin our Spring cleanse program,  this will be a rare opportunity for self transformation in our 14 day cleanse program utilizing Yoga and Ayurveda in the process.  Craig Williams has compiled this program and will guide the orientation and give a lecture on boosting immune support on Friday Feb 22nd .  We have received a few questions from folks interested in the cleanse, so here are responses for all to read.

Most people have heard of cleansing or detoxification, how does this program differ from the usual cleansing programs?

CW-The unique aspect of this program is that is will utilize a method which will plant seeds of healing deep within the body AND the mind of the participant rather than just being a “two week cleanse”. We will provide the tools necessary for deep and lasting transformation rather than just a temporary “fix”. It is also unique in that it unites two powerful sciences: Ayurveda and Yoga. This combination allows for a powerful program that can address body, mind and spirit and allow the participant to become a co-creator in their own health and healing.

First timers feel slightly anxious about the thought of cleansing, do you have any advice for those that have never tried a cleanse program before?

CW-Its natural for people to be hesitant and nervous about cleansing as so many programs are needlessly extreme and sometimes even dangerous. This program is gentle, safe, and provides a map for a lifetime of health and balance. You won’t be required to drastically adjust your daily life, however we will examine areas where we might be planting seeds of disease in our daily routine which can cause significant problems in the long term if not addressed. My personal vision for this cleanse is for short term AND long term healing.  This might require adjustment and change, two very frightening words to many individuals! But one of the most imporant foundations for long term health is flexibility in how we view the world and in our reactions to the world.

If students have physical limitations will the yoga posture part of the cleanse be possible for them?

CW-Yoga asanas performed in the right context can be an excellent compliment to a cleansing protocol and we will explore various methods to ultilize asanas in this manner. However this does not require strenuous or dangerous programs. If someone has physical limitations, asanas can easily be adjusted or modified. Remember, we have to be flexible in all approaches!! Its also important to remember that the ultimate goal of asana is to create stillness in the mind and body, not to be an ego driven exercise progr One of the most important and unique aspects of this cleanse is that is will address the mind as well as the body. We hold toxins in many levels, not just the physical level. In reality, many people suffer from more psychological disease than physical ailments. And psychological malaise and toxins can become the catalyst for future physical ailments if not addressed. We have a body which is mechanistic, but we are not machines. Ayurveda stresses that the majority of diseases start with the mind and to completely address deep healing we must examine our minds and the “diet” we feed our mind. We are what we eat, think and believe for better or worse. Ayurveda and Yoga provide powerful tools for balancing, cleansing and transforming our minds allowing us to lead a life of creativity and independence which is the key to true vitality and health. We will provide tools and methods from Yoga and Ayurveda which will allow participants to examine what builds up their minds and how food can be more than just a physical substance. We “eat” images, thoughts, and emotions. If one does not address this aspect of healing, cleansing will be shallow and fleeting.

The strength of combining the systems of Ayurveda and Yoga is that is provides a method which can address each individual in their unique biochemical and physical individuality rather than treating a person as a standardized statistic.

How will this program differ for the spring season?

We modify the cleanse in the spring phase to target specific detoxification pathways in the liver and lymphatic system and to tonify important aspects of the digestive system. This is very easy to do by emphasizing certain foods and spices and does not require harsh laxatives or fasting.

Dietary protocols are slightly modified to prepare the body for the coming spring months and to nourish and buffer the nervous system which can have trouble adjusting if the body or mind is out of balance.  To truly cleanse, we must envision our bodies as cosmic in essence and understand that we do not live a life in isolation from the earth or the distant universe!

How complex will the food sourcing and preparation be?

CW-Its my vision for this program not to be a boring mono-diet approach. We will provide significant options for food choices and examine various options for participants to utilize. We will not be fasting or forcing participants to eat food they dislike. This type of approach can actually cause more harm than good. We will emphasize ways to prepare foods, ways to ultilize common and unique spices, specific timing of meals, optimum foods to support safe and effective cleansing and address seasonal eating routines. I want people to walk away from this program realizing that food is their medicine!

With an Ayurvedic emphasis, will there be dosha (body type)  specifics for the cleanse?

CW-One of the most important aspects of Ayurveda is the characteristic of Doshic methodology which targets the unique bio-chemical / psycho-physiological expression of each person. However for each Dosha to function in a balanced manner, our digestion must be balanced and functioning in an appropriate manner. This is extremely important to keep in mind when approaching cleansing. The herbs and protocols we use in this program will address this issue for every Dosha and target each Dosha in its foundation: digestion. If a participant has a specific unique condition, I can address this and make specific suggestions / modifications.

Our 14 day program runs from February 16th – March 1st with Registration due by February 11th.  To register either call 512 779 8543 or online at http://www.eastsideyoga-austin.com

Honoring the Solstice

As we approach the winter solstice and the much hyped 21^st of December as the end-date of the Mayan calendar, there can be some uncertainty, plenty of exaggeration and a slight amount of anxiety surrounding this mysterious time.  Yet a marvelous opportunity has opened before us for upliftment, inspiration and transformation through this sacred window of time.

Eastside Yoga is honoring this window of time with two unique events, this Thursday evening at 9pm Lonne will lead a one hour chant of the Gayatri mantra as a powerful tool to prepare the body and mind for the solstice.  On Friday evening at 7.30pm, Craig offers a teaching full of Gnostic wisdom surrounding the deeper aspects of the solstice, culminating in a Gnostic blessing.

From many hours of personal study and research on 2012 and cycles of time, it seems that the ancient cultures of the World shared a common mythology and astrological knowledge that our solar system moves in a grand cycle of time lasting thousands of years. It’s the same principal as how the Earth rotates and orbits the sun, our very solar system orbits and cycles across the galaxy.  Somehow the ancients had accurate knowledge of these cycles of time, the sages of India refer to these ages as Yugas.   The so-called “end-date‘ of the Mayan calendar , from what I have gathered is also the beginning of a new cycle, one that prophecies our consciousness becoming more uplifted and enlightened.  Although this happens as a part of a very long cycle of time, there are gateways along the cycle that are sacred, each solstice is one of these gateways.

When I talked to Craig Williams about this, he gave me a beautiful quote on the solstice

“Beyond the media sensations and fabrications of the myth of 2012 lays a timeless cosmic secret which reverberates in the heart, mind and blood of the human body. Every year at the Winter Solstice doorways open into deep realms of Being within the Earth and the human body. We can access powerful streams of Solar gnosis at this time if we are able to calm our minds and turn our attention away from the chaos of the external world and journey into our inner universe where the Sun Shines eternally day and night.  “

For those uncertain to the validity of an influence of the planetary movements on our lives I found a quote by Swami Kriyananda that gives a hint to the significance of these solar alignments….

“In the evolution of our planet Earth, the movements of all the other planets in our solar system have a magnetizing effect upon the Earth.  That movement, combined with the Earth’s turning and a general movement of energy in our solar system, acts as a generator, radiating energy and magnetism into the World.”

Take a moment to reflect on the massive amount of energy that is generated by the planets and the sun and the potential that energy has to affect us all at the moment of alignment.

Take a moment to reflect that the ancient cultures of the World recognized and held sacred astrological alignments such as the solstice and equinox as a gateway for self enlightenment.

The message I am attempting to convey is simple; don’t worry about the calamities of the 21st! Instead, focus on your inner practices, keep your intentions and meditations positive, chant mantras if you know how and envision a better World for all.

In peace

Steven

How to Headstand

Sirsasana or headstand is a well known inversion that often comes up in yoga class. It can be scary to turn your world upside down! In this video Mary shows us how to safely push past these beginning jitters, and work towards finding steadiness and ease in a headstand practice.
If you are attempting the headstand for the first time, we recommend you position yourself facing a wall with your knees about three feet from the wall. Please never kick up. You will get there, keep practicing!

Enjoy