As the clocks spring us forward this first week of March, we invite the light back into the day. Days are longer and we may start to feel more energetic as we emerge from a long dark winter of low tapas (directly translated as ‘fiery discipline’ or as defined by Swami Satchidananda- to burn out the impurities of the…
Metta (loving-kindness) is a well known practice in Buddhism in which we intentionally send forth love and compassion to our Self and to others. Historically, Metta actually dates back to some of the early Upanishads but in Sanskrit is known as the word ‘maitri.’ The pre-Buddha Indian sages who were practicing these virtues of loving-kindness…
We’re in the time of year when resolutions are typically made to better ourselves in some way. Most resolutions are quickly forgotten and fail within days, weeks or months, because they come from the ego’s desire and from a place of “not being good enough”. A sankalpa is an intention that comes from our true…
As we approach the holiday season, we are constantly bombarded with all the ‘hot,’ new items to put on our wish list for ourselves, our friends, and our family. How many options for tablets or smart phones do we really need? All of this marketing for ‘stuff’ makes the joy of gift-giving overwhelming and sometimes…
“Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.” – Henri-Frederic Amiel (philosopher/poet) As we approach the holiday season we prepare for the colder weather, busy work weeks and the anticipation of friends and family gathering together. We can get…
Just as every classically trained chef ‘speaks’ the language of Escoffier and follows Le Guide Culinaire, every yogi needs to ‘speak’ the language of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. Sanskrit is the gatekeeper of Yoga and you must make friends with it to be allowed into the inner sanctum. While adopting the techniques and terminology of another…
“Inside of me there’s a mantra going on that reminds me of who I am. It’s that place inside – that niche in the wall where the candle flame never flickers. Always bringing me right to my heart where we dwell eternally.” -Ram Dass A ‘mantra’ is like a beautifully wrapped gift that…
Non-attachment, Dispassion, The path of Involution “Vairagya literally means “transparent.” Just as clear flowing water in the river acquires the color of the soil beneath, one who is transparent has no color of his own. Color is a product of the breaking up of light, the basis of our ability to see. Vairagya is…
Each one of us on this planet has a carbon footprint – do you know how big yours is? A carbon footprint is the sum of all C02 emissions that have been produced based upon lifestyle activities. Every time we drive a car, run electricity, use running water, eat meat, use plastic bottles and bags…
Pratyahara: The fifth limb of Yoga “If a man’s reason succumbs to the pull of his senses he is lost. On the other hand, if there is rhythmic control of the breath, the senses instead of running after external objects of desire turn inwards, and man is set free from their tyranny.” -B.K.S Iyengar ‘Light…