Benefits Of Buying Organic Cotton Fabrics

Buying organic clothing is much more than a fashion statement. With the growing need to shift towards greater sustainability, choosing fabrics made from organic cotton and other fibers expands is an easy way to become more green-conscious.
You dry yourself with it after taking a shower, you lay your head against it when you go [...] yoga; Yoga Poses; Health and Wellness;

What I been doin'

Tim Miller was here in East Podunk, actually the Connecticut side thereof, teaching a workshop on Monday and Tuesday. I went. It was really really nice to practice in a room with mat-to-mat matheads. It was hot as hell, and I loved it. I was touched by Tim once on Monday - in Bhekasana. And once on Tuesday - he straightened out my leg in Marichyasana C.

Monday was Mysore practice with Pranayama following. Hated the pranayama. Wanted to kill myself during the pranayama.

Why do we practice Pranayama? Because it feels so good when we stop, maybe?

Tuesday was a double-long led Primary. He held each pose for "five" breaths, and by "five", I mean "TEN". ARGH. Not my favorite way to practice Primary, although I enjoy having the extra time in Marichyasana C and D and Supta Kurmasana. Other than that, I just want to blow through the poses. After that, we talked. I asked a question about religion and yoga and whether you have to believe in God to practice yoga, even though what I really wanted to ask was, how can one whose religion forbids the worshipping of idols and the bowing at the feet of humans reconcile the practice of yoga, with its inherent Hindu references, the chanting of the invocation, the bowing at the foot of the teacher, etc. Since I didn't ask the question I wanted to ask, I didn't get the answer I was looking for, whatever that answer might have been. When I think about it myself, the answer seems to be that we can pick and choose what parts of the yoga practice in which we can participate. And that's fine by me.

BUT, I am not sure that it is fine by everyone. I recall reading more than once that there are those who resent the "picking and choosing" of which parts of yoga to practice; such people feel that it is a mockery of their spiritual practice. I suppose the complaint is akin to an Orthodox Jew (a Jew who, theoretically, adheres to all Jewish tradition and rules) resenting Reform Jews, who take from the Jewish tradition that which makes sense for them in their lives. Reform Judaism is not a dumbed down version of Judaism, at least in my opinion (although some others would beg to differ); it is merely following the intention, but not the letter, of the tradition. To wade into another metaphor, it's akin to strict adherents to the US Constitution, who don't believe in the right to an abortion because abortion wasn't mentioned in the Constitution, and abortion would thus appear to violate the Right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness, minus the Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness. A different construction of the US Constitution allows room for that which did not exist in the 1700's and imagines "what would the Framers do?"

Anyway. What I liked about the talk after the led was Tim's telling the story of Hanuman, who I must emphasize, is not a god to me. It is a story. A metaphor. A fable, like a really long Aesop's Fable. I didn't chant to the Hanuman Chaleesa afterwards because I have decided that it violates my religious beliefs. It IS a devotional song, and it's one thing for me to sing along to it on a Krishna Das or David Newman CD; it's quite another for me to chant it AS a devotional song. In the former case, I could just as well be singing along to Sarah Brightman. In the latter case, I might as well be in church.

I also liked Tim's talking about the good old days at the shala in Mysore and how he came to the practice (he taught first, practiced later. Yes, Tim was the original yoga "CRIMINAL", oh how it pains me to use that word).

Wednesday, I went to see the Good Doctor, not to be confused with the Jungle Physician or Neil Simon or Chekhov. Damn, but I love practicing in his presence. And although the five-on-one assist he orchestrated for my Kapotasana served only to freak me out, not once but twice, it was a noble experiment, and afterwards, all that adrenalin made for a really awesome Kapotasana B. Maybe my best ever.

Today, I went back to Val's place. She gave me the most awesomest Marichyasana D assist - not to get me into the pose - since I can do that quite handily and take the wrist of my non-grabbing arm, while the non-grabbing hand takes strong hold of one of my lotus leg. I feel like I could fit into a bowling bag when I get that tight. But anyway, Val came up to me AFTER I had bound, and twisted me deeper and got my back shoulder back, back, back, in effect giving me a bit of a backbend in my twist. Yum!

THEN....I took my first horseback riding less in like 25 years! And it all came back to me!!! I could post! I could trot and post! I even got into a canter for like two seconds. Three more free lessons (well, not totally free because I did bid money at an auction in order to win them), and then I am going to have to decide...should I go to yoga class only once or twice a week and spend my money on riding?

Nothing like a new obsession to get my juices flowing!

And who the hell is "V"? I thought V was Vanessa from London-by-way-of-Spain, except no WAY would she ever write that last comment from "V"...

YC yoga; Yoga Poses; Health and Wellness;

Dangers of Lumbar Flexion in Yoga Postures

My Yoga Online has posted a new article by Dr. Carla Cupido that addresses the importance of proper forward flexion in yoga poses in order to prevent injury and to maintain integrity in your yoga class. Consider the number of times you flex forward at the waist or hips in a yoga class. Lower [...] yoga; Yoga Poses; Health and Wellness;

Why do we do what we do?

Why does it matter so much to be able to backbend or bind in Mari D or whatever it is we are trying to learn at any given time?

And it does matter. If it didn't, we wouldn't talk about it so much. We wouldn't write about it so much. We wouldn't read books about it. We wouldn't bother going to see a teacher for asana lessons. We wouldn't become teachers because we wouldn't understand why it matters to anyone else either.

But why? Why does it matter?

Well, it does FEEL good, physically, to be able to make a bind in some poses. And I don't just mean difficult binding poses like Mari D and Pasasana, etc. I mean, even grabbing the big toe in Trikonasana feels better than NOT grabbing the big toe.

When I see someone in Kapotasana with hands on heels, or someone in Eka Pada Raja Kapotasana with the sole of the foot curled around their own head, it looks so satisfying. It looks like the hand, or foot, as the case may be, was just meant to be there. It's like the heel was designed as a hand rest. And the sole of the foot, designed to curve elegantly around the head.

The way the arm gets into position for a bound twist, the way the legs curl around the arms for Bujapidasana, the way the legs find their way to the arms in Bakasana B - when you get it right, it feels like hitting the sweet spot of a tennis racket. Whoomp - right into place.

But there's more than that. There must be ego involved. If there weren't, then there would be no reason for the whole line of comments on my most recent backbending post.

YC yoga; Yoga Poses; Health and Wellness;

That's Not a Bedroll Gwenyeth Paltrow is Carrying, It's a Yoga Mat!

There is no doubting the fact that yoga works just fine with pregnancy and works wonders for the health of the woman and ensure smooth sailing. Pregnancy yoga does wonders for the physical and mental development of the fetus in addition to contributing to a smooth pregnancy as well as natural childbirth. Every woman would like to ensure having a healthy baby and pregnancy yoga goes a long way in facilitating this.

The five tools of pregnancy yoga are yoga exercises, breathing, mudras, meditation, and deep relaxation. For easy-to-perform pregnancy yoga exercises and relaxation, the yogi may also make use of yoga mats which are soft yet firm and are necessary for performing yoga.

Five Vital Tools for Pregnancy Yoga

The first vital tool of pregnancy yoga is the yoga exercise which gently works on the organs of reproduction as well as on the pelvis and thus ensures a smooth pregnancy with childbirth that is relatively easy. More importantly, it facilitates optimal supply of blood as well as nutrients to the fetus as it develops. Pranayama or breathing is a powerful technique that provides enough oxygen supply and also an improved life force or spirit for both the woman as well as for her child and it is useful for keeping fit during pregnancy.

A woman's reproductive organs may be affected by mudras or bandhas which are powerful psycho-physical stimulation that occur with the help of gestures as well as locks. Meditation is a therapeutic tool that helps to resolve the most deep rooted neuroses, fears as well as conflicts that are very common occurrences during a pregnancy. With the help of meditation, the woman may become very much more aware and this will help her connect with the child in a rather unexplainable way. Deep relaxation or yoga nidra or yogic sleep is very effectual in a woman for physical as well as mental relaxation and is also useful when the woman is preparing herself for childbirth.

There is no doubt also that the pregnancy yoga tools are essential and should be practiced regularly as they would not only facilitate a delightful pregnancy but also give the child best opportunity for development. In addition, pregnancy yoga is a preferred choice for women during their pregnancy because it increases the knowledge about the body, helps to moderate the mood, ensures perfect posture, and provides moral support.
It is not unusual for you to be skeptical over the need of a yoga mat for your newfound form of exercise. Why not just use a towel? Why need anything at all? In the past, high priced fitness centers had a habit of charging way too much for what most people would deem unnecessary.

You have read of the many benefits yoga can offer and want to give it a try. Christy Turlington's yoga wear line is an understandable expense. But the mat? Really? Yoga mats are not only about having a comfy place to go all "twisty-crane-on one-leg"; see them as a way to define your space, your own little serenity bubble.

Is a Yoga Mat By Any Other Name Still a Mat?

There is more than just one kind of yoga mat; five different popular varieties to be exact. It's like Burger King...you can have it your way. If you are a natural fiber kind of person, go for the cotton mat. They are ultra absorbent, so you stay dry and cool during your session. It is for this reason that cotton mats are the most popular. For you quick change position artists, the sticky yoga mat is right up your bendy alley.

This incredibly thin mat has a non-slip surface, to help your feet stay in place. Or foot, if the other is busy tickling your ear. Yoga has been shown to be very helpful for those who suffer from a bad back, bad knees, or hips problems. The double sticky mat is thick and cushiony, just right for someone who needs the extra plush. On the down side, they are inconvenient to move. These types of yoga mats are normally used in classes.

But if you need the extra stuffing under your back or legs, then simply the sales associate to double your pleasure. Are you constantly on the go? Do you have a favorite airport? It is difficult to keep up any routine when you are living out of suitcases. A travel mat is small and very easy to pack. You can still practice your positions and stay in shape no matter where you are. The meditation mats are for just that. They are not really designed for much movement; most even include a pillow. So lay back, relax, and free your mind.

Yoga mats may not be incredibly "can't do yoga without one" necessary, but they can only increase your experience. They can be purchased anywhere and are relatively inexpensive.

yoga therapy; Self Improvement;

Yoga Product Review: PadaPath Hemp Nonslip Eco Yoga Towel

There is a new nonslip yoga towel on the market which may be of great interest to many readers. It’s called PadaPath. The company is based out of Portland, OR, and they produce what I believe is the first all-natural, eco-friendly nonslip yoga towel. PadaPath is made from 100% hemp, and goes right over your [...] yoga therapy; Self Improvement;

Al Jarreau/George Benson Take Manila by Storm (literally!!!)

I am a jazz lover and a child of the 70s/80s in terms of my music taste. There is a wide range of jazz artists I listen to but 2 of my favorites are Al Jarreau and George Benson. When a friend told me that they were holding a one-night concert in Manila, I called [...] yoga therapy; Self Improvement;

Prenatal Yoga and Natural Child Birth

Today people are moving away from synthetics and chemicals and are coming closer and closer to nature and her great healing powers. There are many breakthroughs that help humans understand and use these healing powers to their benefit. One such great aid gifted by nature and sustained in ancient scrolls is yoga. Yoga helps humans stay healthy in mind, body and soul. Prenatal yoga is one of the easiest ways to gather control on your body.

How Prenatal Yoga Helps in Preparing the Mother for Child Birth

Yoga is very well known to improve the flexibility of the muscles and overall body strength. It also helps greatly in gaining total control on your breath, and through it the other funnyctions in the body. It does not matter how over weight or under weight you are. The exercises which may in the beginning feel cumbersome, kind of grow on you. They make you relax, clean and de-stress your mind and body at the same time.

There are many types of yoga. In order to have an easy birth, women can practice prenatal yoga. Women who prefer to give birth naturally, can use yoga to lighten the burden and have an exceptionally easier birth. Prenatal yoga actually prepares the body of the woman in question for delivery.

There are special exercises which only a pregnant woman should work out. These are simple exercises, focused on the baby, the mother's body and the muscles in the lower abdomen, inclusive to the uterus. It has been observed again and again that those women who undergo prenatal yoga classes have very little, if any, complications besides the fact that the delivery is fast and almost pain free.

What Does Prenatal Yoga Do for You?

Well for one, it improves the blood circulation and prevents edema in the late stages of pregnancy. It teaches you how to breathe correctly - and this is the key to control many afflictions that affect you - so you can reduce the pain of delivery. It also enhances the capacity of expelling toxins which is excellent for you and the baby.

Lastly, prenatal yoga will ensure that the body's improved elasticity would bring your shape back in the fastest manner possible. The healing is completed earlier and what is best of all, it is almost painless. Prenatal yoga even influences the milk production- which is another boon for you as a mother and for the baby as well.
There is a fairly common misconception that tantra yoga involves sex in some way. While I suppose the sexual aspect could be brought into play during meditative portions of it, sex is a very far cry from having anything to do with tantra yoga itself. Tantra yoga is more of a holistic approach to the study of the universe via the study of the individual. In other words you study the microcosm to understand the macrocosm. Further simplified, study yourself to understand the world. Granted that's a pretty diluted way of looking at it, but it suits the purpose.

Spirituality

Tantra yoga focuses on the spiritual aspects of yoga more than just about anything else. When meditation is brought into play, yogis are often directed to focus on the Shakti, or energy, inside of them and bring it up through the chakras to collect in the forehead. Once a tantra yoga practitioner has collected enough of this energy they are directed to visualize it pouring out of that point on the forehead to coalesce before them. From there the visualization continues in an attempt to expand this mass of energy to the size and shape of a person which is meant to represent them or a depiction of a deity.

Perhaps the sexual connotation of tantra yoga became involved from the love and devotion one is supposed to direct to the visualized energy during the meditative exercise. In a sense this tantra yoga technique could be considered a form of self love, or devotion to God, depending on how the yogi chose to take it.

Tantra Yoga Goals

The main aim of tantra yoga in general is to expand awareness in all states of consciousness, whether it is waking, dreaming or sleeping. In order to accomplish this, yogis are instructed in methods of reprogramming their minds to a manner of life that is viewed as healthier. Tantra yoga teaches us to identify factors that influence the way we think and feel so that we may change them as necessary to transcend these obstacles that hinder us. By altering our habits and thought processes we can then learn to foster feelings of peace, contentment and order within ourselves instead of clinging to self-destructive thoughts based on ignorance, intolerance and selfishness.

Tantra yoga offers comprehensive tools to aide you in redirecting your thoughts towards healthier processes by guiding one towards breathing exercises, physical and spiritual cleansing of the self, visualization, and mantra repetitions (or chanting). These practices and more can help unfold our divine nature, as taught by gurus of this branch of yoga.

yoga therapy; Self Improvement;

Newsflash: Breast Cancer Sucks, And You Could Die From It.

Here's my latest rant on the Huffington Post: Newsflash: Breast Cancer Sucks, And You Could Die From It.

It's tough to make a case for that when you're alive and well and living in the suburbs. But I think a lot of people tend to forget it, and it's pretty easy to do so these days. My article discusses why that is - and, please be forewarned: I lay partial blame on the Knicks City Dancers.


YC yoga; Yoga Poses; Health and Wellness;

Mooncakes and the Mid-Autumn Festival

Tomorrow, September 14, is officially the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival (also known as the August Moon or Ghost Month). This period changes from year to year and does not fall into the August western calendar.
These past weeks, mooncakes (locally referred to as hopia) had been selling all over Chinese stores again. While the daily fare hopia [...] yoga therapy; Self Improvement;

Concert for Tara Santelices (Sept. 24, 2008)

By now, many of you have heard of, read about, or even blogged about Tara Santelices, the girl who was shot in the head during a jeepney holdup.
I have been remiss in posting this but I hope to make up now because friends and family of Tara are putting up a concert for this brave [...] yoga therapy; Self Improvement;

Repent

It's that time of year again, when Jews all over the world start to think about the Jewish Forgiveness Trifecta: (1) What they are sorry for, (2) To whom they should ask for forgiveness and (3) What constitutes appropriate amends.

According to rabbinical tradition, if you ask for forgiveness and make reparations, then the person to whom you have asked forgiveness and made reparations MUST forgive you.

We talked about that today at a workshop at my synagogue for the parents and children involved in the religious school. It was a rather unsatisfying discussion in that it raised far more questions than provided answers (thus, reminding me of law school; damn Socratic method of teaching).

Questions raised:

1. What IS forgiveness? Is it an emotion or an action? And if it is an emotion, then is it even possible for someone to be obligated to forgive? How does one compell a feeling?

2. Aren't some bad acts unforgivable? If a nazi asks a Jew for forgiveness for the nazi's actions in murdering Jews during the Holocaust, must the Jew forgive? If a child molester asks for forgiveness from the parents of a victim, must they forgive? If the answer is no, is it because there is simply no possible reparation?

3. How does forgiveness figure into the politics and polemics of the Middle East? Would forgiveness on an individual level help to bring about forgiveness on a cultural level? And if so, is forgiveness in this set of circumstances even possible? Is it possible for it NOT to be possible?

I thought I'd bring up these nuggets before mentioning that I played the role of the Lady Who Lunches today, meeting my friend S in New Canaan at a restaurant frequented by Richard Gere. Unfortunately, he was not there today. But lunch was delicious, and S and I talked about politics, gardening, yoga and whether we want to go back to work, now or ever. She and I were roommates in law school, and we both had some success in our careers before leaving it behind. She is more inclined to go back to work than I am. I quite enjoy my leisurely life.

Nevertheless, I had an odd dream early this morning, an interesting and disturbing prologue to our lunch. In the dream, S had a great job, and I didn't work. And she was happy and fulfilled, and I was anxious and uncomfortable and desperate to find work that would make me happy. I found it strange that my subconscious might be providing me with enough ambivalence about my life choices that my conscious need not even be bothered. Except when for whatever reason, my conscious mind remembers the dream and then feels grumpy all day about it.

Still, and this is for my fans out in the far Northwest: I luv being a lady who lunches. If you watch Madmen, then you will know what I mean when I say, I am totally a Betty. I've even taken to wearing a-line shirt dresses...with crinoline. Seriously. That's what I wore last night to the country club my friend J and her family invited us to as their guests. Ah, the good life.

Practice did kind of suck after a two course lunch, two sodas and the large coffee I had at the gas station in Pound Ridge on the way home. But I was proud of myself for practicing, when I knew it would suck.

And that made it kind of good.

YC yoga; Yoga Poses; Health and Wellness;

Experiencing WordCamp Philippines 2008

September 6 marked a milestone in blogging history in the Philippines as the first WordCamp in the entire Southeast Asia was hosted by none other than the Philippines (specifically Davao and Manila). With most of my blogs on the WordPress platform AND with Mr. WordPress himself, Matt Mullenweg coming to the event, there was NO WAY [...] yoga therapy; Self Improvement;

Is Sarah Palin Truly Pro-Life?

By Dada Vedaprajinananda
Someone who was practically unknown a few weeks ago has now become one of the most important political figures in the United States. That “someone” is of course Sarah Palin, the Governor of Alaska, who is now the Republican candidate for vice president. Palin’s candidacy has energized the Republican Party, especially heartening those [...] yoga therapy; Self Improvement;

Uck.

I find the internet so distasteful right now.

I got hacked last week. My hotmail account, that is. Some of you got an email from "me" that sounded an awful lot like the ole Nigerian Email Scam. I dealt with it, hijacked my account back from the hacker, sent out an apology and "do not send money" email to my contacts, but I still felt violated.

As a result, I have been kind of disgusted with all things internet. Haven't posted to the Huffington Post, haven't posted here. Have been trying to keep up with emails and Facebook.

So, here I am dipping my toe in the water again.

Hi everyone.

I can bind Pasasana without props or assistance now. Granted, I've been practicing in the afternoon. But still. I think that is news worth repeating.

Next up: Catching my own toes in Kapotasana. Only then will I really give a rat's ass about keeping my leg behind my head. Notwithstanding the Good Doctor's willingness to allow me to practice up to Eka Pada Sirsasana, I guess I will always have a bit of Sir in my head, asking me why I am so anxious to keep my leg behind my head (I can get it there, but I can't KEEP it there...) when I can't even take my own feet in Kapotasana...yet. Not that I know that Sir would be saying that. But I feel that he would.

All in all, practice is the same as always. I am in a home practice mode. And it is nice. But it takes too long. I would love to gain the discipline to practice outside without feeling the need to prune the shrubbery halfway through Primary or before I get to Kapotasana. Or to practice inside without checking to see if there are any really good movies on...like Brokedown Palace, which provided an interesting backdrop to yesterday's practice....

Nite nite...

YC yoga; Yoga Poses; Health and Wellness;

How to disappear completely

Where to start? How about where it ends or where it is right now. Right now I have just consumed a delicious home cooked western-style dinner at Santosha which is a local Canadian-owned restaurant. (Yes, I do eat.) I'm using the internet at my new house which I have just helped to stock with stuff to make us all a bit happier--bowls, shower squeegees, laundry cords, etc. We're all hippie, live-off-the-land types that appreciate a good granola and so have vowed to make an honest use of this kitchen. I'm listening to a mix of Indian music and political speeches coming in from outside. These sounds are all coming from the commotion around the various makeshift temples that have been built over the last week in honor of a very special Indian festival. Apparently, Mysore goes wild this week for the Hindu deities Ganesh and his mom Parvati.

A few weeks ago a friend told me why we see little elephants representing Ganesh on all the vehicles. "You see, Elise, the Ganesh stickers and statuettes are there to remove obstacles". But I digress.

So everywhere this week are images of Ganesh in all sizes--from freakishly massive to teeny tiny. I've heard that many of them are made of materials that dissolve when submerged in liquid which is an answer to the baffled image I had in my mind of thousands of techni-colored elephants floating in various bodies of water around Mysore. (Part of the festival involves throwing Ganesh in the water.)

What else? Right now I am getting over a small cold (is it?) or maybe it is just a small case of back bending fever. Either way I'm tired and achy and irritable but this will pass. Just like the time. I've already been here for some time. I've already managed to not post for quite some time. It's funnyny how easily each day can pass into the other. Or how everyday I'm dancing on the line between avoiding myself and looking deeply into the mirror.

I'm practicing earlier and earlier and it is getting longer and longer and hopefully I'm getting stronger and stronger. Or something like that. After at least a month here you start to notice how everyone is doing the same stuff you just did. And after this second trip I'm seeing how I've forgotten how new things were last time around. And even as much as I thought I could slide back in, there is so much that is still shocking to bear. It is much like jumping into a body of cold water. I know it is water and I know it is fricking cold, but I don't really know how to dissolve until I'm up to my neck and dunking my head.

yoga therapy; Self Improvement;

2 Useless Guys

and I say this with completely irreverent reverence. love to you both. Mark and UG circa 2002 in Palm Springs, California yoga; Yoga Poses; Health and Wellness;

Bloomington Power Yoga: New Schedule

The new schedule for Bloomington Power Yoga is up! yoga therapy; Self Improvement;