Dancing Chi Yoga

Shaky Shoulderstand?

Shoulderstand, or Sarvangasana, is one of the most beneficial and important postures in yoga and, along with other inversions such as Bridge, Plow, Headstand and Handstand, is considered a major player in yoga's salubrious fountain of youth.

One of the main benefits of Sarvangasana is that it allows the blood to flow to the brain, increasing mind power and involves a firm chin-lock that keeps the head in a solid position, resulting in the soothing of the nervous system, while also directing a supply of blood to the thyroid and parathyroid glands, increasing their function. It also reverses the pull of gravity on the internal organs and relaxes the strain on your heart because, when inverted, the heart doesn't have to work as hard to pump to the extremities.

The Shoulderstand is a beautiful and challenging asana that strives for a peaceful union between the spiritual and outer being. It rejuvenates the entire system, benefiting the metabolism, stimulating digestion, while rejuvenating and calming both mind and body. Practicing Sarvangasana will leave you feeling refreshed, energized and immensely peaceful with glowing skin and shining eyes. It is truly the Queen of Yoga Postures.

Some tips to remember before practicing Sarvangasana:

-Have a couple of blankets and a strap nearby for the comfort and support of the neck, shoulders and spine.

-Typical problems during Shoulderstand are the tendency to crunch and twist in the neck and shoulder area as well as holding the breath. Think of your neck as lengthening, the chin connecting with the thyroid as you hold the posture. Breathe steadily and calmly through the nose, and never, ever jerk or make any sudden movements with your head!

-Concentrate on stabilizing the elbows to the body. Do not allow the elbows to slide outward.

-Hold the posture for a space of time comfortable for you. If you are a beginner, start by holding the pose for 15-30 seconds, then slowly build from there in 30-60 second increments.

-Always be mindful of your neck, shoulders and spine. Concentrate on your breath and where you are in this moment.  

-Do not practice Shoulderstand if you are menstruating, pregnant, have high blood pressure or heart problems. Instead, try the Wallflower Stretch, a modified, yet still very beneficial, inversion posture. To do this pose: Lie down on a folded blanket, scooting your hips and legs up against a wall. Open the arms, bringing them beside your head with the palms open. Relax here for up to 15 minutes with eyes closed, breathing deeply.  

There are many variations and opinions on the right way to practice Sarvangasana. Take a look as  Natasha Rizopoulos imparts her interpretation of technique, grace and alignment principles on both the free standing and supported Shoulderstand.                                                             

Yoga for Beginners... Starting an At-Home Practice

If you've never practiced yoga before, prepare to encounter yourself on an entirely new level of consciousness! Yoga penetrates into your inner power, connecting the body,  intellect and spiritual center and no matter what discipline of yoga you decide to practice, you will find a greater sense of harmony and awareness as you re-discover your infinite potential.

Beyond the more obvious benefits of increased flexibility, balance and strength, yoga has a seemingly never-ending stream of less dramatic (though no less important) rewards.

Practicing yoga at home can be a very enriching and meaningful experience. Ideally, if you are an absolute beginner, I would highly recommend participating in a few group or private classes with a reputable yoga teacher in order to get "a feel" for the practice. However, there are many excellent books and dvds available.

Here are few guidelines to help get you started :

• Practice in a quiet, clutter free and well ventilated room. In the winter months, keep your practice room properly heated. Keeping warm while practicing yoga is extremely important for keeping the muscles supple and injury free.
• Wear comfortable, non-binding clothing that allows the body to breathe and move freely. Take off your shoes and socks.
• Practice on a non-skid surface: carpeted floor, a small rug or a sticky mat.
• Props you may find useful would include: a blanket or a shawl for still postures and meditation (your body temperature will drop); a meditation cushion; a block and a canvas yoga strap to assist with postures for when you're "not quite there yet."
  

Things you should know before you begin your yoga practice: 

• Yoga postures affect the internal organs and digestion. Always practice yoga on an empty stomach, leaving about 2-3 hours after a meal. You may find, as I do, that an early morning practice is the most ideal. 
  
• Always practice yoga barefoot to avoid slipping. Practicing barefooted not only increases the safety and the organic fluidity of the postures, it also encourages a grounding foundation to your yoga practice and is wonderfully energizing and relaxing for the entire nervous system.
  
• Avoid inverted poses while menstruating. However, many women find tremendous relief from menstrual discomfort and tension with gentle yoga stretches and breath work.
• In yoga, breath is linked with movement. Remember to inhale through the nose and exhale through the nose throughout your practice unless otherwise noted.
• If you are new to exercise, have a medical condition, are recovering from injury or it's just been a while, always consult with your medical practitioner before starting any new regimen.
  
• Be mindful of your body's temperaments; move slowly into your postures, mindful of your knees, back and joints.
  
• Traditionally yoga is a non-competitive practice. Allow your body to progress organically and ask yourself, "Where am I today?"  Respect your body's wishes and have fun with your yoga! 

                                                                                                               ...Namaste

Self Perception & Inner Silence - Looking Within

At some point in your yoga and meditation practice, you may start asking the big questions:

* What is my purpose in life?

* Is there a God?

* Do I have the focus and strength to be the person that I feel that I am?

* Why do I feel controlled by my emotions and the external opinions of others?

* What really matters?  Is it love?  Is it each other? Political action? Community?  What are my priorities to myself and others? 

* What is the purpose of my yoga and meditation practice? Do I feel that something is missing?

* When I communicate with the words,  I Am ... what does this statement mean to me?

These are relevant questions or observations that we may all, from time to time, ask of ourselves, whether we practice yoga or not.

Truth be told, the relationship at the heart of all our lives is the one we have with ourselves. No other relationship can be an adequate substitute. This relationship is what inspires the journey of the self, the quest of meditation and of our spiritual alone time. Carl Jung once said that we cannot grow in consciousness without pain. Consider this pain in your life as a stepping stone to personal understanding and growth.

The search for personal truth and validation is a lifelong journey and, no matter old you are, you are still growing in wisdom and experience. The pain of this growth, although it will fluctuate in intensity throughout your lifetime, will always be with you on your travels through self-study and spiritual consciousness.

Take a few moments here to reflect by exploring both of these inspirational videos, as Shakti Mhi  examines Self Perception (how we see ourselves) and the concept of The Observer (the experience of True Silence)...

Shakti Mhi has been teaching yoga for three decades and is the founder of the Prana Yoga College in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Shakti has developed a unique style of yoga, with a strong focus on safety, proper alignment, breath control and the intuitive flow of the asanas, known simply as Prana Style. She devotes much of her time to supporting many of her graduates and other yogis who are experiencing obstacles on their own spiritual paths and has created an on-line forum for this purpose. For more information on the the work and writings of Shakti Mhi, visit  www.pranayogacollege.com.

Silence is the great teacher, and to learn its lessons you must pay attention to it. There is no substitute for the creative inspiration, knowledge, and stability that come from knowing how to contact your core of inner silence.
- Deepak Chopra

Bringing Yoga to America - Sri Swami Satchidananda

The future of the whole world is in your hands  -  Swami Satchidananda

Swami (Sri Gurudev) Satchidananda came to the world's attention as the opening speaker at the Woodstock Music and Arts Festival in 1969. He was also the founder of The Integral Yoga Institute and Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville in Buckingham County, Virginia.

Sri Gurudev was born on December 22, 1914 to a respectable and devoted Hindu family in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Growing up, the family home had been a meeting place for philosophers, poets, musicians and holy men passing through. His early years as a young man found him graduating from agricultural college and by the time he was twenty-three he found himself married, the father of two boys and a manager of India's National Electric Works. Sudden tragedy struck five years later when his beloved wife died. Leaving his young sons to be raised by their paternal grandmother, it is here that that he begins his spiritual journey...studying with many great spiritual masters including Sri Ramana Maharshi and travelling the world, eventually bringing his message of peace around the globe. His life motto was "Truth is one, Paths are many". His belief was that we are all one in Spirit and that after we have found that Spirit within ourselves, we will always recognize it in others.

Swami Satchidananda has been honored with the Albert Schweitzer Humanitarian Award and has devoted his life to the cause of individual and universal peace. He left his body on August 19, 2002 in South India.

 

For more information on the video below, go to www.livingyogamovie.org  

To read more about Swami Satchidananda and his teachings, visit www.yogaville.org or go to www.swamisatchidananda.org for Gurudev's iconic Woodstock address. 

Famous yoga teachers (as you've never seen them before)

As yoga is fast becoming a part of western mainstream pop culture, I thought you might enjoy this little video I came across the other day. 

Celebrity yogis Anthony Benenati, Stephanie Snyder, Hala Khouri, Saul David Raye, Rusty Wells and Shiva Rea play dress-up in eco-friendly fashions at a photo shoot in Santa Monica for Yogi Times Magazine.