When the student is ready...

Before my Living Gita arrived, I found two wonderful copies of the Bhagavad Gita. One was with a commentary from Gandhi and the other was a wonderful find from a used books shop, Bhagavad Gita As It Is. It's in great condition and the illustrations are beautiful. 

Somehow, while waiting, the Words found me first.  

Reflections on the Bhagavad Gita and the Typhoon

It's the day after the flash flood that hit Manila after the typhoon we named, Ondoy. We had a months worth of rainfall condensed in a few hours. The headline read "In one sweep, everthing's gone" (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/metro/view/20090927-227174/In-one-sweep-everythings-gone)

The city is devastated - regardless of stature in society, we suffered the tragedy in varying degrees. For some, entire homes were lost, for others, a floor of their homes, cars floated around wrecked. Families were stuck on the second floors of their homes and others on rooftops. People died.

There is a river that runs behind our village. It threatened to overflow. But it didn't, fortunately, and we were unscathed.

I continue to read the passages of the Living Gita In this time of need for grace, I highlighted: I gave the world a two-fold path: the way of discerning wisdom (Jnanan Yoga) and the way of selfless action (Karma Yoga). In this largely Christian nation, we believe in ora et labora (pray and work).

The passages on Karma Yoga sing to me now. The Bible passages are calling out. There is a reason why the Holy Books are called Living.

The teachings melt into this one sweet Truth and in these moments, we are reminded. I am reminded. To serve selflessly, continuously. To keep praying and meditating.

The yoga practice today and in the coming days will be more intense. Karma Yoga.



Photo from http://www.bhagavad-gita.us/

Tuesday Practice

Today was a particularly tiring day. It's the first day of the work week coming from a three-day weekend. I have been practicing daily but today I felt too exhausted to do so. I mustered enough strength and will for 30 minutes, thanks to the guiding voice of R. Sharath.

The short practice gave me gratitude. I am thankful for this day, thankful for the blessing of yoga, discipline and work. Most of all, tonight, thankful to be home.

Random Thoughts on the Global Mala 2009

It was a beautiful day.

It was a day of seeing old and new teachers, old and new friends. I was away for a significant time from the community and so many things have changed. Studios today are not the same as the studios I went to in 2000 to 2004... I miss the Olympia Studio of Anna Price and the family I had there. I miss the yoga shala on Pasay Road. But those are my own sentimental thoughts. This was the first time I attended the Global Mala and there was a beautiful mix of people - students and teachers. My fervent intention is to be at the cusp of this mix and then to be called to teach. I am two months away from my training and I am constantly praying for it. This kept me through the 108 sun salutations mala(well, most of it, anyway. And the Pure Water helped).

I enjoyed the variations of flows presented. We did not practice ashtanga that day. Before I joined Hoze and Sandy's ashtanga practice, I was deep into the flows taught by my first teacher, Anna and the asanas brought me back to that familiar place in Olympia where we rented a dance studio, sometimes waited until the ballroom dancers ended their session. We started past 8 and ended past 10. I remembered how I found a home there. She now teaches at Prana Studio. I am reminded to thank her.

Hoze was there too and I could not help but come up to him and tell him that the best studio I've been to was the shala in Pasay Road. The music, the smell of incense, the vegetarian cafe brought back memories. That was where I fell in love with Ashtanga.

Yoga carried me through the life changing, most poignant (and sometimes, most painful) times of my life. I remember...

The day presented itself with things to do. I was not able to atend the sessions simultaneously going on in the Lunar Room. In between sessions, I got good massage breaks from the sponsor booths. They were refreshing, as were the members of the yoga community who were exuding such wonderful vibes.

We then had kirtan. It was my first kirtan session and I enjoyed it so much with the fantastic drumming and percussions of the Estebans. The live chanting of the mantras was energizing. I've been entranced by the music of Deva Premal and chanting of Wah! for ages but to have been part of this "in person" was joyous. I was happy to hear The Lord's Prayer as well. To me, Love is the religion, afterall. It was a wonderful session and I made a mental note that there is path for breathwork and kirtan I intend to follow.

We then started the Yoga Trance Dance. I waited for this as I am all for primal movements and lost inhibitions. These are rare in my everyday juggle and struggle in the workplace and I yearned to let myself go.

The rolling Downward facing dogs, the serpentine moves were liberating. The dancing was a great celebration and I felt this celebration from within must be nurtured. I loved the movement and weightlessness of it all. Teresa was a beautiful teacher.

Today and in the coming ashtanga practices, I will take with me the feeling of home and celebration, and wonder and openness. Yesterday, when we practiced, a number of cities practiced with us. That beautiful energy was sent to save our planet and for some, ourselves.

Even as I practice alone, I know there are those who are practicing with love from all over the world. So it seems everyday is a form of Global Mala. How blissful!

I bow to that and to all of the blessings we received yesterday. Peace, Joy, and Love.

Namaste.

Global Mala 2009

It was a great day for yoga.

GLOBAL MALA PROJECT 2009
September 19, 2009 // Fully Booked @ Bonifacio High Street // 11AM to 11PM
The Global Mala Project is uniting yoga, service and collective action. The purpose of the project is to bring the global yoga community together from every continent, school and approach to form a "mala around the earth."

These events will be happening simultaneously in cities including: Los Angeles, New York, London, San Francisco, Tokyo, etc. It is the largest unified worldwide yoga event, dedicated to positive change, in the history of the planet.

In line with Fall Equinox and the United Nations' International Day of Peace, this global celebration aims to raise funds & awareness for some of the most essential issues of our times. The funds raised from the Manila celebration will go to:

TREES FOR THE FUTURE (www.treesftf.org)
TUBBATAHA FOUNDATION (www.tubbatahareef.org)
Shiva Rea (www.shivarea.com) is the Catalyst for this world wide event. And the Manila chapter is produced and led by TERESA HERRERA (www.teresaherrera.net)

GLOBAL MALA PROJECT, now on its 3rd year, will be held on
SEPTEMBER 19, 2009 in FULLY BOOKED @ Bonifacio High Street from 11AM to 11PM!

Suggested Donation: Php 600.00

WHAT TO BRING? Yoga mat, block / meditation cushion, small towel, and a spirit of peace.
* water will be provided!
GLOBAL MALA PROJECT SCHEDULE
SOLAR ROOM (Topshelf)

Time	Class	Teacher	Notes
11-11:45am	Opening Ceremony / 108 Rounds of Mantra	Punnu	Collective Practice
12n-1:30pm	108 Rounds Surya Namaskar A	Hoze Arando, AlJearreau Galang, Marah Arcilla, Madeleine Bertini	Collective Practice
2:15-3:15pm	Ribbon Zipping / Drumming Workshop	Planet Zips (Ramir) / Donna & David Esteban	All levels
3:30-4:30pm	Bhakti Urban Flow /td	Roland Dela Cruz	All levels, w/ music
4:45-5:45pm	Anusara Inspired Yoga	Frannie Regala	Heart opening class; all levels
6-6:45pm	Kirtan	Punnu Wasu	All levels; chants
7:30-8:30pm	Yoga Trance Dance	Teresa Herrera	High energy class; all levels
8:45-9:45pm	Gentle Flow	Linda Naulty	Restorative Yoga, all levels
10pm	Closing Ceremony	-	-

LUNAR ROOM (Forum)

Time	Class	Teacher	Notes
1-1:45 pm	Art of Living	Denise Celdran	Lecture
2-2:45 pm	Balancing Chakras	Jeannie Javelosa	Lecture
3-3:45 pm	Hatha Yoga	Corey Willis	All levels
4-4:45 pm	Bikram Yoga	Tristan Choa	All levels
5-5:45 pm	Ecology and Me	Francis Deppner	Lecture on tree planting
6-6:45 pm	Planet Healing Meditation	David Montecillio	All levels
8-8:45 pm	Screen: Ashes and Snow	-	Film

My 999 Purchase: The Neti Pot

Over lunch, I went to Healthy Options and got myself a Neti Pot. This after reading The Science of Breath. I will be starting my next reading, Pranayama Beyond Fundamentals. It looks like Oprah's in on this ancient yogic and ayurvedic technique too.

It wasn't so bad once I got over the first few tries. The art is in the tilting of the head. I think my practice was better today. It's always better when breathing is easy.

I intend to do this as part of the daily practice. November is just around the corner....

Read more: http://ancientsecretsnasalcleansing.wordpress.com/

Clear the nasal passages

Remove excess mucus

Reduce dust and pollen by cleansing nasal passages

Relieve nasal dryness

Heavy-duty construction -- dishwasher safe

Available in our Original Ceramic Model or our Plastic Travel Model

Original Ceramic Model crafted from sturdy lead-free ceramic and coated with food-grade sealant glaze

Plastic Travel model crafted from sturdy food-grade HDPE lead-free plastic

Advanced design with easy-grip handle, better nozzle seal, balanced for ease of use, concave grip for more assured control, better water chamber for less mess and easier cleaning

Patented Design: Patent Number US D481,794S

Assignment # 6 - Science of Breath

Write a brief summary on what you gained from reading Science of Breath. It should not be a summary of the book, but rather a personal reflection on your understanding of the subject so far. Please keep it brief and succinct.


Svarodaya. I feel as if I have stumbled upon a great tool that I have not learned to use fully. Of course, when I started yoga, my entry point was breath. I loved the awareness of breathing before I learned to love bandhas or dristis or asanas. Still, I feel I've only used the littlest of what knowledge there is (much like they say we only use a tenth of our brain). There is a whole body of knowledge but this little book took me through human biology and respiratory trivia so important yet so taken for granted. I especially enjoyed the last chapter and I have been practicing some of the breathing techniques. Breath awareness escapes me a little too easily still. I am no where near Yogis who are aware of every breath they take but I am looking forward to exploring Svarodaya and Pranayama more intently and, pun intended, "Breathing" as deeply as I can.

There is so much to learn...

Assignment #3 - Breathing Exercise

Sit lotus (or similar) with an upright spine, relaxed shoulders, supported neck and head. Check your jaw and tongue are relaxed; keep the tongue soft and loose.
Hands rest on knees with thumb and forefinger touching (jnana mudra) or right hand in the palm of the left hand. Become aware of anus to pubic bone region. Try to lift upright from here. Focus your attention at the base of the pubic bone

- let the air empty out your lungs through the nostrils
- upon empty, contract your anus and feel behind the pubic bone
- inhale as if air is coming in through your pubic bone/ anus
- feel the diaphragm work and lower ribs expand, then chest
- let there be a one second pause after inhaling
- comfortably, slowly, smoothly let the air exit out the nostrils
- relax the anus contraction, slowly but not fully, upon exhaling
- feel the “air” exit, moving up the spine and out the head
- at the end of the exhale enjoy the pause, let it be natural
- then again contract the anus to fully empty lungs
- with anus contracted begin inhale process
- continue as described
- that is one round, do 20
- start with inhale and exhale the same length
- grow to exhale 1.5 times inhale and later to double inhale length
- do with eyes closed
- focus on entry and exit points (anus/pubic bone to crown)

Add this to your daily practice
Do every morning and before bed at night
Make sure you do it everyday
You will begin to develop your respiratory system, soothe the nervous system and become more aware within.
If you wonder about time in the morning then get up 15 minutes earlier.
This will give you more rest and energy than lying in bed.
Start this tonight.

Assignment #1 - The 7 Day Log

This is the month I can finally start my daily practice after my appendectomy. :)

DAY 1 September 5
Time and duration of asana practice: 3 to 4.30 p.m.
What was practiced i.e what poses, poses you are working on or stuck at.
Practiced until Virabhadrasana. Still struggling with Parivrtta Parsvakonasana and Utthita Hasta Pandagustahasana
Any time given to breath work and meditation: After my practice
Rising and bed times - 6.30 a.m and 11.30 p.m.
Meal times - 7.45 a.m, 11.30, 7.30

DAY 2 September 6
Time and duration of asana practice: 3 to 4.30 p.m.
What was practiced i.e what poses, poses you are working on or stuck at.:
Practiced until Virabhadrasana. Still struggling with Parivrtta Parsvakonasana and Utthita Hasta Pandagustahasana
Any time given to breath work and meditation: After my practice
Rising and bed times: 8.30 and 9.15
Meal times: 8.45, 12.30 and 7.00

DAY 3 September 7
Time and duration of asana practice: 3:30 to 5:00
What was practiced i.e what poses, poses you are working on or stuck at.
Practiced until Triang mukha Ekapada Paschimottanasana. Still struggling with Parivrtta Parsvakonasana and Utthita Hasta Pandagustahasana, Ardha Baddha Padmottanhasana (with left knee folded) and need a lot of work to do graceful jump throughs...
Any time given to breath work and meditation: After my practice
Rising and bed times: 6.30
Meal times: 6.45, 12.30,

DAY 4 September 8
Time and duration of asana practice: 5.45 to 6.00 and 9.00 to 10.00
What was practiced i.e what poses, poses you are working on or stuck at.
Practiced until Virabhadrasana. Still struggling with Parivrtta Parsvakonasana and Utthita Hasta Pandagustahasana
Any time given to breath work and meditation: after practice
Rising and bed times: 5.45 and 10.45
Meal times: 12.30

DAY 5 September 9
Time and duration of asana practice:7.30 - 8.45
What was practiced i.e what poses, poses you are working on or stuck at: Practiced until Triang mukha Ekapada Paschimottanasana. Still struggling with Parivrtta Parsvakonasana and Utthita Hasta Pandagustahasana and still need a lot of work to do graceful jump throughs...
Any time given to breath work and meditation: after practice
Rising and bed times: 5.45 and 9.45
Meal times: 12.00
Note: I used my neti pot before practice today. Better breathwork. :)

DAY 6 September 10
Time and duration of asana practice: 10.45 - 12.00
What was practiced i.e what poses, poses you are working on or stuck at. Practiced until Navasana. Still struggling with Parivrtta Parsvakonasana and Utthita Hasta Pandagustahasana.Maricyasana C and D and still need a lot of work to do graceful jump throughs...
Any time given to breath work and meditation: after practice
Rising and bed times: 6.30 and 10.30
Meal times 7.00, 1.00, 8.00

DAY 7 September 11
Time and duration of asana practice: 6.30 - 8.00
What was practiced i.e what poses, poses you are working on or stuck at. Practiced until Navasana. Still struggling with Parivrtta Parsvakonasana and Utthita Hasta Pandagustahasana.Maricyasana C and D and still need a lot of work to do graceful jump throughs...
Any time given to breath work and meditation : after practice
Rising and bed times: 6.30, 9.30
Meal times: 7.00, 12.00, 7.30

Barely 2 months to go!

Monday - yoga manila mysore @ ortigas, 6.30 - 8.30 OR pulse yoga led @ makati, 6.30 - 8.30
Tuesday - yoga manila led @ ortigas, 6.30 - 8.30
Wednesday - yoga manila mysore @ ortigas, 6.30 - 8.30 OR yoga manila mysore @ makati, 6.30 - 8.30
Thursday - Iyengar Basic @ makati, 6:30-7:30pm
Friday - pulse yoga led @ makati, 6.30 - 8.30

Saturday - yoga manila mysore @ ortigas, 9 - 11
Sunday - home practice