Sharing my practice with my daughter (Dec 2010)
Friday, December 24, 2010
Like Mother...
Only one day, I hope she will find herself beyond what I can pass on, beyond the predispositions, culture, and character. On that Friday night though, I shared this with the little yogini.
Sharing my practice with my daughter (Dec 2010)
Sharing my practice with my daughter (Dec 2010)
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Power Balance and the Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse
After missing a couple of days practice, I was ready to come home to my asanas tonight. The hologram on the little band on my wrist shone its vibe-filled, frequency-charged colors. Placebo or not, I wanted to see what effect it would have on my practice. Except that I got reminded of the moon. Ah, moon day. Of course. And tonight was a special night - a full lunar eclipse.
So tonight, I will celebrate the true power balance: respect for natural cycles and energies. One that should not have to come from the little hologram on a wrist band.
So tonight, I will celebrate the true power balance: respect for natural cycles and energies. One that should not have to come from the little hologram on a wrist band.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Yoga and the Anatomy of Breathing Day 3 (Decemeber 7)
Practice nicely. With care, with attention.
And be happy.
I'll be watching you.
There's no rush. (Although next time, Paul says I'm getting Kapotasana).
What can I say, teach, I'd bend over backwards for you.
And be happy.
I'll be watching you.
There's no rush. (Although next time, Paul says I'm getting Kapotasana).
What can I say, teach, I'd bend over backwards for you.
Yoga and the Anatomy of Breathing Day 2 (Dec 6)
What a beautiful day. I came in late though and was unable to open the day with the group but caught up just in time for Nauli... my heart for Pranayama grows bigger.
With the inhalation, offer prana to the apana and focus on being rooted.
With the exhalation, offer apana to the prana and shine with your heart.
With proper practice of Pranayama, all diseases are annihilated.
You can see Prana shining through the heart.
In our mysore (and yes, I sore) session, I stayed with Paul's fresh guidance (ground and extend along the 3 planes). I loved the practice. I was also given a new pose - little thunderbolt. Laghu Vajrasana.
In the lecture, we spoke of subtle anatomy. Vayus. We continued to talk about the soft palette cathedral. That aaaahhhh. That wooooow. That hmmmmm....
As my heart continues to open, so do the possibilities. I will pursue pre-natal yoga and that possibility to make a difference even as I keep my corporate skills. I may even be able to teach more classes. Could this be the balance I'm looking for?
Trust in the process.
Have patience, keep up the aaahh...
Oh and you must connect with the right set of balls.
With the inhalation, offer prana to the apana and focus on being rooted.
With the exhalation, offer apana to the prana and shine with your heart.
With proper practice of Pranayama, all diseases are annihilated.
You can see Prana shining through the heart.
In our mysore (and yes, I sore) session, I stayed with Paul's fresh guidance (ground and extend along the 3 planes). I loved the practice. I was also given a new pose - little thunderbolt. Laghu Vajrasana.
In the lecture, we spoke of subtle anatomy. Vayus. We continued to talk about the soft palette cathedral. That aaaahhhh. That wooooow. That hmmmmm....
As my heart continues to open, so do the possibilities. I will pursue pre-natal yoga and that possibility to make a difference even as I keep my corporate skills. I may even be able to teach more classes. Could this be the balance I'm looking for?
Trust in the process.
Have patience, keep up the aaahh...
Oh and you must connect with the right set of balls.
Yoga and the Anatomy of Breathing Day 1 (December 5)
Synchronicity, Divine Providence. It truly is amazing how there has always been space in my seemingly impossible schedule for yoga. The past days with Paul and the lovely yogins have been sumptuous. Despite the long and early drive to the South and the laborious traffic going home in my yellow yoga mobile, it's just a truly remarkable time to have my teacher here. I'd drive to Koh Samui if I could...
Just to deepen the appreciation, I am acknowleding that a year ago on this very day, I graduated from Yoga Thailand's Teacher Training and today, we begin the 3-day workshop on Yoga and the Anatomy of Breathing at Yoga Manila Alabang.
Here's the workshop write-up -
Breath is subtle, it is elusive — yet it is a cornerstone of any yoga practice. Discover the power of breath and learn how to harness its energy primarily through pranayama, a practice that involves understanding the basic inhalation and exhalation we often take for granted.
With Breath as the backdrop, experience the limitless depths of Ashtanga Vinyasa's primary series during asana practice. Find the feminine in this dynamic practice.
So I drove as fast as Surya (the car) could take me and came in just in time to hear Paul say - Good morning Manilaa! (He really isn't the yoga rockstar type but I like to say he is, just because I still get slightly starstruck around him)
We began opening the day and practiced pranayama. The love of pranayama practice continues to grow in me and has certainly helped in the subtle positive shifts inside. I am now at 8 breaths although I take a minimum of 6. With Paul around, I am able to relish up to 10 breaths, amazingly...
We then did a deep detailed led practice. I continue to share Paul's teaching in my class and I basked in the guidance. Free, Open, Smiling, Loving the dynamics of the breath, the bandhas, the balls of our feet. Drishti too but I don't recall us paying too much attention to the drishti. I loved hearing the guidance I learned a year ago, I continue to apply and now teach. I am contemplating on removing "T your arms" from my classes in place of "Y your arms"...
Paul took us surprisingly to 2nd series and although I kissed the floor in Mayurasana, I know we will be friends one day. I loved how deeply we went into each pose.
We had a break of delicious vegetarian food for lunch and then spent the whole afternoon of great lecture and pranayama.
The force animating our body, our vehicle, is Prana. Breath is the primary vehicle of Prana. Ayama is the expansion and extension.
In Pranayama, the mind has to be ready but there needs to be readiness in the body too.
Be aware of the dual and opposing currents (Ha-tha). When you do your asana, you are working and playing with the currents (apana and prana).
Inhale: 1 (upper abdomen) + 2 (rib cage) + 3 (heart). Exhale: let go together then continue to get the rest of the air out.
The depth of the breath will determine how much I need to tone the moolah bandha.
Lenghten torso and spine; Widen the line of the pelvis, ribs and shoulders. Work on these planes. Create an environment the Prana can move in. The heart is the seat of Prana.
Asana has to be respected. Connect with all the different functions and possibilities. Connect through the balls of the feet and the knuckles of the hand.
Feel the warrior energy from the psoas.
Just to deepen the appreciation, I am acknowleding that a year ago on this very day, I graduated from Yoga Thailand's Teacher Training and today, we begin the 3-day workshop on Yoga and the Anatomy of Breathing at Yoga Manila Alabang.
Here's the workshop write-up -
Breath is subtle, it is elusive — yet it is a cornerstone of any yoga practice. Discover the power of breath and learn how to harness its energy primarily through pranayama, a practice that involves understanding the basic inhalation and exhalation we often take for granted.
With Breath as the backdrop, experience the limitless depths of Ashtanga Vinyasa's primary series during asana practice. Find the feminine in this dynamic practice.
So I drove as fast as Surya (the car) could take me and came in just in time to hear Paul say - Good morning Manilaa! (He really isn't the yoga rockstar type but I like to say he is, just because I still get slightly starstruck around him)
We began opening the day and practiced pranayama. The love of pranayama practice continues to grow in me and has certainly helped in the subtle positive shifts inside. I am now at 8 breaths although I take a minimum of 6. With Paul around, I am able to relish up to 10 breaths, amazingly...
We then did a deep detailed led practice. I continue to share Paul's teaching in my class and I basked in the guidance. Free, Open, Smiling, Loving the dynamics of the breath, the bandhas, the balls of our feet. Drishti too but I don't recall us paying too much attention to the drishti. I loved hearing the guidance I learned a year ago, I continue to apply and now teach. I am contemplating on removing "T your arms" from my classes in place of "Y your arms"...
Paul took us surprisingly to 2nd series and although I kissed the floor in Mayurasana, I know we will be friends one day. I loved how deeply we went into each pose.
We had a break of delicious vegetarian food for lunch and then spent the whole afternoon of great lecture and pranayama.
In Pranayama, the mind has to be ready but there needs to be readiness in the body too.
Be aware of the dual and opposing currents (Ha-tha). When you do your asana, you are working and playing with the currents (apana and prana).
Inhale: 1 (upper abdomen) + 2 (rib cage) + 3 (heart). Exhale: let go together then continue to get the rest of the air out.
The depth of the breath will determine how much I need to tone the moolah bandha.
(Paul being his usual uber animated self, sound effects included)
Lenghten torso and spine; Widen the line of the pelvis, ribs and shoulders. Work on these planes. Create an environment the Prana can move in. The heart is the seat of Prana.
Asana has to be respected. Connect with all the different functions and possibilities. Connect through the balls of the feet and the knuckles of the hand.
Feel the warrior energy from the psoas.
Friday, December 3, 2010
2 months!
I love my Thursday regulars (and Jon's Tuesday regulars too!) We have begun to welcome the joyfulness in the midst of the seemingly serious breathing...Thank goodness!
Last Thursday, I introduced my students to each other and I hope they realize that this personal journey is made more beautiful when they meet the bright lights who share the journey with them. Life is a beautiful, magical black night This practice is the path of pulsating stars and while there is something so romantic about that first lone wishing star, there is nothing like a gazillion bright stars bedazzling us against a clear black sky.
It has been 2 months since I've been officially teaching at Yoga Manila Ortigas and I've relished every moment. The impeccable timing, the synchroncities of my life has brought me this.
Tomorrow, I will be with the senior teachers for a workshop with Paul - Yoga and the Anatomy of Breathing. http://yogamanila.com/anatomy-of-breathing.php
More to learn, more to share...
Last Thursday, I introduced my students to each other and I hope they realize that this personal journey is made more beautiful when they meet the bright lights who share the journey with them. Life is a beautiful, magical black night This practice is the path of pulsating stars and while there is something so romantic about that first lone wishing star, there is nothing like a gazillion bright stars bedazzling us against a clear black sky.
It has been 2 months since I've been officially teaching at Yoga Manila Ortigas and I've relished every moment. The impeccable timing, the synchroncities of my life has brought me this.
Tomorrow, I will be with the senior teachers for a workshop with Paul - Yoga and the Anatomy of Breathing. http://yogamanila.com/anatomy-of-breathing.php
More to learn, more to share...
Sunday, November 28, 2010
On Satya and the Unspeakable
Is the unspeakable slowly growing in your mouth?
(Rainier Maria Rilke, Sonnets to Orpheus)
Sometimes, I find myself chewing the unspeakable, like the 3rd piece of gum finally losing its flavor, I catch myself still relentlessly masticating blandness. It is no surprise that we long to speak our truth and fill our mouths with bursts of flavor. We all know the pre-conditions though, and there are various shades and tastes of grey to speaking our truth or the unspeakable depending on what can rightfully be spoken, or how it is said, or the timing, or the audience, or the culture or the philosophy...at the core of these, we must find our way to ingest or let go of the unspeakable. Remember sweet Satya, the 2nd yama.
In Yoga Mala, Guruji writes that Satya is truthfulness and the "truth must always be pleasant to others, as unpleasant truth should not be uttered..."
Swami Satchidananda adhere's to absolute honesty. In his notes on the Yoga Sutras of Patanajali, he says "with the establishment of honesty, the state of fearlessness comes in." However, he also says that "if by being honest we will cause trouble, difficulty or harm to anyone, we should keep quiet." The unspeakable remains but we can choose to let it go. Throw it away or swallow.
My modern-day teachers do not always adhere to the requirement of pleasant-ness, nor silence, but rather to speak the unspeakable but with awareness of intention (think ahimsa first), consciousness and mindfulness, not in a fit of rage. The unspeakable must be consumed and digested, no matter what flavor, or when shared, it is given with care and not spat out in tasteless blobs of hatred.
Nischala Joy Devi, in her book, The Secret Power of Yoga, advises us to pause ("Take a moment to breathe deeply") and distinguish our opinions from real truth. She quotes two chunks of wisdom as we deal with our unspeakables, should we want to dish them out...
Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? - Sufi Saying
"If in doubt whether to observe Ahimsa or Satya, always go with Ahimsa" - Swami Vivekananda
There are ways and we must find our way to turn that which is unspeakable into smooth, flowing truffle honeyed truth, for ourselves and for those who care to hear what we have to say.
* * *
Oh and since Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is showing, here's a bit of trivia on the Unspeakable (from Wikipedia) --
An Unspeakable is a wizard or witch who works in the Ministry of Magic's Department of Mysteries. Little is known about their workplace, and even less is known about their jobs. Employees of the Department of Mysteries are forbidden from discussing their jobs or disclosing any information about their department, hence the name "Unspeakable."
(Rainier Maria Rilke, Sonnets to Orpheus)
Sometimes, I find myself chewing the unspeakable, like the 3rd piece of gum finally losing its flavor, I catch myself still relentlessly masticating blandness. It is no surprise that we long to speak our truth and fill our mouths with bursts of flavor. We all know the pre-conditions though, and there are various shades and tastes of grey to speaking our truth or the unspeakable depending on what can rightfully be spoken, or how it is said, or the timing, or the audience, or the culture or the philosophy...at the core of these, we must find our way to ingest or let go of the unspeakable. Remember sweet Satya, the 2nd yama.
In Yoga Mala, Guruji writes that Satya is truthfulness and the "truth must always be pleasant to others, as unpleasant truth should not be uttered..."
Swami Satchidananda adhere's to absolute honesty. In his notes on the Yoga Sutras of Patanajali, he says "with the establishment of honesty, the state of fearlessness comes in." However, he also says that "if by being honest we will cause trouble, difficulty or harm to anyone, we should keep quiet." The unspeakable remains but we can choose to let it go. Throw it away or swallow.
My modern-day teachers do not always adhere to the requirement of pleasant-ness, nor silence, but rather to speak the unspeakable but with awareness of intention (think ahimsa first), consciousness and mindfulness, not in a fit of rage. The unspeakable must be consumed and digested, no matter what flavor, or when shared, it is given with care and not spat out in tasteless blobs of hatred.
Nischala Joy Devi, in her book, The Secret Power of Yoga, advises us to pause ("Take a moment to breathe deeply") and distinguish our opinions from real truth. She quotes two chunks of wisdom as we deal with our unspeakables, should we want to dish them out...
Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? - Sufi Saying
"If in doubt whether to observe Ahimsa or Satya, always go with Ahimsa" - Swami Vivekananda
There are ways and we must find our way to turn that which is unspeakable into smooth, flowing truffle honeyed truth, for ourselves and for those who care to hear what we have to say.
* * *
Oh and since Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is showing, here's a bit of trivia on the Unspeakable (from Wikipedia) --
An Unspeakable is a wizard or witch who works in the Ministry of Magic's Department of Mysteries. Little is known about their workplace, and even less is known about their jobs. Employees of the Department of Mysteries are forbidden from discussing their jobs or disclosing any information about their department, hence the name "Unspeakable."
Friday, November 26, 2010
My favorite little yogini
She suddenly went to my little yoga nook and started practicing without a mat! :)
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Lotus and Poinsettia
Friday, November 12, 2010
Om Sweet Om
Right before I leave my class, when the students have gone and after putting away blocks and mats and sprays, I always take a final glance at the Shala we call home.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Living our Balance
Blessed cycle days (and a few hours from this holiday) bring me time for svadhyaya. I am reading Yoga For A World Out Of Balance by Michael Stone. I found one copy in Bibliarch yesterday as we went to have the printer repaired. These rare book finds, to me, are like sign posts, and when open to the messages, a whole new road opens.
This book looks at how we can appreciate more deeply and truly apply yama in our current context. The tone is scholarly but heartfelt, practical and engaging. It reads like a good lecture and I look forward to sharing this with friends who are with me on this path.
"Whenever I begin working with students who want to establish a well-rounded practice, we always begin with the first limb of practice, the yamas, as a means of setting a foundation for what spiritual practice means and how it ripens in contemporary life. This approach helps dismantle our lofty associations with the term "spiritual" so that practice begins grounded in the material. When we begin with the five yamas, our yoga practice grows roots in the intricate and infinite web of living relationships and thus presses the yoga practitioner not to turen away from the world but to tune in to and be tuned by the life of relational existence. How we relate to ourselves, other humans, plants, animals, architecture, city planning, the growing of food, and the daily tasks in the household is part and parcel of the path of yoga practice."
"The yamas help us understand and refine our behaviour. As we watch our own ecology - how it connects, disconnects, inhales and exhales, falls apart, rights itself - we come to see a life that exists in a much wider field than the purely personal."
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Some Notes to Self...
...as I reflect (and recover).
From The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga (follow the author on twitter @Deepak Chopra)
A yogi knows that his mind and body are in the ever-changing world but his essence - his soul -
resides in a dimension beyond change.
As a yogi, you are an environmentalist because you recognize that the rivers flowing through the valleys and those flowing through your veins are intimately related...
Yogis pay attention to the food they consume...Certain foods are said to be particularly conducive to a yogic lifestyle...The four most sattvic foods revered by yogis are almonds, honey, milk, and ghee.
A yogi...spontaneously expresses generosity in every thought, word, and action.
Yoga philosophy begins with the spirit. Getting in touch with your spirit is the true goal of yoga. One way to connect with your soul is by consciously asking yourself questions that go to the heart of the human experience. They are: Who am I? What do I want? How can I serve? Whether or not you are aware of it, these questions are directing your choices in life.
Become aware of the stories you tell about yourself and your world. Participate consciously in the writing of the next chapter of your life. Yoga encourages you to expand your sense of self to embrace the collective domain of your soul.
From The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga (follow the author on twitter @Deepak Chopra)
A yogi knows that his mind and body are in the ever-changing world but his essence - his soul -
resides in a dimension beyond change.
As a yogi, you are an environmentalist because you recognize that the rivers flowing through the valleys and those flowing through your veins are intimately related...
Yogis pay attention to the food they consume...Certain foods are said to be particularly conducive to a yogic lifestyle...The four most sattvic foods revered by yogis are almonds, honey, milk, and ghee.
A yogi...spontaneously expresses generosity in every thought, word, and action.
Yoga philosophy begins with the spirit. Getting in touch with your spirit is the true goal of yoga. One way to connect with your soul is by consciously asking yourself questions that go to the heart of the human experience. They are: Who am I? What do I want? How can I serve? Whether or not you are aware of it, these questions are directing your choices in life.
Become aware of the stories you tell about yourself and your world. Participate consciously in the writing of the next chapter of your life. Yoga encourages you to expand your sense of self to embrace the collective domain of your soul.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Not the Sight for Sore Eyes...
 |
| Taken on SCTEX on our way from our trip cut short |
We were gifted with our rainbow on our way home, despite the sore eyes. I didn't have it till this morning though. My eyes succumbed last.
It has been rather frustrating - I will miss teaching tomorrow and I won't see my little boy for his already belated celebration.
Here's the reminder that I must not lose sight of the blessings. And just so I do not forget, I was given the first of the seven colors to take home with me for a few days for some very strong reflection.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Pressed for Time
It seems the harder the work is in the corporate jangali, the more I feel that compelling need to find myself on the mat. 13-hour work day yesterday (literally non-stop) and 12 hours today. I started my practice at 8:30 p.m. Primary only but with it was a truly mindful practice. There must be so much peace tonight that my Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana and all my dear hamstring-intensive asanas brought only safety and balance. I savored all the poses and even easily loved my Marichyasanas (those poses are great reflections of the inner state). I held Sirsana longer and melted into a deeply aware Savasana. I have been offered these minutes, these counts of breath, and I offered each one back in Gratitude.
When pressed for time, we are reminded just how precious this practice is. I feel stronger, softer and ready for the work day that will start in another 8 hours, half way through the week. There are moments to look forward to. My Thursday class got cancelled but Saturday morning will be yoga-full of love.
As a final reflection before I go, when pressed for time on the mat, we do still have 22 hours to practice yoga off the mat. That's a lot of time for heart opening thoughts, yamas and niyamas, sthira and sukha...
When pressed for time, we are reminded just how precious this practice is. I feel stronger, softer and ready for the work day that will start in another 8 hours, half way through the week. There are moments to look forward to. My Thursday class got cancelled but Saturday morning will be yoga-full of love.
As a final reflection before I go, when pressed for time on the mat, we do still have 22 hours to practice yoga off the mat. That's a lot of time for heart opening thoughts, yamas and niyamas, sthira and sukha...
Sunday, October 17, 2010
This week...
What a week! It is raining hard as I write this entry. Juan is here....
The work week in the corporate jangali has become more stressful but from the moment Monday set in, I was looking forward to the beginnings of a dream come true - I now have my own Thursday class and I was gifted with one student for that first session.
I want to relish that first time in the midst of my many roles. I prayed for this part of the journey to happen and now that it is here, I want to acknowledge its presence even as I am caught in so much busy world stuff. It's true - nothing puts things in perspective like a downpour. The storm is here. I don't have a nanny now, there's corporate and domestic work piled up over the weekend, I hosted a happy dinner for my friends despite the lack of pair of hands and spent time playing and taking care of the kids. Tonight, I will squeeze in some work and quality time with the hubby. Somehow, I will.
There's so much on my mind for the coming week and I am thinking of how my life should begin to shift so there is more space for love. I am thinking of how to go about this. In my heart I know what to do.
Let the beauty of what you love be what you do - Rumi
The work week in the corporate jangali has become more stressful but from the moment Monday set in, I was looking forward to the beginnings of a dream come true - I now have my own Thursday class and I was gifted with one student for that first session.
I want to relish that first time in the midst of my many roles. I prayed for this part of the journey to happen and now that it is here, I want to acknowledge its presence even as I am caught in so much busy world stuff. It's true - nothing puts things in perspective like a downpour. The storm is here. I don't have a nanny now, there's corporate and domestic work piled up over the weekend, I hosted a happy dinner for my friends despite the lack of pair of hands and spent time playing and taking care of the kids. Tonight, I will squeeze in some work and quality time with the hubby. Somehow, I will.
There's so much on my mind for the coming week and I am thinking of how my life should begin to shift so there is more space for love. I am thinking of how to go about this. In my heart I know what to do.
Let the beauty of what you love be what you do - Rumi
Monday, October 11, 2010
Readiness
I have not had the time to write about the beautiful Slow Flow class I taught last Saturday - about the gentle, trusting energy of the four beautiful people in class. I assisted in the usual Saturday Mysore session, of course. There's a certain quiet love I feel being the first to enter the shala, turning on the lights and letting the morning sun in, shuffling around to place blocks and spray bottles in obvious corners and picking up little pieces of string and stray staple wires...setting up the framed OM, clock, pens and papers and then, finally, myself for Pranayama or a few minutes of silence. The early yogis come in as early as 8 a.m.
It was a different energy though as I got used to assisting Jon but the wonderful Saturday morning regulars were there, focused and familiar. I have no expectations of my solo led sessions other than wanting to walk (or jump :-)) with the students who will enter that door.
After tonight's practice (and after this long "stereotypical" Monday), my thoughts rest on readiness. Recalling the leap of faith in taking on my Teacher Training last year after my hiatus, the first time I agreed to assist or sub, and now how I am taking another step to teaching brings to mind, ironically, how my readiness is determined not by my own decisions but a series of experiences offered to me. All I had to do was to face that direction, pray, stay open and be very, very thankful no matter what the outcome.
It was the same route for healing...for that readiness to heal, or to move on, or to love. I think about that as I contemplate on my day job. I feel ready for the change but I am opening myself up to possibilities, not knowing what the next moment will bring. There is merit in listening to mentors who bring their own experiences beyond one's own perceptions, illusions and delusions. Cultivating respect for other's experiences can also enrich your own (whether or not you actually do what was advised). I do feel though that I should have listened more to my elders. That would have saved me a few unnecessarily painful turns. Still and all, the experiences enrich and those twists and turns are my own gifts.
In the end, the peacefulness that readiness brings is that you can trust in the outcome, whether or not it comes as a pleasant surprise or a basketful of more precious options.
So I guess it bears repeating for my own sake and those who chance upon this (there is a reason you did!)
All we need to do for now is to face that direction, pray, stay open and be very, very thankful no matter what the outcome....
Good night, world!
It was a different energy though as I got used to assisting Jon but the wonderful Saturday morning regulars were there, focused and familiar. I have no expectations of my solo led sessions other than wanting to walk (or jump :-)) with the students who will enter that door.
After tonight's practice (and after this long "stereotypical" Monday), my thoughts rest on readiness. Recalling the leap of faith in taking on my Teacher Training last year after my hiatus, the first time I agreed to assist or sub, and now how I am taking another step to teaching brings to mind, ironically, how my readiness is determined not by my own decisions but a series of experiences offered to me. All I had to do was to face that direction, pray, stay open and be very, very thankful no matter what the outcome.
It was the same route for healing...for that readiness to heal, or to move on, or to love. I think about that as I contemplate on my day job. I feel ready for the change but I am opening myself up to possibilities, not knowing what the next moment will bring. There is merit in listening to mentors who bring their own experiences beyond one's own perceptions, illusions and delusions. Cultivating respect for other's experiences can also enrich your own (whether or not you actually do what was advised). I do feel though that I should have listened more to my elders. That would have saved me a few unnecessarily painful turns. Still and all, the experiences enrich and those twists and turns are my own gifts.
In the end, the peacefulness that readiness brings is that you can trust in the outcome, whether or not it comes as a pleasant surprise or a basketful of more precious options.
So I guess it bears repeating for my own sake and those who chance upon this (there is a reason you did!)
All we need to do for now is to face that direction, pray, stay open and be very, very thankful no matter what the outcome....
Good night, world!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Awe and Gratitude
I feel so very blessed today. Despite the heavier than usual traffic along EDSA. Despite the long work day and the longer list of things to do...
At the end of the day, though I was late for our meeting, Connie gave me such beautiful news:
I am officially part of the Yoga Manila family!
I am at awe and I know because it's the silent, magnificent kind of exuberance. The one that recounts the journey to this moment, like seeing that fantastic view from a mountain top. My heart is filled with so much love and gratitude.
My Sweet Lord, how I thank you for your love, for all the seeming obstacles that continue to teach me and the gargantuan ones you flick so easily out of my way. How I thank you for this path and now, the gift to share it.
Hari OM!
At the end of the day, though I was late for our meeting, Connie gave me such beautiful news:
I am officially part of the Yoga Manila family!
I am at awe and I know because it's the silent, magnificent kind of exuberance. The one that recounts the journey to this moment, like seeing that fantastic view from a mountain top. My heart is filled with so much love and gratitude.
My Sweet Lord, how I thank you for your love, for all the seeming obstacles that continue to teach me and the gargantuan ones you flick so easily out of my way. How I thank you for this path and now, the gift to share it.
Hari OM!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Reflecting...
As I go deeper into practice, I watch myself go through the most turbulent thoughts, the most outrageous emotions, and see myself slowly go back into stillness. Off the mat, I have learned to be more attentive to the qualities I love and abhor about me and those around me. Seeing quite clearly (and sometimes, still, reluctantly) how closely intertwined these qualities are, and how fleeting. We are truly so much more vast than these fleeting labels we've created. I like to think of it as how the sea reflects the sky. Beyond the blues they project upon each other, there lies infinite life forms and light years beyond human comprehension.
So when we reflect, if we can be still enough and silent enough to allow faith in our hearts, we may catch a glimpse of the wonders beyond that first layer of light and darkness. I believe faith allows us to quiet our minds, to override the thoughts and judgments we hold dear, so we can open ourselves to a deeper sense of knowing True Love, Divinity, God, the Source, and we are able to reflect the qualities that are timeless, boundless, and infinite - peace, love and compassion.
So when we reflect, if we can be still enough and silent enough to allow faith in our hearts, we may catch a glimpse of the wonders beyond that first layer of light and darkness. I believe faith allows us to quiet our minds, to override the thoughts and judgments we hold dear, so we can open ourselves to a deeper sense of knowing True Love, Divinity, God, the Source, and we are able to reflect the qualities that are timeless, boundless, and infinite - peace, love and compassion.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
John Scott in Manila
When I am in YT, I am often asked how the yoga community is here in Manila. I think we are very fortunate to have many international teachers coming over. After a week long yoga retreat in Boracay, John and Lucy Scott had a one day workshop in Manila yesterday.
And so, I woke up at 5:30 a.m., passed for Jon and we headed to the Bel-air clubhouse. We got there early enough to say hello to yogi friends from various studios.
It was a beautiful session. When John Scott arrived, he went around the room, shook everyone's hand and repeated each person's name. He has such a warm energy and exudes that special connection I perceive from my most loved teachers. I opened myself to the subtle differences in style and we took our time going through the introduction in technique and through the counting.
We went through the entire standing sequence and did full Vinyasas but we cut the seated sequence short and from the Janus, went straight to Marichyasana C, skipped D, spent time in modifications for Navasana and Bhujapidasana, skipped Supta Kurmasana and Garba Pindasana, savored Baddha Konasana, and skipped Upavishta Konasana till Setu Bandhasana. We did Urdvha Dhanurasana, Paschimottanasana Salamba Sarvangasana till modified Matsyasana. I stayed for the whole duration of Sirsasana and rested in Savasana. Unlike this narration though, John and Lucy stayed with each of these poses.
I enjoyed immensely how we savored every pose in the practice.
More photos from Stillpoint Manila (taken by Analiya Ancajas)
And so, I woke up at 5:30 a.m., passed for Jon and we headed to the Bel-air clubhouse. We got there early enough to say hello to yogi friends from various studios.
It was a beautiful session. When John Scott arrived, he went around the room, shook everyone's hand and repeated each person's name. He has such a warm energy and exudes that special connection I perceive from my most loved teachers. I opened myself to the subtle differences in style and we took our time going through the introduction in technique and through the counting.
We went through the entire standing sequence and did full Vinyasas but we cut the seated sequence short and from the Janus, went straight to Marichyasana C, skipped D, spent time in modifications for Navasana and Bhujapidasana, skipped Supta Kurmasana and Garba Pindasana, savored Baddha Konasana, and skipped Upavishta Konasana till Setu Bandhasana. We did Urdvha Dhanurasana, Paschimottanasana Salamba Sarvangasana till modified Matsyasana. I stayed for the whole duration of Sirsasana and rested in Savasana. Unlike this narration though, John and Lucy stayed with each of these poses.
I enjoyed immensely how we savored every pose in the practice.
Thank you, dearest Becky de Villa (who was by the door making sure our gurus catch their flight...), for bringing us together in this space.
More photos from Stillpoint Manila (taken by Analiya Ancajas)
After the session, Jon, Reg, Sasheen and I had brunch at Coffee Bean. It seems Ganesha watched over me the entire morning...
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
October... November...
The doors are opening. I will be assisting and/or teaching on these days.
I hope my dreams are blessed to be fulfilled in 2011.
Here are my schedules for the next 2 months:
Oct 9 (Saturday)
9:00 a.m. Mysore
11:00 a.m. Slow Flow
Oct 16 (Saturday)
9:00 a.m. Mysore
Oct 26 (Tuesday)
6:30 Led Ashtanga
Oct 30 (Saturday)
9:00 a.m. Mysore
Nov 6 (Saturday)
9:00 a.m. Mysore
Nov 13 (Saturday)
9:00 a.m. Mysore
11:00 a.m. Slow Flow
Nov 16 (Tuesday)
6:30 Led Ashtanga
Nov 20 (Saturday)
9:00 a.m. Mysore
Nov 27 (Saturday)
9:00 a.m. Mysore
I hope my dreams are blessed to be fulfilled in 2011.
Here are my schedules for the next 2 months:
Oct 9 (Saturday)
9:00 a.m. Mysore
11:00 a.m. Slow Flow
Oct 16 (Saturday)
9:00 a.m. Mysore
Oct 26 (Tuesday)
6:30 Led Ashtanga
Oct 30 (Saturday)
9:00 a.m. Mysore
Nov 6 (Saturday)
9:00 a.m. Mysore
Nov 13 (Saturday)
9:00 a.m. Mysore
11:00 a.m. Slow Flow
Nov 16 (Tuesday)
6:30 Led Ashtanga
Nov 20 (Saturday)
9:00 a.m. Mysore
Nov 27 (Saturday)
9:00 a.m. Mysore
Saturday Mornings and Thursday Night Dharma
I wrote this entry some Saturdays back. As I end this tiring day, feeling somewhat feverish and thinking about my dharma, let me post this unedited note...
I look forward to Saturday mornings. I wake up early so I can practice and assist Jon in his Mysore class. I love that I am slowly working my way towards my dharma and I can feel pieces of me shine at the thought of doing something I love.
I will begin to teach in the office too and I am thinking of whether to go for an Ashtanga introduction or a more restorative flow for the coming Thursday nights.
Soon enough, I will be teaching kid's yoga and pre-natal, as well. But my dream is to help the breast cancer survivors heal their broken hearts... I remember raising my hands in prayer for the first time, weeks after the surgery.
Now, all I need is faith and time.
I look forward to Saturday mornings. I wake up early so I can practice and assist Jon in his Mysore class. I love that I am slowly working my way towards my dharma and I can feel pieces of me shine at the thought of doing something I love.
I will begin to teach in the office too and I am thinking of whether to go for an Ashtanga introduction or a more restorative flow for the coming Thursday nights.
Soon enough, I will be teaching kid's yoga and pre-natal, as well. But my dream is to help the breast cancer survivors heal their broken hearts... I remember raising my hands in prayer for the first time, weeks after the surgery.
Now, all I need is faith and time.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Blessings, blessings..
My heart has learned to sing louder. The next morning after coming home from YT, I woke up with mantras in my heart and went to the terrace for gratitude, forgiveness and guidance. I got my first pleasant surprise for the day when I got to the office.
Today, I went to the terrace again to be thankful, forgiving and humble in asking for help. In the middle of my 3rd meeting, I checked my other phone and saw a text from Jon (which he sent at 8:30 a.m.!) He asked if I can sub for Connie. I replied hoping it was not too late. When we are called, we say yes and so I did. Without my change of clothes and much mental preparation, I said yes. Trust that things will work out. I was able to leave by 5 p.m., hail a cab, get the last shirt and shorts from the little sports shop in Shang (mismatched prints, as they are).
This is another dream come true for me...to teach a class in Yoga Manila. I had nine students. I thought quietly, 108 = 1 + 8 = 9 (they were 8 initially, one came in late).... I had the most amazing time of quiet recognition.
The fish is finally in the water.
Today, I went to the terrace again to be thankful, forgiving and humble in asking for help. In the middle of my 3rd meeting, I checked my other phone and saw a text from Jon (which he sent at 8:30 a.m.!) He asked if I can sub for Connie. I replied hoping it was not too late. When we are called, we say yes and so I did. Without my change of clothes and much mental preparation, I said yes. Trust that things will work out. I was able to leave by 5 p.m., hail a cab, get the last shirt and shorts from the little sports shop in Shang (mismatched prints, as they are).
This is another dream come true for me...to teach a class in Yoga Manila. I had nine students. I thought quietly, 108 = 1 + 8 = 9 (they were 8 initially, one came in late).... I had the most amazing time of quiet recognition.
The fish is finally in the water.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Day 17 (Sept 6)
My last fire ceremony for these 2 weeks. Paul put in extra milk and herbs. He said he would make it extra special. I dressed in all white. It was difficult to leave. It is always difficult to leave YT. I embraced my teacher with questions on what to do next and how. I did not ask them. I will see him in December. By then, I may tell him about the beautiful answers handed to me. At this point, I trust the Divine absolutely. I know the road will lead me to teach, travel, write. I said thank you (profusely but I feel, still, not sufficiently).
I am in an eternal state of thankfulness.
I queued to check-in my bag at Samui airport, running somewhat late. I love the Samui Airport. Wooden bridges, quaint shops, lotus ponds, free danish pastries and coffee. It was a short flight to Bangkok. I was going to wait there a while. I shopped for gifts to bring home and ate my vegetarian meal by myself with a yoga book while waiting for my flight. To remind me of this journey, I got an OM necklace.
As I neared the gate, I was reminded one last time of what the 2 weeks were about. Narasimha recounted this story.
The Churning of the Milk Ocean
It was the Asuras vs. Devas (not Chanel vs. Gucci)
When Allan picked me up, guess who he surprised me with... My beautiful Lakshmi present. A sign of beautiful things to come.
I am in an eternal state of thankfulness.
I queued to check-in my bag at Samui airport, running somewhat late. I love the Samui Airport. Wooden bridges, quaint shops, lotus ponds, free danish pastries and coffee. It was a short flight to Bangkok. I was going to wait there a while. I shopped for gifts to bring home and ate my vegetarian meal by myself with a yoga book while waiting for my flight. To remind me of this journey, I got an OM necklace.
As I neared the gate, I was reminded one last time of what the 2 weeks were about. Narasimha recounted this story.
The Churning of the Milk Ocean
It was the Asuras vs. Devas (not Chanel vs. Gucci)
When Allan picked me up, guess who he surprised me with... My beautiful Lakshmi present. A sign of beautiful things to come.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Day 16 (Sept 5)
Yoga Thailand in Shades of Blue
I am feeling rather blue on this last afternoon of my two-week journey and so here are my favorite shots of the blues in Yoga Thailand.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Day 15 (Sept 4)
We had our last chanting and lecture today. For the past few days, we've had these in the "outside shala". Saturday breakfast at YT is wonderful --The best buckwheat pancakes. I put butter and honey on them and a siding of jam.
I feel the tugs in my heart as I know it's almost time to go back. I miss my family dearly but I feel the anxiety brewing as I think of the decisions I want to make, and the uncertainty that comes with it but I will leave these thoughts of tomorrow. I still have today.
We went to Radiance Restaurant for lunch.
In the afternoon, Michelle and I had our usual steam and swim and Paul walked over to have a chat with us. I need to make sure I allot more time for practice when I get home. 21 days of 21 Gayatri and Trayambakam mantras will make in a difference.
The sky did not seem to be a brilliant today and the tides have been very low. They must also be a little sad at the thought of not sharing the coming days with us...
We are always in contact with the stable state in us. This produces hope and hope produces the state of Samadhi. Do not be afraid of change. - Narasimha
I feel the tugs in my heart as I know it's almost time to go back. I miss my family dearly but I feel the anxiety brewing as I think of the decisions I want to make, and the uncertainty that comes with it but I will leave these thoughts of tomorrow. I still have today.
We went to Radiance Restaurant for lunch.
In the afternoon, Michelle and I had our usual steam and swim and Paul walked over to have a chat with us. I need to make sure I allot more time for practice when I get home. 21 days of 21 Gayatri and Trayambakam mantras will make in a difference.
The sky did not seem to be a brilliant today and the tides have been very low. They must also be a little sad at the thought of not sharing the coming days with us...
We are always in contact with the stable state in us. This produces hope and hope produces the state of Samadhi. Do not be afraid of change. - Narasimha