Volume XVII, No. 4, November 2009 Continued on Page 6 Inside The Best Comfort is Inside You p. 1 by Sri Swami Satchidananda Letter from the Editor p. 2 Passport to Bliss by Sri Swami Sivananda p. 3 The LOTUS Road by Andrew Godreau p. 3 Yoga and the Older Adults by Catherine Vani Martin p. 4 Honoring Energetic Rhythms through Swara, p. 8 the Science of Nasal Dominance by Sundari (Diane) Finlayson Still Standing by Lakshmi Sutter p. 10 Glowing Through Karma Yoga— p. 12 Staffing a Teacher Training by Renee Sharanya Kuntz GEMS FROM THE THIRUKURAL p.13 I Decided to Trust the Yoga Teachings p. 14 by Trish Verbeyst Academy & Yogaville news by Andrew Godreau p.15 The Middle Way by Anita Santi p. 16 Senior Speakers Schedule p. 18 Calendar of Upcoming Programs at Yogaville p. 19 The Best Comfort is Inside You by Sri Swami Satchidananda If you have a poor opinion about yourself certainly it will affect your heart, your mind, your personality. What you think you will ultimately become. If you think that you are a negative person, you don’t need any other negativity coming from anywhere else to make that true; you are making yourself negative, negating yourself. When this happens you have to analyze it. “Are these thoughts good for me? Is it helpful for me to have these thoughts? Is it constructive or destructive? If my thoughts are negative, what will I become?” When you realize the negative effect you won’t even want to think that way anymore. But people don’t think seriously about the effect thoughts have on them. Even if you are not negative about yourself, if you have negative thoughts about others it will affect you negatively. If you hate somebody, you are ruining your life by your hatred. It’s not only charity that begins at home. Even hatred begins at home. The people who hate others will be filled with hatred themselves. If you are angry with another person, before your anger affects that person, it will have affected you. For example, think of a gun and imagine shooting at a target. Before the bullet goes out and hits the target, it has heated up the barrel. So the gun itself got affected first. There is a backfire in a way. Likewise every thought that comes from your mind---even before it leaves the mind---can ruin you or improve you.
Transcript
Volume XVII, No. 4, November 2009
Continued on Page 6
InsideThe Best Comfort is Inside You p. 1 by Sri Swami Satchidananda Letter from the Editor p. 2Passport to Bliss by Sri Swami Sivananda p. 3 The LOTUS Road by Andrew Godreau p. 3Yoga and the Older Adults by Catherine Vani Martin p. 4Honoring Energetic Rhythms through Swara, p. 8the Science of Nasal Dominance by Sundari (Diane) Finlayson Still Standing by Lakshmi Sutter p. 10
Glowing Through Karma Yoga— p. 12Staffing a Teacher Training by Renee Sharanya Kuntz GEMS FROM THE THIRUKURAL p.13I Decided to Trust the Yoga Teachings p. 14 by Trish Verbeyst Academy & Yogaville news by Andrew Godreau p.15The Middle Way by Anita Santi p. 16Senior Speakers Schedule p. 18Calendar of Upcoming Programs at Yogaville p. 19
The Best Comfort is Inside You
by Sri Swami Satchidananda
If you have a poor opinion about yourself certainly it will affect your heart, your mind, your personality. What you think you will ultimately become. If you think that you are a negative person, you don’t need any other negativity coming from anywhere else to make that true; you are making yourself negative, negating yourself.
When this happens you have to analyze it. “Are these thoughts good for me? Is it helpful for me to have these thoughts? Is it constructive or destructive? If my thoughts are negative, what will I become?” When you realize the negative effect you won’t even want to think that way anymore.
But people don’t think seriously about the effect thoughts have on them. Even if you are not negative about yourself, if you have negative thoughts about others it will affect you negatively. If you hate somebody, you are ruining your life by your hatred. It’s not only charity that begins at home. Even hatred begins at home. The people who hate others will be filled with hatred themselves. If you are angry with another person, before your anger affects that person, it will have affected you. For example, think of a gun and imagine shooting at a target. Before the bullet goes out and hits the target, it has heated up the barrel. So the gun itself got affected first. There is a backfire in a way. Likewise every thought that comes from your mind---even before it leaves the mind---can ruin you or improve you.
IYTA Newsletter • November 2009 • Page 2
The Goal of Integral Yoga
The goal of Integral Yoga, and the birthright of every individual is to realize the spiritual unity behind all the diversities in the entire creation and to live harmoniously as members of one universal family.
This goal is achieved by maintaining our natural condition of a body of optimum health and strength, senses under total control, a mind well-disciplined, clear and calm, an intellect as sharp as a razor, a will as strong and pliable as steel, a heart full of unconditional love and compassion, an ego as pure as a crystal, and a life filled with Supreme Peace and Joy.
Attain this through asanas, pranayama, chanting of Holy Names, self discipline, selfless action, mantra japa, meditation, study and reflection.
Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti. Ever yours in Yoga,
Integral Yoga®
Teachers AssociationFounder: Sri Swami Satchidananda
The Integral Yoga Teachers Association is a membership association open to all Integral Yoga teachers. Its mission is to provide mutual support and spiritual fellowship, to share information, to provide inspiration, and to conduct ongoing training and guidance.
Director: Gopal WatkinsSupervising Editor: Rev. Prakasha ShaktiNewsletter Editor: Arjuna GuttadauroGraphic Design: Anand Shiva HervéPhotos: Richard DiMaria, Sraddha Van DykeCopy Editors: Gopal Watkins, Bhagerati GuttadauroMembership Coordinator: Andrew GodreauIYTA Assistant: Sushila Bales
Letter From The EditorHari Om Integral Yoga Teachers,
I am pleased to present the November issue of the Integral Yoga Teacher’s Association newsletter. I am happy that we have so many teachers who look forward to receiving this quarterly publication and I’d like to express my sincerity in sending out a high quality newsletter that is rich in content and filled with loving articles and news of the Ashram and Integral Yoga around the world.
Our cover page always features a photo and article of our founder and spiritual leader Sri Swami Satchidananda. We are privileged to have his writings to read and guide us toward staying on the path to inner awareness. Living at the Ashram allows me to see a video of him every Saturday evening that always gives me great insight to the guidance I need at the time. Thank you, Gurudev.
Many of this month’s articles and poems are from you, the members. Please feel free to be inspired and contact me so you can also be published in our great newsletter and, at the same time, pass on some of your insights and knowledge.
Vani Martin from New Hampshire wrote a very informative article on Yoga and the Older Adult.
I am hoping that the article written by Sharanya Kuntz of Maryland inspires some of you to come experience ashram life. Sharanya’s article shows the benefits of life in the role of a Teacher Training staff member and the changes it made in her. The Ashram greatly benefitted, not only from her
service, but also from her loving presence. To serve in this way, call the Teacher Training Coordinator soon at 434-969-3121 x165.
Another member article that I hope you find as stimulating as I did is one written by Trish Verbeyst of NJ. She explains how Yoga is helping overcome a serious injury caused by a collision with a cement truck.
Anita Santi an IY teacher from San Francisco reminds us of Gurudev’s teaching on using the Middle Road to help us through the holidays. I think her advice is quite practical. This article is a perfect example of how a member on a similar path can help guide us through life.
We also include an instructive article by Sundari Finlayson on the science of nasal dominance. She will present a program here in Yogaville in the month of April, 2010.
I hope you enjoy all the articles and that the Newsletter also keeps you informed and connected to Yogaville, Integral Yoga and your fellow teachers.
Om Shanti, May Peace Be With You,Arjuna Guttadauro
IYTA Newsletter • November 2009 • Page 3
To practice meditation or contemplation in a mind perturbed by non-adherence to the moral precepts is like building a house on a rotten foundation. You may build up the house, but it will surely fall. You may practice meditation for many years, but you will not realize any tangible result or fruit if you have no ethical training as a foundation.
If you want to enthrone God in your heart, you must eradicate all evil modifications in the mind. What do you do when you expect to receive a very important person in your house? You keep the grounds quite clean and remove all the weeds and rubbish. You clean all the rooms and spread nice carpets. Similarly, you will have to remove all the dross of impurities from the mind if you want to have communion with the Lord, if you desire to call upon God earnestly to take His seat in your heart.
It takes a long time to purify the heart. Just as various kinds of dirt and dust are hidden underneath the carpet, so also various kinds of impurities are hidden in the corners of the mind.
The mind is such a mischievous imp. It is the Mara that tempted Buddha. It is the Satan that lured Jesus. It is the Kama who disturbed Siva when he was in deep meditation.
You cannot wash the mind with soap and water to get rid of its impurities; but if you eradicate selfish desires and attachment, the mind will be purified of itself.
Your soul is eternally pure. Regain your original purity through japa (repetition of mantram), kirtan (chanting) prayer, meditation, enquiry of “Who am I?”, pranayama (breathing practices), satsang, and sattwic (calming) food.
Purify the intellect. Purify your heart. Purify your speech. Purify your body. Purify your senses. Purify your Prana. Purify, purify, purify.
Purity of heart is the gateway to God. It is an antechamber to the presence of the Lord. It is the
key by which the doors of intuition that lead to the abode of supreme peace are opened. Therefore, attain purity at all costs. Purity is the passport to the land of eternal bliss.
Passport to Blissby Sri Swami Sivananda
“Success in spiritual life is assured when concentration is sufficient. A pure mind and intellect alone can gain concentration.
The purification of mind and intellect is achieved through regular daily sadhana.” —Swami Sivanandaji
Enter the sunset colored gate and a new world awaitsAll of the foliage and trees whisper welcomingThe insects and animals greet you with pranam And though unseen or unheard a feeling arisesThe convergence of good vibes and energy begins permeating youWhether the sun shine shimmers through Or the deep shroud of darkness surrounds The road feels embracing and magicalReminiscent of yellow bricks and fairy talesOr did we make our way down the rabbit hole
Now each step in unchartered territory brings new visions What could conclude such a journeyThe stream goades you onAnd berries along the side entice you to continueAs you reach the top of the last hill The magnificence peeks through the branchesThen in a flash you are there Deep in this wondrous land with elephants and angelsEnter these doors and transformation will occurTruth is one but many paths there are
The Lotus Roadby Andrew Godreau
Yoga and the Older Adult by Catherine Vani Martin
IYTA Newsletter • November 2009 • Page 4
In the middle of winter, 2004 Bette Hugues, 80, called me to let me know that Yoga had saved her life. She had fallen on the ice and was able to get up “because of Yoga” she exclaimed. Yoga had taught her to make a friend of the floor and therefore build more confidence to encounter the difficult task of getting off of it. At a younger age, it is hard to even realize that daily tasks such as reaching for a cup in the cupboard or going to the restroom can require tremendous effort. Bette appreciates her weekly Yoga classes because of the relaxation aspect and also because of its energizing effect after classes. For that particular reason, Yoga distinguishes itself from other forms of exercise that leave us more tired than refreshed. Bette was first attracted to Yoga because she had read and expected that Yoga could bring her some control over her mind but “never to the point of having no fear of falling, which is a major improvement for me.” Bette can now enjoy her daily walks with her dog.
One can feel the effects of aging at different stages of life. My neighbor, John (86) thought he was immortal until two years ago and my friend Jenny (29) feels depressed at the view of her first gray hair. At 38, after 25 years devoted to my dance career, I was already suffering from severe back pains and joint degeneration. I was performing on pain-killers because of chronic tendonitis in my neck and shoulders and could not fall asleep without strong sleeping-pills. My dysfunctional thyroid gland had sounded the alarm and there was hardly any substance between my bones and skin. I had completely lost connection with myself. (These are symptoms that I have often heard from my older adult Yoga students for the past 4 years.) I realized at that point that if I chose to continue to live, I would need to make drastic changes.
In my adolescent years, my father would always repeat to me, “do Yoga everyday and do breathing techniques, it’s good for you.” My father is now 75 and has always been faithful to his Yoga practice. He can still stand on his head and has seen a doctor about two times in his life. It was time to listen to daddy. I decided to commit myself to a regular practice of Yoga. Without controlling anything, I became a healthier and happier person. I felt whole again. I can firmly say today (6 years later) that Yoga has also saved my life.
So far, we have seen two different experiences that expressed how helpful Yoga is. After Bette’s phone call, I became interested in investigating the process of aging and how elderly people can gain from having a regular Yoga practice. Apart from slowing the process of aging, the benefits are tremendous and need to be acknowledged. There is no way around it; aging is where we are all leading to. Bette and a growing number of elderly adults have found Yoga to be helpful in keeping active, healthy, fit and most importantly, living a better life.
David Shier, Jackie Butler, and Ricki Lewis, authors of Hole’s Anatomy and Physiology manual describe the process of
“growing old” as “the normal wear-and-tear of body parts over many years. For example, the cartilage covering the ends of bones at joints may wear away, leaving the joints stiff and painful.”
Nevertheless, they claim that the underlying cause of death is not due to the degenerative body functions but lack of exercise, poor eating habits leading to chronic health conditions. In an article written by Nanette Tummers and Frank Hendrick it is said that “According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), four out of 10 Americans aged between 45-64 are sedentary, increasing to six out 10 for those 75 and older.” Fortunately, the article illustrates a research with a very optimistic picture giving alternatives for reversing the age process:
A research study at the University of Miami looked at a resistance and Yoga program for older men and women between the ages of 60 and 79 years. The study wanted to determine if doing moderate exercise consistently over a relatively short period of time (three times per week for six weeks) carried over into the ability to have a better quality of life. The good news is: it works! Yoga provided strength, endurance, flexibility and balance in an exercise program translated into an increased ability to perform activities, the energy to do things and restful sleep. (Tummers)
Most of us are aware that the leading cause of death in our aging population is heart disease (Shier). Dr. Dean Ornish, author of the bestseller Dr. Dean Ornish’s Program for Reversing Heart Disease, has conducted research studies for the past 25 years and showed that by making life style changes, heart diseases often can be “slowed down, stopped or even reversed” (Ornish). Being a student of Yoga master Swami Satchidananda since 1972, Yoga is an important part of his program in dealing with “stress management.” He explains:
“Emotional stress plays an important role in just about all illnesses, both directly and indirectly. For example, emotional stress makes arteries constrict and clot blood faster, which, in turn, may cause a heart attack. Also, people are more likely to smoke, overeat, drink too much, work too hard, and so on when they are feeling stressed.
Thus, stress management is an important part of what I recommend. These techniques include: Yoga stretching, breathing techniques, meditation, and support groups.”
—(Ornish).
Alice Christensen, founder and author of Easy Does It Yoga spreads the good news that anybody at any age with almost any type of health issues can do Yoga. Yoga may be practiced on the floor, a chair or wheelchair, on a bed or even in a
Catherine Vani Martin
IYTA Newsletter • November 2009 • Page 5
swimming pool. If you can breathe you can do Yoga. She points out that Yoga is a holistic practice “designed to help you regain and maintain health…it encourages a positive view of aging and physical capabilities because it show you that need not to be limited by these conditions.”
In the most ancient sacred text the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali defines the Yogic experience as calming the churning thoughts of the mind. The thoughts are directly related with the breath therefore directly related to the body. Mind, spirit, breath and body are interconnected as whole. When we experience this tranquil state we come to a state of pure bliss and joy. (Patanjali)
This state is not limited to a certain age or condition. Incidentally, Christensen reveals, “It might surprise you to learn that traditionally, the ideal age to begin the practice of Yoga is fifty-three, the age making one’s passage into a new stage of life, one of contemplation and self-discovery.” Suza Francina, author of The New Yoga for People over 50, reinforces in her own words, “... the years after 50 are the ideal time for psychological and spiritual growth. The practice of Yoga not only restores the health and vitality of the body, but the philosophy behind Yoga aims to open and expand a human being on all levels so that aging can become a time of greater perspective and illumination, rather than deterioration.”
Older adults in particular need to feel that they are in a safe, positive and non-competitive environment. Satya Khouri, who has taught seniors for more than 17 years, points out, “We don’t compare our bodies to other people’s bodies and noone knows what it’s like to live in our bodies better than we do, so we should ask them to listen to their own bodies and practice accordingly.”
Yoga teaches us to listen to pain as a messenger that will guide us to stop, rest or simply slow down. As we age, there seems to be a contradiction between what our mind wants to do and what our bodies can do. Although Bette knows that Yoga is a “learning process and it brings control of the body and mind in a positive way,” she keeps reminding herself to let go of her “habit of rushing.” As students relax and go deep into their own being, they face their physical and mental limitations with serenity. With regular practice they eventually let go of even the thought of “wanting” to let go.
When dealing with elderly population, the American College of Sport Medicine (ACSM) claims, “Modifications are necessary for the exercise program so that is it not too intense or intimidating for the individual, yet is still challenging enough to see improvements.” The instructor will progress with each individual and make sure that caution is used depending on particular conditions. For example, in easy Yoga classes, chairs, props and straps are used to make poses
less strenuous and the general flow of the class is slow and easy (video-Khouri).
It is important to focus on physical and emotional conditions more than age; most people don’t like to be reminded that they are old. Conditions vary from generally healthy to issues like arthritis, osteoporosis, hyper/hypotension, depression, anxiety and insomnia. “Gentle Yoga is not a replacement for conventional health care. Individuals vary, and you should not attempt to perform any exercises or practices without the consent of your physician”, says Lorna Bell, R.N. and author of Gentle Yoga.
Being honest with the condition actually helps the healing process. For example, during the first two months Bette accepted to be helped by people to get on the floor and off the floor. With regular practice at home, she developed the physical ability to get up and down from the floor.
Suza Francina illustrates: When the neuromuscular pathways for getting up and down are used regularly, it is easier to recover if, by chance, you should slip and fall. Older students report that their increased strength and range of movement enables them to return to physical activities they thought they had lost forever; gardening, climbing uphill or climbing stairs, biking, dancing, reaching and bending without strain, being able to sit comfortably on the floor in various positions, getting up and off the floor with confidence.
In Yoga, a lot of emphasis is put on the spine. With age, the spine shrinks and loses mobility. To maintain a good healthy spine, it is important to keep it moving. Also, we must understand that our internal organs, heart and lungs receive great benefits from having a long spacious spine. When the back is rounded, the internal organs are compressed and therefore cannot function as well. Also, having a flexible and mobile spine energizes the whole system as well as keeps a youthful posture. More blood circulates; the muscles and the brain get more oxygen.
Balancing postures are part of the regular practice as well. It is important to maintain strength of the bones and the muscles around the bones. As we age, our bones become more fragile, mainly because of lack of exercise and the normal degeneration of aging. The more weight we put on the bones the more bone matter is being built.(Shier) The instructor will give a series of standing postures such as the inverted “V” posture or downward-facing dog, which consist of putting both hands and feet on the floor with the head between the arms focusing on pulling the sitting bone
IYTA Newsletter • November 2009 • Page 6
The Best Comfort (Continued from Page 1)
Self-love
How does one find self-love? Love yourself. Think, “I am God’s child. God has given me all these gifts. I love myself because God is functioning through me.”
Even if you have some problems, still you shouldn’t think that God doesn’t love you. That’s where we see karma at work. You must have done something before, now the result has come. “God is merciful, so He is purging my karma by having me go through this.” Just as a doctor has to operate in certain cases, so God operates on us when necessary. In the case of the doctor, we at least know exactly what happened. But with karma, we have probably forgotten. Still, there must be a cause because nothing happens without a cause. So when you think of all these things, remember: “Yes, God loves me. I am the dear, dear child of God.” Think of all the gifts that God has given and you will learn to love God. By loving God you will also love yourself.
Self-judgment
Question: Sri Gurudev, how do we stop self-judgment?
Sri Gurudev: Why should we stop self-judgment? You have to judge yourself. You need to analyze and think, “How am
up. This posture strengthens the hands, wrists, shoulders and back muscles and “stimulates bones to retain calcium, thus helping prevent osteoporosis” (Francina). “Older students report that they regain lost height after consistently practicing the Downward-Facing Dog,” claims Francina.
Yoga gives the opportunity to go within. Many of our senior citizens have been parents and have devoted their whole life to their children and now devoting their time to their grandchildren, constantly giving. A lot of energy went to their outside world and many have lost the connection with their inner self. Harriet Peel (age 74) expresses, “My Yoga interest is the first time in my life that I’ve done something for myself---for me alone.” (quoted in Tummers).
The most important part of a Yoga class is the deep relaxation. This is also one of the main reasons why Yoga distinguishes itself from any other kind of physical discipline. Nischala Joy Devi, author of The Healing Path of Yoga and one of Dr. Ornish’s colleagues in the Lifestyle Heart Trial, believes that this practice allows the body to get a complete rest leading to the calmness of the mind. With regular practice, this state of quietness can be transposed to our hectic, daily life. “After a while, the relaxed state becomes the norm and the tension is the stranger that invades our life.” Devi says that she has worked with many people who were told that they would need to be on blood pressure medication for the rest of their lives…their blood pressure was lowered and they were able to stop taking their medication. And if deep relaxation is done continuously, it can be brought down to stay.”
She adds: “The art of deep, complete relaxation is one of the safest and most effective ways to manage stress, relieve pain, regain and maintain health, and attain peace of mind. Many have reported that their sleep became deeper, and if they awakened in the middle of the night with anxiety (50 percent of American report just doing that), these simple techniques allowed them to return to a deep sleep more quickly.”
Aging can be a wonderful experience for many of us. A lot of it depends on choices we make but the ultimate choice is what qualities we want to bring to this last phase of our lives. As we have discovered, there is close relationship between physical activity and happiness; being physically fit can improve mood and emotional state and vice versa. Older adults who have chosen the path of Yoga are aware of this. Their choice is to spend a longer time feeling healthy, radiant and independent.
Yoga is very popular these days. Most people know that it can improve flexibility, reduce stress and bring a general sense of wellbeing. What we often retain from advertisement and magazines are pictures of beautiful fit bodies doing pretzel-like postures which seem completely inaccessible to the average human being. Some older adults might refrain from coming to Yoga classes because of that or because “it would be too “new age” or for urban yuppies.” Once
they have passed beyond pre-judgments, they realize that there is much more to Yoga than the physical aspect and its “love and peace” mood. (Tummers) There are as many styles of Yoga as there are types of human beings. Each type obviously has its benefits. My wish is that in the future years we see recreation and community centers with rooms full of retired people standing on their head enjoying their view with a heartfelt upside down smile.
Catherine Vani Martin enjoys teaching Yoga at several locations in New Hampshire. She holds a Bachelorof Science degree in Alternative Health Care and has a 25-year career in the field of Dance and Movement. Catherine is certified as an Integral and Cardiac Yoga Instructor as well as a Neuro-Linguistic Programming Hypnotherapist.
IYTA Newsletter • November 2009 • Page 7
I doing? Am I doing right or wrong? How is my mind? Is it selfish or not?” There’s nothing wrong in this kind of self-judgment or self-analysis. We need to do it.
It’s better to judge yourself than to judge others. You should not judge others without first judging yourself. You have to make sure that you are a good judge. Who will be a good judge? Will it be the one who is the relative of the plaintiff or the close friend of the defendant? No, it will be the neutral person. That’s why in many courts, over the head of the judge hangs the picture of justice—balance. That means a judge is a yogi, a neutral person. Such a person should judge himself or herself, “Am I neutral? Or am I leaning to this side or that side?” If you are already leaning to one side you have no right to judge anybody else because you are not on the neutral level. A balance that’s not in the neutral position can not give the correct weight. You have to bring it to zero first to get the exact weight.
Every morning you stand on a scale in the bathroom. If the pointer is not on zero, can you get the right weight? Can you judge your weight correctly? No. You have to set it to zero. In the same way, your mind should be set at zero, not leaning this way or that way. You cannot be prejudiced. That’s a good judge. So you have every right to judge yourself and see if you are maintaining yourself in the neutral position. Until that time don’t try to judge anybody else because your judgment will go wrong.
Feel that Presence
Question: Why do we want so much to be loved? Why aren’t we content just to love others? Why do we fear rejection? Why do we crave emotional comfort? Why do we want others to care about us?
Sri Gurudev: We want these things when we still have not realized that there is Somebody in us always who is caring for us every minute, who loves us every minute. If you realized that you wouldn’t need somebody else to love you. The more you look for somebody else to love you, the more difficult it will be to get that love.
Even rejection is a helpful thing because, ultimately, it will make you turn inward and say, “Nobody seems to be loving me. God, You are the only one to love me.” If others love you, you may forget God also, saying, “God, I am happy with that person. I don’t need to worry about You now.” But when everything fails, you turn to God.
God really loves you, and that seems to be the very reason why God doesn’t want you to go looking for love from anywhere else. God is helping you to turn totally toward Him.
If we feel that presence in us why do we need any other comfort? The best Comforter is inside. All other kinds of comfort are temporary. They come, and they will go. Outside
things and people are never going to make you always happy. It’s that way so that one day you will know there is Something inside always.
If the world could make people happy, there wouldn’t be any churches, synagogues or spiritual centers. Nobody would read the holy scriptures. Why? Because the money made you happy, the friends made you happy. Why would you need anything else then? So to turn to God, all other things should make you unhappy.
I’m sorry; it’s a little hard-hearted to say this. But everything must deceive you ultimately and hit you hard so that you can turn back to God. That’s what will happen to a sincere seeker. That’s God’s Will.
God says to us, “You want to trust Me totally. If you do that, I will give you everything, all happiness. Why go running after little, little things when I can give you everything?” If God can’t stop you from running after everything He allows you to go learn for yourself. “Okay. Go, get hit. Then come back to Me.”
Until that is felt inside, this kind of disappointment will keep on happening, and the more it happens the more you should be happy.”Ah, yes, God is helping me to turn within soon.”
When people are not ready to realize God they will be tempted to go out searching for happiness, and they will be given piecemeal happiness here and there. When people find a lot of pleasure outside in the world, it shows that God is not in a hurry to get them. If God is in a hurry to get you, He will make you displeased with everything outside very soon. That’s why in the life histories of all the saints, the minute they became conscious of God, they got into all kinds of problems, all kinds of troubles. Suffering after suffering came to them. Why? God said, “Ah, you really want Me; you should come quickly to Me. I will make everybody and everything hit you fast so that you can come to Me soon.”
Imagine I have a dog that always runs away and goes into the neighbors’ houses. What should I do? I can say to the neighbors, “Any time my dog comes into your house, hit him.” If the neighbors do that, where will the dog go? Back to me. On the other hand if they give him nice treats and cookies, the dog will be tempted to leave my house and go there again and again.
That is exactly what has happened with God. He has told all the neighbors (the worldly things), “hit her. Hit him. Let this child come back to me soon. Don’t tempt this one with your cookies.” That is the proof that God is interested in getting you all for Himself.
This above all: to thine own self be true. And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.
—William Shakespeare
IYTA Newsletter • November 2009 • Page 8
Sleep scientists are now quick to tell us that all living organisms, from bacteria to human, display circadian rhythms, which synchronize life functions with environmental light/dark cycles. This is something the ancient rishis knew well and honored.
As creatures of this world, we are moved by the energies around us, especially by the cycles of the sun and moon. Even the breath moves in purposeful cycles. When we develop a keen understanding of the cycles of the sun through our days and the waxing and waning of the moon through our nights, as well as the larger cycles of the season, we can begin to more effectively harness our energy to correct purpose and to teach our students how to do likewise.
Energy flows through the body, riding the wave of the breath. By developing awareness of the subtleties of the breath, in particular of nasal dominance, we can profoundly impact our health and well-being. We begin to feel the whole world unfold in a new way.
Swara is not pranayama but, more accurately, the practice and mastery of all the energies that run through the body, specifically those energies correlating to the three main nadis, or energy channels in the body; Ida-the left lunar channel, Pingala- the right solar channel and sushumna, the central channel, often associated with Kundalini and Kundalini Yoga.
The aim of Swara is to align the individual’s energies and actions with the cosmic energies at the time and season they’re moving through us to be able to really be in action the way we mean to be in action.
The practices of Swara Yoga come from a piece of scripture called the Swarodhaya Shastra that Swami Muktibodhananda researched and practiced under the guidance of Swami Satyananda Saraswati of the Bihar School of Yoga in Munger, India.
In this scripture, attention is given to the way the elemental energies, or tattwas, cycle through the days and seasons, giving rise to certain types of energetic pulls. Attention is also given to the way certain elemental energies promote certain tastes. When we understand the way the astronomical cycles and seasonal cycles interact with our daily rhythms and personal constitution we begin to have a greater ability to refine the way we are in the world and to be able to create actions that are more consistently in line with our desired outcomes, i.e. we can create more mindful execution of our intentions.
In this manner, Swara Yoga (and the scripture on which it is based) provides an interesting combination of astrological information and auspicious times for particular actions to
be undertaken (jyotish): tantra (with its emphasis on the masculine and feminine principles of Shiva/Shakti and Lunar/solar), kundalini (with the discussion of the movement of energy) and Ayurveda through its focus on tastes and elemental energies. There is a nod to Hatha Yoga through the incorporation of shanmukhi mudra (closing the ears, nose and eyes with the fingers) for physical realization of the tattwas transmutation into elemental energy and Ayurveda through the focus on tastes and elements in our world.
For the purposes of this article we will look to beginning our understanding of what can be a complex practice with some simple sadhanas that are safe and effective for anyone to do, regardless of dosha or jyotish chart.
Nasal dominance corresponds to the energies of the nadis, Ida, Pingala and Sushumna. Solar energy rides through the body on the masculine right nadi known as Pingala. Lunar energies move along the path of the feminine left nadi, Ida. When the breath is balanced between the nostrils it is thought to be flowing in Sushumna. Nasal dominance switches about every 90 minutes.
There is research being done on how nasal and brain dominance may contribute to various mental maladies, like depression and schizophrenia. Results suggest that right brain issues may have to do with various affective disorders including depression and that over emphasis of left hemisphere may signal problems including schizophrenia. Blockage of either Ida or Pingala can contribute to these conditions.
A general practice that can be safely applied to the general population can be done right away in the morning. As soon as your eyes open, notice how you are lying and which nostril is dominant. If you are a side sleeper you will notice that (unless you have a deviated septum) the side that is ‘up’ will be the dominant nostril. It is thought best to meditate with the left nostril dominant, so if it is your habit to begin your day with a meditation sadhana, you can lie on your right side for about five minutes, and this is likely to assure your left nostril dominance. If the breath still insists on the right nostril, try making a loose fist with your left hand and tucking it firmly into your right armpit and squeezing it into the body as you lie on the right side. This gently pressures nerves associated with nasal dominance on the side and helps the body shift to the other side. You may have seen photos or drawings of sadhus with a crutch under their arm. They are not suffering any physical or structural concerns; they are working with their body to keep their nasal dominance in accordance with their activities.
As you sit up notice the breath. If it is moving in the right nostril keep your eyes closed, gently touch your mouth on the right side with your palm and face north or east. Visualize
Honoring Energetic Rhythms through Swara, the Science of Nasal Dominance
by Sundari (Diane) Finlayson
IYTA Newsletter • November 2009 • Page 9
Sundari (Diane) Finlayson
the sun, and feel its radiance entering through your heart. Feel the presence of that cosmic solar energy.
If the left nostril is active, gently touch the left side of your mouth and face south or west. Visualize the full moon and cool mystery of Mother moon entering in your heart.
Keep the palms pressed together gently in anjali mudra. Open your eyes and gaze at the root of the index finger of the side which corresponds to the active nostril. Now consider Lakshmi, Saraswati and Govinda. Lakshmi brings wealth and beauty into our days. It is important that Saraswati’s energy of wisdom travel along with the bounty of Lakshmi so we may use her gifts wisely. Also consider Govinda. Govinda is Krsna in his manifestation as the cowherd. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in his commentary of the Bhagavad Gita translates Govinda as the “master of the senses”. Consider the potent energies of these deities resting in your palms, ready to take you through the day; abundance and beauty, wisdom and restraint. Feel their cosmic energies moving through you and balancing your internal energies in the direction the day calls for. If you like you can recite this mantra before standing up:
“Karagre vasate LakshmiKaramadhye SaraswatiKaramule tu GovindahaPrabhate karadarshanam”
Now you are ready for your sadhana, or breakfast depending on your desires.
The main idea of Swara is to keep a balance of the energies. Primarily during the day left nostril dominance is considered auspicious and at night, right nostril dominance is said to promote health and longevity, by keeping the cosmic energies balanced.
When preparing to eat a meal it is wise to set the breath for right dominance to enhance the connection to solar energy and help keep agni high for good digestion. When studying or doing public speaking right nostril, or solar, dominance is also considered key to the success of your project.
Check on the breath and reset it as necessary to accommodate the day’s activities. You do not need to lie down to reset the breath. It can usually be done by simply placing the hand of the side in which you wish to encourage dominance into the alternate armpit (i.e. if you are ready to go give a speech or have your lunch, you may wish to place the right fist into the left armpit) and then, using Vishnu mudra, as if you were going to practice alternate nostril breathing, block the nostril you wish to discourage(let’s say you wish for right nasal dominance, block the left and gently draw the breath through the right nostril alone) and breath for a few minutes through the nostril you wish to become dominant. It may take five or more minutes for the switch to occur.
More research needs to be done to give us the language and parameters for bringing the benefits of this practice to those who are struggling with depression and other psychoemotional maladies and attention to the breath in this manner can bring greater balance to all our days and greater peace and unity to our lives. Try this as an experiment for a week or two and see if it doesn’t makes a difference for you. When you have developed a sense of the sadhana you may feel comfortable sharing it with your students.
To explore Swara Yoga more fully, you may wish to order from IY Distribution a copy of “Swara Yoga: The Tantric Science of Brain Breathing”, by Swami Muktibodhananda Saraswati, under the auspices of Swami Satyananda Saraswati of the Bihar School of Yoga. The book was published in Munger, Bihar, India in 1983.
Sundari (Diane) Finlayson is the owner of Yama studio (Yoga, Ayurveda & Meditation Arts) and the founder of the Yama therapeutics Yoga Therapy Training programs. Sundari is an E-RYT 500 T through Yoga Alliance and holds a 1,000 hour Yoga Therapy certification from Integrative Yoga Therapy. She has trained extensively with Wise Earth school of Ayurveda founded by Swamini Mayatitananda (Formerly Maya Tiwari) and holds an Ayurvedic Health Educator certificate from David Frawley’s American Vedic Studies Institute. Sundari is the chief facilitator for the Yama therapeutics Yoga Therapy (200 & 500 hr), Meditation and Ayurvedic Health Educator programs in residential and distance learning formats. She leads workshops and retreats across the country, including at Yogaville and is working on her first book of devotionals for householders
Sundari will present “Yoga and Ayurveda for Personal Transformation” at Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville from Friday April 16-Sunday April 18, 2010.
IYTA Newsletter • November 2009 • Page 10
“STILL” Standing by Lakshmi Sutter, eRYT500
As winter approaches, it can be easy for many of us to retreat toward a state of hibernation. As the temperature cools down, so much of our awareness also naturally draws inward. As an indrawn practice, Integral Yoga Hatha can make great leaps and bounds as we naturally begin to slow down.
As you probably know, the IY sequence morphs as one moves deeper into the practice. While standing poses are rarely the emphasis in an IY class, they can serve very beneficial roles in moderation and when properly sequenced. IY currently recommends the placement of optional standing poses after Surya Namaskaram, and we generally suggest practicing one or two – primarily to ensure there is adequate time for the cultural poses that have deeper effects on the neuro-endocrine system. Traditionally standing poses were inserted after the half spinal twist. Consider holding these poses longer this winter to see if the mind and body come to a level of strength and stillness different than your warmer weather practices.
Standing poses tend to be energizing and strengthening. One-legged standing poses, in particular, are especially strengthening to the supporting leg. In addition to muscular strengthening, the structure of the body ends up placing four times the weight of the body on the standing leg (per Dr. Rich Panico). This can be a particularly useful thing to know when working with students who are osteopenic or osteoporotic, as that weight transfers through the head of the femur – a common location of fractures due to weakening bones.
Of course, one also gains balance through these standing poses. If you are working with a student or a general population that lacks such balance, be sure to provide some support for them as their balance gradually grows through this practice. A wall, chair or even your shoulder can serve this purpose. Many feel ashamed to admit needing support, but as Yoga teachers, it’s our job to create the safety in the class so they feel supported to do so. Balance will likely improve over time, and this can be useful to many, but especially to the aging public. As a general guideline, it is more beneficial to maintain balance in an earlier stage of a pose rather than taking a challenging variation with significant wobbles.
For those who already excel at balancing poses, closing the eyes and relaxing into the experience can accelerate the practice. Again, be mindful to move slowly toward that practice. It may be wise to have a wall nearby the first few times – just in case! If that becomes easy, try the practice that Swami Dayananda often offers in class: lift the supporting leg and levitate!
Perhaps the most well known of standing poses on a single leg is Vrikshasana, or the Tree Pose. I began my teaching apprenticeship at a Yoga studio in Charleston, SC (Holy Cow) where there was a bulletin board filled with photos of people doing the tree pose in places all around the world. I’ve just spent my summer growing trees to support a research project, and I am amazed at how resilient these beings can be.
The pose has countless variations, making it useful for beginning to advanced yogins as well as those who just wish to try different things. It’s also a pose rich in symbolism as well as a great opportunity to explore the energetic aspect of standing. As a brief review, we offer the following approach for beginners:
Preparing for the Pose: Establish Tadasana, a focus point and smooth breathing pattern. Take a moment to spread the feet and distribute the weight evenly.
Moving into the Pose: With awareness, transfer the weight to the right leg and balance the weight evenly through the right foot. Bend the left leg and externally rotate from the left hip to bring the knee open to the side with the hips still level and pointing forward. Place the left foot along the supporting right leg (options explored in discussion to follow) Once steady in the pose, draw the raised knee back to open the hips without moving the pelvis. Bring the palms into prayer position in front of the chest. Raise the arms overhead.
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Experiencing the Pose: Continue to stay focused, and to breathe smoothly while lifting the spine and all sides of the rib cage. Hold for 20 - 30 seconds of stillness.
Coming out of the Pose: Slowly and smoothly lower the arms, and then lower the leg. Return to Tadasana before repeating on the other side.
Placement of the upraised foot on the supporting leg: stages
For some, balancing on one foot is enough to focus on without struggling to find a “good” place for the upraised foot. For these folks, it might be perfect to simply raise the heel off the floor with the toes still providing a balance point. They can then bring the arms into position.
The next place may be to position the left toes or ball of foot on top of the supporting right foot. If stable, the knee can be turned out with this option. [photo 1]
The foot can be raised to a comfortable position along the supporting leg. We recommend that the foot be placed anywhere EXCEPT at the knee joint. The maximum position for this traditional position is, of course, with the upraised heel at the level of the perineum. [photo 2] Note: There seems to be some disagreement amongst Yoga teachers about the safety of placing the upraised foot at the knee, as there can be pressure at the knee joint based on almost any position along the leg. The discussion below about drawing the legs toward one another should minimize pressure to the knee.
If the upraised knee is comfortable, the upraised foot can be lifted to rest at the crease of the opposite hip, similar to arddha padmasana. In fact, with this option, we are transitioning to arddha padma vriksasana. The upraised knee should be comfortable and pointing somewhat downward, in the same plane as it was in the previous option. Strengthening occurs when the foot is held up without using the hand to hold the foot in place, but this can be challenging, especially with slippery clothing. Using the arm on the same side of the body as the upraised leg, reach behind the back and take hold of the toes. It’s nice to form chin mudra with the thumb and forefinger around the big toe. The other arm may pause at heart center or reach skyward. If the arms are not long enough or chest not open enough to reach around the body and take hold of the toes, try holding onto the upraised toes with the opposite hand. Then reach around with the same arm as upraised knee and hold on to the other elbow. [photo 3]
To create abdominal pressure, one can also fold forward as in Uttanasana with the legs in this position. Feel free to use both hands for support and balance as needed. It is also acceptable to gently bend the supporting knee. [photo 4]
In all options, be mindful that the crest of the pelvis maintains the same position as when both feet were on the floor.
To enhance strength and balance, let the upraised foot lift into position rather than guiding it into position with the hands.
Enhancing balance
Balance can be improved both physically & energetically. While still in Tadasana, for example, see if you can feel a sense that the feet are sinking into the ground through the feet. Let all the weight of the body ground you firmly into the earth. Remember that every action has an equal and opposite reaction, so once grounded, lift skyward – primarily from the areas above the waist – to create an upward lift and lightness in response to your grounding.
Softening the knees can make balance a little easier.
It is also helpful to begin by gathering all of the energy inward so that you are moving toward the (vertical) midline of the body. Once you choose the upraised foot position, let the supporting leg press equally into the upraised foot. Many students press only with the upraised foot into the supporting leg. This can lead to knee discomfort and when exaggerated sends the supporting hip jutting out to the side.
Once the movement has stabilized inwardly, then grow into the pose. Keeping the energy focused, let the chest expand and the limbs of the tree (arms) expand into the tree that you wish to be. Few trees grow in a single breath, so take your time breathing into the expression of the tree that suits your moment. Explore what kind of tree you represent. Pine trees extend deep taproots into the earth. Willows flow with the breeze. Oaks are majestic and often break in a storm.
Winter approaches. What will your tree be this winter? Dormant? Fruitful? Firewood? Furniture? Harboring nests? Gathering resources for the spring? Whatever your choice may be, may you be connected to the earth – ever nourished, open to the elements and reaching ever higher.
OM Shanti, Shanti, Shanti
Resources consulted• Integral Yoga® Basic Teachers Manual v2009.01• Anatomy & Physiology classes with Dr. Richard Panico, Director of the Mind Body Institute of the Athens Regional Medical Center• Hatha Yoga: The Hidden Language (Symbols, Secrets and Metaphors) by Swami Sivananda Radha.Timeless Books, 2003
Lakshmi Sutter writes regularly for the IYTA Newsletter. An eRYT500, she served for years at Yogaville’s Integral Yoga Academy in many capacities and continues to do so in the field of Yoga Therapy. She is a trainer of Integral Yoga Hatha Yoga and enthusiastically shares her fascination with the human body during basic anatomy workshops. Lakshmi’s supportive instruction is suitable for a wide range of physical levels, with class approaches ranging from gentle and restorative to energetic and challenging. Lakshmi has returned to her career in ecology, but will always call Yogaville home. If you have a request for a future topic or comments on this one, Lakshmi welcomes hearing from you at [email protected].
IYTA Newsletter • November 2009 • Page 12
to the preparation a few days before the training program began and during the actual training course. I know I will never again take for granted the degree of effort that goes into Yoga Teacher Training at the Ashram. Every step of the process is performed with complete mindfulness, awareness and attention to detail.
Quite unexpectedly, I was able to be present and participate in much of the Children’s Teacher Training. What a wonderful gift to be exposed to the teachings, activities and valuable lectures offered by the program trainers and the Ashram staff! My days were incredibly full - rising just as early as my ‘normal’ work day and going full speed until bed time! Even my husband was taken aback by how late I would sometimes be with my nightly check in call. The demands of supporting the training staff kept me on my toes and while I felt more than competent to support the training program coming in (after all - I’m a government executive), I quickly realized the seriousness of this operation of Yoga Teacher Training at the Ashram and the seriousness of my commitment to serve.
My original expectation was that I would inherently have a great deal more time to reflect on and absorb the energy of the Ashram in the same fashion, as previous experiences had allowed, but reality proved to be a bit different during this visit. I was challenged to delve deeper to a level of selflessness and service that I had not achieved previously in any aspect of my life. Because of this, I think this experience at the Ashram might possibly be the richest and most rewarding yet! I simply was not prepared for how rewarding serving the Ashram ultimately would prove.
My husband always notes the increasing blissfulness in our phone conversations and definitely notices upon my arrival home. He is used to it by now - nothing new there! It wasn’t until I returned to work that I fully realized the depth of the impact of my service at the Ashram. The most interesting and unexpected aspect of my experience was the reaction of my colleagues, co-workers and friends at work. The first day I returned to work one person asked, “Have you changed your hair style?’ My response, ‘No - same as it has been for several years now’. A few days later, the question was, “Have you changed your make-up? My response, ‘Not really - but I am wearing less.” A few days later, the same colleague simply noted, ‘You know, ever since you returned from your Yoga vacation, you are glowing. That is the only way to describe it. Do you realize you are glowing”? The only thing I could say was, ‘Thank you” - with a big smile - I have been feeling the glow inside, but didn’t know it was so visible!’ So how can you top that - an obvious glow? There
Prior to volunteering to staff with a teacher training program every experience visiting the Satchidananda Ashram at Yogaville had provided an opportunity to reflect inward and to grow deeply and I had no other expectations for this visit. Previously, my visits to the Ashram had been for participation in a teacher training, weekend training program or weekend getaway. The decision to staff a teacher training program was from the outset viewed as a tremendous opportunity to spend nine days at the Ashram and fulfill a long desire to serve.
I had little anticipation or expectation of how truly rewarding supporting a teacher training ultimately would prove to be. Having long been intrigued by the Children’s Teacher Training and the Yoga Camp at Yogaville, I decided this would be the perfect fit for me. So, I submitted my ‘volunteer’ application and was approved to support the program back in the winter. For months I looked forward to returning to the Ashram. With my last visit to the Ashram having been a weekend program in April 2008, I felt long overdue for a visit ‘home’ and in dire need of some ‘rubbin and scrubbin’.
For a better understanding of my experience, I feel it important to share that in my life away from the Ashram my full time job is as a government executive in the US Defense Department. As one might imagine, in recent years the days are generally long, high tempo and often quite stressful. These facts all played into my ‘personal state’ as time drew nearer to my Ashram get away. I looked forward to the 180 degree change in atmosphere from my daily work experiences and the ‘bliss’ that I had always found in visiting the Ashram.
Little did I know about the demands and stresses of planning and ultimately pulling off a Teacher Training program. I had never before considered that the service of Teacher Training is quite a serious business. Put into context, in some ways the demands of scheduling, planning and presenting a teacher training are no different from my own daily work experiences. Previously, I had no insight into the amount of effort and attention to detail that goes into the training programs in which I had participated previously - right down to noting a student’s birthday! Why should I? Yoga teacher training is what the Ashram does - why shouldn’t it seem effortless?
However, being exposed to the ‘behind the scenes’ activity gave me new insight and deeper appreciation for each and every previous experience at Yogaville. And in all honesty, I feel I only received a bird’s eye view since I was witness only
Glowing Through Karma Yoga—Staffing a Teacher Training by Renee Sharanya Kuntz
Renee Sharanya Kuntz
GEMS FROM THE THIRUKURALSteadying Staff
Let a person learn without error or doubt all that is worthy of learning; After learning so, Let him live up to that.
A well in sandy soil will well up to the extent one digs; Wisdom will grow in people to the extent of their study.
The learning which a person has acquired in one birth Will stand him in good stead For seven more births.
Words from the mouths of men of righteous conduct Are like a steadying staff On slippery ground.
IYTA Newsletter • November 2009 • Page 13
is no denying that warm and wonderful feeling with which we all feel blessed when our time at the Ashram draws to an end, but now I know there is physical evidence of the bliss!
The opportunities to ‘glow’ are endless at the Ashram! I am already thinking about the next opportunity to serve - hopefully I am not alone.
Renee ‘Sharanya’ Kuntz grew up in Charlotte County, VA not far from Yogaville. She completed Basic TT in September 2005 at the Satchidananda Ashram at Yogaville. She lives just outside of Baltimore MD and teaches a variety of classes at Avalon Yoga Studio in Catonsville, MD. She has worked with oncology patients sharing the benefits of yoga. She works full time as a government executive for the Department of Defense.
I Decided to Trust the Yoga Teachingsby Trish Verbeyst
IYTA Newsletter • November 2009 • Page 14
Summer of 2007 – My life was going along quite well. I had just finished Intermediate Teacher Training at the NYIYI, had a steady Yoga and meditation practice of my own, and was teaching a number of Yoga classes at sports clubs and recreation centers.
Then I was rear ended by a cement truck. The impact shattered the car windows and the repercussions shattered my illusions of health. My neck and back were injured which resulted in nerve damage, headaches and sciatica. Various limbs cramped or became numb, a sensation of bugs crawling in my head would come and go, sitting and driving caused great pain.
Without fully realizing it, I began to define my life by all the things I could not do. I was angry that the accident had robbed me of so many things. Before the accident, I had planned to take a month off to spend with children. Instead that month was spent in the hospital, at doctor’s offices, and lying with my legs up the wall (the only position that didn’t cause pain). I struggled to find medication that addressed the pain but didn’t leave me in a fog. I began feeling frustrated and depressed. I was at my wit’s end. I knew that this wasn’t the life I wanted but I had sunk so far that I couldn’t see those around me offering their love and support. There was no light at the end of the tunnel.
I remember one particularly difficult night when I couldn’t find any relief from the pain, mental and physical. The pain medications left me loopy but still in pain. Stretching and gently Yoga asana only brought more pain. Pranayama left me feeling more frustrated. Finally, in great despair, I began
to chant “Om Namah Shivaya” – one of my favorite chants. I chanted through tears that began to wash away some profound wounds.
I knew that I had a choice to make about the next step. I could continue to feel let down by my body, continue to wallow in self-pity, and continue to feel that it wasn’t fair. Or, I could decide to trust the Yoga teachings. I began to regularly chant “I’m not the body, I’m not the mind, Immortal self I am” whenever pain and despair interrupted my sense of peace.
I asked myself, “What lessons can I learn from this experience?” The answers surprised me. I have gained an awareness of what it is to live with limited mobility. I continue to learn patience, with myself and others. I let go of the past, knowing I can only affect change in the present. I remember to be thankful, even for the little things. The times when there are no measurable physical improvements now provide me opportunities to explore my faith and resiliency.
There are still things that I can’t do right now. I continue to explore ways of dealing with the pain. The headaches are less frequent. My range of movement has improved some and physical therapy strives to strengthen my weakened muscles. My recovery is far from complete but I have tools that will help me on this path.
Trish Verbeyst teaches Levels I and II classes as well as Yoga for seniors. She teaches in and around the Princeton, NJ area. She has been practicing Yoga for over 15 years.
To begin this edition of the news I wanted to update you on a few topics that I discussed in the last issue. First, the Ashram’s Board of Trustees decided to reopen the application process for the CEO until August 28, 2009, because more people came forward near the end of the process. Second, I want to inform everyone that the fundraising project has reached $50,000 in donations. We are not at our goal yet but we are making our way there at a good pace. Lastly, the new building has officially been opened. August 7th was the official date of the opening. Participants in our Silent Retreat were honored as its first guests.
The LOTUS is being kept in great shape. New tiles were recently installed in the entrance, the fountains are up and working, the grounds are being kept beautifully, and lots of general upkeep is going on.
We recently had a program called Kirtan College which was well attended, and thoroughly enjoyed by all of the participants. The down economy has not severely hindered us. In general, there has been a small drop in the number of participants compared to last year, but not a significant amount. The evaluations continue to be good, some of the comments even verge on excellent service.
Shakticom has recently started a new website as some of you may know. They have also produced 32 new DVDs of Sri Swami Satchidananda. These DVDs are of materials that were not previously on DVD and are on a range of various topics. You can go to the website to watch a sample clip to see if you are interested in the DVDs. Shakticom has also just put the audio from some of these DVDs into MP3 format so you can purchase just the audio if you don’t want the video portion. They are also working on producing some new CDs soon, so keep an eye out.
Integral Yoga Publications is also working on a new book. This book will be a practical handbook introducing all basic Integral Yoga teachings. A draft of this is being prepared by Lakshmi Sutter and Rev. Jivana Heyman. This book will be a great edition for all of our teachers, especially those teaching beginners level.
In addition to all of this I wanted to let you know how the Living Yoga Trainee (LYT) program is doing. I had a small interview with the gracious director of this program, Swami Priyaananda, who told me all about it. This program was created due to many requests of people wanting to know what it was like to live the life of a Yogi. The ashramites who were originally in charge of this program then came up with a system that would ease participants into a Yogic lifestyle. The LYTs are required to do 10 meditations, with 3 morning meditations every week. They are asked to also take 5 Hatha Yoga classes a week. Then they do an
average of 3.5 hours of Karma yoga for 6 days a week. The LYTs also go to scripture classes, Satsang, and have weekly sharings. One aspect that has recently been added is in addition to the weekly group meetings each LYT must have a personal meeting with Swami Priyaananda or another senior member to aid with mentoring.
In the past year, the enrollment in the program has doubled. In this time, the participants have changed from a majority of women to currently more men. Now the ages range from 18-78.
There has been a lot more press on the program with a write up in the New York Times, and an interview on National Public Radio. The economic situation has generally helped people to look at spirituality more, and this has lead people to the LYT program.
Most of the participants have found the program very rewarding. Some said that they have found some direction in their life. Many LYTs have found a great benefit in getting their diet under control. Also they feel that they receive many lessons in discipline and strengthening. Many participants feel a great group bonding from doing the program, saying how beneficial it is to be around like-minded people. Priyaanandaji was also very happy with how many people who never met Swami Satchidananda really feel his guidance while here. All in all this program has accomplished what it set out to do and continues to thrive.
Academy & Yogaville newsby Andrew Godreau
Andrew Godreau
IYTA Newsletter • November 2009 • Page 15
The Middle Wayby Anita Santi
Actions speak louder than words.
Find the balance.
Yoga means “yoke” as in joining two things together
The middle way.
Words and thoughts.
Asana and meditation practice.
As we begin to spin around in preparation for the holidays, some of our “Yoga” practices may fall aside to allow time for other things. Later on, when everyone in the world focuses on dieting to lose those extra pounds, many of us will wonder what happened to our Yoga practice. We will look back and wonder what induced us to step off the path.
So many of us stress out over family issues during the holiday season. We experience conflict, wanting both to stay on the Yogic path and to somehow not alienate family, colleagues and friends who expect us to participate in their gatherings and rituals. We wonder if this year we will somehow maintain our commitment to Yoga, or put it on hold for a while so that we can participate in these festivities.
Well, let’s look at this. How have we solved such dilemmas in the past? Perhaps we settled the issue by defining our boundaries, setting limits, differentiating ourselves and declaring our independence from mainstream culture.
How do we ground ourselves in the teachings of Yoga when things become complicated? Maybe we reflect on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the guidance of Sri Gurudev and other teachings. Remember those Teacher Training lessons on vrittis? Vittris, distractions from our peacefulness. Too many vrittis and we begin to spin. Gurudev taught us that the middle way is the Yogic way, yoking together the sun and the moon in order to have a complete day. Jung calls it light and shadow. Some call it the middle way.
We don’t need to take a tamasic “either-or” stance. We can hold a sattvic “both-and” position.
In Yogic terms, somewhere between the teachings and practice is Mindfulness. Intentionality. Rigidity and single mindedness are not the Yogic way. He told us that perfect asana performance is less important than being kind and polite. When setting up the San Francisco Integral Yoga Institute, he responded to a local official who asked him, “Who are you people?” by answering “We are the people who leave the bathroom cleaner than we found it.”
So, let’s expand our Yoga practice to include Gurudev’s intentionality. Karma and Bhakti Yoga are limbs of Yoga that ask us to serve others, even those focused on festivities, gatherings, gifts and turkey dinners. Bring your peacefulness into the moments you spend with family, friends and co-workers.
Om Shanti.
Anita Santi is an Integral Yoga teacher who lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has practiced Yoga for more than 35 years. She has been a clinical social worker and psychotherapist for more than 25 years.
Anita Santi
IYTA Newsletter • November 2009 • Page 16
Scribe Wanted for SASTRI (Satchidananda Automated Satsang Text Retrieval & Indexing)
Immerse yourself in the teachings of Sri Gurudev.Transcribe directly from CD’s
Requirements: have the time to turnaround a tape in two weeks and can understand Sri Gurudev ‘s speech
Please see Sw. Murugananda for details 434-969-3121 ext.128
Andrew is LeavingWe are sad to report that our wonderful Andrew Godreau will be moving away from the Ashram and officially leaving his post as the Membership Coordinator on November 22.
While in this position, he did a fantastic job and was a great help to the IYTA members. He made a big effort to organize the office and the storeroom so that they would be easier to navigate and made many other lasting contributions to our service.
During his time as Membership Coordinator, Andrew helped to initiate the valuable survey that recently was sent out to the IYTA members.
Andrew will be heading back to New York City to live with his family. While there, he will begin a career in the film business, most likely through an internship. Andrew’s peaceful, friendly presence will be missed at the Academy and throughout the Ashram. We are sorry to see him go, but we all join in wishing him success and all the best wherever life leads him.
Thank you, Andrew, for your loving and invaluable service.
Om Shanti.
The Ashram“Be in the world but not of it,” they advised,
and sent me away named Kamala,the beautiful lotus flower that blooms
despite its muddy origins beneath the water.A noble goal
that seems obtainable when everyone around youlives by the same creed -
love unconditionally, forgive all, harm none.
But now I’m homeand drama surrounds me.
Every minute I’m not at peaceI fear I’m losing conscious awareness.
I want to runto my spot in the shrine
and indulge myselfwith prolonged meditation.
Clearly I have workbefore I will embody my name.
No bloom,only a stalk
making way through murky waterdesperate to break the surface.
—Kamala Rodgers
IYTA Newsletter • November 2009 • Page 17
Enjoy fresh air and a serene country setting.
Transforming LivesFall/Winter Programs
New Year’s Silent Retreat:Inspiration & Clarity for the New Decadewith Rev. Prakasha Shakti as Spiritual DirectorDecember 30, 2009–January 3, 2010
