First few days...

february 3
Arrived in Delhi to hop on s bus for a four hour ride through the densest fog I've ever seen. Absolutely no scenery to enjoy on the way to Agra, just thick fog.

Started to break up just as we reached Agra. I absolutely love the street scenes. Is everything I heard; loud, chaotic, dirty, but it's also a big group scene. Whereas at home when you see throngs of people on the street, generally they are walking somewhere, either by themselves or with one other person. Here it's much more interactive. Lots of groups of people (mostly men, really) sitting, working, walking.

Cars aren't rare, but what I see is that bikes and motorcycles are the main modes of transportation. Whole families on one motorcycle. Mom rides sidesaddle on the back, then a kid or two then Dad driving, then the baby placed, naturally, right up front.

Bikes are similar, they have a flat book rack on the back and the passenger sits there.

Then there is the animals. There are tons of stray dogs, all over. Even litters of puppies. Of course there are cows wandering, eating the trash alongside the dogs. A lot of horses to pull carts. I have no idea what breed or mix these are, but they are the thinnest, most narrow-chested horses I've ever seen. Ribs showing more than any animal I've seen at home.

Possible the most exotic animal se've seen on the streets so far are camel pulling carts. And baboons roaming in packs.

The big field trip that took us into the city was the Taj Mahal. Being a Sunday, it was packed like Disney World on spring break. the Taj is just like the photos. One thing I'd say is that it has a very transparent quality. In photos we attempted from further away, it seemed to actually fade away.

The next day, yesterday, we got on a huge tourist bus to bring our group here to Allahabad. We encountered our first Indian style toilets, which one daughter proudly navigated. Ten hours later we are here. 

Tuning In to a Better You

Anne Unger, RYT

Pratyahara, the fifth limb in yoga, is one of my all time favorite practices. It teaches us how to consciously withdraw our senses from the outside world and look inward. It’s a practice that helps me stay focused and connected to my true self. I have learned how to stop at any point throughout the day, even during the most stressful and chaotic times, and tune into what I’m feeling. It allows me to remain present in the moment and think through my actions rather than thoughtlessly reacting (or overreacting) in a way that I may later regret. I can rest easily in difficult moments so my inner voice can surface, until the answers I need become apparent.

I love that I can practice pratyahara anytime, anywhere. It’s such an important part of my life and practice that I bring it into all of my classes, giving students several opportunities to focus inward, to withdraw from the world around them, and notice what’s happening inside. It’s a beautiful moment for me, to witness so many people at once tune in and let go of all that surrounds them.

Not all worldly moments are treated equally, however. There will be setbacks. Even when I know I shouldn’t respond or react to something without thinking it through, I can find myself doing it anyway. It’s almost as if there’s a host of harsh and turbulent situations lurking around every corner, ready to trick us, ready to pull us into a vortex of bitter regret. But I know my alarm sound now; I’ve been paying attention. It’s loud and fierce and fills my head. It’s simple, but damning, and sounds like: “WHAT?!”

As soon as that alarm goes off, I know I need to step back from whatever is happening—whether it’s an abrupt email, an unpleasant phone call or a personal affront—and breathe, bringing my focus inward. Connecting first to my breath helps me withdraw from the over stimulated senses, then I can tune in to my better self, my thoughtful and reasonable self. It’s about tuning in, rather than tuning out and running from reality. It’s about choosing how we can best respond in challenging moments, rather than simply being reactionary.

Breathing deeply can help calm the nerves in difficult situations, and maybe even stop you from making rash decisions, or saying something you later wish you hadn’t, but the practice of pratyahara works deeper. It allows us to stop time, to take a moment to ourselves and bring control over the mind. It creates an opportunity to tune in to our true self and get grounded to make better choices.

At my next Tea Talk, we’ll discuss this idea of tuning in to our true self during uncomfortable situations and choosing how to respond. Join me for Tea Talk on Monday, February 18, 6-7pm. Stay for my 7:15pm class to experience a mindful vinyasa flow in candlelight that focuses on tuning in and getting grounded.

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Sutra 2.54. When the senses withdraw themselves from the objects and imitate, as it were, the nature of the mind-stuff, this is pratyahara.

Finding Happiness in the New Year

Anne Unger, RYT


Sutra 2.15 – To one of discrimination, everything is painful indeed, due to its consequences: the anxiety and fear over losing what is gained; the resulting impressions left in the mind to create renewed cravings; and the constant conflict among the three gunas, which control the mind.

The New Year is a time for new beginnings, an opportunity to dig deep inside ourselves and decide what it is we really want to accomplish this year, or in the years to come. A good time to set short- and long-term goals—changes we want to make or stepping stones we’d like to get in place that will ultimately lead us further down the spiritual path. It’s a time to shake off the messy past (once we’ve gleaned our numerous lessons, of course!) and get to work on the things that are really important to us, making this the best year yet. Isn’t this what we tell ourselves every year?

I find that with every New Year I start off strong, ready to tackle my many intentions, especially after a long and busy holiday season inevitably sidetracks me. The goals are intended to make me happy, to fulfill my dharma so I might feel sustained and satisfied in life. I write out my intentions—the big overarching ones that will hopefully carry me toward my life’s purpose, which then breaks down to quarterly, monthly, and finally weekly objectives. I make lists in my planner, using the upfront monthly snapshots to note the month’s goals in the right hand column, and check them off as they’re accomplished. It’s a good feeling because I’m certain I’m on track, well on my way to completing the things I need to do.  

And while it’s a fail-proof system that tracks and ensures I’m reaching my objectives, the weekly planner where I write my daily goals, starts to become more of a chore list. It fills up with unplanned events and outings, errands and duties that are necessary for daily living, but do not necessarily have anything to do with the goals I’ve set forth to help me fulfill my life’s purpose. And sometimes the daily to-do lists can become obstacles on my journey, making me feel edgy and unfocused, like I’m looking outside myself for fulfillment when I’ve become too busy to look within myself for inner peace and serenity. 

One thing yoga has taught me is that I cannot run from the results I’ve created, that wherever I go, whatever I create, it will follow me. It’s taught me how to stop and breathe and understand myself and the world a little better, so when I start to feel that edge, that lack of focus, I can regroup and reset. In The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, translated by Sri Swami Satchidananda, we are taught that anything coming from outside of ourselves cannot offer everlasting happiness, but only pain; however, “pleasure and pain are but the outcome of our approach.” We learn “it’s all right to have anything, as long as you don’t let these things bring you anxiety and fear.”

We all want to be happy. We all need a fresh start, and the timing couldn’t be better. Join me for a discussion at Focus Yoga on Monday, January 21, 6-7pm, on how our approach to achieving or obtaining anything can determine a pleasurable or painful experience.

Editor's Note: We have it on good authority that Anne's following class, Open Yoga, will be a mindful candlelight vinyasa flow focusing on finding the happiness within. What a wonderful way to bring it all together! Register for Tea Talk here...you do not need to register for the Open Yoga class.

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Join our January Ayurvedic Cleanse

Judi Harvin

So, we are almost here; the 2012 holiday season behind us, and 2013 stretching before us, full of promise and potential.

Whether you simply want to clean things up a bit from the December festivities, or are looking  to implement real healthy change this year, you may want to consider our January Ayurvedic Cleanse.

The cleanse itself takes place the third week of our four-class series. But, the two weeks preceding it are the most transformative. That is when we look hard at our habits that lead to poor eating choices, and begin to eliminate them. That is when we add new habits that make us feel healthy and good. By the time we really knuckle down to the cleanse, the hard work has been done, and the cleanse itself is much more manageable.

The real goal of this process is not just to clean up after several weeks of decadence. The goal is to enable us to some sustainable changes in our habits. Here are some of the ideas behind this cleanse:

This is a wholistic process.  This cleanse includes a look at our diets, our daily health habits, and ways to manage stress so it doesn't become toxic. We learn about the bodies detox mechanisms and how to support them on a daily basis, not just during a cleanse. Breathing techniques, meditation and asana are all a part of this process.

This is a customized process. Feel free to work as deeply as you wish. Rome wasn't built in a day, and if you are looking to eliminate just one nagging habit, we are behind you. Also, we will be looking at your unique Ayurvedic constitution, and it will help determine some of our individual choices in this cleanse.

Ayurveda is a big part of this plan. We will look at the Ayurvedic concept of dinacharya, daily lifestyle and health routines. We will be using the traditional foods and herbs of panchakarma, an Ayurveda detoxification.

The diet is inexpensive and easy to follow. An Ayurvedic cleanse is not a fast and doesn't require you to purchase special products. We will be working with regular food. You may need to purchase spices you don't normally have in your cabinet, but the plan is that you will continue to use these after the cleanse is over.

Much of the information will be made available to you online. I will be posting detailed notes and videos online. If you miss a class, these will keep you informed. If you need a refresher or a boost, these materials will be there for you.

There will be a support community available. Working as a group will open us to even more ideas. Have a great recipe or tip that helped you eliminate your ice cream habit? We are all ears. Need to know you aren't the only one struggling with your caffeine habit? We are here. We will create a Facebook page for daily support and meet weekly for inspiration.

Our goal is sustainable change. It may be one new healthy habit. One bad habit lost. But, once the series is completed, you will have new ideas to move forward. This is not one week of deprivation, this is a plan for life.

Join us! We will be meeting on Wednesdays, January 2 - 23 at 5:45 - 7:00pm. (Stay for a detoxifying Hot Slow Yoga Flow class afterward!) Click here for a schedule of topics, and here to register! Welcome!



 

Ghee, the golden elixir of Ayurveda

Judi Harvin
If you've ever given more than a passing nod to the Indian system of health called "Ayurveda", you've heard about ghee. Ghee is clarified butter; butter that has been simmered until the water and milk solids are removed. The water steams out, and the milk solids fall to the bottom of the pan. What lies between is a clear, golden liquid. This is the ghee.

As the ghee cools, it will solidify and become light yellow, and look very much like regular butter. However, ghee does not require refrigeration. Yes, it's true...not only can you leave it at room temperature in your pantry (a plus if you were an Ayurvedic practitioner in India hundreds of years ago), but it's said the medicinal qualities of ghee are enhanced with age.

Just what are the qualities that make ghee so magical? First, remember that Ayurveda does not frown upon oils as many western diets do. While moderation is key, (especially if you tend to be heavier), Ayurveda recognizes the benefits of healthy oils in the diet. And ghee is considered to be one of the healthiest.

All healthy oils improve the luster of the skin and hair. Oils are lubricating, so they nourish the connective tissues in the body, increasing flexibility. Healthy oils improve memory, being good for brain function. They feed the digestive fire, strengthening agni.

But ghee is the oil of choice in Ayurveda. Besides easy storage, ghee:

• has a higher smoke point than many other oils. Smoke point is the point when a heated oil begins to smoke, breaking down and losing its integrity. Ghee can be heated to a higher temperature and still be healthy to ingest
• nourishes the vital essences, particularly "ojas", or "vital sap" which feeds the immune system
• pacifies pitta and vata, and small amounts are fine for kappa
• is used not only culinarily, but on the skin and in the nostrils as a lubricant
• is used as a medical carrier for herbs, sometimes dropped into the eyes and ears by Ayurvedic practitioners
• is used in Ayurvedic cleanses as a way of loosening ama in the body, and in rejuvenating formulas.

Ghee can be purchased in grocery stores, but it's relatively expensive, and easy to make at home. For the price of a pound of organic, unsalted butter (the best starting point) you can have a jar of ghee in about 30 minutes.

Remember, ghee is still an oil, and should be used in moderation like any other oil. Small amounts (less than 10% of total daily calories) have been shown to be beneficial, even in decreasing cardiovascular risks. But, higher amounts can have the opposite affect.

If you'd like to try to make a batch of golden ghee, watch our very short video here demonstrating the process. 

And, if you'd like to experiment with ghee while learning more about Ayurveda, consider joining us for our January Ayurvedic cleanse. Learn more here.

Fatigue, aches, congestion...could a cleanse help?

Judi Harvin

Our bodies have a detox system constantly chugging away, and it does a pretty good job. But, the proliferation of toxins in our world today work the system pretty hard. When the system’s capabilities are overwhelmed, symptoms result: headaches, fatigue, digestive issues, sinus congestion, focus issues, muscle and joint aches, and much more.

Decreasing exposure to toxins with a gentle cleanse can help the system rest and rejuvenate.

In Ayurveda, the change of seasons is the traditional time to do a cleanse. However, I'm generally prime for a cleanse in January, and I suspect I'm not alone. Who isn't ready for a little detoxing after a month full of extra sugar, hot-toddies, and stresses? Plus, this is the traditional time to take stock of our habits and see if something needs a little tweaking. The changes we will create during this cleanse can become new habits.

So, I am hard at work planning a group cleanse to take place at Focus in January. This will be a slow, steady and gentle approach to eliminating toxins from our yogi temples. If you are wondering if this might be for you, read on.

What is a toxin? Here are the substances we will be looking at in this cleanse:

Environmental toxins  Air pollution, molds, chemicals, heavy metals abound in our environment. Our bodies work hard to cope, and do a pretty good job. While we cannot eliminate all toxins, to make the job easier for our overworked bods we will take a look specifically at the products we put on our outsides.

Ingested chemicals  Processed foods, artificial flavors and colors, and other chemical substances confuse the poor body...it just doesn’t know what to do with these things we are calling food and sending down the system. So, it pulls the alarm and treats them like evil toxins. Our detox systems work overtime, and inflammation results.

More no-nos  Caffeine, alcohol, and processed sugars are system stimulants and depressants. And I don’t think I need to mention that they are highly addictive. Let’s turn the tables on these attachments and rev our engines with good, healthy food and drinks.  

Allergens and sensitivities  Food allergies can have immediate affects. Sensitivities can be more subtle. Allergies and sensitivities are becoming much more prevalent, and if you are unaware of yours, you may be inadvertently feeding your poor system something it can’t handle.

Headaches from the sulfates in a glass of wine, stuffiness from dairy, digestive issues from wheat...we’ve all heard or experienced some of these. But what about tomatoes? Eggs? Corn? Citrus? Soy? These are difficult for some folks to handle. That veggie omelet or Mom’s homemade tomato sauce? Could they be causing symptoms? Hmmm.

Stress and negative thought patterns   Yes, we will be looking at these. And yes, they are toxic. Meditation, breathing and asana are a part of this program.

I’ve done several cleanses, and those experiences plus my knowledge of Ayurveda has helped me design this cleanse in a unique way. I’ll be sharing some specifics here next week.

In the meantime, see an outline of the components of this four class series here. And share this blog with friends you feel may be interested...the more support, the more fun and successful this cleanse can be!

Keeping balance in a body that resists change

As a practicing yogi, I have special powers. I can see into the future. If I wonder where I will be and what I'll be doing 5 minutes from now, I simply take a look around me. Chances are I'll be exactly in the same place as I am right now.

I heard that nugget somewhere and it stuck with me. The more I observed my actions, I saw it was true. If I am lying in bed in the morning, trying to talk myself into getting up, there is a good chance in 5 minutes I'll still be having the same conversation. If I am sitting on the couch, contemplating getting up and doing dishes, there is a good chance I'll still be there in 5 minutes, dishes congealing on the counter. The truth is, our bodies and our minds like to stay right where they are. They don't like change.

This may sound discouraging, since we all would like to be productive and active. We all have something we want to change, and discovering that we are battling nature, human and otherwise, is not helpful. Or is it?

In Ayurveda, there is a saying "Like attracts Like". In Ayurvedic terms, this means the elements that are strongest in our systems tend to absorb those same elements from our environment. If you're a light, airy, dry, cold Vatta-type, you'll feel especially cold and stiff on a windy, frigid winter day. A hot, fiery Pitta-type might feel uncomfortably hot and aggravated after a spicy meal. And, a sweet, solid, relaxed Kapha-type might never get off the sofa after consuming a heavy hot fudge sundae!

When our elements are in proper balance for us, all is well. We follow healthy routines. We can compensate for small environmental shifts. And, because the body and mind doesn't like change, we crave foods that will keep us in this balance. We have the energy to create healthy meals and exercise appropriately. We feel strong and happy!

But, what if a strong environmental shift comes along? What if we are hit with a big change, such as a move, job loss, heat wave, hectic schedule, disturbing argument, etc? What if the forces around us are so intense they bring out out of balance?

Well, same thing, only worse. If the heat in a fiery person is aggravated, they will become even hotter, maybe looking for conflict or craving heated physical exercise. An sad experience can cause a person struggling with heaviness and lethargy to crave a lie-in on the couch with a tub of Ben and Jerry's. And a major change can cause a disorganized, airy type to resist any attempts at routine and organization, puttering aimlessly while any real production ceases, wondering where the keys are.

Yes, this is nature. This is to be expected. Yet, knowledge is power. This leads me to my final, most exciting point:

Opposites create balance.

If Like qualities increase Like qualities, then Opposite qualities decrease Like qualities. (Catchy, huh?) So, when you are feeling out of balance, (and rest-assured, you know when that is), take a look at your cravings. Ask yourself, is indulging in this activity or food-type stuff going to make me feel better? Or, will it aggravate my imbalance? Can I put off indulging in XYZ, and try something totally opposite? At least for a few minutes?

This does require detachment and discipline. You need to recognize the imbalance, and look at it for what it is; too much of something in your system. Too much heat, cold, heaviness, airiness. Then, you need to determine what the opposite quality might be, and apply.

If you are feeling scattered and unfocused, resist indulging in mindless internet surfing. Try 10 minutes of meditation. Organize a drawer that you can later look at in pride and feel more grounded.

If you feel heavy and lethargic, eat a lighter meal, such as leafy greens or fruit. Go for a brisk walk.

If you are hot and irritable, resist the cardio-boxing class. Instead, pull out your bolster. Indulge in some restorative yoga and deep breathing. Then, make yourself a decadent ice cream cone.

Yep, someone has to get the treat.