Last weekend Stephanie Delmanto taught us how to Eat and Cook Mindfully at the Rejuvenation Retreat and last night at Satsang Guruji reminded us why the children at Yogaville Ashram (alum including actor Liev Schreiber, musician Rivers Cuomo (Weezer) & Stefan Lessard (Dave Matthews Band) were nurtured in the right environment so that the ego can be curbed and kids stayed "Focused like arrows," Rev. Janaki said.

1. They are being fed from their environment harmony, collaboration, loving and giving they are being fed; 2. Food was simple, vegetarian non-violent, non-angry vibrations being absorbed - no junk food, loving vegetables. 

At 1:36 Guruji gets so passionate about this issue of healthy food just like me! 

Watch and listen at 1:36:31-- effect of broccoli on lung cancer!

All our food should be taken with an "Attitude of Gratitude!"
Bless you Guruji Rev. Jaganath Carrera.

May you be easeful and peaceful.  Thank you for already being so useful.

Om Shanti!

-- Yoga Girl 

Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays and New Year!

-- Peace, love, light and laughter from the cat who can purr, do a headstand and purr-suade others to stay paw-sitive!

2016 is going to be a great year.

This year's goals...

A Swami Cat CD of songs and stories.

         Swami Cat's Cookbook for Little Yogis

               Swami Cat videos that teach lessons on Yoga, Life and Staying Calm while Growing Up

                         More books by Swami Cat including a Coloring Book and the Origin of Swami                                    Cat & Yoga Girl

Here's a sweet little video my Yogi friends helped me put together this holiday season.

Enjoy & remember Yoga is a Practice not a Purr-fect!

Three Lessons From Puppy Love

1

I almost started Yoga class tonight with a thought about how my heart has expanded in ways I could never imagine.  When I think of my two furry babies, my heart glows and I get a bit giddy.  I was going to mention that could be a state of joy that we all live in all the time.  If we could only see the love and joy around us at all times-- let go of our judgement, misperceptions, fear, anger...okay there's a lot, as Patanjali states in The Yoga Sutras that we have to clean the mirror of, but it is not impossible.  Have you seen the Dalai Lama?  He looks as if he is in a constant state of giddy, bubbling over joy.  Maybe he has a puppy?  Just kidding, I know it comes from a daily practice of meditation and focus on love instead of hate.  Did you see the short video of Guruji Rev. Jaganath Carrera laughing while teaching about the philosophy of Yoga?  I am so grateful for my meditation practice for I get to feel this state of pure bliss for at least a few minutes a day.  And now to get that feeling to bubble to the surface all I have to do is think of my sweet girl and boy snuggling on a doggie bed made for one.

2

J and I just adopted the sweetest 3 legged fuzzball.  We named her Karmella (Karma for short.)  She nips all over Harrison, the Yoga Dog, to get him to play.  Harrison just takes it with a gentlemanly sigh of knowledge, patience and compassion.  Don't worry he plays, wrestles and runs with her -- he's never been so happy to have another dog, 24-7 to play with.  I watch them and can't help but smile. They live in a state of now.  They wake up with wonder of what this moment will bring, not the whole day, just the next moment.  They jump in the car with total surrender to wherever the driver is driving and enjoy the ride, not expecting anything.  Witnessing dogginess is witnessing Yoga in action.

3

This little girl stole my heart when I first met her.  I was worried about adopting a 3 legged dog. Would she be able to go up and down stairs?  Would she be able to play outside? Run?  All of the fear melted away once she put her warm soft head in my lap and licked my hand.  She is pure love.  She doesn't worry about not having a 4th leg.  She doesn't waste anytime feeling sorry for herself.  She just gets up and plays because it is fun.  She snuggles with anyone human, animal that she sees-- enjoying life fully.  She does take her time going down stairs, knowing her limits, but to watch her outside running full speed toward a tennis ball, you wouldn't know she was handicapped.

Often students ask me what type of Yoga I teach.  My usual response is a mixture of Sivananda and Integral Yoga or Yoga Life Society style.  When their eyes cross in non-comprehension, I then say, "Hatha."  Ah, then their eyes return to normal and I can tell they understand.  But do they really?  In America, Hatha means to many, a type of physical Yoga that uses breathing and is not "flow" Yoga.  

Yet, I have come to understand Hatha as a part of the Six Branches of Yoga.   Bhakti, Raja, Karma, Hatha and Japa.  Yogaville's website has a wonderful explanation:
http://www.yogaville.org/integral-yoga/about-integral-yoga/

HATHA YOGA actually is more than the asanas, relaxation & breathing.  There are also kriyas, or cleansing practices that strengthen the body and mind.  Here's my latest video on this subject.  Let me know if you end up trying it.  Or maybe you already do and have a story about it.  I'd love to hear it!

Oh, how I hated waking up yesterday.  A dark Pigpen-like cloud surrounded me most of the day for I hate New Year's Eve.  Ugh, all the lead up to the best fun night of the year.  The dilemma of to drink or not to drink, to make it a big eventful night or to lounge in footie pajamas watching Guardians of the Galaxy again.  The damn ending of a those 365 days makes me look back and judge myself, focusing on the negative.  All the things I didn't get done.  All the friends I wanted to keep more in touch with.  All the plays I wanted to see but didn't.  All the writing I wanted to get done but didn't.  All the-- yes I could go on and on but something happened this morning.  I woke up refreshed.  It's like clicking the reload button on the  browser-- everything just seemed to come in smoother, clearer and lighter.  I jumped up ready to start the year off right.  I did my Hatha practice this morning and my head was clear of the "Nagging Negatives."  I jumped in the Delaware with the intention of "Less thinking-- more jumping & having fun this year."  The old year was cold-burned off (along with maybe a toe or two) and I feel great.  

So now what?

How do I keep the mind clear and have ultimate fun?   Guruji says over and over that the goal of Yoga (all Yoga, not just Hatha) is to have ultimate, unwavering fun no matter what.

Okay dust bunnies, I will vanquish you with the joy of a youngster playing Star Wars.  Dishes- a doldrum?  Not possible-- (Okay I might need a little help with that one.  That's why I'm buying the mix of songs from Guardians of the Galaxy.) 

What else will I do?  Not get down on myself for what I haven't done and focus on what I have.
Such a simple concept.  

New rituals for the new year:

1.  Happy Thought of the Day

Elizabeth Gilbert has a Happy thought of the day.  She puts it in a glass jar each day, even on bad days.  Then she can pull one out when her dark days do come and she can smile remembering the happy moments.  I'm putting a jar next to my bed tonight.  

2. Practicing Hatha throughout the day-- a little in the AM, a lunch time ritual and then a few evening practices.  So if I can't get a full hour and a half session in, I still have done it throughout my day.  Might even make the nodding off as I ride home less of an occurrence.  4-5pm when I drive home from school-- that's my lowest energy time-- But not anymore.  That and my new suggestion from my doctor to take iron supplements.  I bet that's contributing to my lower energy.

Thank you "M" for the Spinach info.  http://www.vegetariantimes.com/blog/nutrition-face-off-raw-vs-cooked-spinach/  This should help with the low iron in my blood as well.  Lemon/Lime in my water to add vitamin C to aid in absorption of iron-- done deal.

3. And lastly see more friends this year.  Yes, a writer needs time at home in front of the computer, but the soul needs laughter & sharing.  So let me know if you'd like to catch a Yoga class, go for a hike, kayak, see a play or "Play Make Me Laugh" as we did when we were kids.  First one to laugh loses.  Or does she?


Happy 2015 everyone!

-- Yoga Girl

New Year of less thinking and more jumping in!

Air 35 Degrees 

Water 40 Degrees

Recently I took a trip and was delighted to find that changing my routine, reinvigorated my creativity and deepened my dedication to Yoga.  I wasn't on a Yoga retreat, wasn't on a gorgeous beach with palm trees lulling me into samadhi.  I was stuck in a cramped hotel room, with a view of DC's finest gray rooftops.  That is to say that it wasn't the beauty that inspired me, it was changing my routine.

I admit it.  I'm a Netflix junkie.  I watch movies as I make breakfast, then continue as I clean the dishes.  My dishes have never been so clean.  

Being away led me into a new routine and I'm so grateful for it.  Instead of constantly being bombarded by visuals, stories that were told to me and living vicariously through characters' lives, I found a stronger imagination.  

By fasting from stories, I dreamed deeper and remembered my dreams after I woke.  One of them has turned into a really great science fiction story that I hope to expand on.  

It is with this newfound knowledge that I implore you to change up your routine.  Turn off the constant input and let your mind find its own rhythm.  

I read somewhere that is what Tim Burton does.  He doesn't even do email.  (He has someone who does that for him-- which would be nice.)  He wants his creativity to flow and not be stifled from outside sources.  

Maybe you can't get away and change your routine.  Or maybe you just aren't ready yet to turn off the radio, Netflix, Twitter, emails.  You could then make a retreat for yourself...

Take a new class.  

You can join us for a Free Meditation class on Sundays in August 8 am to 8:30 am and stay for a Hatha class afterwards at the Yoga Loft in Freehold/Howell.  (Message me if you want more information.)

Or you might want to check out this free online class at UC Berkeley on the Science of Happiness.  It starts Sept. 9 and if you audit it for no credit, it is free.  

greatergood.berkeley.edu/happinesscourse

Another free possibility is:

http://futureofyogasummit.com/feature/1

Wishing you lots of creativity, joy, serenity and sunshine.

Namaste,

Karuna 

Been thinking a lot lately about Yoga.  I've renewed my personal practice and enjoy an hour in the morning outside with the dog lying in the sun next to me.  It is pure bliss.  Connecting to nature, hearing the birds, smelling the grass as I curl up into cobra, I am in joy.  As the sun shines through the trees onto my face, I am able to sit, just sit in meditation and soak in all that is right in the world, sending out thoughts of peace and healing to those at war, those in hospitals, those who are lonely, or unwell, and the animals, plants, oceans, etc.  Being outside practicing Hatha has grounded my practice and I can't wait to get outside in the morning for my soaking in the sweetness and serenity. 

Yet, at the same time, I'm worried about Yoga.  I worry that those who could benefit most from a practice like Yoga are not going to find it because they might not understand that Yoga is not stretching and posturing.  You know what I'm talking about?  The incredible, almost impossible to the 99% of us-- side angle crow posture where the arms hold up the whole body but the legs are out to the side. 

Okay, this is a pose I have accomplished once or twice, but not without laughing, sweating and feeling like a superhero for just a second, until I fall back into my mere mortal status.  It is wonderfully brilliant if you can do this pose.  So happy for you.  I envy your arm and core strength, but I fear that there are many people out there that think they can not do Yoga because of the popularity of Yoga flow classes and advanced Hatha classes that focus on these challenging poses, yet do not teach that this "Yoga"-- this body-centered Asana centric Yoga is only one of the eight limbs of the real, whole Yoga. 

Rev. Jaganath says that it like what happened to the bakers.  When bread was born it was of course made from natural, healthy wheat ground into flour and bread was made.  Then came the refined, bleached, processed flour that soon many bakers were baking with.  Those who held onto the first recipes could no longer call their bread made with wheat, they had to call it "whole wheat" even though that's what it was before.  That's what it had always been.  But with the new wheat being made, the bakers had to reinvent a name for their bread and so "whole wheat" was born.

Although many Yogis I know are now gluten-free, the symbolism can be read into very easily.  Our
modern American society, obsessed with looks and the body has filtered out what it wants to focus on most and forgets the rest of "Whole" Yoga.  Yet, from what I see as a public school teacher and a compassionate human being-- I think it is the rest of the practices of Yoga that is most needed today.  Yes it is true that we should continue to work on a strong core in order to stay healthy but what about the mind and spirit?  Can we not get them healthy as well?

"Whole" Yoga is made up of:
Raja Yoga (the Yoga of synthesis and the science of meditation and the mind.  It is a holistic approach founded on moral and ethical precepts)
Hatha Yoga (postures, techniques for breath control, deep relaxation, cleansing practices)
Bhakti Yoga (love and devotion to any form of God)
Jnana Yoga (study and self-analysis)
Japa Yoga (repetition of a mantra to clear, calm, and steady the mind
Karma Yoga (the path of selfless service.) 

Taken from: http://www.yogalifesociety.com/What_Is_Yoga.html

My wish for the upcoming year is for more people to realize that Yoga is more than strength of body, but strength of mind and spirit as well.  I try to remind my students in my Hatha classes that the Hatha we are practicing is a moving meditation.  Hatha Yoga was created 5,000 years ago for the sole purpose of helping us sit still in meditation.  I get sad every time someone leaves my class early before Sivasana at the end of class, for that is why we do all the other asanas-- this is the whole purpose of the class-- the synthesis of all that we did, the way our body heals.  As one of my teen students put it, "I always feel like I am flying, weightless, outside of my body.  That's my favorite part." 

So how do we help others understand that Yoga is for everybody.  For every BODY?  That Yoga as we know it in America is Hatha-- all of the movement oriented classes are under the umbrella of Hatha and that there is so much more to it. 

If you are interested in learning more, please let me know.  There are a few classes, meetups, gatherings that are specializing in "Whole Yoga."  Many only learn these lessons if they take a Yoga teacher's training class, and I'm not even sure it is taught in all classes.  I am saddened by this, as you can tell since you've made it this far in reading. 

My wish is that everyone, no matter what religion, no matter what physical shape, no matter what mental or spiritual shape they are in-- could find a practice to help her/him come to stillness, come to joy and peace.  There are probably hundreds of ways s/he could find this peace, but a practice like Yoga (or do we have to say, "Whole Yoga") is a proven, effective way for one to sustain find the peace and sustain it.

I have many friends who say that they tried Yoga but they couldn't sit still.  They jog to clear their head, or garden or they take pilates.  Wonderful I think to myself.  That is great they found something that helps them.   But what happens when they get injured and can't jog, take pilates, or it is winter and the plants are no longer there to garden?  What happens to their peace?  Ah, well-- Yoga (Whole Yoga) can go with you anywhere for you need nothing, except your own breath and a practice to guide you. 

Enjoy a slice of Whole Yoga today.  Go to http://www.yogalifesociety.com/Yoga_research_center.html  or sign up for a meditation class, teacher's training or come experience a Satsang.  Learn more about Yoga that is beyond just the body. 

“The yogi is not one who sits down to practise breathing exercises,” he wrote in his interpretation of the Gita. “He is one who looks upon all with an equal eye, sees other creatures in himself.” That's one pose that will truly reduce your stress. -- Sri Mahatma Gandhi

Taken from: http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2012/01/12/is-yoga-for-narcissists/when-high-achievers-do-yoga


With high hopes of spreading the love, light and joy,

Yoga Girl

Hath

Time goes so quickly when enjoying the summer sun. 

Backyard Yoga yesterday.
Peonies started to bloom and smell amazing.
Planning many videos and workshops for the summer with Yoga Girl.
New books on the horizon and continue to promote Swami Cat Says.
Do you know of a Yoga Studio or small bookstore that would enjoy a Swami Cat visit and book signing?  Summer's the time!  We travel!

Let us know-- so many ways to follow or contact Swami Cat.  And please do.  We love connecting with fans, students, fellow Yoga lovers.

Facebook
Twitter
Youtube
Here at adventuresofyogagirlandswamicat.blogspot.com.

As always feel free to send us your questions about Yoga, life, love and pet issues.

We love to answer them in our best Yogic-Cat-centric way.

And most of all, have you seen our happiest Yoga video yet?  Warning: you might want to push back from the computer a bit-- it will make you jump out of your seat and dance.

Om and lots of purr today,

Swami Cat

Tweeting not Twerking

Swami Cat's Grateful List

1. New home and litter box
2. Big backyard and new neighborhood to explore
3. Performing Swami Cat Yoga Workshops at camps, libraries and Yoga studios this summer
4. New video being edited by Yoga Girl as we speak
5. New friends
6. Inspiring other Yogis of the animal kingdom
7. Spring sunshine
8. A new way to connect to more Yogi friends-- Twitter!
9. "Best thing ever!" quote from Yoga Family Fun Day's Happy workshop with me (Swami Cat)
10. New Yoga and mediation room inspiring Yoga Girl's early morning meditation

Ah, Yoga.

Ah balance.  Work, looking for houses, finding a Yoga studio for Yoga Life Society and preparing our home to be shown to renters.  Phew, no wonder I keep forgetting little things.
Tomorrow I wake early and renew my vow to meditate every morning for 20 minutes.
In fact, I'm going to try at night if I don't make my morning sessions.
I have time tonight.

For inspiration, Guruji says to read about the masters of Yoga .  I found this on Facebook today.  Maybe you'll be inspired, yet Swami Satchidananda and Rev. Jaganath Carrera should be on that list and I told the person who posted it.

If you want info on them go to yogalifesociety.com.

Sri Gurudev Satchidanandaji and my master Guruji Rev. Jaganath Carrera

Here's the blog I read:
http://www.doyouyoga.com/10-yoga-icons-you-should-know/

Also I used to take classes from Dharma Mittra back when I lived in NYC.  I remember just starting his classes and he suggested everyone go up in crow pose and I laughed so hard, until I realized no one else was laughing.  They just did what he said.  I was in awe.  Now I can do crow, but I remind my classes that laughing is healthy and that Yoga is a practice-- we need something to practice or it would be called a perfect.

Good night, friends.  May you find a way to balance all that you do whether it is through Yoga or some other mindful practice.  And let me know how it is going for you.  Always good to gain strength from one another.

Blessings,

-- Yoga Girl

Nora the Piano Playing Cat

Lil Bub, Colonel Meow, and Nora the piano playing cat, have you heard of these guys?  They are online celebrities with hundreds of thousands of online fans across the world.  Lil Bub is now helping PETA promote spade, neutering and adoption.  

Lil Bub with DeNiro-- Wow!

Colonel Meow plotting revenge

So who are these guys' agents?  I need to talk to them.  Maybe next year I could be on Ellen dancing and meditating with her.  Here's to 2014- the year of Swami Cat!

Om Purr,
Swami Cat

Last minute holiday gift wrapping.

***NEW VIDEO***NEW VIDEO***NEW VIDEO***

Hope you enjoy our new video.  Let us know if you have any questions for Swami Cat.  We'll make a video out of it!  

Happy Holidays!

Swami Cat & Yoga Girl

DIY Yoga Mat Cleaner

I've used the same ten Yoga mats for years at school and for two summers for outdoor Yoga events.  I promised myself I'd give them a good cleaning before bringing them back into my classroom.  Well, they have been sitting on my terrace since the summer.  I thought if I brought them into the living room, I'd pop in a movie and I'd clean them.  So I there they sat for two weeks.  They mocked me every time I walked by.  I would try not to look in their direction.  Well no more.  

Tonight I finally sat down (literally) and wiped them down with vinegar, warm water, a touch of soap, and a mix of a few drops each of peppermint and eucalyptus oils.  

J says they smell horrible, but I think the vinegar will evaporate just like when I clean the bathroom mirrors.  This is a no Windex or cleaning detergent household.  We use baking soda, vinegar and Dr. Bronner's soap.

Now they are all over the house, spread open to dry.

I don't smell the vinegar at all, or maybe I'm just used to it.

You might want to try cleaning your Yoga mat as well.  It really doesn't take long.  It was just daunting looking at ten of them and knowing they were not just dirty, but grass-stained and had a few mud stains.  I think yours might be a bit easier to clean.

DIY Yoga Mat Cleaner Spray

1 part warm water with 3 parts white vinegar

• Add 8-12 drops of essential oils like eucalyptus, lemongrass, lavender, mint, or tea tree oil

Mix them up and put them in a spray bottle.

If really dirty (like mine) first wash down with a few drops of Dr. Bronner's soap in warm water.

Then towel off the whole mat as much as you can, to take out the excess water.  It should dry in about fifteen minutes.  If it doesn't wipe it down one more time with a dry clean towel.

Then enjoy your clean, fresh smelling mat.  (Let me know if you still smell the vinegar.  I swear I don't.)

Many Namastes to you,

Yoga Girl

Writing or Yoga?

I’ve been writing since I was twelve.  I wrote my feelings about the holocaust and other atrocities out as a sad (and bad) song, as a descriptive depressing poem.  There was also a diary.  A Barbie Diary with a lock and key. I wrote about how I liked a boy and he liked me.  Then I wrote about how the boy didn’t like me anymore.  I’ve been writing down the guts and glory of who I am for thirty years. 

Now, I am done. I don’t like it anymore.  I am giving up writing in a way.  I thought I’d be writing for television by now, or have my plays produced across the country but I guess that is not my fate. 

I’ve been struggling with what to put my energy into for a decade.  Writing or Yoga? Guruji Rev. Jaganath Carrera has always said go where the energy is growing.  I told myself I’d focus on writing for a year and it looked hopeful for a little while but suddenly I feel as if I’m in the zone, reading aloud one of my plays standing in the middle of Giant Stadium (yes I know it’s gone but that’s my image) and I look up and there is no one in the seats.  No one.  Cue the crickets.

Ah, my Ego.  For years I’ve been saying to myself that I just didn’t put enough effort into it.  I should send out more plays.  Meet more people in the “biz,” and network, network, network.  But things got real this year.  Maybe it was the death of a college friend who was my age.  Maybe it is my desire to buy a house and make roots serious roots in suburbia that is making me taking stock of my life, where I live, how I live and with whom I associate.  It’s all making me realize that I’ve been living just around the corner from La La land.  I don’t think making a living off my writing is my path anymore.

It’s a hard thing to admit to myself.  But if I am really honest, I have to admit; I’m really a teacher.  Yes, that’s who I am.  Wow, I don’t know why it’s hard for me to say I’m a teacher without a little bit of downward sliding of an inflection, as if embarrassed.  Maybe it’s the saying, “Those who can-- do; those who can’t-- teach.”  Who started that?  It’s really detrimental to the egos of those of us who do teach.  Maybe it’s time to tell myself that I’m really good at the job of sharing knowledge and my excitement about a subject with others.  What’s wrong with that?

Maybe it’s not as sexy as creator of imaginary worlds, (Of which I love to partake in—streaming online hours and months of my life away with episodes of Lost, The West Wing, Orange is the New Black, Top of the Lake and currently Frasier.)

I can see now how I’ve always been a teacher.  You can tell by my posts on Facebook—they are always about health or the environment, hoping that the provocative picture or scary informational chart will encourage others to save themselves and the world. 

This admission to myself is so freeing.  I am a teacher.  I feel like Nick Nolte at the end of Teachers the 1984 movie starring Ralph Macchio.  (Who I thought was so cool in this movie—but now I see as a troubled kid who really should take a shower and wash his hair.)  Nick Nolte runs out of the school and admits as the camera zooms in for a close up, “I’m a teacher.”  Then the credits role.  Okay, so I admit it.  But I’m not yet ready for my credits to roll.  I still have creative projects to do. 

Just finished editing a film for an artist in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the radio broadcast of War of the Worlds. http://www.BattleAtGroversMill.com/

Promoting Swami Cat books at Wellness Festivals and workshops.  Next one is on December 29th at the Yoga Life Society’s Kids Yoga program at the Yoga Loft.

And Save Feb. 27^th or 28^th evenings for a really thrilling production of the Churchill Jr. High’s Night of Thrills and Chills – Two One Act Plays, The Hitch Hiker (Was also a Twilight Zone episode) and The Real Margo, a modern suspense play. 

So it’s not like I won’t be busy.  Imagine me in this video eating lunch at my desk, updating lesson plans, adding to the drama club calendar and planning a new Swami Cat song all at the same time.  

Summertime, lots of relaxing by the pool, napping with a book in hand, walking by the ocean-- wait a moment... I'm not doing any of those things.  I am busy trying to promote Swami Cat's new book and get together a press kit for his workshop: Family Fun Yoga.  Swami Cat, I need a vacation!

Oh well, it is fun sharing all of the fun Yogic lessons with new friends.

I thought I posted this already but if I did.  Enjoy it again.

Gotta run.  I'm teaching class soon.

Blessings of love, light and laughter to you all.

As Swami Cat says, "You are the cat's meow."

Enjoy the sunshine!

Yoga Girl

So much to catch you up on...

1. Swami Cat book available on Amazon.  (And from me, just ask me.)
http://www.amazon.com/Swami-Cat-Wisdom-Purr/dp/1481923692/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1374858606&sr=1-1&keywords=swami+cat

2. Swami Cat and I (Yoga Girl) will be leading our first Family Fun Yoga event at Soulsational Music & Wellness Event Saturday (tomorrow) July 27th!  Whoo-hoo!  Bring the family, bring friends, all free!
http://soulsational.webs.com/

3. Outdoor Yoga classes are gaining momentum!  Join us next next Saturday August 3rd at 8am at Mercer County Park Marina Pavilion.  By Donation (100% proceeds go to Yoga Life Society.) Kayaking afterwards if you sign up-- contact me and I'll make sure they know you're joining us.
If we get many Yogis, I'll change the weekly classes to Saturdays at 8 am until the last week in August, we'll be away.   What do you think?  Fun, right?!

4. Lower Back/Buttock muscles causing you pain?  We were talking about this in class today.  (With the cool breeze off the lake, and the sun shining down-- really if you weren't there, you missed a relaxing Yoga class)  So many of my students ask about this problem.  We all know we sit too much, at the computer, in the car...

What are you doing to combat this?

Found this online today:http://www.yoganonymous.com/yoga-tune-up-is-crossing-your-legs-causing-low-back-pain-video-for-relief-inside/

Also try pigeon pose and locust.  Most of all, stop sitting so much.  Stand up and type.  Okay you can't stand and drive-- yet-- but someone should invent that!

And soon-- Yoga Girl and Swami Cat are doing a new video that might help you.  It's for all you Car Yogis out there.  You know what I'm talking about.  You use the back of the other chair to stretch your arms and shoulder blades.  Yes, I've seen you.

May you find peace, joy, sunshine and a smile today!

Om and Purr!
Yoga Girl

NEW NEW NEW

Hello my beautiful friends, it is time to ask you for a favor.  I will be posting more and more on the Swami Cat Facebook page, and it would be lovely if I could get 100 likes by the end of this month to kick off Swami Cat's new book.  Would you be ever so kind and go to https://www.facebook.com/pages/Swami-Cat/140598932630463?ref=hl and like his page!

Oh and Swami Cat, Yoga Girl and Nitya have published their first Children's Book of Yoga Philosophy.  Do you know any children that can do Tree Pose and love to "Om?"  Then you could share Swami Cat's words of wisdom with them.  If you buy Swami Cat's book before July 21st -- you'll get his autograph- just let me know and I'll send it to you or give it to you when I see you.  (It's a cute little sticker.)
Here's the link to the book:

https://www.createspace.com/4122827

Very exciting!

May your Bliss be overflowing this summer.

Namaste,

Yoga Girl

"You don't have to be afraid of anything."

Ah, yes it has been awhile since I wrote.  I've missed you all.
Tonight at Yoga class I read the April 6th passage from Swami Satchidananda's book The Golden Present, although it wasn't the one I planned on reading.  The passage must have been needed by someone in the class.  Maybe you need it as well?

"Have complete faith. Don't even go near fear. Remember: If anything has to happen, it will happen. Think, "All right, let it happen. I am bold! What's the use of being afraid of it? I'm not going to be able to stop anything that is meant to happen."

If you really have faith, you don't have to be afraid of anything. That doesn't mean that you should not be careful. Be careful, but don't be afraid."

Om Shanthi, Shanthi, Shanthi

Funny thing is, I was afraid to read the first sentence.  Since I teach in a gym I'm always trying to leave out any mention of God or faith and make it more universal.  Sometimes I replace the word God with "the universe" because I fear any new participants at the gym might find it too Spiritual and not be introduced to the Yoga style I know and love.  What do you think?  Anyway, I love the quote and it reminds me of Eleanor Roosevelt's quote which hangs in my room-- 

Hope it inspires you to enjoy life to the fullest.  Yoga Dog and I are facing our fear of lightning and thunder by sitting and watching the light show on the terrace.  Bravo!  It's July 4th in April!

P.S.-- I just started a new meetup group for the Yoga Life Society.  Would love it if you joined!  Check out the link:  Yoga Life Society Meetup Group

Back pain.
It's been on my mind a lot lately.
Maybe because it is my number one issue-- back, neck, down the left leg pain.
I know the causes-- scoliosis, flat feet and from birth my hips were off and one leg was turned in.  I almost was Laura from the Glass Menagerie.  I wondered why I adored the writing of Tennessee Williams so much.  Maybe that is why.

That's my problem, but yet, so many of us have back problems and it can't all stem from the same problems that I have.

It is our culture of sitting that does us in.

I've had several chiropractors tell me not to sit anymore.

Oh okay, when they make a car and desk for writers that allows me to stand all day, I'll get 'em.

I've been contemplating what to do about my on again, off again back pain for over fifteen years.  What helps-- Yoga of course.

Yet, it was getting really bad a few weeks ago.  I had the pain down the back of my leg stemming from my hip.  I was told it's not sciatica (phew) but I was still in pain.  You should have seen me driving.  I'm sure someone thought I was dancing.  I sat on my left leg.  You only need your right in an automatic.  Then I'd have my left ankle on top of my right thigh.  When I couldn't take that anymore I'd stretch the leg out as straight as I could, moving my seat all the way back.  I would have swung my leg out the rolled-down window if it wasn't so cold.

I tried all the usual suspects.  I tried the wedge or Cush Tush some manufacturers call it.

I tried back cushions, the massage seats for cars, the beads, etc.

Then it came to me.  I should try sitting like I do in Yoga class with my tailbone lifted.  It couldn't hurt. Right?  So I rolled a blanket and put it under my tailbone and not soon after I was feeling less pain.  Today I drive with it every day and I haven't felt pain in months.

The only problem is that it moves around a lot.  I was thinking of buying this...  anyone try it yet?


http://www.yogaback.com/The_YogaBack_for_Driving/new_YogaBackDriving_BU.html

http://www.backjoy.com/backjoy/cms/sit/sit

So how is your back?  

Here's what I do to make sure I keep my back as healthy as possible.

Cobra nice and slow

Pigeon

Eagle

Sun Salutations

Janu Sirsanana - Head to Knee pose

These and a back massage sure do help.

Here's to a healthy back for us all!

Om Shanti,

Yoga Girl

What does Yoga in action look like?
It looks like the parking lot of Trader Joe's compared to Shop Rite.  If you watch, you will see Trader Joe's patrons bringing the carts all the way back to their metal cart home right in front of the store.  At Shop Rite people leave their carts in the middle of parking spaces.
Taking the extra few steps to make it easier on others.
That is Yoga.

Soon to be kale chips!

Have you got an example of Yoga in action?

You could be a guest blog host!

Let me know.

Yoga Girl

P.S. They now sell cocoa almond butter.  Just in case you are a chocoholic but trying to be healthy like I am.