Which jar? The old or the new?

Two things I always make time for no matter how busy my life gets are my yoga practice and reading. My love of books borders on obsession, and my taste is all over the place. At any given time, I have between eight to ten books on my nightstand of which I am somewhere between the first and last chapters of every one.

Last night I went to select a book off the tower beside my bed and found myself vacillating between two books: the Śiva Sūtras and The New Rules of Marketing and PR by David Meerman Scott. I paused, wondering how I could be equally drawn to two such radically different books at once.

One book, the Śiva Sūtras, is so chock full of ancient, timeless wisdom on ultimate reality and liberation that I’ve been working to get through it for almost two years. The other book, The New Rules of Marketing and PR, is full of lessons rooted in the present written by an incredible thought leader.

Just like these books, as a modern yoga practitioner, I often feel presented with a choice: Besides my own heart, where is the best place to look to for guidance—the old or the new? As soon as I heard the question, I heard the words of one of my teachers, “It doesn’t have to be either/or.”

So, I selected to spend five minutes finishing the chapter on podcasts in Scott’s great book. Then I opened up the Śiva Sūtras and was offered this bit of wisdom: “If the Highest Reality did not manifest in infinite variety, but remained cooped up within its solid, singleness, it would neither be the Highest Power nor Consciousness, but something like a jar.”

From knowledge and inspiration found online to offline, past or present, simple or complex, its forms are varied, many and all of value.

A little bit of sweetness makes the world go 'round

My daughter and I made a sweet, new version of banana bread today. Sometimes when I play around with recipes they end-up a total flop. This one, however, all came together surprisingly well. Substituting oat and millet flour for regular flour and turbinado sugar for refined, it's a relatively healthy treat. Since it's Friday, we went for chocolate chips, but carob chips would also be a great option. You could add walnuts as well.

Here's the recipe. If you try it, please let me know what you think.

Whisk together:
1 1/3 c. oat and millet flour (equal parts each)
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. baking powder

In a large bowl, beat on high:
5 1/2 TB butter
2/3 c. turbinado sugar

Slowing add 2 eggs to above.

Gradually add flour mixture to above mixture until fully combined. (Note: do not over mix.)

Fold in two overripe and fully mashed bananas and 1/2 c. organic chocolate chips.

Cook at 350° until done.

Happy eating - My daughter and I found this to die for warm with the chips still gooey!

What was I thinking?

It arrived last week – A Sanskrit English Dictionary by M. Monier Williams. Mind you, this is not just any old Sanskrit English dictionary. Never one to do things halfway, I ordered the motherload of Sanskrit English dictionaries – the one all the reviews said was the “must have” for a serious student of Yoga. I’m serious, right? Well, let’s just say this book will test that theory.

Since last week, I have sat with it on my desk, only opened once since I pulled it out of its brown UPS box. I am completely intimated, which is really quite scary, seeing as I work with words for a living.

I finally opened it today, and here was the word that jumped off the page – "Khyana," which means, “collecting or gathering (only for present needs).”

Well, I thought, “What do I need to gather right now to overcome my fear of diving into this truly extraordinary book?” I took a big, deep breath and turned the page. The word "Prasara" met me. I read the first definition. Ah … how fitting … “going forwards.”

PS: I was accidentally sent two copies (as if one weren’t enough!). Note to any of my Phoenix friends seeking a 1,300+ page Sanskrit English dictionary: Give me a call. I’m pretty certain I only need one copy.

Spreading the light and love

My husband and I went down to Tucson last night to see Michael Franti and Spearhead in concert. What a great, fun show. As always, Franti was spreading the light and love and was amazing. A big surprise was the opening act, who totally blew me away - a young guy, but obviously an old soul and yogi at heart, named Trevor Hall. Check him out at http://www.trevorhallmusic.com/.

Here is a taste of his lyrics. Kabir is one of his influences. You gotta love that!

"My strength comes from the river. The Eternal River. A transcendent sight. Maintain internal heights. To see the transcendent being. Must keep both hands clean. Keep my heart light. Maintain internal heights."
(Song: Internal Heights)

Yoga to the People

I have always loved this yoga manifesto by a group of yogis who clearly "get it." I often pull it out and read it when I'm feeling a bit down and out about life, my yoga practice or teaching. It always lifts my spirits and reminds me of what the practice is really about: in yoga, all are welcome!

There will be no correct clothes
There will be no proper payment
There will be no right answers
No glorified teachers
No ego no script no pedestals
No you're not good enough or rich enough
This yoga is for everyone
This sweating and breathing and becoming
This knowing glowing feeling
Is for the big small weak and strong
Able and crazy
Brothers sisters grandmothers
The mighty and meek
Bones that creak
Those who seek
This power is for everyone
Yoga to the People
All bodies rise

©Yoga To The People, 2005

Silence cures all

Sometimes life is truly serendipitous. For several days, I have been struggling with a challenging decision. While I knew I was getting close to an answer, I was still uncertain about the best course of action.

Then, I received two emails: The first, an e-newsletter written by Rod Stryker, a teacher I enjoy studying with as often as I can. In it he quoted the Vedas – “silence cures all” – and went on to state in his own words, “For the yogi, silence is the doorway to the treasures of the Eternal.” The second email featured the Sanskrit word swasthya, which means “established in oneself,” the Self that can only be accessed via silence.

Was the universe sending me an age-old message via modern technology? I think so! So, I made time for some deep silence. I’m not saying the decision then became an easy one. No matter what I chose, something would have to be given up. However, my decision did become clearer after finding time for stillness.

It’s simple, yet true: silence is, always has been and forever will be the key.

Aging begins in the feet

According to Chinese medicine, aging begins in the feet. As we get older, many of us literally “lose the spring in our step,” says Nischala Joy Devi in her book The Healing Path of Yoga. Problems in the feet can affect the ankles, knees, hips and lower back. Yoga is a great tool for keeping our feet strong and supple. In fact, the most foundational pose of yoga – Samasthithi (equal standing) or Mountain pose – is the starting point for good alignment and health in our feet.

Here are a few yoga tips and tricks for youthful feet:

Four corners: In yoga, each foot has four corners – two corners are at the top of the heel on the outside and inside edges; the other two corners are on the outside and inside of the ball of the foot. Stand on your feet. Look at your feet and bring them sitting bone distance apart (this is slightly narrower than hip width) and parallel to one another. Now, try to place equal weight on each corner of the foot. Practice this whenever you can and soon it will become habit. Most of us have a tendency to place more weight in one or more corners. Notice your tendencies and focus on equality through each corner.

Finding space: Come to standing again with the feet sitting bone distance apart and parallel to one another. Then leave your right heel on the floor and lift the rest of the foot off the floor just a bit. Without moving the heel, from the back corners of your feet, lenthen your foot forward through the ball and toes. You may only be able to lenghthen a very tiny amount, which is normal. Now, place the mound of your big toe down and begin to lenthen from that point to the little toe mound (this is the transverse arch). Gently release the toes to the floor – try to release them one at a time. Repeat on the other side. Now find the equality between the four corners again. This action will eventually create more space in the feet, leading to a more supportive foundation for your whole body.

Foot and ankle shake: Sit on the floor or in a chair. Place one foot on the opposite thigh. Weave your right fingers through your left toes (There will be some tight spots: Don’t force your fingers too much; the feet will open up with practice). Once you’ve woven your fingers and toes together, shake the foot forward and back and then circle it around in both directions a few times. Spread your toes wide to release the fingers. Repeat on the opposite foot. This is one of my all-time favorite ways to work the feet. It’s accessible to almost everyone and it’s a great thing to do everyday. If you’re feet or ankles feel stiff in the moring, do this before you get out of bed.

The Lovely List features The Milkweed Project

The Milkweed Project (a large art collaboration that my lovely sister Shan Bryan-Hanson is working on) was featured on The Lovely List yesterday. The unique variety of things featured on this blog make it a worthwhile blog stop. The fact that The Lovely List gives away one cruiser bike per month is icing on the cake. Check it out at http://www.thelovelylist.com/2009/09/the-milkweed-project.html. Also, learn more about The Milkweed Project and how you can contribute.

Change your life - Anusara Immersions

There are a few events in each of our lives that change us forever: That teach us about who we are and how to become more fully who we already are; that invite us to dive into life with enthusiasm and joy; and live without fear and reservation. Anusara Immersions with Meg Byerlein, BSN, CYI, E-RYT, Certified Anusara® Instructor, have been such events for me. A few weeks ago I completed the second of the three series of Immersions, and wish I could do it all over again - I guess I'll just have to wait for Immersion III! If you are or have ever contemplated doing an Anusara Immersion, I invite you to learn more about it. Anusara Immersion I begins at Desert Song Yoga in Phoenix, AZ on September 11th.

Today is a day to go deeper

Mid-way through my practice, I slide my right knee toward my corresponding wrist. I bow forward and fill-in my waistline with breath. Firmly anchoring my tailbone toward the earth and drawing my outer edges to my physical and spiritual midline, I walk my hands back and come upright. For a moment I pause – eyes closed – waiting to feel the intelligence of my body answer the question, “What next?” Pause. Breathe. Settle. I outstretch my arms and bend into them like a great Saguaro cactus. Hips down, heart up, I arch back and pull my elbows toward my waistline. Pause. Breathe. Settle. Then, with the ease of water, my arms flow down by my sides, fingertips reaching toward the earth. From the back of my heart, I lift to the sky. Today is a day to go deeper.

Tingsha bell thief

Every so often the Tingsha bells from my meditation alter go missing. The Tingsha bell thief is my daughter, who likes to use them to “ding” her “kids” (a.k.a. about 20 stuffed animals) out of sleeping angel, otherwise known as Savasana, at the end of her pretend yoga classes.

You will never encounter a bossier yoga teacher than my daughter. And, it’s a real trip to be her student of which, along with the “kids,” I am often one. We usually start on all fours with her pulling me by the hair back and forth into cat/cow. Next comes downward-facing dog, where she proceeds to hang yoga straps all over me like a Christmas tree. A bit odd, but at least I get to linger in dog before being asked to stand on my head so she can put legos on my feet. In her class, it’s headstand right into sleeping angel. Ouch! I beg for a child’s pose. Sometimes I get one and can even convince her to sit on my hips.

Finally, the pièce de résistance: While in sleeping angel, my daughter massages my feet. And, if I’m lucky, the class concludes with a kiss on the cheek and an “I love you, Mommy.”

This little story is all to say it’s worth Tingsha bells gone missing.