Hello yogi friends!  It has been quite a while since my last blog.  I have been working on bringing the ashram home.  In the time that I have spent away from actively posting on this site, I have been building a home and raising a family.  It has been my intention to dedicate myself to being a wife and a mother.  With pure devotion I have been pouring my love and passion into my family.  I have truly enjoyed this special time.  I have also been teaching yoga, mindfulness and meditation to children and teenagers in grades K-12, as well as their teachers!  Momma has been busy.
  
I have been working on a series of lessons called "Keep Calm and Yoga On!" designed specifically for young people.  Inspired by the motivational British WWII poster, my intention was to use yoga as a tool to raise the morale of students’ distance learning during the COVID-19 epidemic, and to offer healthy choices to stay physically active and mentally healthy.  I have been inspired to share with you some of the work that I have been doing in an effort to be of service to anyone searching for a better way or a deeper connection with self. 
My intuition is gently guiding me to share with you that which has given me strength and solace in this time of fear and uncertainty.  Be well.  Keep calm and yoga on my friends.  I am here with you.
 
Keep Calm and Yoga On!
 
“Today, I do something nice for my neighbor, I do something nice for my friends.”
 
Yoga is more than just breathing and stretching.  It is a philosophy that dates back 5,000 years.  Asana, or the physical movement of yoga, prepares the body for meditation, stilling the mind.  Practicing balancing yoga poses help us to focus our mind on one point, helping us not only to find balance in our body and lives, but also preparing the mind for the concentration of meditation.  Yoga teaches us to observe certain guidelines, like purity, by practicing in a clean place, and caring for our bodies with good hygiene.  Yoga teaches us that we are all one, we are all connected in one community, in one world.  Therefore, we should restrain ourselves from being violent to one another in our thoughts, words, or actions.  With dedication, clear intention, connection to our breath and our higher self, may we embrace our inner warrior and be an instrument of peace.  Let us be courageous enough to forgive all, love everyone and stand in the power of knowing that we are all connected, we are all one.  Keep Calm and Yoga On!  Namaste.
 
1) “Time In” with yourself.  Notice your breath.   Feel yourself in your body.  Just be… just breathe…  Acknowledge how you feel.  Accept yourself as you are, right now.  Find peace in the stillness.  Focus on your breath.  Slowly open your eyes.  Set your daily intention.  For example:
 
“Today, I do something nice for my neighbor, I do something nice for my friends.”
 
2) Practice Balloon Breath.  Place one or both hands on your belly, then, breathing deeply feel your belly rise on the inhale like a balloon slowly filling with air.  On the exhale, feel the lower belly fall or contract.  This breath can be done sitting up, however, it is recommended that you do this breath lying down on your back in Rest Pose.  After a few rounds (3-5), return to normal breathing.  Reach your arms over your head, stretch from the tip of your fingers down to the tip of your toes.  Come to lie in your right side in Fetal Pose.  Gently push up to sit tall in Easy Seat.   
 
3) Practice your yoga.  Connect to your breath.  Focus on your intention.  Move your body.  Try this yoga (asana) practice for developing patience.
 
https://www.yogajournal.com/videos/sequence-for-patience
 
4) Finally come to lie in rest pose.  After at least 5 minutes, come to lie in Fetal Pose on your right side.  Gently push yourself up to sit tall in Easy Seat. 
 
5) Spend a few quite moments in meditation.  Try your best to be still and just breathe.
 
Namaste.
Peace Out.
 
Mrs. K
 
How did you feel before your yoga practice?
 
How do you feel after you practiced yoga?
 
Learning Target:
I can recognize the importance of physical activity and its impact on wellness, including physical, mental, and emotional health; enjoyment; challenge; self-expression; learning readiness; and social interaction.
Objectives:
Students will be exposed to a variety of activities providing them the opportunity to:
Apply learned fundamental skills.
Utilize physical activity as a tool to manage stress.
Students will demonstrate proficiency through knowledge and acquired skills enabling them to:
Develop an appreciation of physical activity as a lifetime pursuit and a means to better health.

By: Rita-Marie Murphy

     Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga is one of the latest trends in yoga.  It is a practice that I hope is here to stay! Yoga on a Stand Up Paddleboard is a great way to reinvigorate your yoga practice and connect with nature. With the paddleboard as the mat, yogis are able to refine their technique and become more in tune with their poses, while matching their breath to the rhythmic flow of the water.  Since the paddleboard is unstable, yogis must engage their core for better balance, translating into a better workout.  The best part of SUP Yoga is it teaches you how to get back up.  If you do fall, you learn how to overcome the setback, climb back up on your board and try again. SUP Yoga provides the opportunity to learn a meaningful life lesson and provides great motivation to stay balanced and focused on the present.

     This June, I earned my certification as a Stand Up Paddleboard Instructor with the Academy of Surfing Instructors and as a SUP Yoga Teacher with Paddle Diva of Southampton, NY.  Teaching yoga on a paddleboard, and my own personal training, has transformed both my practice and my body.  The paddling itself has been a great substitute for running; it has been better for my knees and has shredded my core.  I have lost a few pounds and inches, which I am grateful for because it did not even feel like I was working out!  I was paddling along the beautiful Connetquout River on Long Island’s South Shore or in Three Mile Harbor in Southampton. I was in a playful and adventurous state of mind.  The most blissful aspect of paddleboarding is that it forces you to stay in the moment.  You must be acutely aware of your natural surroundings, be it marine life or boaters.  You are practicing on a platform that glides along the water, and is vulnerable to waves and wind.  You must be present.  All of the while, you are taking in the overwhelmingly beautiful and majestic views of nature. 

     I have been fortunate enough to be teaching a few SUP Yoga classes a week at Adventure Paddleboards in Hampton Bays, and I offer my own class on the Connetquot River in Great River, NY with Bunger Surf Shop of Sayville.   SUP Yoga forces you to rethink even the most simple pose, yet the surrounding water gives you the courage to try even the most daring inversion or arm balance.  In my experience, I have found Tree Pose (Vrksasana) and Dancer’s Pose (Natarajasana) to be the most challenging, while Headstand (Sirsasana) and Side Crow (Parsva Bakasana) came with ease!  One windy Sunday morning in the Hampton Bays, Warrior I seemed almost impossible.  Your entire body works to maintain your balance, thus totally engaging your core and building strength, endurance and confidence.  There is a sweet surrender to nature that is made when you practice yoga on a paddleboard; you have no choice but to go with the flow.

     One afternoon I paddled south on the Connetquot River, a fresh water river that empties into the Great South Bay.  I followed a rivulet into a hidden cove and blessed the area with my practice.  As I lay in Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana), I reflected on an analogy in the Translation and Commentary of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by Sri Swami Satchidananda.

            Sutra 3. “Then the Seer (Self) abides in His own nature.”

            “…You think you are your reflection in the mind.  If the mind has a lot of waves like the surface of a lake, you will be seeing a distorted reflection.  If the water of that mental lake is muddy or colored you see your Self as muddy or colored. To see the true reflection, see that the water is clean and calm and without any ripples.  When the mind ceases to create thought forms or when the chittam is completely free from vrittis, it becomes clear and still as a lake and you see your true Self.”

     Is not seeing our true selves ultimately the quest we are all on along this path called yoga?Floating there on my board, I let go of my thoughts.   I envisioned my mind as a lake, and each thought as a wave or ripple in that lake.  With every exhale, I released a thought or a concern. I exhaled out all those things that were no longer serving me until the lake in my mind was as flat and calm as a plate of glass.  

     I am grateful for the serene practice of Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga. It is a great way to transform your physical practice and a wonderful way to connect nature.  I encourage all adventures yogis to get on a board and enjoy the glide!

  Yoga, Meditation, Mala and Mantras           

  By:  Rita-Marie Murphy

            Brrrrr! Winter is here and in full swing.  Days are shorter, our body receives less sunlight, and many us as are emotionally impacted.  Instead of being bummed out, we can use this time to develop a japa mala meditation practice in an effort to bring balance to our mind, body and spirit.  By developing a continuous meditation practice, we can reduce stress and anxiety, feel empowered and guide ourselves towards enlightenment.  You can get creative and make your own mala or you can purchase one.

            Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years as a means of preparing the body for long periods of meditation.  The physical asana practice exhausts the body, so that it can rest in Savasana (Corps Pose) and resist the urge to fidget or scratch, but instead slip into the sweetness of meditation.  It is in space between almost falling asleep and being conscious that we can reach enlightenment, or at the very least, have an enlightened thought or too.  Gradually working our way towards self-actualization and reaching our full potential.  Yoga is the gateway to the inner temple within us all; the physical asana practice paves the way while offering numerous physical, psychological and physiological benefits.  The body, mind and spirit (breath) are united allowing us to recharge, revitalize and transform ourselves.

            Mala prayer beads are a popular accessory worn by many yogis and hipsters, but they are much more than a material adornment.  Mala beads are prayer beads used to count prayers, as well as breath, and as a means of meditation.  This ancient Indian tool has been used by many cultures for centuries to keep the mind focused during meditation.  Bracelets or necklaces are organized in sets of 27, 54 or 108.  Each bracelet or necklace has a larger bead called a guru bead that serves as a starting and ending point.  The meditation process is called “Japa Mala.”  The Sanskrit meaning of the word “Japa” is recitation; the meaning of the word “Mala” is garland.  Japa Mala beads are infused with a particular mantra chosen by the wearer.  The mantra is a prayer that is recited for each bead in repetitions of 27, 54, and 108.  One last mantra is said for the larger guru bead with special intention sent to all teachers who have come before you, making an offering of reverence and respect.  The repetitive use of mantras can have powerful effects on the practitioner, enabling them to manifest things into their lives and overcome obstacles. 

There are many mantras to choose from, each invoking a specific power.  This power, combined with the user’s intention can be used to heal and attain worldly desires.  Mantras can be chanted allowed or mentally repeated.  In the ancient Hindu tradition, these prayers, when chanted correctly, had the power to transform the mind, body and spirit.  They come from the Vedas, originally an oral tradition passed down from generation to generation, and eventually recorded. The Aryans were an Indo-European group that migrated into ancient India somewhere between 1500 and 1700 B.C.; they are credited with bringing the Vedas into India.  The Vedas is a series of spells, prayers, chants and incantations that were said to have magical powers. It is these prayers that were used to breathe life back into Lord Ganesha after his father, Lord Shiva, beheaded him; transforming him into the elephant headed deity that holds a special place in the pantheon of Hindu gods as being the gateway to Lord Shiva. 

            The uses of beads in prayer dates back as far as the 8th century B.C.E. and were first used in India. As a result of conquest, trade and cultural diffusion, japa mala was adopted by other cultures eventually becoming “Rosarium” or Rosary Beads used by Catholics to count their prayers.  The word “jap” in Latin means rose, hence Japa beads became Rosary Beads.

            You can purchase japa malas or you can create your own.  You can chose from many different materials to make your japa mala.  You may be able to recycle old or discarded jewelry or you can purchase new beads.  Crystal beads and gemstones are known from having specific energetic effects.  For example, the beautiful Rosewood is used to call upon Lord Ganesha, the “remover of obstacles” and the god of writers and academics.  Rosewood is also associated with the Divine Mother and is said to improve circulation and offer protection from negative energy.  Blue Lapis Lazuli is an ancient stone said to represent the spirit of God.  When worn, it is said to bring harmony to relationships, generate mental clarity and release old karmic patterns.  It is known for evoking the healing properties of truth, knowledge and wisdom.

            To use the japa mala in meditation, one must pick a mantra and set an intention to focus on during meditation.  After your yoga practice, find a comfortable place to sit and chose a comfortable seated posture.  Hold your japa mala in your right hand, close your eyes, and use your thumb to count each bead.  While holding the bead in between the thumb and the middle finger, repeat the mantra. The large guru bead is not counted until the end.   If you are using a wrist japa mala (27 beads), you will need to repeat this three times in order to reach 108.  The last mantra is said on the guru bead, making it a total of 109.  Keep the breath slow and steady, the back straight and the brow soft.  Allow the mind to focus on the repetition, let the thoughts slip away, clearing space in the mind.  The meditation should be repeated for 40 continuous days.  After that time, the japa mala will be infused with the energetic power of your mantra and your set intention.   

            Select a mantra using your intuition.  Choose a mantra that can be used to attract something to you, to receive healing energy, or to remove an obstacle.  Om Gum Ganapataye Namaha (Om Gumm Gun-uh-pah-tah-yay Nah-mah-ha) is a mantra that can be used to resolve problems and bring about the unity between our desire and the object of that desire.  It translates into, “Om and salutations to Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.” Om Shreem Maha Lakshmiyei Namah (Om shreem mah-hah lahk-shmee-yay swah-hah) is a mantra offered to the Goddess Lakshmi who is known for working with Lord Ganesha.  Once your obstacles are removed, the Goddess Lakshmi ushers in abundance, grace and beauty. It translates into “Om and salutations to she who manifests every kind of abundance.”  It is known for manifesting money and prosperity of all kinds.

            Use the winter months to restore and recharge your body, mind and soul.  When the weather outside becomes frightful, use the down time to make your own japa mala.  Set an intention.  Challenge yourself with 40 days of meditation.  Change your life for the better.  Gain mindfulness, reduce stress and empower yourself to reach your full potential.  Connect to that inner light that shines within us all to illuminate the temple within.

With love and thanks to Jenna DiPaolo of Always-At-Aum Yoga School, Babylon, NY for the inspiration for this  blog entry.

Namaste.

Manifest Your Own Destiny-

Creating a Manifestation Action Plan and a Vision Board

By Rita-Marie Murphy

 

            Thoughts become things.  Whether we choose to accept it or not, we are powerful beyond our means.  Within every single one of us is the power to manifest our own destiny and turn our dreams into a reality.  Yoga is the gateway to the spiritual center within us; the divine spark of God that dwells within all us is attainable through one of the many paths of yoga and meditation. The physical practice of yoga prepares the body for long periods of meditation.  In meditation, we have the opportunity to surrender to the breath and hopefully reach enlightened bliss.  After repeated practice we not only gain strength and flexibility, but improved mindfulness and cognitive abilities.  We learn how to become present and aware of the senses.  We learn how to tap into ourselves and connect to our souls on a deeper, more intuitive level.  This is where we can harness the magic force to manifest that each and every one of us possesses.

            Many of us know what we want out of life, or at least have a general idea.  It is the how that often sets us back.  Whether or not we realize it, the thoughts we hold in our mind become things.  Our fears serve as obstacles pushing our dreams further out of our reach.  Pay attention to your thoughts.  You will soon realize that the things that come most quickly to you are the things that you believe in, without any fear attached.  It is those things that we want most, that we fear we will never be able to attain, that seem impossible.  Thus, pushing them even further away.  You must BELIEVE that you are worthy and deserving of what it is that you want in order to make your dreams a reality.  “A man is but the product of his thoughts.  What he thinks he becomes” (Mohandas Karamchand Ghandi).  The word “Impossible” is simply a typo.  An apostrophe is missing.  “Impossible” actually is “I’m Possible.”

            We are responsible for our thoughts, words and deeds. We are human and in that we are imperfect.  Yet, with each stumble, each fall, we learn something about humanity and ourselves.  We learn and grow, gaining wisdom, compassion and confidence.  Aristotle once said, “Happiness depends upon ourselves.”  So we must take responsibility for our lives and take hold of the reigns so that we can create the reality we wish to see. We can manifest our own destiny.  We have the unique ability to attract to ourselves abundance- wealth, career success, love, family, dream homes, you name it!  You CAN have it all.  Abundance is your birthright.  God, in his infinite wisdom, created enough for everyone.  We only fool ourselves into thinking that there is not enough.  If we can change our perspective we can harness the power of imagination and creation to command the universe to bring forth all those things that you BELIEVE you are worthy and deserving of.  All we have to do is be like children, and make believe.

            The trick to manifesting is being crystal clear on your intentions.  What is it that you really want out of life? What will bring you happiness? Peace? Fulfillment?  These questions are not easy to answer.  In order to connect to that intuitive self, try an at home yoga and meditation practice. 

            Find a clean, comfortable, quite area of your home.  Bring a journal and a pen. Sit in a comfortable seated position, lifting through the crown of the head with each inhale and grounding through the sit bones with each exhale.  Bring the right hand in front of the face, bringing the middle and pointer fingers together.  Place the two fingers between the eyebrows, where the third eye would be.  Inhale both nostrils.  Close the eyes, close both nostrils with the thumb and the ring finger.  Pause.  Exhale left nostril.  Inhale left nostril.  Close both nostrils with the ring finger and the thumb.  Pause.  Exhale right nostril.  Inhale right nostril.  Close both.  Pause.  Exhale left.  Continue on like this for twelve breaths.  Open the eyes.  Reach both arms up overhead, press the hands into a prayer and lower down to heart center.  Bring the knees together, rock forward and back massaging the spine.  Roll up to a Supported Should Stand when you are ready, or put your legs up against a wall.  Stay in this posture as long as you can, with your eyes closed, concentration on the third eye.  Roll slowly down.  Lie in Corps Pose for several minutes.  Roll over to your right side into a Fetal Pose.  After a few breathes, push up to a seated pose using your left hand. 

            Create your manifest action plan.  Map out your life.  Do not worry about the how.  Simply state that it will be a reality.  The language is simple. “By time frame, I will have________________, be _______________, etc.”  For example, “By fall 2014, I will have earned my 500 hour yoga teaching certificate.”  You fill in the blanks with the time frame and the goal.  Be concise.  Create a reasonable time frame, we do not want to set ourselves up for failure, but rather create a space where possibilities can occur.  Do not worry about the details of how it will happen.  That is for the universe to figure out.  All you have to do is place your order.  Go deeper than manifesting a fancy house, or beach vacation.  Do not be limited by those material things we all lust after, wealth, hot people to share it with, fancy stuff.  Connect to what you want to feel in this future reality.  Think of the characteristics of the workplace you hope to be in, or the relationship you seek.   Connect your affirmations to this activity.  Trust that you deserve to work in an environment that uses your creative talents and abilities.  Believe that you deserve to work with people that value your talents and skills and are a pleasure to work with.  Connect to the feelings of what it would be like to have those things.  Make believe.  Pretend you have them already.

            Begin your image search, page through magazines.  Allow your intuition to guide you.  Select images that generate a gut reaction.  Identify the characteristics you would like to manifest in your life.  You are the artist of your own life. Paint an illustrious picture.  Manifest your destiny with a Vision Board.  Now that you have your M.A.P. (Manifestation Action Plan), the Vision Board should be easy.  Once you have your images, paste them to a piece of poster paper.  Allow your vision board to evolve.  As you make your way through your daily routine, pay attention to images that inspire you.  You are creating a magnet with your vision board.  Keep your thoughts positive.  Fill them with hope and possibility.

            “The greatest revolution in our generation is the discovery that human beings, by changing their inner attitudes of their minds, change the outer aspects of their lives” (William James).  You are worthy and deserving of abundance, in all areas of your life.  It is there for each and every one of us.  All we have to do is BELIEVE. Believe it and you will see it.  

Mindfulness-
On the mat and in our lives
By: Rita-Marie Murphy

            September is one of my favorite months of the year.  As I desperately cling to the last lingering days of summer I am reminded of all the things that I adore about the season, helping me to appreciate all the warm rays of sunshine, gentle ocean breezes and the leisure time spent frolicking in all of natures wonders.  September is also a month of transition, returning to the routine of school and work and adjusting to changing temperatures, shorter days and longer nights. It can be a time of new beginnings and second chances. It is during this month that we also commemorate 9/11, a day that changed the world forever.  I was student teaching an 8th grade Social Studies Honors class on the day that the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were attacked, and when a plane full of brave Americans gave their last breath to prevent terrorists from completing their third targeted attack.  In addition to being a yoga instructor, I am also a Social Studies teacher and a Yoga Ed. Instructor.  Every year on 9/11, I wonder how this anniversary should be commemorated.  I realize the significance of the responsibility of being a teacher and when I gaze into those young impressionable eyes I have this gut wrenching sense of honor and patriotism to do my best to teach…but what?

            I begin each year with asking my students: "What does it means to be an American?"  Not such an easy question.  Most students offer answers that state “Freedom,” “Free Speech,” "Freedom of Religion,” “Democracy,” “Super Power,” “Rights,” “Opportunity,” “A place where you are free to be who you are and live your dreams.”  I then ask students to identify some common core values that unite us as Americans.  As a class, we generate a list.  The values that I always add and define are: Justice, Responsibility, Courage, Perseverance, Initiative, Equality, Popular Sovereignty, the concept of the “Common Good,” Life, Liberty  and the Pursuit of Happiness.  After we can all agree to the values that all of us, as Americans, can unite around, I define terrorism and explain the events of that day.   I tell students of the horrors, the negative energy that thrived all around us, the fear we all felt, the innocent lives that were lost, and the many acts of heroism that thrived in those moments of darkness when warriors of light rose up to fight the forces of evil. I reflect on the ways communities and nations united.  I end the class celebrating the ways that individuals donated their time and resources.  I explain that firehouses and schools were inundated with supplies of bottle water, juices and food.  I remember how hard it was to find an American flag to purchase. Stores were sold out because every citizen wanted to hang the American flag in a sign of strength, solidarity and perseverance.  We as Americans joined together in community’s nationwide to say “No!” to terrorism.  America would rise again and the light of democracy would always shine bright from our shores.  Liberty was our birthright. No one- terrorist, evil dictator, monarch or elected official, could take that away from us.  I asked my students to commemorate 9/11 every year by spending some time reflecting on the question- “What does it mean to be an American?” I encouraged them to allow the definition to evolve over time and to remember these values and how we, as Americans, can live our lives demonstrating these characteristics each and every day.

            Each year, I reflect long after the lesson is over, on how I can demonstrate these characteristics as an American citizen and as a yogi.  My intuitive response is mindfulness.  I remind myself to be mindful in my thoughts, remembering that thoughts become things.  I encourage myself to fill my thoughts will hope and possibility.  I remind myself to be mindful of the words I choose to use, encouraging myself to select words that will build and not break, to use words that will inspire and empower, not destroy.  I remind myself to search for the love and light that shines from within every person, situation and encounter and to seek out the love and light that dwells within myself; it is there in each and every one of us.  This is my yogic message and the philosophy that guides my life as a yogi.  I can transfer this philosophy to my civic mindfulness as well.  In fact, as yogis and as Americans, I believe that we have a greater civic duty to shed the light of mindfulness to all those around us.  We are all connected. 

            As Americans, we believe in the concept of popular sovereignty and the notion that we as a people can guide our government in the direction of the common good where all citizens will be treated equally before the laws, where justice rings true, where laws are just and enforced in a nonviolent manner.  Ultimately, we believe in the ability of human beings to make progress and to govern themselves. We celebrate heroes like George Washington, whose courage, honor and integrity were legendary.  We applaud men like Ghandi who taught that human beings have the unique potential to create the world that they wish to see.  We even create fictional role models to guide us and encourage us along the path of democracy.  Rosie the Riveter was right, “We can do it!” As long as God continues to bless us with a new day, we will always have the chance to get it right…eventually.  But how? 

            Election day is not the only day that we as citizens can use our power to guide our government and create the world we wish to live in.  Election day occurs once a year.  We, as Americans, can use our role as consumers to vote each and every time we spend a dollar.  We, as American yogis, can lead by example and educate at every opportunity.  If we can utilize our spending power to choose companies that are mindful of their carbon footprint, of the resources they use and how they use them, of the way they treat their employees, their customers, and the communities in which they operate, we can change the world.  Call me naive, ingenuous and childlike.  This may not be the solution to every problem, foreign or domestic.  However, remember that Jesus once said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of Heaven.”- Matthew 18:3.  Be reminded of the message of the Buddha in his final farewell, “Be ye lamps unto yourselves…” One step, one dollar spent in the right direction, could create the energy we need to change our world for the better and see the blessings of democracy bestowed throughout the world. We can do it.

            As consumers we can be more mindful to choose to purchase products from companies who are conscious of the carbon footprint that they leave behind.  We can chose to support companies that give back to their communities and use resources that are eco-friendly in a safe and responsible way.  We can educate ourselves about economic policies such as NAFTA and CAFTA and urge our elected officials to revisit these policies, as they offered empty promises to the people of Latin America and the Caribbean and have led to the destruction of natural eco-systems and economic disaster to other American countries.  Essentially, Latin American and Caribbean nations were promised assistance in becoming first world nations, they were told there would be more jobs and improved conditions.  What ultimately happened is that North American companies were offered tax incentives to build in under developed communities, where they deforested the area, used the natural resources and paid employees lower wages than they would in North America.  Companies often move to the next area with better tax incentives, leaving their eco devastation and moving jobs elsewhere.  These are the real reasons behind the roots of migration.  People who live in Latin American love their countries and do not want to leave.  They come to America because there are jobs here, not in their homeland.  We could stop illegal immigration if we really wanted to if we revisited NAFTA and CAFTA.  Not only have these policies devastated eco-systems and economic systems, it also led to obesity in countries like Mexico.  There is a lack of potable water.  Poverty means the only thing families can afford is soda instead of bottled water, processed foods instead of fresh fruits and vegetables.  Mexico used to produce 11 different varieties of corn.  Now, as per NAFTA and CAFTA, the U.S.A. produces corn and sells the lowest grade corn back to Mexico.  The corn sold back is the grade they traditionally used to feed their livestock.  For more information, check out Witness For Peace, a politically independent, nationwide grassroots organization committed to nonviolence, led by faith and conscience. WFP’s mission is to support peace, justice and sustainable economies in the Americas by changing U.S. policies and corporate practices that contribute to poverty and oppression in Latin America and the Caribbean. (www.witnessforpeace.org)

            As mindful consumers, we can chose companies like Cozy Orange and Sweet Riot. Cozy Orange creates eco-friendly yoga apparel and their mission extends beyond the mat and into our global communities. Cozy Orange is committed to making a lasting impact in the war against poverty by donating a portion of proceeds to developing economies in third world countries.  Sweet Riot is a company that produces chocolate and promotes social responsibility. The company believes that we can change the world.  Sweet Riot strives to weave social responsibility throughout their company in how they create their product, how they treat their people and in the business partnerships that they make.  Do your own research.  Read Newsweek.  Learn which companies are the “Greenest.”  Chose your products accordingly.  Be mindful, not just in how you show up on the mat, but how you present yourself to the world with the words you use and the actions you take.  Economically, consider your choices.  Use the blessings of technology to use your smart phone to do a Google search.  Take the time to invest in companies that invest in their communities and follow the principles that you believe in.  Sweet riot is right.  We can riot to change the world.  We can be peaceful and nonviolent and recognize that strength is not always about physicality, it is also about our mental abilities to think critically and analytically.  We have the power to change the world, and we can do it one dollar at a time.  Spend well warriors of light.  Invest responsibly.   Shed light to those in the darkness.  Donate your money and your time to causes that you believe in.  We, human beings, have the unique ability to persevere and to make progress.  Within us we have the power to create the world we wish to see.  Ghandi was right, so was Rosy.  “We can do it!”

 

Karmic Scars
Beyond the Shadows, Into the Light

By: Rita-Marie Murphy

            Have you ever asked yourself, “Why does this (fill in the black) keep happening to me?”  Have you ever found yourself experiencing the same problem in your personal relationships? These are our “samskaras” playing out over and over again like a broken record until we are able to accept ourselves as we are, for who we are and release whatever it is that is no longer serving us.  It is our “samskaras” that cause us to walk into a room with 999 angels only to pick the one person who is just as messed up as we are, then convince ourselves that this is the person whom we were destined to be with.  We recognize our shared experiences in others.  This reflection creates a sense of knowingness or belonging that draws us to this individual or experience through which we repeat the same patterns and find ourselves wondering where we went wrong.  We are comfortable with what is familiar.           

            Samskaras are karmic scars that we incur throughout our lives. They are the psychological imprints and emotional wounds that never seem to heal. Samskaras are individual impressions or actions that make up our conditioning. They are the patterns that we repeat in our thoughts and actions; they skew our perception of reality and ourselves.  Samskaras are the obstacles that we are all forever trying to overcome.

            Samskara originates from the Sanskrit words “sam” (complete or joined together) and “kara” (action, cause, or doing). Repeating samskaras reinforces them, creating a groove. Samskaras can be positive, it also means to polish or perfect; they can, however, be negative, creating the feeling that we are stuck in a rut. Through the practice and philosophy of yoga we can overcome our personal battles and break free, just like a butterfly busting out of its cocoon.

            Yoga helps us find ourselves, see ourselves and hopefully come to accept and love ourselves exactly as we are.  In Sanskrit, the word “yoga” means to yoke or unite. When we practice, we unite the mind, the body and the spirit.  We make an offering with our practice; our body performs a cosmic dance; our breath acts as the gateway to the divine.  Yoga prepares the body to sit for long periods of time in meditation.  We learn to clear the mind and be present, basking in the glory of who it is we really are.  In these moments we are able to recognize our behaviors, our patterns and the familiar grooves that we often comfortably rest in.  In these moments of clarity we stop asking, “Why does this keep on happening?” Instead we ask, “What does this pattern tell me about myself? What triggers me to repeat it?” This keen insight can be used to make a great shift away from the patterns that are no longer serving us in order to create and imprint new patterns or samskaras that will lead us to our highest selves.

            Yoga originates from India where Hinduism is the dominant religion.  Shiva, the lord of destruction and the cosmic dancer is artistically represented as having many different arms and legs, the locks of his hair whipping about. This is representative of the “tandava,” a particularly violent dance in which he moves wildly, thrashing his arms and legs and locks of hair around so forcefully as to break away the old so that the new may enter.  When he dances, Shiva makes mountains tremble, oceans swell and crashes into heavenly bodies knocking them off course or destroying them completely. The folklore and religious beliefs associated with Shiva provide meaningful symbolism that can be used to help us break samskaras and move beyond our obstacles.  In much Hindu art, Shiva is seen dancing on something.  That something is representative of our samskaras.  He is dancing on our obstacles.  Shiva teaches us that life is a dance; the key is to never stop dancing and to never let the dance get too dramatic.  We all will experience our “Black Swan” moments. The trick is to never let the shadows overpower the light.  Shadows cannot exist without light.  Our shadows, our samskaras, are a part of who we are; they are not who we are.  Our issues, problems, past, etc., only define us if we let them.  We, like the butterfly, can break through and transform ourselves into something of great beauty.  We can live in the light and let the shadows fall behind us.  According to Helen Keller, all we have to do is “keep our face to the sunshine.” 

            We can also dance!  Barre classes are a great way to use the body, breathe and movement to clear the mind, sculpt the form and liberate the soul.  Barre is a fusion of yoga, body sculpting and dance.  So throw on your favorite Cozy Orange yoga apparel and hit the mat, the barre or the dance floor.  Believe that you will persevere.  Know that breakdowns lead to break throughs.  Trust that you are never alone.  We are all connected. Namaste.

            If you are interested in trying a Barre class, check out Fluid Power Fitness of Sayville, NY. This studio offers amazing Barre classes!  Founder, Cathleen Deutscher, is an inspirational and talented teacher who brings her love of dance and fluid fitness into every class.