Posted by Sonja Logtenberg on May 13, 2009
I’d love to share a really simple contemplative practice that I’ve learned through the Radiant Mind course. Before I learned this simple practice of “just sitting”, I was pretty sure that seated mediation was not my bag. While I really enjoyed (or at least appreciated 
the practice of sitting, I found it damn near impossible to sit regularly. The notion of a regular contemplative practice seemed unnatural to my restless nature. I reasoned that a moving practice, such as dance and asana, were more in line with my shakti spirit. Truth be told, this was my well crafted excuse to not sit still.
And then I learned the practice of “just sitting” - a minimal contemplative practice that’s designed to lead to the experience of natural meditation, where meditation happens all by itself. The practice is so easy, that it’s hard to find a reason to not do it. It creates the optimal conditions for resting in unconditioned awareness free of all effort and ambition.
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Posted by Sonja Logtenberg on May 07, 2009
Check out this comprehensive article from AnmolMehta.Com on teaching a Kundalini yoga class. Even if you’re not a Kundalini teacher, this article has lots of thoughtful tips for leading a class.
I really appreciate the notes on “Tuning In”:
Always start a class with tuning in. Yoga is not just a physical science. It is a spiritual science and without spirit, you may as well be doing aerobics or something. In yoga, whether you have been explained it or not, you are dealing with cosmic energies, you are dealing with Kundalini & Prana. Such energies should be approached with respect, and the purpose of tuning in is ask your Higher Self and the Universe for Protection, Guidance and Inspiration. This ensures the energies do not harm you, you are guided correctly and you are provided ample inspiration to see the journey all the way back to the Source.
Enjoy!
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on Apr 21, 2009
A seasonal chart of tri-doshic foods and herbs to follow for optimal health this Spring.
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Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on Apr 17, 2009
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A quick but effective overview of simple adjustments a teacher can offer a student to create a positive response while utilizing hands-on enhancements.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on Apr 17, 2009
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In this Podcast, learn Bhastrika Pranayama, an incredibly powerful, toning and deeply effective breath technique to increase cardiovascular health, immunity, and overall vitality.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on Apr 16, 2009
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From food to herbs to proper body care Anna Colin offers spring time tips from an Ayurvedic practitioner’s point of view. Cleanse, shed, and get ready for a season of growth and expansion.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on Apr 14, 2009
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Sitting at work and the after-lunch tired feeling set in? Try this brief and rejuvenating series of movements with breath to continue the remainder of your day with presence and vitality.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on Apr 14, 2009
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Ujjayi Pranayama, the Victorious breath, is taught in this Podcast. Learn an effective method to increase heat, circulation, presence and mindfulness in your practice with this powerful breath.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on Apr 13, 2009
I have spent the better portion of the last ten years of my life in, on, and around rivers. Whether it is watching them gently roll by, gripping excitedly while whitewater kayaking, or exploring the banks and features of them from the Ganges in Northern India to the Slocan here in Nelson. This past weekend I dug out my kayaking gear and started the season (a little later than usual as I am getting colder as I get older?!). So much joy returns to me when I find myself watching the path of a river unfold while the trees, cold water, and birds pass by. I have often said that everything that I know, and everything that I will ever need to know I can, and have, learned from a river. The way they seamlessly meet the obstacles of the land, and forge on in their own direction, meandering, winding and finding their own authentic path to the ocean humbles me constantly.
Symbolic and literal, the life of a river carries the teachings of yoga in all aspects. When I find myself in the hands of a river, I can literally watch the progress of my personal yoga practice show me the merit of my discipline. As I struggle and paddle against the current, determined to not go where it is taking me, I remember that with the elements of trust and surrender that I have been working on in my practice a feeling of ease permeates. The impermanent manner in which rocks, birds, and trees pass by enthralls me with the moment but with a sense of observant detachment to stay present for the next set of obstacles that the river magically offers. Keeping a keen sense of involvement however, is always necessary, as the boulders, rocky shores, waterfalls, and lurking holes will distract and draw me in if I’m not present. I am constantly reminded to be on my true path while passionately involved in the intention and direction that I choose and want it to go.
A force that is as strong as it is graceful, determined on it’s path to the depth and vastness of the sea. To be in, on or around a river is to sit at the seat of the most learned Guru. I hope you all find a chance to watch, feel and learn from the spring melt that is all around us.
Blessings!