OM

Om is an intonation, a sound resonating throughout the body into the soul.  It signifies God, higher power, and the oneness of all beings in life's cycle.  The past, the present, and the future are all represented in this one sound.

Renew ... Refresh .... Rejuvenate

Spring is a time of renewal. When you look around outside, everything is coming back to life. Some cycles work on a annual rhythm, such as the seasons. Other cycles work day to day, such as our sleep cycle. What is the period of your yoga cycle? Are you finding a rhythm or practice that you can synchronize with? Listen to your body, give it what it needs, not just in nutrition and rest, but with movement and joy. Try to find your rhythm in all things and follow it.

Happy Valentines' Day

February marks celebration of both both Valentine’s Day and American Heart Month. The concept of love or “Bhakti” is deeply ingrained in Yogic philosophy and texts ranging from the Yoga Sutras, the Bhagavad Gita and the Narada Bhakti Sutra. Additionally, yogic texts point to a place in our subtle bodies where love resides. Anahata is the chakra most closely associated with love, compassion, charity to others and healing. Anahata Chakra is believed to be located at the central channel behind the spine at heart level. And that is why we think February is a good time to contemplate love and celebrate heart-healthy Yoga practices.

Whether the thought of celebrating Valentine’s Day fills you with delight or dread, our cultural obsession with the holiday is perhaps a nice excuse to bring us back to the healing practices of Yoga. We are reminded of how our practice nurtures love and devotion that radiates throughout our lives and our community.

Hear the Chant as you read the words ....

Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu
May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all.

Especially this time of the year

Even more important than the warmth and affection we receive, is the warmth and affection we give. It is by giving warmth and affection, by having a genuine sense of concern for others, in other words through compassion, that we gain the conditions for genuine happiness. More important than being loved, therefore, is to love.

Dalai Lama

OM Shanti Shanti Shani

Within each of us is a place of restfulness and peace, a place of practice, a refuge from the stress and anxiety of busy lives and busy minds. With training, this place becomes more easily accessible; at home, at work, and even at play. This is our birthright.