Are You Here?

Yesterday a memory.

.
Tomorrow an illusion.

.
Today is all that exists.

.
Live Now. Be One with All.

.
One is All. All is One.

.
Zen wa Ichi. Ichi wa Zen.

.

~ Love & One from Yoga Gypsy ~

To Surf Or Not To Surf

It is scary. And it takes courage.

To move from the known to the unknown.
To find out what you are made of.
To know who you really are.

The choice is here.

To make a commitment.
To jump into the waters.
To ride the wave.

To go with the flow.

Or just stand on the beach. And watch.


~ Love & Surf from Yoga Gypsy ~

Stop Stealing

Only after the last tree has been cut down.

.

Only after the last river has been poisoned.

.

Only after the last fish has been caught.

.

Only then will you find you cannot eat money.

.

.

{Cree wisdom}

.

.

~ Love & We from Yoga Gypsy ~

Know Nothing

.

True knowledge exists in knowing that you know

.

nothing.

.

{Socrates}

.

.

~ Love & Clarity from Yoga Gypsy ~

ऎकपाद प्रसरणासन

Eka-pada Prasaranasana (The Lunge)

It's one of those words that Peter Thomson would describe as "a kid knowing full well how to spell 'banana' but not knowing when to stop."

This posture stretches the small intestine and the seminal vesicles.

With regular practice, The Lunge helps in correcting constipation and diseases of the liver. Thinness of the semen is also adjusted. Diseases of the throat are also relieved.

This video depicts Prasaranasana (with arms raised) as part of the Sun Salutes.

.

.
.
.
~ Love & Lunge from Yoga Gypsy ~

Who can make the muddy water clear?

.

Let it be still, and it will gradually become clear.

.

.

Who can secure the condition of rest?

.

Let movement go on.

.

.

.

And the condition of rest will gradually arise.

.

.

.

~ Love & Stillness from Yoga Gypsy ~

प्रकाश

This entire universe of which we speak and think is nothing but Brahman (Infinite Consciousness).

.

Brahman dwells beyond the range of Maya (illusion).

.

There is nothing else.

{Adi Shankara}

.

~ Love & Consciousness from Yoga Gypsy ~

The Work

When one's body revolts against work

.

(physical or mental),

.

fatigue soon sets in;

.

then one must not rest

.

for it would be a victory for the body.
.

.
When the body desires rest, don't;

.

when the mind knows it ought to rest, do so,

.

but one must know and distinguish

.

language of body and mind,

.

and be honest.

.

{Georgiy Ivanovich Gyurdzhiev}

.

.

~ Love & Work from Yoga Gypsy ~

はいく

Pluma a fuego. Feather to fire.

Fuego a sangre. Fire to blood.

Sangre a hueso. Blood to bone.

Hueso a tuétano. Bone to marrow.

Tuétano a cenizas. Marrow to ashes.

Cenizas a nieve. Ashes to snow.

.

~ Love & Harmony from Yoga Gypsy ~

Don't Wait Till You Are Perfect

The Yoga Sūtras explain that whether you are young or old, healthy or ill - if you can overcome obstacles such as inertia and laziness, you will be contented and at peace.

Inertia is the tendency of the mind to resist change.

.

Human beings are creatures of habit. The older we get, the harder it is to make changes and break negative habits.

Starting Yoga can be one of the most difficult obstacles to overcome. This is especially so if you have not been exercising or you are coping with a medical condition.

You may think that you have to get fit before practising Yoga.

.

The beauty of Yoga is that it is for everyone - physical postures can be adapted to your needs with a qualified and trained teacher.

As you pick up Yoga, you embrace change as you learn to move with the ebb and flow of life.

.

You break down old patterns.

.

You awaken new neuromuscular pathways in the brain.

.

You experience increased freedom and mobility.

With regular practice, the physical postures become steady and comfortable.

.

This is the essence of "Asana".



~ Love & Begin from Yoga Gypsy ~

Make Up Your Mind!

So the mind is the maker and the mind is the destroyer.

On one side the mind is making you and on the other

.

side it is destroying you.

You must tell the destructive side of the mind to keep

.

quiet — then you will learn.

{Yogacharya Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar}

.

~ Love & Rise from Yoga Gypsy ~

Sight Right Light

There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets

.

in.

.

{Leonard Cohen}

.

.

.

~ Love & Sight from Yoga Gypsy ~

I Am That, I Am

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,
.
committed citizens can change the world.
.
Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
.
{Margaret Mead}

What?

To give the Old City of Jerusalem a "virtual world hug".

When?

On 6th April 2008 at 12:00 hours Eastern Time.

Where?

Here. There. Everywhere.

Why?

For thousands of years Jerusalem has been in conflict; many are of the view that it will someday initiate peace throughout the world.

How?

If you have seen "The Moses Code" or read the book, then you know what to do.

If not, here is a simple explanation:

• Create the emotion of peace within your heart.

You may choose to remember a time in your life when you experienced great peace.

Or you may imagine the people of this world living together in complete harmony.

• As you breathe with this peaceful energy, focus on the words "I AM THAT" as you exhale.

• Say or think the words "I AM" as you inhale.

Imagine yourself standing outside the walls of the Old City, hand in hand with the other people of the world offering this peaceful energy and love through you.

Who?

You.

.
.
~ Love & That from Yoga Gypsy ~

Never Forever

Eternity is till time expires.

.

.

~ Love & Truth from Yoga Gypsy ~

Why Do You Yoga? (Part I)

Happy is the person who knows how to distinguish

.

the real from the unreal,

.

the eternal from the transient,

.

and the good from the pleasant

.

by his discrimination and wisdom.

.

{Yogacharya Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar}

.

.

Practise Yoga for the understanding, not for the asanas.

.

.

.

~ Love & Gratitude from Yoga Gypsy ~

The Secret

... is that there is no secret.

.

.

.

Choose a positive thought.

.

The conscious brain can only hold one thought at a time.

.

Thoughts affect not only the mind but the body also.

.

.

.

~ Love & Infinity from Yoga Gypsy ~

See You Soon

If something is hard, do not drop it.

It is an invitation to yourself.

You cannot protect yourself from yourself.

.

.

~ Love & All from Yoga Gypsy ~

Smṛti

स्मृति

.

.

Continuous awareness of the present without judgment.

.

.

I often receive questions from friends, students and strangers. On being healthier. On being happier.

.

Almost everyone wants fast solutions. Quick fixes.

.

Yet most are ignoring the very instant answer they have.

.

To accept and to live the present moment.

.

Your mind is taxed with so many questions, you have no time to enjoy the answers that are right in front of you.

.

Your happiness, your health starts with this answer.

.
Be aware of now.

.

Be mindful.

.

Your past is gone. Your future is not yet here.

So what exist between them is the present moment.

.

The here, the now, the present that connects what was and what will be.

.

Your past was a series of present moments which brought you to this present moment.

.

Your future will be a series of present moments linked to this present moment in which you are now living, being, observing, aware or unaware of.

.

Mindfulness is being continuously aware of this very moment. And not judging, reflecting or thinking.

.

Each breath is replaced by the next breath.

.

Each present is followed by the next present.

.

This is your present (pun intended).

.

.

.

~ Love & Laugh from Yoga Gypsy ~

Downside Up

Inside Out.

~ Love & More from Yoga Gypsy ~

Who Are You? (Part I)

Everything that we see is a shadow cast by that which

.

we do not see.

.

{Martin Luther King Jr.}

When did you last spend time with yourself?

Just yourself.

When was the last time you heard the sound of silence?

Just your inner silence.

Sound of silence.

Music of monkey mind.

Remember Who You Are.

~ Love & Listen from Yoga Gypsy ~

Go Off The Mark To Find The Mark

Those who never make mistakes lose a great

.

many chances to learn something.

.

{Dogen Zenji}

.

.

.

~ Love & Learn from Yoga Gypsy ~

Every Breath You Take

The mind is the king of the senses.

And the breath is the king of the mind.

The nerves become the king of the breath.

{Hatha Yoga Pradipika}

.

~ Love & Breath from Yoga Gypsy ~

Little By Little

Take one step at a time.

Don't settle for less.

Just continue to climb.

.

.

~ Love & Letters from Yoga Gypsy ~

Краснода́р

How apt.

Красно means 'red' (or 'beautiful') and дар, 'gift'.

With exactly six years to go until the opening ceremony for the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Aleksandr and Denis gifted their way to us as we are in receipt of another red gift in Southeast Asia.

V Bananovo Limonnom Singapure and love life laughing.

To Ivan and Michel, lose a little luggage.

You may find yourselves then.


~ Love & Lost from Yoga Gypsy ~

Saṃskāras

संस्कार

Subtle impressions of one's past thoughts, behaviours and actions causing subconscious tendencies, patterns and habitual conditioning.

As we transit through to a new lunar year, we leave old patterns behind and momentarily enter an in-between space.

Just like the liminal space between an exhalation and an inhalation. This place can be unsettling; it is full of possibilities and choices.

Between these two breaths lies the secret to the world.

"It is not the past or the future, but the present that we should be living in." {Francesca}

Por ti... ¡Francesca!


~ Love & Present from Yoga Gypsy ~

The Whole Of Yin & Yang

To live requires energy and fearlessness, but we are brought up in a pleasure-hunting human race, and pain is something to be afraid of, to be driven away completely, to protect oneself from.

But it is the pain and pleasure - the duality - together that make the whole, the wholeness of life.

The more sensitive you are and the more you live from the depth of your being, the more vulnerable you are to life.

The more sensitive you are and the more capable of loving human beings, the more you will be hurt; there is more sorrow, there is more pain.

Psychological hurts, pain and sorrow accompany the sensitivity, intelligence and love.

Love and sorrow go together.

So, if there is physical or psychological pain, you live with it - not out of despair, not out of self-pity, not out of any weakness.

You live with it because it is part of life, it is an expression of life.

{Vimala Thakar}


~ Love & Life from Yoga Gypsy ~

Who Is The Question

Allow the shaking, don't do it.

Stand silently. Feel it coming and when your body starts a little trembling, help it but don't do it.

Enjoy it, feel blissful about it, allow it, receive it, welcome it, but don't will it.

If you force it, it will become an exercise, a bodily physical exercise.

Then the shaking will be there but just on the surface; it will not penetrate you.

You will remain solid, stone like, rock like within; you will remain a manipulator, the doer, and the body will just be following.

The body is not the question - you are the question.

{Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh}


~ Love & Silence from Yoga Gypsy ~

Thumbs & Toes

We look for some magic solution to make us all better, but none of us really know what we're doing.

And why is that so bad?

That's all we humans can do.

Guess. Try. Hope.

But, Justin, just pray you don't fool yourself into thinking you've got the answer. Because that's bullshit.

The trick is living without an answer.

I think.

{Dr Perry Lyman from "Thumbsucker"}

~ Love & Know from Yoga Gypsy ~

What Is Yoga (Part I)

It's refreshing to meet someone like Saiful. An ordinary person following his dream.

We connect through candour, mostly. Something I find lacking in many Orientals.

"What IS Yoga?", he queried.

Followed by, "It comes from India, right?"

WHAT IS YOGA

The word "Yoga" comes from the Sanskrit word "Yuj" - meaning to yoke, join or unite. This implies integrating all aspects of the individual - body with mind and mind with soul - to achieve a happy, balanced and useful life.

What is commonly referred to as "Yoga" these days is more accurately described by the Sanskrit word "Asana", which refers to the practice of physical postures or poses.

Many people think that Yoga is just stretching.

While stretching is certainly involved, Yoga is really about creating balance in the body through developing both strength and flexibility.

This is done through the performance of poses or postures, each of which has specific physical benefits.

The poses can be done quickly in succession, creating heat in the body through movement or more slowly to increase stamina and perfect the alignment of the pose.

ORIGIN OF YOGA

Yoga's detailed history has many places of obscurity and uncertainty due to its oral transmission of sacred texts and the secretive nature of its teachings.

No one knows exactly when Yoga began, but it certainly predates written history.

We know that the classical techniques of Yoga began more than 5,000 years ago.

Stone carvings depicting figures in Yoga positions have been found in archeological sites in the Indus Valley dating back 5,000 years or more.

In ancient times, the desire for greater personal freedom, health and long life, and heightened self-understanding gave birth to this system which has since spread throughout the world.

This need has since re-emerged in our modern world.

There is a common misconception that Yoga is rooted in Hinduism.

On the contrary, Hinduism's religious structures evolved much later and incorporated some of the practices of Yoga. Other religions and cultures throughout the world have also incorporated practices and ideas related to Yoga.

In fact, in the book "The Yoga of Jesus", Paramahansa Yogananda reveals the hidden Yoga of the Gospels and confirms that Jesus, like other Christian saints, mystics of the East and ancient sages, not only knew Yoga but taught this universal science to his closest disciples.

In the indigenous pre-Polynesian Hawaiian culture, the only law that existed was that "We are One."

This concept of oneness in the Hawaiian culture served as the basis of compassionate living, since it was believed that all beings are interrelated. Anything done to one person is consequently done to the self as well.


~ Love & Oneness from Yoga Gypsy ~

Don't Drink The Water

That is the title of a hilarious movie directed by Woody Allen. I have yet figured out why it's titled that... but it's a gem, so go rent the video.

And drink water.

Yes, "drink water", I would always remind all of you after practice. Not coffee, not tea (except herbal teas) and definitely not soft drinks.

Carbonated soft drinks tend to contain high amounts of both sugars and acids - the worst possible combination for dental health, obesity and diabetes. In fact, soft drink consumption contributes to osteoporosis as well.

Research from a British university has suggested that a common preservative found in soft drinks can lead to liver problems and even degenerative diseases such as Parkinson's.

Now, the Centre for Science and Environment in India has confirmed that consumption of such drinks is highly dangerous to human beings (much appreciate the link, Krishna!).

For those of you who needs the facts and figures, Mark even took the effort to compare soft drinks to water. Read it here.

And drink water.


~ Love & Flow from Yoga Gypsy ~

Canción De La Flor

I am a kind word uttered and repeated
By the voice of Nature;
I am a star fallen from the
Blue tent upon the green carpet.
I am the daughter of the elements
With whom Winter conceived;
To whom Spring gave birth; I was
Reared in the lap of Summer and I
Slept in the bed of Autumn.

At dawn I unite with the breeze
To announce the coming of light;
At eventide I join the birds
In bidding the light farewell.

The plains are decorated with
My beautiful colors, and the air
Is scented with my fragrance.

As I embrace Slumber the eyes of
Night watch over me, and as I
Awaken I stare at the sun, which is
The only eye of the day.

I drink dew for wine, and hearken to
The voices of the birds, and dance
To the rhythmic swaying of the grass.

I am the lover's gift; I am the wedding wreath;
I am the memory of a moment of happiness;
I am the last gift of the living to the dead;
I am a part of joy and a part of sorrow.

But I look up high to see only the light,
And never look down to see my shadow.
This is wisdom which man must learn.

{"Song Of The Flower" by Khalil Gibran}

Por Tamara...


~ Love & Flower from Yoga Gypsy ~

Happily Humble

I received this from a fellow Yogini (thanks, Sandra).

The perspective presented is humbling indeed.

Have a look.

At the Universe.

Should have paid more attention during Science classes.

It gets clearer...

Especially when you reach here. The Earth is too tiny to be visible at this point. And you can just about spot the Sun (on the far left).

I'm not into astronomy, but apparently Amazing Antares is the 15th brightest star in the night-time sky and approximately 600 light years from the solar system. (You can mouse over, and click on, the image to view the Sun at only 1 pixel!)

So keep things in perspective. Look at the big picture.

~ Love & Look from Yoga Gypsy ~

Hand Yoga

Feel like Yoga but you’re stuck at your desk?

Enter the very useful Hand Yoga. Also known to the Yogis as mudras or hand postures.

These hand postures encourage the flow of specific energy channels in your body. They are very subtle and allow the body to re-balance itself. No Yoga mat required.

All you need is THREE MINUTES.

And, of course - your hands.

1. Sit comfortably.

Yes, even right here in front of your computer.
(Or you can print this out and lock yourself up in the toilet. But, really... let’s try to save the trees.)

2. Keep your back straight and long. Gently, place both your palms directly on your ears (yes, hear no evil).

3. Inhale deeply. Exhale completely. Gently move your hands to massage your ears in a smooth circular motion.

Repeat this circular motion in the opposite direction.

Do this for at least 3 minutes.

During these 3 minutes, indulge in the sounds of the ocean which you can hear naturally in your ears. You can also close your eyes if that helps you relax.

In your mind, tell yourself:

"I am relaxed and rejuvenated..."


~ Love & Relax from Yoga Gypsy ~

Are You The Hundredth Monkey?

The Japanese monkey, Macaca fuscata has been observed in the wild for a period of over 30 years.

In 1952, on the island of Koshima scientists were providing monkeys with sweet potatoes dropped in the sand. The monkeys liked the taste of the raw sweet potatoes, but they found the dirt unpleasant.

An 18-month-old female named Imo found she could solve the problem in a nearby stream. She taught this trick to her mother. Her playmates also learned this new way and they taught their mothers too.

This cultural innovation was gradually picked up by various monkeys before the eyes of the scientists. Between 1952 and 1958, all the young monkeys learned to wash the sandy sweet potatoes to make them more palatable. Only the adults who imitated their children learned this social improvement. Other adults kept eating the dirty sweet potatoes.

Then something startling took place.

In the autumn of 1958, a certain number of Koshima monkeys were washing sweet potatoes - the exact number is not known.

Let us suppose that when the sun rose one morning there were 99 monkeys on Koshima Island who had learned to wash their sweet potatoes.

Let's further suppose that later that morning, the hundredth monkey learned to wash potatoes.

THEN IT HAPPENED!

By that evening almost everyone in the tribe was washing sweet potatoes before eating them. The added energy of this hundredth monkey somehow created an ideological breakthrough!

But notice: A most surprising thing observed by these scientists was that the habit of washing sweet potatoes then jumped over the sea. Colonies of monkeys on other islands and the mainland troop of monkeys at Takasakiyama began washing their sweet potatoes!

Thus, when a certain critical number achieves an awareness, this new awareness may be communicated from mind to mind.

Although the exact number may very, the Hundredth Monkey Phenomenon means that when only a limited number of people know of a new way, it may remain the consciousness property of these people.

But there is a point at which if only one more person tunes-in to a new awareness, a field is strengthened so that this awareness is picked up by almost everyone!

Your awareness is needed in saving the world . . .

You may be The Hundredth Monkey.

{From Ken Keyes Jr's "The Hundredth Monkey"}


~ Love & Aware from Yoga Gypsy ~

Why Yoga? (Part I)

A simple answer = “Yoga makes you feel better”.

Indeed, regular practice makes you healthier. You get to shape up, relax down, tune in and chill out. And one of my students once quipped, it’s like “getting away without going away.” Yes, a mini vacation!

Personally, I've witnessed Yoga helping my students to:

• Reduce stress levels
• Eliminate back pain and headaches
• Manage high and low blood pressure
• Alleviate asthma attacks and sinusitis
• Cope better with scoliosis, ankylosing spondylitis and hypothyroidism
• Recover from impact injuries, diabetes and breast cancer
• Relieve carpal tunnel syndrome, psoriasis, eczema and insomnia
• Learn proper breathing techniques (you’ll be surprised how many people don’t know how to breathe right!)
• Stand properly (more on this another time!)

Scientific research has also shown Yoga to:

• Build muscle tone, flexibility, strength and stamina
• Improve posture and blood circulation
• Enhance concentration and immune system
• Boost self-esteem
• Help weight management
• Increase energy level
• Make you happy

The last benefit has been highlighted by Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda:
"The essence of Yoga… is about a very simple thing… Your happiness.

Yoga is not just physical fitness training… its aim is for you to achieve your fullest potential in life.

It’s not essential to be young and supple to practise Yoga… all that is needed, is a desire to be happy.”

Most importantly, Yoga is accessible to all. Regardless of age, shape or size! And it's not a religion. You don’t have to adopt any beliefs, gurus or deities. No conflict with any faith you believe in.

Try Yoga.

Give it some time. Going for one or two classes is like taking one or two piano lessons – there is not much point to it.

Don't be too quick to judge. Make a sincere commitment to give it a fair trial.

Only with regular practice will you begin to experience its true beauty.

And happiness.



~ Love & Unite from Yoga Gypsy ~

Prepare For The Shift

As the year draws to a close, some of you will be reflecting on the year passed.

For me, this has been a year of energy...
In beauty.
In balance.
In breath.
Thank you for being such wonderful students of - and bringing so much positive energy to - YOGATTIC. You have been a joy to guide and to grow with. I have learnt so much from you!

To quote one of my pioneer students, Emmanuel Daniel:
"Diving and Yoga have something in common.
Breathing.
Breathe normally.
Breathe consciously."

He could not have put it better.

So remember to breathe and see you in 2008!

~ Infinite Love & Oneness of all from Yoga Gypsy ~