My So-Called Yoga Life

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched- they must be felt with the heart. ~ Helen Keller
My So-Called Yoga Life
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Tag: inspiration

    • That Christmas Feeling

      Posted at 2:41 am by Lisa K, on December 24, 2017

      Tomorrow is Christmas Eve!!! We are away holidaying at a ski resort for Christmas this year.  Usually we go down south but we wanted to try a winter holiday this year.  Though I am with the people I consider to be the essence of my existence, I do miss our family that we will not see over the next few days.  I feel love, hope and enthusiasm for the coming new year and felt some inspiration for a poem.  Hope you are having a wonderful time, celebrating life, love and all the important things at this special time of year!!

      That Christmas Feeling

      The snow begins to fall,
      Gracefully feathering down to the ground,
      The night is lit up with coloured lights,
      Eyes are wide for every child in town.

      The carols play over the radio,
      Bringing back memories of this time,
      A sweet nostalgic feeling to embrace,
      The scent of evergreen is in its prime.

      School is out for the holidays,
      Children play and eat the snow,
      No care in the world is what they have,
      Carefree and happy feelings is what they know.

      A time for friends and family,
      Smiles and hugs will fill your days,
      Chocolates and sweet cookies,
      Love is shown in so many beautiful ways.

      Thinking about what’s important,
      Squeezing close with those held dear,
      Don’t forget to look into their eyes,
      And let them know that you are near.

      Love is the reason for all this fuss,
      Don’t let the purpose become skewed,
      Let your loved ones know how you feel,
      And your feelings show their magnitude.

      I love you now, today and tomorrow,
      I will love you forever more.
      My heart is full when we’re together,
      You make me feel like I could soar.

      Merry Christmas to you my friend,
      May your holiday be sweet,
      Enjoy making new memories,
      That forever you may keep.

      By: Lisa Michelle

      Keep smiling my gorgeous friends, Love to you all.  We are all human beings, craving understanding, connection and above all Love.  I feel it and it is so beautiful.  Kiss and hug your loved ones!!!

      Much Love,

      Lisa Michelle xoxoxoxo

       

       

       

      Share the Love

      • More
      • Share on Tumblr
      • Pocket
      • Share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
      • Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
      Like Loading...
      Posted in Poetry, Uncategorized | 4 Comments | Tagged beauty, Christmas, confidence, gratitude, happy, heart, inspiration, joy, life, love, motivation, poem, Poetry, reflection, writing
    • Joy: Finding It Everyday

      Posted at 12:58 am by Lisa K, on December 18, 2017

      Sometimes I think about what emotions are.  Why do we experience feelings like anxiousness or fear?  When things seem to be opposing me, I can get down.  That’s when I start to think of ways to turn my current state into something more positive.  Life is short, be happy as much as possible and so today around the time of year when we wish to experience joy, there are often stressful shopping trips, cramped parking lots and many social engagements to attend.  So much love and fun is meant to be had, but at the same time, it can get a bit overwhelming too.  I have some thoughts on joy and how to bring it forth when life can throw you a curve ball;)

      What is pure joy?
      Is it the feeling of accomplishing a goal?
      Is it watching your child grow?
      Is it overcoming an obstacle?
      Is it learning something new or making connections?

      Joy is the outcome of giving.
      Joy is the release of positive emotion.
      Joy is the recognition of watching your child make good choices.
      Joy is finding that deep connection with another free of judgment.

      How can I find joy everyday?
      Be true to your feelings, be genuine.
      See each moment for the worth it gives to you.
      Look for it in places where it seems vacant.
      Bring it with you to others always, it will bring you more joy to give it.

      Look into the eyes of each person you talk to, really look.
      Smile at people you don’t know.
      Look in the mirror and smile when you feel down, really smile.
      Find light on days when the sun doesn’t shine.

      Use your happiness to extend to others.
      Spare some money for someone in need.
      Stare into the eyes of your lover each day, give a hug too.
      Find common ground in a distanced relationship.
      Excuse an outburst that was not thought through.

      Most of all- find a strength you have and let it lead you.
      Put blinders on and follow the path that feels right.
      Your heart doesn’t lie to you, it loves you unconditionally.
      Never question your worth, it will forever be priceless.

      Best wishes as you prepare this last week before the holidays and always.

      Love,

      Lisa Michelle xo

      Share the Love

      • More
      • Share on Tumblr
      • Pocket
      • Share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
      • Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
      Like Loading...
      Posted in Life & Yoga, Uncategorized | 14 Comments | Tagged communication, energy, happy, inspiration, joy, knowledge, life, love, motivation
    • The Havan Fire Ceremony

      Posted at 2:41 am by Lisa K, on November 26, 2017

      A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of joining a Havan Fire Ceremony with our current yoga teacher training group at The Yoga Mat. One of my colleagues is part of the Dhyan Foundation which is a spiritual and charitable organization run solely by volunteers to spread awareness and knowledge of the path of yoga. Teaching many authentic practices involved with yoga, the Havan is a ceremony dedicated to aid the positive forces of creation. As human beings we commence in a Havan for the peace and prosperity of our home and creation as a whole. The ritual has been recorded and it’s practice is sustained in ancient Vedic texts which are important resources involved in forming our understandings of yoga today.

      The Havan is a ritual where all aspects of the ceremony are performed and prepared for with intention. The fire is lit and Sanskrit chants are spoken to create the proper atmosphere for the spiritual intention. There is ghee or clarified butter used as an offering and it crackles the fire during chanting. It is at this time that fragrant medicinal herbs are spread into the fire. These are prepared specially at home prior to the ceremony for the purpose of offering. There is a conch shell blown as a horn before and after the ceremony. The hands are washed to purify before we begin. We sit with crossed legs and palms turned up to accept and allow the positive energy to flow freely around and through the group. The whole process serves as a meditation and a focus on creating a sacred and inclusive space for those involved to really connect with the intention but more importantly, with each other. As I sat and listened to our guide, Chaavi, chant, I could hear the Gayatri Mantra and pieces of other mantra which I have become familiar with through my own path of yoga. The Gayatri is a powerful mantra and is said to mean “May the divine light of the Supreme Being illuminate our intellect, to lead us along a path of righteousness”. It is a powerful mantra which is said to purify the chanter and also the listener, by the Rig Veda.

      IMG_3420

      Above: Chaavi performing the Havan for us

      When I went to Thailand to see Paul Dallaghan and Sri OP Tiwari almost eight years ago now, we did this very ceremony every morning before we began our pranayama and asana practice. I remember the ghee being spread over the flames of the fire and the grains being offered by students into the fire during the meditative chants that were performed by Paul and Tiwariji. The feelings I experienced at the end of our Havan back here in Canada with Chaavi were the same. I felt grounded, connected, soft and aware of something greater than each of us- our communal energy, when we ended the ceremony. It felt like we participated in something which drew up energy from within ourselves and from the one place with which we all exist. Such a peaceful and calming feeling overall. An experience which I highly recommend for yoga practitioners and non-yoga practitioners alike. At the end of the ceremony we were offered to place the ashes of the fire onto our third eye, the forehead as it is a way to connect our divine being. Of course I accepted this offering because, who wouldn’t want to experience that?

      My Personal Deeper Reflections on Yoga

      My reflections upon yoga are echoed with each experience I have had over these past 10+ years that I have been learning and practicing. The practices and the meanings are like a catapult for the mind into places of my being which lay in a sort of coma for much of my teenage to early adult life. As a child, I had no barometer for what was socially accepted and did what I felt was right. I painted my shoes. I participated in the science fair. I sang, danced and created art. I even earned a creative arts award on my grade eight graduation. I accomplished much in dance, I was accepted to a prestigious ballet school and won contests for art at local fairs. I followed my light. I did what I felt was right from within. As a teen, I became consumed by acceptance. There were some other disturbances as well. I turned inward, into my shell. I became insecure about socializing and fitting in. I lost connection with my internal knowing. I felt disconnected. I didn’t feel like I fit in with my peers. I had decorated my locker in grade 9 with a collage of cat pictures I liked. When some peers saw the effort I put into it, they thought it was weird. I was ridiculed by my local dance teacher when I came home from dance school. I didn’t want to pursue it because I wanted so much to be home with my family. I missed them and wanted more than anything to be with them than to follow my dream. My teacher couldn’t relate. I felt alone. I lost my connection, I became obsessed with perfection. I thought that if I did what was expected really well, no one would put me down. I could be invisible. If there was nothing to complain about, how could I be a spotlight? As I moved into adulthood, I was able to sort out many of the feelings I had as a teen. I mean, many kids struggle at this hormonal and changing time in life.

      It was Yoga that really helped me heal from my disconnection. It has helped me to reconnect to that inner voice that I had shut down because it didn’t fit in. You see, yoga doesn’t care if you are fitting in with the trend or what is cool. Yoga is there to help you reconnect with what is important, with what really matters in life. I feel more confident in my own skin now that I ever have as an adult. I am rekindling my own fire with that unstoppable energy that guided me as a child to do what is right for my soul, what is right for me. I once again march to the beat of my own drum and don’t care if it’s not the same beat as anyone else. I am me. I am happy to be me. I connect to me. It is a beautiful feeling. When I think about how many years went by where I was a bit lost, I feel bad, but I don’t dwell on what I can’t change. I move forward and let my light guide me where I need to be. It feels wondrous and I think we can all find that place within ourselves. I wish this for every human being on this planet. I dream of the day where we are all Yoga and we are all truly aware that we are ONE ~ Samadhi.

      LOKAH SAMASTAH SUKHINO BHAVANTU

      Means~ 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.

      Best wishes my beautiful readers,

      Love,

      Lisa xo

       

       

      Share the Love

      • More
      • Share on Tumblr
      • Pocket
      • Share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
      • Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
      Like Loading...
      Posted in Event Reviews, Life & Yoga, Uncategorized | 24 Comments | Tagged energy, Havan, inspiration, knowledge, life, lifestyle, motivation, philosophy, startyoga, vedas, Yoga, yogainspiration, yogalife, yogaphilosophy, yogateacher
    • Sankalpa~ Giving Beautiful Meaning to Every Single Day

      Posted at 2:48 am by Lisa K, on November 12, 2017

      What is sankalpa?  It is broken down to mean ~ the highest truth of the heart which is followed above all others. It is an intention that you decide to follow that will serve your highest truth or purpose. Sankalpa is referenced in the Rig Veda which is one of the oldest yogic texts that form the foundation of our philosophical understandings of yoga. I have been to many yoga classes where the instructor will invite students to set an intention for the class. May it be to dedicate it to someone or a feeling inside such as “I am joy” or “I am courageous”. The wonderful thing about sankalpa is that it posits that you already are the intention you wish to fulfill. It is just that we must realize and use our mind to focus on bringing out these qualities within ourselves, to connect within. I find this concept to be innately beautiful. Imagine…all the doubts you have about yourself, the unsure thoughts, the potential harmful self-talk you may have from time to time- become non-existent. There is no place for doubt when we already are what we wish to be.  So confidence inspiring, with such conviction and above all so validating of who we are and what we are capable of doing. I am what I am meant to be. I am capable of fulfilling my dharma or my purpose in this life.  There is no question.

      How does Ashtanga Yoga help us to see our Sankalpa?

      Yoga helps us to tune in, to become aware of the thought processes and internal obstacles that make the awareness of our abilities become obscure. We live in a society ridden with self-doubt and unfulfillable ideals. It is like we all want to be something that we think we are not able to be. There must be some impossible task to create dis-ease and woe in our hearts.  Why???? Why do we want to feel inadequate? Why do we buy in to these ideals which are unattainable, therefore causing a sense of incapability?
      It is only when we are challenged that we can truly call on our innate abilities. They will automatically come to the forefront because we need them. It is not easy to commit yourself to doing a physically challenging practice on a daily basis. Ashtanga calls to us to do this. It asks us to be present, to breathe into difficulty, to find ease in what creates uneasiness. Yin and Yang are called to become one. A synchronicity within our internal controls is the savior to our woes. It is part of our creation. We live. We die. We are part of a cycle of life much greater than our individuality that we never ever become disconnected from. It is the fuel, the breath, the momentum of our existence. Sankalpa. Dharma. Life force. These qualities are one and the same. Ashtanga helps to repeatedly identify the strength and perseverance of what lies within so that our Sankalpa may become clear.

      Sankalpa makes me think about my highest truth and why we exist. What is my purpose?

      It’s a difficult thing to contemplate. What is the purpose of existence if we are merely part of a cycle? Why is sankalpa important? I believe it is a question we can only find the answer to in our own way. For me, I have only glimpsed my truth, most notably it has been in some deep conversations with my grandma that I have found some peace and a little bit of insight. I feel that part of my highest truth is to be of service to make the world a better place. I see this in my Grandma. My grandmother is a very strong woman. Among her impressive qualities are enduring love, she gives of herself freely with no expectation. She is compassionate, so giving of all of herself, her thoughts, her love and her life. I connected with her at a very young age. She made me feel strong, appreciated, capable and most of all, loved. I always felt that she would be there for me, even if I faltered or if there was negativity surrounding me. Her care was and is unconditional to this very day in her 85th year of life. She has discussed death and how life is part of this cycle with me from her perspective. When I hear her speak of it, I feel part of her knowing and understanding that it is just part of what it is to be a human being. Now that fact is mere science, but the understanding of it is a much deeper and darker reality that some priming for is a gift. My granny is a beautiful gift of so many things, I am grateful to be among those blessed to be a part of her family and life.
      You see, I view my Sankalpa as an intention with the undertone of service, of giving. The ultimate gift is to give without expectation. This is what may be the sankalpa of my daily life in little bits each day. I can be giving of my heart, to listen, to be thoughtful, to be supportive, to be kind. Like my grandma.  Think about those little intentions that you can do each day to fulfill your own personal Sankalpa – I am courageous. I am joy. I am forgiveness. I am light. I am giving. We are really all of these things already. Do you know that? Find the beauty within you. It is strong.  Share it with others and relish in the happiness that it gives you to make another feel your love. Do it without expectation. Find your Sankalpa and live it each day. How wonderful is it to be able to live your purpose, your highest truth, in little acts each and every day?

      Best Wishes to you all my friends.  May the new week bring many smiles, laughter and love to you💖

      Lisa Michelle xo

      Share the Love

      • More
      • Share on Tumblr
      • Pocket
      • Share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
      • Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
      Like Loading...
      Posted in Life & Yoga, Uncategorized | 23 Comments | Tagged communication, energy, happy, inspiration, Livingyoga, motivation, philosophy, vedas, Yoga, yogainspiration, yogalife, yogaphilosophy
    • Undeciphered Messages & The Eternal Burning Flame

      Posted at 1:10 am by Lisa K, on November 6, 2017

      When I think about how we interact with others and navigate this realm of existence, the most important way to do this with others is to communicate.  This means through body language, art, dance, music, actions and the most common of all- words.  When you listen to someone speak to you, if you know them- you can feel them, empathize with them because you have an emotional connection to them.  Your bond is much more elaborate and interwoven in complexity than the words alone.  What about when you hear a beautiful piece of music?  I have been brought to tears by music alone.  What about when emotional words are sung with beautiful music? The message and its impact are compounded.  What about a movie? You become attached to more than just words spoken by each actor.  You learn about them, become fond of them or despise them.  You form an emotional discrimination which leads your interpretation of their words.  Dancers feel into their bodies and express themselves to music.  When I watch people dance, I can be moved deeply.  Poetry also has a way of conveying messages in a rhythmic way which can evoke emotions in the reader.  For me, when I write poetry, I am able to express in words meanings that are more than just the words on the paper.

      Why am I talking about this?

      When I think about people I love and care deeply for, it is awful when arguments come about which are often filled with feelings that are never fully discussed or misunderstandings which were never unraveled.  This happens because of a lack of one simple thing ~ communication.  I think about our sort of sloppy and two dimensional way of conveying messages with the words we can make with our mouths.

      What if we could touch one another by the hand and have them feel our thoughts and feelings in the way that we experience them?

      How connected and understanding do you think every being on this planet would become?  Emotions and feelings are powerful. They drive us to do many beautiful and terrible things.  In the case of miscommunications- relationships can end.  People drift away from one another and judgements are made.  If we could feel the complexities of what is happening for another, my goodness, life would be such a gorgeous melody of love.  Because underneath all of the layers we have protecting our true being is Love.  Right? I dream of that powerful and enveloping love that is our essence, our true form unveiling from that soft beautiful place within.  Is it just a dream? In contemplating how difficult it can be to really communicate with those around us, I wrote a poem to express some of the thoughts and feelings I have been having.

      Undeciphered Messages and The Eternal Burning Flame

      My heart is true and open,
      My words are in synchronicity with my soul,
      My wishes are only positive,
      To be genuine is always my goal.

      Doubt and fear is all around me,
      It tries to worm its way into my mind,
      If only words could hold the intensity,
      Of the feelings that dwell inside.

      Navigation is a virtue,
      Tact must be a well honed skill,
      But I wish it was so much easier,
      That there was no expectation to fulfill.

      What is true connection?
      It’s hard to know for sure,
      Because if words could be felt by the heart,
      What we speak would be much more pure.

      Words can cut like a thunderbolt,
      If their meaning is interpreted the wrong way,
      So much of what we say is left unclear,
      Is it love’s faith that saves the day?

      The heart is a fragile gift of beauty,
      Which is kept protected from any harm,
      When it’s let out in the open,
      Damage can leave the mind unarmed.

      Look into the mirror and what do you see?
      The truth of you is in your eyes,
      Your beauty, strength and virtue,
      Is so gorgeous and vast to your surprise.

      Trust that your light is true,
      Because your words you can’t undo,
      If you gaze right into the light,
      You will be free with no obstacle sight.

      Love, Love, Love,
      Oh this word is not enough!
      For the body, mind and spirit,
      The meaning is far more exquisite.

      Have the strength to be you,
      You must honour what is true,
      Show others it’s okay to do the same,
      It will keep lit our universal burning flame.

      By- Lisa Michelle K

      I would really like to know your thoughts about communication! Please do leave a comment on this post, let’s communicate😉

      Much Love to You,

      ❤️Lisa xo

       

       

       

       

      Share the Love

      • More
      • Share on Tumblr
      • Pocket
      • Share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
      • Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
      Like Loading...
      Posted in Poetry, Uncategorized | 17 Comments | Tagged beautyoflife, communication, heart, inspiration, life, love, poems, Poetry, weareone, Yoga
    • Sacred Sounds & Ashtanga Yoga

      Posted at 4:42 pm by Lisa K, on October 22, 2017

      In Ashtanga we do an opening and closing prayer in conjunction with practice. It is important to sound the Sanskrit words aloud to feel how the vibrations will affect your being. I know that sounds strange at first, believe me, I was that person. I never felt comfortable chanting the words in front of others on my own in the Mysore room. I think it’s because I didn’t have an experience with it that allowed me to really understand its purpose. Once I started to practice at home, I began to realize the significance of the sounds that come from chanting.

      I am alone, I chant and I feel the vibrations within me.

      It’s that simple. Doing this every day by yourself, the sounds are clear and the meditation within it is more palpable, I have found. The opening chant is invigorating, uplifting and a wonderful honour of gratitude for the practice that will unfold following the prayer. At the end of practice, it feels like a seal of good intention that will affect the time after practice wether it be the entire day (which is desirable) or the night to come after an evening practice (more common for me nowadays). The final words of the closing prayer are “om shanti, shanti, shanti.”  This translates to mean universal peace.  It has been interpreted to mean that we are invoking peace for all beings and for all to be happy and free.  This is just such a beautiful thought and intention to vibrate out into the world.

      Regardless of the time which I utter these ancient words, their effect remains. Now when I am blessed to have the ability to go to the shala for practice, I feel confident to say them aloud because the vibration of their sounds is now something I have grown used to feeling before I begin. The lifting energy I feel when the whole room sounds the chant together is powerful. I enjoy doing them very much.

      There are also other chants which I have been taught and connect deeply with. Their uses for me are anything from invoking strength, focus for learning to healing and positive intention.  It is thought that the universe is made up of vibrational sounds and I find that creating them truly helps me to meditate at different times. When I gave birth to my babies, I used sound to help take my mind away from the pain of labour. Especially with my son as it was a completely natural birth experience. In fact, I remembered at the time of his birth that the walls were supposedly sound proofed in the hospital. I had learned that on my tour of the hospital and chuckled to myself when the memory of that piece of information came to me as I deeply om-ed during my labour. Deep sounds helped me to withdraw from the pain I felt during labour and I truly feel that it was my yoga that prepared me for this experience. Of course I also did a lot of swearing and crying because, you know, it really hurts;)

      Just like in learning, meditation styles differ among people. I was an auditory learner and also learned well through writing when I was in school. When I practice yoga, I enjoy asana and chanting but visualizations are not my favourite. Simple visualizations of breathing or the Golden Ball of Light Meditation that I do are good, but more complicated visualizations don’t help me focus as well. My mind wanders off too much. There are many yogis who exclusively practice japa mantra as their meditative practice. Japa translates to mean “muttering” and basically mantras are repeated in this practice many times. Examples could be “Om Namah Shivaya” or “Sat Nam”.  Using a mala is a good accessory for repeating mantras. If you would like to read more about mala, you can find more hereWhat is a Mala?

      It is important to learn how to sound the Sanskrit words correctly and I was informed of this by a wonderful woman who lead our current yoga teacher training group into a Havan Fire Ceremony. I will detail this experience in another post coming soon! The Havan is performed to aid in the energies of creation. The teacher who did this with us made it clear that pronunciation is important because the divine energies we are paying reverence to deserve this respect.

      In writing this post, I think that I will do another chanting post where I will share some of the chants that I know and use regularly.  What do you think? Is there something else you would like me to write about regarding chanting?

      Have a fabulous week!

      Love to you all,

      💖Lisa Michelle xo

       

      Share the Love

      • More
      • Share on Tumblr
      • Pocket
      • Share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
      • Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
      Like Loading...
      Posted in Life & Yoga, Uncategorized | 18 Comments | Tagged ashtanga, chanting, energy, inspiration, knowledge, philosophy, vibration, Yoga
    • Our Guiding Light

      Posted at 7:11 pm by Lisa K, on October 1, 2017

      I write poetry when I feel inspired by an internal emotional experience which needs to be expressed in some way.  The feelings we have as human beings can be so overwelming and powerful, both the joyful and the sorrowful.  Writing is meant to be interpreted by our own experiences and life.  I would love to know how this poem speaks to you💖

      Our Guiding Light

      Sometimes I feel lost,
      And a little bit scared,
      Like I am invisible,
      And no one could care.

      I’m closed and down,
      With a lump in my throat,
      I see no escape,
      Like this path is my fate.

      Suddenly I look up,
      The sky is so magnificent and blue,
      Something inside me unfolds,
      It has a radiant golden hue.

      My breath begins to settle,
      The fear quickly subsides,
      Like I’ve been touched,
      by an angel inside.

      I feel it around me,
      It has such strength and grace,
      It helps me to realize,
      I am worth more than I could embrace.

      When sadness feels raw,
      There is a place within me,
      That lets the emotions run clear,
      And allows me to be free.

      It is soft and yet powerful,
      The essence of our soul,
      Flowing around all of us,
      Gently guiding us to become whole.

      By: Lisa Michelle K

      Share the Love

      • More
      • Share on Tumblr
      • Pocket
      • Share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
      • Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
      Like Loading...
      Posted in Poetry, Uncategorized | 21 Comments | Tagged beautyoflife, emotions, heart, inspiration, life, love, poems, Poetry, release, writing
    • Ashtanga Yoga: A Moving Meditation

      Posted at 4:03 pm by Lisa K, on September 17, 2017

      Ashtanga Yoga is known as a practice which follows the same sequence of poses every day. We build on more poses as strength and flexibility grow in our bodies and minds. The very first time I experienced an Ashtanga style class I thought it was unusual that between sun salutations there was a five breath hold in downward dog. All the vinyasa classes I was used to doing did all sorts of movements in the sun salutation and it was just so much different. I thought it was a bit boring to be honest. The difficulty level and the feeling I got after concentrating so much more on breathing still left me intrigued. Why the hell would anyone want to put themselves through this? I wanted to learn more about it and more strangely, I wanted to experience it further. That is how it began.

      So what is it about Ashtanga, why is it so captivating?

      I believe it is the Trishtana as it creates  harmony within, that grasps our desire to go further than dipping your toe in the water…

      The Tristhana in Ashtanga is a focus on three places of attention. These are breath, drishti and posture.

      Breath

      The breath literally guides movement in Ashtanga. Even moving between poses have assigned inhale or exhales to maintain the deep methodical breathing utilized, creating heat and focus. The breath is what gives rise to our ability to create effort. When I am doing a very difficult pose, my teacher will remind me to breathe so that I may continue to do the work necessary to continue on. On to discover the next place where I will challenge my limits.

      Drishti

      The drishti is the gazing point. Each pose has a gazing point but the eyes are not really focused on any particular place. There are nine different drishti and it depends on the pose as to which is used. As the pose sequence, the drishti do not change and are practiced with each pose daily. When I am using drishti, my attention turns inward and my meditation becomes firmly planted in that moment in time. I feel and hear my breath. I feel more deeply into my body. Where do I feel the earth beneath me? I notice the effort I am using. Gosh, I forget how much it takes until I bring it back into my awareness. As much as my practice can be physically exhausting, the soulful bond I restore with my internal being is continually nourished and invigorated with each and every breath I take.

      Posture

      The third of the Tristhana is posture and it includes the asana and also the bandhas or energy locks. Particularly mula bandha and uddiyana bandha. These refer to the muscles of the pelvic floor and the low belly. Mula bandha has often been described to me as the muscles which stop the flow of urine. My teacher has another way to describe it, which is to squeeze the anus. Graphic right? Honestly, I have been able to connect more with this squeezing than the pee thing, lol. The uddiyana bandha is activated by drawing the low belly in. The strength created by utilizing these two muscle locks is the seat of power for every pose. Having a background in ballet dancing, I recognized the same feeling in my body when I danced. It is like the entire inner line of the legs from the base of the big toe right up into the solar plexus is involved in this energetic synergy. The grace that is made to look so effortless in both ballet dancing and yoga comes from this place. Perhaps it is the familiarity of remembering something I loved very much that solidified my love for Yoga from the very beginning.

      Together these three points of attention are what bring Ashtanga Yoga practitioners into a state of moving meditation. Our gaze turns inward and the magical awareness of the moment in time being experienced ~ Right. Now.~ is sometimes like slow motion Matrix movie perception. Everything slows down, breath is deep and rhythmic, sweat drips slowly down onto the mat, muscles flex and the body moves through space like a graceful and perfectly orchestrated dance. It may not look as such but it can feel this way on the best of days. Other days, I can feel like an old rusty tin man trying desperately to locate the nearest oil can. But that is the nature of being human. We fluctuate, our bodies and minds fluctuate.

      The Yoga Sutras of Patanjail states in the Samadhi Pada:

      योगश्चित्तवृत्तिनिरोधः॥२॥
      1.2 yogaḥ-cittavr̥tti-nirodhaḥ

      This is translated to mean that yoga is the removal of the fluctuations of the mind. This is really an ideal with which we are working towards by practicing yoga. For me, the seemingly short distance of just under ten years has already provided some impressive breakthroughs in my own personal journey. Knowing how tiny that really is actually serves as a motivation! If my experiences on this level have been so profound to me, I can only imagine what could be ahead for my soul in the wide expanse of time.

      Every day, when I step onto my mat and look down to my feet, I feel gratitude. I am grateful to be alive, a being on this earth. I have been fortunate enough to find the gift of Ashtanga Yoga among other powerful gifts in my life. It is a blessing to be here and it is a privilege for me to share this gift. I know now that I am truly ready to teach yoga. I want to create a place for others to see that glimpse of light that I caught and then watch them nurture it and see it grow.

      Taught my first class on Thursday in a few years and I’m in such a great place to teach from now. Years ago when I first taught, I thought about how difficult my class should be and if people will like me.  These were not the right things to be worrying about.  I then went to Thailand and learned so much that I felt humbled to the point of feeling like I should not teach. I felt that I knew so little that it would be wrong to try and teach anyone else. Now that I have had some years, around seven have passed, I am feeling more confident that I have something to share with others. It feels right and my first class back at it was totally fabulous! Wishing you all joy and happiness always😊

      Love & Light,

      Lisa xo

       

      Share the Love

      • More
      • Share on Tumblr
      • Pocket
      • Share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
      • Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
      Like Loading...
      Posted in Life & Yoga, Uncategorized | 30 Comments | Tagged ashtanga, ballet, dance, inspiration, life, meditation, philosophy, trishtana, Yoga, yogainspiration
    • My Top 7 Ways To Unwind Your Day

      Posted at 4:17 pm by Lisa K, on September 10, 2017

      We’ve all had them. Those days when you wish you could have stayed curled up on the couch watching Netflix all day and eat chips. Sometimes it is so difficult to unwind after the mind has been racing all day to just keep your head above water. I have had many a night where falling asleep was all I wanted to do, but I just couldn’t calm my thoughts down and relax enough to get there. Well, I’ve got some techniques which have helped me to calm down. These are exactly what you need- simple, easy and most likely to work for you too!

      1. Sit down, close your eyes and take 10 deep and slow belly breaths. The physiological research surrounding the power of breath demonstrates the validity of this practice. If you are on the train home from work or sitting on the couch you can do this. It doesn’t happen that often, but when I get super stressed out, it can sometimes end up in an anxiety episode. Deep breathing is the way out of that stressed and panicky feeling for me. It’s a tried, tested and true way to unwind.

      2. Give yourself a temple and neck massage. If you have someone to do this for you, even better. I find that simply massaging my temples and working the back of my neck and down the sides with my hands helps to take tension out of my body. By relieving tension, a natural feeling of relaxation will follow. Doing this for five minutes is great. If you’ve got more time, as long as you like:)

      3. Something I have done since I was a child, who had trouble falling asleep, is to take a piece of paper and right down every thought that comes to my mind. Sometimes it ends up like a list, other times it is like a story. Periodically the thoughts are just chaotic and others they make sense. It doesn’t matter. The act of writing things out is like therapy for me. When I was younger I could write pages and pages but now it seems to take less time to find the calm by doing this. Seriously, if you aren’t the type to keep a diary, you can benefit from writing and then just throw it away.

      4. Go for a walk. Take yourself out of the stressful internal time you are having by physically removing yourself. Walk around the block, through a park, anywhere. Breathe in the fresh air, look up into the forgiving beauty of the sky. Notice the birds or squirrels scampering around. I use this when I am stressed but it also does wonders to quell anger. I tend to feel anger physically and walking it off is not just a figure of speech for me, lol.

      5. Take out your old pictures and go through them. Every time I look at old pictures, I get positive feelings of nostalgia and have fond memories enter my mind. Trying to just take my mind off of what is making me feel stressed doesn’t work for me. It’s the emotional engagement that helps, I believe. So I take out those old pictures, ones of vacations, family get togethers, my old high school get-ups, photos of when I used to dance…just dive into those pictures and see how it works for you.

      6. Listen to your favourite song or music by your favourite group. The reason why you like the song so much is because it stirs emotion within you and you enjoy that. Let it take over and just listen to it. Close your eyes even, dance a little bit if you like to dance. I adore Enya and have listened to her voice since I was a girl. When I am stressed, I put her familiar angelic voice on and I just feel calmer.

      7. Get yourself an essential oil diffuser and some top grade Frankincense essential oil. This is so easy- just put water and 5 drops of that oil into your diffuser, turn it on and lay down nearby. Inhaling frankincense calms the nervous system. I kid you not, I have put this oil on and within 15 minutes I feel a huge difference. The power of plants and their biocompatibility with our bodies is a force to be reckoned with.  You could also combine this one with some of the techniques listed above to enhance the experience.

      IMG_2312

      I truly hope you find these ideas to be helpful, maybe you have success doing some of these already. I would love to read your favourite techniques in the comments! The more ideas, the less stress we are all bound to let hang around in our lives.

      Love & Light,

      Lisa xo

      Share the Love

      • More
      • Share on Tumblr
      • Pocket
      • Share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
      • Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
      Like Loading...
      Posted in Uncategorized | 31 Comments | Tagged Destress, essentialoils, feelgood, healthy, healthymind, inspiration, lifestyle, music, relax
    ← Older posts
    Newer posts →
    • Recent Posts

      • The Heart I was Meant to Find
      • It’s Not You, It’s Your Nervous System
      • The Quiet Power of Kindness
      • Living in the Moment – Entry Two
      • Living in the Moment
    • Categories

      • Uncategorized (67)
        • Mini Yogis (2)
      • Poetry (30)
        • Creative Writing (6)
      • Life & Yoga (13)
      • Yoga Sequences (5)
      • Meditations (3)
      • Event Reviews (2)
      • Living in the Moment Series (2)
      • Recipes (1)

Blog at WordPress.com.

My So-Called Yoga Life
Blog at WordPress.com.
  • Subscribe Subscribed
    • My So-Called Yoga Life
    • Join 266 other subscribers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • My So-Called Yoga Life
    • Subscribe Subscribed
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...
 

    %d