Manhattan isn’t a large island, yet it’s packed with people. People who live here, from other parts of NYC and other parts of the entire world all cram onto this tiny space! Not only is Manhattan hectic, but we are in the middle of the Holiday Season - a time of the year that can be especially stressful. How is one suppose to remain sane? I’ve got the solution and it involves changes outside and within.
Man, part of my morning routine is scanning the papers, reading and meditating to source interesting things to bring to you. Well, lo and behold, Bhagavan Das, the great spiritual leader and counter culture revolutionary yogi has an interview on YogaMates! I was beyond stoked. After seeing Dharma Mittra with videos and great press, I love IT! that these icons of truth and true living are out there. Bhagavan Das is a guy who grew up in Southern Cal, checked out, hung out with Ram Dass and Allen Ginsberg, traveled through India penniless, and is a great Kirtan, devotional singer and yogi. His book, It’s Here Now (Are You?) (you can find book, his music and MP3 downloads on his site) is trippy, real, chock full of life lessons and a page turner. I was fortunate enough to have New Year’s Eve last year at a yoga retreat with Bhagavan Das. All I can say is is was definitely life transforming. Check out the interview.
Namaste,
Michelle
MatchupCamp, created by nextNY, was hosted last night in NYC. MatchupCamp is a networking event for startup companies, developers and all who are interested. beYOU.tv was there and Kareem Kouddous (beYOU.tv’s founder) took a moment to speak with CenterNetworks!
Last night I subbed a Pilates class for a friend. I trained in classical ballet from ages 8-21, and like most former dancers, I gravitated to Pilates before yoga. I still enjoy Pilates, but do find in yoga the spiritual component that Pilates does not have. What Pilates does have is a serious, no-nonsense, kick butt focus on core, core strength building, tucking the pelvis and creating a long and lean look. Well, when you add the magic circle to any of the mat exercises, you are talking about an extreme burn that I am seriously feeling the next day. I have a magic circle at home and will definitely be using for some ab work as my winter workout regime is more indoors. Try incorporating the magic circle into Linda Farrel’s Pilates Core Conditioning Mat workout.
Namaste,
As a yoga teacher, sometimes it’s hard getting my own practice in. After teaching 3 or 4 vigorous classes in one day, the last thing I want to do is drag myself to my 2 hour practice. But when I do, and I need ALL that yoga provides: pranayama, meditation, asana practice and deep relaxation, I gravitate to my yogic home, Jivamukti. Russell Simmons, a long-time Jivamukti practitioner, gets it right in this short, but sweet, interview on lime.com with Dr. Oz Garcia. Check it out and let me know what you think.
Namaste,
I’ve been taking classes, off and on, with Sri Dharma Mittra for almost seven years. Dharma Mittra’s yoga studio is an unassuming, old school, walk-up on a bus-packed and congested Third Avenue in New York City. But when you walk up the rickety flight of stairs, you know you’ve found the real deal. Dharma Mittra has always been a little bit under the radar, sharing his wisdom with the few that chose his studio or his infrequent lectures, but once Sri Mittra was featured in Vanity Fair this summer – the issue that showcased top yogis and their contribution to the discipline, the man who bought you the world famous asana poster is on fire. And then much to my delight, Dharma Mittra has videos on beYOU.tv! Check out his one on spiritual discourse. Last time I saw Dharma Mittra speak, I waited (joyfully) in line for 2 hours last summer at the Indian Consulate. Having Sri Dharma on my laptop is so much more, well – handy!
Namaste,
Michelle
Thanksgiving officially kicks off the holidays and time of giving. However, this giving usually means to others and we forget ourselves. Even in a time of intense running around, parties, cooking, shopping, etc. the one thing we can do for ourselves is find time to workout. I always hear around this time of year people stating they will start their new exercise regime after the holidays, or to wait until that new, fancy piece of cardio fitness equipment arrives. I say keep 20 - 30 minutes of something, anything, going everyday versus waiting until January 1 to create these lofty fitness resolutions that fall by the waist side soon thereafter. Park the car a bit further away and walk the difference, get off at an earlier subway stop than your destination, do some calve lifts or squats while doing the dishes, wear ankle weights while vacuuming… I could go on and on about finding creative ways to add some sort of exercise into your a day that already seems packed. You will feel better about yourself and feel like you haven’t given every last ounce of your being to others. Also, I find constant inspiration on this site. Use the tools here to keep you inspired. Some of my favorites, even when I’m totally dragging and feeling uninspired:
Scott Cole’s Best Abs on Earth
Barrys Bootcamp Butt and Legs - Cardio
Sistas of Soul Hip-Hop Workout with Madonna Grimes
Soul Sweat Quick Sweat with Chantal Pierrat
Namaste,
Michelle
As I prepare to head to Florida for the Thanksgiving break, I’m already feeling a twinge of anxiety about being away from my favorite yoga studio and friendly gym for 5 days! When we get off of our normal routines, which are good to shake things up, do we stress it or do we make healthy modifications and cut ourselves some slack. I’m going for the latter. I’ve already researched a yoga studio in the area where I’ll be staying and subtly announced to my family that’s what I’ll be doing Friday morning. To a home that will be full of men glued to ESPN, they will hardly notice. With those guys, I might end up in a game of touch football. Hey more fitness options. I’ll also trade the gym for my aunt’s pool – easy choice – and add early morning walks to take advantage of the warm weather that is gradually leaving New York. Ahhh, just writing this and mentally preparing my options makes me feel better. And leaves way for that second slice of sweet potato pie. Enjoy the freedom of choice and options.
Namaste,
Michelle
This piece that came out 11/17 caused a nice little discussion amongst my yoga community. You know how it starts: someone emails you an article, then you forward it, then someone talks about it and the discussion begins. The WSJ article: “Is Yoga Just Posing as a Good Workout?” really brings up the fundamental question of what is yoga and why we practice it. According to Iyengar, the Yoga Sutras, and many other stalwarts of traditional yogic philosophy, we do yoga in order to prepare for meditation. The twisting and binding, pranayama and deep focus clear the mind for one thing – meditation. I always tell my students, the fit body and toned physique are really a low ad-val in the yogic space. But that blissed out, calm and serene space you feel after a really challenging class, is really why we come to the mat. And addressing this article fairly (of course) there are all types of yoga as we know. Are you going to get a cardio challenge doing gentle yoga, a beginner’s Integral yoga class or a restorative class? Doubtful. But as a Jivamukti practitioner and former ashtanga yogi, the combination of breath and movement, sometimes non-stop for 40 - 90 minutes, definitely gets the heart pumping and pushes your body to new extremes. Yoga will never be running or cycling, but it’s not supposed to be. But with a strong vinyasa practice, I challenge someone not to find the cardio benefits there. But alas, it’s balance, doing what’s right for your body and remembering what yoga is all about. Breathe, go inside, be present. Love to hear your thoughts on this article.
Om Shanti,
Add a Comment