Category Archives: yoga off the mat

Songs of Yoga: Kirtan 101

The word Yoga means Union. By the very nature of the word, Yoga, refers to a state of Being that is one of Unity. It refers to the various practices that guide us into this blissful experience of Being in Oneness.

The ultimate goal of this ancient wisdom tradition called Yoga, is to experience Absolute Union with our own True Self.

You may be familiar with Yogic practices such as Poses (Asana), Meditation (Dhyana,) Breath Control (Pranayama.) These are all a part of a specific self-disciplinary path of yoga called Raja Yoga, in which one uses the breath, the body and mind to experience higher states of awareness, the state of Yoga – Absolute Unity.

But Raja Yoga is not the only way… did you know there are actually three other traditional paths of yoga designed to guide the practitioner to the state of Yoga – or Liberation?

In totally, the four paths of yoga include: Karma Yoga, the path of selfless service, Bhakthi Yoga, the path of love & devotion, Raja Yoga, the familiar path of self-discipline, and Jnana Yoga, the path of wisdom or self-inquiry.

Less known in western circles of yoga is the path of Bhakthi – the sweet path of love!

That’s right… Love can actually be your practice. There are many common ways to practice this beautiful path of yoga including dance, ritual, ceremony, worship, pilgrimage, prayer, singing and more.

Below, we’ll teach you one of our favourite practices of Bhakthi Yoga that has the ability to guide the yogi Home with ease, joy and of course… Love!

WHAT IS KIRTAN?

Kirtan is a simple, yet powerful spiritual practice of Bhakthi Yoga– the yoga of the Heart. Bhakthi is the “Yoga of Love and Devotion,” a deeply heart-opening experience, Bhakti is the cultivation of unconditional spiritual love.

Kirtan is considered the song of the soul. It is non-dogmatic and practiced in the Universal language of Love, through the singing of ancient Sanskrit chants, Kirtan is a powerful, effortless and joyous way to connect to your heart and meditate.

Chanting is the celebration and worship of Life and Love. Immersed in the sound, vibration and sensations of the sacred Sanskrit chants, called Mantra, the mind becomes quiet, the soul awakens and the Heart blossoms into Pure Love.

Kirtan is another practice of yoga which helps guide our way back home— to ourselves, to the True Essence of our Being, which is Divine Love. It is a highly effective spiritual practice, Sadhana, which allows us to channel all of our emotional states towards The One of which we are all apart, and to lose ourselves in this Unconditional Love that unites us all.

“Devotional singing is the spontaneous music of the soul. Nobody can resist the inspirational qualities of such music penetrating one’s heart when it is sung with concentration and devotion. Children, sing from the depth of your hearts. Let the heart melt in prayer. The joy of singing the Lord’s name is unique. This Bhajan is for us to pour out all our hearts’ accumulated dirt. Leave aside all shyness and open your heart to God.” — Amritanandamayi Devi

WHY CHANT?

“Chanting is like asanas for the mind & heart” – Krishna Das

Much like how each Yoga Asana (pose,) has unique benefits to open and heal the body, each Sanskrit chant is infused with unique vibrations to open and heal the mind & heart.

These ancient mantras are power medicine that heal and align us from deep within. And much like when a child needs to take medicine, we hide it in some kind of sweet syrup. With chanting, the music is the sweet syrup that the medicine of mantra is infused in, and the silence that follows the chant is the moment we digest the medicine and allow it to heal us.

These ancient chants contain powerful and transformative sounds and vibrations and through singing them with love, we are able to experience a super conscious state of existence— kindled by intense emotion, concentration upon the mantra and immersion into the present moment.

The nature of our True Self is Bliss— and when we call out the various names of the Godly Self that dwells within us, the mind merges into its Bliss. It loses itself in Bliss. It becomes one with the Bliss itself.

These simple melodies invoke a deep state of peace, harmony and tranquility inside us to that help us reconnect with who we really are. Through sacred prayers of intention, gratitude and devotion we unite with the Pure Love that resides within us all.

These ancient Vedic chants are songs of peace and they fill our hearts with love. And when we come together with devotional music and chanting, not only are we attuning ourselves to these positive vibrations of peace and love, but we are rendering a great service to the world. Chanting aids in humanity worldwide in it’s quest for peace and unity. It is a potent remedy for healing and to reconcile the illusion of separation between us. We join together with our voices, hearts and prayers or healing, joy and peace for all beings everywhere.

WHY PRACTICE?

“If we follow the path of devotion, we can enjoy the fruit of bliss from the very beginning, whereas with the other paths, it can be tasted only towards the end. Bhakti is like the jackfruit tree that bears fruit at its very base, while one may have to climb to the top to pluck fruit from other trees.” — Amritanandamayi Devi

Chanting is not some obscure new age musical performance… it is a valuable tool practiced by people from all walks of life from all over the world to help heal their bodies, quiet their minds, open their hearts and invite the sacred into their lives.

The latest discoveries in neuroscience confirm the healing power and benefits of sound, particularly of devotional music.

Below are some benefits of chanting as indicated by both modern science and the great sages and saints of India:

Soothes the nerves & relieves tensions
Balances mind and emotions
Improves overall health and immune system
Improves concentration powers
Supports one’s meditation practice
Reduces negativity in the mind
Purifies the environment and surroundings
Guides us into contentment and contemplation
Purifies the Nadis & Chakras & awakens the Kundalini
Directs emotions towards a positive goal
Melts the heart & fills the mind with purity
Generates harmony, compassion & divine love
Experience God – the Love of your own Divine Nature

TYPES OF PRACTICES & WHAT TO EXPECT IN A PRACTICE?

In the Bhakthi tradition, there are many types of Sangita, or Devotional Music— most commonly known in western circles are the practices known as Kirtan and Bhajan.

Kirtan comes from the Sanskrit root Krit, which means to praise or celebrate.

Kirtan is a chanting practice of union through devotion that encourages the repetion of Sanskrit Mantras or Divine Names to merge into a deep meditation. It is practiced in a call & response format of which the leader, the Kirtan Wallah, calls the mantra chanted and the group responds it back. It is often experienced in a group environment and usually practiced in the ancient and holy language of Sanskrit. It is often an interactive experience of singing and can be very powerful, fun and ecstatic!

Alternatively, Bhajan, which comes from the root word Bhaj, mean sharing.

Bhajan is usually practiced as communal singing in a sing-a-long format. It may be experienced in a group or alone and refers to devotional songs in prayer and hymns to the divine (rather than the repetition of God’s name.) It is often more free form and less structured than a Kirtan and can be practiced in many languages.

Both practices are not so much of a performance or concert, but rather a journey into the Self through deep listening and chanting the various names and aspects of our own Divine Nature.

The main elements of both Kirtan and Bhajan are mantra, music and meditation— but the secret ingredient to a very a powerful practice is your own Bhakthi, love and devotion.

Immersed in the sound, vibrations and sensations of the sacred sounds of the mantras, the mind becomes absorbed into and entrained by these vibrations, and at the end of the chant, there is a blissful silence or meditation to feel and experience the profound benefits of chanting, in which the mind becomes deeply still.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE?

”One can realize God through Kirtan alone. Kirtan is singing of God’s name, with feeling. If one does Sankirtan from the bottom of one’s heart, with full bhava (devotion) and prem (love) even the trees, birds and animals will respond. They will be deeply influenced. Such is the power of Sankirtan. It brings the devotee face to face with God.

The chanting of Sanskrit Kirtan, even when mechanically done, produces certain effects. When done with devotion, and awareness of the meaning, its benefits are immeasurable.” – Swami Sivananda

Chanting is universal—you do not require any previous experience, you don’t need to know the chants ahead of time, you don’t need to be a good singer or feel coordinated with following a rhythm. More important than how it sounds, is how it feels. More valuable than knowing exactly the chants is your love and devotion when you sing them. More important that understanding the meaning of the chants or the practice, is your own Direct Experience.

Bhakthi Yoga isn’t really something you do. Bhakthi is love. So practicing Bhakthi Yoga means falling in love. And this love that we may experience here isn’t new— it isn’t something you attain or achieve or become— because you are already that. But rather, it’s something you remember, something you reconnect to and stoke from deep within.

This love is the love of the Inner Self, which through practice, we can learn to see ourselves reflected in the eyes of all beings we encounter. This is true unconditional spiritual love.

Ultimately, what one puts into this practice is what they receive from it. To the degree of which one may be present, open and expressive is to the degree of which one may experience the profound nature of this practice. This is your practice, so really— anything goes. There is truly no right or wrong way to experiencing this practice!

However, if you’re new to the practice, here is some insight into how you may choose to express yourself through the practice:

+ Sing: Singing is the heart of Kirtan. It’s not about how well you sing or how musical you are, but about how it feels. As long as your practicing with an open-heart, you’re doing it right.

+ Clap or Dance: Allow the chants to move through you and within you. You may feel inspired to clap along to the beat, tap along in your seat or get up and dance! Any physical expression of love & devotion that moves through you goes here.

+ Listen & Receive: In call and response Kirtan, hearing the names of the Divine is equally important as calling it out. When you hear the chant, hear that Divinity residing in your soul and when you call it out, feel that Divinity being expressed.

+ Meditate: Whether your singing aloud, or chanting silently in your own mind, chanting can evoke a deep sense of meditation within. During a practice you’re welcome to close your eyes and meditate – feeling the divine vibrations of sound dancing within and around you.

+ Lose Yourself in Love: Allow the magic and mystery of the chants to carry you within – to your Self, to your Source, to the Universal Love that is your True Nature.

+ Begin & end in blissful silence. Silence is the blank canvas from which the sound of music is painted upon. Beginning and ending in silence gives us a chance to deeply appreciate and experience the art of chanting.

“To gain concentration in this age of materialism, bhajan is easier than meditation. By loud singing, other distracting sounds will be overcome and concentration will be achieved. Bhajan, concentration and meditation, this is the progression. In fact, constant remembrance of God is meditation. Bhajans sung with one-pointedness, will benefit the singer, the listener and also Mother Nature. Such songs will awaken the listeners’ minds.” – Amritananda Mayi Devi

May we all fill our Hearts with Infinite and Eternal Love as the magic of Kirtan carries us within– to our own Self, to our Source, to the Universal Love that is our True Nature and that which unites us All as One.

~
JOIN US FOR…

✨Songs of Yoga: An Evening of Kirtan ✨
Tuesday, June 12: 6 PM – 8 PM

A heart-opening experience of Bhakthi Yoga – “The Yoga of the Heart”

✨ Discover Bhakthi – the Love of Yoga
✨ Learn ancient Sanskrit mantras to free & illuminate the mind
✨ Experience a simple meditation practice to guide you into your Heart
✨ Explore Kirtan— musical chanting to blossom the Heart & awaken the Soul
✨ Connect to your True Self through sacred prayers of intention, love & gratitude

*Space is limited – please send us an email at bindi@bindiyoga.ca with instructions to reserve your spot.*

Categorized as Beginner's Yoga, Meditation, yoga, yoga off the mat, Yoga Philosophy, Yogic Lifestyle

5 Pathways to True Bliss

I want to be happy. You want to be happy! Everyone desires happiness, right? It is a worthy desire that connects us all – we all deeply wish to be happy and free of suffering.

But what does it truly mean to be happy?

Since the beginning of time, people of all walks of life have been on the pursuit of happiness, and yet few of us really seem to understand and experience that True Bliss.

But it’s no secret! The Great Masters of all the wisdom traditions from around the world have been pointing humanity in the direction of true, unconditional, causeless joy since the beginning of time.

And yet, in our modern world, it seems as though we’ve confused this happiness for many things— we engage in unhealthy activities, seek fulfillment through material means, desire gratification from others in the attempt to fill ourselves with the happiness that we seek.

Here are some legendary examples maybe you can relate to:

+ We think that buying a new car will make us happy—but we all know that doesn’t really work.

+ We think that drinking a bottle of wine or downing a bag of chips will satisfy us– but we all know that usually doesn’t quite hit the spot.

+ We think that meeting the perfect person and starting a new relationship will make us happy— but after some time, that happiness seems to fade.

+ We think that quitting our job and starting a new career will finally fulfill us— but as it turns out, we still aren’t totally satisfied.

+ We think that by moving to a new city, or going on a vacation, or buying this new thing, or having that new experience will bring us the joy that we have always sought— but the “happiness” that we feel from those experience only seem to last for a moment, before that feeling expires, and we seek after the next new thing to fulfil us.

So why is that? Why does this happiness always seem to wane shortly after we buy a new car, start a new relationship, or begin new career?

Because we are searching for happiness in all the wrong places. We’ve misunderstood what happiness really is. And we’ve confused “happiness’ for pleasure, physical comfort and desire.

PLEASURE VS HAPPINESS

“Happiness is our Natural State. Therefore it is not wrong to desire it. What is wrong is seeking it from the outside when it is inside.” – Sri Ramana Maharshi

Many enlightened masters from all the wisdom traditions of the world, have said since time immemorial the secret— that true happiness comes from within.

+ A new car can be physically comfortable—yes. But give you true and lasting happiness? No…

+ Your new relationship may bring you pleasure— definitely! But it alone cannot truly fulfil you.

+ That vacation you were dying to go on may fulfil a desire momentarily— but that’s all.

We try to fill that spot inside of us that is reserved exclusively for true happiness, which is our birthright, our natural state, our true nature— with something that simply cannot fit. The puzzle pieces simply don’t match up, because happiness cannot be attained from the outside through physical means or mental comforts or temporary experiences.

For example…

+ Pleasure is temporary. Happiness is eternal.
+ Pleasure comes from an outer stimulus. Happiness comes from within.
+ Pleasure arises from a cause. Happiness is causeless.
+ Pleasure is instant gratification. Happiness is true satisfaction.
+ Pleasure is acquired. Happiness is innate.
+ Pleasure arises from circumstances. Happiness defies circumstances.
+ Pleasure is depends on condition. Happiness depends on our mind.

THE WAY TO TRUE HAPPINESS

So what does it truly mean to be happy and where does it come from?

In my own personal pursuit of happiness, here’s what I’ve learned to be true. Discover what happiness really is, where it comes from, and how to get it. Enjoy these 5 simple pathways to experiencing True Bliss in your life:

1) Gratitude

Gratitude is the main ingredient for living a life that is bursting with happiness and True Bliss. To be grateful means to appreciate your current life as it is.

Now— to be grateful for life as it is, doesn’t mean that we stay in unhealthy situations or don’t embrace positive life changes as is appropriate. But it means to value life as it is now, to change your perception of the challenges and obstacles of life, and to embrace them with a positive outlook that naturally makes space for meaningful transformation.

Gratitude alone unlocks the true richness of life. Gratitude transforms what you have, into even more. It turns a stranger into a friend, a house into a home, a meal into a feast. True Bliss comes from recognizing all the beauty that exists and your life and saying a big “thank-you” for it once in a while!

2) Love

“Love is our True Essence.” –Amritanandamayi Devi

Love is the most fundamental source of True Bliss— a life of love, is a very happy life, indeed. Love fulfills us in a way that nothing else can. And this love that the great masters speak of is not just romantic love— though it’s a part. It’s not just parental love— though that’s a part too. It’s not the kind of love that we give and receive— it’s beyond that. This love is unconditional, infinite, eternal. It is true love.

So embody love in all of it’s colors— live a life of kindness, compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, empathy, service etc. and you’ll discover True Bliss in a heartbeat!

Let love be your compass towards a meaningful, fulfilling and Truly Blissed life.

3) Presence

Life is only available to us in the present moment. Therefore, the key to True Bliss is to be fully engaged with the present moment as it is— the only place where life truly exists. Simply by being present in each moment— meaning, your mind is also where your body is in time and space, and your attention is dwelling not in the past or worrying about the future, we can unlock true fulfillment in life.

So live each moment completely. By offering our genuine presence to every moment, we are able to really notice and experience all the beauty, magic and wisdom that exists in every moment when we simply pay attention.

4) Contentment

Contentment is the true art of being happy for no particular reason at all. Contentment alone transforms what we have, into enough. Contentment gives us true fulfillment through arriving at an inner sense of ‘enough-ness,’ ‘completeness’ or ‘wholeness’ which is free from the imprisonment of constantly lusting after comforts, pleasures and mental experiences that ultimately take us away from the present moment, and therefore, the possibility of true joy, and keep us in a state of constantly postponing our happiness until the next new ‘pleasure.’

Inner happiness does not depend on outer circumstances or mental gratifications— it depends on our mind. So allow what you have to be enough, be content with what is, rejoice in the way things are— realize there is nothing lacking, and reveal the wholeness of life!

5) Peace

Only if there is peace in our hearts can we be truly happy. Our happiness and quality of life does not depend upon money, status, relationships, power etc—it comes from within. Inner peace is the only true wealth and it begins the moment we realize that outer circumstances, situations and events of our life do not need to control our inner emotional states. We find peace not by needing to control the natural laws and events of life, but in understanding our perceptions of them, and creating an equanimous relationship to these events with a peaceful outlook.

There is no end to chaos in the world. Hence peace alone is the best way to happiness. Therefore, acquire peace. Make peace with yourself, make peace with this moment, make peace with others and you’re well on your way to True Bliss.

With these 5 simple practices of gratitude, love, presence, contentment and peace, start to discover all the divine beauty, causeless joy, unshakable harmony that lies within and around you— available to you in each and every moment. Experience the True Bliss that is your natural state— the same True Bliss that lies within each and every one of us which connects us all.

If you’re feeling the call to dive deep into the True Bliss that is your own nature, check out our True Bliss Sacred Yoga + Meditation Retreat in Alberta, Canada, where we reveal the ancient practices of yoga, meditation & ritual as taught by the great enlightened sages to experience true Bliss within!

Categorized as Beginner's Yoga, yoga off the mat, Yoga Philosophy, Yoga Quotes, Yogic Lifestyle

New Years Reflection, Intention & Manifesting

There is something incredibly sacred and nostalgic that the end of the year brings. It is a beautiful time to pause, reflect and steep deeply into all that we have experienced over the past 12 months. This time of year is unique with its beautiful, fresh energy of a new year and the perfect opportunity to re-focus and re-set our lives to living with intention and in our own unique truth and dharma, purpose, every day.

Below are 4 parts to New Years reflection, intentions and manifesting. Enjoy thoughtful, heart-felt journal prompts, as well as tips for bringing in the new year intentionally for the most beautiful and inspired year yet!

So light yourself some incense, brew a cup of tea, grab your journal and let’s get started!

GRATITUDE & CELEBRATE

Acknowledge the magic of the past year. Recognize yourself for all that you have done and all that you’ve learned. It is easy to notice everything you didn’t do; the should-haves, could-haves and what-ifs. But let’s take this opportunity to reflect with gratitude upon everything you did do and learn.

+ What are you most grateful for from this past year?

+ What were the best moments if the year? Top 3 moments?

+ What are some key triumphs, successes and achievements from the past year? Tip: To help prompt you, review month-by-month, or review on your Facebook to remind you. You can also Think of themes like relationships, business, self-care, travel, work or health.

+ In what ways have you grown or expanded as a person in the past year?

+ What challenges did you experience? Tip: Think of people, situations, experiences. Consider your relationships, family, friends, your health, your work, your home etc. What did you learn from these? How can you express gratitude towards these great teachers and lessons?

+ Describe 2016 in 3 words.

REFLECT & RELEASE

This is a prime time to let go of anything you ‘re ready to release the burdens of to not carry with you into the new year. When you complete journaling these, you can even ritualistically burn the paper to ceremoniously release them and help burn any karmic ties.

+ What are you ready to let go of that is no longer serving your greatest good? Think of: A self-limiting belief, a sabotaging behavior, an unhealthy situation, mental conditioning, a job or relationship etc.

+ Are there any burdens, grievances, hurts, fears or negative thought patterns that you are willing to acknowledge, heal, express gratitude towards the lessons within them, and release? What lessons can you learn from these?

+ Are there any physical or mental pains that you can acknowledge, surface, allow and dissolve? How can you heal and release those?

+ From the wisdom and experience you’ve gained from the past year, how can you do things differently this year?

INTEND & CREATE

Let’s put to rest the days of cagey goal-setting, bucket-lists, and vision boards. Let’s revolutionize these goals into crystal clear and powerful intentions built on the solid foundation of who you really are, you’re hearts true calling and your soul’s purpose.

Goals are discipline based; daily chores to eventually— hopefully, achieve a desired outcome. Discipline feels cagey, finite, external and quite frankly, exhausting.

But intention is in devotion; it is instant. It is internal and eternal. In creating a lifestyle that is aligned with your highest Self, you organically manifest that which you desire most. It is authentic and heart-centered. Intention feels open, receptive, flowy and magnetic.

You hold within you the ability to create your world; however you wish it to be. So why not make it deliberate, conscious and empowered choice?

+ How do you want to feel? What qualities, virtues and values do you wish to embody? Make a list of desired feelings. Ex: Joy, Health, Abundant, Inspired, Aligned, Connected, Bliss, Grounded, Inner Harmony, Self-Love, Wisdom, Peace, Stillness, Enlightenment, Oneness, Authentic, Energized, Contentment, Strength, Freedom, Unity, Infinite, Nourished, Beauty, Radiant, Love, Courage etc.

+ From that list, circle your top and most aligned three feelings that make your heart sing.

+ List 5 things for each feeling/intention that you can do to help you feel this way. What activities are you doing to help induce these feelings? Where are you? Who are you with? Ex: If I want to feel inspired, I know that I can a. Be with my teachers b. Go for a walk in nature c. Listen to my favorite music d. Meditate e. Spend time in silence and solitude.

+ Create heartfelt goals/intentions for 2017 to help you feel precisely how you want to feel from the above list. Ex: To feel inspired, I must be with my teachers. So my goal is to meet with my teachers 1x/week. Or go for an early morning walks in nature 2x/week. Or take 1 hour every day in total silence and solitude to nourish with inspiration.

Now, considering precisely how you want to feel, what are 3 goals you’d like to achieve in 2017 in the areas of:

+ Health (physical, mental, spiritual)
+ Relationship with yourself (Think self-love/self-care etc.)
+ Finances/Abundance
+ Social/Relationships (friends, family, romantic, cosmic etc.)
+ Work/Career
+ Education/Learning
+ Hobbies/Play
+ Environmental/Sustainability

+ Create a Self-Care menu— a list of daily, weekly & monthly activities and rituals you can do to inspire, nourish and recharge your body, mind & spirit.

Make these non-negotiable dates with yourself—mark your daytimer, set an alarm, close and lock the door so you can be undisturbed, and soak up in some quality time for yourself.

Ex: Daily = 1. Awaken in the morning and set an intention for the day. 2. Drink a tall glass of lemon or herbal water to start your day. 3. Meditation 4. Daily yoga or movement practice 5. 20 min of silence and solitude. Weekly = 1. Oil pulling 2. Have a weekly detox bath. 3. Dry brushing 4. Journaling 5. Adventure in Nature. Monthly = 1. Go for a massage 2. Go on a road trip 3. Do a new/full moon ritual to connect with your intentions 4. Have a gathering of like-minded friends in celebration

MAGNETIZE & MANIFEST

Feng Shui Your Life:

Before you can manifest and truly experience all your hearts true desires, it is important to first make space in your life by clearing out the old and making more room for the new. This is all about clearing the slate and laying new foundations to build upon.

+ What can you do to create space in your life to manifest what you truly want in life?

Here are some examples of what you can try this year.
+ Clear out your wallet of bills or receipts and change your banking passwords to positive affirmations; create space in your life for financial abundance.
+ Clear off your desktop of old projects, ideas, files and unfinished creations to make room for the new.
+ Give your kitchen a cleanse and your pantry a detox; create room in your life for ease and health.
+ Buy a new day timer that you love to lay the foundation of organization, ease & flow.

Give Ritual a Try

Rituals root us in practice. They solidify our devotion to living a spirited life and enable us to embody all that we believe  to be true.

Plus, let’s not ignore the fact that there’s something so divinely magical about an invocation whispered atop of candlelight, or the vital force that the moon, or oracle cards bring us.

Rituals amplify our manifestations, help us acknowledge and celebrate our efforts, and provide an environment in which we can accelerate through the challenges of life. It’s all about intention.

Use rituals to welcome in a new month, call upon your favorite deities, or as daily practices that remind you that you are loved, and connected, and supported.

+ Smudge with sage or incense, or buy a new crystal to energetically support you in a certain area.
+ Do an oracle card reading to provide some guidance for the year.
+ Moon ceremonies: every full moon practice releasing by taking your list of what you want to let go of and burn it, rip it up or bury it. And every new moon reconnect to or renew your intentions.
+ Have a Sunday detox bath with Epsom salts, lavender oil, and candles to cleanse your spirit.

Reflect

+ What rituals can you invite into your life to ignite and support the manifestation of your intentions and keep you rooted in your path of intention? List 3 daily, 3 weekly, and 3 monthly rituals.

+ How can you invest your resources of time, energy, thoughts, and money into nourishing and manifesting your intentions.

+ Create 3 positive affirmations/sacred mantras/personal prayers for yourself to nourish your intentions. Repeat these daily, and keep reminders of these with you always!

Extra Manifesting Tips

+ Master the art of receptivity; choose ease over effort, surrender before striving and openness over being attached to an outcome.
+ Use your focus wisely; like attracts like. It is the law of attraction. Keep your attention focused on what you do want to manifest, not on what you don’t want. Any time you notice something you don’t want, ask yourself “What lesson can I learn here, and what do I want instead?”
+ Passionately daydream with crystal clarity of exactly what you want; get excited! Talk about what you want and how you want to feel. Connect with people on the same path as you. This sends what you want out into the Universe and it will come back to you like a boomerang.
+Everything is energy. Where you invest your thoughts, time, energy and money, that is the direction you’ll head. Invest in how you want to feel.
+ Express infinite gratitude for what you receive and be open to the form in which things manifest.

May you experience the magic of yourself this year! May you rest in your True Nature— your Natural State of total joy, absolute bliss, boundless love, and infinite wisdom. May all beings everywhere be happy, free and at peace. Happy New Year!

Categorized as Uncategorized, yoga, yoga off the mat, Yogic LifestyleTagged as new years

Trust + Surrender: The Art of Letting Go

“Stop fighting and resisting. Try something different – surrender.” – Rumi

MY STORY ON SURRENDER

Four years ago, I found myself at an ashram in Thailand, studying yoga and meditation. I arrived disoriented from heartbreak, dizzy with confusion, incredibly lost and feeling alone. I had been practicing, and teaching yoga for years already, but recent life events left my mind turbulent, my heart shattered and my body locked up like a box.

At this training in the jungle on a foreign island, I held my sad, beaten heart in my hands and presented it to my teachers. They consoled me, and told me that even when I felt like I was suffocating in meditation, to just keep gently breathing into that tender spot in the center of my chest.

“It will open and heal,” they promised.

After a month of intense practice, Asana, (yoga postures,) Sadhana, (daily spiritual practice,) meditation and journaling, we sealed our time together with a closing ceremony. A fire homa they called it. It smelled like incense and the fire they created with palm leaves was warm and bright. Our teachers dotted the space between our eyebrows with sacred ash, red turmeric and sandalwood— or something like that.

At the end, we were given small slips of paper, and were asked to write our Sankalpa, our intention, that we would like to carry with us into the year ahead.

Almost instinctively, my heart traveled down my arm, through my hand and into my grip on the pen, and begged for surrender.

“I am opening up in sweet surrender,” it wrote.

At that time, I really didn’t know what it meant for me, or how this nine letter word would present itself in my life for a whole year.

I devoted myself, and my life to that intention. In times I found myself anxious and worried, tightening my grip on life, and structuring how things ought to be, I soothed myself with this word— surrender. This word dissolved my armor, it woke up my sleepy eyes, and finally, my heart broke open.

Literally, in meditation one day, a cracking sound thundered from the bones of my sternum followed by a flood of blissful tears flowing from my face.

Surrender unchained me from myself. I opened up to the whole Universe, and the Universe opened up to me.
SURRENDER IN YOGA

In Sanskrit, we call the concept of surrender Ishvara Pranidhana. Surrendering (Pranidhana) to a higher source; to the Divine (Ishvara.) Beautiful.

“Surrender is the intersection between acceptance, and change.” – Unknown

With all of my heart, I know that surrender is not submission. It is not backing down. It is not irresponsible, laziness, passivity or being unambitious. It does not mean ‘giving in’ nor does it mean ‘losing’ control or a battle.

The only thing you will lose by surrendering, is frustration, bondage and suffering.

The art of surrender is means to yielding to the flow of life with radical acceptance, ease and grace. Surrender is the opening of our hearts to the unknown, and trusting with faith in the Perfect unfolding of Now. Surrender is a process of letting go of the ‘small’ Self to the ‘big’ Self in each moment. Surrender is an opportunity to tune into the qualities of openness and receptivity to invite total freedom and peace into our lives. Surrender is Freedom.

SURRENDER VS CONTROL

PRACTICE SURRENDER: ISHVARA PRANIDHANA

1. Release how you think things ought to be, and appreciate things as they are. Surrender the expectation that something is wrong if it doesn’t go according to your plan.

2. Steep in the Bliss of simply Being, instead of always doing.

3. Let go of ego, expectation, judgement and attachment- to outcomes, to things, to people, to ideas or concepts.

4. Surrender to the Truth of your Experience in every moment – whatever that is. In this moment there may be happiness, frustration, contentment, anger, joy, shame, gratitude or grief. There is nothing personal about your thoughts or emotions. They are simply phenomena passing through your awareness. Allow these experiences to come and go- without resisting displeasurable ones, or clinging to pleasurable ones.

5. Give yourself the permission to really feel what you feel, because what you feel, you heal. What we resist, persists. And while emotions and thoughts aren’t personal, they are valuable pieces of information. Pain informs Strength. Confusion informs Clarity. Failure informs Wisdom. Grief informs Compassion. And so on.

6. Open yourself up to the Perfect Bliss of Now, instead of resisting it or wishing life were any other way than it is. Wholeheartedly engage with each and every moment, as it is, and recognize the Absolute Perfection in it all.

7. Have faith and trust that you always have been, always are, and you always will be supported by Life. You are living proof that you’ve survived every moment of your life so far – and will continue to thrive. Life gives us precisely what we need in each and every moment for our hearts to open and souls to Awaken. Trust that you are exactly where you need to be. Surrender to the process and have faith that all is perfect.

8. Be open to the possibility that something may be greater than you alone and what you are able to control. Surrender your fear and pain, and witness something far greater than that which the fear was trying to protect.

You are not a salmon, so stop swimming up stream. Practice Ishvara Pranidhana. Go with the Perfect Flow of Life. Surrender to what is. Surrender in pigeon pose. Surrender to love. Surrender, and Be Free.

How can you surrender to move through life with peace, ease, grace and fluidity?

Categorized as yoga, yoga off the mat, Yoga Philosophy, Yoga Quotes, Yogic LifestyleTagged as 8 Limbs of Yoga, Ishvara Pranidhana, Surrender

4 Key Aspects of Yogic Living (+ Tips for Staying True on the Path!)

We hold within us all infinite wisdom and endless knowledge. Already, we hold within all that we could ever need to come home to the remembrance of who we really are. Ultimately, we require nothing outside of what is here, now and within to remember Truth.

However, we live in an age that tends to have some distractions and confusion which clouds our perception of Reality. To help create ease on your journey, here are four key aspects of yoga to help maintain, inspire and encourage you on the path of awakening and enlightened living.

1) Spiritual Community (Sangha)

If you have even one person in your life on the same or a similar path as you, you’ve encountered a great blessing. In yoga, we call our spiritual community our Sangha. Sangha is a valuable part of our spirituality. Being immersed in a community of like-minded souls is inspiring, grounding, and uplifting. It is invaluable when it comes to living an inspired, conscious yogic life, and realizing the Truth of our own Divine Nature. Your Sangha is an endless source of love, support, inspiration, connection and a safe space to Be As You Are.

When possible, choose to surround yourself with positive, wise, peaceful, truth-seeking, love-embodying people, places and nature that encourage and inspire you on your spiritual journey— on the path to the remembrance of your True Nature.

2) Spiritual Practice (Sadhana)

Practice, practice, practice. Sadhana is our daily spiritual practice or discipline. To experience the true Bliss, Freedom and Peace that is our Natural State, we as yogis have incredibly valuable tools and practices available to us to help guide us into this state of Being.

Create a daily Sadhana that resonates with your heart. Your Sadhana may include yoga poses (Asana,) breathing techniques (Pranayama,) meditation (Dharana,) chanting mantra, kirtan, or self-reflection. Shorter, more frequent practices are more beneficial than longer practices done sporadically. A daily and consistent practice is the key to enlightened living.

3) Spiritual Texts (Svadhyaya)

On our spiritual journey, reading the sacred texts written by the enlightened sages and saints is an invaluable source of wisdom and inspiration. Svadhyaya means “self-study” and includes study of the classical texts of yoga—the authorities of classical yogic and vedic knowledge.

Some simple and inspiring texts to read are:
+ “Autobiography of a Yogi” by Paramahamsa Yogananda
+ “Living with the Himalayan Masters” by Swami Rama
+ “Yoga Sutras of Patanjali” commentary by Swami Durgananda
+ “Bhagavad Gita” commentary by Swami Sivananda
+ “Be As You Are” teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi

4) Spiritual Teacher (Guru)

Ultimately, life is full of teachers— teachers come in many forms and the whole world is our classroom. However, it is a great gift to have a spiritual teacher whom we can connect with and receive knowledge and inspiration from.

The Sanskrit word guru means “gu” (darkness,) and “ru” (that which dispels.) The guru is a spiritual teacher who helps guide us from unreal to real, darkness to light, ignorance to knowledge. A Sattvic Guru is an embodiment of Love, Peace and Truth. In their presence, we are uplifted and humbly guided into our own awakening.

You must listen to your heart while searching for your teachers. Seek out a teacher for whom emanates Love, Truth and Peace. Choose a teacher who is devoted to their own practice and awakening, comes from a traditional lineage, and who follows ancient scriptures not only in words but in everyday life.

Additionally, look to the yoga masters for inspiration— the great sages, spiritual masters and realized beings for guidance— teachers like Sri Ramana Maharshi, Amma Sri Karunamayi, Swami Saraswati Sivananda, Swami Vivekananda, Swami Rama, Swami Satyananda Saraswati, the Buddha, Jesus Christ and many other enlightened souls who have devoted their lives to the path of Realization have passed down the ancient traditions of yoga generation after generation.

Immerse yourself in the greatness of Sangha (Spiritual Community,) Sadhana (Spiritual Practice,) Svadhyaya (Self-Study + Spiritual Texts,) and in Wisdom from the Guru (Spiritual Teacher) to inspire you on your journey of Awakening and Yogic living. May we all be blessed as we come Home.

Categorized as Meditation, yoga, yoga off the mat, Yoga Philosophy, Yogic Lifestyle

The Ultimate Guide to Eating a Kind Diet

It’s been over 10 years since I made the switch to a vegetarian lifestyle (and 2 years later a vegan life.) I first went veg for health reasons to recover from illness, but over the years, my motivation for this lifestyle has become decreasingly about me, and increasingly about WE. I live this lifestyle to be kind to all Beings. The earth, the animals in human form, and of course, the non-human animals.

So today, I share with you the “Kind Diet/Lifestyle” that I live. Beyond just going vegan – here are a few tips to eat and live more compassionate, kind, and sustainable lives.

In our daily lives, we encounter many ways to be the love which is our true nature. Everyday, we can allow the love and kindness that exists in our hearts to be our compass as we navigate through life, steering our actions and encounters. How and what we eat is one of the greatest ways we can share kindness and compassion in our world.

A kind diet is simple— it is an approach to eating that chooses the path of least harm for the people, planet, animals, and of course— yourself! Eating a kind diet is based on the principles of non-violence, non-stealing, non-harming, responsibility, moderation, sustainability and purity for the health and wellness of all beings everywhere.

When deciding what to eat, where to eat, and what to shop for, consider these “6 Steps to Eat a Kind Diet!”

1. First, choose plant based.

Go plant-based— be kind to yourself and your body, the animals, and the planet. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, beans, legumes, seeds and nuts is scientifically proven to reduce the risk of many diseases and ailments compared to a typical western diet.

Did you know…

+ Going vegan brings greater environmental benefits than buying a hybrid vehicle or eschewing showers for 6 months.
+ It takes 2,400 gallons of water to produce one pound of beef, but only 25 gallons to produce a pound of wheat.
+ Raising animals for food uses 30 percent of the Earth’s land mass – or an area about the size of Asia.
+ 7 football fields of land are bulldozed every minute to create more room for farmed animals.

Eating a complete to primarily plant based diet is the greatest thing you can do to reduce your carbon footprint, express kindness and love to all animals and the planet, and become healthier.

2. Second, choose natural or organic.

Choosing natural and organic means that you are investing in food and products that have not been genetically modified, chemically grown or produced, are minimally processed and do not contain any added hormones, artificial colors or flavors etc.

It also means that the earth is not being polluted with toxic pesticides and chemicals, so the soil, water, air, overall ecosystems and wildlife are preserved and healthy.

And you’ll be supporting farmers and companies that go through great efforts to protect our planet and animals while producing incredibly healthy and chemical free food for us.

Going organic is a great act of kindness for your own health, for the health of the planet and animals, and these amazing farmers!

3. Third, choose sustainable.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, the definition of “sustainability” is: “the study of how natural systems function, remain diverse and produce everything it needs for the ecology to remain in balance. It also acknowledges that human civilization takes resources to sustain our modern way of life. Sustainability takes into account how we might live in harmony with the natural world around us, protecting it from damage and destruction.”

Eating primarily plant-based foods and eating organics are two great ways to eat a sustainable diet. Additionally, choose foods and ingredients that are: 1) Abundant in nature in relation to demand, 2) Are easily grown with minimal environmental impact, and 3) Are edible with minimal preparation.

For example, choose olive oil over palm oil, as a large amount of rainforests worldwide are being cut down to grow more palm trees to sustain the supply demand for its oil. Or choose sunflowers or pecans over almonds, as almonds require an immense amount of water to produce.

Try permaculture! “Permaculture is modeled on the relationships found in nature. More specifically it is the design of agriculturally productive ecosystems, which have diversity and stability while considering the existing environment and natural ecosystems. True permaculture, is not just organic farming – the ideology should in practice means harmonious integration of environment and people — providing their food, shelter, and energy in a sustainable way.” – Sustainable Earth Technologies.

4. Next, choose local.

Going local and right to the source of your food significantly reduces the extra fuel, packaging, and costs that it requires to transport your food and ingredients from farmer, to (sometimes) a manufacturer, to distributor, to store and finally—to you.

Go to your local farmers market or go directly meet with farmers in your area to buy your food directly. Choose food and ingredients that are local to your area and in season.

5. Then, choose package-free.

This is so simple— when possible, choose package free. If you have a choice between buying apples that are individually wrapped in styrofoam, in a plastic bag, which will be put in an additional plastic bag at the checkout, or buying apples in bulk, choose the latter.

As a general rule, skip the “middle aisles” of the grocery store which tend to contain heaps of unnecessary plastics, cans, boxes and bags— head straight from the produce area, to the bakery, to the bulk section.

When you shop, bring your own reusable cloth grocery bags and bulk bags to minimize waste.

By reducing single time use plastics and packaging, you greatly reduce your eco-footprint and save SO much waste from entering our landfill, and chemicals in the earth, air and water.

6. Always choose love.

Invest in kindness: Invest your dollars in companies, stores and farms that prioritize kindness and compassion to all beings everywhere with their products and production methods. Choose fair-trade. Choose cruelty-free. Choose sustainable. Choose companies that operate waste-free or emission free in their manufacturing and methods. Choose to support companies that give back to communities and the environment.

Moderation: As a general rule, take only what is offered and use only what is needed.

Generosity: Be generous in sharing food. If you have an abundance of food in your fridge or garden, be sure to share it and nourish other people and animals! Or when it’s gone rotten, give it back to the earth in a compost.

Gratitude: Be grateful for the food you have. Be grateful to the earth that grew your food. The animals and insects that fertilized and pollinated the food to grow. The rain and sun for it’s nourishment. For the hard-work that helped grow it, and the hands that prepared it and put it on your plate.

Eat a kind diet; choose plant based, natural and organic, sustainable, local, package-free and always choose LOVE. As a general rule, always choose the path of least harm – for the health and wellbeing of the people, the planet, the animals and YOU!

Categorized as yoga, yoga off the mat, Yogic Lifestyle

7 Sacred Mantras for Spiritual Illumination

Mantras are powerful sacred sound vibrations from the ancient Sanskrit language that are traditionally chanted during spiritual practices in the yogic tradition.

Mantras are composed of Sanskrit letters, each infused with unique frequencies— much like scientific formulas of sound vibration known to have unique qualities, effects and energies. Similarly, Mantras act like a secret password to various aspects of our inner dimension. They are said to hold subtle knowledge in their vibration, and cleanse the body, mind and spirit.

Repetition of a Mantra is proven to have incredible benefits for the body, mind, and spirit. They are scientifically proven to help calm the mind, balance the nervous system, evoke knowledge, assist in healing the body and mind, increase physiological alertness and synchronicity of certain biorhythms, increase health and well-being and create a single-pointed, concentrated awareness in the mind.

Choose one of the following Mantras that resonates with your heart for your highest good and for the greater good of all Beings everywhere.

Om Namah Shivaya  (Aum Na-mah She-vai-yah)
Rebirth. Letting go. Healing. Surrender. Strength. Compassion.

Om Gam Ganapatayae Namaha  (Aum Gah-mm Gah-na-pat-eye-aye Na-ma-ha)
Overcoming Obstacles. Inner Wisdom. Ease. Supreme Knowledge. Awakening.

Om Hrim Dhum Durga Devai Namaha (Aum Hreem Doom Dur-gah Dev-yay Na-ma-ha)
Protection. Truth. Courage. Power. Purity. Fearlessness. Forgiveness.

Om Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu (Aum Low-kah Some-ah-sta Sook-ee-no Bah-van-too)
Peace Prayer: May all beings everywhere be happy and free of suffering.

Om Shring Hring Kleeng Mahalakshmi Namaha (Aum Shh-ring H-ring Cling Mahah-Luck-shh-mee Na-ma-ha)
Abundance. Dharma – Purpose. Beauty. Freedom. Success.

Om Aim Shrim Hrim Saraswati Devyai Namaha (Aum I’m Shreem Hreem Sara-swat-ee Dave-yay Na-ma-ha)
Creativity. Highest Knowledge. Arts. Intelligence. Beauty. Truth. Expression.

Om Aim Klim Somaya Namaha (Aum I’m Kleem Soma-Ya Na-ma-ha
Secret Knowledge of the Moon. Surrender. Peace. Receptivity. Divine Feminine.

With love, practice, and intention invite the secret power of mantras into your daily practice and life and witness great benefit for yourself and all beings everywhere.

Categorized as Meditation, Uncategorized, yoga, yoga off the mat, Yoga Philosophy, Yogic LifestyleTagged as mantra, om

The Yogi Code: The Yamas

The Yamas are the founding principles of the 8 Limbs of Yoga outlined in the Yoga Sutras summarized by Patanjali. They are the foundation of living a conscious and yogic life. The Yamas are external disciplines— a sum of ethical practices, values and virtues available to us so we may interact, relate and co-exist peacefully with all beings and with the planet.

The Yamas can be broken down into 5 specific areas; Ahimsa (non-harming,) Satya (truthfulness,) Asteya (non-stealing,) Brahmachara (continence,) Aparigraha (non-possessiveness.)

Lets further explore the qualities of the Yamas, these values and virtues to live more peaceful lives both on and off the mat.

1.AHIMSA: non-harming, non-violence, non-aggression, compassion, forgiveness, kindness— love.

2. SATYA: truthfulness, honesty, sincerity. Being truthful in thought, word and deed. Living one’s truth; sacred purpose or dharma.

3. ASTEYA: non-stealing. Take only what is offered and use only what is needed.

4. BRAHMACHARYA: moderation and continence. Preservation of vital energy. Exerting one’s energy wisely. Sexual responsibility or celibacy.

5. APARIGRAHA: non-possessiveness, non-greed, non-hoarding, non-collection, non-gluttony, non-attachment.

By practicing the Yamas, you can advance your yoga to the next level by transforming yoga from a simple practice, into your way of life. May these ethical practices of yoga guide you deeper into the essence of yoga and transform your yoga practice both on the mat, and off the mat into the world.

How do you practice the Yamas – on the mat and off the mat? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below. <3

Categorized as Uncategorized, yoga, yoga off the mat, Yoga Philosophy, Yogic LifestyleTagged as 8 Limbs of Yoga, Ahimsa, Aparigraha, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Satya, Yamas

4 Ways to Create a Peaceful Life (And World!)

Perhaps you’ve noticed – there is suffering in the world we live in. As compassionate, loving people of the planet, we can easily empathize and sometimes even feel the pain and suffering of other beings. Sometimes, it may make us feel sadness, sometimes we grieve, sometimes we become angry, bitter or even hateful. But we cannot create a world of peace from a place of hatred. When we hate in the name of love, I’m afraid we’ve missed something very important.

Here are 4 ways to peacefully navigate through a world of suffering to create a life and world of peace. May peace and love be our compass, and may all beings be happy and free.

1. Start with yourself.

Perhaps, the greatest thing we can do for well-being, empowerment and peace among all beings is to do the inner work so that we may be at peace with ourselves and, actively participate in creating the peace we wish to see in the world. Be kind, be gentle, be compassionate with yourself first.

By filling our own cup with unwavering self-love and radical inner peace, we have more to give, we are better able to serve others, and we become a bright light in the world that emanates love and peace everywhere we go so that more people can be impacted by the peace we share, and one day, the whole world may live in peace.

2. Make peace your path.

Make peace, love, and compassion your path. Transform peace from being something you do into who you are. Doing acts of peace is powerful, but being peace will change the world.

To be peaceful, or a peace activist, you don’t have to stand outside of building chanting what is wrong with the world, you don’t have to aggressively comment on social media what you believe to be wrong or unethical, and you don’t have to donate heaps of money to humanitarian organizations.

Try practicing what I like to call micro activism in your daily life; small acts of compassion that create massive waves of peace in our world. As best as you can, try to eat, shop, exist compassionately with as little negative impact to other beings and this planet as possible. By you living a peaceful life, there is more peace in the world.

3. Choose love.

Please—stop hating in the name of love. It is easy to become angry and bitter when we see the injustice and suffering in the world, and from this place of anger, we may want to scream hatred and aggression in the name of love. Our intentions our good, but the method is not always compassionate, peaceful, or effective. To fight in the name of love is to forget what love really is. Don’t allow the suffering of the world to stain your heart of it’s true essence—unconditional love.

Ask yourself in every moment; in every interaction, in how you shop, in what you eat— how can I choose love? How may I serve in the most compassionate way? What is the most loving thing I can do here? How can I share peace? Choose the path of least harm— and when you can, always choose love

4. Do what you can to alleviate others suffering, but don’t make yourself suffer in the process.

When you cross paths with someone you can serve, do what you can. It is our highest duty to do what we can to alleviate the suffering of other beings— but that doesn’t mean we must carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. You don’t need to go searching for suffering.

We have infinite resources to offer each other; from time and money, to a loving hug or words of compassion. If you cross paths with a hungry cat or thirsty dog, do what you can to nourish them. If you can share money or food with someone less fortunate, do so. If you notice a shelter could use a volunteer, show up. If you feel called to offer words of compassion or a hug to someone in emotional pain, do it. If you see suffering, do what you can to help, to serve, for the greater good of humanity.

But that doesn’t mean you need to go looking for suffering. In a world where every catastrophe on the planet, large or small, shows up on our newsfeeds on several devices in an instant, we need to give ourselves a break from the suffering of the world. It’s important to know what is happening in our world, but our constant connection to world events can take a toll on our state of being, and move us into a state of fear and anger.

Take time away from the news, social media etc every so often to recharge your heart with inner peace and love— we can offer more to the world from that state of Being.

BONUS YOGA TECHNIQUES FOR PEACE

1. Chant the mantras:
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu
(Low-Kah Sum-A-Sta Sook-ee-no Buh-Vun-Too)
May all beings be happy and free of suffering and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute to that happiness freedom for all.
Om Shanti Om
(Aum, Shun-tee, Aum)
May there be universal peace.

2. Meditate
Silence and stillness allows us to settle into the experience of peace that exists within us all, and we can live and act from this place of peace.

3. Practice Ahimsa
Ahimsa in yoga is the first of the Yamas, the moral code written in the ancient texts of yoga. Ahimsa teaches us to live a life of non-violence, non-aggression, love and peace with one another. Do no harm.

May we up the ante on the shanti— start by creating peace in your own life, make peace your path, alleviate the suffering of other beings that cross your path as best you can, and always choose love. Ps. Shanti means peace in Sanskrit, which makes this a funny, cute peace rhyme because the world needs more smiles, too.

But for real, may all beings be happy, and free of suffering.

How do you live peace? How do you choose love? I’d love to hear in the comments below! x

“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.” – Buddha.

Categorized as yoga, yoga off the mat, Yoga Philosophy, Yogic Lifestyle

How to Develop a Daily Yoga Practice

There are endless benefits to developing a daily yoga practice or spiritual practice. Many people know these benefits and want to create a daily practice, but perhaps don’t know what to do, how to do it, or how to maintain a daily practice long term.

This is a common challenge I hear from students and one that I myself have experienced through years of practice. In yoga, we call our daily yoga or spiritual pratice, sadhana. Here are four ways to overcome challenges on the path of sadhana so you can develop a daily practice and experience greater degrees of love, freedom, peace, and bliss in your life

1. Take the conditions out of your practice.

Sometimes, we are perfectionists in life and how we approach our practice is no different. We think that in order to be a yogi or develop a sadhana, we must have several hours a day, be stress free with little or no responsibility, endless energy, and have a tranquil, well decorated yoga room dedicated to practice. We place so much emphasis on perfection that we may fluctuate between practicing intensely for a short period of time, to then not practicing at all for a few days, weeks or months.

Troubleshoot common challenges to creating a daily practice:

+ “I don’t have time to practice.” | Do what you can, 5 or 10 minutes is enough.
+ “My house is too messy.” | Clean it up or don’t worry about it. Yoga is a practice of our inner experience, so the outer world isn’t too important for the practice.
+ “I’m too busy.” | Do your best to carve out time to practice. And practice mindfulness as you go through your busy day.
+ “I don’t have enough money to go to a class.” | Develop a home practice for free.
+ “I don’t know what to do.” | Go to a class at your local studio or do a free online yoga video or guided meditation.
+ “I’m too tired or lazy to practice.” | Great, honor how you feel, and try a more gently practice like yin yoga, restorative, yoga nidra or meditate to restore you. You may feel more energized after!
+ “I prefer to practice in the morning/evening and I was busy during that time.” | Creating a routine is valuable, but it’s important to also be flexible with your practice. Practicing at a different time of the day is better than not practicing at all.

2. Make yoga your path.

Transform your practice into your path. Make yoga not only something you do, but how you live your life. Invite mindfulness, peace, and breath into all that you do and even the most mundane of tasks become sacred acts of devotion and union, which is the meaning of the word yoga in Sanskrit.

While asana, the physical poses of yoga, and meditation are important and valuable pieces of the yoga puzzle, there is more to yoga than these alone. In Patanjali’s 8 Limbs of Yoga in the Yoga Sutras, the two founding limbs of yoga, the Yamas and Niyamas, are a code of morals and ethics which allow us to interact peacefully with the outer world, and with our inner experience. The Yamas teach us a path of non-violence, honesty, non-stealing, moderation, and non-attachment. The Niyamas encourage us to live a life of purity, contentment, self-discipline, self-study and surrender. As Dharma Mittra says, “no Yama, no yoga.” If all you do is practice non-violence, ahimsa, the first of the Yamas as your spiritual practice— you are already a great yogi.

Transform your practice from an act of discipline into an act of devotion and your practice becomes an empowering, sacred infinite opportunity and choice to connect with yourself, and unite with Divinity.

3. Create ease in your practice.

Life, yoga and meditation can be challenging enough, no need to make things harder than they need to be. The practice of yoga is powerful, but subtle. Give yourself the permission to be gentle with yourself and your practice. When we push ourselves too hard with our practice, we may exhaust ourselves and then feel resistance to practicing. Practice as much as possible— but consistent, shorter, more frequent practices will benefit you more than longer, more intense practices done less frequently.

Create a practice that is simple, peaceful and that you enjoy doing and you may feel more drawn to practicing regularly. If slowing down your practice helps—do it. If using props or sitting in a chair while you meditate allows you to feel more comfortable—allow it to be. If doing less yoga postures and more meditation, chanting, or breathing exercises feels good— do this. If you prefer meditating in the morning/evening/before/after asana, yoga postures— do as you wish.

4. Develop a ritual.

As much as possible, try to create a daily routine – or better yet, make it a ritual. Sculpt out time every day to practice, even if it’s only five or ten minutes. And as best as you can, try to make it consistent. Developing a routine time to practice gives instructions to your subconscious and may allow you to go deeper with practice.

Explore the infinity of yoga— There is an infinite depth to yoga that extends far beyond the physical postures. Yoga is the Yamas and Niyamas, the ethical and more code of yoga, yoga is Bhakthi— a path of love and devotion, Karma— a path of selfless service, Raja— a path of self-discipline, and Jnana— a path of self-inquiry and realization. Yoga is chanting mantra, meditation, prayer, pranayama, mindfulness, and union.

Having a sadhana sequence that you follow is very helpful in creating a routine. Through practice, your subconscious will begin to memorize what your practice guides you to find within yourself and you will be able to reveal it with more ease, depth and clarity.

Consistency is key. You will benefit more from shorter, more frequent practices, than longer and more intense sessions practiced less frequently.

Here is a beginner-friendly Sadhana practice that you may practice every day. Modify it as you wish and for what your schedule allows to make it your own.

Create space | Enter Practice
+ Set up/clean altar. + Light candle and incense. + Get mat and props for meditation and asana.
+ Come into meditation seat. Ground, centre, withdraw inwardly (Pratyahara)
+ Open practice with Om x 3 + Set intention (Sankalpa) | Say Prayer | Gratitude
+ Chin Mudra: hands are palms facing up in the lap in with the thumbs and index finger connected.

Pranayama
+ Watch the breath + Ujjayi Pranayama + Nadi Shodhana Pranayama

Concentration | Meditation
+ Drishti: navel, heart, space between the eyebrows
+ Watch the gap between the breaths
+ Mantra repetition: Om Namah Shivaya, Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha, Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu
+ Steep in the Bliss of simply Being

Return | Close Practice
+ Om x 3 | Restate intention | Gratitude | Return

Creating a daily yoga practice or spiritual practice is one of the greatest gifts you can offer yourself to experience greater degrees of peace, freedom, love, bliss and truth in your life. Take the conditions out of your practice, make your yoga your path, create a practice you love to do, and make a daily ritual of if. Develop a daily yoga practice today!

Categorized as Beginner's Yoga, Meditation, Uncategorized, yoga, yoga off the mat, Yogic LifestyleTagged as chanting, meditation, practice, sadhana, yin yoga, yoga nidra, yoga practice