Volume XIII, No. 4 November 2007
Queen Kekayi by Sri Swami Sivananda
The king of Kekaya possessed a sound knowledge of the language of beasts, birds and insects. This was conferred on him by sage Samika. The sage had conferred this boon and said, “O king! I give you this boon by which you will be able to know what the birds and beasts talk among themselves. But, mind you, if you reveal any of the conversations to anyone to satisfy their curiosity, your head will burst into a thousand pieces.”
One day, the king was seated with his queen, Kekayi, in the garden. He observed an ant taking a grain of rice and hurrying with it to its hole. Meanwhile, another ant came across and said to it, “Friend, I am very hungry. Please give me that grain of rice.”
The first ant replied, “No, I cannot, because you belong to a higher caste. You cannot accept the grain from me, of lower caste.”
At this differentiation and petty distinction even among the little insignificant ants, the king burst into uncontrollable laughter.
The queen, who was sitting by his side, enquired of him the reason The Conference on Light for his laughter. The king could not reveal the truth on account of the warning of the sage. He tried to evade the queen. by Sri Swami Satchidananda But the queen persisted. She said, “You are hiding something Once upon a time, there was a big meeting in a candle from me. I will not take meals or do anything until and unless factory. All the candles gathered and were wondering why you reveal this secret to me.” they were made. One of the candles said, “Why, certainly, our purpose is to give light. We should have a big conference The king was in a fix. He did not know what to do. At last on light to discuss how that can be done.” he said, “My beloved, I am prohibited from telling you on
Continued on Page 6 Continued on Page 7
Inside
The Conference on Light by Sri Swami Satchidananda p. 1 Linda’s Story of Recovery by Sam Dworkis p. 14 Queen Kekayi by Swami Sivananda p. 1 Doing it Right by Nischala Joy Devi p. 15 Awakening the Storyteller by Sydney Solis p. 3 God in All by Hazrat Inayat Khan p. 15 Two Boatmen by Sri Swami Satchidananada p. 8 Confronting Disappointment by India Henson p. 16 Accessible Teacher Training by Rev. Jivana Heyman p. 9 Helping Iraqi Vets p. 17 Fun with Headstand by Lakshmi Sutter p. 10 Speakers Schedule p. 18 Moisturizing Without Tears by Rev. Prakash Shakti Capen p. 13 Upcoming Programs at Yogaville p. 19 The Goal of Integral Yoga® Awakening the Storyteller Integral Yoga Teachers Association Oral storytelling to teach peace, health, literacy and Yoga to children and adults Founder: Sri Swami Satchidananda By Sydney Solis
The goal of Integral Yoga, and the birthright of every individual The Integral Yoga Teachers Association is a membership association Words have power. The power to create, connect, relate becomes our creation ground. Images are like water onto is to realize the spiritual unity behind all the diversities in the open to all Integral Yoga teachers. Its mission is to provide mutual and excite. seeds of archetypes deep within our unconscious, and story entire creation and to live harmoniously as members of one support and spiritual fellowship, to share information, to provide awakens them. An emotional response, in turn, projects universal family. inspiration, and to conduct ongoing training and guidance. The whole universe is created by sound and words and many our own expression of this internal experience through our traditions speak of this–from the Bible to the Hindu Goddess voices and bodies. This goal is achieved by maintaining our natural condition of Director: Lakshmi Sutter of Speech, Vac, to Jen-Luc Picard, saying, “Make it so.” a body of optimum health and strength, senses under total Continuing Ed. & Membership Coordinator: Marien Chodl We need image to connect within, and we are losing it by control, a mind well-disciplined, clear and calm, an intellect Newsletter Editor: Rev. Prakasha Shakti I use the power of words with storytelling to teach children external media and pre-packaged commercial ideas. This is as sharp as a razor, a will as strong and pliable as steel, a heart Graphic Design: Anand Shiva Hervé Yoga at my local school, Creekside Elementary, in Boulder, an externally imposed mythology, not one with which we full of unconditional love and compassion, an ego as pure as Copy Editors: Abhaya Thiele, Nateswari, Lakshmi Sutter Colorado. Each week story, symbol, imagery, Yoga, dance, interact but which we consume and are consumed by. That’s a crystal, and a life filled with Supreme Peace and Joy. music and nature fill children’s after-school hours. Additionally, when humanity gets lost against an artificial environment, the Integral Yoga Teachers Association I teach English and Spanish Language storytelling classes at corporation and war and strife prevail. It’s man against the Attain this through asanas, pranayama, chanting of Holy Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville this Title One and Green Star school. machine, as such modern mythologies as Star Wars pointed Names, self discipline, selfless action, mantra japa, meditation, 108 Yogaville Way out. Where is the joy and celebration of life, children, family study and reflection. Buckingham, VA 23921 USA You can tap into this power and awaken the storyteller and community? We become merely slaves, or simple Tel: 434.969.3121, ext. 197 within using stories and Yoga with children at home and in consumers who are supposed to serve by purchasing. It Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti, Fax: 434.969.1303 the classroom. doesn’t offer us happiness or wisdom, the joy of experiencing E-mail (Newsletter): [email protected] our internal selves. Ever yours in Yoga, E-mail (Membership): [email protected] I offer children images. Their minds hear the words, connect E-mail (Director): [email protected] to their bodies and create the image within, which in turn Storytelling combined with Yoga provides us with the tools Website: www.iyta.org connect them to their environments. That’s when the boons for freedom, peace and joy with our own Yoga practice and come, said mythologist Joseph Campbell when he spoke of stories to assist us and others in self-realization. the function of myth, and you realize that you are at one with the powers of the universe. This is a goal of Yoga. How to Use Stories in Yoga with Children Letter From The Editor Children learn best when they play imaginatively. Story is used to set themes and act out the story with Yoga and the body Beginning As long as there have been humans, there have been stories. storyteller-yogi Sydney Solis of Storytime Yoga has sent us a using an educational method called Total Physical Response. Even before there were words, the earliest people used great piece about story and Yoga for children that also works Stories’ metaphors are symbolic language. It’s necessary to • Gather children in a circle, preferably outside. You don’t movement and expressions to act out their adventures, for adults! Enjoy! be able to master relationships with symbols to understand need mats if you are outside. discoveries and emotions. and learn other symbolic languages like computers, music, • Use a puppet, toy, instrument or other prop to set the ritual We are delighted to welcome Nateswari to the staff of the reading or math. Imagination is needed to solve problems of the space. As Yoga teachers, we can use stories to inspire and to illustrate Integral Yoga Academy at Yogaville. Nateswari comes to us to and provide alternatives. Neanderthals died out because • Use drums, rattles or other instruments to have kids dance important lessons. A good story can get a point through quickly from Connecticut, where she operated a studio called Yoga they didn’t imagine making tools. and shake out their bodies, let go of the day. and easily in a way no amount of dry philosophy can. Space for five years. Nateswari participated in Yogaville’s • Ask how children are feeling. What’s going on in their Living Yoga Training program in March 2007, when she Yoga and stories also act as a discipline to balance lives? Did they practice Yoga at home? Did they have any Do you have favorite stories? Of course you do. Be sure to was recruited to return and serve in the Academy for the children with inner and outer awareness to themselves dreams? What kinds of foods did they eat? Allow children make note of them. Use the ones that resound particularly next year. A former journalist, she will be supporting our and the environment. to speak and to listen to others. with you so that your storytelling is real, enthusiastic and rich. marketing efforts, as well as assisting in the administration Tell and retell them so they become part of you. of our 2008 Teacher Training season. To reach Nateswari, Story can assist us in discovering ourselves and peeling away Middle please phone her at 434-969-3121, extension 197, or email the deep layer of life story we put upon ourselves. Heroic Be aware, too, of your very own stories—stories from your life, her at [email protected]. (Nateswari is the model pictured tales, myths, fairytales and wisdom fables are essential as they You can use story to teach Yoga in a variety of ways. lessons you’ve learned. These will be especially meaningful throughout the series presented on headstand this issue!) blaze a path for us to follow to be able to listen to the Self. • Tell a story and then re-enact the story with Yoga poses as you to your students and are a great way for you to reflect on Words provoke image. This relationship between sound and ask children questions about the story’s structure. Who was who you are and how far you’ve come. India Henson’s story As always, we’d love to include your meaning and words we interpret for our reality. When we the story about? What happened? What happened next? of her experience with a big disappointment and how she personal stories in future newsletters. tell a story, we are helping to shape someone’s reality. We There are obvious trees, cows, cats, bridges and more for dealt with it is a good example of this. Nischala Joy Devi’s You can contact me directly at are like Indra’s net, a jewel in which others are reflected; and story elements; however, don’t be limited. Have kids pick lovely story reminds us of how sharing a simple event can 434-969-9272 or [email protected]. we are reflected in them, for story sets the listener beyond any Yoga pose and take on the quality of that character, teach a valuable lesson to many. time and space and links his or her personal memories object or action. Om Shanti, and experiences to the image. Storytelling offers children • Tell the story first and use it as a theme to teach during In this issue, in addition to other wonderful articles, we and adults a vehicle for this awakening using self-reflection Yoga. Contemplate the qualities of the story within yourself have a variety of stories related to the Yogic teachings. And Rev. Prakasha Shakti and self-study, svadyaya. The realm of the imagination as you take on the pose. Encourage children to be the that is perceived through the mind connected to the body character and the story.
IYTA Newsletter • November 2007 • Page IYTA Newsletter • November 2007 • Page The Monkey and the Moon A Story From China
Excerpt from the book The Treasure in Your Heart: Yoga and Stories for Peaceful Children, to be published April 2008, The Mythic Yoga Studio, Boulder, Colorado.
There was once a monkey happily swinging from tree aparigraha, illusion, maya. Or offer the story without your to tree. He swung to a branch where there he saw an attached meaning and allow the listener to process it as he amazing sight. moves through Yoga asana.
Below him was a pond with the glimmering image of the Tell this story and act out the story with Yoga. Works moon shining in the water. He was amazed by its beauty great with preschool through 5th grade. Monkeys can and brilliant white light. Hanging onto the branch with jump! Hanumanasana, the splits! Half Moon pose, ardha one paw, he used his other paw to reach for that beautiful chandrasana. Tree pose, vrksasana, monkey swinging from moon. tree to tree.
He reached and he reached, but no matter how hard he Or use it as a theme for children third grade and up. Tell tried, he could not reach the moon. And he refused to the story, and then bring the theme of attachment or let go of the branch to get closer to the moon. Try as he illusion up as you move through asana. For instance, do might, even until death, he would never give up trying to a moon salutation vinyasa to illustrate the phases of the reach for the moon in the water and he would still hang moon and that it’s only light cycling through shapes on the onto his branch. moon, rather than the moon actually changing. • Tell the story during relaxation and start the class with Practice first on some trees, then some stuffed animals, then relaxation. I call these “Story Siestas.” You can use either a trusted friend, then some kids. But by grace or chance, the branch he was hanging onto During Relaxation: of the above suggestions for the remainder of the class. broke. The monkey plunged into the water. He slapped Then end with meditation. Change your voice, use gestures, and change the pace or around in the water for a moment, looking for the moon. Tell this story at the beginning of class as part of relaxation, volume of your telling. The younger the child, the more Then he looked up into the sky and—there! There it was! or by itself during relaxation. End exaggerated and interactive your telling should be. The monkey saw the moon shining brightly against the dark night’s sky. Activities associated with the story. Go and look at the Call out images during meditation, as well as words such as Breathe in and breathe out and be present and enjoy the moon! Check out its cycles. Create artwork. Check out “Calm and ease. Peace and Joy.” power of the sounds and words your own body creates. Working with the Story with Children in Yoga monkeys, either at the zoo or Google them online. What do your dreams say about this animal? About the moon? Let children lie on their backs in relaxation, savasana. Use Have fun! Relax, be silly and exaggerate—whether you are What is this story about? Only the listener can create true What are you attached to? What can’t you let go of? imagery such as the sun or moon rays or filling up with sand telling to kids or adults! meaning from this story. We can offer a meaning for the as you call out body parts. Children’s minds will rest on sake of teaching a Yoga element, such as non-attachment, Copyright 2007, Sydney Solis the toes, feet, legs, knees, hips, chest, arms, hands, fingers, neck, head, jaw, cheeks, eyes, nose, ears, and the whole Followup and Additional Activities body. Ask kids to tell a story about what they saw during their Drop imagery from the story into the relaxation. Create a relaxation periods. Teaching Yoga for Children Programs in 2008 guided meditation with the images for the children to journey in their imaginations. Have children draw pictures of elements of the story and tell and write about the story. The youngest children can dictate Children’s Hatha Yoga Teacher Training Yoga for the Special Child™ Allow time for silence. the story to you. with Kali Morse & Inga Ishwari Benson with Sonia Sumar Ring a bell, stretch and return to sitting. Tell kids to practice Yoga and tell stories at home. June 22–29, 2008 October 10–17, 2008
Close by putting the props from the beginning away, saying Learn to teach Yoga postures, deep relaxation and meditation A comprehensive seven-day training course that provides a How to Tell a Story goodbye and bowing out in Namaste. to a population that can benefit and make a difference in the program of Yoga therapy for children with special needs (i.e., world: children aged 5-12. children with Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, ADD/ADHD Memorize the first and last sentence of the story. Sydney Solis, RYT, is the founder of Storytime Yoga, which or other learning disabilities). teaches children peace, health and literacy through Yoga and VNA CNE Hrs: 60 (approximate), Run through the story in your head, asking who is the story story. She is the author of the DVD The Peddler’s Dream and Yoga Alliance Hrs: 60 (approximate), RYT 500 VNA CNE Hrs: 55 (approximate), about? Jot down an image. What happened next? (“The monkey the books Teaching Yoga to Children Through Story and The Yoga Alliance Hrs: 55 (approximate), RYT 500 saw the moon.”) And write down another image. These images Treasure in Your Heart: Yoga and Stories for Peaceful Children, serve as your stepping stones to get from beginning to finish as to be published by The Mythic Yoga Studio this April. Visit her you paint the image with descriptive words for the listener. website at www.StorytimeYoga.com. For more information on both programs, check www.integralyogaprograms.org.
IYTA Newsletter • November 2007 • Page IYTA Newsletter • November 2007 • Page The Conference on Light continued from page 1
So, all the candles came and read papers about light and “You don’t need to do all that,” said the lit candle. “Just come how good it is to get enlightened. But, unfortunately, they and rub. You can be grateful to me, but first come and get were having the conference in total darkness, because not the light.” one of the candles was lit. So, after having spent many hours in darkness discussing the light, one little candle got tired. So the little candle mustered up all its strength and courage, “What kind of conference is this anyway?” it asked. “We are and slowly approached the lit candle. It caught a spark and not getting anywhere; we are simply talking on and on. Let cried out in joy, “Now, I have light, too. And you still have the me go out for a little fresh air.” same luminosity. You didn’t lose anything!”
So, it left the room. As it was walking down the hall, it noticed “That’s what I told you would happen,” explained the candle. some light shining in a corner. “Oh,” the little candle cried, “we are just talking about light, but there actually seems to be “Oh, sir,” said the little candle, “there are so many thousands some light over there. Let me go see.” of unlit candles out there. Can I go rub against them?”
It slowly walked toward the light and saw another candle “Sure, you can do that now. You are just like me; there is no sitting there. “Sir.” the little candle said, “how did you get difference anymore. Go ahead.” light?” The little candle slowly returned to the conference room. The lit candle smiled and said, “Well, if you really want to A heated argument about light was still going on, but the know, I will tell you. I was once an unlit candle just like you. moment the others saw the candle, they all stopped talking. But one day, I found a lit candle. I just went and rubbed myself against it. As I rubbed, I caught a spark and got lit.” “Hey,” they called out, “where did you get that light? Can we get some, too?” “Oh,” said the little candle, “could I do that with you?” The candle told them the whole story and finished by saying, “Sure, that would be fine.” “Anyone who wants light, come rub against me.” Queen Kekayi continued from page 1 “But, sir, I don’t want to take away any of your light.” Immediately, they all came forward and rubbed against the little candle. At last the conference on light was filled with light! account of the warning from Rishi Samika. If I tell you, my The she-goat said, “I do not care about that. I want that grass “Don’t worry about that,” said the lit candle. “By your getting head will burst into a thousand pieces. What am I to do now? only.” light, I will not lose any light. I will still be the same.” Simply having conferences about peace when there is no Give up this obstinacy and save me.” peace in your heart will never bring peace to the world. If you The he-goat got furious and severely butted the she-goat with The little candle got very excited. “Should I worship you, want to share something with others, you must first have it The queen replied, “I do not mind what the consequences his horns. The she-goat gave up her obstinacy and begged sir?” he asked. “Should I burn some incense or get a nice yourself. Find the peace within, and your mere presence will may be of your telling me. I do not care. I want to know the for pardon. garland?” bring peace to others. reason for the laughter.” The king got the clue. He went back to his palace. The queen, When the king found no means of appeasing the curiosity of as usual, insisted on his revealing his secret. The king took on his wife, he said to her, “You want to know the secret even at an unusually stern tone and said, “You know, with one word the cost of my life. So then, I will reveal this to you at Benares, I can have you executed if you persist in this query, which where when I die I shall attain liberation.” is threatening my life. Tell me frankly, do you still insist on hearing the secret?” The next day the king and queen set out for Benares. Arriving The happy heart gives away the best. To know how to there, the queen again pressed the king to reveal his secret. The queen was terrified by the fierce look in the king’s eyes The king said, “I will tell you what it is after three days.” and his commanding voice. She begged his pardon and said, “No, my lord. I do not want to know any of your secrets. Let receive is also a most important gift, which cultivates The king was sunk in sorrow, reflecting over his fate, and left for us live happily from today.” a lonely trip to the neighboring hills, He sat underneath a tree. He was tired of walking and was very hungry also. Suddenly, The mind is also persistent and selfish like Queen Kekayi. Be generosity in others and keeps strong the cycle of life. he overheard a quarrel between two goats. The she-goat was on the alert. Do not yield to its temptations. Beware of its saying to the he-goat, “Get me the grass hanging in the well; tricks. Be the master of your own mind. Live in the world otherwise I will not live with you. I will part with you forever.” but do not let the taint of the world affect you. Conquer —Dhyani Ywahoo (Voices of Our Ancestor) Maya. Use discrimination; cut the knot of ignorance and soar The he-goat replied, “What a fool you are! Do you not see high in the realms of peace and bliss. May you all become that it is risky to get to the grass over there? I will fall into the Jivanmuktas in this very life! waterless pit and die.”
IYTA Newsletter • November 2007 • Page IYTA Newsletter • November 2007 • Page Two Boatmen Accessible Teacher Training by Sri Swami Satchidananda By Rev. Jivana Heyman
from Enlightening Tales as told by Sri Swami Satchidananda, edited by Swami Karunananda What does it really mean to be a Yoga teacher? Does it mean Eric explained to me that with more support he could have that you have perfected the asanas? Could someone with a done it. “I think the real difference for me would have been Have you heard the story of the two boatmen? They knew The bathers asked, “What do you mean, ‘What happened?’ physical limitation be a Yoga teacher? These are the questions to have fellow students to work with me at my pace; to have how to row, but they didn’t own a boat. One day, they What were you two trying to do?” I had to ask myself when one of my long-time students, Eric a group of students who understand each other, to work decided to steal a boat so they could go to the neighboring Fine, was getting more and more serious about Yoga. Eric has around issues, energetic or cognitive, and to help each other village. They waited until nightfall and then went down to The boatmen replied, “We wanted to visit the next village Multiple Sclerosis, but his symptoms are relatively mild–he has work past various obstacles. Yes, I have limitations, but I the river. To celebrate their adventure, they first had a little and planned to return very soon. So, we just borrowed some cognitive problems, fatigue, weakness in his legs, and also think I have a lot to offer. If I had been part of a group to drink. In fact, they became quite intoxicated. Then they the boat. We have been rowing the whole night. We can’t balance problems. But despite this I knew that he would enjoy committed to making up for the different shortcomings in found a boat, took hold of the oars, and started rowing. They understand why we are still here.” immersing himself in the study of Yoga, and I recommended each other and supporting everyone in the group, I would sang and rowed all night long. that he enroll in a Yoga teacher training program. have been able to ultimately do what I needed to in order to “You fools!” exclaimed the bathers. “You forgot to untie the become a teacher.” Slowly the dawn came, and they could see people knot. All the while you were tied to the shore. You may have I had been leading teacher trainings for some time, and approaching the river to bathe. As the people drew nearer, rowed all night, but you didn’t go anywhere!” I recognized that Eric could be a great teacher and an The gift of a good teacher training program is a community that one of the boatmen remarked, “That’s strange, these people inspiration to students. He followed my advice but found the supports you through the pain and growth of transformation. seem familiar; they look just like the people in our village!” To attain success in Yoga, you need both practice and program very difficult. “Keeping up with fully able-bodied, People with physical limitations already know about nonattachment. You may practice a lot; but, if you non-ill people who don’t have any cognitive problems, and transformation and growth, and the wisdom that they have The other boatman said, “All the buildings look familiar, too! don’t renounce selfish attachments, you will never have vastly more energy, was just impossible for me,” he learned can be a great asset to a Yoga teacher. It can lead Hey! We seem to be in the same place! What happened?” reach the goal. explained. Eric attended all the classes, but the certification to a deep compassion for future students and a willingness eluded him. In the end, he was very disappointed. But, Eric and ability to look at someone and see potential rather than hadn’t failed, the training had failed him. limitation. What better person to become a Yoga teacher than someone full of compassion and understanding for Over the past twelve years of teaching Yoga, I’ve learned our physical weaknesses, and yet also aware of our hidden that it’s my love of Yoga and my faith in the power of these potential? practices that inspires my teaching. My physical ability is not the essential ingredient. After all, Yoga is about calming the With Eric’s help I’m creating an Accessible Teacher Training mind. Being a Yoga teacher is about being a living example program that will help him and other people with physical of the teachings – putting Yoga into practice. According to challenges become certified Yoga teachers - a goal that they Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras that means learning from pain (tapas), may not otherwise have been able to achieve. I’m dedicated study and reflection (svadhyaya), and dedicating the fruits of to helping Eric achieve his goal, and I know he already has your actions to God or to humanity (Ishwara pranidhana). what it takes to be a great teacher.
:c_dn[gZh]V^gVcYVhZgZcZXdjcignhZii^c\# I began to imagine a teacher training that begins with the Accessible Teacher Training is a program of the Integral Yoga idea that anyone who loves Yoga can share it, and that a Institute of San Francisco in collaboration with the Piedmont L^ciZgEgd\gVbh'%%,$'%%-HeZX^VaEgd\gVbh physical limitation does not limit spiritual growth. Instead, it Yoga Studio in Oakland, where it started in October 2007. For Nd\V;djcYVi^dch/ =ZVai]nA^k^c\!=ZVai]n=ZVgi is up to me to find ways of making the program accessible to more information visit www.IntegralYogaSF.org, or contact Cdc"6iiVX]bZciVcYNd\VEgVXi^XZ M. Mala Cunningham, Ph.D. anyone who has the motivation to take it on. With patience Rev. Jivana Heyman at: [email protected]. and creativity, all of the material can be presented in a more Vimala Pozzi & Swami Karunananda February 15–17, 2008 November 30–December 2, 2007 digestible way, while maintaining a commitment to the reprinted with permission from Yogi Times highest of standards.
Adk^c\`^cYcZhhBZY^iVi^dc Sharon Salzberg December 7–9, 2007 “My heart is open to all the winds... Wherever God’s caravans turn, 6a^\cbZcid[7dYn!B^cYVcYHdja Nd\VKVXVi^dc^c IYTA Newsletter • November 2007 • Page IYTA Newsletter • November 2007 • Page Photo 6 Photo 7 Photo 8 Photo 9 Fun with Headstand! by Lakshmi Sutter I recently attended the Advanced Hatha Yoga Teacher Training (ATT) with Swami Asokananda & Reverend Photo 4 Manjula Spears where we spent much of the first week upside down. This change in perspective is greatly beneficial, and I encourage those of you with an established and strong headstand practice to play with sirshasana to allow life to unfold from a different point of view! If you are not firmly established in this practice, here are some steps that can help you find comfort with this asana. You probably know that we begin moving into sirshasana in stages. Some people begin with the dolphin to ensure adequate strength in the shoulder and upper-arm area. If this is a challenging When the headstand can be held comfortably for a minute asana, begin by simply holding the position statically with the or more, it can be fun to introduce variations. For all of the head hanging lightly above the earth. (Photo 1) Slowly walk the toes toward the elbows, until the hips are variations discussed, you could move near a wall or ask a aligned over the shoulders and head in a vertical position. It skilled Yogi for support and spotting if you are uncertain Photo 1 is a good practice to begin by walking the feet to and from about your stability. Be sure to move slowly and with ease. the elbows until the neck feels completely easeful while the If the balance feels offset, find stillness prior to moving into hips are stacked over it. (Photo 5) the next segment. Photo 5 Some leg variations include: Konasana (Photo 10), Badrasana (Photo 11), Eka Pada (Photo 12), Garudasana (Photo 13), Padmasana (Photo 14 ) Photo 10 Photo 11 Photo 12 When practicing dolphin dynamically, it is especially important to move slowly and ensure the shoulders feel comfortable throughout their range of motion. (Photo 2) Photo 2 Notice that we don’t begin using the wall for support. In and of itself, there isn’t anything wrong with using the wall, but experience suggests that those who go straight to the wall skip the steps of building appropriate core support for the Photo 13 Photo 14 asana on its own. Also, it is tempting to use the wall as an emotional prop even with adequate core support, making it psychologically difficult to give up. Photo 3 Once established in dolphin, To enter the full expression of the pose, many will “kick we can move into the initial up” into an upright position. Again, in order to establish stages of sirshasana. With the foundational support for this asana, I prefer to see the the hands creating a basket legs gracefully unfold – moving from a tucked position Once you’ve successfully reached padmasana sirshasana, for the head and elbows (Photo 6) and slowly unfurling in stages, allowing several you can add any number of forward bends and twists to the only forearm distance apart breaths at each step in the process. (Photos 7, 8 & 9) Many experience. (Photo 3), curl the toes and find it helpful to actively press the forearms into the floor lift the hips as in downward to continuously create space in the neck. Once balanced, Considered a more advanced pose because the neck has dog, addho mukha svanasana. press out through the shoulder blades to widen the space no direct support beyond its own strength, is sirshasana II, (Photo 4) between them. sometimes called the tripod headstand (Photo 15). IYTA Newsletter • November 2007 • Page 10 IYTA Newsletter • November 2007 • Page 11 Whenever you finish the headstand, it is important Photo 15 Photo 16 Moisturizing Without Tears to spend time ensuring that the neck feels free and relaxed. Many counter-events support this. I especially by Rev. Prakasha Shakti Capen like to practice downward dog and then sit in vajrasana moving my neck through its full range of motion. Our fabulous skin is our largest organ. How we care for it The CCIC promotes a single comprehensive standard and Whatever you choose, be mindful to move slowly and and what we apply to it have far-reaching effects. Is your an internationally recognized “leaping bunny” logo. They with great care. moisturizer safe? Free of dangerous ingredients? What about work with companies to help make shopping for animal- animal testing? friendly products easier and more trustworthy. All CCIC There are countless variations you could explore from this companies have made a pledge that they will not conduct “king of all poses.” Wherever you find you are in the pose The Green Guide from the National Geographic Society has or commission animal tests for any of their finished products, at the moment you practice it, invite yourself to be light and a list of the “Dirty Dozen” ingredients that should be avoided ingredients, or formulations. Some of these companies carry find a sense of joy in your experience! in skin care. They are: the Leaping Bunny logo on their labels, but some don’t; so it’s wise to check the Leaping Bunny list to see if your 1. Antibacterials favorite cosmetics are there. 2. Coal Tar 3. Diethanolamine (DEA) 4. 1,4-Dioxane 5. Formaldehyde 6. Fragrance 7. Lead and Mercury 8. Nanoparticles 9. Parabens 10. Petroleum Distillates The headstand has many physical benefits. In addition, when we place our bodies in this reverse position, we 11. P-Phenylenediamine may find any number of emotional issues surfacing. Yogis with an established practice often find insights into 12. Hydroquinone their lives and may also tap into more subtle aspects of their being. Our feet, normally rooted into the earth, now In a statement, the CCIC says: “CCIC’s Standard is the point skyward and may receive intuitive inspiration. Our head, resting on the earth, can help to develop a practical To read the complete article, which gives details of why these only criterion to trust for cosmetics, personal care, and intellect. How useful this can be to respond to modern life’s complex issues! are harmful, visit www.thegreenguide.com/doc/122/dirtydozen. household products that are genuinely not tested on animals. That is because approved companies have done With the feet lifting to the sky, we must surrender our sense of security with full attention on the movement. For a list of companies that have signed the Compact for far more than simply issue a testing policy, which can Drawing awareness to the pranic level may invigorate our being in ways that affect our daily lives unveiling the Safe Cosmetics, visit www.safecosmetics.org/companies. so often be misleading. If a company is listed here, it’s miracle that is each moment! because it has been able to prove, according to CCIC’s Human safety is one thing; but, as yogis, we’re all concerned Standard, that its products and ingredients are not tested about the welfare of our animal friends too. We want to be on animals. Any company that fails to abide by CCIC’s sure that no animals suffered in order for us to have lovely strict criteria will be removed from the Compassionate and safe cosmetic items. Shopping Guide.” The Leaping Bunny can help us with this. You can request a free pocket Compassionate Shopping Why is the headstand so easy for some and so difficult for others? Guide from their website (www.leapingbunny.org) or call Eight national animal protection groups banded together to 888-546-CCIC. You can also simply download a pdf version There is no single answer. Each body is different, and each holding you back. If it is an emotional block, it could be form the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics at www.leapingbunny.org/shopping_guide.htm. of our life experiences has had some effect on the spine’s useful to explore from where your resistance comes and if (CCIC). Those groups are the American Anti-Vivisection alignment. This, of course, is not visible to the naked eye; it would be freeing to move forward toward the asana. Society, the American Humane Association, Beauty Without Here’s to the health and wellness of all beings! so it’s best to trust your intuition. If your neck feels overly Cruelty, the Doris Day Animal League, The Humane Society compressed in the preparatory phase, it’s probably best Photo A Photo B of the United States, the New England Anti-Vivisection If you have ideas and information to share on this topic, to back up a step and practice at that stage with ease for Society, the Animal Alliance of Canada, and the European please contact me at [email protected] a period of time. Coalition to End Animal Experiments. or 434-969-9272. The body’s unique proportions also have a strong influence on how easeful this pose is to access. The length of the upper arm compared to that of the neck and head contributes to the ease of the neck in sirshasana. Those Even if you have a lot of work to do, if you think of it as wonderful, and if you whose forearms are shorter than the length of the head and neck tend to feel a sense of over-compression of the feel it as wonderful, it will transform into the energy of joy and fire, instead of neck when moving through these stages. (Photos 5 & 6) becoming a burden. Some people carry an emotional aversion to headstand, Nateswari (Photo A) has proportions allowing more length in the neck —Tulku Thondup Rinpoche (The Practice of Dzogchen) and only you can know the reason behind what might be than Jayalakshmi (Photo B). IYTA Newsletter • November 2007 • Page 12 IYTA Newsletter • November 2007 • Page 13 Linda’s Story of Recovery: Using Yoga as Part of the Process Doing It Right by Sam Dworkis by Nischala Joy Devi Three years ago, Linda was in an auto accident. She doing all those things that previously caused her so A client of mine was complaining that, even though he was sweet, so loving. I want to go there every day. It makes me wanted to take whatever time was necessary to fully much discomfort. Although her results are dramatic, doing everything “right,” his heart disease and diabetes were feel so good.” recover, but life’s pressing matters wouldn’t wait—such they are far from unusual. not getting any better. After our meeting, I confirmed that he as having a husband, two active children, dogs, horses, was indeed “doing it right.” It was another skill that this very When our heart can touch another, two hearts beat as one. and building a house. Soon after her accident, Linda This is because an appropriate Yoga practice helps successful man had mastered. He spoke about his life. He was up and running. Except for one thing: She kept move you toward balance; a balance of body, breath had it very controlled, and it was centered on business first; from The Healing Path of Yoga by Nischala Joy Devi falling down. and mind. What makes Yoga so different from all he and his family tied for second place. There was no room other exercise programs is that you do not “try” to do for anyone else. Along with her other injuries Linda suffered vestibular Yoga; rather, you establish a fundamental awareness nerve damage, which affected her sense of balance of breathing. From there, you learn how to slowly He was desperate to feel better. I asked him if he did any and head position. Whenever she stood, she lost her move your body incrementally with your breath, service, and he proudly told me that he was patron to many balance. When she closed her eyes, she didn’t know based upon what you can do, not what you can’t do. charities. which way was up. She was constantly dizzy and nauseated. Her entire sense of spatial relations had You would first think this process is slow and boring, “Do you ever really give of yourself?” I gingerly asked. become compromised. but just the opposite is true. Yoga quickly becomes fascinating and extraordinarily challenging, regardless “I give of myself through my money,” he answered. Before her accident, Linda’s family did a lot together. of your physical condition or flexibility. Yoga works They enjoyed horseback riding, rollerblading, bicycle deep within your body and brain by reconditioning, “Let’s try an experiment,” I suggested. “For the next month, riding, and she loved motorcycling with her husband. or reeducating, your proprioceptive awareness, much at least once a week, go to a local hospital and spend one to However, since her accident, none of this was possible. like how you learned to control your body when you two hours in the children’s ward.” He looked a bit surprised. She was literally out of balance. Linda desperately were a kid. And, in so doing, you enhance not only From experience, I knew the fastest way to open a heart is wanted to exercise and to spend recreational time your balance, but also your strength, flexibility and through a sick child’s eyes. with her family, but couldn’t without exacerbating her endurance. condition; and it was depressing. Within two weeks he called and said it was miraculous. His After all, that’s exactly what Yoga is: It’s a movement insulin requirements had dropped along with the frequency After more than two years of conventional therapy and toward balance and union of body, breath, and mind. of his chest pain. The depression that he’d had for months feeling as if she was not really improving, Linda wanted As Linda soon discovered, there is no magic to Yoga. was lifting. “The children, the children. Their faces are so to try something different. She was initially attracted to You do not need to be flexible or strong or even Yoga because, intuitively, she felt Yoga would not be healthy to do appropriate Yoga; yet through a regular as fast-paced as her one-hour therapy sessions, and she non-forced practice, Yoga is a basic fundamental was attracted to the concept that Yoga can be used for program that has the potential of restoring balance both exercise and injury resolution. Linda called for to your life. her initial appointment. God in All Sam Dworkis is the author of ExTension Yoga and After just six months of a regular Yoga practice, Linda’s Recovery Yoga. This article is reprinted with Sam’s by Hazrat Inayat Khan balance problems are all but resolved and she is again kind permission. Visit his website for much more inspiration: www.extensionYoga.com Moses once begged the Lord God of Israel on Sinai, “O have more than a slice, plentiful and delicious dishes. I am Lord, Thou hast so greatly honored me in making me Thy waiting for a guest who is expected this evening. When he messenger. If there could be any greater honor I should think is gone, then all that remains I will give to thee that thou Early 2008 Teacher Training (T.T.) Programs it this, that Thou shoudst come to my humble abode and may take it home.” break bread at my table.” The man went away. Time passed on. God did not Basic T. T. Yoga for Cancer T. T. (Part 1) The answer came, “Moses, with great pleasure We shall come, and Moses was disappointed. Moses went the Mexico: Jan. 26–Feb. 23, 2008 Yogaville: May 4–11, 2008 come to thy abode.” next day to Sinai and grieved bitterly, saying, “My Lord, Yogaville: Spring: Apr. 20–May 18, 2008 I know Thou doest not break Thy promise, but what sin Summer: July 27–Aug. 24, 2008 Cardiac Yoga® T. T. Moses prepared a great feast and was waiting eagerly for have I, Thy slave, committed that Thou didst not come Fall: Oct. 19–Nov. 16, 2008 Yogaville: June 12–22, 2008 God to come. There happened to pass by his door a beggar, as Thou promised?” and he said to Moses, “Moses, I am ill and weary. I have had Intermediate T. T. Gentle Yoga T. T. no food for three days and am at the point of death. Pray God said to Moses, “We came, O Moses; but, alas, Yogaville: January 27–February 17, 2008 Yogaville: June 22–29, 2008 give me a slice of bread and save my life.” thou didst not recognize Us. Who was the beggar at thy door? Was he other than We? It is We who in all guises Raja Yoga T. T. Stress Management T. T. Moses, in his eagerness, expecting at every moment a visit live and move in the world and, yet, are remote in Our Yogaville: July 7–27, 2008 Yogaville: June 13–22, 2008 from God, said to the beggar, “Wait, O man, thou shalt eternal heavens.” IYTA Newsletter • November 2007 • Page 14 IYTA Newsletter • November 2007 • Page 15 Confronting Disappointment Helping Iraqi Vets a sharing from India Henson by Abhaya Thiele When I got the voicemail announcing the cancellation of Today, in the Ashram Reservation Center (ARC), I I was thinking that, certainly, the centers in New Advanced Anatomy, I was at work. Crouched behind the received a phone call from an Iraqi vet who is soon to York and San Francisco might think of ways to offer counter, I felt crushed by the news as I rested my head be discharged. He was calling to make a reservation programs to vets; or, perhaps , IY teachers could against the rough-hewn shelving. for our free one-day Yoga workshop in October and contact vet centers or rehab centers to see about also to inquire about being in the LYT program. offering a free Yoga class and then explore more For months I had anticipated my trip back to my spiritual organized classes. home; and, for the last couple weeks, my mind had already As it turned out, he couldn’t make the date on which begun relaxing, knowing that no buried thought was the workshop was scheduled; and my guess is that, In my conversation, the man shared a story of going forbidden in that sacred place. My mind was preparing for because he has post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to church and being unkindly greeted by some of further cleansing. and is on meds, he won’t be able to be in the LYT the members because he’d been fighting in Iraq. program. That story just went right into my heart. As if it’s not When I am so deeply disappointed, I know that somewhere enough what these young mend and women have hidden within myself there is an issue, an emotion, a He shared with me that more and more Iraqi vets are been through along with the PTSD, they then have tenseness that I must realize. So, painfully I began to turning to Yoga as a way to help their PTSD, which was to put up with that uncharitable treatment. It just question this disappointment. It’s easier to hold off facing heartening to hear. made me pray that, somehow, the benefits of Yoga your demons until you get to a safe place. As I looked back can reach as many of these young vets as possible to on the preceding two weeks, I noticed little things: admitting That made me wonder if there isn’t some way that help them reestablish their sense of equilibrium and to a long-past hurt or disappointment, long-buried emotions Integral Yoga teachers and the Ashram can create peace. beginning to express themselves, gently knowing that the some ways of reaching vets who would be interested safe place would soon heal. in exploring Yoga as a means of bringing more peace into their lives. Years ago, when I began my meditation practice, after a few months my meditation time became so intense and emotional that I could not handle the cleansing. I stopped for a few weeks and worked back into it gradually. What my crazy little ego did was place strict limitations on my meditation practice; and, with this profound Got Books? DVDs? disappointment of not returning to Yogaville, I realized what my friend Ms. Ego does sometimes. She makes a Another Way to Help Our Deployed Military comfortable little box to put my meditation practice into and wraps herself around the box to keep me, I suppose, by Rev. Prakasha Shakti from continued purification. What a marvelous discovery! (The game is so much easier to play when you finally There are yogis in the military! There are vegetarians about what they or their units need. And, believe me, recognize the rules.) far from home yearning for ways to get some good they are grateful for any signs of genuine caring. Even protein. There are many men and women serving one postcard or one DVD means so much to them. Of It would be hard to explain the past weeks in detail, but our country and in need of serious help with stress course, diatribes against the government, its policies, I think I’ve come face to face with myself yet again; and management. And most of them would welcome etc, are hurtful and not welcomed; but kind words— what I now understand—yet again—is that it is okay to books, magazines, DVDs and general encouragement one heart reaching out to another—can do wonders. be me, the True Self. This is the process that my trips to and support. (Of course, you already knew that!) Yogaville always take. I arrive “infected” with competition, fatigue, food contamination, time constraints, and the If you have loved ones in the military, you already If you visit AnySoldier.com and go to their “Where ever-emerging ego. Then these things are purged, and I am know what to do. What about those of us who’d like to Send” area, you can do a search for “Yoga,” safe to return to this other world where the reality is often to reach out but don’t know how? “vegetarian,” “stress management,” etc. That will show a bit too much. I am always regenerated and energized you people who have those interests or concerns. on the return. There are a number of excellent organizations that make it possible to send care packages—large or The AnySoldier website is clear and thorough. It shows This grave disappointment, however, has born a fresh spirit, small—to soldiers who’d welcome them. how to send things, what you can send, and how to one very similar to my Yogaville spirit. Not to say that I’m get the best postal rates. glad the training was cancelled. I’m not! But to say that the The organization with which I have experience—and essence of the Ashram can reach across miles and work its know to be highly respected—is AnySoldier.com. Sometimes you’ll simply have the wonderful feeling magic in a city in the deep South is to marvel at its gentle, (There are no fees involved!) It serves all branches of that comes from kindness to a complete stranger, loving power of Self-realization. the military, making it possible for soldiers to post notes but often you’ll hear back from the recipient of your loving gesture. Integral Yoga teacher India Henson lives and teaches in Birmingham, Alabama. IYTA Newsletter • November 2007 • Page 16 IYTA Newsletter • November 2007 • Page 17 Integral Yoga Senior Speakers’ Schedules Upcoming Programs at Yogaville Please contact local representatives for times, costs, pre-enrollment requirements, schedule changes, etc. November 2007 February 2-4 Lilias: The Joy is the Journey 1-3 Alignment of Body, Mind and Soul Swami Asokananda 9-11 Enlightening Relationships Series™ 8-10 Hatha Yoga Inside Out Nov. 28–Dec. 30 Retreats and Various Programs Argentina 9-11 Kirtan: The Heart of Bhakti Yoga 15-17 Healthy Living, Healthy Heart Integral Yoga Center Buenos Aires 22-24 Transformation: How to Get Unstuck Contact: 54-11-4-738-0687 10 Deepavali [email protected] [email protected] 16-18 Pilates and Core Strength 29-Mar. 2 Mindful Stress Reduction 22 Thanksgiving Worship Service & Luncheon 29-Mar. 2 Peaceful Weight Loss Dec. 28–Jan. 1 New Year’s Silent Retreat Satchidananda Ashram - Yogaville Buckingham, Virginia 3-25 Fall Renewal Through Yoga March 800-858-YOGA [email protected] 30-Dec. 2 Yoga Tune-Up for the Holidays 1-7 Yoga Vacation in Guatemala 30-Dec. 2 Yoga Foundations 4 Kirtan with Snatam Kaur Jan. 8–20 Retreats and Various Programs Taiwan Contact: 886-227-354067 7-9 March Renewal Through Yoga [email protected] December 2007 7-9 Thai Yoga Massage Introduction 4 Hanukhah Program and Supper Mar. 1–7 Yoga Vacation Guatemala 8 Mahasivaratri 7-9 Lovingkindness Meditation Contact: Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville 800-858-YOGA 14-16 Osteoporosis, Yoga & Bone Building [email protected] 22 Celebration -- Jayanthi of Sri Gurudev 14-16 Mandala—Blossoming of the Soul 24 Christmas Eve Worship Service 21-23 Back to Basics: Introductory Yoga 25 Christmas Day Luncheon 23 Easter 28-Jan. 1 New Year’s Silent Retreat 26-30 Anatomy of Hatha Yoga Intensive Swami Karunananda 31 New Year’s Eve Celebration 28-30 The Art of Healing Nov. 30–Dec.2 Yoga Foundation Satchidananda Ashram - Yogaville 800-858-YOGA January 2008 [email protected] 26-Feb. 23 Mexico Basic Teacher Training Contact the Ashram for updates to Karunanandaji’s schedule 27-Feb. 17 Intermediate Hatha Yoga T. T. Check www.integralyogaprograms.org for full list of March 1–7 Yoga Vacation to Guatemala programs offered after December 31st IYTA Newsletter • November 2007 • Page 18 IYTA Newsletter • November 2007 • Page 19 Integral Yoga® Teachers Association U.S. Postage 108 Yogaville Way PAID Buckingham, VA 23921 Permit No. 3 Nonprofit Organization RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED