tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23011069539154907042024-03-18T21:39:14.879-06:00Random ThoughtsThis blog is mostly written for self amusement :)
A channel to vent, to share, to introspect, to just have fun.Random Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766355766170830990noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301106953915490704.post-42714918979322266922013-10-31T08:02:00.000-06:002013-10-31T08:02:26.298-06:00Good Bye...Until We Meet Again!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Aatya and Kaka passed away. Just 15 days apart. Cancer got them both. I made a whirlwind trip to India to meet them just a month ago. I knew it was to say my final good bye to both of them. Kaka passed away on 16th October and Aatya today i.e. 31st October. Of all the days, she chose Halloween to go.</div>
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It's an end of an era. When someone close to you dies, you die a little along with them. The special bond you shared just vanishes. That relationship does not grow anymore with good or bad, bitter or sweet interactions. What remains is just memories; satisfaction about what was done right, regret about what was done wrong. All that remains is acceptance of death!</div>
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Here is my last letter to my favorite Aunt and Uncle that I never posted.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0CdVaaJnBYD_FcGh1xdMUAdYHXzFFANWwM7vBaOPn1hFTKnVAce7lh6QFBzVFiA7i2_tsHu0zcrwqxJk0JXnb8EPgx41mnzooOtTi47l2W4kiIU_YGnTpIGZ10WUwbYC6Plp-zTMq06k/s1600/Letter+Page+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0CdVaaJnBYD_FcGh1xdMUAdYHXzFFANWwM7vBaOPn1hFTKnVAce7lh6QFBzVFiA7i2_tsHu0zcrwqxJk0JXnb8EPgx41mnzooOtTi47l2W4kiIU_YGnTpIGZ10WUwbYC6Plp-zTMq06k/s640/Letter+Page+1.jpg" vsa="true" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-iMd-ZiUmwrTWfAzpQMjEsXXvRUBgpEvGxyMaJM3fNsXVaEHqIU3yZS_ZRsk95FwTKeIK_V9luxmWzJfaF6_Sx_7lFC3VZmm7RCIzFYRWYweCFmaqBdLviFiBpUOaTPdxjfbunNbpsY/s1600/Letter+Page+2-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-iMd-ZiUmwrTWfAzpQMjEsXXvRUBgpEvGxyMaJM3fNsXVaEHqIU3yZS_ZRsk95FwTKeIK_V9luxmWzJfaF6_Sx_7lFC3VZmm7RCIzFYRWYweCFmaqBdLviFiBpUOaTPdxjfbunNbpsY/s640/Letter+Page+2-3.jpg" vsa="true" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSw1UfBxrjBIvWqZw0koeRtEcroIYpjWFDxtuNyo7F3xEofMawaZxt4pinwLoZxVis7OaA-VRqDsPEzMfBsUQCEypDwRq6LdyQxaQIKFpZmfdbWyooOl7INiXhyIPxyNxE0nob_0deFs/s1600/Letter+Page+4-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSw1UfBxrjBIvWqZw0koeRtEcroIYpjWFDxtuNyo7F3xEofMawaZxt4pinwLoZxVis7OaA-VRqDsPEzMfBsUQCEypDwRq6LdyQxaQIKFpZmfdbWyooOl7INiXhyIPxyNxE0nob_0deFs/s640/Letter+Page+4-5.jpg" vsa="true" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaDWkye4gx1p34KHQZar5zJIFRD6ua07XnOqLfqKHGOusIAsRkU86eDbMca_amfXUr16nsEksFOZhyphenhyphenia5b7BkG3cgadFPBVw3tjBfRIMV7Dvd8tDq5roUnlgZF_y8VnvY4HqtgNHNENA/s1600/Letter+Page+6-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaDWkye4gx1p34KHQZar5zJIFRD6ua07XnOqLfqKHGOusIAsRkU86eDbMca_amfXUr16nsEksFOZhyphenhyphenia5b7BkG3cgadFPBVw3tjBfRIMV7Dvd8tDq5roUnlgZF_y8VnvY4HqtgNHNENA/s640/Letter+Page+6-7.jpg" vsa="true" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8qU1azsBnT4XFxOlNOi-VQN8gL-6jFL_oiGtxlxVBEykzLERzNH-62i0ScP9qSz-niY_W5RE8SHJUV34ucZTpKugWUGJdF-iiFQN2tC4mQmzi88Jkl5oXMar2s6E7znH8EMOB9ezxmg/s1600/Letter+Page+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8qU1azsBnT4XFxOlNOi-VQN8gL-6jFL_oiGtxlxVBEykzLERzNH-62i0ScP9qSz-niY_W5RE8SHJUV34ucZTpKugWUGJdF-iiFQN2tC4mQmzi88Jkl5oXMar2s6E7znH8EMOB9ezxmg/s640/Letter+Page+8.jpg" vsa="true" width="640" /></a></div>
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Random Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766355766170830990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301106953915490704.post-46777349970936716052012-04-25T15:46:00.001-06:002012-04-25T15:48:49.127-06:00Yoga Workshop<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I have enrolled myself in for a yoga workshop. It's been a long time since I attended a yoga class let alone a workshop. After the initial excitement of being a new yoga teacher died down an I landed on my feet safely from the clouds, I was turning away from all things yoga including the yoga blogs, workshops, spiritual mambo jumbo, blissful pseudo status updates on FB from yoga teachers. But let's not go there right now :)</h4>
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The workshop I will be attending is taught by<u> </u><a href="http://vinyasakrama.com/Main_Page" target="_blank">Srivatsa Ramaswami</a> who is the longest standing student of T. Krishnamacharya who is the teacher of widely famous yoga teachers like BKS Iyengar, Indra Devi, K Pattabhi Jois. I am very excited about learning from him and grateful to have the opportunity to learn from him right here. </h4>
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I have to admit that my yoga practice is not regular these days. Not since I stopped teaching in November of last year. But I plan to do the best I can and soak it all in. I am excited to go out and simply do what I enjoy the most. I can't wait to immerse myself in yoga for 3-4 days. I can't attend the entire workshop due to my work schedule but I am happy with whatever I can get. I will attend the Thursday evening and Friday evening classes/lectures and spend entire Saturday and half of the Sunday. That will be a treat and I hope it is just the thing I was waiting for to reinvent myself, rejuvenate myself.</h4>
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After quite some time, I have butterflies in my stomach. I feel nervous and excited at the same time. I am full of hope and anticipation to learn something new.</h4>
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गुगल ट्रान्स लिटरेशन वापरून मराठीत लिहिता येतंय का ते बघायची पहिलीच वेळ, आणि ते प्रकरण सोप्पं नाही हे लगेचच लक्षात आलं. "लिटरेशन" हा शब्द लिहिताना ज्या काही कसरती कराव्या लागल्या ते माझं मलाच माहिती. </h4>
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जर मराठीत लिहायचं असेल तर दुसरी कायतरी सोय बघावीच लागेल.</h4>
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आज खूपच दिवसा-वर्षानी ब्लॉग वरची धूळ झटकली आहे. नाहीतरी आया-बहिणी सोडून कोणी तसाही वाचतच नाही त्यामुळे माझ्या न लिहिण्यानी जगाचं काही नुकसान झालेलं नाही :)</h4>
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हे लिहिताना एकीकडे व्हिज्युअल स्टुडियो लोड करणे चालू आहे, दुसरीकडे हेडफोन कानात खुपसून विविध भारती ऐकते आहे. काही काही कोपच्यातली गाणी फक्त आणि फक्त विविध भारती वरच ऐकता येतात. आताच ऐकलेल्या महान गाण्याचे बोल होते, "बर्तानोको करलो कल्हाई" ! "गर्ल्स होस्टेल" नावाच्या कोणे एके काळाच्या सिनेमातलं होतं ते गाणं.</h4>
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आजचा वेळ मी जुने जे ब्लॉग आता वाचत नाही त्यांची लिंक काढून टाकणे, नव्याने वाचायला लागलेल्या ब्लॉग च्या लिंक डकवणे, ही निरर्थक पोस्ट लिहिणे यात सत्कारणी गेला.</h4>
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</div>Random Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766355766170830990noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301106953915490704.post-88738252781934768862011-01-14T07:19:00.004-06:002011-01-14T07:40:01.714-06:00Cuckold<div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Finished reading the book last night. 2011 sure started on a great note as far as reading goes.I am so glad I snooped around my friend's library during Xmas weekend and found this book. I have been wanting read it for over 2 years; ever since I read Tulips cuckold inspired <a href="http://www.maayboli.com/node/4360">post</a>! It sure did not disappoint me one bit.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >For starters, Kiran Nagarkar's writing style is so fluid, it draws you towards the book. It could have increased my vocabulary ten fold, had I stopped to look up the words in the dictionary but I did not do that.I really liked the way he has used language of today to paint the historic by gone era. I quit reading historic novels(in Marathi) just because the language used is so ornate and to me it is BORING(Vishwas patil, Ranjit Desai, Shivaji Sawant).</span></div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >The characters he sketches come alive in your head while reading. Especially the female characters. It was no surprise to me that I instantly liked the Princess but what did surprise me was that I did not dislike the apparently negative characters e.g. Queen Karmavati/Vikramaditya. I kept thinking to myself, I actually ought to dislike them but I kind of see their point!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Loved the name Greeneyes for the Little Saint!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Maharaj Kumar seemed like a real person with strengths and weaknesses. A person who could not achieve his potential. Had to live in the shadow of his father for the fear of losing the crown perhaps. It is a mystery to me why I thought of Maharaj Kumar as a one woman man in spite him sleeping with many! His desperate attempts of winning back his wife by posing as the Blue God did not make me cringe but actually sympathize with him. Couldn't help but wonder what made him so drawn towards the Princess...perhaps the human nature of wanting desperately what you can not have.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Moving on to Kausalya now. considering how we are raised it is highly unlikely for anyone to understand and relate to the fact(actually fiction) that a woman who nursed a child and practically raised him, maintaining sexual relations with him. Despite it, Kausalya is very likable. Most of the times, from what we read or watch in the movies, we like the parts to which we can relate to on some level. This book just challenges that notion. I got involved with the characters without being critical of their behaviour or feeling the need to defend them. (The thought that the Princess might have been schizophrenic did cross my mind though) Kudos to Kiran nagarkar. He made me love his characters inspite of their shortcomings and still maintain a slight aloofness about them.</span></div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Any book that pushes your boundaries and places you in ever growing concentric circles rather than rigid boxes is good book.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >This one certainly got me out of the comfort zone and still be open and tolerant about the uncomfortable zone I stepped into.</span></div>Random Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766355766170830990noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301106953915490704.post-84704493934152504762010-10-18T19:06:00.004-06:002010-10-18T19:38:55.950-06:00StagnationIt is time to sit back and examine myself thoroughly. My intentions, my expectations from myself, my responsibilities, my (lacking) ambitions.Time to introspect, friends!<div>Ever since I lost my regular IT job, I am secretly wishing and hoping to get into teaching yoga full time. I also understand my financial responsibilities of raising 2 children and putting them through college. Being the typical Indian parent, I do feel like I have to sponsor their education without them having to worry about it and just focusing on studies.</div><div>Let's face it, there is no way I can do that being a full time yoga teacher(unless of course my fantasy from earlier post comes true ). I know that I wont get a part time job in my field and getting a full time job means that cutting the cord between me and yoga. I feel that constant internal struggle, a tug of war of sorts. I do not know which direction to steer myself in.</div><div><br /></div><div>On the teaching front there are more issues. I feel like I am being stuck. Today was the 3rd class of "no shows" at the studio where I teach. It is hard to not take it personally. I feel like there must be something lacking. Some times when I teach a class, I know that these students must know my speech by heart! I have become so repetitive. I understand the importance of that while teaching beginners. But it gets so boring to listen to your own voice saying the same things over and over..</div><div>I am not a very experienced or senior teacher. There is a lot that still needs to be learnt, both as a yoga teacher and as a yoga student. I have to reinvent myself, focus on self study or "svadhyaya".</div><div><br /></div><div>I think it is time to step into my student shoes again. </div><div>I am already talking like I have made my career choice. Wish it was that easy. Until I figure this out,I will continue to apply for IT positions as well as get my daily dose of yoga.</div>Random Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766355766170830990noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301106953915490704.post-29041944983505568462010-09-24T13:10:00.008-06:002010-09-24T14:47:33.389-06:00Day DreamingI have been reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Anne-Green-Gables-Unabridged-Classics/dp/1402714513/ref=sr_1_10?s=gateway&ie=UTF8&qid=1285355592&sr=8-10">"Anne Of Green Gables"</a>. As a result Anne's trait rubbed off on me. This morning while coming back home after teaching yoga, I let my imagination run wild. I let myself imagine my life as a very occupied and respected yoga teacher and of course a very "in demand" teacher as well. There was a yogic air about me ;) not the snobbish kind but very pleasant, peaceful kind. Some gifted individuals could see my aura too. <div><br /><div>I was busy shuttling between different yoga studios far and wide. My calendar was booked months in advance. After I finished teaching my classes, students and newbie teachers flocked around me to ask more questions and I was refining their studies by helping them with subtle details on the breath, alignment and even thought process behind it all. They all left feeling very happy, elated, confident, calm, centered and with their faith in the universe restored.</div><div><br /></div><div>As a service to the society, I was teaching yoga to underprivileged children once a week. Their happy and cheerful faces full of dreams made me stronger and full of hope. I joyously told everyone that I learnt more from those children than I taught them.</div><div><br /></div><div>I had my little website too which had basic contact information about me, my teaching schedule and upcoming work shop details, testimonials from students etc. My news letters were circulated in the yoga community local and global.</div><div><br /></div><div>I did not stop at that, I was conducting a donation based teacher training for those individuals who wanted to take their yoga studies deeper and could not do it due to the exorbitant training fees! ! Soon the word spread and before I knew it, I was being interviewed by various yoga websites and blog writers. They wanted to know more about my teaching style, philosophy and more about ME. How and when did my yoga journey start,what were the mile stones that marked my path. When they came to know that I did not have any severe injury that led me to yoga, neither was I an addict trying to recover and found yoga to be life changing nor was I recovering from any kind of abuse or trauma. I was not even that big shot but totally burnt out corporate executive who had enough one fine day and decided to just call it quits and turn her life around. I was just born and raised in a very regular loving, caring and nurturing atmosphere and saw my family members practicing yoga for generations as a part of their life style without realizing that they were doing anything special.</div></div><div>My biography suddenly looked boring...It lacked edge of the seat drama, spunk and spice. I was given hints to alter my biography to make it more interesting and appealing to the reader and prospective students. But, before I was in the depths of despair I reached home ;)</div><div><br /></div><div>Now i am thinking whether to keep working on my "software developer" resume or "friendly neighborhood yoga teacher who teaches 'as is yoga' " resume. Any suggestions?</div><div><br /></div><div>Disclaimer: I do not mean to make fun of or insult any yoga teachers famous or not, in the above post. Just wanted to have a little fun. Yoga teachers are allowed to that.</div>Random Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766355766170830990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301106953915490704.post-28082513879025012122010-07-29T14:32:00.003-06:002010-07-29T15:12:03.285-06:00Back home<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Here I am.Sitting at the dining table in the air conditioned comfort of my home. I am back from India, almost 2 weeks ago. The trip was good but it left me unsatisfied on so many different levels.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I was happy to be home with parents and sister. Enjoyed being pampered. Now I think back and realize that during the 6-7 weeks in India I even was a better parent to my lovely girls.(of course why wouldn't I be? I did not have to cook for them or feed them or get them ready for school. I just did not have to nag them for anything.)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Our trip to Shimla-Manali was interesting. Shimla IMO is a highly overrated tourist destination. The roads are very small and overcrowded with tourist buses/taxis. I was looking forward to seeing slopes of "deodars" but could see slopes with hotels everywhere. Anywhere we stopped for chai/coffee during our journey, my eyes were just busy spotting trash. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Manali was a little prettier but the hotel had no competition in the worst hotels category. It would be an understatement to say that the hotel room and the bathroom was bio-hazard. The tap water that we used for brushing the teeth and shower was dark yellow/black in color. No points for guessing that all of us came down with vomiting and diarrhea. It took a while to shake it off.After returning to Pune we were just scared to eat anything.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The only memorable thing during the trip was the drive to "Rohtang pass" from Manali. Too bad only me and my daughter went as all the other family members were down in their hotel rooms.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">That drive is truly spectacular and breathtaking. The physical suffering prior to it just felt like "tapas" to be able to view such grandeur of the majestic Himalayas. I just do not have the words to explain what I saw in all directions. I saw how insignificant we are.That was a truly humbling journey and I am so grateful for that.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It also dawned on me, how american I have become over the years in more than one ways.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And it is not a bad thing at all. In fact it is quite liberating. I could be honest to my feelings about not being able to handle the physical/emotional stress of living in India. I was and still am a little sad and guilty about feeling that way but I now have the courage to admit it to myself and to my close ones.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The afternoon we returned home from our trip and 4 of us were sitting at the table all tired from the trip, the journey, the jet lag etc. and were nibbling the sandwiches we picked up on the way home, I had a sense of peace and being at home. I remember saying to the husband that, that was it, that was life him, me and the girls. Nothing else matters.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">That is a same feeling I get every time I land in Indian soil though. It is weird but not entirely impossible to call both the countries my home. India is my birth land, my "janma bhoomi" and USA is my "Karma bhoomi".</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I was home then and I am home now.</span></div>Random Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766355766170830990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301106953915490704.post-76011374891332373412010-05-24T08:30:00.003-06:002010-05-24T10:43:37.521-06:00Crying etc.<div>Thank you Linda for visiting my blog. I started writing reply to Linda's comment about she crying every time when leaving India and it turned out to be so long that I made it into a new post.</div><div>I don't know about why I do not cry. I do not cry at the times when everyone cries. But my eyes are filled with tears at seemingly trivial things. Its not the big things but the little things that get to me :(</div><div>I remember the first death in the family. My paternal grand father passed away when I was in 12th grade. For the first time, I saw a dead person laying in front of me. A person I loved and deeply cared about. But there were no tears at all. I think there just was a lot of curiosity about the rituals, observing people who came to meet my grieving grandmother, things they said, my uncle shaving his head, my father choosing NOT to do that(which I was relieved about), seeing my father all sad and depressed for the first time. I even tried to force some tears out thinking that I ought to cry a little .</div><div>I remember all these little things surrounding the first death I closely witnessed but I do not recall tears at all. It happened on 6th of September, a day before my birthday. I knew there was not going to be any celebration and was not even expecting anyone to wish me the next day. But next morning while I was playing in the garden in front of my grand parents' house amongst trees with my cousins and my father came up to me and wished me happy birthday. I clearly remember the lump in the throat I felt at that moment. I feel the same lump right now as I type this.</div><div><br /></div><div>Another time when my mother and my grand mother were bargaining with a hawker who was selling papaya in the street on a hot afternoon. I urged them not to haggle with the poor fellow but they wouldn't listen to me. I was so mad at them that I cried a river. Finally they got the papaya for the price they wanted. Both the ladies happily told me that if he did not afford to sell it at that price he would not have done it. I said to them that the papaya may be rotten from inside. And it was rotten. I smilingly turned to them and said "told you so!".</div><div><br /></div><div>yet another occasion at which I let the flood gates open was my cousin sisters wedding. I may have been in 8th or 9th grade. After the wedding when she was all set to leave with her husbands' family, my aunt and uncle started crying parting with their daughter. Seeing them cry I started crying too. Now thinking back about it, I feel that it was super silly considering that my I wasn't even very emotionally close to my cousin nor did we spend a whole lot of time together. Me crying back then must have been a sheer show off.</div><div><br /></div><div>May be I leave India from my in-laws place could be a reason that I do not cry leaving :) And they are very nice and loving people. But my heart is certainly heavy leaving my parents house.</div><div>India has changed so much since I came here. The India in my mind is frozen in 1998. It did not have the western influences so clearly visible in the forms of McDs, KFCs, Subways etc. it is annoying to see those places there. I hate it when friends offer to take the kids to MacDonalds. Their intention is sweet and they think they are doing something really cool for my kids but it is hard to say NO which I end up doing anyway and hur their feelings. I do not want to go to Pizza Hut when I go to eat out and people think I must be crazy to say no to that. I try to explain and get so upset over these things. Such little things add up and make me uneasy and restless. At the end of 6-7 weeks so many emotional things pile on top of each other, I am ready to come back. I even start thinking that there is a reason I live so far away from my homeland. May be I am supposed to preserve my heritage in this adopted land.</div><div>There is this constant tug of war going inside. Trying to soak the best from both the cultures and blending it in and passing it on to my kids. I am aware that its just what every first generation immigrant goes through.</div><div>I just need to take a few deep breaths right now and be ready for anything and everything.</div><div>I apologize for writing such big comment on your comment about crying. I admit it's very scattered and disjoint with respect your comment. Just try and understand that it is an outpouring of thoughts as they came to my mind.</div>Random Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766355766170830990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301106953915490704.post-78393409989037777852010-05-17T10:16:00.001-06:002010-05-17T10:25:18.169-06:00Change: Ready or not here I come<p style="mso-outline-level:1;margin:0in;font-family:Verdana;font-size:10.0pt">I was browsing the templates for the blog. I was bored of looking at the same dark background of my blog and wanted a little color added to it. A little activity in other wise routine life. It's pathetic that something as trivial as changing a blog template could be my idea of making life interesting and could be highlight of my weekend.</p> <p style="mso-outline-level:1;margin:0in;font-family:Verdana;font-size:10.0pt">Past couple of months have been like this. Real drag. I have been busy all along with kids activities, work, teaching yoga and everything else but doing it over and over and over day after day…well, you get the idea. </p> <p style="mso-outline-level:1;margin:0in;font-family:Verdana;font-size:10.0pt">I have noticed that every couple of years this cycle repeats and then I realize that I have to make a trip back home to recharge my batteries.</p> <p style="mso-outline-level:1;margin:0in;font-family:Verdana;font-size:10.0pt">Then calling up a few travel agents and shopping around for tickets starts. As soon as tickets are purchased the mind gets busy planning finer details. How many days at in-laws place and how many days with parents. The same negotiations year after year. I will always feel that I did not get enough time with my family. There is not point in even trying to find any solution for this problem.</p> <p style="mso-outline-level:1;margin:0in;font-family:Verdana;font-size:10.0pt">The way my vacation is spent is also very set in its ways. </p> <p style="mso-outline-level:1;margin:0in;font-family:Verdana;font-size:10.0pt">Go meet all relatives and extended family and have small talk. </p> <p style="mso-outline-level:1;margin:0in;font-family:Verdana;font-size:10.0pt">Try to get out of a few such if possible. Eat lunches and dinners with them. (These are the times I secretly feel happy to be living thousands of miles away. Not having to attend baby showers, naming ceremonies, threading ceremonies, wedding showers, weddings<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>seems priceless)</p> <p style="mso-outline-level:1;margin:0in;font-family:Verdana;font-size:10.0pt">Take the same old gifts for everyone. </p> <p style="mso-outline-level:1;margin:0in;font-family:Verdana;font-size:10.0pt">Shop for sarees, fabric and get the salwar suits stitched and buy a couple of readymade clothes.</p> <p style="mso-outline-level:1;margin:0in;font-family:Verdana;font-size:10.0pt">Visit the same old food joints and restaurants.</p> <p style="mso-outline-level:1;margin:0in;font-family:Verdana;font-size:10.0pt">Visit book stores and stock up on books.</p> <p style="mso-outline-level:1;margin:0in;font-family:Verdana;font-size:10.0pt">Catch a movie or two in the multiplexes.</p> <p style="mso-outline-level:1;margin:0in;font-family:Verdana;font-size:10.0pt">Squeeze some time in to meet friends from school, college, my first job. There is a certain satisfaction (ok call me sadist now) when I come to know that even my close friends who live in the same town hardly meet each other. I feel better thinking I am not missing out on much.</p> <p style="mso-outline-level:1;margin:0in;font-family:Verdana;font-size:10.0pt">So, this time around we decided to change things a little. We are going to visit Himachal Pradesh and enjoy some sight seeing. Hopefully we will do this on all our trips in future.</p> <p style="mso-outline-level:1;margin:0in;font-family:Verdana;font-size:10.0pt">Before I know it, it is time to come back to my adopted homeland. </p> <p style="mso-outline-level:1;margin:0in;font-family:Verdana;font-size:10.0pt">I never shed tears leaving India for some reason. I am always ready to come back. I feel great when I come back to my cocooned life "here" after the sensory overload "there". </p> <p style="mso-outline-level:1;margin:0in;font-family:Verdana;font-size:10.0pt">The huge and clean bathrooms, electricity that hardly ever goes out, maids that do show up on scheduled time (even though it is not a daily luxury that I can afford), the artificially heated or cooled air, uninterrupted high speed internet connection; I drown in such little pleasures of American life for next couple of year until those very comforts start to make me feel miserable and my heart starts to ache for India trip.</p> <p style="mso-outline-level:1;margin:0in;font-family:Verdana;font-size:10.0pt">Some things never change. I think I am absolutely ready for a change or am I?</p> <p style="mso-outline-level:1;margin:0in;font-family:Verdana;font-size:10.0pt">Every India trip I see a lot of changes there. New big malls, subway, McDonalds, KFCs popping up everywhere. That bothers me a LOT. I am not ready for that kind of change. More about that may be when I come back from India.</p><p style="mso-outline-level:1;margin:0in;font-family:Verdana;font-size:10.0pt"></p><p style="mso-outline-level:1;margin:0in;font-family:Verdana;font-size:10.0pt">In the mean while let me know if Gandhi said anything about the change the change that you do not want to see in the world!</p><p></p>Random Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766355766170830990noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301106953915490704.post-13336041809694132742010-05-06T17:41:00.003-06:002010-05-06T17:51:49.500-06:00Q and A<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Now attempting to answer Amanda's questions</span></span><div><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Disclosure: Amanda, I am neither a yoga scholar nor a religion scholar. I am answering these questions as per my own thinking/opinions and and trying to be 100% honest with myself and trying to find my true self while answering these. </span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, sans-serif;font-size:180%;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px;font-size:17px;"></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, sans-serif;font-size:180%;color:#333333;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Do you see yoga (the entire system of practices, philosophy and teachings) as inherently religious? If so, why?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Ans:Yes and NO. I believe yogasana(asana,pranayama, meditation,bandha included under that umbrella) can be practiced without bringing up outwardly religious aspects like practicing in front of Ganesha/Krishna/devi idols or lit up incense sticks, wearing japa malas etc. When I see these things included in yoga studios and/or workshops , I of course feel happy to see my religious symbols and a little amused as well as curious to know if these are little too much for people who practice some other religion. I personally avoid talking about Hindu deities in class because I want people to follow their own path. I do feel that all religions are basically spiritual paths leading to the divine but over years the ideas are taken over by rigid rituals. I hope I am able to put my thoughts across . It is difficult to separate yoga and hindu(sanatana Dharma) philosophy as they are so intertwined ( to me anyway)<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">What do you see as the religious aspects of yoga? Everything about it or some parts more than others?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Ans:The things mentioned above could be religious aspects IMO. Idols, japa/rudraksha malas</span></span></span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> , incense sticks, the sound of bell metal kartals/hand cymbals or even the kirtans/bhajans too. All these things to me are hindu</span></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">(sanatana Dharma) </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> way of worship.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">The very things that health club yoga classes avoid and yoga studios/workshops include to make it more authentic perhaps…<br /><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Do you think that to practice yoga asana without religion is an issue? <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Ans:NOT AT ALL. I do think yoga is a great practice for ALL. More power to all those who want to practice. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Or do you think that it's a good entry point into understanding, learning and practicing other aspects of yoga?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Ans:Yoga is a path to reach the destination, one of the many prescribed in Sanatana Dharma. And all indeed take you there.<br /><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Do you have an issue with asana being advertised and taught as yoga? (Bearing in mind, many yoga asana teachers also teach meditation, pranayama, mudra and bandha as a part of their classes.)</span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Ans:Asana is a very important part of yoga. The physical practice of asana, pranayam, bandha and mudras create a strong foundation for meditation which is the next step in Ashtanga yoga path with 8 limbs. Asana is yoga and so are other 7 limbs.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:medium;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Do you see this as de-linking yoga (the overall system) from Hinduism? If so, why?</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:medium;"></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Ans:I see it being done to take yoga more main stream. That is why yoga in health club won’t let you chant OM since it has religious undertones. When I teach a class I always tell people to skip it if they do not feel comfortable chanting OM. But, on the other side, I do see symbols and things that I mentioned above in studios in order to may be give it an authentic flare without calling it Hindu. They even have yoga jewelry. I never grew up wearing OM pendants/ganesha /Laxmi idol as pendants. So, I say that’s a very American touch </span></span></span></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">:)</span></span></span></span></span></p></span><p></p></div>Random Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766355766170830990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301106953915490704.post-66651140560635081402010-05-06T17:15:00.006-06:002010-05-06T17:40:51.311-06:00My 2 cents<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This all started when I read the link </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">posted on </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">metta yoga's page on face book.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px; "><a href="http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/undergod/2010/04/shukla_and_chopra_the_great_yoga_debate.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/undergod/2010/04/shukla_and_chopra_the_great_yoga_debate.html</span></span></a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Shukla responds, April 28 : Dr. Chopra, honor thy heritage" <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I agree fully with what</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Mr.Shukla writes in this particular response. I simply can not divide the philosophy/science of yoga with hindu way of living. They are so closely intertwined. Implying that Mr. Shukla has fundamentalist agenda is a huge accusation and to me it did not seem that way at all. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Yoga indeed is for All of the humanity people from all religions. Having said that it does not hurt to acknowledge its origins. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I grew up in India, I never saw my grand mothers practice physical yoga postures at all but they always talked about reincarnation, karma and attaining moksha. To me these are concepts in sanatana dharma. I know that the great seers/sages/rishis in India did not coin the term Hindu but the way of life they prescribed and what was passed down in vedas/upanishads/Geeta/puranas are the roots of yoga philosophy AND that is the path / life style adopted by people who later came to be known as Hindus. They are very Hindu scriptures IMO.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The sages did not claim yoga to be Hindu because it was for all who wanted to practice it.Those seers were not so narrow minded. I can not separate it from teachings that were imbibed in me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:13.0pt;line-height:normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><b></b></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><b><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:13.0pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-Times New Roman"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Five thousand years ago, when nationalism did not even exist as a concept, Indian Thought talked of Universalism that transcended all boundaries:<br /><br /></span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:center;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-Times New Roman"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />“Ayam nijah paroveti ganana laghuchetasam<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:center;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-Times New Roman"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Udaracharitanam tu vasudhaiva kutumbakam”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-Times New Roman"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />“This is my countryman; that is a foreigner—such a view is entertained only by small-minded people; but to the broad, noble-minded, the whole world is one family<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (The whole universe is my home) OR the prayer that I grew up with </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p></b></span><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#473624;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpYOLuK4hzSUU0zt2R02nMIZ6roajPvLSnK2r_0vE-sjF0FKYs-VGVtOKBFo1DCBIZEdpJFhxD0s5z8ABk87nu0b3lToQ8C8CDyDA5of5X15r5kF3stczgRwdxjdS7qPzKd1j9Fkf2vs/s1600/sarwe_bhawantu.gif"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpYOLuK4hzSUU0zt2R02nMIZ6roajPvLSnK2r_0vE-sjF0FKYs-VGVtOKBFo1DCBIZEdpJFhxD0s5z8ABk87nu0b3lToQ8C8CDyDA5of5X15r5kF3stczgRwdxjdS7qPzKd1j9Fkf2vs/s320/sarwe_bhawantu.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468301795168695282" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 85px; " /></a></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="line-height:115%;Georgia","serif"; color:#29303B;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Sarve Bhavantu Sukhina ,<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="line-height:115%;Georgia","serif"; color:#29303B;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sarve Santu Niramaya<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="line-height:115%;Georgia","serif"; color:#29303B;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sarve Bhadrani Pashyantu ,<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="line-height:115%;Georgia","serif"; color:#29303B;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Maa Kaschit Dukha Bhagh Bhavet”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="line-height:115%;Georgia","serif"; color:#29303B;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br />May all be happy;<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="line-height:115%;Georgia","serif"; color:#29303B;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">May all be without disease;<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="line-height:115%;Georgia","serif"; color:#29303B;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">May all have well-being;<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="line-height:115%;Georgia","serif"; color:#29303B;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">May none have misery of any sort.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif""></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">(you all know this one in the yoga world)" <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">are considered hindu prayers BUT do they ask happiness for the followers of this path alone? Hell NO.It is a prayer for entire spectrum of living beings not just humans. Something that is and was intended for the universe can't be and should not be tied down to any religion. But, be grateful to where it came from.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Indian govt.has not patented yoga postures in the past but now I hear that they are going to do it. I think they have no choice but to do it . They are driven to that action. Good for them I say.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I remember growing up, reading about some US based company trying to patent turmeric and India won that case in international court. For centuries billions of people are using turmeric in daily cooking knowing its health benefits and then why should they let some foreign company own the knowledge?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif""><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I am only thrilled to see so many westerners practicing yoga and reading about it and writing books on yoga. I am trilled because it is a part of my upbringing and heritage.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I don't need any royalty from anyone. I just want people to enjoy its abundant benefits without copy writing or trademarking. The knowledge and wisdom in vedas, upanishadas, Geeta is for ALL of us but please dont deny its roots in sanatana dharma.</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Random Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766355766170830990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301106953915490704.post-74826856848940239922010-03-27T08:55:00.002-06:002010-03-27T08:58:26.936-06:00Breath of fresh air<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><p style="text-align: left; "><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;">I found a nice article explaining how yogic breathing(pranayam) works. </span></p><p style="text-align: left; "><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.sakthifoundation.org/Air_how_works.htm" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(42, 93, 176); ">http://www.sakthifoundation.<wbr>org/Air_how_works.htm</a></span></p><p style="text-align: left; "><span style="font-family:Arial;">I have compiled a few things from my notes and books for you to read.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><b>Breath</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><b><i>Prana</i></b> means breath, respiration, life, vitality, wind, energy.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><b><i>Ayam</i></b> means length, stretching, expansion or restrain.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">In simple terms it can be explained as yogic breathing exercises.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><b>How do we breathe? </b>We all breathe in 3 parts</span></p><ul type="DISC"><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">Inhalation – Inspiration (<i>puraka</i>)</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">Exhalation – Exhalation (<i>rechaka</i>)</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">Retention – Holding the breath (<i>kumbhaka</i>)</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">Physical Aspect: In the first stage of breathing, the diaphragm descends causing the abdomen to expand filling in the lower part of lungs. In the second stage intercostals muscles expand the rib cage filling the middle part of lungs with air and lastly our collar bones lift up filling air in the top part of the lungs.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-weight: normal; font-size: medium; "></span></b></span></p><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><b><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><b>Importance of learning and practicing yogic breathing (<i>Pranayam)</i> </b>we have been breathing since birth. Nobody taught us how to breathe properly. Because of improper breathing habits we use only a fraction of our potential respiratory capacity. It results in not getting <b>maximum oxygen to the cells</b>. Brain cells have high rate of metabolism and require relatively more oxygen. Lack of which leads to mental stress, loss of concentration and control of emotions. Supplying enough oxygen to brain is greatest tool in stress management.(no wonder that immediate and effective remedy for stress relief is taking a deep breath)</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">Breath(an outward manifestation of prana) is seen as the important link between or physical and mental aspects; a link between body and mind.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><b>Mental benefits</b>:</span></p><ul type="DISC"><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">Improved concentration</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">Reduces stress.</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">Better emotional control</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><b>Physical benefits</b>:</span></p><ul type="DISC"><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">Sufficient oxygen for efficient function of every cell in the body.</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">Rid the body of all the unwanted by-products of metabolism especially carbon dioxide</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">Cleanses and strengthens the physical body and calms, steadies and clears the mind.</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">strengthens the respiratory system</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">Calms the nervous system.</span></li></ul> </b></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><b></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><b>Simple Breathing Techniques</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><b>Abdominal Breathing – </b>Laying on your back in corpse pose breath slowly and deeply.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">Make proper use of diaphragm.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">Feel your belly rise as you inhale and feel it sinking as you exhale.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><b>Full Yogic Breathing – </b>Sit with your legs crossed and back straight.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">Keep one hand on abdomen and one on your rib cage gently.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">When you inhale, feel the belly expand first then the rib cage and then chest.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">As you exhale observe the lower lungs emptied first then the middle and top part at the end.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">There are also many other yogic breathing practices namely, <i>Bhasrika</i>(bellows breathing), <i>kapalbhati</i>(breath of fire/skull shining), <i>Anulom-Vilom</i>(<wbr>alternate nostril breathing/<i>nadi-shodhana</i>),<i>Bhram<wbr>aree</i>(sounds like bee humming), <i>sitkaree, sitalee </i>.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size: small; "><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><b>Hints and cautions about practicing <i>pranayama</i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">Prana should be tamed more slowly and more gradually than lions, elephants and tigers.</span></p><ul type="DISC"><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">One should gain sufficient proficiency in <i>Asanas</i> and gain strength and discipline arising there from.</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">Practice on an empty stomach. Evacuate bowels and bladder before your practice.</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">Allow at least 6 hours to elapse after a meal before practicing <i>pranayam</i></span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">Preferably should be done in the early morning or after sunset.</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">Sit in a comfortable posture with back absolutely erect from the base of the spine to the neck.</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">Practice in a clean airy place</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">No strain on facial muscles. Tongue should be kept passive. Eyes should be closed to keep the mind from wandering.</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">Measure your own capacity and never exceed it.</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><i>Asanas</i> should not be practiced immediately after <i>Pranayama</i></span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">Never practice when exhausted<i>.</i></span></li></ul><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; ">The gist of it is using rhythmic patterns of breathing to give ample supply of oxygen to all cells in our body. Focusing on breath alone is the stepping stone for Vipassana meditation as well. our breath has profound impact on our physical and emotional states.</span><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size: medium; "><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 29px; "><span style="font-family: verdana; line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; ">आला सास, गेला सास, जीव तुझा रे तंतर<br />अरे जगन-मारणं एका सासाचं अंतर</span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size: medium; "><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 29px; "><span style="font-family: verdana; line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; ">(Breath in, Breath out, life so is your doctrine<br />Life and death are just a breath apart)</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size: medium; "><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 29px; "><span style="font-family: verdana; line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; ">Poet: Bahinabai Chaudhari</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size: medium; "><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 29px; "><span style="font-family: verdana; line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><br /></span></span></span></span></div></span>Random Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766355766170830990noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301106953915490704.post-72013391264876973892010-03-21T10:34:00.007-06:002010-03-21T12:28:02.742-06:00More yoga thoughts<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:13px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">It all started when a friend forwarded an email about differences between right nostril breathing and left nostril and effects it have on your body and mind, commenting "yeah sure". I had to butt in and defend pranayam. Another friend asking how and why it works and its benefits which are "scientifically proven". He had a very valid point and a right to be skeptical. His point is that he is piqued, more than peeved, that there seems to be so much general agreement about the benefits of anything vaguely Indian nowadays. It smacks of slum dog millionaire.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">He wanted go beyond the cursory checks and actually try to dig out whatever truth he can. </span></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">So I gave him a few links which I am copying below</span></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Post about alternate nostril breathing from a blog written by a medical doctor</span></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family:Arial;"><a href="http://yogashaastra.blogspot.com/2009/09/nadis-or-nervous-system.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">http://yogashaastra .blogspot. com/2009/ 09/nadis- or-nervous- system.html</span></span></a></p> <p face="Arial" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; "> </p> <p face="Arial" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Another couple of links about pranayama</span></span></p> <p face="Arial" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; "><a href="http://yoga-health-benefits.blogspot.com/2009/12/brahmari-deep-breathing-exercise.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">http://yoga- health-benefits. blogspot. com/2009/ 12/brahmari- deep-breathing- exercise. html</span></span></a></p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: Arial; "><a href="http://yoga-health-benefits.blogspot.com/2009/09/kapalbhati-pranayama.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">http://yoga- health-benefits. blogspot. com/2009/ 09/kapalbhati- pranayama. html</span></span></a></p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: Arial; "> </p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: Arial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">For the "scientifically proven" part (I personally do not wait for things to be proven scientifically coz then there could be another debate as to caliber of the scientist and who sponsored it, which science journal, it's authenticity and so on and so forth)</span></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: Arial; "><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/024008_yoga_brain_health.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">http://www.naturaln ews.com/024008_ yoga_brain_ health.html</span></span></a></p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: Arial; "> </p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: Arial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">These were very general posts though, what we call Holistic marketing - which means enveloping your product in feel good, positive, key terms that sell today. much like "organic foods", and "free range chicken" and Green Energy.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: Arial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">What followed is my thoughts, rants, views, opinions on this matter…</span></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: Arial; "> </p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: Arial; "> </p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Western mind is analytical, inquisitive and want quantitative measurable parameters before embracing anything. That is the way to go. Why take it for granted without testing it just because some Indian dude wrote it in "yoga sutras" or "hatha yoga pradipika" hundreds of years ago. we need to experience it ourselves in order to believe it. Which certainly should be the way to go.</span></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;font-size:9.75pt;color:black;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I am 100% with you when you say that </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">anything vaguely Indian sales these days or anything with feel good, positive, key terms.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;font-family:georgia;font-size:9.75pt;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">In the world of my "firang" yoga friends, if one has fallen ill then rest of them send messages like "sending healing energy your way", or "healing vibrations to you sweetheart" which really make</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">me cringe. I say what's wrong with plain and simple "get well soon". Is that not</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">authentic, genuine, heartfelt enough?</span></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;font-family:georgia;font-size:9.75pt;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I get invitation to attend kirtans every now and then but I can't get myself to go there as I do not have that devotion in me. It does not feel like me.</span></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;font-family:Georgia;font-size:9.75pt;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I find it weird when my yoga</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">friends dig stuff like incense sticks, OM pendants, Ganesh idols, drink chai, love the vibrant costumes, chant gayatri mantra. I feel like telling</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">them that they do not have to like anything and everything Indian. Not liking Indian food or any of the above mentioned things is not going to make them less of a yogi. </span></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;font-family:georgia;font-size:9.75pt;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">In the same way, I also find it weird when we dismiss things just because they are Indian.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Having said all that, I also have to say that unless we have open minds and non judgmental attitude there is no way one can convince anyone about anything(yogic or non yogic) . </span></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I am glad that this email exchange is making me revisit my books and making me question myself and ask myself tough questions. I will compile a separate email</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">about how PRANAYAM benefits on physical and mental levels. I will be doing that from my yoga books</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">are not science journals:) </span></span></p> <p face="georgia" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; "> </p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: georgia; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Now, anyone of you reading this post has already done your research and found scientific reasoning of how and why PRANAYAM works and benefits us please do share with me in the comments section. I love short cuts :)</span></span></p></span></span></span></span></div></span>Random Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766355766170830990noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301106953915490704.post-49508190371877106082010-03-08T16:57:00.003-06:002010-03-08T18:55:33.456-06:00I drink Limca because I like it ! ! !!!!So, I finally got the "<a href="http://enlightenupthefilm.com/">Enlighten Up</a>" movie from Netflix last week. I had read about it in the yoga blogosphere a LOT and was very curious to watch it myself.<div>So, this lady, Kate, who is a yoga lover/devotee of sorts thinks that yoga can transform any one. She finds her guinea pig in Nick and puts him on the yoga path and follows him around and asks him during the journey ( that takes him to NY, California, Hawaii and all the way to India ), "Are you transformed yet? Are you transformed yet?". Well, not exactly like that :)</div><div>Nick and Kate analyze, dissect the styles and teachers of yoga. Nick gets frustrated, Kate sheds a few tears ( I believe ). For what? Nick's so called transformation! which is nowhere to be seen on the horizon. Then in the grand finale of the movie, he figures that he needs to deal with the complicated relationship and different influences from both of his parents. We are lead to believe that, it is his transformed self but I just kept thinking that Nick is just homesick in a colorful, vibrant country called India.</div><div>I did not see the whole point of making this movie in the first place( or may be I just missed the point completely ). </div><div>Why discuss it to death? I remember an old commercial of a soda( Limca ) back home in India. I do not need to explain to anyone why I drink it. I drink Limca because I like it!</div><div><br /></div><div>I practice yoga because I like it.</div><div>PEACE</div>Random Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766355766170830990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301106953915490704.post-46833292115740891752010-02-04T08:24:00.002-06:002010-02-04T08:35:33.288-06:00What is Meditation?Some times we grown ups unnecessarily complicate things and make it sound too complex. I have to share conversation I had last night with my 6.5 year old dear daughter who will be addressed as DD in the rest of this post. <div>I was reading a newsletter of a meditation studio and DD was right there sitting with me.</div><div><br /></div><div>DD: Mommy, what is meditation?</div><div>Me: It is sitting in silence sweetie.</div><div>DD: And think about what?</div><div>Me: Actually try not to think about anything at all. Just enjoy the silence.Enjoy the sound of silence.</div><div>DD:It sounds tough</div><div>Me: Yes indeed.Mind is the most difficult thing to control.It is running in thousand different directions all the time. </div><div>DD:So, meditation means to just give your mind a little break, right mommy?</div><div>Me: WOW. I wish I could have put it in such simple terms.</div>Random Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766355766170830990noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301106953915490704.post-21419978729710427472010-01-29T22:49:00.005-06:002010-01-29T23:27:51.288-06:00New Year New OpportunityIts been a long gap since my last post. <div>Initially there wasn't much too share(its not like I won Nobel prize and did not share it on this space) and then I got lazy :(</div><div>But I am just coming back from a meeting at the brand new yoga studio that is opening up here in Coppell,TX on February 1st. The name is "<a href="http://www.studio108yoga.com/">STUDIO 108</a>". The couple who own the venture Kim and Eagan have a beautiful dream and a vision. I am grateful for the opportunity to teach at their studio. Teaching according to me is a continuous process of learning too. One evolves as a practitioner of yoga, and as this happens the teaching too might change. It will change with the way I will evolve and transform; and here I am targeting for a positive change,change for the better.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am scheduled to teach on Monday evenings in the beautiful earth room. Painted in hues of green and brown. As you can guess I am pretty excited about this new development. I do sincerely believe that opportunity presents itself when one is ready with open mind.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am also excited about my trip to India in June/July of this year. I plan to take yoga classes with my favorite teacher Abhay in Pune but once I arrive in India things sometimes go a little crazy and I lose control over my schedule. Some times, I just think it would be nice to go to India like any other westerner and go about my own yoga adventure and just visit all those places I want to visit without meeting anyone. <a href="http://lindasyoga.blogspot.com/">Linda</a>, if you are reading this, I am sooooooo jealous of you right now. It would be nice to visit my own country like a tourist, without expectations or judgments. It would be nice not to feel embarrassed looking at the begging kids at traffic lights or not to feel ashamed when I see a traffic cop taking some vitamin M for not writing a ticket. India trip every single time is extremely stressful, but that would a whole another blog. For once I want to feel contended about India trip. May be some day, I am an eternal optimist!</div><div><br /></div><div>Right now I would like to focus on the short term goals. teaching a yin yoga class on Monday at Studio 108!</div><div>I like this year 2010 so far. I see only good things on the horizon. Here is to new beginnings...</div>Random Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766355766170830990noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301106953915490704.post-63964028260873230542009-12-31T14:46:00.002-06:002009-12-31T15:18:03.866-06:00Saying good bye to 2009Arriving to this space after a long gap. The last post of this year. Days just keep crawling but years fly by. Time to reflect on the past year.<div>It has been a year since I became a"yoga teacher". Taught a private class for over 7 months.Started teaching at the town's activity center twice a week. That is a very good experience.I am not sure where it will be going after a month. The attendance has been not very encouraging. I have 1-3 students on an average but at times had 10 people in the class. Have not heard a negative feedback yet or no one has left the class half way through. but same is the case with classes taught by veteran teachers and I had been warned about it. But, when you are a new teacher it is hard not to take it personally. The classes may get cancelled as soon as February of 2010.</div><div>But surprisingly enough,I am pretty calm about it. I am feeling a certain peace and confidence that comes from a knowing deep within that everything is PERFECT just the way it is and it always will be. I am ready for whatever is in store for me.</div><div><br /></div><div>On the job front, things were slightly shaky since August. There wasn't enough money to pay us all on time and in full.But, I am really fortunate to be working for a wonderful human being who instead of letting us all go one fine day,actually let us in on the situation. This is kind of place and people you feel like sticking with. I kept my resume updated and was browsing the job sites but never actually applied to any job. For some odd reason, I just could not get myself to do it. That little voice in my head was stopping me. The scene now is much better. we are getting paid in full and I see new exciting things happening. Hope 2010 brings all the good fortune to our little company.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have stopped making any resolutions long back but like every year I hope I can De-clutter my mind and make space for new beginnings. I recall something I read somewhere that if you harbor negativity,anger and hatred then bliss and happiness will dock somewhere else. And I am not going to let that happen.</div><div>My arms are open and so is my heart for the joy, health and peace that 2010 will bring in.</div><div>HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL.</div><div> </div>Random Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766355766170830990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301106953915490704.post-71919387943369232172009-10-28T15:49:00.003-06:002009-10-28T15:53:51.895-06:00My Yoga is better than your Yoga - Part 2The Yoga Saga Continues....<div>Here is the email that I received from Yoga Alliance just a few minutes ago. Need I say more?</div><div>Just sit back, relax and watch the drama unfold..</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family:arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="500" border="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-size: inherit; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: table; "><tbody style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><tr style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: table-row; vertical-align: inherit; "><td style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: table-cell; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.elabs3.com/c.html?rtr=on&s=eaex,13bmg,4e74,c6xm,impe,l0hh,1ipe" style="line-height: 1.2em; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img height="75" alt="Yoga Alliance" width="500" border="0" src="http://yogaalliance.namasteinteractive.com/images/syshead.jpg" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; " /></a></td></tr><tr style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: table-row; vertical-align: inherit; "><td bgcolor="#ffffff" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: table-cell; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><div align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "></div><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="500" border="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-size: inherit; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: table; "><tbody style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><tr style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: table-row; vertical-align: inherit; "><td style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: table-cell; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; padding-right: 20px; padding-left: 20px; padding-bottom: 20px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal 'Lucida Grande', Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); padding-top: 20px; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- display: block; color:initial;"><strong style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">Dear</strong> <strong style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">Dhanashri</strong>,</p><p color="initial" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- display: block; ">It has come to our attention that a Mr. Govinda <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1256766338_0" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;">Vishnu</span> from Pasadena, Texas, is contacting yoga studios and schools throughout the country, both YA registered and unregistered, implying that he represents or acts on behalf of Yoga Alliance. We understand that persons contacted by Mr. Vishnu are told that the type of <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1256766338_1" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer; ">yoga</span> they teach is not a pure form of yoga, is a violation of YA's<span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1256766338_2" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; cursor: pointer; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; border-bottom- background-position: initial initial; color:initial;">Code of Conduct</span> and that YA will be bringing a lawsuit to close their studio or school.</p><p color="initial" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- display: block; ">Yoga Alliance has also been advised that Mr. Vishnu claims to represent an organization named Gitanjali International, which he claims is the supreme authority of yoga and the only official yoga registry in the United States, Canada, South America and Europe. He further asserts that if those he contacts do not comply with his demands he will bring legal action against them.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; "><u style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><strong style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">Mr. Vishnu is not affiliated with Yoga Alliance in any manner.</strong> His unwelcome and misleading communications are of deep concern to us.</u> We are exploring our options with <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1256766338_3" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; cursor: pointer; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; border-bottom- background-position: initial initial; color:initial;">law enforcement authorities</span> in Texas and at the Federal level regarding Mr. Vishnu's statements and threats.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; ">Should Mr. Vishnu make contact with you please contact me on our toll free number <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1256766338_4" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer; ">888-921-YOGA</span> (9642) to report the incident, and should you feel threatened by him please contact your <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1256766338_5" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;">local police department</span>.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; ">Sincerely,<br /><img alt="" border="0" src="http://list.namasteinteractive.com/content/666681/Mark%20Signature%20%28small%29.jpg" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; " /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; ">R. <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1256766338_6" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;">Mark Davis</span><br />President & CEO</p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></span></div>Random Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766355766170830990noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301106953915490704.post-17321953503598468462009-10-16T18:31:00.004-06:002009-10-17T16:22:37.073-06:00My YOGA is better than your yoga<p style="margin:0in;font-family:Calibri;font-size:11.0pt;">I have been following <a href="http://lindasyoga.blogspot.com/2009/10/is-there-american-spiritualism-like.html">Linda's yoga blog</a> for a few months and have been reading a few other yoga blogs(American) along the way.</p> <p style="margin:0in;font-family:Calibri;font-size:11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I see a lot of things written about the yoga in the west . There are arguments and counter arguments. There is actually a debate going on<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>about American yoga, the branding of yoga in different styles.</p> <p face="Calibri" size="11.0pt" style="margin:0in;">I could not stop laughing after reading a comment on <a href="http://groundingthruthesitbones.blogspot.com/2009/10/american-false-idols.html">Brenda's blog post</a> . The commentator mentioned that during a discussion after a yoga class a gentleman(who is from India but living the USA for over 20 years)said that </p> <p style="margin:0in"><span style="font-family:";font-size:9.75pt;color:#333333;"><b>“You Americans make everything so dramatic! It’s only stretching.”</b></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I really agree with that comment, about dramatizing things. Sure YOGA is much more than stretching, as you go deeper in your practice, you move from just the asana practice towards more meditative aspects of YOGA. But the key is, as a teacher,<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>one should be able to dilute the YOGA dose at the level of one's students. Giving students the knowledge<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>they are ready for, gradually.</span></p> <p style="margin:0in;font-family:Calibri;font-size:11.0pt"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If a YOGA class does not involve pranayam or meditation session it is still YOGA.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Just like explaining kids about an apple falling from a tree is physics and teaching astrophysics/ nuclear physics<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>to Ph D students is still physics. </p> <p style="margin:0in;font-family:Calibri;font-size:11.0pt"> </p> <p style="margin:0in;font-family:Calibri;font-size:11.0pt">I grew up in India, attended YOGA classes taught by my Aunt, by Iyengar teachers too. I came across couple of different styles of YOGA but never ever witnessed any such arguments/discussions/debates about YOGA not being YOGA just because teachers do not give a dose of spirituality. There wasn't any kind of one-upmanship. There were no lulu lemon yoga clothes(now this may be a case of sour grapes, since I simply can't afford those :), but on a serious note, even if I had disposable income I would not feel comfortable wearing those things ).Forget the fancy YOGA clothes, I had not even seen a yoga mat back home.</p> <p style="margin:0in;font-family:Calibri;font-size:11.0pt">When I voiced my opinion on Linda's blog post, she said that because in India, yoga is just yoga, there is no need to make it sexy. SO, all this debate/discussions/style/formats/philosophy of yoga just to make it sexy? Who would have thought! Can't really argue with that one. Let the saga continue…To each its own!</p>Random Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766355766170830990noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301106953915490704.post-73256071987790572652009-08-09T08:12:00.000-06:002009-08-09T08:13:35.428-06:00Wish I had no regrets<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: Calibri; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Last week had been quite busy at home. It was the last week of my parents visit. My younger sister also was visiting along with her husband. We had a full house. Lot of talking(even snapping at each other), lot of cooking, lots of eating out, lot of shopping.</span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: Calibri; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: Calibri; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The last few days of parents or in-laws visit are always hard on many levels. I wish I could say that their trip was really nice and very memorable in every respect. They really had a wonderful time and they are looking forward to the next trip already. It would be really nice not to have any regrets about my own behavior with them in past 7 weeks. Sadly, it is not so. Sure they enjoyed their visit. Sure I enjoyed getting a break from cooking, cleaning, bathing and dressing up kids etc. But, in my heart I know that they were not exactly happy. I used to snap at them for seemingly insignificant reasons. It must be really trivial things because I do not even remember any particulars of the various incidents. They are my parents and I know they will easily forgive me and wont hold any grudge whatsoever. But that does not take the guilt away. </span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: Calibri; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: Calibri; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I keep on analyzing my behavior and in theory I completely agree with my husband that our parents are not getting any younger and we have to let go of the little annoying things that they do or say. It is not possible for them to change themselves at that age. We have to adjust and accommodate . I think I know all the theory of it but just have a hard time putting it in practice. When I try to adjust and accommodate and try not to snap and yell, I tend to go in my own shell and become aloof. So, when will that time come when I can HAPPILY, CHEERFULLY adapt to my surroundings? </span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: Calibri; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I want my family to get the BEST of me and not the worst. I DESPARATELY need to learn to put others need before my own needs. I need to learn to let go of all the sarcasm, bitter and hurtful comments , self centered attitude and practice LOVING KINDNESS. </span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: Calibri; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-family: Calibri; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I am at the starting point right now and hope I never ever come back to the square one.</span></p>Random Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766355766170830990noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301106953915490704.post-23345943836206527522009-05-28T15:29:00.001-06:002009-05-28T15:32:38.097-06:00Blame Game<p style="margin:0in;font-family:Calibri;font-size:11.0pt">I ( very<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>enthusiastically ) enrolled my dear daughter(will be referred to as DD here after) for the dance class. She started going without much complaining.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I had to go with her<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>of course and sit there for an hour and watch the class , keeping my younger one's activities and noise level down while the class was in session.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In just a couple of weeks my enthusiasm level was considerably low.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Its just pain to take the kids to different activities and sometimes push them to do all those things.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I had to nag my DD to get ready in time for the class, nag some more to practice dance at home. She did not even practice once. Pretty soon I started dreading Thursdays. Then I thought of giving up the dance class. I asked my DD if she would like to continue and she did not show any interest. I made up my mind and called the teacher and pulled her out of the class.</p> <p style="margin:0in;font-family:Calibri;font-size:11.0pt">One of my close friends got extremely upset at my decision. She is of the opinion that I should just push her a little and continue with the class. She also said that I am pulling her out just because I hate to drive every week to the class. I agree in part that I really do not like that chore. But at the same time I also know that had my DD shown even slight amount of interest and enthusiasm then I would have taken her to the class every week.</p> <p style="margin:0in;font-family:Calibri;font-size:11.0pt">DD is happy about not going to the class anymore even though her 2 close friends are going(YEY she is not giving into the peer pressure, might be a nice thing in teens). For her the best part of the class was taking the "ghoongroos" off! I still do not feel at peace with my own decision. Should I really push her a little more and make her go? I don’t know what I am worried about. I certainly not the fact that my friends may judge me based on this.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I have been giving it some thought. It took me to my childhood in Pune.</p> <p style="margin:0in;font-family:Calibri;font-size:11.0pt">Me and my sister used to go for "bharatnatyam" dance class. We may have gone for a few months before calling it quits. My sister said that she did not like to do the steps that teacher taught and wanted to do her own steps.(That's EXACTLY what my DD told me, talk<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>about history repeating itself).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A few years ago, I was talking to my mother about our childhood and hobbies etc.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I do not have a single recreational activity or talent like singing, dancing, playing any instrument or any other arts or crafts thing. During our conversation I blamed my mother about it and told her that she should have pushed us a little harder and made us go to the class even against our will back then. That way, today I would know some art form. My mother did not defend herself and just took the blame. </p> <p style="margin:0in;font-family:Calibri;font-size:11.0pt">That brings me to the conclusion that I must be afraid of my DD growing up and blaming me for not knowing "kathak" dance. </p> <p style="margin:0in;font-family:Calibri;font-size:11.0pt">I have<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>come a full circle<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>indeed!</p> <p style="margin:0in;font-family:Calibri;font-size:11.0pt">But where do I go from here? May be I can enroll her again after a couple of years if she shows any interest again. For now, I just enrolled her for swimming lessons. That should take the guilt away for a while I guess!</p> <p style="margin:0in;font-family:Calibri;font-size:11.0pt">And most importantly, I have to say this out loud, "I am so sorry Aai(mom) for blaming you".</p>Random Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766355766170830990noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301106953915490704.post-11257101713207351142009-05-10T20:10:00.000-06:002009-05-10T20:11:31.067-06:00Enjoying Food<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center">Wishing all mothers a very happy mother’s day, like a friend says, that means mothers <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>of babies, toddlers, <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>teens, adults, cats, dogs, squirrels,<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>and any other domestic animals you can think of. Hope you all enjoyed the special treatment and attention showered by your kids and their fathers incase kids are very young.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I was promised a breakfast in bed for which I waited patiently in bed until 9 this morning but there was no sign whatsoever of any one waking up to make that happen. So, I made my own tea and enjoyed it in complete peace and quiet.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Last couple of months my yogasana practice was very little. But, I think I am back on track now.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I attended a class led by Ricky this afternoon. He always asks for special requests. A lady suggested to include poses which help in detoxifying, as many people must have had heavy mother’s day lunches/brunches. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was great class with sun salutations along with many twisting postures and backbends on popular demand.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We all practiced a couple of pranayam breathing techniques as well.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I kept on thinking about that ladies request for specific poses and all such requests in the past during holiday season.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We all celebrate festivals and special occasions by enjoying delicacies and indulging in our favorite foods. But why do most of us not just enjoy it without feeling guilty. Why do we feel the need to work it off the next day?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When we enjoy our food with all our senses I feel that we get satisfied by eating even a little amount. You look at the way your favorite dish is served, how nicely it is presented. Smell the aroma of food. Touch your food with your fingers(don’t the little kids look blissful while playing with their food and making a big mess. In India we eat our food with hands; I believe it must have some such reason behind it). Savor the taste, chew slowly enjoying every bite. If we eat with complete attention and by involving all 5 senses then we are unlikely to overindulge. Our bodies will let us know when to stop. We all work hard, take up multiple jobs basically to satisfy the basic need for food. But we have forgotten to enjoy it.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We need to work out to keep our bodies fit and healthy. No arguments there, but it should be done for that reason alone, not to work off extra calories. When we practice yogasanas our focus should not be burning calories but staying with the breath.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When we eat, our focus should be on enjoying food and nourishing our bodies and not thinking about whether to include pushups during sun salutation to lose the extra pounds. It just brings us back to being in the moment and witnessing. As we become observers more and more the extreme behavior fades and we slowly reach the golden median.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I am not there yet but I plan to stay on the path. I have taken another step in the right direction. I cooked a nice dinner of rajma(red kidney beans), paneer makhani(cottage cheese cooked in creamy sauce and spices) to celebrate mother’s day. Enjoyed each and every bite to the fullest, absolutely guilt free.</p>Random Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766355766170830990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301106953915490704.post-68965159923372815892009-04-17T07:15:00.003-06:002009-04-17T07:34:48.745-06:00An account of wednesday evening<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; "><div>Yesterday I went to the hindu temple to listen to "<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; ">Parmahamsa Nithyananda<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; ">" talk about Patanjali's yoga sutras. he spoke about 16th sutra and everything related to "Vairagya" . "Vairagya" is not detachment but transcending from both attachment and detachment.Another concept he tried to hammer in was that there is no logical connection between the object/person/thing experienced, the person who experiences it and the experience itself. All these 3 are independent of each other. In other word, if I eat a sweet and get a certain joyous feeling, it is not going to be consistant. I keep on eating 10 sweets and the experience of joy may turn into something not so joyous anymore. Same thing holds tru for person. When we are in love, we like everything about the person we love but the experience changes over time inspite of the fact that 2 people involved in a relationship are the same. We all need to understand this fact and try not to hold on to any specific kind of experience which make us happy or try not to run away from things that cause negative feelings. It was an inspirational discourse. </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; "><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; ">Afterwards there was a BIG line for energy darshan(I am not sure what one is supposed to feel or say at those since it was my first. They told the audience to ask for any healing if needed.) I did not ask for any healing(since it was very crowded and everyone got about 3-4 seconds with swamiji) but my heart was praying for my father to be healed from rhumatiod arthritis and my mother-in-law from her knee problems. I did not want any healing for myself since there is nothing to be repaired with me at this time. But oh boy, I came back home feeling sick! I called in sick today and did not go to work. My throat is hurting and so are my ears. So much for healing :)</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; "><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; ">May be just that my mind was not open and receptive. Who knows. But I remember the joy and excitement I was feeling while driving to the event. I expected to be feeling even more elated returning and I guess it was the opposite of my expectations. I guess it all boils down to practicing no expectations and no judgment. </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>I shared this account with Sue Chadwick(I attended the meditation workshop led by her last month). She told me not to view this as a negative result of that evening. I will quote her word below which really brought tears to my eyes.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">"Some times after these spiritual gatherings, we release "stuck" energy or karmic seeds that must be released so we can reach Higher states of consciousness...."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div>May be I am over analyzing everything. It could be jsut that somethign is going around and I caught it from the crowded temple that evening.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div></span>Random Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766355766170830990noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301106953915490704.post-16902140736423534692009-04-10T20:57:00.004-06:002009-04-10T21:06:47.128-06:00Life, Death and Life After Death - diffeernt Cultures and different beliefs<p class="MsoNormal">Just in the last posting I mentioned the blog that I came across about past life regression. It talks about life, death and what happens after death.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Irrespective of whether one believes in the things mentioned it does make you think about the life you are leading. The reason I like the blog and in particular the posting titled “Pre birth choices”(<a href="http://www.blogger.com/Just%20in%20the%20last%20posting%20I%20mentioned%20the%20blog%20that%20I%20came%20across%20about%20past%20life%20regression.%20It%20talks%20about%20life,%20death%20and%20what%20happens%20after%20death.%20Irrespective%20of%20whether%20one%20believes%20in%20the%20things%20mentioned%20it%20does%20make%20you%20think%20about%20the%20life%20you%20are%20leading.%20The%20reason%20I%20like%20the%20blog%20and%20in%20particular%20the%20posting%20titled%20%E2%80%9CPre%20birth%20choices%E2%80%9D(link%20;%20http://goinghomeshubhayeri.blogspot.com/2009/03/pre-birth-choice-and-agreement.html)%20is%20that%20it%20helps%20put%20things%20in%20perspective.%20Shubha%20wrote%20in%20that%20posting%20%E2%80%9CWhatever%20happens%20to%20us%20in%20our%20life,%20happens%20because%20we%20chose%20it%20as%20a%20challenge%20with%20the%20confidence%20that%20we%20will%20overcome%20it%20and%20grow%20and%20evolve%20from%20that%20experience.%20We%20NEVER%20choose%20impossible%20targets%20for%20us,%20just%20tough%20ones.%E2%80%9D%20When%20unpleasant%20things%20happen%20then%20the%20thought%20that%20this%20is%20happening%20to%20me%20simply%20because%20I%20wanted%20it%20to%20happen%20to%20me%20for%20some%20reason,%20gives%20strength%20to%20get%20out%20of%20that%20situation.%20It%20helps%20you%20to%20analyze%20and%20figure%20out%20what%20lessons%20you%20are%20meant%20to%20learn%20from%20it%20all.%20It%20is%20a%20powerful%20idea%20and%20concept%20which%20truly%20can%20help%20us%20evolve%20spiritually%20and%20become%20a%20better%20person.%20I%20went%20to%20see%20the%20%E2%80%9CKing%20Tutankhamen%20and%20the%20Golden%20age%20of%20Pharaohs%E2%80%9D%20exhibit%20this%20afternoon%20with%20my%20husband%20and%20kids.%20The%20exhibit%20was%20amazing.%20It%20was%20fascinating%20to%20see%20the%20artifacts%20preserved%20in%20such%20good%20condition.%20It%20was%20hard%20to%20believe%20that%20those%20exhibits%20are%20over%203000%20years%20old.%20It%20was%20very%20interesting%20to%20see%20what%20kind%20of%20things%20were%20put%20in%20with%20the%20mummies%20for%20their%20comfort(?)%20in%20life%20after%20death.%20Jewelry,%20ointment%20jars%20and%20even%20board%20games%20were%20stored%20in%20the%20tombs.%20There%20are%20and%20have%20been%20so%20many%20different%20cultures%20and%20beliefs%20in%20our%20world.%20I%20grew%20up%20in%20culture%20where%20people%20believe%20that%20all%20the%20material%20possessions%20cease%20to%20be%20of%20any%20use%20after%20death.%20We%20are%20soul%20and%20we%20just%20have%20the%20body.%20Our%20wealth%20and%20precious%20belongings%20don%E2%80%99t%20really%20count%20then.%20The%20only%20thing%20that%20counts%20is%20if%20we%20are%20learning%20our%20lessons%20from%20this%20life.">http://goinghomeshubhayeri.blogspot.com/2009/03/pre-birth-choice-and-agreement.html</a>) is that it helps put things in perspective. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Shubha wrote in that posting </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Whatever happens to us in our life, happens because we chose it as a challenge with the confidence that we will overcome it and grow and evolve from that experience.<br /><br />We NEVER choose impossible targets for us, just tough ones.</span></span></span><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When unpleasant things happen <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>then the thought that this is happening to me simply because I wanted it to happen to me for some reason, gives strength to get out of that situation. It helps you to analyze and figure out what lessons you are meant to learn from it all. It is a powerful idea and concept which truly can help us evolve spiritually and become a better person.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I went to see the “King Tutankhamen and the Golden age of Pharaohs” exhibit this afternoon with my husband and kids. The exhibit was amazing. It was fascinating to see the artifacts preserved in such good condition. It was hard to believe that those exhibits are over 3000 years old. It was very interesting to see what kind of things were put in with the mummies for their comfort(?) <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>in life after death. Jewelry, ointment jars and even board games were stored in the tombs. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There are and have been so many different cultures and beliefs in our world.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I grew up in culture where people believe that all the material possessions cease to be of any use after death. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We are soul and we just have the body. Our wealth and precious belongings don’t really count then. The only thing that counts is if we are learning our lessons from this life. </p>Random Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766355766170830990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301106953915490704.post-38416712215622987242009-04-03T17:43:00.003-06:002009-04-03T17:49:21.712-06:00Power Of Positivity<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">After a long silence here is an attempt to revive the blog.<br />My yoga practice suffered quite a bit last month. There were plenty of excuses but I know that they were excuses. The one thing that keeps me going is my one private class that I teach. I put my heart and soul in teaching that class and really look forward to that day every week. I got another student for a couple of weeks but after attending first 2 classes she decided to part ways. I am actually feeling quite alright about it. It was getting a bit challenging to teach a 14 year old and a 78 year old in the same session. Suggesting modifications to each and every pose was not a problem for me but I think when the levels of participants is so different in a semi-private class none of them feel that they are getting the personal attention. I am learning about the challenges of teaching as I progress in my path.<br />Why would I want to teach a 78 year lady plank pose or head stand? I would rather have her practice a different PRANAYAM every time along with a few stretches, meditation and SHAVASAN. So now I am back to my one and only yoga student. No complaints though. I am happy about this opportunity.<br />I also got hired by the local community activity center and currently on their sub list. I have to sub for a friend in next week. That was on the teaching front.<br />I had the opportunity to attend a wonderful meditation work shop at the studio where I practice. It was “Ananda, Dallas” Sue Chadwick conducted the workshop. She was very warm and approachable. In the first session we talked a lot and she taught us all “Hung-Sau” technique of meditation. Meditating with so many likeminded people is beautiful experience. In the next session Sue spoke about accessing our calm energy at will. It is so important to use affirmations. Replacing each and every negative thought with a string positive thought can change our lives around. The power of one’s own will is truly beyond imagination. I wish to someday learn the “Kriya yoga”. When the time is right it will happen for sure.<br />I also stumbled upon the book “Heal your life” by Louise Hay when we visited my cousin during the spring break. Though I could not finish the book during our stay, whatever little bit I read reiterated the power of positive thinking and affirmations. I was very amused with the section in her book which charts the probable cause of illness/disease and which affirmations help in curing them. The woman has cured her cancer without surgery. I am not a big fan of self help books but reading the author’s own life story made a big impact on me and I had to pay close attention to what she is trying to say.<br />I have started reading “Autobiography of a Yogi” once again. It is one of those books to which you can go back time and again and find something valuable each time. I also came across a very interesting blog a few weeks ago, a very amazing, amusing, intriguing and puzzling at times too. It is spiritual in nature and talks about life after death, past life regression. If you are interested please visit the link below.<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:-webkit-monospace;"><a href="http://goinghomeshubhayeri.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">http://goinghomeshubhayeri.blogspot.com/</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />That will keep you occupied until next time.<br />Later.</span>Random Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766355766170830990noreply@blogger.com0