I took a training this past weekend for workshop leaders to improve the workshops and retreats I'm leading, and during the intensive weekend, when we were talking about marketing, he asked what people get from my workshop, and I shared in front of the group that it was about intimacy, and he said vehemently that NOBODY WANTS THAT.
I couldn't believe my ears. Doesn't everyone want intimacy? Yes, of course they do, on the inside, but most people associate intimacy and vulnerability with pain, so it doesn't create good marketing materials.
I thought about it for a while - what's painful about vulnerability and intimacy? I wrote an earlier blog* entry about how vulnerability = strength, addressing how vulnerability is misassociated with weakness, but in my world I hadn't associated it with pain.
Then I got it.
When we feel safe enough to let our defenses down and offer someone our unguarded heart - if they don't return the gesture, we ache. If they do return the gesture, we make available the contact between two tender places, and this connection feels SO BLISSFULLY GOOD while it lasts, and when it ends - we hurt.
It is easy to blame that pain on the vulnerability. We should never have let them in, right?
But it wasn't the vulnerability itself that hurt. Vulnerability is the context in which intimacy can occur. When two hearts are open, beautiful things can happen. Some of the greatest pleasures known to us as humans are sometimes referred to as intimacy.
It's not the vulnerability or the intimacy that hurts, it's the rejection or the withdrawl of the pleasure that hurts. The vulnerability itself makes possible the greatest pleasures and the greatest pains.
It seems sad to me that so many people close their hearts, forget the bliss that emotional intimacy offers, and only associate vulnerability and intimacy with the pain at the end.
In that previous blog entry* I talked about the draw bridge of a castle. When the draw bridge is up, you are safe, no one can get in, no one can get out. When it is down, people can get in and out. You may be attacked, but you can also let your armies out, and be open to trade and visitors.
I imagine that those with subtle intimacy fears closed their drawbridge in a time of war and forgot to open them in a time of peace...
On an airplane last week, I took my 4yo daughter to the bathroom, and the light in the airplane bathroom only switches on once the latch is closed. Like most four year olds, she got scared when the door closed and the light didn't go on, and felt relieved when the latch closed and the light came on. When we left, I unlatched the door and paused before opening it, leaving us temporarily in the dark.
"I'm scared" she said.
"This is what it feels like to be scared when you're actually safe" I said
She relaxed.
I unlatched the door, and we left.
I invite you, dear yogis, to notice when you're unnecessarily guarded. In your hearts, in your relationships, in your hamstrings.... Notice how much tension we create to avoid things that aren't happening, that aren't even about to happen. How much tension do we create in an effort to prevent something that happened years ago, and is no longer preventable.
By virtue of the fact that you are alive and reading this right now, ultimately, you have been safe every moment of your life. Moments may have presented potential danger, may have left all sorts of scars, but have left you alive, and safe sitting here reading in total safety right now.
In your current reality, in the privacy and safety afforded by sitting and reading to yourself, let the part of you that has been guarded against potential attacks relax just for the briefest of moments and notice if the act of letting down of your defenses, the act of making yourself vulnerable, was itself pleasurable or painful.
Please write to me to share your experiences and whether I've hit or missed on this.
* The other blog entry: http://openhere.ning.com/profiles/blogs/vulnerability-strength
Friday, July 24, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Ayurveda & Yoga....Summer tips, tricks & recipes
Ayurveda, the ancient holistic healing modality from India, is based on the five element theory. The foundation for the entire cosmos is seen as an interplay of the energies of Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. All organic and non organic substances are made up of some combination of these five elements. The body's constitution, referred to in Ayurveda as one's 'dosha', is an individual's inherent physical and mental nature. Each persons constitution is a unique combination of the five elements, with some elements more predominant than others.
Summer is dominated by the fire element, related to the Pitta dosha. Pitta translates as 'that which cooks' and is associated with the body's metabolic system and the energy of transformation. Pitta governs our intelligence, discernment, courage, willpower & joy. When out of balance it arouses anger, jealousy, impatience and hatred. It manifests in the body as infections, inflammation, fever, heartburn, acidity, skin disorders and intolerance to heat.
During the summer months the body has a tendency to get overheated.
Ayurveda provides us with simple & effective practices for keeping the fire stoked without letting blaze out of control.
General guidelines for keeping cool & balancing Pitta:
- Emphasize foods that are cool, dry and heavy
- Eat cooling herbs & spices like fennel, mint, coriander, cilantro, turmeric and dill
- Avoid heating spices like cayenne, garlic, horseradish, chilies, basil and black pepper
- Emphasize sweet, bitter and astringent tastes.
- Limit salty, pungent and sour foods
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol and refined sugar
- Spend time in cool peaceful environments. Enjoy time in nature, moonlit walks, go for a swim
- Massage body with cooling oils, like coconut & safflower oil
- Laugh, play, relax & unwind and take time to enjoy life!
What’s for Dinner?
Simply Sautéed Greens
- 1 Bunch: Young Fresh Kale,Collards,Chard, Spinach,Dandelion Greens, stemmed, ribbed and shredded into very thin strips
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
- 1/2 tsp Ground Turmeric
- 2 tsp Coriander Powder
- 1 -2 Tbsp Ghee (Clarified Butter) or Coconut Oil
Add the greens and salt, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until flavors are blended.
Multi-Vitamin Pesto
Pesto adds protein, enzymes, EFA's, vitamins and minerals to your meal. Great on veggies, grains, fish, chicken, bread..just about anything!
- 3 Bunches Fresh Chopped Cilantro
- 3/4 cup Raw Pumpkin Seeds
- 8-12 oz Olive Oil
- Juice of 1 lemon or 1 Lime
- 1-2 inch Fresh Grated Ginger Root
- Himalayan Sea Salt to Taste
- Optional: 1 Tbsp Vita-Mineral Greens, Hemp Protein Powder, GMO Free Lecithen Powder, Nutritional Yeast and/or a handful of Toasted Sea Palm
Place seeds and oil in food processor. Blend for a few seconds. Add cilantro and blend. Add remaining ingredients, except salt and blend until it forms a creamy rich paste. Continue adding oil until you have desired consistency. When you have the desired consistency add salt with a wooden spoon.
Keep Your Cool with Yoga
During the summer your yoga practice ought to be moderate. You can still challenge yourself in your practice however, your practice should ultimately be relaxing and not overly heating. Twists, seated poses, sidebends, inversions and a nice long Savasana (corpse pose) at the end of your practice will help you stay in balance during the warm days of summer.
Yin Yoga
Yin Yoga strengthens, lubricates and heals the joints. A Yin practice increases mobility and bathes one’s body with vital energy, known as prana or chi. In a Yin practice we evoke our lunar nature with long slow holds, releasing connective tissue and enhancing energy flow and distribution. It is an ideal practice during the warm summer months as the poses allow us to relax and cool the body and the mind.
In a Yin practice first come into the pose, establish a comfortable edge where the muscles are unengaged, however are still stretched, commit to stillness (no fidgeting!) for 3-5 minutes.
Lying Butterfly Pose
Lie on your back and take a moment to feel the weight of your body supported by the earth. Bend the knees and bring the soles of the feet together. Let the knees drop out to the side so that the legs form a diamond shape. Rest back on the elbows with your hands stacked on top of each other on your abdomen. You can also create more of a backbend by lying on a bolster or pillows. You can also place pillows under the thighs for additional support. Focus on breath & sensation and allow the body to slowly unravel..marinate 3-5 minutes.
Join me for a Yin/Yang Yoga Practice every Monday night, 6-7:30
at 7th Heaven Yoga Studio in Berkeley, www.7thheavenyoga.com
Experience this unique style of yoga that combines the active Yang aspect of our nature with our more receptive Yin qualities, creating a deep, integrated practice.
Utilizing the tools of asana (postures), pranayama (breath control), and mindfulness, Yin/Yang Yoga is an enlivening and relaxing journey toward wholeness.
Jill Leslie
kitchenalchemy@gmail.com
Monday, June 8, 2009
Deep Sea Diving
When diving, divers repeatedly go down until the pressure gets too high, then come up a bit where there is less, and equalize pressure before going deeper.
When exploring postures, most people experience an edge, and make the somewhat logical conclusion that they have come to the limit of their abilities, and stop there. Whether that limit is strength, endurance, flexibility, whatever.
I practice honoring the occurance of limitation without identifying with it, which would make that limitation part of my identity, part of me, and with me until I stop identifying with it. So I go until I feel pressure, back off to where I can equalize and breathe, then dive deeper.
I want to make something clear - I've heard recently from students about my encouraging them to push beyond their edges. I want to be extra clear now and from now on - that is not what I meant. It is potentially harmful to go beyond your edges. Back off, equalize and breathe, the edge may expand.
Like in geometry, edges are what define your shape. Knowing yourself at your edge is part of knowing yourself, so it is part of the self-inquiry that yoga is. Stay extra present when you are at your edge, notice your tendencies, and breathe. This will tend to expand your edges - encourage growth. You can do this WITHOUT going past any edges.
The Pratyabhijna Hrdayam - a favorite text of many of my favorite teachers including John Friend and Sophia Diaz - says "The bliss of Consciousness is attained through expansion of the center". Explore you edge, draw your awareness back to your center, and breathe to expand it.
When exploring postures, most people experience an edge, and make the somewhat logical conclusion that they have come to the limit of their abilities, and stop there. Whether that limit is strength, endurance, flexibility, whatever.
I practice honoring the occurance of limitation without identifying with it, which would make that limitation part of my identity, part of me, and with me until I stop identifying with it. So I go until I feel pressure, back off to where I can equalize and breathe, then dive deeper.
I want to make something clear - I've heard recently from students about my encouraging them to push beyond their edges. I want to be extra clear now and from now on - that is not what I meant. It is potentially harmful to go beyond your edges. Back off, equalize and breathe, the edge may expand.
Like in geometry, edges are what define your shape. Knowing yourself at your edge is part of knowing yourself, so it is part of the self-inquiry that yoga is. Stay extra present when you are at your edge, notice your tendencies, and breathe. This will tend to expand your edges - encourage growth. You can do this WITHOUT going past any edges.
The Pratyabhijna Hrdayam - a favorite text of many of my favorite teachers including John Friend and Sophia Diaz - says "The bliss of Consciousness is attained through expansion of the center". Explore you edge, draw your awareness back to your center, and breathe to expand it.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Treating Allergies with Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
With the much welcomed warm weather and spectacular show of spring flowers begins, for many, the allergy season. The biggest culprits for those runny noses and burning eyes are the prolific tree pollinators. These are followed by grass and weeds in late spring and summer. Add to this mold, animal dander, dust, dust mites and spores which are abundant year around and it’s a wonder we can breathe at all.
Available are a slew of over-the-counter medications promising temporary relief. Wouldn’t it be nice if the relief wasn’t temporary? Traditional Chinese Medicine treats not only the symptoms of allergies but the underlying imbalance of the immune system that leave the body exposed to allergies. Ever wonder why some people never have a reaction to the environment? Treating the whole body, the symptoms and underlying deficiency, in this way leads to long-term health benefits.
What are allergies?
Allergies are abnormal immune response to substances that are harmless for most people. In people with allergies, the immune system believes that a substance such as pollen or animal dander is harmful to the body. In an attempt to protect the body, the immune system produces IgE antibodies to the allergen. These IgE antibodies attach themselves to white blood cells known as mast cells which are primarily located in the lungs, upper respiratory tract, the lining of the stomach and the skin. When these cells are stimulated they release a number of chemicals including histamines. Histamines are the cause of the symptoms of allergic reactions. Future exposure to that same allergen will trigger this antibody response again. This means that every time you come into contact with that allergen, you'll have an allergic reaction.
Allopathic Medicine
Basic allopathic medications rely on inhibiting the allergic reactions. Anti-histamines work in this way. Others target the central nervous system (Alubterol or Epinephrine), cortico-steriods (prednisone) or work as de-congestants. This approach is combined with avoiding the allergen all together. When avoidance is not possible, small amounts of the allergen are injected into the patient. The amount of allergen is increased over time in an attempt neutralize the antibodies and desensitize the patient.
While allopathic medicine helps many to manage their symptoms it is usually not without side effects. Some people experience drowsiness, immune suppression, over-reliance on medication which sends many allergy sufferers in search of other alternative therapies to manage their symptoms. Many turn to their acupuncturists for advice and treatment.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
TCM often views allergy symptom as related to Wind in that they come and go rapidly and cause. Wind is the term for any exterior pathogen or syndrome that can infect a person. This Wind often coexists with a Protective Qi Deficiency (Wei Qi) which can be loosely translated as a weakened or abnormal functioning immune system. People with Protective Qi Deficiency usually are prone to catching colds.
The acupuncturist also looks for constitutional or more deeply-rooted signs in each person who presents with allergies. TCM is a circular medicine in that all body systems rely on each other and are affected by each other. The principle here is treating the whole person. Often people with chronic allergies show signs of Spleen (loosely translated as metabolic/digestive) or Kidney (loosely translated as endocrine) Deficiency as well as Lung signs according to TCM. The goal of the acupuncturist is to develop a plan which addresses the person's acute symptoms and provides relief, while addressing the underlying immune system imbalance which is thought to be at the root of the person's allergies. Treatments often include dietary modification, the use of specifically chosen herbal formulas, and acupuncture. The length of treatment depends on the severity of the allergies and the constitution of the person.
About Bina
Bina Jangda is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist. She has a practice at 7th Heaven Yoga in Berkeley, CA and at Stillpoint Wellness Center in San Francisco, CA. She can be reached at www.binajangdalac.com, email: bina@binajangdalac.com or by phone at 510.393.7565
Available are a slew of over-the-counter medications promising temporary relief. Wouldn’t it be nice if the relief wasn’t temporary? Traditional Chinese Medicine treats not only the symptoms of allergies but the underlying imbalance of the immune system that leave the body exposed to allergies. Ever wonder why some people never have a reaction to the environment? Treating the whole body, the symptoms and underlying deficiency, in this way leads to long-term health benefits.
What are allergies?
Allergies are abnormal immune response to substances that are harmless for most people. In people with allergies, the immune system believes that a substance such as pollen or animal dander is harmful to the body. In an attempt to protect the body, the immune system produces IgE antibodies to the allergen. These IgE antibodies attach themselves to white blood cells known as mast cells which are primarily located in the lungs, upper respiratory tract, the lining of the stomach and the skin. When these cells are stimulated they release a number of chemicals including histamines. Histamines are the cause of the symptoms of allergic reactions. Future exposure to that same allergen will trigger this antibody response again. This means that every time you come into contact with that allergen, you'll have an allergic reaction.
Allopathic Medicine
Basic allopathic medications rely on inhibiting the allergic reactions. Anti-histamines work in this way. Others target the central nervous system (Alubterol or Epinephrine), cortico-steriods (prednisone) or work as de-congestants. This approach is combined with avoiding the allergen all together. When avoidance is not possible, small amounts of the allergen are injected into the patient. The amount of allergen is increased over time in an attempt neutralize the antibodies and desensitize the patient.
While allopathic medicine helps many to manage their symptoms it is usually not without side effects. Some people experience drowsiness, immune suppression, over-reliance on medication which sends many allergy sufferers in search of other alternative therapies to manage their symptoms. Many turn to their acupuncturists for advice and treatment.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
TCM often views allergy symptom as related to Wind in that they come and go rapidly and cause. Wind is the term for any exterior pathogen or syndrome that can infect a person. This Wind often coexists with a Protective Qi Deficiency (Wei Qi) which can be loosely translated as a weakened or abnormal functioning immune system. People with Protective Qi Deficiency usually are prone to catching colds.
The acupuncturist also looks for constitutional or more deeply-rooted signs in each person who presents with allergies. TCM is a circular medicine in that all body systems rely on each other and are affected by each other. The principle here is treating the whole person. Often people with chronic allergies show signs of Spleen (loosely translated as metabolic/digestive) or Kidney (loosely translated as endocrine) Deficiency as well as Lung signs according to TCM. The goal of the acupuncturist is to develop a plan which addresses the person's acute symptoms and provides relief, while addressing the underlying immune system imbalance which is thought to be at the root of the person's allergies. Treatments often include dietary modification, the use of specifically chosen herbal formulas, and acupuncture. The length of treatment depends on the severity of the allergies and the constitution of the person.
About Bina
Bina Jangda is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist. She has a practice at 7th Heaven Yoga in Berkeley, CA and at Stillpoint Wellness Center in San Francisco, CA. She can be reached at www.binajangdalac.com, email: bina@binajangdalac.com or by phone at 510.393.7565
Monday, May 18, 2009
Perfect vs. Ideal
How many of you know someone who accepts themselves just as they are?
How many of you know people who are far too critical of themselves?
When I ask this first question in class, very few people raise their hands. Some think of their pets. Some have a friend or mentor. What is it we are waiting for?
If we held ourselves as perfect, I'm sure we'd have no problem accepting ourselves. So what is between us and perfection? What does perfect mean to you? What do you have to accomplish in order to be perfect?
PERFECT
Right now: In the taoist sense - everything is perfect just as it is. The world is playing out perfectly. We are now and always have been experiencing exactly what we need to experience to foster our growth in this life.
IDEAL
What we're growing in to. What we'd like to become. What we'll eventually be.
I have seen myself and too many other people I come across beating themselves up for not being ideal yet, and letting that beating slow their growth towards that ideal.
This plays into content vs. complacent. Content is being okay with what is now. Complacent is not taking the actions to improve where we can, in ways that would serve us.
IN PRACTICE
Here's how it worked for me:
I was working on pressing up into handstands. I'd press into the floor with my hands, toes on the ground going nowhere, feeling frustrated. I got to the point where I could lift my toes off the floor, but that was it. Frustrated again. Suddenly I realized what an incredible feat this already was! I accepted myself for what I'd done. I pressed my feet off the floor and congratulated myself. My body relaxed and my feet lifted higher! I accepted myself again. In that acceptance I relaxed more, and they went higher still. On and on till I got up all the way.
For a second: Rats! I couldn't stick the handstand.
Then: That was amazing.
Bring that same self acceptance to your edges: move close to your edge and ask yourself:
* Are you perfect enough yet?
* Do you know what your ideal is?
* Are you okay with the amount of strength, flexibility, endurance that you have?
* Are you open to more?
* Does accepting your practice as it is shift anything, allowing you to grow to your ideal?
Let's rise together as a group of people willing to accept ourselves, to be some of the rare people who do actually accept ourselves, and others, exactly as they are, encouraging growth from there.
David Schlussel
yogidavid@gmail.com
http://www.vidanda.com/
http://openhere.ning.com/
How many of you know people who are far too critical of themselves?
When I ask this first question in class, very few people raise their hands. Some think of their pets. Some have a friend or mentor. What is it we are waiting for?
If we held ourselves as perfect, I'm sure we'd have no problem accepting ourselves. So what is between us and perfection? What does perfect mean to you? What do you have to accomplish in order to be perfect?
PERFECT
Right now: In the taoist sense - everything is perfect just as it is. The world is playing out perfectly. We are now and always have been experiencing exactly what we need to experience to foster our growth in this life.
IDEAL
What we're growing in to. What we'd like to become. What we'll eventually be.
I have seen myself and too many other people I come across beating themselves up for not being ideal yet, and letting that beating slow their growth towards that ideal.
This plays into content vs. complacent. Content is being okay with what is now. Complacent is not taking the actions to improve where we can, in ways that would serve us.
IN PRACTICE
Here's how it worked for me:
I was working on pressing up into handstands. I'd press into the floor with my hands, toes on the ground going nowhere, feeling frustrated. I got to the point where I could lift my toes off the floor, but that was it. Frustrated again. Suddenly I realized what an incredible feat this already was! I accepted myself for what I'd done. I pressed my feet off the floor and congratulated myself. My body relaxed and my feet lifted higher! I accepted myself again. In that acceptance I relaxed more, and they went higher still. On and on till I got up all the way.
For a second: Rats! I couldn't stick the handstand.
Then: That was amazing.
Bring that same self acceptance to your edges: move close to your edge and ask yourself:
* Are you perfect enough yet?
* Do you know what your ideal is?
* Are you okay with the amount of strength, flexibility, endurance that you have?
* Are you open to more?
* Does accepting your practice as it is shift anything, allowing you to grow to your ideal?
Let's rise together as a group of people willing to accept ourselves, to be some of the rare people who do actually accept ourselves, and others, exactly as they are, encouraging growth from there.
David Schlussel
yogidavid@gmail.com
http://www.vidanda.com/
http://openhere.ning.com/
Friday, April 10, 2009
Welcome to the 7th Heaven Blogspot
Welcome! This is a place where your teachers from 7th Heaven Yoga can post exciting insights and information to support your practice. You can find information about events and happens inside and outside the studio here year around. Also look for helpful Ayurvedic recipes, visualizations, new approaches to your practice and much much more!Thank you for taking the time and enjoy,
Kim Adams
7th Heaven Yoga
Studio Director
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