Mind Body Messenger
Issue #13 May 2004

Keeping Up with Heather

April was a big month for me, and many Torontonians, as we heralded the arrival of spring and the presence of some wonderful teachers in our city. My month was filled with opportunities for growth, humility, and learning, and initiation as his Holiness the Dalai Lama and musician/teacher Krishna Das both shared their wisdom with audiences last week. As I briefly relate these experiences, please keep in mind that what I received from these teachers was, of course, quite personal and unique to me. Had you been in attendance (and maybe you were) you may have gotten something different, depending on your past experiences, your current life path, your belief system, and your future goals. With that in mind, I’ll share with you my own perspective of these brilliant teachers.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama

We were tested right from the start in attending this event at Skydome on a cold and rainy Sunday afternoon. We arrived after a long slow journey through heavy traffic, and discovered that there was only one door open to this huge entertainment venue. The queue was wrapped around the cold and shivering building, and people of all nationalities, all ages, and many interesting styles of dress were huddled under the brief awning, trying to stay warm and optimistic about the movement of the line. We joined the ranks of devotees and decided that all worthwhile experiences are preceded by a test. Unfortunately, our numbers had already fallen at the site of the long queue, but we were hopeful that the rest would pass the test. More than an hour later, we breathed a sigh of relief as we stepped into the warmth of the building and found our seats. After a beautiful introduction by Justin Trudeau, His Holiness stepped onto the stage amidst applause, tears, and heartfelt gratitude. I experienced the most amazing sensation of humility that I have ever felt. To have all these people, Canadians of all nationalities, classes and religions focussing their love and appreciation on this man, and to have him return our love, return our gratitude, it was overwhelming and I was thanking my foresight in bringing tissues. His talk was entitled “The Power of Compassion”, and he spoke well of the need for all people to see ourselves as a global community, rather than the ‘us and them’ of countries, cultures, and religions. He said that it is easy to hate and judge, but it takes strength to forgive, to care, and to be gentle. The most profound thing that I took away from this event was a prayer that he also shares in “An Open Heart”, and I will share it with you…

His message of compassion is present in all his books, so if you feel you missed out, pick up “An Open Heart”, “The Art of Happiness” or his autobiography to understand this Buddhist’s message that is meant for everyone.

A Kirtan with Krishna Das

A Kirtan is a gathering of people joining in sound to unite, to heal, and to experience the oneness found in the simplicity of chanting and mantra. The Yoga Sanctuary has worked for four years to try to persuade Krishna Das to make a trip to Canada, and found success when the visit of the Dalai Lama prompted an appearance of this world- renowned performing artist. I arrive to see that the yoga studio where I am usually sweating and breathing and focussing on my own inner world of body, mind and spirit had been transformed by 108 candles and 108 roses adorning the walls. The room was filled to capacity with men and women seated on cushions, wrapped in sarongs and shawls and beads, and of the course the feeling of anticipation was palpable. When Krishna Das appeared, it was to applause and appreciation, and after a few brief and humorous words, we began our 2 ½ hours of chanting. Being a regular practitioner of mantra yoga, I am familiar with many of the chants that we used. What was unfamiliar, and most delightful, was the experience of chanting with others…so many others. It was not just my own voice reaching out into the world, but the voices of 100+ in attendance. And, sometimes as I closed my eyes and opened my heart and my ears to the sounds and vibrations, it felt like the whole world was chanting with me.

At the end of our session, in the incredible space between, as we sat in silent reverence, the sounds from the street slowly reached our ears. At the corner of College and Yonge, honking horns and shouts and hurrahs were heard. A new chant reached my ears, ‘Go Leafs Go!’ If this had happened in a film, I would have rolled my eyes and dismissed the moment as Hollywood-esque. However, in the moment, it seemed that the crowds outside were not just celebrating another Maple Leaf’s win, but celebrating our efforts and intent to bring peace and healing to our world through sound. A perfect end to a perfect night, the spell was broken with our own laughter and cheers.

Perhaps the most powerful message that I took away from this Kirtan came from a prayer that initiated our evening, that ‘through grace, we can make the impossible possible’. Grace. This word gives me a feeling in my heart, in my mind, and in my body that I am something more, that we are all something more. And through this gentle, subtle force, we can make our most idealistic and impossible dreams happen. On that note, I will close with you this month with a Sanskrit chant for peace…please join me if you wish:

Namaste, Heather!

Ed: Should you be interested in attending a Kirtan, or purchasing a cd visit www.krishnadas.com.

Home Videos
Support for Your Home Yoga Practice

Ever spread your mat out in your living room, turn on some ambient music, light some candles, slip into your stretchy yoga pants, and then step on your mat and think, what next? Well, most yogis and yoginis, particularly early in their yoga practice, have had this experience. It’s one thing to be in class, following your instructors’ cues, moving effortlessly from triangle to pyramid to side angle…aware…breathing…in the moment. But, it can be an entirely different kettle of fish when you try to bring that experience home. I get emails all the time from frustrated students with good intentions, “I’m trying to do my yoga at home, but what direction does the back foot face in Warrior? What comes after Fish? Can I just do Sun Salutations and then go to work? Do you breath in on mountain pose then out on forward fold?” Although I’m happy to answer all your questions regarding your yoga practice, I can also suggest that you get a little home support. When my own practice suffers…I lose my creativity or I need some guidance, I use a video or DVD to keep me inspired, give me some new movement experiences, and to keep my practice flowing. I can suggest the following videos for all levels…and do recommend to everyone to have one or two videos at home to compliment their practice.

Living Arts/Gaiam

One of the most popular and well-received video/DVD series’, Living Arts is available on-line, in most yoga studios, health food stores, and book stores. For more information, contact 1.800.2.LIVING or www.gaiam.com.

• Am/Pm Yoga with Rodney Yee and Patricia Walden. Great for beginners, these quick yoga programs take little time, but offer wonderful benefits. AM Yoga is a 20 minute program ideal to awaken and energize your body and mind, while the 20 minute PM program will distress and relax you before bed.
• Yoga For Athletes Rodney Yee leads a steady, thoughtful, athletic series.
• Power Yoga with Rodney Yee. A simple 20 minute session will energize, strengthen and tone your body.
• Yoga Conditioning for Weight Loss with Suzanne Deason a 60 minute conditioning program.
• Yoga Conditioning for Women with Suzanne Deason is a 60 minute program to strengthen and tone with particular focus on the female body.
• Total Yoga with Tracey Rich and Ganga White is a comprehensive program for all levels.

Baron Baptiste

A more athletic Vinyasa yoga series, beginners will benefit from Journey Into Power for beginners, then of course you can progress to Journey into Power Intermediate, also check out Core Power and Unlocking Athletic Power for a more athletic and physical approach to your yoga practice. Visit www.baronbatiste.com for more.

Ali McGraw

Yoga Mind and Body is a 50 minute program led by Erich Schiffman. This program includes breathwork, and a good asana series. Not recommended for students with no previous experience. This video can be purchased online from Chapters or Amazon.

Wailana Yoga

The most watched yoga program on television, this slow and simple series is available on video, cd, or DVD from www.wailana.com.

The Water Pots

Another great story that has circulated the cyber-world for a while. I hope you enjoy this simple message.

A Water Bearer in China had two large pots, each hung on the end of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water.

At the end of the long walk from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots of water to his house.

Of course, the perfect pot was proud of it’s accomplishments, for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of it’s own imperfection, and miserable it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.

After two years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the Water Bearer one day by the stream. “I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house.”

The bearer said to the pot, “Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot’s side? That’s because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house.”

Each of us has our own unique flaw. But it’s the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding. You’ve just got to take each person for what they are and look for the good in them.

To all my crackpot friends, have a great day and remember to smell the flowers.☺

A continuing series offering yoga postures for men, women, and children to practice at home, school, on the road or in the office. With special thanks to Ross Pottinger of Wink Photo Design in Brisbane, Australia for the photos and the support in this project. And many thanks to Louisa Dick for inspiring and taking part in the project. If you have a posture that you would like to see in this column, I welcome your suggestions. Namaste, H!

Uttanasana – Forward Fold ... printer friendly version

A simple posture that lengthens back of thigh, gluteals and spine. While using a deep belly breath in this pose, you massage your internal organs and relieve tension from the abdomen and diaphragm. Promotes relaxation, surrender, and release of upper back and neck tension.

Before you begin: It is important to be warm and loose before you practice this or any yoga postures. Walk, jog, cycle, climb stairs, or perform a minimum of 3 sun salutations before attempting this posture. As always, it is important to see your health care practitioner before initiating a new exercise program.

The Pose: Stand with your feet together and parallel, toes spread, palms on your thighs. Inhale and lift your ribcage, then exhale and fold forward, hinging at your hips, with your back flat and eyes forward. Rest with your hands on your thighs and inhale looking forward. As you exhale, slowly continue to stretch forward and down, lengthening your spine. Once you feel your lower back begin to round, you may soften your knees. Hold the posture at the place where you feel that the back of your thigh is stretching, but there is no strain in your lower back. You may place your hands on your shins, the ground, or for more intensity hold your heels and gently draw your forehead to your shins. Extend hips to the sky until legs are straight, shoulders are lifting away from the ground, and forehead in close to shins. If you feel any strain in your lower back, bend your knees gently.

Focus on: Lifting your tailbone up, rotating your upper thighs inward, while pressing your belly onto your thighs to maintain a flat back. To relax your neck, nod your head ‘yes’ and shake your head ‘no’ a few times, then totally relax the back of your neck. Continue to breath deeply and maintain for 30-60 seconds

Variations

Spread leg forward fold-stand with legs 3 feet apart and follow the same method as spread leg forward fold.

To stretch the shoulders, clasp your hands behind your back, or place your hands in reverse prayer position behind your heart.

For a more gentle, supported stretch, place your hands hip width apart on a wall and slowly reach back through your hips as you sink your chest towards the ground. This is a great stretch for gardeners to reduce post-gardening low back pain.