Mind Body Messenger
Issue #17, September 2004

Keeping Up with Heather…

There’s nothing I like better than an adventure. And, as many of you know, I’m about to embark on another journey to Australia. How exciting for me! But, can my family take much more of this? Well, even though they may be rolling their eyes behind my back at my persistence to remain untethered, they are generously helping me sell my car, pack up my gear, and get ready to enjoy another extended stay on my favourite island. I have been in Toronto for eight months now, and there has rarely been a day when my mind and my heart haven’t drifted off to Australia. So when the opportunity was presented to me to return for another eight months, I gratefully and gladly accepted.

With only three weeks to go, I am busy with yoga classes, a last few corporate wellness workshops, and private sessions. I am also enjoying a flurry of visits with friends and family while fitting in the obligatory ‘tying up’ of loose ends. With all this busy-ness, I am maintaining a focus on that moment, at 4pm on September 22, when I am kindly asked to buckle my safety belt and prepare for the ultimate thrill of takeoff. My mother and my aunt will be travelling with me for the first three weeks as together we explore Sydney, the Whitsunday Islands, Byron Bay, Alice Springs and Ayers Rock. After I wish them a safe flight home to Canada, I will be heading ‘home’ to start my own journey.

I will be living for the most part with some wonderful friends in the rainforest just inland from Byron Bay near a town called Lismore. I am looking forward to learning about sustainable living, getting to know all the critters that hop, slither, crawl and fly through the Australian bush, and exploring a deeper level of my own yoga practice. But, with all these things to distract my attention, my first priority will be writing. This is my chance to really step out of my comfort zone and allow myself the chance to become the full-time writer that I’ve always imagined myself to be. Okay, I’ve been a published writer for a few years. But, now I’ll have no excuses to explore some more substantial work. No busy teaching schedule. No high-energy city life. No matinee movies. No popping out for coffee. No decadent afternoons lunching with friends. No phones, no lights, no motor cars…okay, it’s not exactly that rural, but I will have some time and space in nature to ignite my more creative elements and write the book that’s been roaming around in my mind for so many months.

I am imaging into the future a dedication to the people and the landscape of Australia for supporting me in my writing. Of course, it will be a long page, and I will never commit the grave error of overlooking all the amazing people here in Canada who nurture and encourage me day in and day out to follow my dream and make use of my gifts. I am one of the luckiest people in the world to have such a strong support system of people who never cease to amaze me with their patience, their generosity, and their ability to see past my crazy schemes and help me to realize my dream. Thank you. If you are reading this, you are a part of that network, and I appreciate your dedication. And, that leads me to my ‘dreamy’ topic for this month.

They are funny things, dreams. Are dreams just the mind winding down after a long day? Perhaps they are simply fantasies exploring the pleasures of the material and sensual world. Or, maybe they are like little movies that contain clues to guide us to our greatest purpose? Don’t get me wrong. I don’t subscribe to the theory that one should merrily and blindly follow their hearts. We were given a mind and an intellect for a reason, why not put it to good use?

To me, it’s a mistake to follow either without asking the others’ opinion. I’d like to suggest that we make our best decisions when we take the best guidance from both sources, the heart and the head, and let spirit pave the way. And, who am I to presume that I know what the outcome of this journey will bring? We are all going pretty much blindly into any new endeavour. Trusting myself, realizing that any outcome is a chance to learn, and being willing to make mistakes in the pursuit of what is right are the tools that I will employ in this next adventure. So, although one might think that my good German/Canadian logic would guide me to stay in Toronto, keep building a business, buy a home and put down roots. However, in this case my mind agrees with my heart. Thus something so intangible as a dream draws me away from all the safety and security that Canada offers me to instead live in the bush and pursue a career that has broken talents much greater than my own.

In the end, the sceptics could prove to be right. This may just be the restless, wandering Sagittarius in me. I’ll soon enough know. But, I learned a long time ago that when you put your dreams out into the ether, when you take a risk and voice your dreams, create a path towards them, and give them life through action and intent, it would be wrong to disagree when the universe provides you with a possible method and the means.

So, for those of you reading in North America, you now know one more person to visit when you take the plunge yourself and head ‘down under’. And, for those of you already enjoying the Australian sun, I am looking forward to connecting again and participating in this divine play together. With the last word I travel to Las Vegas for the wisdom of entertainers Sigfreid and Roy, a note about how magic only comes you’re your life once you’ve taken the plunge.

Namaste, Heather.

Ed Note: While driving on Lakeshore Blvd today I caught site of a bumper sticker that said: Remember who you wanted to be. Great timing!

Your Words, Your Wisdom.

Last month we asked you what drew you to yoga and what you have experienced through your practice. Your personal stories are an inspiration!

I started doing yoga to relax and get more flexible. I was running a lot and finding that even my running was improving but my body was getting more and more stiff. I was starting to get little aches and pains after every run. After a year of yoga, I am training for a half-marathon - a far cry from the 2 miles that used to take the life out of me - and yoga keeps me feeling no pain, no stiffness, no shin splints. But, what is really striking to me is where my mind goes when I run now, or even when I’m working or driving or cooking. Learning to relax myself in yoga class has had an effect on my whole life. I see every run, every meal, and every traffic jam as a chance to get to know myself, to find my ‘flow’ in my daily activities, and keep myself from chattering endlessly in my mind about what tend to be petty concerns. Yoga has taken me to a deeper and more serene part of myself that I never knew was there. And all that from just one class a week! Thank you for asking for my story. I am a convert now, and I am always ready to extol the virtues of yoga.
Margaret - Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada

I have been practicing vinyasa yoga for 5 years, and teaching professionally for 2. It would take many pages for me to tell you what drew me to yoga and what I love about my practice, so I’ll just focus on one part of my experience. The Sutras talk about finding the quietness within the Self, and that is something that after so many years of practicing I am starting to understand. In the middle of the breathing and moving and focussing of a yoga class, I am taken somewhere else. I used to only feel it after a class when I was resting in corpse and enjoying all that heavy and wonderful feeling of relaxation. But now I seem to be able to find that place during my asana practice too. When I’m holding a pose or moving through a vinyasa, I realize that it’s not that hard after all. I don’t just mean yoga, but all of life. With all my sweating and pushing and competing with myself, I am just being human; playing, learning, and being part of this magical experience, but there is nothing on earth that can touch the deepest part of my Self. I know I’m not expressing clearly what I mean, it’s so hard to express these feelings. All I can say is, there are so many layers to this practice, It really is infinite. It is that potential for going deeper that took me to yoga, and it’s that depth that keeps me coming back. I guess I am happy to have a place where I can go everyday to keep practicing stillness.
Namaste,
Hannah - Barrie, Ontario, Canada

Yoga is something that is still new to me. I have only been taking your classes for three months. But, I can tell you that I love that I am learning to be in my body, and as you always say, ‘observe my body without judgement’. This was a new experience for me because I would always find my faults, this is too fat, this is too tight, that is looking really old. I am trying to look at my body differently now, and that is a blessing.
Sarah - Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Heather, as you know, yoga has helped me lose almost ten pounds after six months. I don’t know if it’s the actual yoga exercises that have done it, but it has certainly helped that I’m doing yoga and relaxing at night instead of crunching and munching while I watch television. No, I’m not questioning it. I just keep repeating to myself, ‘if it’s working for you, work it’. Thanks for all your help, and keep on spreading the word.
Denise - Toronto, Ontario, Canada

What drew me to yoga? Well, I knew I had to start exercising, and I thought that yoga would be the easiest kind of exercise. Boy, was I wrong. I was so shocked when I came to the first class. I was sweaty and I couldn’t do almost anything and I felt like a broken old woman. But every week I think I get a little better. I’m actually starting to like the sun salutations (even though I still can’t get my leg forward!) I like how it feels, and I think I’ll stick with it.
Marie - Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada

Thank you for asking Heather. As I told you when you left Brisbane last year, yoga has helped me to touch my toes, and really that is enough. But, it has also helped me to relax and stop thinking so much, which has helped me sleep better, which makes me less grumpy, which makes my family much happier. So, thank you for the introduction to yoga, from me, my wife, and my children, okay, even the dog is happier with the new me! I look forward to having you back here in Brisbane. I’d better get stretching so I’ll be ready for you.
John - Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

I’ve been practicing and practicing, why is it still so hard? Just kidding. I love yoga because it’s always an adventure.
Jane – Schomberg, Ontario, Canada

Thank you all for your feedback on what drew you to yoga, and what you get out of your practice. For next month’s issue, I’m asking you for more. As I put together a list of my own favourite books that I recommend to clients and friends, I’d love to hear about your favourite fitness, yoga, and personal growth resources, may they be tapes, books, cd’s, clothing companies or websites. Send your ideas to heather@yogatrinity.com. Keep in mind that our next issue won’t be out until November. Your deadline for both contributions is October 20. Thanks!

Karma Yoga

Serve! Serving others with no expectations is the highest spiritual idea as stated in all the ancient scriptures and traditions.
Love! Loving everyone is the unconditional aspect of human personality, without expecting anything in return, without being obsessive and possessive.
Give! Giving is an art as its purpose is to make people independent and free, not dependent on charity. Giving is not charity or assistance; giving should have the aim of making people self-reliant and able to stand on their own two feet.
Swami Niranjananda

Yoga For Mind and Body
Part 8

The eighth in a series of columns 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 taking part in the project. Do check with your health care practitioner before beginning a yoga practice. Many postures are not suitable for pregnant women, people with joint replacements, those with hypertension or other medical conditions. If you have a posture that you would like to see in this column, I welcome your suggestions. Namaste, H!

Natarajasana – The Cosmic Dancer ... printer friendly version

To Begin: Stand with left leg strong, reach back with your right hand to catch the inside of your right foot, the inner arm facing outward. Extend your left arm overhead and consider the alignment of right ear, right hip, right knee.

The Pose: Extend your left arm up as you expand the body forward to bring the lower abdomen parallel with the ground, reach up and forward with the left arm and let the upper body follow, while the right leg stretches back and up to create long curve through the body. Keep the hips square to the ground, don’t allow the left hip to open to the side. A mirror is helpful with this pose. Repeat with the left leg.

To Intensify: Hold the right big toe with the right hand and extend the right elbow up to the sky. As your flexibility and balance improve, you may be able to draw the right foot to the head. For those with advanced practices, you may choose to bring your left hand back to hold the outer edges of the foot with both hands.

Breathing: Breath deeply and naturally throughout the pose.

To Modify: Stand with left side next to a wall and place the left hand on the wall to support your body in the Basic Pose .

Focus: Focus your gaze at a point in front of the body at eye level. Keep in mind that you want a steady gaze, steady mind, and steady pose. Be sure to perfect each stage of this posture before moving on to a more intense variation.

Contraindications: Those who tend to hyperextend knees should keep the supporting leg straight and strong, but unlocked.

Benefits: Develops suppleness of spine, legs and upper body. Improves mental concentration.

Philosophy: Known as the pose of Shiva, the deity that personifies the transformation, transmutation, and transfiguration of energy. An essential part of the cycle of life, this posture reminds us that life is a dance, and that destruction is vital to new life.