Beyond

A haunting insight into the lives of sadhus living in Varanasi, India. Fascinating. Beautiful. Mind blowing. 

Ashtanga Yoga Intermediate Series Demonstration

A short demonstration video of some of the postures in Intermediate series shot in Mysore, India. 

Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series Demo

Here is the second video we shot while in Mysore, India with a focus on the poses of Primary Series. My favorite part of the video is the dog who comes out at the beginning of the film. There are always elements out of our control that end up being pleasant surprises. 

Turmeric Tea

A while back I posted a recipe for the highly popular turmeric milk. Nonetheless, dare I say, I might have found something that tops it. Homemade turmeric tea! I am in love, love, love with this drink! It is quickly becoming my favorite hot drink of all time - move over coffee. Bold statement, I know.

I've already posted the long list of turmeric's benefits and making it as part of one's regular routine will no doubt do the body good. One benefit I have noticed right away is the clarity and quality of my skin. It does the job. Again, for those that are experiencing joint pain or minor muscle aches, turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that help in the healing process, naturally. Solid gold.

The good thing is this recipe is simple and easy. Two words I undoubtedly like to hear. Here are the quick and dirty details adapted from one of my favorite healthy cooking blogs, 101 Cookbooks.

Ingredients

1/3 Cup Raw Honey
2 1/2 - 3 Teaspoons of Turmeric
Lemon
A dash of Black Pepper or Cayenne Pepper

Optional Additions
Fresh Ginger
Peppercorns
Cardamom
Cinnamon

Mix the honey and turmeric together forming a thick paste. It will make enough for multiple uses so whatever is extra can be stored in the refrigerator.

For each serving place a heaping teaspoon (sometimes I go for a little extra) in a cup. Pour hot water (not boiling hot) into the cup and stir, dissolving all of the turmeric paste. Then, squeeze half a lemon into the cup adding a few dashes of black pepper, or my personal favorite, cayenne pepper. The turmeric and spices have a tendency to settle to the bottom so it is a good idea to have a spoon on hand to stir the tea occasionally. For added benefit, I like to add grated fresh ginger to my tea or you could also add cardamom or even cinnamon depending on your taste.

FYI. Just a little side note in regards to the effectiveness of turmeric is it's a good idea to add black pepper in that it increases it's potency making the compound curcumin found in turmeric more bioavailable. No worries, it actually complements the tea quite well. 

Thunderspank Ashtanga Yoga Rap with P.J.!

Thunderspank - by P. J. Heffernan

P.J. has always been a fixture during trips to Mysore, India. He definitely makes our community more colorful and vibrant, standing in his authenticity, always. Thanks for sharing your inspiration with us! Enjoy the first "Thunderspank" video. 

Into The Heart of Practice: Ashtanga Yoga Retreat

Into the Heart of Practice

Ashtanga Yoga Retreat with Laruga Glaser

In Salento, Italy

14 - 21 June, 2014

Delve inside the transformative practice of Ashtanga Yoga, as taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and currently R. Sharath Jois of Mysore, India. Our retreat will benefit practitioners from all levels of experience, from beginners to more advanced. Experience a comprehensive week that will stretch your limits as well as expand your awareness into the greater depths of your being with ample time to reflect, connect, and enjoy.

Laruga will infuse the practice of Ashtanga yoga inside the heart of its philosophical teachings through practice, contemplative lectures and group dialogue. You will experience a life affirming week that will challenge and inspire within the beautiful setting of Salento, Italy.

Mysore Sessions and Technique Classes

* Mysore classes will be held every morning 8:00 – 10:00 *

Technique Class Topics

1. Vinyasa Integration

In this class special attention will be focused on moving with conscious awareness, in union with conscious breath, otherwise known as vinyāsa. Trouble shooting areas of instability that may be present, we will delve more thoroughly into how to build strength, with care and attention, building upon internal alignment. Focused points of attention will include practical application of Tristhānam (posture, breath, gaze) into each movement, promoting a calm center and accessing sense withdrawal, known as pratyāhāra. Learn to activate and open the energy channels of the body without strain. Discover balance, support and integrity in strength-based postures such as techniques for jumping back and jumping through as well as structural breakdown of challenging poses and transitions.

2. Backbending Awareness

The paradox when backbending is we must be strong and soft at the same time; uniting the energy of strength and surrender. In this class, learn the basic components of backbending with integrity to the natural flow of the body, as well as, experiencing the concept of active release. When actively releasing, we will learn to use grounding mechanisms to deepen our awareness, while fully utilizing the breath. These fundamental techniques allow the body to find depth and strength, while at the same time, letting go.

3. Arm Balancing Architecture

Experience the exhilaration arm balances bring in a playful and explorative way, while learning the basic elements and foundational techniques to successfully build an arm balance practice. Proper alignment, strength building, as well as, energizing the subtle body will be addressed in this inspiring and informative workshop.

For More Information and Booking
Website: www.yogainsalento.com
Email: info@yogainsalento.com
Phone: +39 0836 600 284

Ashtanga Yoga Demo Video Filmed in Mysore, India

I had the pleasure of shooting this video during my two month trip to Mysore, India with videographer, Alessandro Sigismondi. We had such a good time and gathered so much material we made four separate videos. I'll be posting the others later. Looking back, this was such a fun experience not necessarily for the end product but for the process it took. There were a few laughs and moments I will never forget. It was an act of creation and expression of the beautiful unfoldment Ashtanga yoga reveals after many years of sustained practice. Through it all it represents my love and honor for this transformative method and the gratitude I am reminded of every day I step on to my mat. I also thank all of you who have followed me through the years on this blog. It is hard to believe already 7 years have passed since its inception. Thank you, thank you!