Ojas

Tree Hotel in Sweden

Ever fantasize about living in the trees? Now you can. In northern Sweden they've done it, and done it so well. Check it out the Treehotel. Incredible!

5 Day Ashtanga Yoga Intensive at Yogayama with Laruga

August 16th - August 20th 

Yogayama - Stockholm, Sweden

18:00 - 20:00 (6pm-8pm)

Join me, for a deepening journey through the soul of Ashtanga yoga. Practical knowledge of internal alignment, focusing on the fundamental principles of vinyasa, joining movement and breath, balancing strength and flexibility, will be integral to the intensive. A perfect way to jump start your practice or simply delve deeper into an existing practice, extending a week that will challenge, inspire, and stretch not only the body, but your preconceived potential.

950 SEK

India Envy

I can't help but have a bit of India envy. When there, there are many times I throw my hands up and want to be somewhere else, you know, those crazy situations that push my western mind, but has a way of pulling me back. Time and time again. Taunting me.

Another favorite.
xoxoxo

European Nudes and American Prudes

"Regimen is superior to medicine."  (Voltaire)

In Sweden, July is vacation month, well, put it this way, it is for much of Europe.  A concept that is completely foreign to my American mind. Month long vacations are unheard of in the United States, unless you're a student or on disability, and I wouldn't really call disability a vacation.Various shops and small business owners shamelessly, and with great pride, post signs on their doors stating, "closed for the summer." Rock on. I like this European attitude (smile).

Living in Europe there are innumerable common factors in comparison to living in America. Simple fact. It's not like going to India, or other parts of Asia, where much in regards to life and culture scream contrast. On the other hand, there are subtle differences beneath the surface. In America, we celebrate our "freedom." However, why are we so uptight? I can say this because I'm American (and at times, uptight). Ok. 

After reading the following article, European Nudes and American Prudes, by travel guru Rick Steves, it got me thinking. For one, when it centers around our bodies and sex we don't stand a chance. In Europe, nudity isn't a big a deal. I've seen bare ass on regular television commercials as if common place. No, they weren't infants, but grown adults. On normal t.v. shows and movies, on regular channels, it isn't a big deal to see a woman's breasts or even full frontal nudity both male and female. It's never done distastefully or for shock value, it just is. In many ways Europeans on the whole seem to be more comfortable with their bodies. Why is that? Why is there such a disconnect with our bodies, and our sexuality in the United States?  Of course there are exceptions, but I'm talking about as a whole. We are more apt to accept inflated violence on television versus nudity. I don't get it.

When it comes to sex, I 'm not even sure I should go there. As Americans we tend to be convoluted in our thinking centered around the topic. It's no wonder people are confused. Oh well, I might as well go there. In Sweden, for instance, sex education has been in the schools since 1956. Wow. That's pretty darn progressive if you ask me. The curriculum starts at the age of 6 with basic anatomy then progresses from there at the age of 12 where topics are guided towards disease and contraception. Really, I don't see a problem with this. Especially since the percentage of teenage pregnancy is one of the lowest in Sweden compared to other developed countries. In America, we have one of the highest. Also, studies are showing that introducing sex education early doesn't equal teenagers having sex earlier. Duh. Swedish teenagers actually wait a bit longer than American teenagers. In my simple opinion, when open and not fearful over our natural biological states, what is there to worry about? I mean, really.

From a yogic perspective, sexual energy is simply a form of spiritual energy, inherent in all of us. It can be transformed into something beautiful. Through yoga and other energy practices it never has to be a scary thing or even nonspiritual, and in my eyes, how can anything which boils inside of use be that? We walk on sacred ground when connected from this place, and to suppress it does a great disservice. Honestly, suppression causes major problems, and opens a whole new can of worms.

I'm no expert on the topic, and with that being said, I find amusement in the stark differences in life and culture. It opens my perspective. Takes me out of a comfort zone and opens my eyes to something new. Then from here, I enter into a new place within myself, and just maybe release some of my uptightness.

I love this song. 
xoxoxox

"Yoga is showing where to look for the soul-that is all. Man is taking a human body-this is a very rare opportunity. Don't waste it. We are given a hundred years to live; one day you have the possibility to see God. If you think in this way, it is giving you good body, good nature, and health"


(Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, 2001)

Locust

Celebrate Guru Purnima

With honor, love and respect.

Tic Tac and Variations {Viparīta Chakrāsana}

Ashtanga Yoga, Nicki Doane

"As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live."   (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)

Best wishes to all of you out there! Have a beautiful weekend!

The Body is My Temple, Asanas are My Prayers

Video of the living master, B.K.S. Iyengar. Truly magical and inspiring.

Goodbye Saturn

"The great composer does not set to work because he is inspired, but becomes inspired because he is working. Beethoven, Wagner, Bach and Mozart settled down day after day to the job in hand with as much regularity as an accountant settles down each day to his figures. They didn’t waste time waiting for inspiration."

(Ernest Newman)

Yay! Saturn has left my sign this week! Ahhh. It feels good. It feels damn good. Alright. I know what you're thinking. What in the heck is she talking about? Well, just shy of three years ago Saturn entered my sign (Virgo), making a significant impact on my life. Yes. Astrologically speaking, Saturn is the master teacher, the task master, the discipline maker. It breaks everything down so one can build everything back up again to build anew. Saturn offers the tough lessons. It feels constricting, and confining at times, as if one isn't getting anywhere. And seriously, I feel like wiping my brow and letting out a big sigh now that Ms. Thing, Saturn is gone. Gone for another 30 years.

Never completely keen on Astrology before I looked to it for entertainment purposes. Yes, I'm a Virgo. Admittedly, I do seem to outline many of the major traits of dear Virgo. In that, connecting the movement of the heavens with the energy within us makes sense. I've been a believer on some level through recent life experience. One thing I can say is, when Saturn came in at the end of summer 2007, I felt it come down on me like a sledge hammer. Hard. Real hard. Everything around me seemed to fall away, shift, and change. The time forced me to look at myself harshly, receiving an honest picture to where adjustments needed to be made. There was a mountain to work with, believe me.

It wasn't fun, by any means, but somehow I'm better for it.

Saturn. Thanks for the tough love. I can't say I'm sad to see you leave, however the learning was endless. A painful, and hopeful process of uncovering the deeper aspects of Self. With gratitude, and relief, thank you. It's been real.

Summer Reading

"Sometimes I feel like there’s a hole inside of me, an emptiness that at times seems to burn. I think if you lifted my heart to your ear, you could probably hear the ocean. The moon tonight, there’s a circle around it. Sign of trouble not far behind. I have this dream of being whole. Of not going to sleep each night, wanting. But still sometimes, when the wind is warm or the crickets sing… I dream of a love that even time will lie down and be still for. I just want someone to love me. I want to be seen."

(Practical Magic)

I've been obsessed with images of water lately. Especially ocean waves. For as long as I can remember I've had an affinity for the ocean. Living in Stockholm water is everywhere. It meanders throughout the city, and it's easy to forget Stockholm resides on over 14 islands when roaming about. The bridges and tunnelbanna (subway) connect the city in an organized fashion. For fun you can kayak throughout Stockholm's canals. Already tried it once. Talk about sore back muscles. At any rate, it's good fun.

Stockholm is a café culture. Every street corner dawns a coffee shop. Heck, I've seen four on one city block. Some better than others, however essentially the same. Comfy and cozy, with plenty of seating outside. It is almost sacrilegious to sit inside with such beautiful weather, and the bluest skies imaginable. Which reminds me ... I need to take more pictures! My camera has been collecting dust the past several months.

In the lazy days of summer I've been doing the ceremonial summer reading. You know, reading out of pure entertainment. I've been devouring the Millennium Series books. Love it. Yes, it's a bit violent. Yes, it's a bit graphic, but I can't stop reading! Haven't come across a heroine (if you dare call her that) with the likes of Lisbeth Salander in a long time. Well, let me rephrase that ... I never have.

I had to give the books a go since the author is Swedish, and been wildly popular worldwide. Only three books were published. I'm reading the last one now. There were plans for 10, however Stieg Larsson died of a heart attack in 2004 after turning in the manuscripts for the three novels to his publisher, cutting the series short. Our loss. Nonetheless, still interesting books to read.

However, after reading the nature of his books I wonder if there wasn't some foul play centered around his death. I know, my imagination is running wild after reading the novels, lol. Anyway, if in the mood for entertaining reading of the criminal thriller genre give'em a go.

Stieg Larrson (1954 - 2004)

Committment

"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy,
The chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness.
Concerning all acts of initiative and creation
there is one elementary truth,
the ignorance of which kills countless ideas
and splendid plans.
That the moment one definitely commits oneself
then providence moves, too.
All sorts of things occur to help one,
that never would otherwise have occurred.
A whole stream of events issues from the decision.
Raising on one's favor all manner of unforeseen
incidents and meetings and material assistance
which no one could have dreamt would have come their way."

(Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe)

Now Is The Time

Pitta Season

(source)

"When the music changes, so does the dance"   (African Proverb)

Practices have been sweaty lately. The good kind of sweat - enough to feel fluid, open, and energized. However, I have to be careful with the heat. I generate quite a bit when practicing, and end up out of balance if I don't manage it well. I've experienced this before, and have learned tricks of the trade to regulate the body during pitta season.  Whew! The intensity of Ashtanga yoga can really go up a notch in the summertime and it's a good idea not to burn yourself out in the process.

Having the constitutional make up of vata-pitta, vata being slightly dominate, I have the two-fold experience of being sensitive to both high heat, and extreme cold. Although, if one were to win out it would be the cold. Harsh cold is not my friend. To think I live in Sweden, now. LOL. Anyway, who cares about all that, it's summertime!

So, following are a few cooling tips for you Ashtanga yogis and yoginis out there. Extracted from one of my favorite blogs on Ayurveda, Monica B.

• Eat in season. I know, it goes without saying. However, it's a good reminder. Especially when it comes to fruits of the summer season - they help cool the body down during the sizzle. Mango, coconut, blueberries, watermelon, peaches, honey dew, cantaloupe, plums, nectarines, pomegranate, are in abundance depending on where you reside. Also, fresh veggies, including spinach, bitter greens, cucumber, jicama, carrots, broccoli, beets, and cilantro are in season. Although, with that being said, limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption would be wise, along with obstaining spicy foods. Not very pitta friendly. Sorry.

• Practice Nadi Shodhanam (alternative nose breathing). Helps to calm the mind and relieve stress. 

• Indulge in aromatherapy. Sandalwood is instantly cooling, grounding, calming, and comforting. Also, mint, ylang-ylang, camphor, rose and jasmine help to cool the body, mind and spirit. 

• Wear light weight, breathable clothing when practicing Ashtanga yoga. Duh. I know, pretty self explanatory, however, with the heating nature of Ashtanga, I've had to change my practice attire through the years. This may sound crass, however wearing the least amount of clothing while still being decent is a good idea during the hot months. When practicing at home alone it doesn't really matter how little one wears. However, making changes in this area has helped me tremendously. Gosh I think back when I used to wear sweats when practicing! Even in the summer. Blah.

• Oil Bath! I feel this is an essential ritual, especially for longtime Ashtanga yoga practitioners. I love my weekly oil bath (castor oil is best). I couldn't live without it. It lubricates the joints, cools the body, and draws out toxins. Below is one of the best articles I've come across explaining the practice by teacher Kimberly Flynn. However, I will add, it isn't necessary to use the soap nut powder to rinse off the oil. What a mess it makes! Johnson & Johnson's baby wash, and Dr. Bonner's Castile soap works just as well. And, just to add, if you're into daily self-massage, coconut oil is recommended for the summer months in that it is cooling to the body.

Relieve aches, pains and stiffness with oil baths
By Kimberly Flynn

Oil bath is a traditional, weekly Ayurvedic home remedy still practiced widely in South India. Shri K. Pattabhi Jois routinely recommends oil bath to his yoga students especially for the relief of back and knee pain as well as stiffness. Weekly oil bath reduces excess internal heat (pitta in Ayurveda) particularly in the joints, liver, and skin. This heat is generated by poor lifestyle, including consumption of oily, processed, and difficult to digest foods, alcohol and tobacco, in addition to stress, air pollution and inadequate sleep. This imbalance increases with the heat generated by yoga practice and hot climate. Eating an over-sufficiency of healthy foods that are deemed "heating" in Ayurvedic terms, also adds to this imbalance.

Excess heat can be felt in the joints as pain and stiffness and in the back, often in the lower right-hand side and hip, as a nearly debilitating pain. This heat also contributes to a short temper, burning anger, red skin, pinkish acne, and redness in the eyes. When a daily ashtanga yoga practitioner still carries extra weight, especially around the middle, has difficulty with weight loss or with digestion, and has a regularly sluggish bowel, these are all signs of surplus heat.

In India, oil bath is customarily taken with castor oil that is later removed from the skin and hair with a special herbal paste made of equal parts soap nut and green powders mixed with water. Castor oil delivers the best results, but is nearly impossible to remove without these powders. Guruji suggests that, after leaving India, the yoga student can replace castor oil with almond oil, which easily washes off with bath soap.

Daily baths in India are taken by pouring water over the head from a bucket while standing in the bath, a river, or other body of water. It is in reference to this bath that oil bath is so termed. In other words, the student is not soaking in a tub of oil; rather he or she is using oil first on the head. Oil is rubbed into the scalp which draws the heat upward through the body, where it finally exits through the crown of the head.

Pattabhi Jois recommends that a student takes oil bath every Saturday (on his or her day of rest or once per week) at the start of the morning. After oil bath, one should rest for the day and avoid the following: strong sun, cold water, yoga or heavy work of any kind. For men, tradition prescribes that oil bath be taken on Monday, Wednesday or Saturday. For women, oil bath is prescribed on Tuesday or Friday; Guruji provides that his female students can take oil bath on the day off, Saturday. A woman should never take oil bath during menstruation, rather, she should take it on the fourth day (following the first three days of menses, during which time she has abstained from yoga practice). If one is not able to take oil bath on a given Saturday, he or she may take it on one of the above appropriately listed days.

Directions for Oil Bath

Note: When using castor oil, first place the bottle in warm water to thin out the oil for easier application.

1. Apply ample amount of oil to your head, rubbing into the scalp and through to the ends of your hair.

2. Leave oil on the head for the allotted time. For your first oil bath, leave the oil on your head for only five minutes. Continue increasing the time weekly by five minute increments until the oil is left on the head for a full two hours (a 6 month process); this is the maximum recommendation. At this juncture, you should practice two hours weekly, not exceeding this time.

Important: Years of accumulated heat should safely be relieved in stages. Therefore, it is essential to carefully follow the time recommendation. Inappropriately increasing the prescribed minutes may lead to a cold, vomiting, chills or diarrhea, all of which are symptoms of too much heat rising too soon.

3. Having completed your allotted time for oil on the head, generously apply oil to the whole body. As you rub oil over your body, take time to rub and massage elbow, knee and shoulder joints, along the spine and into any areas that are chronically sore. You need not apply oil to the face. This step should take an additional five to ten minutes.

4. Take a very hot shower or bucket bath. Let the hot water run over the scalp as you massage the existing oil deeper into the crown. Continue to rub the oily skin focusing on the joints and spine. This is an important step as the hot water opens pores and draws internal heat from the skin and joints. This shower may last five to fifteen minutes.

5. Apply soap and shampoo, or soap nut and green powder mixture to remove oil. After turning off the shower, lather up with soap on the skin and shampoo in the hair to remove almond oil. If castor oil is used, then apply soap nut and green powder mixture rubbing the paste over the whole body and through the hair and scalp. Be careful and avoid getting soap nut powder, dry or wet, in the eyes or nose, as it will cause a burning sensation. As you rub the paste over the skin, it will turn from dark to light green which indicates that the oil is being absorbed.

To make the paste, in a large bowl mix equal parts soap nut powder and green powder with enough water to create a paste with a honey-like consistency. Soap nut is active in absorbing the castor oil and can make the skin feel very dry. Green powder leaves the skin and hair feeling soft and smooth.

6. Take a second shower or bucket bath to remove oil and lather or special paste. Take this shower at a warm, comfortable temperature and use enough soap and shampoo to remove the almond oil. If you are washing off soap nut paste and castor oil, be sure to close your eyes when rinsing your hair; you'll probably want to follow up with shampoo. This shower lasts up to ten minutes.

You have successfully completed oil bath.

7. Wash the shower/bath area. The shower floor will be very slippery and the drain may be clogged a bit. Scrub the shower area well to avoid slipping and pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain to keep it open. If you have used soap nut paste, you may be faced with a muddy mess. Clean all surfaces and be sure to pour boiling water down the drain.

8. Rest over the next few hours, avoiding hard work, strong sun and swimming in or drinking cold water. For the daily ashtanga practitioner, it is important to take a full day off, allowing the body and mind to rest and rejuvenate for the coming week of practice, study, work and family life.

If the desired results of oil bath are not felt at first, don't give up. Continue to include this time-honored treatment in your weekly schedule and be confident in the radiant health benefits it bestows.

Jois Yoga Shala

News is spreading fast! The Jois family will be opening a yoga shala in Encinitas, California! For information on the grand opening click here.