The Joy of Breathing

Giorgio Marmani

2011-07-26T01:01:00.000-07:00

Well, dang it's been a long time since I put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard as the case may be. A wise man once said if you don't have anything to say. Say nothing. Guess that explains the long silence.

But I just had an experience which was quite remarkable and I want to write about it and share it both to inform my friends and students and also to help me process what just happened.

Tonight I just got back from an incredible week in beautiful Grass Valley in Northern California (wild sweet peas blooming everywhere, pure heaven). While there, I had the good fortune to participate in a week-long Ayurveda workshop on Marma Point therapy. For those who don't know, Marma points are energy centers in the body (the chakras are actually just super marma points) Ayurveda's version of Acupressure. In fact, Marma is the oldest form of energy/touch therapy from which Acupuncture, Acupressure, Shiatsu, Reiki, EFT, Meridian Tapping and a plethora of modern touch systems all arose.

So, to be able to spend the entire week studying this mysterious healing art with Marc Halpern, a master Vaidya, or Ayurvedic healer, also the director of the California College of Ayurveda, was quite an gift.

A born skeptic, I was ready to debate and deny the power of merely placing hands on certain parts of the body to help move the prana (life force, the body's innate intelligence which leads to well being) through the system. However, each day, I experienced the effect (both as a practitioner and as a patient) of this oh-so-subtle healing art. The technique is remarkably simple, there are 108 Marma points on the body and they may correspond to a local area, an organ or to a particular system in the body. Of course, this is all explained using Ayurvedic terms such as Vata, Pitta, Kapha, Srotas, Vayus, etc. Luckily, I have developed a basic working knowledge of Ayurveda over the years as a Yoga Healer, and particularly lately being married to a devoted Ayurvedist, who is currently on the faculty at CCA, has a thriving private practice, and seems to eat sleep and breathe Ayurveda (it's a Dharma thing).

Whatever language we choose to explain/understand this technology, the fact remains that throughout the week, I was exposed to several powerful techniques. One was a full body pranic balancing sequence, on which we start at one point in the body and work our way around the entire body employing, light massage, essential oils, then the woo woo energy part where we just lay hands on certain spots and let our prana flow through us into the person we are treating. We also learned certain sequences of Marma spots for treating a variety of maladies including, neurological and muscle pain, particularly in the back and shoulder. In addition, we learned some spots and sequences for digestive, respiratory and cardiac problems.
Again, hailing from the South Side of Chicago, I was ready to walk, call bull, or at least roll my eyes, indignantly at the first sign of new age nonsense. Sadly, for the better, I never got the chance. The amazing marma point pranic energy work I was immersed in all this week proved to be increasingly subtle, powerful, and highly effective. In fact, even as I write this, I am still feeling the energizing, healing effects of this incredibly cool Therapeutic tool.

As soon as Eleni and I get some more study and experience under our belts, we will definitely be integrating Marma point therapy into the already powerful work that we each do, as well as offering regular Marma sessions as stand-alone treatments.

Don't exactly know what place this will play in my ongoing healing work, but I have no doubt such a powerful tool will surely will become an integral part of the teachings. Stay tuned, let's see what happens.

All for now, brothers and sisters, breathe deep and be happy.
Sincerely
Robert

My Birthday Wish, with Love

2010-12-28T00:12:00.000-08:00

So, 57 years ago on December 23, at 12:23 in the morning, I was born. I don't remember that part.
But since then, Wow, what an fantastic, unbelievable ride it has been. As far back as I can recall (granted there's some hazy spots in there), I have been blessed with great friends and family, amazing teachers and students, and some incredibly beautiful, loving partners. (No mentioning names, you know who you are)

Now, I would love to take the opportunity to acknowledge just how much all whom I have known have touched me, and have, in a very tangible way, made me the person I am today. In fact it has been my observation that we usually effect each other far, far more (though occasionally somewhat less) than we think we do.

To all of the extraordinary individuals in my life, I just want to thank you for your part in my feeling like such a happy, grateful and hopeful fellow right now and so much of the time.

Though change is a constant, and there is always room for improvement, I truly love the person I am today. And just as much, I really love you for helping me become the man I am... precisely by being the wonderful person you are.

So today, my birthday wish is this: Wherever we go, dear ones, may we always be together, deeply connected, brimming with joy, and solidly joined at the heart.

Have a great Holiday Season and a Happy, Healthy, Hilarious New Year.

Sincerely
Robert

Happiness' two parts: Part Two

2010-10-12T12:10:00.000-07:00

In our last posting, we examined pleasure, its joys and limitations. Now let's dive into the essential component for more sustained joy.

According to Yoga and Positive Psychology, what is required for a life of deep, lasting happiness is an experience the Yoga Sutras calls 'Samadhi' and Mihály Csíkszentmihályi, the renowned positive Psychologist refers to as 'Flow'. Flow/Samadhi experiences result not in pleasure, but in something much deeper and more meaningful: gratification.

These activities which result in gratification are defined by both Positive Psyche and the Sutras are any containing the following eight characteristics:

Qualities of Samadhi/ Flow Experience

Meaningful, fits with self-generated, core values.
Clear goal, not conflicting or confusing
Moment-to-moment feedback. (Are we getting closer to the goal?)
Challenge is evenly matched with skills and strengths. We are neither bored nor overwhelmed.
There is intense focus, total engagement, (citta vritti nirodha).
Loss of self-consciousness. Everyday concerns disappear. We may experience a sense of transcendence, of going beyond our usual limitations.
Feelings of being in control (though there is a distinct possibility of failure).
Sense of time is transformed, In samadhi/flow, hours may be condensed into minutes or vice versa. Time is highly subjective, adapting to the experience itself

In Yoga, Samadhi is often presented as something akin to sitting in a cave meditating on God. In actuality, this is merely a description of how a religious person might envision/ experience Samadhi. As we can plainly see, any experience which has these 8 qualities qualifies as Samadhi/Flow.

Although anyone can experience Samadhi in any activity in which these qualities are present, (gardening, cleaning house, etc.), we most often hear of flow when speaking about Artists, Athletes, and surprisingly Surgeons.

The Benefits/Results of Samadhi

During the flow activity we often forget ourselves. Thus, samadhi/flow lacks the raw feel of pleasurable activities,

Afterwards, however, self-esteem is increased and our character is improved. We emerge from the flow activity a better, more grateful, more gratified version of ourselves.

Also, in order to keep our skills, strengths and challenges matched (a requirement for flow), we must continue to expand/improve our skills and strengths to meet new challenges and create new challenges to match our improved skills and strengths.
Therefore constant growth is an inherent aspect of the practice of Samadhi/Flow/Gratification.

There is also an underlying teaching/belief that there are lower, higher and ultimate Samadhi experiences. Again this is a result of the religious influence in which the ultimate Samadhi has something to do with union with God. In actuality, there is only Samadhi/flow, and the goal of Yoga is to spend as much time in Samadhi by clarifying values (see #1 above), developing the ability to focus attention (see #5) or cultivating the skills and strengths to meet the daily challenges we undertake in our lives (see #4).

Therefore, it is the same samadhi/ flow experience whether we are playing a Bach Concerto, a great game of tennis, doing an appropriate Yoga practice, or cleaning house.

Oddly enough, the one place people seem to miss this Samadhi experience is in their relationships. My experience (both personal and professional) leads me to believe that this is an area in which many lack the necessary skills to meet the challenge which interpersonal relationships present. To this end, much of my Yoga Therapy practice is teaching individuals the relationship skills (largely related to Sattvic communication, the Yamas) necessary to flourish in their relationships. Hope this helps demystify and bring the light of clarity to the concept of Samadhi. I welcome your feedback on this very interesting and oft misunderstood teaching. All for now, till next time,

Breathe Deep and be Happy

Robert

Pleasure and Flow (Samadhi): Happiness' two components

2010-10-04T15:07:00.000-07:00

This post will explore pleasure, stay tuned for our next post where we explain the requirements for Lasting Gratification.

Any sane mind would agree with the unanimous message put forth by great philosophers (both Eastern and Western) throughout history, the Yoga Sutras in particular, and the new wave of contemporary Positive Psychologists. The meaning, the goal, the purpose of life, according to these great thinkers, visionaries and sages is... more sustained joy....for me (the individual).

Though there has been a wide variety of insights and techniques for arriving at this Universal goal, the Yoga Sutras and Positive Psyche highlight two components of Joy, their differences and limitations. These two, which we will discuss briefly in this and the next blog, are 'Pleasure' and 'Flow'. There is a central concept in the Yoga Sutras, the last of the eight limbs, considered a tool, a goal, and a gift of appropriate Yoga practice, 'Samadhi', which corresponds precisely with the word flow. Therefore we will use these words interchangeably. This will hopefully clarify, demystify and secularize the concept of samadhi, one so often misinterpreted, mis-explained, and misunderstood.

But First, Pleasure. Pleasure is any activity which excites the senses and/or the mind in a positive way. It can be mild, medium or intense. This excitement often leads to positive emotions (a good thing). We need little instruction as to how to achieve pleasure it is usually quite simple (if not mindless) and it's varieties are infinite. Sex, Cheesecake, Listening to Music, Shopping, Drugs, Alcohol, and Gossip all fill the bill of providing pleasure for the individual. I'm sure you can add a few of your own to this short list.

Unfortunately, pleasure has some inherent limitations which, upon observation, become obvious: (darn it)

Pleasure is fleeting. It doesn't last.
Pleasure doesn't mean anything. It just feels good.
Though it may provide positive emotions, it doesn't make me a better person. No character improvement, no growth (except for the cheesecake:)
Pleasure alone doesn't lead to more sustained joy. and finally
Pleasure is often addictive, and addiction always leads to suffering.

We can still enjoy our pleasures, even while knowing their limitations. We should, however, indulge in them as to maximize their positive effect and minimize the potential for addiction. Here's three tips on how to accomplish this.

1. Modulate your pleasures. Consciously alter the variety frequency and quantity of your various indulgences. This will enhance the novelty factor, lengthen the time before we 'get used' to what we were originally able to find pleasure in.

2. Savor them. Rather than mechanically indulging, slow down and be more mindful of the deliciousness, the taste, sound, texture, and quality of the pleasurable experience. Observe and fully enjoy all three parts: the beginning, middle, and eventual, inevitable ending. and finally

3. Share them. Any experience is made more vivid by sharing it with others. Aside from the fact that we're only as sick as our secrets, pleasures, when passed around, can grow in scope, depth and intensity. Try as you may, you just cant tickle yourself. So don't bogart that pleasure, my friend.

I think we'll stop here for now, but look for the next post where we reveal the secret to Samadhi (flow) the path to lasting joy. Until then, breathe deep and be happy.

Robert

Top Ten Positive Emotions

2010-07-14T07:49:00.000-07:00

Though the list of Positive Emotions is rather long, (I've logged, if not experienced well over three hundred) Barbara Fredrickson, a renowned Positive Psychologist has listed what she calls the Ten Core Positive Emotions. These are states of mind which we all strive towards and (hopefully) experience more frequently with the gathering of wisdom over time. They are presented here, with a brief description of each. For more on the topic, check out Barbara's marvelous book, Positivity.

For those unfamiliar with Positive Psychology, it is a fifteen year old movement started at Penn State University by Martin Seligman. Its teachings are based on vast amounts of data collected in various scientific studies on what makes happy people happy (and what doesn't).

Although Yoga has traditionally relied on anecdotes and personal experience for it's credibility (this is changing), Positive Psychology and Yoga Psychology are closely aligned. Unlike traditional psychology, (but like Yoga) Positive Psychology is a wellness-based model. Its fundamental goal is not the curing of disease (making miserable people less miserable) but creating and maintaining lasting gratification, or 'more sustained Joy....for the individual' Taking the actions to cultivate these ten positive emotions are a major component in this exciting new, yet timeless, profound human endeavor. Anyway here's the list of emotions and some possible reflections for you. Have fun.

1. Joy- the delight we feel when things are going our way or we are pleasantly surprised. Joy feels bright and light. There's a spring in our step and our face lights up with an inner glow. What brings you Joy?
2. Gratitude- gratitude comes whenever we appreciate something that has come our way as a gift to be treasured. Gratitude opens our hearts and carries the urge to give back- to do something good in return for the person who helped you or for someone else.
What are you grateful for today?
3. Serenity- serenity enters when our surroundings are safe and familiar and require little effort on our part. Similar, but more low-key than joy, serenity makes us want to sit back and soak it in, to savor our current circumstances, maybe even finding a way to more fully integrate them into our lives. What makes you feel serene?
4. Interest- though we are feeling perfectly safe, something new draws our attention and fills us with a sense of possibility or mystery. Utterly fascinated, we feel pulled to immerse ourselves in what we are just now discovering. We feel open and alive, our horizons suddenly more open, we have to know more about this new object of our curiousity. What peaks your interest?
5. Hope-Though most positive emotions arise when we feel safe and satiated, hope is an exception. Hope comes into play when circumstances are more dire and are not going well for us. Deep within the core of hope is the belief that things can, and will, improve. That we will survive and even thrive despite temporarily challenging cirumstances. In conditions which are less than optimal, it is the positive emotion of hope that sustains us. When has hope sustained you?
6. Pride- Unlike its evil cousins, shame and guilt, the painful feelings that we are to blame for something bad, Pride is the feeling that we are 'to blame' for something good. Pride blooms when we have invested our time and effort in worthy achievement and succeeded. Pride in the proper amount, (too much leads to hubris and arrogance) makes us feel praiseworthy fuels further accomplishments. What are you proud of?
7. Amusement- Sometimes something unexpected happens that simply makes us laugh. Dryly labeled by researchers as 'non-serious social incongruity' (yawn) Amusement is a social emotion which not only makes us laugh, but to share our joviality with others. Shared laughter signals that we find our current situation to be safe and lighthearted, and that we'd like to use this special time to strengthen connections with others. What amuses you?
8. Inspiration- Every so often we come across true human excellence. Witnessing human nature at its very best inspires and uplifts us. Feeling inspired rivets our attention and warms our hearts. In addition, inspiration doesn't simply feel good, it makes us want to do good ourselves, to better, to be better people. A truly transcendent emotion, inspiration pulls us out of our shell of self-absorption. When was the last time you were truly inspired?
9. Awe-Closely related to inspiration, awe occurs when we come across goodness on a grand scale. We feel overwhelmed (in a good way) small, and humble. Boundaries melt away and whether the object of awe is nature (the Grand Canyon, a spectacular sunset) or humanity (incredible athletic, artistic, or intellectual achievements) this transcendent emotion makes us feel part of something great, something larger than ourselves. Been awed lately?
10. Love- There's a reason love is called a 'many splendored thing'. It's not a single kind of positivity. Love is actually a combination of all the aforementioned emotions. When these good feelings stir our hearts within a safe, open relationship, we call it love. At various times and stages in relationships we are likely to feel gratitude, serenity, awe, inspiration, amusement, and the rest. The goal is to appreciate love's many facets and see it as a momentary state, a surge, and not merely a description of one or more of our relationships. How often do you feel this amazing thing called love?

Hope you found this rather long piece interesting and informative. Would love to hear any feedback on this or any of our blogs. Till next time, breathe deep and be happy.

So long, Roxie the Wonderdog: adventurer, teacher, friend

2010-06-15T06:44:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful morning, finally feeling up to sharing some thoughts and insights.

Today's the day we get the ashes back from the dog mortuary.

Our dear friend Roxie, bitten by a rattlesnake, suddenly (within two hours) lost consciousness, passed away, and gave up the ghost.
It's times like these which, for better or worse, allow me to feel the complete palette of human emotions, sometimes all at once, fluid, shifting, morphing from extreme gratitude for what was, to abject sorrow and a debilitating sense of loss for what is no longer.

It's widely accepted psychological teaching that unspoken truths and unfinished business are the causes of the most bitter, prolonged grieving.
A great example is the story of a dear friend who, upon losing his long time doggie companion, went to a dog support group at a local rec center. He was immediately struck by the general ambience ofextreme heaviness, the profound sadness, the deep grief expressed by those in the room.
But as he listened to the specific shares it became obvious that something was not quite right. People were sharing about how much they missed the departed, especially the kissing, the sex and the discussing of the day's events. They spoke about not knowing how to go on after losing someone they were married to for forty years.

My friend soon realized he was in the wrong room and had mistakenly wandered into a grief support group for people who had lost people in their lives.

When he summoned up the courage to quietly slip out the back and find the support group for those who had lost animals, he immediately noticed that the tone (not to mention the details of the relationships) were quite, quite, different. There was, as he put it, much more lightness in their grieving, more joy in their saddness, more gratitude in their loss.

For with animals, unlike many of our human relations, there are no unspoken, unexpressed truths, emotional or otherwise.
We frequently tell our pets how much we love them, think nothing of picking them up and cuddling and kissing them one minute, then scolding them for a chewed up shoe or an 'accident' in the house the next. Whatever happens, its dealt with immediately, honestly and openly. No unspoken resentments, no lingering hurt feelings.

So as much as I miss my little Roxie, and am still reeling from the suddenness of the loss, the fact is, for seven years I said all I needed to say to her while she was around. There were no secrets, no resentments, amd no silent treatment (except on her part).
So now, I can and will go on living, being thankful every day for all the joy we shared, the playful fun times we experienced, the adventures and quiet nights at home, the seven years of faithful companionship we were fortunate enough to share with each other.
As always in life, our problems and questions have, not one, but two answers, seemingly opposite, yet both being true.
I am so sad for the loss of a great soul... and equally grateful for being able to share part of my life with her. Thanks sweet Roxie girl, See you on the other side, my friend. Till next time

Breathe deep and be happy

Back to the Business of Creating Positive Change

2010-05-21T06:14:00.000-07:00

Well, I've returned from a marvelous cruise to Alaska, where I thought about nothing Yoga-related, just ate and stared at the beautiful blue sea and white mountains for days. It was amazing. Now I'm back and already immersed in the work of offering the ancient Yogic teachings, presented in the modern language of positive psychology to help individuals to help themselves improve their lives and achieve 'more sustained joy for all who find their way to my door (or writings) looking for answers.

If I could break down what I model and teach to some simple life skills, they are, 'learning to breathe slowly and deeply, learning to flex the spine in all five directions (preferably while breathing slowly and deeply), learning to consistently be visualizing what we want to happen, rather than imagining what we don't want to happen, and then learning to ask everybody in our lives for what we want from them. Asking in a way that's positive, concrete, and specific for the changes of behavior we need from them for us to be happy. These are simple, not easy tools, which, when practiced consistently (much like Yoga Asana) can and do change lives everyday. I would say go out and try to implement these changes of behavior yourself. Truth is, it's really much easier when you have a guide to help you along. If you are interested, contact me anytime. That's why I'm here. Best of luck to you on your path to 'paramananda' more sustained joy. All for now

Breathe deep and be Happy
Robert

Exploring the Heart of Yoga...... the Student/Teacher Relationship

2010-04-25T18:51:00.000-07:00

One aspect of Yoga which is as essential as it is misunderstood, undervalued and also quite challenging is the Student/Teacher relationship.

There's a term in 12 step programs often applied to the addict/alcoholic: 'terminally self-reliant'. I think this characteristic aptly describes many Yoga students and teachers, and most likely, our culture in general.
Contemporary Western culture is, perhaps, the least guided in the history of mankind. Traditionally, teachers were a more organic part of daily life. Ordinary people had access to live-in ancestors, tribal elders, gurus, shamans, chiefs, and trusted religious leaders. These great mentors provided profound teachings, practices, guidelines, and rituals to help the individual grow in confidence, wisdom and joy.

The closest we come to this today is the 12 step sponsor for those in programs where lack of appropriate guidance is often one of the causes of the person's problem. Beyond that, we pay therapists, look to celebrities as role models, and try to glean whatever wisdom we can from an endless stream of self-help books, movies, TV shows, and song lyrics.
Classically, every Yoga student had a teacher, who had a teacher, who had a teacher, etc. This concept, called lineage, was central to the study of Yoga. While lineage is quite absent in most aspects of modern society. it is both clearly prescribed and repeatedly implied in the Yoga Sutras, Yoga's foundation text.

The functions of the teacher/mentor are fourfold, 1) to provide the student with unquestioned support, 2) to continue adding to the student's knowledge base, 3) to increase their awareness of their blind spots (we've all got them), and 4) to provide an alternative perspective, a 'pratipaksa bhavana'. Just as two eyes are necessary for depth perception, two points of view allow us to see things more fully, more completely, and with greater clarity.

Many modern Yogis, through serious about Yoga, struggle with the notion of choosing a teacher and then committing to a relationship. I understand this. Previously, I have experienced this same challenge.
Possibly because of past abuses at the hands of those who were supposed to be guiding me, perhaps because I was taught that If I were really smart, I wouldn't need help and that to ask was a sign of weakness, possibly to keep my options open, or fear of commitment, or maybe it was just my pride. Most likely, all the above.

Today, I have a great relationship with a teacher. I listen to her, I learn from her, I follow her direction (usually), and most importantly, I really like her. She's a great person.

Truth be told, I've been through several teachers to get to where I am today. While I am mostly grateful to them all, I'm still glad I've moved on. For one reason or another, they were not the right teacher for me. I usually discovered this only after some time. As I said, this is a challenging process.

Finding the right teacher is, I feel, a combination of having a serious intention, willingness to take action, and luck.

I think it's curious and even dangerous that so many teachers, particularly the more popular ones, don't have teachers themselves. They are the top of their heap. If you are a teacherless teacher, who will keep you humble. help to refine your style, add to your knowledge base, and call you on your mistakes. Certainly not your devoted students. You probably wouldn't listen if they did correct you, and besides, it's not their job. It's your teacher's.

One clarification, having a teacher is not merely going from teacher to teacher and/or workshop to workshop to gather more information to combine and apply in what ever way you wish. Yoga is about far more than just information gathering.

What's missing from the information collector's approach is the crucial factor which creates deep transformation in Yoga or any healing art.... a committed Relationship. It's the student teacher relationship out of which appropriate practice grows. As I have found from my experience on both sides of the equation, when the right student and teacher find each other, anything can happen. Usually something wonderful does.

For me, things are simple. I am deeply committed to:
One wife
One profession
One Yoga teacher
One ultimate goal (More Sustained Joy...for me)

To have more than one of any of these would make my life more confusing than it needs to be. I've learned this lesson the hard way. Perhaps I can spare you some of what I had to go through. Or maybe you just need to experience it for yourself. Either way.

Breathe Deep and Be Happy

The Truth About Paradox....Or Not.

2010-04-21T07:39:00.000-07:00

To fully understand Yoga, and life, one must be able to recognize, acknowledge, and ultimately coexist comfortably with paradox, two things, seemingly opposite, both being true.

Yoga's underlying philosophy, Samkhya, has a delicious paradox enshrined at it's core: That everything always changes..... except that which always stays the same.

Although on my more cynical, insecure (same thing) days, paradox can feel like a frustrating contradiction, a disqualifying inconsistency, I'm usually able to embrace the nature of opposing/complementary truths. Then things make sense again, only at a higher level. Here's another Yoga paradox to ponder.

The answers to all life's questions are deep inside of us, existing as our native intelligence. We each posses an intrinsic awareness of who we are, why we are here, and what is the next step to more sustained joy.

And at the same time, we need a teacher outside ourselves to help us see more clearly. For, if left to ourselves, we often lean toward our imbalance.

Furthermore, some words imply or describe a paradoxical truth: 'Reflection', or, in Sanskrit, 'svadhyaya', for instance. The dictionary defines reflection as 'to look inside, to ponder, to meditate'. Yet another definition of the same word is 'to to look at something outside ourselves, such as a mirror, and have it illuminate or reveal the truth back to us'. Looking outside to see inside, hmm, sounds like a paradox to me.

The acknowledgment of paradox lead to a breakthrough moment in my relationship with my parents. After flipping back and forth between euphoric devotion to the two kind people who conceived and sustained me, and angry resentment at the evil couple who scarred me for life, I was able to see that 1) My parents did the very best they could to raise me. They never consciously deprived me of anything they had, always giving me what they thought I needed. and 2) I didn't always get what I needed to thrive, to be truly happy. I could have used more love, kindness, affection, praise, modeling, whatever. Two opposing facts.....both equally true, the embracing of which lead to a deeper appreciation of my parents and my life situation.

By the way this particular insight freed me, helped me to see that even if I did the very best I could (with what I had at the time) for the people in my life, I might still fall short in delivering what is needed to my wife, friends, students, and even my parents. And that that would be okay.

Finally, that gratitude is the best soil for growth, that we first have to fully appreciate and be satisfied with what we've got in order to get something better, is a paradox of the highest order, an essential insight for those looking to improve.

And the list goes on.

I invite you to reflect (there's that word, again) on the paradoxes surrounding and permeating your own reality, and how recognizing and making friends with them can lead to greater insight and joy. And if you like, share them with us here. We're all ears. Till next time.

Breathe deep and be Happy

Let's Get This Straight Once and for All

2010-04-17T07:58:00.000-07:00

"He that wrestles with us strengthens our nerves and sharpens our skill. Our antagonist makes us stronger and smarter, so bring it on."

Okay let's cut to the chase. For far too long, well-meaning miseducated Yoga teachers have been presenting the techniques of Yoga, Asana, Pranayama, etc. Unfortunately, however these teachers have not studied Yoga's foundation text, the Yoga Sutras with a qualified teacher. To fill in the gaps they substituted Buddhist philosophy to accompany the Asanas and have succeeded in confusing an entire generation of Yoga practitioners.

Yoga has it's own philosophy, dramatically different than Buddhism, elaborated in the Sutras. If one is really interested in Yoga, they should know the difference between the two. I'll try and help dispel some misperception about Yoga philosophy. Please don't hate me for trying to set you straight. I only wish to help you understand this amazing system for transforming oneself which has been handed down from teacher to student for thousands of years. So here goes. Let's try to clear a few things up.

1: Buddhism, not Yoga is about quieting the mind. Citta vritti nirodha (sutra 1:2) means to harness or focus the mind, not to shut it down. In the Vedas, they say if you ever succeed at quieting the mind, in the next life, you come back as an OX. (ouch)
If the goal is to get your horses to take you home. Stopping them may keep them from straying, but stopped horses are not moving in the direction of your desired goal.(more sustained joy for you.)
Besides, people who want to quiet the mind want to do so because of the content of the chatter. Their minds are going on about how inadequate, slow, dumb, ugly dull, they are.
If the internal chatter was 'you are amazing, you are beautiful, everybody want's what you've got, etc. you wouldnt be running to a meditation teacher begging them to help make it stop.

2: Stop defining Yoga as 'to Yoke' its an antiquated word which we never use in modern life. A better translation for the word 'Yoga' is 'relationship'. Yoga, unlike Buddhism, is dualistic and deals with improving relationships. Beginning with the relationships between body, breath and mind, between student and teacher, between that which is always changing, and that which doesn't change. Clarifying these relationships is the first step in improving all the relationships which are the source of joy (or suffering) in our daily lives.

3: The goal of Yoga is not 'eternal bliss'. Rather, Yoga is a system of clarifying our values as the means to achieving 'more sustained joy on a daily basis. Yoga is about progress, not perfection.

Please take some time to reflect on these thoughts. We'll continue this discussion on what is and what is not Yoga in upcoming blogs.

Till then, Breathe deep and be happy.

Robert

Thoughts Become Things (con't)

2010-04-11T07:41:00.000-07:00

Early Sunday morning, quiet throughout the house, but I'm alive and buzzing away. And I've got a feeling something wonderful is going to happen today.

Here's some more meanderings on the nature of creation, and on the notion of thoughts becoming things.

Everything that exists today (other than nature) started out as a thought, an idea, an image or concept inside someone's head. Today we drive on, live in, and use all these thoughts which have become things that are now observable, tangible objects or events in the 'real' word.

In addition, nothing that exists (other than nature) didn't start out as an idea, a thought. No building was built without there first being an idea, then a design, then a blueprint for that building. Not that every idea has (or should) become a real object, but all objects and events that do exist were once nothing more than a picture in someone's head.

Seeing this clearly is the first step to becoming creators of reality (rather than adaptors, those who merely struggle to settle for and adapt to what already exists) We can all become true artists hard at play, creating amazing realities on the greatest canvas of all, our own lives.

So start now, write letters, emails, tweets looking back from the future, describing, in vivid detail, what you have done with and created in your own lives. (You can actually send them or not) The more positive, concrete and specific these descriptions are, the more potent. This remembering the future works to excite and inspire us to take actions, recognize and create opportunities as they appear, and ultimately suggest strategies for bringing our ideas into being, turning our thoughts into things.

Try it, it really works. I could show you hundreds of emails from students who first imagined the changes they wished to create, and are now living and fully enjoying the things those thoughts have become. All for now

Breathe deep and be happy.

On thoughts becoming things

2010-04-08T09:08:00.000-07:00

Today's simple formula for a lifetime of more sustained joy. If you want to feel confidence, joy, enthusiasm and vitality, just focus on, visualize and remember what you DO (OR DID) want.

On the other hand, If you'd prefer a lifetime of fear, anxiety, hopelessness and depression, be sure to focus on, visualize and remember what you DON'T (OR DIDN'T) WANT).

Another example of simple, but not always easy.

This explains why the definition of Yoga, Sutra 1:2. is 'the ability to direct our attention on a chosen object or in a chosen direction, and sustain that without wavering.

So real practice, real meditation, is not simply quieting the mind, but retraining the mind to focus on those things which will bring us all the wonderful things outside of us which will lead to real sustained joy inside for us and for those we come in contact with.

I take time every morning to visualize how I want the day to turn out, what I'm looking forward to and checking to see if I'm imagining anything not going well that day. If I find something, I flip it and visualize the desired outcome in my mind. This consistently changes the way I feel at the time (for the better) and usually creates just the wonderful day I envisioned actually taking place.

Try it sometime. This is real Yoga. Simple, but not easy. and not for everybody.

But it could work for you.

Breathe deep and be Happy

Robert

The Gratitude Letter

2010-04-06T07:35:00.000-07:00

Hi friends, Hope you are enjoying these little conversations as much as I am. Love your comments, by the way, keep them coming.

So, another great 'Ananda Abhyasa' or 'Happiness Practice' is writing a gratitude letter to someone who has truly inspired us and influenced our lives for the better. It could be a high school English teacher (mine was Mr. Druska, who had us read Catch-22, which promptly blew the doors off my world view and changed my relationship with literature forever) or anyone else who has contributed to making us whatever we are today.

This exercise is a two step process: First, write the gratitude letter. Take your time and be specific as to exactly what they did for you and exactly how they did it. This can be as long and detailed as you like. This often facilitates some deep reflection on our part as to who we are and how we got this way. This is a good thing.

Step Two: Find the gratitudee, (thank God for the internet) contact them, and ask if you can come over and meet with them at their earliest convenience.
After a re-introduction, small talk, and some catching up, read them the letter. That's it. This could also be done by phone or email, but will not have nearly the same impact as if you show up on their doorstep. Everyone I know, including myself, who has actually done this exercise describe it as a rich, profound, deeply emotional experience.

So what are you waiting for? You have nothing to lose and it could actually be a really enjoyable activity. If you like it, you can do it regularly, maybe three times a year. I find it a great reminder of just how much we are touched and transformed by the people in our lives.

If you do dare to try this 'Happiness Activity, keep us informed as to the outcome.
And enjoy it.

Breathe Deep and be Happy
Robert

Something Wonderful

2010-04-04T08:52:00.000-07:00

It’s early morning on Easter Sunday in Los Angeles, and the cool air is crisp and rich with possibilities.

It’s an ‘anything can happen’ kind of day. On this holy day celebrating rebirth, renewal, and spring’s promise of growth, it's easy to be excited, hopeful, and, as always, when faced with a such profound potential, more than a little scared.

Several years ago, as I was interning at the KYM, a Yoga Clinic in South India, I observed a young girl who was given a practice for depression. After a while she added a mantra which she made up herself to the one that the teacher had already given her. Every day, she would finish her practice with the words:

“I’ve got a feeling something wonderful is going to happen today.”

I was moved by this inspired, inspiring statement and of course stole it, making it a part of my morning ritual.

So today, as I prepare to do some stretching, breathing and meditate on all that I’m grateful for. (gratitude is, after all, the best soil for growth), and as I send warm wishes and big love to my friends, family, students, countrymen, and all other inhabitants of this lovely planet (and any other planets with sentient beings).

I’m sure I’ll find myself repeating the words of that once depressed, now joyous young Indian girl:

“I’ve got a feeling something wonderful is going to happen today.” For me, It always does.

How about you?

Have a great day today, wherever you are, whatever you do, whoever you’re doing it it with. I’ll be rooting for you. And whatever you're doing..... I got a feeling............

Breathe deep and be Happy.

Robert

Auspicious Beginnings

2010-04-02T07:57:00.000-07:00

Well, here it is my first blog. My intention is to share my thoughts insights knowledge to inform and educate and inspire you. And kill a little time.

Let me introduce myself. I'm a longtime practitioner of Yoga, a Yoga healer and educator living in the City of Angels. A former screenwriter (from a previous life) I now write exclusively about Yoga and how it can make us all happier on a daily basis. I welcome all comments and hope to establish an ongoing dialogue with like minded individuals. Its my first time blogging so be patient as I get the hang of this. Enough intro, here's the content.

Yoga is far, far, more that a group stretch class. My studies of the Yoga Sutras has revealed Yoga to be the first system of spiritual Psychology, most closely related to Positive Psychology in its primary goal of helping individuals to find more sustained Joy for themselves in their lives.

I will be sharing, on a regular basis, some of the most effective tools I have found for achieving this goal.

For those of you who have a regular practice, keep it up. In addition, I strongly suggest a daily gratitude list, or journal. This has proven to increase happiness in those who commit to doing it on a regular basis. Try it for a week or two and see what happens. As always, Yoga is individual, experiential and nothing should be taken as set in stone. What works for one person may be of little or no value for another. This gratitude journal has, nonetheless worked for myself and many of my students, so I think it's certainly worth a try.

Thats all for now. More later. Keep Breathing and be happy.

All for now,

Robert