Yoga Asanas

As I come across asanas to work on more in my personal practice, I'll post photos as a reminder.......Eventually, I'll post photos of my asanas in action

Dolphin Planks are work to begin to open the shoulders, create body awareness and fire the your core in preparation for arm balances....this series can also be worked with forearms separated and parallel


 

Forearm Plank - Amazing for core strengthening and sweet preparation for
Pincha Mayurasana (Feathered Peacock Pose) - one of my favorite poses to work!

Pincha Mayurasana


Visvamitrasana


Parighasana Variation




Purvottanasana

Feelings are energy in motion

Feelings are energy in motion, and when we don’t allow them to move through us, they get stuck in our subtle bodies, often created rigidity.

Love attracts more Love. If you want Love, be it.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥


Everyday I create a life with more space for LOVE

The Checklist of Change

1. Take your time.
2. Arrange temporary structures.
3. Don't act for the sake of action.
4. Recognize why you are uncomfortable.
5. Take care of yourself in little ways.
6. Explore the other side of change.
7. Get someone to talk to.
8. Find out what is waiting in the wings of your life.
9. Use this transition as the impetus to a new kind of learning.
10.Recognize that transition has a characteristic shape.

-William Bridges
Be like the sky. Be open, have a beginner’s mind.
Be like the Earth. Embody your deep talents.
Be like water. Feel. Be fluid, be sensitive, be compassionate.
Be like fire. Have a burning for the highest. Aspire to serve. Dare to be courageous no matter the darkness.
Be like air. Like the wind, that can move around any problem. Be ...imaginative and innovative.


~John Friend

32 Unusual Yoga Quotes that Jolt me Back to Center.

http://www.elephantjournal.com/2011/02/32-unusual-yoga-quotes-that-jolt-me-back-into-center/
 
Asana (Poses)


1.- Body is not stiff, mind is stiff. – Sri K. Pattabhi Jois

2.- You go too fast, don’t do that. – Eddie Stern

3.- If you do a lot of crazy things you become crazy [when talking about not overdoing the asana (poses) part of the practice]. – Sharath Jois

4.- Yoga is learning to say “yes I can”. – I say that

5.- Anybody can breathe. Therefore anybody can practice yoga. – T.K.V. Desikachar

6.- Before you’ve practiced the theory is useless. After you’ve practiced, the theory is obvious. – David Williams

7.- Turn on the lights of the pose. – Richard Freeman

Life as a yogi

8.- Laughter drives shouting away. – Indra Devi

9.- Let your speech be true and sweet. – Sri T. Krishnamacharya

10.- Never be in debt. Never reside near enemies. Never trap your body through disease. Never forget the Lord with his consort who resides in the heart. – Sri T. Krishnamacharya

11.- Bien predica quien bien vive. – (Preaches well who lives well) Don Quijote de la Mancha

Meditation

12.- Meditation results in marvels. - Sri T. Krishnamacharya

13.- Don’t just do something, sit there! - Unknown

Relationships

14.- If you want to attract the coolest man in the world, become the coolest woman in the world. – Marianne Williamson

Age

15.- Yoga is the fountain of youth. You’re only as young as your spine is flexible. - Bob Harper

16.- As women gather in years aim toward living in ways that are sure to horrify the few and inspire the many. – Clarisa Pinkola Estees

17.- Age considers; youth ventures. – Rabindranath Tagore

18.- It doesn’t interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love for your dream for the adventure of being alive. – Oriah Mountain Dreamer

Loving ourselves

19.- If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete. - Jack Kornfield

20.- Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? – Marianne Williamson

Strength

21.- No army can withstand the strength of an idea whose time has come. - Victor Hugo

22.- My life is my message. - Gandhi

23.- Having faith, vigour, memory and attentive contemplation, the practitioner has to be supremely vigorous and intense in practice. – B.K.S. Iyengar

24.- When one experiences truth, the madness of finding fault with others disappears. - S.N.Goenka.

25.- All that we are is the result of what we have thought. - Buddha

26.- “The earth is enjoyed by heroes” – this is the unfailing truth. Be a hero. Always say, “I have no fear”. – Swami Vivekananda

27.- There is something good in all seeming failures. You are not to see that now. Time will reveal it. Be patient. - Swami Sivananda

Respecting our Gunas (innate psychological tendencies)

28.- Chancho limpio nunca engorda.- (Clean pig never gets fat) Spanish proverb, unknown author.

Learning

29.- Speak a new language so that the world will be a new world. - Rumi

30.- A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool. - William Shakespeare

Wealth

31.- To one established in non-stealing all wealth comes. – Patanjali

Results

32.- Mastery of yoga is really measured by how it influences our day-to-day living, how it enhances our relationships, how it promotes clarity and peace of mind. – T.K.V. Desikachar




"There are seven things that will destroy us: Wealth without work; Pleasure without conscience; Knowledge without character; Religion without sacrifice; Politics without principle; Science without humanity; Business without ethics."
~Mahatma Gandhi
She danced the dance of flames and fire,
and the dance of swords and spears;
she danced the dance of stars and the dance of space,
and then she danced the dance of flowers in the wind.

- Khalil Gibran

Dance enables you to find yourself
and loose yourself
at the same time....


June 2011









 
 
 
 







The Splendor of Recognition - by Swami Shantananda

An Exploration of the Pratyabhijna-hrdayam, a Text on the Ancient Science of the Soul

The Splendor of Recognition was published by Siddha Yoga Publications in 2003 and is now out of print, selling for around $270 used!  I have taken the liberty to choose and post some of the immensly beautiful excerpts from the text.  Enjoy!

Editorial Review (from the Publisher)

Swami Shantananda guides the reader through an century Shaivite scripture that crystallizes in twenty brief statements the teachings on the process of "recognition": the illusion-dispelling awareness that the cosmos in all its variety (including the reader himself!) is a manifestation of God's own being. Swamiji writes, "For me, the most exciting aspect of Shaivism is precisely this: the power of our own awareness to create an extraordinary reality in every moment of our life."

Through lively analysis and vivid examples from his own spiritual journey, Swamiji gives readers the means of engaging with these exalted teachings directly. In the words of Professor Paul E. Muller-Ortega, "Swami Shantananda's commentary on the Pratyabhijna-hrdayam signals a new moment in the evolution of the Western encounter with the esoteric traditions of medieval Shaivism, a moment in which many decades of dedicated practice combine with many years of careful and traditional study of a scripture to give rise to a quite beautiful result: a book that makes accessible to many what otherwise would remain inaccessible to most."

This book is unique in engaging both the analytical and the experiential, making an essential and abstruse text of Kashmir Shaivism--perhaps the most refined system of Indian philosophical thought--available to advanced seekers and students of yoga and meditation so that they can contemplate its wisdom and apply it in their daily lives.

Kashmir Śaivism -- Doctrines -- Early works to 1800.
Soul (Hinduism)

CONTENTS 

Machine derived contents note: Contents
Acknowledgments
Foreword by Paul E. Muller-Ortega
The Sutras - Sanskrit
The Sutras - English
Introduction: A Journey of the Spirit 

1. Consciousness: The Creative Power of the Universe
2. The Mirror of Consciousness and Its Countless Reflections
3. The World of Our Experience
4. The Principles of Manifestation Exist in Our Bodies
5. Universal Consciousness Descends to Become the Mind
6. Perception and the Human Condition
7. The Many Facets of the One Reality
8. Revelation and Concealment from Different Points of View
9. Destiny: The Choice Is Ours
10. The Five Acts of the Lord
11. The Five Acts of the Yoga
12. The Assemblage of Powers Contained in the Alphabet
13. Paths of Inward-Facing Contemplation
14. The Self Is Always Apparent
15. Within Us, the Entire Universe
16. The Bliss of a Liberated Yoga
17. Expanding the Center: KuoØalina Unfolds
18. Approaches to Expanding the Center
19. Samadhi and Its Imprint
20. Mastery over the Vibrant Wheel of Powers 

Epilogue: On a Visit to Kashmir
Appendix 1 The Lineage of Masters: Guru Parampar
Appendix 2 The Principles of Creation: Tattvas
Appendix 3 The Perceivers: Pram...t...s
Notes
A Note on the Sanskrit
Glossary of Technical Terms
Suggested Reading
Index

The Primordial Couple - Śiva and Śakti

“...the name we gave the ultimate Reality is Paramaśiva. The sages of Kashmir Śaivism tell us that as Paramaśiva begins to contemplate the creation of a universe – I like to imagine that Reality turns its face toward manifestation – there is an appearance of Śiva and his power Śakti, symbolizing the primordial couple. Together, never apart, Śiva and Śakti express the initial vibratory movement, the spanda of wanting to become creation. In them there is the intention to manifest, through this intention is as yet unexpressed.

The attention of Paramaśiva as he turns toward his manifestation is a power, a vibrant yet extremely subtle resonance. This is why, in the texts of Śaivism, Śiva is represented through his citaśakti,* the power to illumine, to give existence and from, to bestow an appearance to things – in short, prakāśa. Śakti is represented in her aspect as ānanda-śakti, the power of bliss, for she not only experiences the immense satisfaction of being perfect, full, and ecstatic, but that very bliss has driven her to take the form of all created things. Ānanda-śakti is pure Consciousness, aware of who she is, the power that imparts knowledge in creation – vimarśa – and, at the same time, she is the kernel of our experience of love.

The instrinsic nature of Consciousness is prakāśa-vimarśa – a marriage of clear perception and right understanding, in short, Śiva and Śakti as one. These two aspects are ever united. We say they are two only so that we can describe them. When we speak of one, we know that it includes the essence of the other. Joined, prakāśa-vimarśa is the fullness of the divine Consciousness. The entire universe emergences from Citi’s splendour without ever altering her nature in the least, without her being dimmed in the slightese. This fullness makes Citi aware of the perfection of her contentment. If something were taken from her, she would remain perfect; if something were added to her, she would still remain perfect. Citi knows that she contains within herself all possible creations and the she alone is Reality. Being aware of this wholeness, she experiences an immense bliss: ānanda. It is for this reason that the knowledge of the Self is always accompanied by immense happiness.

*This is in spite of the fact that earlier we identified Citi, Consciousness (also know as Citiśakti), as the Goddess.  As was also said in the Introduction, Reality is sometimes identified as he, sometimes as she, and also as it – and yet ultimately all represent the same principle.  As the power of illumination, citaśakti, which is feminine (all the śaktis are), is the power that constitutes Śiva’s true nature.  The power is feminine; the power holder masculine.  The two are inseparable, in the same way that I am inseparable from my capacity to experience bliss.

Veggi Dressings

Fresh Cucumber and Cilantro Dressing


1 large haas avocado
2 cups coarsely chopped cucumber
10 small sprigs of cilantro
Splash of flax, hemp or olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp salt


Blend

Lemon (or Lime) Paprika Dressing  - perfect for leafy greens, like kale and arugula, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley and cilantro. For a creamy contrast, a diced, half an avocado complements the crunchy greens fabulously. Hungarian paprika, with its sweeter flavour and bright red colour (mmmmm)

Lemon Paprika Dressing
Yields approximately a 1/4 cup
Ingredients:

2 Tbsp lemon juice (juice of a large lemon)
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp paprika
1 Tbsp yacon syrup
1/2 tsp ground black pepper or rainbow pepper
a pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
a pinch of salt (optional)

Equipment:
A small mixing bowl
A whisk or fork to mix

Combine all the ingredients thoroughly. Add cayenne pepper and salt to taste, if desired. Serve with 2-4 cups of chopped greens.
Variation: Replace 1 Tbsp of lemon juice with 1 Tbsp of lime juice for a refreshing change in flavour. It will be milder, more fragrant, and less tangy.

I Am Great - Raw Granola recipe - by Cafe Gratitude

1 1/2 cups soaked almonds
1/2 cup soaked sunflower seeds
1/2 cup soaked whole buckwheat
5 cups grated apple, (about 7 small apples), any kind
1/2 cup pureed dates (about 7 large dates) soaked for about 15 minutes
1/2 cup dried cranberries (or other dried fruit)
1/2 cup dry coconut flakes
1/2 cup agave nectar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/3 teaspoon salt


Rinse and drain the seeds. Place in food processor and quickly chop to reduce size of seeds only. Place mixture into large bowl. Grate apples, add to nut mixture. Puree dates in food process with the "S" blade attachment, if the dates are soaked for a short time (not too much or they'll be too soggy) it helps this process, if you forgot to soak the dates, add a little apple while pureeing, it will help. Add all the ingredients to the nut mixture and stir.


Prepare 2 dehydrator trays with Teflex sheets. Place 1/2 the mixture on each sheet, use your hands or a spreader to spread approx 3/8 inch thick. The mixture is moist, but that's a good thing, in the end it is wonderful and chewy. If you like it crunchy, use less apple. Dehydrate at 145 for 1 hour and then reduce temperature to 115 until done. When your granola is dry enough to peel off the Teflex sheets, do so and place onto the grid sheets. Continue to dehydrate until dry.  Approx. drying time 48 hours...

Carrot Zucchini Bread

4 carrots
1 zucchini
2 cups of flax seeds
1 1/2 cup of water
2 tablespoons of honey
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder


Directions: Mix all of your ingredients in a vitamixer until evenly blended. Pour the mixture onto dehydrator trays and set the temperature at 115 degrees. Leave the bread in for 10 - 15 hours and cut it up into pieces of bread. Enjoy!

Granola

Apple Cinnamon Granola

2 cups of flax seeds
3 cups of water
2 apples sliced very small
1 cup of almonds
1 cup of raw cashews
1 cup of raisins
1 tbsp cinnamon
1 tsp sea salt
1 cup of honey

* Soak the flax seeds with 3 cups of water for 1 hour. Mix in the sliced apples, almonds, cashews, raisins, cinnamon, sea salt and honey. Spread evenly over the dehydrator trays and set the temperature at 115 degrees. Leave them in for 24 hours and then enjoy!

Raw Granola Bar Recipe:

2 cups of flax seeds
1 cup of water
3 cups of dried coconut
1 cup of dates
4 tablespoons of honey
1 tablespoon of cinnamon

* First soak the flax seeds in one cup of water for about thirty minutes. Next put the dried coconut into the food processor and process until very fine. Cut up the dates fine and then add them to the food processor and process until fine. Mix the Flax seeds with the coconut and date combo and then stir in the honey and cinnamon making sure everything is mixed together very well. Finally spread the mixture out on the dehydrator trays (about 1/2 inch thickness) and set the dehydrator to 115 degrees. Leave the granola in the dehydrator for about 12 hours or until crisp. Then, just break pieces apart.

Raw Granola Bars and Raw Granola....mmmm

1 apple chopped
1 ½ cup date paste (some dates soaked in a little boiling water and then whiz in the food processor until a paste is formed) I used figs for this because I didn’t have dates on hand
½ cup raw honey
2 Tbsp lemon juice – I used 4 Tbsp fresh squeezed orange juice
1 Tbsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp sea salt
½ cup sunflower seeds soaked 2 hours or more
2 cups raw almonds soaked 4 hours or more
3 cups raw pecans soaked 2 hours or more
1 cup raw pumpkin seed soaked 2 hours or more – used additional 1 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup dried cranberries or currants or sultanas – I left these out because I am avoiding raisins

Shreaded coconut, coconut oil, & dates could be added......mmm

- In a food processor whiz apple, date paste or soaked figs, honey, lemon or orange juice, vanilla, cinnamon, salt and the sunflower seeds to make paste. Transfer to a bowl
- Add to the food processor, remaining sunflower seeds, almonds, pecans, pumpkin seeds (don’t bother rinsing bowl). Coarsely chop in a few quick pulses. Add nuts and seeds to the bowl with fruit paste. Mix well
Spread onto baking paper or dehydrator sheets and place in dehydrator at 115 F for 8 hours
- Flip the granola over and peel away the paper
- Dehydrate another 12 hours until crunchy
- Break into pieces and once cooled store in the fridge in glass containers. Enjoy as Raw Granola Bars or Raw Granola – just break up into smaller pieces for granola

*Makes approx 10 cups, two full sheets of granola on the Excalibur dehydrating sheets which later fit almost into two quart sized jars.

Yummy!

Raw Carrot Cake Granola

2 cups raw buckwheat
1 1/2 cups dried large coconut flakes
1 cups raw pecans, soaked for 6 hours and drained
1 cups raw walnuts, soaked for 6 hours and drained
1/3 cup raw coconut nectar, agave nectar or raw honey (or more if you prefer sweeter)
1/4 cup raw coconut butter
1 ripe banana
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup filtered water
1 Tbsp cinnamon
2 tsp cardamom
2 tsp ground ginger
1 Tbsp raw coconut oil, liquified
3 cups shredded carrots
1 cup golden raisins (optional)

Soak buckwheat for 30 minutes, rinse very well (as it has a slimy coating that needs to be removed) and drain well. Place in a large bowl, along with the coconut, and nuts. In a food processor, combine the coconut nectar (or honey),coconut butter, banana, sea salt, vanilla, water, spices, coconut oil, and 1 cup of the carrots. Process until smooth and pour the mixture over the granola, add the remaining carrots, and mix well with your hands. Spread out on 2 dehydrator sheets lined with teflex, and dry for about 12 hours or until crispy. Stir in golden raisins. Can be stored in an airtight container for a few weeks at room temperature.