Whilst traveling in Thailand, I came to understand, how the monkey, on a ‘basic dualistic nature’, exists. Whilst on the ground, the monkey adopts the social etiquette of the nearest troop of people, thus its behavioral patterns arise in co-existence with whomever are lucky enough to share space with them.
When I made it to one particular beach, where the monkeys lived, I saw climbers armed with catapults and stones to drive the monkeys from the cliff face they wished to scale. Whilst walking along the coast at low tide, I walked past the local troop, so disenchanted with human encounters that as I came into proximity with them, they took fright and became hostile, driving me back into the sea across broken coral leaving me with bloodied feet. I caught my breath, waited for the troop to calm down, and continue their route along the coastline.
The tree is the heart of the monkey, and whilst in it they are good and their wistful nature becomes apparent. With archetypal fashion they can be seen calm and still, together arm in arm. Their sinewy limbs breathing strongly, and gentle rounded eyes winking through the shadows.
Peace,
Adam
Whilst on a discovery of yoga… our paths may lead us astray from our original troop…
To the girl whom has resent for her family… I would liken this problem to the leaving of one tree and migrating to another… the limbs of yoga reach deep into the hearts of all world religions and cultures… in embracing deeper roots through the process of practice and devotion… we need to clip back some of the weaker branches to enable others to shape, and form our life.
Just as the monkey is capable of destruction and discourse…
So too are the faces we know if they are always showing us the same reflection…
An alter or a space for the ones we love can help to recognise the divine within them, beyond that of their roles in our life… yet they do not learn what we learn, and may not be able to be what we want them to be.
The monkey in the heart, is still…monkey see monkey do.
Shiva in natraj is still… a dancer emotes and celebrates through the emotion.
Peace,
Adam
Chair Yoga is a gentle form of Yoga. With so many types of Yoga available, here is one that most of us can practice. Inversions and complicated maneuvers are not necessary in a Chair Yoga class. All it takes is the motivation to get started. Most Chair Yoga classes don’t use a Yoga mat, but the main prop used is a chair. This helps with balancing poses, and most common Yoga postures can be modified for the chair.
We have one particular Chair Yoga class, in Pawtucket, RI, that uses both chairs and Yoga mats. Within this type of Yoga class, you can cover standing, seated, supine, and prone postures. Most of our classes use the chair only, due to the difficulty of getting up, or down, on the floor.
Chair Yoga sessions are most commonly seen in senior centers, assisted living complexes, nursing homes, adult day care centers, and physical rehabilitation units. Clients can learn any number of Yoga postures, breathing techniques, meditation, and stage-by-stage relaxation, with the aid of a chair.
Standing postures, such as Triangle and Warrior variations, can be practiced seated, or standing, with the aid of a chair. You can practice Sun Salutations or Vinyasa, (flowing postures), from seated or standing positions.
Contrary to popular opinion, Chair Yoga is not for seniors only. Most of us take our good health for granted. The physically handicapped have no age boundaries, and they are very enthusiastic students.
Due to trauma, or a debilitating disease, at any time, any one of us could become physically handicapped. Most of us drive cars every day, and there is always a risk of an auto accident.
Some younger family members of seniors, and the physically handicapped, get involved in classes and private sessions. When family members participate in a class, or private session, it is always a good quality time for everyone.
Chair Yoga teachers must continually educate themselves, be knowledgeable of body mechanics, use of props, and a variety of ailments. This field requires teachers with compassion and the patience to help those who are doing their personal best.
It is also a field with growth opportunities; as the population is aging, there are not enough Chair Yoga teachers to go around. Some estimates indicate there are 1.5 million, or more, Yoga practitioners, over the age of 55, within the United States. Therefore, the demand far outweighs the supply of Yoga teachers for this particular field.
Within the Yoga class we learn, but life is where we put yogic principles into practice. It is always a wise practice, to learn from the mistakes of others, but it is also wise to learn from our own mistakes.
Failure, stress, and depression, all have one common link. That is the link within your own mind. You cannot afford to cultivate a negative mindset, even for a moment.
Blaming, comparing, and contending are tasks that occupy the negative mind-set most of the time. Powerful emotions like fear, jealousy, envy, and greed, put us into a negative thinking “tail spin.” Worse yet, this can occur quite suddenly and without just cause.
The result being, that we hurt others around us, without thinking about the end result. All of a sudden, we forget to assess the situation, and react, without considering the consequences. So what is the solution?
All of us are “wired” differently, as far as emotions are concerned, but we all have them. For some of us, emotional outbursts are routine, while others show no reaction to stressful conditions. How do you learn to control your emotions?
You don’t have to. They will be under your control, if you learn to look at every tough situation as a learning process. In fact, none of us has control over the universe. We impact it in a small way through our actions, but we cannot control natural disasters or “Acts of God.”
You have to learn to accept, “the glass as half full,” all of the time. If you fall down, you must pick yourself up and move forward. Don’t trouble yourself over past mistakes. Learn from them and put them behind you.
Find solutions and opportunities within your problems. Don’t be afraid to take a calculated risk or make a mistake. Try new things, learn to meditate, and ask for help when you need it.
One last point to mention, about asking for help; it is much easier to ask for help, when you have been helpful, in the past. Helping people will make you feel better about yourself, but it will also form strong relationships. Everyone appreciates a “helping hand,” and when you need help, it won’t be hard to find.
Alliances and “positive-thinking” groups get more done than a “lone wolf.” Remember the saying, “The Whole is Greater than the Sum of its Parts.” If you are immersed in collective thought, you may not have to find all the answers, solutions, and opportunities, alone. As a group you will find them together.
Q: What is Vinyasa and can it really keep me in shape?
A: Vinyasa is a Sanskrit word, which refers to breath and movement. For example, each Yoga posture is matched by one breath. This is what you do when you perform Sun or Moon salutations, and these are also a form of Vinyasa Yoga.
So, any sequences of postures that are synchronized, with your breath, are generally classified as Vinyasa. There are many forms of Vinyasa, and even the gentle ones are vigorous. The postures are not held in a fixed position for long, and classes flow with rhythm, similar to music.
The energy used in flowing from one movement, to the next, continues throughout a typical Vinyasa Yoga class. This type of Yoga class will challenge aerobic endurance, enhance flexibility, and build overall strength.
There are many variations of Vinyasa Yoga classes. Some are related to, or offshoots of, Ashtanga Yoga – some originate from other styles, some are very gentle, and others are variations of extended Sun or Moon sequences.
The variety of Vinyasa classes is further expanded when you consider different sequences, pace of the class, and the temperature of the room.
What about heated Yoga classes; is this hot Yoga? The temperature can vary depending upon the policy of the Yoga studio.
At our wellness center in North Providence, RI, the temperature can be near 80 degrees Fahrenheit during winter months. During the summer months, we keep the temperature in the 70′s. That is a far cry from 105-degree hot Yoga or Bikram classes.
Most of the heat generated in a typical Vinyasa class is internal body heat. As a result of all this internal heat, you will most likely sweat. Therefore, bring a towel and a bottle of good quality water.
When used for personal health maintenance, Vinyasa Yoga is the ultimate cross training system, with low impact movement, aerobic, and muscle toning benefits. Your body will go through an incredible transformation, but it does require determination. This explains why Vinyasa Yoga attracts so many Type A personalities.
Even if you don’t have a Type A personality, confidence in yourself will rub off. As a “by product” of Vinyasa practice, your self-esteem will be improved. You will manage stress and develop a much calmer personality.
Now, where do you start? Find a local school with at least two levels of Vinyasa practice. If you have been on the couch for a while, it will be best to take some gentle Yoga classes first.
However, if you are very active, you may want to jump right in. You should have an honest talk with your Yoga teacher, before starting Vinyasa practice. It’s always best to be honest with yourself, about your level of fitness. Have fun, but do not push yourself, when you are in unfamiliar territory.
