On why we are called to practice and the sacredness of the yoga mat.

The yoga mat is sticky under my bare feet, a rectangle of gummy purple rubber. I spread my toes wide and ground my feet – all four corners -- flat on the mat as I am instructed, feeling everything, every millimeter of skin on rubber beginning to slide on a trickle of perspiration. The yoga mat is the center of the universe for that hour of practice. A practice toward spiritual enlightenment? Toward the integration of body, mind and spirit? Grounded in the asanas and anchored in the breath, I flow through the postures as the Chi rises from my core like a furnace heating a house. ...

Nothing Moves Me Quite Like Kirtan by Gauri
(reporting from the Yoga Warehouse, Fort Lauderdale, FL)

When many in the west think of yoga, they think of asana. Bending, flexing and stretching our bodies toward bliss is the common association. But Yoga, as dedicated practitioners know, is so much more than the physical postures we do. Stretching the body is a small part of a larger, beautiful practice.

Stretching the vocal chords and heart through kirtan, call and response chanting of the many names of the Divine, is another amazing part. Kirtan uplifts. It almost instantly changes the energy of any room or physical space that its vibrations permeate, not to mention one's own energy. To chant in a group from the heart with real passion and full abandon is one of the most incredible experiences.

Recently Fort Lauderdale's Sivananda-affiliated Yoga Warehouse hosted kirtan artist and Sivananda teacher Narayan Jyoti for an amazing gathering. Narayan's melodic voice, easy demeanor and wonderful harmonium playing were joined by local musician Richard Brookens' broad range of percussion and wind instruments, including tablas and flute. The energy of the evening was so joyful as a crowd full of faces of different ages, backgrounds, lifestyles and interests came together with one voice, one heart. To be in that space, sharing so purely and openly, is truly sacred and special.

For me personally, chanting is the highlight of my yoga practice. I love asana, I believe wholly in the benefits of meditation, but nothing moves me quite like kirtan. It is my hope that more and more people, asana practitioners or not, will have the chance to experience the magic that chanting mantras creates. Namaste!

Gauri

I have been blessed to travel far and wide around our world. In each of the 42 countries I have visited, I have noticed some similarities. Despite the different cultures and beliefs and heritages, it is always the same - a Universal Language.

Regardless of where I go, I am always able to communicate thanks to my knowledge of this Universal Language. It is the greatest form of communication because it transcends the WORD and goes right to FEELING.

Today (December 31st) is Swami Vishnu-devananda's birthday. To learn more about this remarkable teacher, try visiting this link: http://www.sivananda.org/teachings/swami-vishnudevananda.html

Happy Birthday, Swamiji! And Happy New Year to all, Namaste.

"Health is wealth, peace of mind is happiness. Yoga shows the way." –Swami Vishnu-devananda

Throughout his whole life, Swamiji was deeply concerned about the well being of the world and the constant disaster of wars. This lead him to learn to fly and then personally pilot a small plane over several troubled areas of the world. Not only did he create discussion and awareness in the news media, but he also "bombarded" these war torn areas with flowers and peace pamphlets while repeating the peace Mantra: Om Namo Narayanaya.

"I have given you all I have with all my heart and love. It is for you to give to others. Sometimes I may not know all the answers, and I know that I have a long way to go. If you didn't get anything, that's because of my lower emotional nature. If there was anything good you got, it came from my great Master Sivananda. I don't say that I'm an unemotional person. I scolded and talked endlessly. I acted like a dictator. If I were like my master, or like Jesus, I could wash the feet of my disciples. But for that one must be very high. It can only be done when the ego is gone. If I were to do it, it would be hypocrisy. I'm not that high. Once, some years ago, I prostrated myself before a man to whom I had been rude and impatient. As I was doing it, I was thinking 'How humble I am.' So don't look for an easy way to overcome your ego. For years I've tried. I watch myself as my ego manifests itself. I analyze. But it clings like a leech. When we can't control ourselves, we should offer it to the Lord: 'Oh Lord, I offer it to Thee!' And now, if in any way I hurt your feelings, I ask you with all my heart to pardon me." - Swami Vishnudevananda

Eye Yoga from Paul McCartney and Yoga2You

You're likely to be asking, what does Paul McCartney have to do with Yoga2You and Eye Yoga? The same month we launched our Stress Relief Series on iTunes to celebrate our then new release, Stress Relief for the Eyes, Sir Paul posted this YouTube video demonstrating yoga eye exercises. It made us feel very in sync with spreading the message to spend a few Yoga minutes caring for our eyes.

Once you learn these essential yogic techniques that are intended to keep eyes healthy and strong, you can do them whenever you have a few minutes.

Beatle Paul attributes these ancient eye exercises for helping his vision stay strong and healthy with age. Saraswati does too. Whether you are a Generation X-er, Baby Boomer, or octogenarian, these yogic eye exercises will help.

Visit this page for additional information. Namaste.

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