If you woke up early on December 10, you may have seen the moon turn this gorgeous shade of orange during its full eclipse. We had perfect viewing conditions here in Paradise Valley, AZ. If you missed it, you'll have another opportunity to view a full lunar eclipse on April 15, 2014.
Moon Dates
Full Moon Jan. 9
New Moon Jan. 23
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 Solstice Greetings We just made it through the longest night and shortest day of 2011. From this moment forward into the next 6 months our days get longer, brighter and the dark of night begins to shrink a little bit with each passing evening.
But before we begin to anticipate the sunny aspects of the upcoming seasons ahead.... let's take the time to go deep into the cool, dark quietude of the Solstice. This is a time to quietly, solemnly explore the depths of your inner self. What's down in the basement? Maybe it's time to purge old patterns and release those things that may be holding you back, limiting your progress, keeping you stuck in some way. It's a perfect time to sit or lie quietly, and take a beautiful journey into the center of your being... weeding out unwanted or outdated elements along the way. Your path back out into the brighter days ahead will be rewarded immensely without any gnarly old stuff to trip you up!
I always find it lovely and reassuring that our celebrations this time of year -Hanukkah, Christmas, New Years, celebrate the emergence of light. We decorate with holiday lights, menorahs, the illuminated ball dropping from Times Square! We encourage each other to share the lightness of friendship, love, unity and connect with each other in holiday spirit.
Thank you again for being here! I am wishing you the lightest and brightest illuminations in this season of unlimited possibilities.
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 Sage PatanjaliPlease enjoy this commentary on Patanjali Sutra 1:15 authored by my beatiful teacher, Bhavani Maki of Yoga Hanalei
I:15 Drsht anusravika vishaya vitrishnasya vasikara vairagyam
If Yoga is a path to finding personal freedom, how do we proceed? Freedom is defined in the dictionary as "the state of not being subject to or affected by a particular undesirable thing".Freedom is our ability to release self imposed obstacles, both conscious and unconscious, voluntary and involuntary, and especially to get loose of the pull of negative attitudes. Before we can be free of our self negating patterns (freedom of), we must identify what they are. Then we can discern and make ourselves accessible to new modes of experience, and make knew choices (freedom for). It becomes clear that to experience Yoga and to feel free, is dependent on our ability to let go!
A question I often get asked by students is,"How do we let go?" In this Sutra, Patanjali advises that we start by letting go of our ideas of what freedom feels like, any promise of bliss, or even enlightenment. To review our attitudes and expectations and take note if they are based on something we may have seen, read, or heard about. We can then recognize if our tendency is to avoid rather then resolve, or to judge and compare ourselves to others, and to detach ourselves from the incessant commentary of our internal critic and control freak. This process of self analysis cultivates the necessary awareness to loosen the trigger of our knee-jerk reactions, and respond in a new way. How would it feel to be free of the pull of your attractions and aversions; to approach what you habitually find unpleasant with a fresh, and open attitude? To respond, rather than react? To be a connoisseur of your experience?
When we let go of our concepts of how things should be, we are compelled by deeper sentiments, such as a healthy curiosity of what motivates us, a sense of adventure, and a broadened panorama of self and positive experiences. We are able to enjoy our lives and endeavors without the limits of expectations and the inevitable disappointments that might follow. We can let go of our scheming, and self negation, and actually do things for the sheer love of doing them, for ourselves and others.
If we do encounter difficulty, we can embrace the potency of the moment, and the possibility of choosing profound personal growth. We might not get everything we want, but eventually we may see that we got what we needed. Dukha (literally "a bad space") can be a great motivator in helping us to face and resolve any issues around our ability to make new, healthy choices. Perhaps, in retrospect, we might find blessing in our disappointment, and value our experience as intrinsic to our personal growth and evolution. There is freedom in opening ourselves to life's experiences in a new way, and even to possibilities which are beyond the scope of our current imagination!
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 Cosmic Love Story
I love romantic love stories... who doesn't? Well, this is a real life love story that took place last week, and the hero of the story has captured my heart and I hope will inspire you, too. Officially known as C/2011 W3, Lovejoy is a comet about the size of a football field. He was discovered by an Australian amateur astronomer, Terry Lovejoy on Nov. 27, 2011.
Comet Lovejoy is classified as a "sungrazer" comet and was expected to dive right into the fiery atmosphere of our sun on December 15. It was anticipated that he would disintegrate or explode upon encountering the inferno-like, two-million degree temperatures of the sun's atmosphere. Because events such as these make for good photography, space atmospheric study, solar research, and entertainment, thousands of scientists and backyard astronomers were tracking the suicidal plunge of Lovejoy on the 15th.
But little Lovejoy surprised everyone. He did not perish as everyone expected him to do. Instead, he dove headfirst into the raging intensity of our sun, and emerged... victoriously, miraculously intact... whipping himself around the periphery of our sun and hurling himself back out into his orbit.
(The photo above shows Lovejoy's exit from his dramatic, heroic journey into the sun)
Little Lovejoy set my romantic heart pondering so many aspects of his remarkable display of bravery. Was he sending us a message that Love and Joy can overcome even the most devastating of obstacles? Did he intend to demonstrate that Love does conquer all? Was he willing to risk his life in the name of Love and Joy? Was he saying, just be Loving and Joyful and don't worry about the tough stuff? Was his Love so pure and strong that he was rendered invincible?
We may never know, but in nearly 400 years from now, comet Lovejoy will cycle back around and give it another go.... I can't wait for the sequel!
Here he is, showing off his tail over Western Australia Dec 22 |
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December Ayurveda
Here in the desert, we haven't yet begun to settle into full Kahpa (earth+water) season and we're still required to manage Vata (air+space) during this peak phase of the holiday season. In cooler climates, Kapha has most likely set in, and this gives a bit of a challenge to keep all in balance during the high Vata environment of holiday hustle and bustle.
January's ayurveda column will feature lots of information and tips on managing Kapha, so for now, here are some general principles to keep Vata under control without provoking Kapha during this transition from Vata to Kapha season.
Firstly, remember to treat the imbalance first. Come into balance, then move on. So, even if your primary dosha is Pitta or Kapha... if Vata is out of whack - do what you need to do to bring your Vata into balance... Then move on to your primary dosha balancing regimen.
...just a bit of background/review -
Vata is cold, rough, dry, light.
Kapha is warm, oily, moist, heavy.
We know that opposites balance and like increases like.
So:
Kapha needs pungent, bitter, astringent tastes to balance, and sweet tastes increase Kapha.
Sluggish, lazy behavior increases Kapha.
Vata needs spicy, warm, heavy foods to balance
and light, dry cold foods increase Vata.
Lots of frenetic activity increases Vata.
Use the natural grounding, slow nature of Kapha to balance out the active nature of Vata.
* Take rests
* Say no to over-scheduling yourself
* Keep running errands and last minute shopping to a minumum - toooo much Vata in the malls, groceries and parking lots!!!
* (for those inevitable last minute errands - drive slowly, take side streets, be calm and nice)
* Make warm soups and stews
* Take time to snuggle up with your family and loved ones or your cozy self... read, watch a movie, play a board game, connect
* meditate, practice pranayama
* It's a good time to take a nightly dose of Triphala to keep toxins from accumulating
* Keep digestive agni bright by eating a bit of ginger before meals
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 ardha chandrasana(half moon pose)December Asana
We do this asana frequently in my yoga classes, and it's a common pose in most any hatha/vinyasa-style format. In the picture, you can't really tell that it is essential to stabilize the foundation - engage mula bhanda, uddiyana bhanda, work the legs, activate the glutes, press the standing foot firmly into the mat, flex the up foot, engage the inner thighs. All of this before expressing lightness by stacking the hips, ribs and extending the up arm.
Patanjali laid it down when he informed us that all poses must have the quality of steadiness and comfort or lightness: sthira sukham asanam.
Establishing a stable base in the lower body sthira is essential before expressing the lightness sukham in the upper body. Here are some tips:
* Use a block under the down palm
* Practice pressing the up foot against a wall to feel how the strength of the flexed foot can help activate the inner thigh and stack the up hip over the lower hip
* Press the down foot like crazy into the mat... like a super magnet is charging it down into the center of the earth
* All the while lift up out of the down hip... open the front of both hips
* Elongate the spine
* Keep the up hand on the waist until a very strong, solid, stable base has been established.
* Only when the hips, ribs and shoulders are stacked, then use the lightness of the breath to float the up arm into the extended position... sukham
* Final expression... close the up eye, open the down eye and gaze at the up fingers (drishti)
* Samadhi
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Sesame Ginger Wafers
These aren't your average holiday gingersnaps! Not very sweet, great tasting, and excellent for increasing digestive agni. You can make them in the food dehydrator for a raw version, or pop them into a slow oven for a more traditional crispy cookie.
1 1/4 c sesame seeds (no hull)
1/2 c golden figs
1/4 c raisins
2 1/2" fresh ginger chopped
1 1/4 tsp ground ginger
1 1/4 tsp cardamom
1 1/4 tsp cumin
1 T agave nectar
pinch sea salt
Process all in a food processor. Shape into balls and flatten into wafers. Roll lightly in sesame seeds to coat. Bake at 300 for 15 minutes or Dehydrate 4 to 6 hours.
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Vastu Tip of the Month
Take a look at the NORTHEASTquadrant of your home. This area of is associated with the Water element. It is considered to be the most auspicious area of your home. Keep this area pristine, clean and open. It is ideal to place the main entry of the home in this direction. Water features, fountains, pools, natural lakes or bodies of water are highly beneficial here. You want to encourage openness in the Northeast, so downward sloping elevations, views, big windows, patios, beautiful vistas and light blue colors are good here. Whatever you do, try to keep from placing blocks or obstacles in the Northeast. Avoid fireplaces or kitchens in this area. The Northeast is ideal for a meditation spot, quiet reading nook, or a place to be open to inspiration.
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