Yoga Bits
Morsels of yogic wisdom and information
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Nov. 21 - 28, 2011
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Kundalini Yoga
THIS WEEK
Due to the Thanksgiving hoiday, please contact me for available class times
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Sex & Hugs & Creative Soul
Using your powers for good and not evil "Become the phenomenon that you were born to be. When we all become that phenomenon, then we create heaven on earth, because we are all operating at our highest frequency and don't hold each other back -- we only push each other forward." -- Guru Singh
Did you know your Second Chakra is probably overstimulated? (Did you even know you had a Second Chakra?)  The Second Chakra, most famous for its dominion over sexual desire and function, works overtime because our contemporary culture inundates us with images and messages devoted to all things carnal.
I found abundant evidence of this barrage as I sat in traffic the other day on Sunset Boulevard on the way to acupuncture (no, I did not make that up but before you think I'm a total Los Angeles cliche, I was not talking on my cell phone). Everywhere my eye could see the billboards were covered in sexual imagery. I don't even remember what was being sold -- I think there was a lot of liquor although it may have been cars or homeowner's insurance -- but, regardless of the product, lots of gorgeous two-dimensional people were writhing around on top of each other to awaken my "interest." Which is, you know, great. I mean, I'm not necessarily opposed to staring at a 40-foot-wide photo of a half-naked guy with smoldering eyes and a six-pack -- especially while stuck at a red light. In the words of the great George Michael, "Sex is natural, sex is good. Not everybody does it but everybody should." Of course, in an exemplary display of the Second-Chakra-Gone-Wrong, he has also been beleaguered by numerous arrests for drug possession and sexual misconduct. |
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But there is more to the Second Chakra than sex -- much, much more -- and if the other aspects are neglected due to an overemphasis on nooky, then we're wasting the amazing scope of this dynamic energy. Because the Second Chakra includes the component of desire, I like to think it packs a little extra punch in motivating us to open up this area. That can be a wonderful thing if we can manage it respectfully. On the other hand, mismanagement can lead to addictions of all kinds as well as problems with the sex organs, kidneys or bladder.
Yoga uses specific poses and meditations to harness the innate power of the Second Chakra, which is situated along the sacral spine. We can awaken the First, Second and Third Chakras, also known as the Lower Triangle, to "uncoil" the vibrant kundalini energy that lies dormant there and then use it to open the other chakras. I'll skip all the technicalities behind that process and just mention that all those open channels feel pretty awesome!
Represented by the color orange and the element of water, the Second Chakra reaches beyond the survival instinct of the First Chakra and provokes us to seek out others for procreation and connection. Keeping this chakra finely tuned gives us the ability to express our creative force in a broad context, beyond the scope of reproductive organs, fertility and sexual function. When we activate the Second Chakra, we are able to tap into the divine creative consciousness all around us.
 | A modified Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana),
with arms bent, elbows tucked into the
sides, eyes gazing at the mat
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A balanced Second Chakra yields patience and responsible relationships. It allows you to make decisions based on your own desires without undue influence from other people's opinions. If this chakra is out of whack, you may be plagued with overwhelming guilt, ambiguous boundaries or suppressed emotions. Weakness here may manifest in deep insecurity with one's sexuality but, as you might imagine, an overactive Second Chakra can lead to preoccupation with sex or attempts to gain validation or approval through sexual pursuits.
Cobra pose, Cat-Cow, Kundalini frog pose, Butterfly pose and Sat Kriya all support a balanced Second Chakra. Click here for an excellent explanation and demonstration of Sat Kriya by Tommy Rosen. Pelvic lifts such as Bridge pose also strengthen this energy center. A practical caution: it's best to learn all of these poses from an experienced yoga teacher. Good instruction can help you avoid common mistakes that can lead to irritation or injury of the sacral spine.
Dancing is another way to activate the Second Chakra -- so get out there and shake your moneymaker! Anything that brings you joy (not to be confused with pleasure, although the two can certainly overlap) is good for this area, especially things related to the sense of taste. Rather than unconsciously overindulging in food and drink (just in time for Turkey/Tofurky Day), concentrate on truly savoring that yummy morsel of pumpkin pie or the rich composition of a glass of red wine.
With all this beneficial attention to the Second Chakra, you can connect to the passionate essence of who you are and share that with others in constructive ways. When you elevate yourself, you are creating a shift in consciousness that inevitably elevates others -- or, in the pop culture vernacular, in the end the love you take is equal to the love you make.
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 Yoga at the Armory:
Holiday Stress Relief
December 18
At this time of year, I frequently hear from people that the holiday season is a major source of stress. The seemingly endless advertisements depicting joyous holidays do not resonate with many of us. Furthermore, the pressure to be cheerful can be unbearable for those dealing with complicated family dynamics or painful changes in their lives. Even for those who typically enjoy the coming weeks, the hustle and bustle leaves little time for self-care. Without making a special commitment to nurture your body, mind and spirit, you can quickly get lost in the shuffle. My December class at the Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena will be specially designed to neutralize strain and relieve mild depression. You will also benefit from poses that balance the glandular system and aid digestion (just in case you eat too much Tofurky) and we will probably even laugh a little, too!
Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena 10 to 11:30 a.m. $15 suggested fee ALL LEVELS WELCOME!
Armory Center for the Arts
Community Room
145 N. Raymond Ave.
Pasadena CA 91103
PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN MAT & BLANKET. NONE ARE PROVIDED.
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Where to Park for FREE in North Hollywood
Complimentary! Gratis! On the house! The NoHo Arts District is growing, which is wonderful news for this "revitalized" neighborhood. It also means that free parking options have diminished dramatically due to increased demand. So here are the new instructions for free parking when you come to yoga at my home studio: Enter underground parking for The Lofts at NoHo Commons from Chandler Boulevard (cross street Fair, between Lankershim and Vineland). The signs will say "Resident Parking Only" but keep going. When you get to the bottom of the ramp, turn right into the Visitor Parking section. Park anywhere and dial 086 on the call box at the parking garage elevators. When I buzz you in, take the elevator to the 2nd Floor. Walk south across the courtyard (past the leasing office and the pool) toward the Weddington side of the building until you get to apartment 245. ALL GUESTS MUST ENTER THE BUILDING FROM THE NORTH SIDE OF THE BUILDING (CHANDLER BOULEVARD). THERE IS NO MORE GUEST ENTRY FROM THE SOUTH SIDE (WEDDINGTON STREET). |
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Classes for the Week of November 21
North Hollywood Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, please contact me for available class times
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CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
"Yoga" is a word that derives from the Sanskrit "jugat," which means to join together. The purpose of all yoga is to awaken consciousness. Various styles of yoga emphasize differing methods to achieve that awakening. No style of yoga is "better" or "worse" than another, they simply employ different methods for practice. Kundalini Yoga Kundalini yoga uses breath, sound and movement to create a awareness of and connection to mind, body and spirit. A typical class lasts 90 minutes. The session includes tuning in, warm up, a set of poses called a "kriya" designed by Yogi Bhajan for a specific effect (such as glandular balance or spinal flexibility), meditation, relaxation and closing. Hatha Yoga Hatha yoga is the most widely practiced form of yoga in the world. Hatha Yoga uses asana (postures) and conscious breathing in combination with mental focus to develop awareness, strength and flexibility, and relaxation. Poses and sequences common to Hatha yoga (such as sun salutations) are often part of the warm up for my Kundalini yoga classes. Private Classes Private classes at my studio are available by appointment for $75.00 per class. You will benefit from personalized yoga sets and meditation specific to your needs and/or requests, typically lasting 90 minutes. For an additional transportation fee (based on mileage), I am able to provide private instruction in your cat-free home. |
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POLICIES
Mat Space Reservations Space is limited to six mats per class in North Hollywood. For this reason, online reservations are required to attend. Online reservations are requested, but not required, at locations other than my home studio. Private classes are by appointment only. Please email me to ask questions or make an appointment. Cancellations Students who cancel their mat space reservation with less than 24-hour notice will be asked to pay the full class fee. No charge for cancellations with more than 24-hours notice. Private Classes Private classes at my studio are available by appointment for $75.00 per class. You will benefit from personalized yoga sets and meditation specific to your needs and/or requests, typically lasting 90 minutes. For an additional transportation fee (based on mileage), I am able to provide private instruction in your cat-free home. |
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