Yoga Bits
Morsels of yogic wisdom and information

 Nov. 28 - Dec. 4, 2011 

Kundalini Yoga
THIS WEEK

Thurs 7:30 p.m.
Sat 11 a.m.

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Walk Softly and Carry A Big Yoga Mat
Make your Third Chakra a charm    

  " Human is a blend of saint and soldier; this is a complete person. If you are not a soldier your sainthood will be kicked around. If you are only a soldier and not a saint, you will start kicking others around.

-- Yogi Bhajan 

   

 

I was disturbed by the LA Times story last week on a Black Friday pepper-spray attack at the Wal-Mart in Porter Ranch, Calif. Thanks to my past life as a crime reporter for a newspaper, I tsk-tsk'd as I read about the abysmal crowd control, inadequate store security and obvious fire code violations which contributed to the debacle.

 

DaVinci Chakras

But before I considered any of those issues, I actually thought "Wow, these folks really need work on their Third Chakras." Oh, the difference eight years of yoga can make.

 

What does the Third Chakra have to do with a shopping riot over Xboxes? Quite a bit actually.

 

There are seven main chakra points in the body and the Third Chakra, represented by the color yellow (the sun), is our center of personal power, action and balance. Its element is fire (manipura), which provides the heat to propel action on our own behalf -- think of the old saying "fire in the belly" to describe someone with ambition or righteous anger. Weakness here comes in the form of insecurity, inaction and low self-esteem. Shame and despair are indicators of a severe maladjustment. These problems may manifest as approval-seeking, failing to stand up for one's own beliefs or even extreme victimization.

 

This energy center symbolizes the spiritual warrior, but without proper balance, feelings of anger and might can quickly bloom into aggression and greed. So...I guess you can see the connection between a blocked navel center and a violent mob battling it out for 75 percent off in the electronics department?

The Third Chakra, also called the Navel Chakra, is located from the belly button to the solar plexus and governs the digestive system, the ego, self-control and vitality. The liver, gallbladder, spleen, stomach, small intestine adrenals and pancreas are all housed within the Third Chakra, making this area hugely significant to combat disease and stress. Physical problems here often take the form of ulcers, eating disorders and chronic fatigue.

 

A strong exercise habit that tones the abdomen produces many of the physical benefits of a balanced Navel Center, such as strong digestion and overall good heath. But the beauty of a yoga practice is that it develops mind and spirit as well as body. With all three of those gears engaged at the Third Chakra, you're kind of unstoppable. You find yourself meeting life with an almost freakish level of commitment, effectiveness and self-esteem -- but without running over other people in your path (um, something that might have been useful at that Wal-Mart).

 

Fish Pose
Fish Pose (Matsyasana)

Imbalance in the Navel Center can show up emotionally in the form of controlling behavior, lack of willpower, indecision, enmeshment and submissiveness. Persons with a history of abusive relationships (either as perpetrator or victim) can benefit from focusing on developing the Third Chakra. There are numerous ways a disturbance in this area can exhibit itself, but I think one of the simplest diagnostic measures is to evaluate where there might be a show of extremes in your behavior. Do you constantly get in fights with customer service? Or never speak up when the restaurant gets your order wrong? Have you rocketed to the heights of your career at the expense of relationships or health? Or have you wallowed in endless confusion trying to identify your purpose in life? Are you afraid to be alone or do you frequently isolate from others?

 

I don't think it requires hours of introspection to determine whether you might benefit from work in the lower three chakras. When you consider that your First Chakra relates to survival and fear, your Second Chakra concerns desire and boundaries and the Third Chakra is tied to action and self-esteem, I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that excesses such as workaholism, dominant-abusive behavior or sex addiction are maladies of an imbalanced Lower Triangle. And, hey, let's throw phobias, self-righteousness and general relationship dysfunction into the mix as well.

 

Stretch Pose, Fish Pose, Bow Pose and Breath of Fire all strengthen and balance the Third Chakra. Learn these techniques from a qualified instructor to prevent injury or, in the case of Breath of Fire, hyperventilation. But of the many fine poses to try, Sat Kriya really can't be beat for the ultimate workout of the Third Chakra (and the entire Lower Triangle). Sat means "truth" and a kriya is an action or set of actions that completes a process and has a predictable outcome.

 

Sat Kriya by Tommy Rosen - Vitality, Sexual Energy and Total Health: TerraFlow Video 24
Sat Kriya by Tommy Rosen

It's difficult to overstate the benefits of a consistent Sat Kriya practice. According to Yogi Bhajan, "Sat Kriya is to purify your being. Disease, ailment, weakness, impotency, laziness and negativity -- all improper things will leave you." Doing three minutes of Sat Kriya for 40 days in a row will change your life. (If you try it and your life has not changed after 40 uninterrupted days, please contact me and I will be happy to disavow this statement in a future Yoga Bits.)

 

The video at right provides an excellent explanation and demonstration of Sat Kriya by Los Angeles instructor Tommy Rosen. For more detailed information on the value of a regular Sat Kriya practice, visit this page at Kundalini Yoga Info.

 

Any way you slice it, sound First, Second and Third Chakras steer us toward a healthier, happier life. So get that lower triangle in shape because next week we're moving on to the Heart Chakra and you won't want to miss out on the love!

Sat Nam,
Mary

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armoryYoga 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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nohoparkingWhere 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.

 

 

guestALL 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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classesClasses for the Week of November 28

 

North Hollywood  

Thurs 7:30 p.m.
Sat
11 a.m.

 

 

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 descriptionCLASS 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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policiesPOLICIES

 

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.

 

 

The techniques and suggestions presented in Yoga Bits are not intended as medical claims or to substitute for proper medical advice. Consult your physician before beginning any new exercise program. If you are elderly or have any chronic or recurring conditions such as high blood pressure, neck or back pain, arthritis, heart disease, and so on, seek your physician's advice before practicing.