Ana Brett & Ravi Singh
Kundalini Yoga
September Newsletter
"Whoever thought that the present could be as exciting as the future!" --Ana Brett |
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News & Notes
Hi everyone! This is Ana Brett & Ravi Singh's September Yoga news. We're still working away on our Kundalini Yoga book. We just completed one more chapter: The Methods of the Masters. Even after years of practicing and teaching this wonderful system, writing this book has gotten us more excited than ever to give people the gift of this fabulously healing technology.
As we are finishing our current projects we are looking ahead to getting back on the the road to teach more classes/workshops and meet all of you! If you'd like us to teach a workshop in a Yoga Center near you, please request that the owners contact us. We're very excited about our upcoming Intro to Teacher Training and Workshop at Give Yoga in Memphis (if you're interested, reply to this e-mail and we'll send you a PDF flyer or call 901.846.5070), Oct. 3rd and 4th. You can take just one session or all three. It's for ALL LEVELS and you don't have to be an aspiring Yoga Teacher to attend!
We'll also be teaching at Simply Yoga in East Windsor, CT. 1 - 3:30 p.m. on Sat. Sept. 12th. It sold out early, but you can still get on the waiting list by calling 860.749.7257. We'll also be teaching in Hamden, CT on October 17th at The Connecticut Yoga Center. Be sure to sign up early for all of our classes to reserve your place. See details for all of these on the Tour Schedule page at www.raviana.com
Get it While it's Hot!
Congratulations to our new Kundalini Yoga for Energy & Super Radiance for being written up in the current issue of Yoga Journal!
September Starts
September is a busy time for all of us. A fresh cycle of work and school begins. We need to keep our lives as stress free and simple as possible and energy and focus are essential.
 We are dedicated to insuring that any class we put on a DVD is one we would like to take ourselves! And it's in that spirit that our Yoga for Beginners & Beyond: Stretch, Strengthen, Be Stress Free was created. The absolute best of Hatha based on effectiveness in building strength and increasing stretch and a liberal dash of Kundalini exercises for thorough revitalization and stress relief along with an inspiring Sat Nam chant. The end result is a workout which we feel is the best of both worlds! This one would be great for your friends who've been doing other kinds of yoga and are ready for something new and exciting (Kundalini)!
For the next few days only Amazon New & Used Seller Chakra44 (our warehouse) is offering Yoga For Beginners & Beyond: Stretch, Strenghten & Be Stree Free for just $11.99! Clock on the link above which will take you right to this title's page on Amazon. Then click on New & Used and look for Chakra44.
Ravi-isms #4
There have been countless "Ravi-isms," over the years. You've heard some on our DVD's or in workshops. We're sharing some you may not have heard.
"Meditate like you mean it!"
Check Out These Links!
Raviana Fan Page on Facebook - Your daily destination for everything fun going on in Ana & Ravi's world.
Raviana Group Page on Facebook - The community for the Kundalini Yoga enthusiast seeking the latest on Kundalini Yoga and the lifestyle which surrounds it!
Be Ana's Friend On Facebook! - Post your thoughts and comments and talk to Ana on her personal Facebook wall!
Ana on Twitter! - Follow Ana's activities and thoughts on lifestyle, health, and the joy of living!
and of course our website, raviana.com where you'll find our A - Z Health Archive Tour Schedule, Ana & Ravi's Favorite Things, and more!
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 Top 10 Yoga Bodies
2. Negative Mind - It calculates possible pitfalls in any situation. It's the urge to merge and represents pure devotion.
3. Positive Mind - Our optimistic impulse. It represents expansion and magnamimity. This is the gift that keeps on giving.
4. Neutral Mind - The meditative or yogic mind. Dispassionate overview and non-reactivity. The ability to witness the play of life and not get caught up in duality is to be liberated and grounds for ecstasy.
5. Physical Body - This represents balance and the ability to sacrifice: putting our bodies on the line to be Divine. 5 is a teaching number.
6. Arcline - Extreme focus. Life radar. Quickness of thought and penetrating quality of mind. Protects us against external negativity and ill will.
7. Magnetic Field - The beauty and brightness of our personal presence. Uplifts everyone within our spheres of activity.
8. Pranic Body - Endless energy. Fearlessness and healing.
9. Subtle Body - Our rarefied self. Fine tuning. Inspired creativity. Not bound by time and space. Perceives the whispers of Creation.
10. Radiant Body - Personal Majesty. Ability to comport oneself like a King or Queen. Nerves of steel. Ability to stand out and take a stand.
Bonus Body: 11. Mastery: Your Destiny is your Deliverance.
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Specials of the Month
please note
that all of these (among others) are currently on sale on Amazon.com
for as low as 11.99. If you buy more than one title on Amazon.com, you
also get free shipping!
 Kundalini Yoga for Beginners & Beyond - $11.99 - two
25 minutes sets: Rise & Spine for back health and everything else, and The Five Tibetans, for youth and health everyday.
 Fat Free Yoga - $11.99 - Four 20 minute sets: Start Your Engines, Burn Baby Burn, No Impact Aerobics, Your Life is In Your Own Glands. Also: 2 meditations and more! This
DVD will keep you young, healthy, hormonally balanced & trim!
Warrior Workout - $14.49 - Updated with the Matrix. A perfect workout for 2009! 
A non-stop energy feast! For circulation, elimination of toxins, and to be a hero in your own life!
Ultimate Stretch Workout- $12.99 - The best of both worlds combining the great dynamic elements of Kundalini Yoga with deep stretching of Power and Vinyasa. Also,a heart-opening mantra chant.
Yoga for Beginners & Beyond: Stretch, Strengthen, Be Stress Free! 14.49 - This program features a fusion of Kundalini Yoga and traditional yoga moves (presented Kundalini style!). Segments include: Standing Warm-Ups, A Yoga Flow Salutation Sequence, The Challenge, Nerve Strength & Core Power, Upper Back & Neck Stretch & Strengthen, A Be Stress Free Meditation, and an uplifting mantra to chant along with. The best
of both worlds: Kundalini Yoga's dynamic aspect with the focused intensity of Power and Ashtanga Yoga. |
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Kundalini Yoga Cardio, Stretch, & Strengthen - $14.49 - is also the best of both worlds: an amazing Kundalini Yoga set with its spiritual depth and power, as well as a complete fitness experience: stretching, in-depth ab work, an effective and a fun dance-influenced cardio routine, and more!
Kundalini Yoga for Energy & Super Radiance- $14.49 - Live on fire. Shine like the sun! This is a Kundalini Yoga "old school" workout with cutting edge music and more. Features a complete whole body workout including some extended exercises which will test you, and bring out the best in you!
Am/Pm Yoga - $14.49 - NEW &
IMPROVED. NOW w/the MATRIX! Two Sets to Start & End Your Day In A
Great Way! Featuring the Morning Wake Up Series with continuous Breath of Fire! Also: 2 Meditations, 2 Breathing Exercises, Bonus Material,
and more!
Navel Power - $14.49 - for a Stomach of Steel & Personal Power and to develop the will to take a stand: turn negatives into positives and prevail! Also, the meditation on this will help you magnify your abundance.
Yoga Cleanse- $12.99 - Purify your body: purify your mind and emotions.
Dance the Chakras Yoga Workout - $12.99 - 2 yoga sets and movement work. A perfect balance of flexibility and strength work and fun low impact cardio dance.
Yoga Beauty Body - $14.99 - The "Perfect" Yoga Workout. Includes the Magnificent Seven. Daily "must," yoga exercises.
Yoga Quick Fixes - $15.99 - almost 4 hours of workout options. Pre-set workouts plus Quick Fixes for everything from Depression to Headaches.
Yoga House Call - $15.99 - 4 hours of workout options. Pre-set workouts plus short segments include Eagle Eyes, Heart Helper, Strong Bones & Muscle Tone and much more!.
A Journey thru the Chakras - $14.49 - Climb the Ladder of Lights. A Great Inner/Outer Workout. |
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Questions of the Month
Gossip
Recently I got married and moved to a new town. Now I'm in the process
of trying to meet and befriend some girlfriends. The only thing is, sometimes I worry that by exchanging stories we are increasing our and others' suffering, generating Karma, etc. I generally try not to describe anyone (incl those not present), so I do not inadvertently constrain anyone's possibilities. But other issues arise in the moment, depending on the inner and outer weather, so to speak! The question of what's okay to say--either in observation, complaint, or empathy--crops up.
Thanks for writing and for your great question! It's true that there is constant social pressure to do or say things which might not be in accordance with one's core values. Yogi Bhajan said that talking about someone when they're not present, even if what's being said is true, is a form of slander. He also said that one's goal in all communication should be to uplift the other person. Gossip is a form of negative
stimulation because in the final analysis it compromises both the gossiper and gossipee. That said, we all have to be in life and do the best we can. It sounds as if you've given this some thought and are trying to be conscious in your life. Those who are lucky enough to have embraced a spiritual discipline become, sometimes reluctantly, Spiritual Teachers, and at every turn find opportunities to teach people the right way to live. We are sure that your new friends will receive a spiritual boost by having you among them. When someone 'dishes the dirt,' it's great to cultivate the habit of just changing the subject. It's not always easy, but it's an amazing attainment if you can do it and like every other positive habit, it does get easier over time until it becomes harder not to do it! We wish you joy, health, and blessings!
P.S. the meditation on Kundalini Yoga for Beginners & Beyond is said to give the power of Vac Siddhi, your communication and powers of intuitive listening will become sublime.
Change & Stability
Hello Ravi and Ana-First I want to thank you for the wonderful workouts you produce. Since January 1, Kundalini yoga has been my mainstay five to six days a week, and it has done wonderful things for me!
My question is about change and stability. My husband is air force, and subsequently, we move every two to three years. Although I am a teacher and
easily find a job wherever we go, I have noticed that the constant change is
taking a toll on me. We just arrived in San Antonio, TX, July 1 after having
been in Arlington, VA, for three years. I feel sentimental now for Virginia,
finding myself facing a new school year in a new place with new people,
rules, a new house, different weather and even different food! I will not
even have my beloved snow and ice this winter. :(
The military will be a fact for several more years, and I am fine with that.
However, is there anything I can do to make the transitions easier on
myself? I find myself mentally exhausted already knowing all the different
situations - and therefore discomforts - I will be facing the next year or
so. I know change is good, but is there a way to make it easier?
Thanks for writing. We're sorry to hear that you're experiencing a life challenge which is causing you stress. We feel that as a polarity to the outer instability you're experiencing, a powerful Kundalini Yoga and Meditation practice will provide an inner anchor and a feeling of "home," wherever you are. We feel that doing the same meditation each day will make a big difference. We suggest the So Darshan Chakra Kriya Meditation (which is on Yoga Bliss Hips, Yoga House Call, and Yoga Quick Fixes), and/or the Sa-Ta-Na-Ma Meditation which is on Yoga Quick Fixes, and Yoga House Call). We suggest that your practice one or both 11-31 min. per day.
We also suggest Navel Power . A strong Navel Chakra is the default setting for personal change (or re-orienting yourself to change). A strong Navel Chakra will help you turn negatives into positives. Many people dream about reinventing themselves and finding a way to extricate themselves from the daily grind. It seems that that opportunity is being given to you and your family whether you want it or not!
You could explain to your children that flow and change are part of life and through learning to adapt to what's happening now, they'll have an edge in life from now on based on the social skills they're being forced to develop in having to make new friends and forge ahead into the unknown. Please let us know how you do!
Thinning Hair
Ravi and Ana, Lately I'm noticing that my hair is becoming thinner and I'm very worried about it. Like all Americans these days, I've been under a LOT OF STRESS. I've gained weight, am sedentary and stressed out. Can you suggest any of your DVDs that might help me with the hair problem? I eat a pretty okay diet except for too much sugar and starches. I've always had a problem with very low energy and borderline anemia. Any suggestions would be very much appreciated. Thanks for all the good that you do. I know that your DVDs are helping many, many people. Love, light and peace to you both.
Thanks for writing. We suggest Yoga Beauty Body and Fat Free Yoga, especially the LIfe Is In Your Own Glands segment. We also recommend that you extend the Hands Like A Teapot Meditation on Fat Free Yoga to 11 min. each day. Am/Pm Yoga would also be a great choice. The PM Meditation done before bed would be a great anti-stress technique
We recommend that you do at least one of our DVD workouts per day as well as the 11 min. meditation given above. It may be that your are suffering from heavy metal toxicity and aren't absorbing nutrients properly. If you haven't already, we also suggest that you eliminate all animal protein (beef and poultry) and shellfish; dairy products; wheat; alcohol and caffeine; simple sugars and artificial sweeteners;
soft drinks and carbonated beverages; fried, barbecued, and processed foods; food additives, canned and salted foods, dried fruits, preservatives, coloring agents, flavorings, MSG, and yeast.Specifically, your diet sholuld include good-quality protein from vegetarian sources (such as beans, nuts, seeds and legumes and starchy vegetables ) and from fish (optional). Your diet should also include
nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables (preferably organic) per day. and the consumption of the high quantities of phytochemicals present in juices, vegetables, and fruits, and their natural powdered concentrates. All of this will help repair damage done both to the immune system as well as help the health of your hair and skin.
We also recommend the following supplments: Omega 3 Fatty Acids, MSM, Coenzyme Q 10, Milk Thistle Extract, L- Cysteine Grape Seed Extract, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C, Acidophilus, B-Complex
You might also try a whole food pre-natal vitamin formula (we think New
Chapter has a good one). Please keep us posted! We wish you joy, health, and blessings!
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Meditation of the Month
 Mantra to Illuminate the Dark Night of the Soul - There are definite phases in our Kundalini Yoga (or any spiritual path or relationship) life progression. Phase 1 is the honeymoon period when we can't seem to get enough Kundalini Yoga (etc.) and the going is easy. In phase 2 we start to feel a little resistance as we get beneath the surface and encounter pockets of resistance. Phase 3 has been called the 'dark night of the soul.' It's when we hit a wall and our ego makes a last ditch effort to subvert us in our growth. This usually occurs between the fourth and seventh year of one's spiritual practice. Those who've established a powerful practice breeze right through this stage. For others it's the fight of their lives.
The best meditation for getting through Stage 3 is So Darshan Chakra Kriya (see below). Also this amazing mantra:
Ardas Bayee / Amar Das Guru / Amar Das Guru / Ardas Bayee
Ram Das Guru / Ram Das Guru / Ram Das Guru / Suchee Sahee
You can chant this in any melody or rhythm. It's good when you feel you have lost your sense of self, your direction, and purpose. It means that the deepest prayers of our souls are already in the process of being answered, before we've even formulated the words for our longing. And it is guaranteed by that aspect of Grace which is the hope for those who feel hopeless, and bestower of blessings, past, present, and future, signed, sealed, and delivered.
P.S. Stages 4 & 5 will be described in our upcoming book.
Also, Please join us for our ongoing 40 day So Darshan Chakra Kriya and Kirtan Kriya practices on the RaviAna Group Page on Facebook.com Just scroll down until you see "Meditation of the Month." Support and be supported by other Kundalini Yogis who are doing this powerful practice. |
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We wish you an exhilarating, joyful September!!
All Best,
Ana Brett & Ravi Singh
www.raviana.com / ravianayoga@aol.com
Disclaimer: The advice we give is in no way intended as a substitute for medical counseling. Please consult your physician before beginning any exercise program or nutritional protocol.
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