 Dear Yoga
Friends,
Happy Autumn Equinox. The exact balance of light and dark
is the perfect segue to this very relevant question:
Transforming Desire
Q: Hi Guys, I'm a 26 year old male who's been working
with your DVD's for about 6 months. I was wondering if you could
possibly give me some perspective on an issue I've been thinking about a
lot lately. I'm in love with my girlfriend and I know it's not appropriate to be "checking out" other women but I find myself unconsciously doing just that. It seems some other men (like my girlfriend's Dad) are oblivious to other women. Am I lacking something? Or, does this mean I still have some "oats to sow?" All of this really has me frustrated. What's your take on
this issue? Part of me thinks I should just give in to my passions and that
I'm too young to be tied down. Another part of me thinks that I'm like a
dog in heat and it bothers me. Any words of wisdom would be greatly
appreciated.
A: Thanks for writing and congratulations on beginning your Kundalini Yoga
practice! The issues you raise are very important ones, and as you've
discovered in your own life, there are sometimes no easy answers with regard to the riddle and contradiction of being human. It's true that we are biological beings, and desire is nature's way of getting us to maintain the population and aspire to improve our circumstances. On the other hand, we're as much angel as animal and the wise person knows that (in the figurative sense), if we 'live like dogs, we'll die like dogs.' Yogi Bhajan said, in effect, that a wolf deciding to become a vegetarian after it's lost all it's teeth is a bit disengenuous. So now is the time to work on this issue, when it's still an issue!
The yogic approach to the big issues in life is balance. To be "Spiritual," doesn't mean that you should distance yourself from the human experience, or the important passages of life. On the other hand, it's important to live in a way which is in accordance with the rhythms of the Universe and Universal laws. We think that in your case, it's important to remind yourself that nothing is for free. If you are in a relationship with a good person, someone whom you admire and appreciate, it would be good to focus on that and to remember not to take the gift of being in a relationship for granted. You may not be ready to get married, or start a family, and it's important to be honest with yourself about that, but it sounds like you are definitely ready to get settled in your mind and begin to establish some priorities. The fact that you're conflicted about all of this means that the process of Self-Realization has begun. Many people take the path of least resistance and never feel conflicted about anything. Then they never really grow. If you are willing to put yourself under pressure by resisting the 'just this one time,'
mentality, you will crystallize into a beautiful being.
Generally, if someone's looking around all the time, some would say that they're obviously not with the right person. We think that approach doesn't go deep enough into the heart of the matter. The ideal relationship is when two complete beings create a greater completeness. Nevertheless, platitudes are not going to solve your problem. Next time you feel desire for someone other than your significant other, immediately redirect that desire to desire for the Infinite and wanting to unravel the mysteries of life and existence. Don't settle for instant gratification when so much more is possible. Also, desire can become instant creativity if you are willing to focus it on a project.
As a Kundalini Yoga practitioner you have access to many great techniques to turn desire into a creative fire. The Frog Pose, Camel Pose, Sat Kriya progression, which is on our Journey thru the Chakras DVD, among others, is the perfect thing to do when you want to transmute desire. Also, try inhaling and holding the breath while thinking intensely of a desire. After 10-15 seconds let the breath go and the desire with it. Do that a few times and you'll be amazed at how quickly it can work.
Desire is a powerful thing. It can be even more powerful when transmuted. Many people throughout history have become Spiritual Masters and Great Artists by learning to redirect desire in creative ways. That's why we always tell people to make your life your yoga and your yoga your life, because it's not just about what happens on our yoga mats, it's how we're able to make our lives venues for a powerful practice. Basic desire should be acknowledge but ultimately, can never be satisfied. May our prayer be that we stop living as if they could be. May our prayer also be that our Higher Desires only intensify, because they keep us growing and expanding towards Infinity. We wish you joy, health, and many blessings!
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Ana & Ravi's Fall Equinox Southern Tour
& November Yoga Weekend
Fri. Sept. 24th -
Sun. Sept. 26th - Memphis
Green Energy, Prosperity, & Healing - Give
Yoga Memphis is becoming a focal point for Kundalini Yoga in the South.
Whatever your level, you're welcome to attend these special public
classes. You can also begin to accrue hours towards a Teacher Training
certification, come and go for it! Contact: Olivia Lomax 901.493.1431 /
olivialomax@yahoo.com / www.giveyogamemphis.com
Tues./Wed. Sept. 28 -
29 - Tallahasse, FL
The Body Electric - We
don't get to this neck of the woods too often, but thanks to the
gracious persistence and outstanding organizing acument of Kundalini
Teacher Deborah Cone, a.k.a. Gian Kaur, it's a go. We'll be presenting two Workshops at Dr.
Mignon's Wellness Center, 965 Capital Circle N.E., Tues.: The Diamond
Body, Wed.: The Radiant Body / 5:30
- 7:30 each night. $45 ea./ both $80. To
Register call Deborah, a.ka. Gian Kaur: 850.383.1899
Atlanta Yoga
Conference - Oct. 1 - 3
Did
you know that Atlanta is becoming a veritable yoga node? We are very happy to be presenting two
workshops at the Fifth Annual Atlanta Yoga Conference! This
year's location: Urban Body Studios, 730 Ponce de Leon Place NE,
Atlanta. Our
Workshops: Sat: 1 - 3 p.m. (The Diamond Body), Sunday 11 - 1
p.m (New Journey thru the Chakras). Official
website:
www.atlantayogaconference.com
***
New England Yoga Weekend - Nov. 12 - 14
 We had such an AMAZING time at the Georgia Yoga retreat this past August, that we immediately got busy planning another! We weren't sure that we could find another retreat locale which would include all the nice touches: seriously comfortable rooms, private bathrooms, spacious yoga space, and startlingly fresh air of the last setting but yay we did it! Seriously, this place is amazing, it is very accessible yet a very private, woodsy area adjacent to State Forest with hiking trails, and 2 neighboring lakes. The vibe is very New Englandy, charming and rustic, and after doing loads of research and having lots of talks with the lovely sweet owners, who mentioned that the pretty Fall foliage lasts well into Nov. as well as the fabulous & fun town of Chester. Join us at the Guest House Retreat Center in CT!
The best thing about a Kundalini Yoga Retreat is that is is going to take you as you are, and lift you to somewhere you never knew you needed to be! If you are after some more peace in your life, some more will power, some transformational activity in body, mind, soul or circumstance, this is an opportunity to get a flying start into a higher echelon of being!
The cost for this whole event (2 nights accommodation, including meals) $600 (double room occupancy). Rooms are SPACIOUS, each with a private bathroom. The first yoga session will be Friday Nov. 12th at 4p.m. There will be a before bed talk and meditation on Friday and Saturday nights, as well as two yoga sessions on Saturday, as well as a yoga session on Sunday morning. The session on Sunday will end at noon.
Our last retreat sold out pretty quickly and we can only accept 35 people (there are 10 spaces left) so don't delay! To register, please call us at 212.982.5518 or e-mail us at ravianayoga@aol.com. Registration will require a non-refundable $350 deposit to hold your space. We can accept payment via credit card or paypal (ravianayoga@aol.com). Also, those who attend will accrue 15 hours towards our 200 hr. Yoga Alliance Teacher Training certification. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Specials of the MonthMany of our titles are on sale on Amazon.com for as low as $11.99. If your order is $25 or more you get free shipping!
  
Amazon.com Specials
Kundalini Yoga Transformer All-In-One Workout - 20% off
The Kundalini Yoga Meditation & Breathing DVD - 20% off
Kundalini Yoga Solar Power All-In-One Workout - 15% off
Fat Free Yoga - 20% off
Kundalini Yoga for Beginners & Beyond - 20% off
Ultimate Stretch Workout - 15% off
Kundalini Yoga DVD "Personal Shopper"
Endurance, Strength: Warrior Workout, Yoga House Call (Strong Bones & Muscle Tone), KY Cardio
Self Initiation: Yoga House Call (So Darshan Chakra Kriya),Kundalini Yoga for Beginners & Beyond
Physical Mastery: Yoga Bliss Hips, Yoga for Beginners & Beyond: Stretch, Strengthen, Be Stress Free, Ultimate Stretch Workout
Confidence, Personal Power, Focus, Will:Navel Power
Working Through Blocks: A Journey thru the Chakras
Spiritual Mastery: The Kundalini Yoga Meditation DVD
Stubborn Life Issues: Kundalini Yoga Transformer, Kundalini Yoga for Beginners & Beyond (Rise & Spine Segment)
Physical Health: Fat Free Yoga
Detoxification: Yoga Cleanse
Please note that many of our DVD's are also
available on amazon.co.uk as well as amazon.ca
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Blue Gap Meditation
 Sit like a perfect Yogi and turn your eyes all the way up to the top of your head.
Part 1 - Long Deep Breathing through your nose. As you inhale feel the syllables SA-TA coming in through the top of your head. As you exhale feel the syllables Na-Ma going out the top of your head. Continue in this manner for 11-31 minutes.
Part 2 - Look down and in towards the tip of the nose, eyes 1/10 open. For 11-31
min. chant continuously:
Sat Nam, Sat Nam, Sat Nam, Sat Nam, Sat Nam, Sat Nam, Wahay Guru
The "Blue Gap," refers to the disparity between the basic state of awareness of most people and the more subtle and expansive state of consciousness which will eventually be the standard for the Aquarian Age. When Yogi Bhajan taught this meditation, he referenced a generation gap between most of us, and the exalted souls who are going to start appearing to lead humanity into the Aquarian Age. For many of these souls, embodying here is a shock. Earth is a very ungraceful and at times brutal place. It's ironic that, in many cases, it's incumbent on us now, to teach and set an example for those who came to teach us! Part 1 raises our frequency to match the subtle beauty of the blue ethers. Part 2 engenders the ability to communicate subtle truths in a way that can be grasped by everyone, and also helps us to provide solace to old souls! If you are a creative artist this is the perfect meditation for the ability to be able to give indescribable beauty, form.
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Check
Out These
Links!
Raviana Fan Page on
Facebook - Join us here
for real time news. Make the Fan Page your daily destination
for everything fun going on in Ana & Ravi's world.
Raviana Group Page on Facebook -
The community for Kundalini Yoga enthusiasts seeking the latest on
Kundalini Yoga /
lifestyle! Deepen your practice here!
Be
Ana's Friend On Facebook -
"I love Facebook! It gives me the opportunity to connect with so many
of you when
I'm not teaching in a city near you."
Ana on Twitter -
Be the
recipient of Ana's sky blue tweets!
Our Website - Check out our tour schedule, A - Z Health Archive, More!
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We wish you an exhilarating, fun, and joyful rest of 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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