Happy March everyone! We want to take a moment to thank you for all of your emails, feed- back, reviews and support. We are happy to hear that we inspire so many of you because that inspiration is com- pletely mutual! Often our themes of the month are moti- ivated by the in- sightful and timely questions you ask. This month one of you wrote asking how much we actually can control our daily circumstances. That great question birthed our March theme: Control! In other words, how much of what is, "meant to be," is pure serendipity and how much is brought about by the sweat of our brow. What can we control and what can't we? It's an understandable human foible to try to control one's environments, and other people. Sometimes though, wanting to bend reality to one's will can be a buffer against fully engaging in life. Often the need to control is a fear response. We experience fear when our survival (physical or emotional) is threatened. Fear causes us to be reactive instead of proactive. The Universe has a better perspective so why not let it control? Be a Tantric adept in the Aquarian Age and do the opposite of what your reactivity dictates. When you feel the need to control, surrender! Surrender doesn't always mean that you grit your teeth and accept the inevitability of injustice in the world, or throw your hands up and say, 'Whatever.' It can also mean letting the Universe drive for a bit. We invariably make more progress when we keep things light and revel in the new! Elbow grease plus fun plus fearless surrender equals victory! The need to control is a First Chakra imbalance. Through our Kundalini Yoga practice we want to graduate from a First Chakra perspective to the Second Chakra (flow), and from the Second to the Third (fearlessness), and from the Third to the Fourth (Love). We also want to practice conscious emodiment by moving from the Seventh and Eighth (All Options) to the Sixth (discernment, focus), and from the Sixth to the Fifth (Manifestation), and from the Fifth to the Fourth Chakra (Love). So, the antidote to the need to control is Love. Love yourself. Love the Universe and its gentle rhythms. Love everyone who are dong their best to get by. Live and let Love! Our Workshops This Coming Weekend! If you live in the Northeast, we hope you can make it to our workshops this weekend. The Saturday session is on Long Island, a stone's throw from NYC. On Sunday we'll be in New Cumberland, PA. We hope to see all of you there! Sat. March 12th (ONLY A FEW SPACES LEFT!) Farmingdale, NY: Long Island Yoga Association
Kundalini Yoga: The Body Electric: 10 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
United Methodist Church 407 Main St.
631.261.1777 / longislandyogaassociation@yahoo.com
Sun. March 13th (ONLY A FEW SPACES LEFT!) New Cumberland, PA - Flow Together Yoga Ctr.
The Body Electric - Jumpstart Your Life!
11 a.m. - 1 p.m. $50/45 pre-reg.
717.774.1820 / www.flowtogether.com
2011 Retreats, Workshops, & Teacher Training!!!
It's official. We're happy to announce that Our next 200 hr. Teacher Training will be in Naples, FL. starting this October! You will be able to complete it between October 2011 and April 2012! For more info, see the Attached Teacher Training Brochure and/or contact: jamie@jamieshane.com Also Upcoming: Mark Your Calenders! Sat. April 9th, Rye, NY Yoga Teachers Association Fri. April 15th to Sun. Apr. 17th Memphis, TN - KUNDALINI YOGA HEALING THE HEALER YOGA WEEKEND Fri. Jul. 22nd to Sun. Jul. 24th, Blue Ridge Mtn. K. Yoga Retreat Dahlonega Retreat Center, Dahlonega, GA
Fri. Nov. 4th to Sun. Nov. 6th Chester, CT Live Your Colors New England Yoga Retreat / Guest House Retreat Center
Yoga Bhajan on What We Can Control
"Sometimes we operate under the misconception that we can control the circumstances of the outside world. What we can do is control our inside worlds. That is a gift given to us. And that is where we must start.
"Earth was meant to be graceful because it is a reflection of the Heavens. Planet earth is the one planet in the entire existence which is the reflection of our entire psyche not only of the Universe, but of the Universe of Universes of Universes.
"Sahej" means very easy, very smooth, very harmonious. And my mind is in bliss. Why? Because within myself, within my psyche, within my being, within my radiant body, I have my own nectar within me. I have created that. I have stimulated my tattwas (the elements). I have resolved the unity of my gunas (the unique blend of the elements which makes you, you.). I have resounded and I have reprocessed my chakras, and I find myself in absolute bliss. And that is what bliss is about.
"Cherdi Kala means "Rising spirit." If you have a Christian background, it is called 'resurrection.' Continuous resurrection. Not just once, but all the time, every time, in every minute! And if you have any religious faith or acknowlegement or are in touch with it, it is a very simple concept. There is no duality. It means you rise to the occasion as it confronts you. But rise! Be above it!"
11 Things We Can Control
1. Our experience of this moment breath by breath. Inhale Sat. Exhale Nam! 2. Our mind and its intrigues. Meditate, and remember to remember! 3. How we relate to other people. Let us love no matter what ((you can still love a person although you are not obligated to like what they may do). 4. The decisions we make about how to be. 5. Our habits, which we can continually modify to be healthier and happier. 6. Our quality of life by getting involved on behalf of each other. 7. The general trends in our lives through a committed Spiritual Practice. 8. We can't control what happens, but we can control how we relate to what happens. 9. We can live in bliss, remembering, "All things come from God. All thing go to God." 10. We can turn karma into Dharma (see Questions of the Month). 11. Did you ever observe a couple (for instance) locked into a dysfunctional relationship? How they feed off each other's pain? Many people have a dysfunctional relationship with life and the people in it. It is possible to clear our subconscious minds and transform our "pain bodies," into bodies of light, by doing techniques such as So Darshan Chakra Kriya (under "S" on the A-Z Health Archive on www.raviana.com Newsletter Archive
We now have our past newsletters archived. To read past newsletters just click on this link: RAVIANA NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE |
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Our Two New DVD's!!!
Kundalini Yoga:
The Body Electric All-in-One Workout
Think of those special days when you feel on top of everything, in control without having to be on high alert mode. A day when everything seems to make sense and flows and beauty surrounds you! The aim of this workout is to put these types of once in a blue moon, special days, on speed dial! And for those of you who were hoping the cardio was dance inspired? It's not in this one but feel free to join me for the fun li'l dance in the closing credits! We are literally live wires, and when our energy is flowing optimally vibrant power streams into us from nature and the Universe, to fill our lives with excitement and success. This all-in-one workout will provide total fitness and the experience of Spirit everyday. The Body Electric focuses on inner and outer strength, endurance, and self-regeneration. It features a great warm-up set followed by two sets for flexibility and nerve strength (Nerves of Platinum parts 1 & 2), Body Bliss Workout (an amazing Kundalini, on your mat, cardio romp featuring exercises ANYONE can do), deep relaxation, mantra chant, plus bonus material, pre-sets, and of course the Matrix Menu option which lets you program your own workout based on the time your have. This workout is for ALL LEVELS. It's fun fitness you will love for life! P.S. the music on this DVD rocks! Transform your body and beautify your soul!  Kundalini Yoga Flow Bootcamp All-in-One Workout People are asking about the "Power Yoga" segment on this DVD. No, these are not your typical Sun Salutes with typical Warrior poses. It's a form of power yoga, Kundalini style of course, and even includes Breath of Fire in a few of the poses. It is designed to get you off the floor (where so many KY sets take place) and use your own body weight to warm your entire body, while giving you a beautifully balanced, muscular and toned physique. We did not invent this fusion of hatha flow and Kundalini! Yogi Bhajan himself taught KY this way with Sun Salutations before the kriyas when he first came to the West.. Note on Ringing the Bells of Heaven segment: Did you know that most people have limited circulation to their brains because their cervical vertabrae are chronically out of alignment. Another factor which limits blood flow to the brain is calcium deposits in the neck and shoulders. This amazing kriya was taught by Yogi Bhajan to free up the neck and refresh our brains. Here is Ana talking about that set: "I got about seven minutes into the extended exercise called "Ringing the Bells of Heaven," when I felt a kind of chiropractic adjustment deep in my lower spine. It was a Wow! Thanks! I really needed that!" moment and I know that would have never happened if I hadn't "kept up" and done this sequence. This DVD reflects all of Yoga, Ancient and New! This total all-in-one workout not only gives you a longer leaner yoga body, but also a stronger cleaner yoga mind! It features Yoga Flow Parts 1 & 2, an amazing journey into the heart of yoga with Ana leading the way. This fusion between Kundalini and Power Yoga is a breath and movement strength building, flexifying, beautifying, age-defying all and everything workout. It's followed by Kundalini Core Power, Ringing the Bells of Heaven (Upper Body Tune & Tone), Deep Relaxation, Siam Kriya, an uplifting mantra chant, as well as bonus material, pre-sets, and the Matrix Menu option. The bootcamp concept means that in "keeping up," you deliver yourself to greatness, transform your body and mind, and rewrite the book of your life. This workout is for ALL LEVELS. P.S. The music on these rocks!
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· Kundalini DVD's for 2011 ·
  
It's Fitness Season and the advent of Spring, a time when our glands need a little nudge in preparation for the warmer months ahead. The way to get a flat stomach and great tone is to work from the inside out. Its all about redressing stress and keeping your hormones happy! Here is a list of our 22 DVD's and links to Amazon.com where many of these are on sale! Complete your collection and fly high!
- Yoga Total Tune Up - Four 20 min. segments. Powerful stuff!
- Yoga Cleanse - Perfect workout for your winter detox and more!
- Navel Power - For personal power, focus, will, and stomach of steel!
- Warrior Workout - a non-stop high energy feast.
- Ultimate Stretch Workout - Great Kundalini for longer leaner lines!
- A Journey thru the Chakras - Climb the ladder of lights,blossom!
- Am/Pm Yoga - Start and end your day on a high note!
- Kundalini Yoga for Beginners & Beyond - A Kundalini "must have," featuring the classic basic spinal series and the Five Tibetans!
- Fat Free Yoga - A Kundalini classic! You win because you lose!
- Dance the Chakras Yoga Workout - Move thru the chakras, literally! Two sets: a half hour chakra workout and sacred movement sets.
- Yoga Beauty Body - Featuring the "Magnificent 7," and much more!
- Yoga Bliss Hips - Let your energy flow in new and exciting ways!
- Yoga House Call - Rx Yoga for long term issues, quick sets, and more!
- Yoga Quick Fixes - Rx Yoga for on-the-spot self-healing, quick sets plus. Featuring Delete Depression, Headache Helper, So Long Sciatica...
- Yoga for Beginners & Beyond: Stretch, Strengthen, Be Stress Free - Kundalini/Hatha fusion. Embody the basics and grow your Kundalini practice!
- Kundalini Yoga for Energy & Super Radiance - Kundalini Yoga to be the bright being you were born to be!
- Kundalini Yoga Cardio, Stretch, & Strengthen - Get set to sweat and grow!
- Kundalini Yoga Transformer All-In-One Workout - An amazing inner/outer workout. Featuring "Born Free," and more!
- Kundalini Yoga Solar Power All-In-One Workout - An amazing set to open the all-important solar plexus plus Awaken Your Senses.
- Kundalini Yoga Meditation for Beginners & Beyond - Grow you inner life and burn brightly in this world!
- Kundalini Yoga Flow Bootcamp All-In-One Workout
- Kundalini Yoga Body Electric All-In-One Workout
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Questions of the
Month
It was Meant to Be!
Hi! I was listening to my friend the other day say for perhaps the 150th time that this-or-that was fate or meant to be, which she applies to everything from finding any empty check-out line at a store to meeting a new boyfriend. I've always believed more in things happening from our own decisions and the conscious choices we make. Could you elaborate on this?
There are many levels to your very relevant question! In a mundane sense, it is under- standable that one would look for patterns in life and console oneself that every little thing is in alignment with a higher purpose. Actually synchronicity or coincidence happens as much in a random universe (chaos theory) as it does in a co-creative one. Another way of saying that is, the Universe likes to play, and sometimes nudges us both when we're messing up, and when we are on track. So, omens, signs, and wonders only count when we make them count!
Overall, the Universe's guarantee to each of us is that basically, things will work out if we can simply get out of our own way! We are bound by an approx. 70/30 percent ratio of influences. 30 percent is our own will and 70 percent is the Universe's basic storyline for the growth of our soul. There are certain things (broad strokes) which are meant to be. How we fill in the picture, the colors and style we choose, is own personal creative statement. When we try to co-opt the Universe's will and go off on tangents which are not in our higher selve's best interest, it is very common to hit turbulence on our life path's.
Also, as a result of our Kundalini Yoga practice, when we're in our power, our chakras are aligned, and our energies are coordinated, we can more readily be "in the flow." The Body Bliss Workout on our new Body Electric DVD, is a set taught by Yogi Bhajan called "Mastering Your Domain." It's specifically (in addition to many other benefits) designed to keep us aligned with positive outcomes.
Often things seem to work out for people even though it seems as if they've done nothing to deserve their good luck! People can simply have good karma (which can run out if one doesn't replenish it). Sometimes, without even realizing how they've done it, people find a way to strengthen their Navel Chakras and Magnetic Fields and are able to express personal power. That is often a hit or miss proposition. It is far more effective to do it consciously through a committed Kundalini Yoga practice.
Overall, it's important to understand the difference between fate and Destiny. Fate is to be locked into a universe where randomness rules. A Destiny is more in alignment with a life lived with conscious integrity. There is no guarantee that things will always work out, and sometimes even when they don't seem to, the way is being paved for something great or momentous. Nevertheless, when we live on purpose, and honor the rhythms of the Universe, we are more in a position to self-determine. Time and space defer to Grace. When someone says, "It was meant to be," more often than not, what they are really saying is either, "I am grateful for God's grace." or, "I accept God's will!" A committed Kundalini Yoga / Meditation practice helps us to circumvent fate and live our Destiny, which entails using our gifts to make a difference.
Earthquake Trauma
Hi Ana & Ravi, I live in Christchurch, New Zealand and recently we had a major earthquake that shook the region. Many homes and buildings were destroyed. It has been quite the emotional and physical trauma. I feel very fuzzy from lack of sleep and emotionally disconnected from life as I have experienced much more trauma over the past 13 years and was just settling down when the quake happened. Would you please recommend some yoga sets to balance and bring me back to life!! I have most of your DVD'sand appreciate your wisdom and caring nature. Thanks so much!
We are so sorry to hear that you are experiencing such an extreme life challenge! We suggest that you do as much Kundalini Yoga as you have time for to re-set your nervous system. Both sets of AM/PM Yoga, especially set 2 will be very helpful for you. Time permitting, the Breath Meditation on Set 2 would also be extremely helpful if practiced 11-31 minutes before bed. . We also suggest that you practice the Ganpati Kriya Meditation.
You can read about it under "G" in the A-Z Health Archive on www.raviana.com.
Try to do 2 or 3 repetitions of the mantra per breath and create a melody or rhythm for the mantra which you find beautiful. This meditation would also be 11-31 minutes. We also recommend the Liquid Gold Meditation (on the Delete Depression segment) on
Yoga Quick Fixes
When we experience any type of extreme calamity our orientation shifts to the right brain hemisphere as a coping mechanism. That abstracts us from our feelings and from reality itself. It's difficult in times of extreme stress, but a committed Kundalini Yoga meditation practice helps us to maintain an overview in a balanced way. We know you are going through a very difficult time but consider that, as a Kundalini Yogi, you are in a position to help many people, and that in helping others you will also speed up your own healing process. Please keep us posted. We wish you joy, health, and abundant blessings!
Tur-ban or Not
SAt Nam Ravi and Ana, I read about you, Ravi, and you said you wore the turban from 77 to 99. Why don't you wear it anymore? It's been 6 years that I struggle myself with that, should I wear it or not, and I would like to have your opinion.
Thanks for writing. I (Ravi) stopped wearing a turban because I came to feel that it placed sort of a wall between me and the world. As Teachers we should be, as Yogi Bhajan said, "Impersonally personal," but I did want to be more accessible to people. Throughout the years I wore a turban, I thought it was the coolest thing. Then at a certain point it didn't seem to be relevant anymore. After all these years I'm still not sure if wearing a turban represents a higher form of commitment or a kind of religious conformity. I do know that it's more important to be true to oneself than to force yourself to do something (after giving it the old college try) which doesn't resonate with your soul. The technology behind wearing a turban, as Yogi Bhajan explained it, is that it protects the hair which is an energy antenna and has a very strong magnetic field. Wind and dust, etc. can compromise that. He also said that wearing a turban adjusts the skull bones in a very important way. He also said it puts a pressure on certain energy points which stimulate the Third Eye. It keeps energy consolidated in the higher chakras so that one is not "spaced out," in daily life. Yogi Bhajan also said that wearing a head covering of a natural material (cotton is best) provides insulation and conductivity for energy currents within and without. It is also a way of "crowning" oneself to stand out as a person of Spirit. I think that to wear one or not wear a turban as a Kundalini Yoga practitioner/Teacher is a personal decision and that it doesn't have to be a black and white proposition (some Sikhs would disagree with that because their religion mandates that they keep their head covered in public). Maybe you could wear it when you teach and attend 3HO events, and not wear it other times. That's what I did before I wore it full time and as I was starting to wear it less. We wish you joy, health, and abundant blessings! |
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Breath Meditation for Fearlessness,
Nerve Strength, & Self-Blessing
When you master your breath you master your mind, emotions, health, energy, environments, and align yourself with the energies of nature and the Universe. This meditation will transform you, on all the levels you are.  Raise your right hand as if you're taking an oath. Your left elbow is contacting the base of the ribs. Left forearm parallel, left palm facing upwards. (see the photo of Ana on the left and the Buddha photo above. He's doing this Meditation!)
Inhale long and light through the nose, ideally for 15 seconds. Hold the breath for 15 seconds. Exhale long and light for 15 seconds. Hold the breath out for 15 seconds.
If you're not able to manage 15 seconds per breath segment, then start with 10 seconds and build up over time.
Focus at the brow. Think Sa-Ta-Na-Ma in a uniform rhythm during each segment of breathing.
Practice this for up to 11 min.
When Yogi Bhajan taught this he explained that it would be helpful for "shingles," a very painful condition which occurs when the nerves near the surface of the skin aren't receiving enough oxygen. Shingles or not, this meditation will give you beautiful skin! It will give you a calm disposition and make you fearless. It will help you turn stress into blessings. If practiced diligently, this meditation will do nothing less than make you a Master!
When things seem out of control, sit down, take a stand, and see what 11 min. of this amazing technique can accomplish!
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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! (Ana says: I am a terrible twitterer but follow me anyway! Maybe we can inspire each other! There is always hope!)
Our Website - Check out our tour schedule, A - Z Health Archive, More!
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We wish you a happy and fun March!
 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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