 December Kundalini Yoga News
Sat Nam Yoga Friends. We had no idea what to expect when we boarded our flight to Istanbul last week but, we can now say, Istanbul is definitely one of the coolest cities we have ever visited! Where else can you be in Europe but also be in Asia in minutes by crossing the exquisite turquoise blue Bosphorus? Taking in this perfect blend of ancient and modern, our senses were filled with all the amazing architecture,textures, and colors, from ancient mosques to mosaics, colorful rugs to cobble-stoned streets, The several times daily beautiful call to prayer inspired us to remember to remember and is still playing in our heads. The fresh squeezed pomegranate juice from the street vendors is an amazing tonic. Turkey's answer to coconut water. Best of all, the extremely warm, welcoming, and gracious inhabitants. If our wishes come true, we'll be back!
We were in Istanbul to teach a series of workshops at the Hatha Nefes International Yoga Conference. Though there are a variety of yoga studios with wonderful teachers, YOGA is still fairly new in Istanbul and, as you can imagine, KUNDALINI yoga was as exotic to many of the conference attendees as their mosque and hammam (and cat!) filled city was to us! The beginner students mostly wanted to know what this "yoga thing" could do for them. Almost none who attended our workshops had yet invested in yoga clothing or yoga mats. They gamely grinded and flexed and twisted and stretched and Breath of Fired in their business/casual attire on the carpeting while our translator very gamely communicated the special language of Kundalini Yoga. The students who were most wary at the beginning of the workshops were the ones first at the door the next day wanting more, astounded at how amazing Kundalini Yoga made them feel!
At the start of the conference we were interviewed by Turkish CNN. They asked us how we thought Turkish people would take to yoga, and what this conference means to Turkey. We told them that what's so cool is that yoga is news wherever we go, and that yoga helps people get in touch with themselves, but more importantly it brings us all together. The more we relate to our souls, the more common ground there is among everyone. Thanks to all who attended our Workshops and shared your amazing Keep Up Spirit. Devam Et!
Teacher Training in Syracuse
We had a great first weekend for our Teacher Training course in Syracuse, NY. It's not too late to get on board and attend the remaining five modules. You can easily make up the first module in 2013, anywhere we will be offering a Training. For more info: ravianayoga@aol.com / 1.800.243.9642
Upcoming Workshops / Events
Friday Dec. 21st, END OF THE MAYAN CALENDER BEGINNING OF THE AQUARIAN AGE EVENT It's finally here. After so much speculation, the end of the Mayan calender / Winter Solstice is about 10 days away. The difference before and after that day is that in the Piscean Age history creates us. After December 21st, we have the power to shape history in terms of a more positive outcome for all. We'll do just that at Ravens Wing Yoga Studio in Branford Ct. Winter Solstice, New World Celebration with live music by Love Tribe Vibe. This is a once in a millenium Power Day. Come join us to rock the Heavens and take everything in your life to a new level.
19 S. Main St., 203.488.9642 / www.ravenswingyoga.com / 6 - 8 p.m. / $40 Please pre-register, space limited!
Tuesday January 1st, Noon - 2 p.m. $25, Naples, FL - New Year's Day Class at BIja Yoga
It's said that what you do on the first day of the year, defines the year to come. Get some momentum into the New Year with a special Kundalini Yoga workshop for success, healing, love, and personal Mastery. Register Now, space limited! 1250 Tamiami Trail North, Naples FL. 239.775.0888 / www.bijayoga971.com
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 Kundalini Yoga: Days of Power
One of the reasons Kundalini Yoga works so well is that it gets us in rhythm with ourselves, our world, and our Universe.. Why is this important? Imagine playing a melody while being accompanied by a rhythm section (drums and bass). If you're not playing in the same meter as the other musicians then what results is cacphony. In this sense, many people feel that their lives are out of sync with the world around them.
In the Kundalini Yoga tradition, there are certain "Power Days," of the week, month, and year, which allow us to draw upon powerful energies and realign. This month features an extra-special Power Day, Dec. 21st (see our Tour Schedule for a special event on this day) which is the end of the Mayan calender. It's the completion of an historical cycle and the beginning of a new one. This new cycle promises to be a time of Great Enlightenment. In order to capitalize upon new energies, we have to "be one with Universe," everyday, and raise our frequency. A daily Kundalini Yoga practice puts us in the perfect position to do just that!
Getting in sync with the moons cycles can help us manage our energy. The moon relates to the underworld which is a metaphor for our deep psyche. In certain phases of the moon cycle there is much more emotional energy present. The upside of this is During these certain phases deep emotional work is more easily entered into. Yogi Bhajan said, "Your biofeedback moves from New Moon to Full Moon, and Full Moon to New Moon. There are three days of the Moon. If you fast at these times you can bring your mind and health into balance. In Auryveda this is considered to be the Mastery of all treatments. Try fasting on lemon and water during these three days of the month. From sun-up to until the next morning at breakfast, when you can break the fast."
(You can sweet lemon water with honey or sweetener of you choice. It is recommended that you drink lemon water through a straw to save the enamel on your teeth.)
The Full Moon:During the Full moon our glands are most active. This can make us feel very emotional and reactive, or, if we channel that energy, it affords the opportunity to make great gains on the inner planes and accelerate emotional healing. Our bodies our 70% water liquid and the Full Moon not only effects the tides of the ocean, but the tides in us (in fact ancient yogic writings state that the seven oceans also exist in our bodies)!Those who have not trained their minds through Meditation, are especially susceptible to extreme mental fluctuations on this day. It is said that Buddha was born on a Full Moon and attained his enlightenment on the Full Moon as well. This is a very propitious time to conceive. The Sa-Ta-Na-Ma Meditation which is on Yoga Quick Fixes and Yoga House Call is perfect for the Full Moon. (Dec. 28th). Best DVD: Fat Free Yoga
From the Full Moon to the New Moon, the moon is said to be waning. This is a time for reflection, planning, consolidation, and inner work on ourselves.
The New Moon: The New Moon is day one of the moon cycle. During the New Moon, our glands are at a low ebb, as is our energy. This is a good day to do an active Kundalini Yoga set, such as Warrior Workout and to do Meditations which focus on positivity. (Dec. 13th). The New Moon is a day to charge your plans with power! This day is all about a running start into turning our intentions into reality. Best DVD: A Journey thru the Chakras
From the New Moon until the Full Moon the moon is said to be waxing. This is a time to go out and do. Initiate projects and generally go for it.
The 11th Day of the Moon Cycle: On the 11th day of the moon cycle we are in balance between the extremes of the Full and New Moons. This is another great day to fast on liquid only and/or east very light. Make this a green smoothie day! Also, meditate like you mean it! Every ounce of Spiritual practice you put in on this day will be greatly magnified (Dec. 24th) Best DVD: Body Electric. In the Hindu tradition the 11th day of the Moon Cycle is called Ekadasi tithi, and it is traditional to fast as an homage to Lord Vishnu (Creator of the Universe). Best DVD: Yoga Bliss Hips
Other Power Days / Times
Monday: Monday is moon day. Many yogis fast with liquids only on Monday to give their digestive systems a rest and to capitalize upon the stimulation of the glandular system. Best DVD: Ultimate Stretch Workout
The Ambrosial Hours: The hours between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. are called Amrit Vela (Ambrosial hours). At this time, when the sun is approx. 60º below the horizon, Kundalini Yoga and Meditation is most effective. At this time the lung meridians are open and conscious breathing is most propitious. Also, subconscious debris is closest to the surface and can be cleared out most effectively. 60º is an angle which extends to Infinity. The breathing and Meditation one does in the pre-dawn hours create wealth and health. Conversely, the longer we stay in bed after sunrise, the more drained we become by the earth's magnetic field.
4 p.m. - 7 p.m. is also an important time. During that time when the sun is approx. 60º above the horizon, our psyches and energy levles, are at a low ebb. It's no coincidence that this time corresponds to Happy Hour. A Kundalini Yoga and Meditation Happy Hour is a better choice. Best DVD: The AM portion of Am/Pm Yoga, extending the Meditation to 31 min.
Summer Solstice: Summer Solstice, June 21st, is the longest day of the year, when solar energy is most powerful. The Kundalini Yoga and Meditation we do on this day engenders benefits all year. On this day, everything we do has a multi-dimensional aspect. Best DVD: Solar Power.
Winter Solstice: Winter Solstice, December 21st, is the shortest day of the year. On this day our "dark side, is closest to the surface. We can either act upon those negative emotions and tendencies, or go into them and do some deep and lasting house cleaning. This is a great day to get together with other yogis and celebrate Spirit! (if you can make it, we will be doing some amazing Winter Solstice Kriyas along with live music on this date:12/21, Ravens Wing Yoga,Branford, CT, 6 p.m. ). Best DVD: Kundalini Yoga Transformer
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Give the Gift of Spirit: Three Pack Gift Ideas
   
The Holiday Season with its lights, bright decorations, and happy songs, is such an uplifting time. It's our favorite time of the year! People seem to go out of their ways to make others feel a little more light- hearted and special. Families and friends come together to share in celebration. Whats not to love? Here is our annual Christmas DVD gift idea list. Why not give yourself the gift of the blessing of helping inspiring someone else to walk on the path of Spirit. You will be giving the gift of health and good cheer.
Perfect for your Mom your college student sister, your Dad, your brother or your best friend or favorite Aunt Here is our annual Christmas gift giving guide in which some helpful elves have put together the perfect Spirit package for everyone on your list. Complete your own collection as well and give yourself the gift of Spirit!
Beginners Starter Kit:
Every Girls Gift Pack: Be Good, Feel Good, Look Great!
For the Stressed-Out Friend Who Needs Yoga But Doesn't Know It:
High Fun Factor
Personal Transformation
For the Warrior or Athlete in Your Life
Self-Healing
Spiritual Uplift
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 Driving Ms. Crazy
Dear Ana / Ravi I cannot wait for your book to come out - I truly hope it is soon. I have a question regarding car anxiety issues. Ever since I met my husband (approx. 11 years ago), his driving has evoked major anxiety for me. He is a very good driver, but he is also a very aggressive one. We currently live in Philadelphia and being aggressive in terms of driving is par for the course here. We have had numerous arguments about his driving and lately I'm having terrible anxiety when I get in the car with him. Like I said, he is a good driver and we have never been in an accident - but for some reason, I am beginning to have a physical reaction and it's not good. I was wondering if there is any kind of Kundalini mantra or exercise I can do to calm myself. It's an awful feeling and I don't know what to do about it. Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks for writing. We are sorry to hear of your life challenge. We can definitely understand where your husband may be coming from, and of course we can commiserate with your situation as well. We would like to address part of our answer to your husband.
Dear xxxx's husband: In our travels throughout the world, we are always amazed by how bad the traffic is. From Istanbul to Illinois, Naples (FL), to New Jersey, not to mention NYC, LA, and SF, traffic seems to be getting worse and worse. It is very hard not to go into high alert mode when driving, especially when confronted with things beyond our control. It seems that driving, especially for men, brings out one's competitive side. Testosterone starts flowing. I (Ravi) can completely relate. In the interest of marital harmony, we would ask you to consider a counter-intuitive approach, because everything is a metaphor for everything. How we drive reflects on how we live, or aspire to live. By modifying certain tendencies, even if our instincts insist otherwise, we can actually do less and get more done, and get further faster, figuratively and literally. Try driving in a relaxed way when time is not of the essence. A true Warrior lives tactfully and tactically. When you hit heavy traffic or have to contend with an overly cautious driver in front of you, etc., say to yourself, "I'll take it." By paying your dues, when nothing major is at stake, then you'll have more of an open road when you really need to get somewhere NOW. Also, the negative karma we accrue from making other drivers, as well as your wife, upset, is not worth it. That type of karma makes things more difficult down the road (literally) when we can't afford it. For both of you: Many people resent being stuck in traffic because they feel that it is completely wasted time. There is a way to make that time very fruitful, and that entails doing a Spiritual practice while in your car. Chanting mantras. It will turn a stressful activity in a bliss-inducing one. The mantra we use quite often is: Har Haray Haree Wahay Guru. Of course your eyes stay open, but stay meditative.
So, we suggest that you also chant your favorite mantra as you ride along with your husband. It will soothe his nervous system, protect both of you, and bring blessings into your lives. To curb your anxiety we recommend (for your home practice) the Breath Series on our Meditation DVD and the PM Meditation on Am/Pm Yoga. When you first get in the car chant one time: Ad Guray Namay, Jugad Guray Namay, Sat Guray Namay, Siri Guru Dev A Namay. Write to us for a sound file if you don't know how to pronounce this. We know that it seems like magical thinking: 'Well just do this mantra and everything will be okay.' It is magical thinking unless we work from the other end as well. Taking the bull by the horns and dealing with reality as it is, to try to elevate all concerned. The fact is that mantras create a vibratory effect which aligns us with more positive realities. If you chant a mantra when you drive you will begin to notice a kind of flow happening. Your decisions in traffic will consistently be the right ones to stay in that flow. When we do a Spiritual practice in our lives, that same type of flow takes hold.
While you're in the midst of an anxiety attack try this simple breath: interlace your fingers over your solar plexus and inhale thru puckered lips (long and light) and exhale through your nose (long and light). 5 min. can make all the difference.
You're certainly not the only couple who has to deal with this issue, but there is a win-win scenario, embedded in this seeming conflict.
Journey through the Chakras has been a wonderful experience. Is there a development of the Chi in Kundalilni Yoga? Is the Chi in Karate, and healing Chi the same or do they require different meditations and techniques to develop?
Thanks or writing and congratulations on keeping up with your Kundalini Yoga practice! You ask a very interesting question. Depending on the context, "chi," means different things in different contexts. Overall, as the term is commonly used, "chi," energy is life force. Kundalini is the energy of energies of which chi is part of. All healthy practices such as conscious breathing, a pure diet, and living in a way which conserves energy, works towards the cultivation of chi. All forms of yoga, chi-kung, etc. move energy through the body. Chi moves energy through the acupuncture meridians, which are, in a sense, one step removed from the physical. In Kundalini Yoga, we move energy through these channels, but also the nadi system, which is an order of magnitude more subtle (and powerful). .
Clearing Out the Pain of the Past
Hi Ana & Ravi, So happy that you are bringing Kundalini yoga to the masses! Spirit rising!!!! I had been emotionally abused as a kid & had a nervous breakdown at 23. I need to heal deep rooted old wounds & break old patterns! which dvd's would be beneficial to me? I just started doing Solar Power & have The Highest Step. Are there any others? Thank you & Sat Nam.Thanks for writing. Congratulations on being proactive with your Kundalini Yoga practice. Your life challenges have been difficult, but i processing them and moving beyond them you will gain deep Wisdom and compassion which can help you to elevate your gifts. Solar Power and Highest Step video (the Transformer DVD is an updated version of this) would be great. We also recommend Navel Power and Yoga Bliss Hips as well as the Sa-Ta-Na-Ma Meditation on Yoga Quick Fixes and Yoga House Call. Of course the So Darshan Chakra Kriya Meditation on Yoga Bliss Hips, Yoga Quick Fixes, and Yoga House Call is amazing for emotional healing. Read about it under "S" on the A-Z Health Archive on raviana.com. Sat Nam & Blessings!
Breath Challenge
Hi Ana and Ravi! I love love love your newsletters. You put such great information in them. Never having met you, I can feel the love coming through and how much you care. Thank you!!
I just started Kundalini yoga and I find the breathing exercises extremely challenging. So far, I've only done the first bit of the Journey Through Chakras DVD (chakra breathing exercise). and I also tried an exercise from your website. I feel extreme anxiety and overwhelm when doing the breathing exercises. I feel like I'm drowning and I start to panic a bit. What do you think that means? How do you recommend that I navigate through these feelings? I really want to continue to pursue this practice. I think that it's just a cleansing response and will eventually subside, but I wanted some insight from you guys. Thanks so much!
Thanks for writing and congratulations on beginning your Kundalini Yoga practice. What you are experiencing is a blocked solar plexus. The solar plexus is where we let life in, and one's solar plexus gets blocked as a result of stress and emotional duress. We suggest that you try the following breathing exercise. Interlace your hands over your solar plexus. Inhale long and smooth thru puckered lips. Exhale long and light thru your nose. As you exhale feel that you are releasing deeply embedded anxiety and fear. Try to do that for at least 5 min. per sitting. Also, monitor your solar plexus throughout the day and notice when it seizes up. Try to keep it relaxed and open. What you are experiencing is actually fear and anxiety being processed out. We hope that you will persevere with your practice. A little faith and courage is required, but we can assure you that it will be the best thing you've ever done for yourself. We wish you joy, health, and abundant blessings!
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 Meditation of the Month
Extend your arms parallel to the floor, palms up. Chant
continuously:
Hari Bhajan Narayan Hari
Your eyes are 1/10 open looking down and in towards the tip of the nose. This Meditation is meant to be practiced for 31 min. You can build up to that time over time.
Keep your shoulders down and relaxed. Use the support of your corset muscles and the big muscles in your back to hold your arms parallel. Keep your sternum lifted and diaphragm relaxed. Keep your crown and sacrum on a vertical plane.
Pain in your shoulders indicates that the lymphatic system is blocked and that anger issues are vying for resolution. Work around pain but embrace discomfort in the interest of profound healing.
This Meditation was taught by Yogi Bhajan around the time of the Winter Solstice in 1977. He said that it invokes the protection of the Infinite Teacher. It also opens the Heart Chakra and helps us to be positive during the dark days of winter.
Yogi Bhajan said that in monasteries of TIbet, this pose was used to treat mental imbalances and personality disorders. Mental impairments are hard to define because "normal," is an elusive term. We would probably be better served to focus not on what may be wrong with us, but on the model of the possible human. The Kundalini Yoga model for "how to be," is based on steadiness, clarity of mind, inspired creativity, and Spirit as a constant. This sacred Meditation will give us the capacity to live with a burning heart, for fierce devotion to the things which truly matter, and a capacity for sacrifice on behalf of all beings.
Try this one for 31 min. on the day of the Winter of Solstice (Dec. 21st) and dedicate it to yourself so that you may live on purpose and serve your Destiny. Do it as a body prayer for all the people in your life, that they may flourish in every arena of life. Do it as a form of conscious sacrifice, to let the Universe know that us humans are ready to evolve to a higher echelon of being. Do it so that Love can save the day!
There is a very particular way to chant this mantra. If you would like a free pronunciation sound file, please e-mail us at ravianayoga@aol.com
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Our Website - Check out our tour schedule, A - Z Health Archive, More!
RAVIANA NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE - Just click on this link to read past newsletters.
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We wish you an exhilarating, fun, and joyful December!
 All Best, Ana Brett & Ravi Singh 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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