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Thriving with a Mental Illness

5/31/2017

3 Comments

 

My story as an adopted geminii living with Bi-Polar Depression

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My name is Jessica 'Sunshine' Klein.  In my early twenties I dreamed of having an organic farm that I would call 'Sunshine Klein Farms.'  When I told my mom that I gave myself the name 'Sunshine,' she laughed and said, "Who you?  Chief Thundercloud?"  I didn't understand it at the time, but my mom was the first person to love me with all my "faults."

I am now 33 years old and I was born under the sun sign of geminii on June 12.  Geminii's are known as the twins (I definitely have two sides).  They may also exhibit negative traits like inconsistency, the inability to express oneself emotionally and a lack of depth in thoughts towards other individuals.  This can lead them to be not very close to anyone.  

I was adopted at birth and no matter how hard I try, there is still a feeling of being abandoned deep within my being.  In my teen years, I questioned everything.  Why was I given up?  Do my birth parents think of me?  Since then, I have been able to see the grace of the situation and be grateful for all the blessings my adopted family brought to my life.  I have an extremely loving family and I would not be where I am without them.

I also have bipolar depression.  For the last 18 years I have been hiding behind my disease, afraid of what others may say about me.  I was diagnosed with bi-polar depression as a young teenager.  I tried to numb out my suicidal thoughts with drugs, alcohol and other negative behaviors like staying in tumultuous relationships for too long.  I had no self worth and in fact, I didn't want to live on this earth knowing that I was different and I would have to take medication for the rest of my life.  Oh boy, did I rebel...

In my senior year of high school I attempted suicide.  Having a condition like bi-polar depression was like receiving a death sentence for me.  I was scared, uneducated about mental illness and I wanted to escape from this life.  When life gets sticky for me, the negative thoughts pull me so deep into an abyss that I spiral out of control.  If I say or do something that affects or offends someone, I immediately feel remorse, guilt, shame and do not want to continue living.  But, I am living, and I am so glad that I am.  I have false guilt alarms, where I find myself feeling guilty about things I have not even done.  My illness shows up in unanswered text or email messages, not returning phone calls, abrasive conversations, inconsistent social media presence or a dramatic lapse in exercise routines.  It can whip me into an emotional state at the touch of a button, and then five minutes later I can move on.  The problem is that other people cannot handle these radical shifts in energy.  I tend to push people away to protect myself and if I tell a falsehood, in my own limited mind, it is, however misguided, to protect myself. 

I found the healing benefits of yoga and meditation when I was 25.  For the last nine years I have been diligently studying the philosophy and techniques of yoga.  I found a guru who I absolutely love and adore; he loves me just for existing.  That kind of unconditional love was a game-changer, and its not the type of unconditional love you receive from a parent or a BFF... this is the type of unconditional love from God.  Working with Reverend Jaganath Carrera and The Yoga Life Society  throughout the last seven years has helped me shift my thoughts from discomfort to ease.  This support enabled me to clearly look at my strengths and weaknesses.  Having a positive role model radiating peace and love to emulate helps me to bring light to the darkest parts of myself.  Yoga is the science of the mind, and with the right amount of fervor and determination we can do anything.

During my twenties I was unmedicated and looking back I can see the damage I did to my life and to others.  I was a "hot mess,"  and I had no idea.  It took some of my darkest days to realize what was going on.  I am happy to share that this year I am back in therapy and back on my meds, and for the first time it is my choice to do so.  I now know that I can be helped with the medicine, so therefore, I take it.  What is so different about taking meds for our mind and taking meds for our gut?  Or diabetes?  I can see that this darkness is a part of me, and if I want to keep it under control I know that therapy and medicine works.

I currently teach full time for a private school called Fusion Academy, which specializes in individualized learning plans for every student.  Because each class is taught in a one-to-one setting, I am allowed to get to know my students.  I see myself in many of the students at school, as they learn to cope with new mental health conditions.  I believe it is my karma to work at this school to help heal painful wounds from my past.  I run a yoga business called Sunshine Yoga Life and every day I try to put energy into the business.  When my dark days come and its hard to get out of bed to do anything, I reach into my tool box for help.  Having a purpose and a direction with the business helps motivate me when I feel down.  Throughout my life, while learning about my disease, I have found ways to cope and connect with others.  Educating yourself is the strongest weapon in making a change.  Serving others is the best way to get out of the darkness.

It is now time for me to stand in my truth.  I am learning to accept that the only way out, is through the darkness.  Having this side of myself is a part of me, but my condition does not define who I am as a person.  Many people have been coming forward about mental illness, and the time is NOW to strip down the stigma about mental health.  As one of my favorite singers, Lady Gaga told Prince William in an interview, "We have to make the strongest, most relentless attempt to normalize mental health issues, so that people feel they can come forward."  

During the month of May I have been posting videos and articles on Sunshine Yoga that inspire me about various people's stories and ways to cope with mental illness.  Below you will find a collection of my favorite videos.  I am Sunshine and I am Chief Thundercloud.  May we all grow to love ourselves completely.

Did you know that 1 in 5 Americans are affected by a mental health condition?  It is time to change the conversation!  See the person, not the condition.  Pledge to be #stigmafree

Here's a talk with two fantastic people, Prince William and Lady Gaga about coming forward and speaking up about mental health.  I absolutely love Lady Gaga and to hear her words is so inspiring.  I have struggled for most of my life with mental health and have hidden behind tall walls to avoid embarrassment or judgement from others.  The time has come for us all to stand together! #oktosay

 Sean Stephenson. He inspires me to be me! The real prison exists within all of us, in our mind. "None but ourselves can free our minds." (Bob Marley)

 I am grateful to have had the opportunity to meet Joseph, the founder of The You Rock Foundation today at Fusion Academy, the private school I teach at in Morristown.  He came to tell the students and staff his story, plus we talked about red flags for mental illness and then ways to cope or help.  It was a powerful workshop!!!  We split off into small groups and the intimate setting allowed us all to open up.  Then, we regrouped and compiled a huge list of warning signs and ways to help.  By the end of his presentation I was left feeling empowered, and most importantly, not alone.  Hear his story and how he uses music to help heal. #youmatter #youreneeded #yourock

 Chris Gethard Career Suicide - Chris is a friend from my high school marching band, and he has brought comedy to depression and anxiety.  I had the pleasure of seeing his stand-up Career Suicide show in NYC last year, and I laughed so hard, probably because I related to so many jokes about mental health and growing up in Northern New Jersey.  Here's an interview with Ghris Cethard and another one of my favorites, Stephen Colbert.

 Project Semicolon is a company created to help reduce the incidents of suicide in the world through connected community and greater access to information and resources.  They believe that suicide prevention is the collective responsibility of each and every person on the planet.  A semicolon is used when an author could have ended a sentence, but chooses not to.  The author is you and the sentence is your life.  The semicolon is being used as a symbol of choosing life over suicide.  Unfortunately the founder, Amy Bleuel, passed away this year, but her message lives on.

Glennon Doyle Melton advises us to, "Use your pain as your power." We are a trinity of body, mind and spirit. Love yourself, all parts - body, mind and spirit. She tells a funny short story about hot yoga --- The journey of the warrior!

Listen to Shawn Achor talk about the science of happiness.  I absolutely love that scientists now study happiness, and its so amazing to me that we can literally change our brain through positive thinking and a daily gratitude practice.  Many of us have experienced this reality and its so cool that there is science to back it up.

 Life tips from the Dalai Lama.  He talks about happiness, compassion, and mindfulness.  Open your heart, give to others and make time for yourself.

This is a HAPPY video!  Check out Where the Heck is Matt? and how he uses dancing to communicate with people of all languages.  Love is the true answer to everything.  We are on this world to create, to serve and to love each other.

Robin Williams interacts with Koko & The Gorilla Foundation.  If you haven't seen this yet, you're in for a treat.  Animals have such an impact on our energy and our lives.  When we are able to love unconditionally and be completely in the present moment, we have unified with them and the rest of the universe, even if only for a moment.  Animals have always been healing for me.  There is a language that is understood by all, it's called love.

You are Beautiful! I love this social experiment so much. Why do we sometimes resist compliments? Let your beauty shine!

This video is about using meditation to focus and calm the mind; a state of relaxation that affects your whole life.  It's no wonder why so many successful people meditate.  Have you tried meditation yet?
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Yoga Teacher Highlight:  Kelly Byram, RYT200

5/7/2017

2 Comments

 
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"My advice to perspective trainees would be to just go for it.  I thought about teacher training for about 5 years before I did it and my only regret is not doing it sooner! Keep an open mind and open heart and you will be astonished by what you can find in this process. You will quickly learn there is so much more to yoga than poses on a mat- you will begin to see how much more life holds for you, understand your purpose and be changed for the rest of your life." - Kelly Byram
Visit Kelly's Website Here!

Kelly was a part of the 2016 Sunshine Yoga 200-Hour Teacher Training Summer Intensive and graduated with grace.  She was attentive, focused and enthusiastic about her growth physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.  Since she studied some Eastern philosophy in college, during the philosophy classes in training she excelled in understanding the essence of the scriptures.  Having a strong physical practice coming into the training, I watched her discipline grow on the mat as she constantly challenged herself with new poses, new variations and new experiences at local studios.  Kelly is a strong woman who inspires everyone she comes in contact with.  

Since graduating the training in August 2016, Kelly has already made a positive impact on the world.  She teamed up with F.I.T. 4 All, an organization that supports the motto, "Take a workout, give a workout."  They also collect slightly used exercise or yoga clothing to donate.  F.I.T. 4 All is a 501c(3) non-profit organization that makes energy-boosting, happiness-building, disease-preventing, and quality-of-life-enhancing exercise more affordable and accessible.  Hear Kelly talk about an event she lead in the fall of 2016.
 

When asked about her experience with Sunshine Yoga, here is what Kelly said...
"In all honesty, is difficult to express in words how incredible and life changing my 200-HR training was with Sunshine Yoga was. From the first day I felt connected with Jessica and the other trainees who became like my second family for the summer. Together we practiced asana, Sanskrit and the art of teaching a well thought out and meaningful class. However, we also spent a considerable amount delving deep into the practice and philosophy of yoga far beyond the poses.  I was challenged to push myself physically, emotionally and spiritually while feeling supported and cared for each step of they way. The training I received was top-notch, I frequently receive feedback from students and other teachers that it is clear I’ve studied under a fantastic teacher.  

"Currently, I am teaching Hot Vinyasa Yoga at a studio and Children’s Yoga in schools. One of the biggest challenges I’ve had to face is learning to pace myself and take care of me first. When I first began teaching I was so eager, which is a great attitude to have, but I quickly began to lack self-care and was teaching from an “empty cup.” I’m learning that in order to be a powerful teacher it is essential to be solid in your own practice and self-care. Sometimes that requires me to take a step back, trim down my schedule and stop trying to be “super yoga teacher.”

"My advice to perspective trainees would be to just go for it.  I thought about teacher training for about 5 years before I did it and my only regret is not doing it sooner! Keep an open mind and open heart and you will be astonished by what you can find in this process. You will quickly learn there is so much more to yoga than poses on a mat- you will begin to see how much more life holds for you, understand your purpose and be changed for the rest of your life."

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Read about the Training Program here
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Teacher Highlight:  Where are they now?

3/14/2017

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Matt Bogusz, RYT200 

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Jess:  Tell me about your experience with The Sunshine Yoga Teacher Training?
Matt:  I was part of the SYL TT class of 2015.  It was the first year Jess was doing this and it was my first yoga teacher training.  I took it to prepare for another yoga teacher training and because I enjoyed taking Jess’s classes.  When I went on a second teacher training a year later and it was basically like I already took it.  SYL TT 15' gave me the confidence I needed to pursue this goal and make it work while living in NJ and preparing for it.  


I met some great friends during SYL TT 15'.  We all have this shared experience and can call upon each other anytime when times get rough.  There was so much LOVE that was part of this training, with 8 people in it, the same number of students Pattabhi Jois would have in his classes.  We formed a special bond together.  The program made us stronger individually and as a group.

My favorite part of the class, the one lesson that has really thrilled me, was Jess’s “Finding Your Voice” workshop.  This was towards the end of the training after we grew together as a group.  I took it to another level that day.  I don’t know what the comments were exactly, something akin to, “Where did that come from!?”  This is where I’m still going- being a more vocal, better communicator, and saying what I mean and meaning what I say.

Jess:  What opportunities have opened since the completion of your teacher training?
Matt:  I was able to accept more new opportunities at work because of this training.  I went on to lead team meetings.  If you can lead a group of students through physical postures, then you can surely lead a team meeting.  After gaining the confidence I needed to do that, and after taking in the spiritual discussions, I just didn’t need to worry about ‘nobody’s going to listen’ anymore, and if they didn’t, at least I tried.

Jess had us write a list of goals and I wrote 108, and every 6 months or so I’d come back and revisit the list.  Two years later 66% of these goals are complete, another 25% are in progress and around 10% are not going to be completed.  It’s funny what putting down goals and voicing to others can do to make them happen.

One goal I’m taking to the next level, “Learn to play the harmonium to say AUM with”.  I had bought a repaired harmonium for the “Finding Your Voice” workshop and let me tell you, after training, my interest turned into was full-on bhakti yoga, the yoga of devotion.  I can’t seem to get enough of it.  During the training, I’d listen to kirtans on my commutes to The Peace Palace and back home, and I never quit the habit.  It’s how I spend most of my leisure time and how I keep the satsang going.

Jess:  What life changes have happened since your 200-hr training?

Matt:  The biggest thing that’s happened, has been moving across the country.  If it wasn’t for Reverend Jaganath’s “Not my will, but thy will be done,” I would’ve made it this far.  Moves like that take as much throwing your hands up and asking for God's help as it does one’s own initiative.  “God help me” is what all of the mantras in these kirtans come down to (says Jai Uttal).  The scariest part of the journey was when my friend driving the car got so lost in the moment she didn’t see the low fuel light on the dashboard and we ran out of gas on the highway.  Every other small worry never materialized. They never do.  And what’s the worst that can happen, you die?  Well, that’s what yoga prepares us for, that’s what we practice every time in corpse pose, and then we wake up out of it and we get to live again, and say what are we going to do?  Better make it worth it.

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​Jess:  What advice would you give to prospective trainees?
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Matt:  Stick with it like your life depends on it and come to each class with an empty glass.  Don’t ever let your ego get in the way and think your head’s already full.  Every experience is a valuable lesson and take as much time as you need to digest these lessons.

View my profile on LinkedIn

Stay tuned for Matt's Music on YouTube - Coming Soon!

Click HERE to learn about The Sunshine Yoga Teacher Training

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Hello March, Goodbye Sugar

2/28/2017

1 Comment

 

What does discipline look like for you?

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This year Ash Wednesday is on March 1st.  Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent and traditionally for me that means giving something up for 40 days.  I grew up in a Catholic and Jewish household so I love to practice all the traditions.  I was recently talking to a friend about Lent and she commented that instead of giving something up in her family, they add something in for 40 days.  What does discipline look like for you?  Will you give something up or add something in?  I believe that will power is a muscle and with practice it can be strengthened.  Discipline has provided me with confidence and personal power.  So this year,  I am giving up white refined sugar for 40 days.  

​During the spring season, growth is all around us.  Living in New Jersey, I have the pleasure of the experiencing the beauty of the four different seasons.  Even if you do not notice it completely on a daily basis, subtle changes are happening.  As the daylight gets longer each day, the plants have started their intuitive rebirth.  Perennials, shrubs, and trees that flower all undergo a complete shedding of life in the fall.  Before we see the growth of spring above the earth, deep beneath the earth the changes have begun.  Before you know it, the daffodils, tulips, cherry trees and forsythia will brighten our landscape with beautiful shades of yellow and pink.  

It is only natural that humans in this area undergo a similar pattern of shedding and germinating.  Every year at this time, I usually get a burst of energy to start a new project or practice discipline in a new way.  In yoga there is a term called tapas, which means to heat or burn away ignorance without causing pain.  It is one of the five niyamas, or ways to treat our internal world.  Tapas comes in many forms and can also be defined as discipline.  It is going to class when you don't want to, getting up to meditate even if you prefer to sleep; it is sweating it out on the mat and it is also growing through emotional struggles.  Tapas is also tolerance, and tolerance grows with happy practice.  

"A hero is a man who can stand one minute more." - A saying about Swiss Mountaineers 

For me, I have been struggling with sugar.  I absolutely love anything sweet and I can usually find balance within my diet, but lately the cravings have been tough at night.  I recently went through some personal changes, including a move, that have shaken me to the core.  And that means eating sweets late at night.  So, I begin again with new inspiration.  When the cravings come, because let's be real they are coming, I will take a few moments to close my eyes, say a mantra and drink herbal tea.

Here is a short video on the effects of the devil... I mean... sugar!  

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Have you ever noticed that there is not a daily recommended value for sugar on a nutrition label?!  The American Heart Association recommends that adults limit their intake of sugar to 100 calories (25 grams) a day for women and 150 calories (37.5 grams) a day for men.  Too much added sugar increases your risk of coronary heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and obesity-related cancers.  However, glucose is the best source of energy in our body, in fact all carbohydrates turn into glucose and can be metabolized by all organs in the body.  That means, naturally occurring sugar in fruit is healthy, especially because the fruit and other micro-nutrient foods also have water and fiber, which help digestion.  On the other hand, processed and refined sugars turn into fructose, and can only be metabolized in the liver.  Eating a lot of fructose leads to extra stored fat.

So when I went food shopping earlier this evening, I looked at the labels.  I bought plain yogurt because it had 10 grams of sugar, compared to the 34 grams of sugar in the flavored.  I bought bananas, spinach, blueberries and almond milk to make smoothies with.  I stocked up on fresh apples and oranges.  I am mostly going to be restricting myself from eating cookies, cakes, ice cream, and basically all my "sweet" dessert late night eats.  Are you addicted to sugar?  Share your story in the comments below and Happy Tapas!

Read about Sugar & Heart Disease from The American Heart Association
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Why Become a Yoga Teacher?

4/18/2016

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I am so grateful to be featured by YogaTeacherPrep.com for this amazing project to help students who are considering Yoga Teacher Training.  The founder, Laura, has committed to posting 108 tips for prospective students from yoga teacher trainers worldwide.  So, here's the golden question...why become a yoga teacher?

I enrolled in teacher training in 2009 to explore myself.  Actually, after living in a van on the beach in San Diego and upon my return home at the age of 25, it was my mom who encouraged me to study one of my passions.  I chose to study yoga.  I have been taught to be aware of coincidences, so when I researched the different programs, I found a studio that I had a connection to.  I had been studying with a teacher the previous year whose name was Starseed.  After researching online, I found Starseed Yoga and it quickly became my first home.  I remember on 9/9/09 I took a class at 9 am with Mary Paige Snell, and it changed my world forever.  I head the crystal singing bowls for the first time and I knew, at that very moment, that I wanted to play them, that I wanted to do exactly that.  I saw myself in her.  I filled out my training application right after class, with basically only $1 in my bank account.  I choose a studio that had a history, a success story; one that had a powerful impact on its' community.   And a place where I felt love.

When you commit to your dharma with your whole heart, your path opens.   During my nine months training, I was able to complete the program, work a full time greenhouse job, pay for the program and pay for my first one bedroom apartment.  It was amazing what happened after the day I said, "Yes," to my destiny.  Throughout my training, the books seemed like distant memories.  It was if I born to teach yoga, that I have already done this before.  Originally, I came to yoga for the physical benefits, as so many of us do.  It was during my training, during my re-awakening, that I learned about the depth of yoga and met my guru (spiritual teacher) that I still study with.  Meeting Reverend Jaganath Carrera for the first time was like meeting an old friend.  He was familiar and joyful like Santa Claus.  I saw a light that I haven't seen in what seemed a distant memory.  I still remember what I was wearing... this adorable black topless sundress...oh, so how inappropriate to wear in front of the guru!  I laugh at my past.  My journey has been so beautiful.

Upon my 200-hr program's graduation, I was so excited to start teaching.   I had the pleasure of having Jason Martin, one of the founders of Starseed Yoga, take the class I was leading.  One day he asked me how it was going and I told him I was nervous about making mistakes, like calling a pose the wrong name or not having all the answers yet.  He gave me the best advice, which is something I advise all teachers.  He asked me, "Do you love yoga?"  I said, "Yes, very much."  He replied, "Then, your only job is to show the students how much you love yoga."  It brought tears to my eyes.  We do not own the teachings, they come through us if we allow ourselves to be open to receive them.  Do the work with non-attachment, and then allow the teachings to come through you.  You get all you need, always, in all ways.
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​1. First and foremost, the best way to learn is to teach.  Teaching keeps us open to keep learning.  By committing to a training you are opening yourself up to receive the teachings on a deeper level.  Have you ever read a book twice, or even three times?  As you go back and dig deeper, you discover there is more to learn, a new perspective you maybe didn't see before.  I love learning and it only gets better.  Do you know when you learn a new word, you see it everywhere?  The same applies with philosophy.  As I learn and teach a subject, the universe continually tests me.  It is the most beautiful process unfolding in front of my eyes.

2. Teaching helps us become better listeners and more keen observers.  When you "teach what you see," and refine your teaching to a place where people can benefit the most, you learn to see where you can help others.  Sharpening your listening skills can help you discover what philosophy or concentration technique will be most useful to teach the students on that day.  Teaching allows you to hold space for people to share their ideas without judgement.  We start to see ourselves in others, and we can use our wisdom from past experiences to help others pull through their own challenges.

3. Choose to be a light worker.  Part of teaching yoga is inspiring others.  By living the teachings authentically, you encourage others to do so as well.  This doesn't mean life will be peaches and cream.  Actually, quite the opposite holds true.  With your agreement with the universe to teach yoga, you will be tested.  It can seem that it gets harder before any freedom comes.  But, the power you cultivate on your path can encourage others to follow their goals.  It's all for good.

4. Commit to improve yourself.  Every day is a new day.  The teachings are the tools to use when we are faced with challenges.  By having a consistent practice where we honestly look at our progress, both in asana and meditation, we ultimately get closer to the innermost Self.  The yamas and niyamas are the guides for keeping a steady mind, and are a daily check-in for behavior and beliefs.  Each day is a new opportunity to become a little more giving, a little stronger, and a little more peaceful.  Ask yourself, "What can I do now?"  Do something for your peace and then spread that with others.

5. One of the greatest gifts in the world is community.  When you commit to living the teachings, you automatically will connect with others who have similar goals.  By keeping with good company, you will stay away from delusion.  There are yogis everywhere, and as yoga continues to spread, the yoga community continues to grow daily.  There are more studios, more teachers, more training programs and its all good!  There is enough yoga for every type of person to find comfort in the teachings.  A 200-hr program is a launchpad to a diverse culture of awareness.  There are traditional paths and new branches of yoga like SUP yoga.  Plus, the group that you train with will be your family forever.  It is a bond like no other.

6. It is fun!  Having a passion for what you do makes it more interesting and more rewarding.  Growing and helping others grow is fun.  There are really no words to describe the feeling to see others succeeding at their goals, especially watching the transformation of a student in yoga teacher training.  It is an experience that will offer a new perspective on life and can positively affect your relationships and your whole life.  There is joy on the path to joy.


Read about the Sunshine Yoga Life 200-hr Yoga Teacher Training here

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Spring Cleaning with Sunshine Yoga Life

3/30/2016

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Spring cleaning time has arrived!

Have you heard of spring cleaning your closets, or "give your house a good spring cleaning?"  Just like we need to de-clutter after winter in our physical environment, our inner environment also benefits from cleaning.  You are what you eat; literally, what you eat becomes your body and mind.  Energy cannot be destroyed, only transferred.  If you eat healthy and vibrant food filled with micronutrients, your body will thank you.  Your skin will shine brighter and clear up.  You can heal yourself from the inside out.  How can you bring clarity to the different parts of your life?

Here are nine ways to bring spring cleaning to a whole new level!

1. Let's start with the physical world.  Clean your home, I mean really clean it.  That includes washing the windows, floors and baseboards. - your external environment has an impact on your inner world.  Have you heard the phrase, "Clean home, Clear mind?"

2. Organize your closets and donate anything you haven't worn in two years - making space will allow new energy to flow your way.  If you want to buy some new spring clothes, first donate some old ones.

3. Commit to a wholefood-plant-based diet and try a juice cleanse.***  If this is completely new for you, start slowly with Meatless Mondays.  Going veg for one day a week is a great way to start eating a more plant based diet.
*** Read about my juice cleanse here 

4. Mental Spring Cleaning:  Start a gratitude journal - start your day by writing down three things you are grateful for.  This simple practice can have long lasting effects on our happiness scale.

5. Skip the news in the morning - if you want to be informed but do not want to be dragged down by negative news, read the headlines on a reputable online newspaper.  I am in no way saying to ignore the news, rather that you can choose to click into the story if you want to know more.  Shawn Achor shares his research here


Watch Shawn Achor's TED talk on happiness below!

6. Start an exercise or yoga home practice - do you let yourself off the hook a lot when you do your practice on your own?  Say you planned on exercising for 30 minutes and after ten minutes, you say, "I'm good!"  Developing the discipline to work beyond our limitations, especially limitations in our mind, will ultimately provide freedom.  The American Heart Association recommends 30 minutes of exercise daily to decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease.  The work is hard, no doubt.  Keep showing up.

7. Start a daily meditation practice - taking quiet time allows your mind to rest from the constant worrying and planning.  Need help getting started?  
Email me for beginning meditation tips!

8. Practice random acts of kindness - write a two minute email thanking someone on your contact list or the next time you are on line, offer to pay for the person standing behind you or simply let someone pass in front of you in traffic.  Always offer these gifts with love and a smile.  Even a smile is a gift to the receiver!
 
9. Go outside and play - this is the most important step to welcome spring!  Join me on a yoga hike this year.  See the yoga hike schedule here!

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Do you know the power of micronutrients?

3/19/2016

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Micronutrients are comprised of vitamins and minerals...
Consume fruits, vegetables, seeds, beans and whole grains.

Let's first explore the need for vitamins and minerals and then talk about where to get the best sources.  Vitamins are divided into two categories:  water-soluble and fat-soluble.  The water-soluble ones at Vitamins B & C are flushed out daily through urination, therefore, they must be consumed daily to be effective.  The other ones, Vitamins A, D, E & K are the fat soluble vitamins and can be toxic in abundance.  What is the best way to get these vitamins???  JUICING!

Minerals come from the earth; they are from the periodic table of elements.  Do you remember that from high school chemistry?  The most common misconception about consuming these minerals is through eating animals.  However, let's go through the process quickly.  The earth produces these magical elements that can help reverse and prevent many common health problems.  Then, the grass and plants grows up from the earth, also magically.  Here's where it gets misunderstood.  Eating animals is not the best source of these minerals.  Rather eating the plants themselves will produce a better effect in the human body, including a better absorption rate.  So instead of eating animals, or drinking milk for calcium, try eating vegetables like dark green leafy vegetables.

What's the difference between juicing and blending? 

When we use a juicer to extract the micronutrients from fruits and vegetables, we are taking the fiber out which makes consuming more volume easier.  In the above picture is what I consume for a day on the juicing reboot.  I can hardly image eating a whole bunch of celery, half of bunch of spinach, half a bunch of kale, two cucumbers, two lemons, eight carrots, plus all the fruit in one day.  Well, maybe I can image eating the fruit.  But the vegetables are a power house for pH balancing.  Let's have a listen to Joe the Juicer, a pioneer in the Juicing World and film star of "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead," explain the difference in his video below...

Read Joe's inspiring story here!

I have just completed a five day juicing reboot.  In fact, I feel so good that I've decided to go another five days and see how much better I can feel.  It wasn't all this good.  In the beginning, the first two days I was coming off a four-cup-coffee daily routine, so I had terrible headaches.  They were gone by day three, but the nausea took over for that day.  On day four, I had so much energy, more than I was used drinking coffee.  I drank unlimited amounts of herbal tea to help the hunger pains.  I make a vegan vegetable soup with lots of ayurvedic spices, like tumeric, coriander, black pepper, cumin, ginger, cloves, and cayenne.  Below are some of my recipes I use for my reboot.  I hope you give it a try and leave a comment below sharing your experience.
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Start with the Morning Power Cleanse, have your second juice in the mid-morning, then a protein smoothie for lunch, followed by a green juice in the afternoon and a light vegan soup for dinner.  Drink lots of spring and coconut water and herbal tea to combat any hunger pains.

Morning Power Cleanse*
1/2 lemon
1 inch ginger
1 cucumber
1/2 bunch of celery
*Take
E3Live Renew Me with this juice on an empty stomach

Pear it Up Cleanse
2 pears
6 carrots
1-2 cups strawberries
1" ginger
1/2 lemon
​

Mean Green Cleanse
3 handfuls spinach
1/2 bunch kale
1 cucumber
1/2 bunch celery
1 medium apple
1 cup pineapple
1/2 lemon
1" ginger

Tropical Paradise Cleanse
1 cup pineapple
1 lemon (peeled)
1 lime (peeled)
1 cucumber
1/2 bunch celery
1" ginger

Citrus Beet Cleanse
1 lemon (peeled)
2 oranges (peeled)
1 grapefruit (peeled)
1/2 inch ginger
1 medium beet
2 cups red grapes
​

Cucumber Beet Cleanse
1 cucumber
1 medium beet
6 carrots
1/2 lemon
1" ginger
​

Green ABC's
3 handfuls spinach
1/2 bunch parsley
2 medium apples
2 medium beets
4 carrots
1" ginger

​

Blueberry Protein Smoothie
1 banana
2 cups almond milk
1 cup frozen blueberries
​2 TBSP chia seeds
2 scoops
Plant Fusion's Phood

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Asteya - March 2013

3/31/2013

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March Sunday's Noon Level 1 
Starseed Yoga & Wellness
Jessica 'Sunshine' Klein

Asteya, non-stealing, is the third Yama in Patanjali's Ashtanga (eight limbs) or Raja (royal/king) Yoga.  Non-stealing, along with nonviolence, truthfulness, continence and non-greed make up the five Yamas.  These are the ethical codes of Yoga that are outlined for practice before asana (the poses).  See, the poses are only 1/8 of Patanjali Yoga.  We begin with yama (ethical restraints) and niyama (ethical internal observances) to evaluate our relationships to ourselves, the world we live in and to others around us.  

Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.37:  To one established in non-stealing, all wealth comes. (translation by Reverend Jaganath Carrera)

According to Sri Swami Satchidananda (my guru's guru) there are 5 types of interactions:

1) a person who takes 100% and gives nothing back = thief

2) a person who takes 100% and gives 50% back = debtor

3) a person who takes 50% and gives 50% back = fair businessman

4) a person who takes 50% and gives back 100% back = righteous man

5) a person who takes nothing and gives 100% back = saint

From commentary on The Bhagavad Gita in The Living Gita by Sri Swami Satchidananda...

"Friends are friends; enemies are enemies.  How is it possible to see sinner and saint the same?  You must go beyond saintliness and sin, beyond friend and enemy.  Something is common in them all.  Everybody has a clean Self, the image of God.  Each is also an expression of the same God.  You can perceive that divine element pervading everywhere, functioning through every mind and body.  When you do that, you'll always recognize the Self that is common to everybody and everything.  That means you go beyond the so-called sinner and saint."

Equanimity...treat everyone equally.  There are only two people in the world, you and God in different names and forms.  How would you like to be treated? Can the way I treat myself and others be a form of stealing?

Patanjali Yoga Sutra 1.33:  By cultivating attitudes of friendliness toward the happy, compassion for the unhappy, delight in the virtuous, and equanimity toward the non-virtuous, the mind-stuff retains its undisturbed calmness.  

According to Patanjali there are four locks and keys to use in any situation to maintain peace of mind.  The "locks" are the situations, puzzles or challenges we face daily; the "keys" help the mind retain undisturbed calmness.  Of course, this is a practice!  Perhaps the most difficult concept to grasp is equanimity.  How do I treat a bank robber, the gas attendant and my mother the same?  How can I see everyone in my life as my teacher?  When we clear the lens of ignorance and we can clearly see the Self (which is the same in all beings), and we no longer wish to cause trouble or upset to anyone, even those who we "think" are non-virtuous.  Asteya comes into play when we rob ourselves the ability to maintain our peace.  Always ask, what are the intentions?  Will this disturb my peace?  Here are the locks and keys...     

1) friendliness toward the happy

2) compassion for the unhappy

3) delight in the virtuous

4) equanimity towards the non-virtuous

"The sense of equality is the greatest thing in the world.  People go mad after shadows; very few are mad after the invisible (the subtle).  True madness (for God) is very rare, it being found only in one among a lakh (100,000) or two.  Other people run mad after sixteen things in twentyfour minutes.  "I want this, I want that; this is different, that is different."  Such is their mad talk.  Entertaining various motives is madness.  Greatness is madness.  Everyone has one sort of madness or another.  Thousands of people possess houses, diamond jewels, gold and property.  They did not bring these with them at birth, nor will they take these with them at death." - Sri Swami Nityananda

In what ways do I steal from others besides taking material things? i.e. time, attention, power, confidence.  People steal when they feel lacking in some way.  In what ways do I steal from myself?  i.e. lack of concentration, unable to reach goals, self-sabotage.  When we think negatively and put ourselves down we enter into ignorance of the true Self and we steal strength from ourselves, while empowering the ego.  In what ways do you self-sabotage yourself?  Perhaps you give up easily on diets, difficult relationships or exercise routines?  How many things do you do because you think you have to?  This is also stealing from ourselves by holding onto a belief system that is false.  False ego believes success means physical fulfillment of an unending stream of desires; "I have to do it." 

"When you practice non-stealing, you develop the knowledge that you already have everything you need or want within yourself.  You recognize that although your physical body may feel lacking at times, if you can turn to your spiritual body for what you need, your needs will always be supplied from within yourself.  The only way to obtain this complete feeling in yourself is to connect your physical and spiritual bodies by ethical practice.  Once you realize that you can depend on your spiritual body to supply all your needs, there is no further compulsion to steal." - Alice Christensen, Yoga of the Heart, p. 80

The ultimate form of stealing occurs within, in unchecked mental conversation.  Fluctuations of the mind or concentration can therefore be seen as self-torture and the self-destructive attitude usually goes unnoticed.  The practice of asteya helps us ground ourselves in righteous activity, while helping us escape from being blown about by the wind of impulse.  Going back to Patanjali's Yoga Sutra 1.2 Yogas chitta vrtti nirodha (Yoga calms the fluctuations of the mind-stuff).  In essence the practice of asteya on and off the mat, are the practice of Yoga.

"Desire is a natural primitive feeling.  The world runs on desire:  the desire to live, to mate, to eat and to protect one's territory.  Every breath you take is an expression of your desire for life.  Yogic literature considers the creative cycles of the entire universe to be based upon the attraction - the mutual desire - between male and female principles of consciousness.  What connects desire to stealing is the physical body's compulsion to fulfill desire at any cost, which means taking from someone else - or yourself.  When you are practicing the ethic of non-stealing, it is important to closely observe your desires and the actions you take to fulfill them.  Desire can then become an important tool in reaching your goal." - Alice Christensen, Yoga of the Heart, p. 83

"The most compelling definition of Yoga is in the Bhagavad Gita, "Yoga is the severance from union with pain."  As the Buddha said, everyone wants to be happy and to get out of suffering.  So that's the motivation.  On one level, there's really not much difference between a seeker and a non-seeker.  Everyone wants to be happy and avoid pain.  The yogi has found his or her material life to be lacking in being able to deliver lasting happiness.  So, there's no place else to look in the outside world and the only other place to look is within yourself:  to know the knower, the person who is seeking." - Reverend Jaganath Carrera, The Enlightenment Paradox, Integral Yoga Magazine, Winter 2013, p. 18

Let's consider Lord Buddha's Four Noble Truths (speaks about liberation from action or external events)

1. Suffering is inevitable due to disease, old age, birth and death
2. Suffering arises from craving
3. Suffering ceases when attachment to cravings cease
4. Freedom from suffering is possible by practicing the Eightfold Path

When we deny who we are, we dive into ignorance and suffering is inevitable.  The only four types of suffering that cannot be avoided are disease, old age, birth and death.  When we deny our birthright to realize this truth about who we are, who the Self is, we are stealing from ourselves by taking time and energy away from more fulfilling physical, mental, or spiritual activities.  All Yamas (restraints) lead to the knowledge of the true Self.

Final Reflections on Asteya from Swami Karunananda...

1) Do I take things that do not belong to me?

2) Do I use things that do not belong to me without asking?

3) Do I present ideas of others as my own?

4) Do I steal time of others by a) being late, b) being unprepared for meetings/appointments, c) not following through with commitments?

5) Do I steal from others by being possessive in relationships or being emotionally imposing?

6) Do I expect others to clean up after me?

7) Do I receive each breath with gratitude and serve as best as I can in every moment?

Find rhythm.  Share love.  Be happy.

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SATYA - February 2013

2/28/2013

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February Sunday's Noon Level 1 
Starseed Yoga & Wellness
Jessica 'Sunshine' Klein

"Speaking the truth with kindness, honesty that causes no pain, and reciting of scriptures - this is control of speech."
- The Bhagavad Gita, 17:15

Satya, truthfulness is the second Yama (abstinence) found in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras.  It is applied to thought, words and deeds.  Truthful motives, truthful intentions and truthful actions.  It is seeing and reporting things as they are, instead of how we wish them to be.  That means our words should match our thoughts and actions.  It begins with the mind.  Thoughts become words.  Words become actions.  Repeated actions become habits.  So choose wisely and think with compassion.  Stop the negative thinking, the blaming, the strict critiquing of yourself.  Be kind; choose compassionate words.  

This month we continued our adventure into the yamas and niyamas in the Noon Sunday Level 1 class at Starseed Yoga & Wellness.  Truthfulness is a virtue that can be practiced by all people, no matter their religious or spiritual preference.  The yamas and niyamas have been compared to The Ten Commandments by scholars and sages.  "Thou shall not not bear false witness" (do not lie), "Thou shall not take the Lord's name in vain" (do not use your words for harm).  These two are closely related to Satya, truthfulness.

"Sometimes truth isn't good enough, sometimes people deserve more.  Sometimes people deserve to have their faith restored." - Batman, The Dark Knight ending lines

To practice the virture of truthfulness it takes patience, clarity and a good memory.  Patience to observe the ultimate outcome of all acts.  Clarity to make the proper assessments of the outcomes of our actions and words.  Good memory is crucial if we wish to have an accuraterecall of lessons learned.

"Even a falsehood is treated as truth if it brings no harm to anyone and some benefit to someone."
"No prestige surpasses the absence of falsehod, all other virtues flow from it effortlessly.
- Thirukkural, Ancient Scripture from South India

Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.36:  To one established in truthfulness, actions and their results become subservient.

If actions and their results do no matter, it infers that the words of truth hold increasing power over the actions.  What is said is done.  There is no question of uttering anything not to be.  Silence is a good friend, it can tell you when it is the end.  The end of mental chatter, the end of negative thinking, the release of a characteristic that no longer serves you.  Close your eyes, smooth your breath, & open your heart.

"Ask yourself if your desire to act is motivated by an interest in the welfare of others or by a need to vent out frustrations or punish someone with whom we have problems.  Motives that are tainted by selfishness obstruct the experience of the Self, by maintaining or strengthening the influence of ignorance over the mind."
- Guruji Sri Reverend Jaganath Carrera

"Listening does not mean analyzing or judging.  "Negative" feelings or sensations should not be simply pushed or argued away, but lovingly acknowledged and worked with.  In our practice we will often have to patiently address the physical result of incorrect movement, and identify the emotional charge which is at the root of these.  We set out to reverse the downward flow of energy by harnessing the motivational force behind all these manifestations and skillfully channel through yoga practice.  Remember energy is energy.  What you do with it is up to you.  The passion behind feelings that drag you down can be equally used to push you up." - Lara Baumann, Quantum Yoga

A few more quotes from the Masters...
"The ultimate intent behind following any virtue is to bring harmony to the individual and to his or her environment.  Violence is the ultimate weapon of disharmony.  it strengthens ignorance and divides people from each other and their environment.  That is the reason that all virtues are tested against ahimsa (non-violence).  Therefore, if our words foster a new or deeper harmony (expressing as peace, joy, love, accord, cooperation) with harming anyone, they are words that not only uphold nonviolence, but reflect the intent of all virtues.  But as was said before, it is essential to discern if our words and actions are bringing harm or harmony."
- Guruji Sri Reverend Jaganath Carrera, Inside the Yoga Sutras, p. 133

"When you worship, are you making contact with the main battery which is God?  Through prayer and devotion you should be in communication with God.  You make a connection.  Suppose you are a bulb connected to a battery with wire.  If there is a loose connection, you won't receive the light.  If you are the bulb trying to get light fom the charged battery, or the image of God, your prayer is the connecting wire.  If the prayer is a loose connection, you won't get the light.  Do you get my point?  Many people just utter their prayers, "Oh God, Bless me.  Help me.  I believe in you with full faith; nobody else can help me."  And, at the same time, "Yes, yes Mr. so-and-so, I'll finish my prayer and come soon."  They repeat their prayers while their eyes roll around looking at people.  "How many people are here?  Where is that friend?  Did she come?"  Of course, that prayer is just lip service.  "I am Thine.  All is Thine.  Let thy will be done." - while one hand is holding the wallet in the pocket.  Such prayer has a bad connection.  When you pray, you have to forget everything else."
- Sri Swami Satchidananda, To Know Your Self, Prayer, p. 247

"If you want to keep a garden always clean, you will have to remove not only the weeds and thorns and other small plants but also seeds that lie underneath the ground which again germinate during rainy season.  Even so, you will have to destroy not only big waves (vritti) but also the samskaras which are seeds for births and deaths, which generate vrittis again and agian, if you want to enter into Samadhi and attain liberation or perfect freedom."
- Sri Swami Sivananada, Concentration and Mediation, p. 120

Those who know do not talk. 
Those who talk do not know.
Keep your mouth closed.
Guard your senses.
Mask your brightness.
Be at one with the dust of the earth.
This is primal union.
He who has achieved this state is unconcened with friends and enemies, with good and harm, with honor and disgrace.  This, therefore, is the highest state of man.
-Tao te Ching, ch 56, translation by Stephen Mitchell

Fame or Self:  which matters more?
Self or Wealth:  which is more precious?
Gain or Loss:  which is more painful?
He who is attached to things will suffer much.  
He who saves will suffer heavy loss.
A contented man is never disappointed.
He who knows when to stop does not find himself in trouble. 
He will stay forever safe.
- Tao te Ching, ch 44, translation by Gia-Fu Feng & Jane English

Practice truthfulness daily.  A relationship based on truthfulness brings trust.  Use a journal to recap the events or thoughts of the day.  Perhaps you have a meditation journal, or a dream journal, or maybe its a calorie counter or diet history of the day.  As you practice being honest with yourself about small tasks, the larger issues that are clouded with fear become easier to see with a clearer light.  Speak less and listen more.  Listen with your heart and instead of coming up a with response while someone is speaking, just listen.  Maybe even repeat what they say back to them, so they know that you heard and understand their point of view honestly and clearly.  Every day, a little practice.  Be truthful with others, but most importantly be honest with yourself.

Find rhythm.  Share love.  Be happy.
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AHIMSA - January 2013

1/31/2013

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January Sunday's Noon Level 1
Starseed Yoga and Wellness 
Jessica 'Sunshine' Klein

Yoga is more than stretching and bending.  Yoga is a state of mind that leads to an open heart and balance (homeostatis) within the body for the body/mind/spirit.  Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word "Yuj" which means union.  Union with the body/mind and union with each other.  Any practice to steady the mind is Yoga practice.  Within Yoga there are core values, or Yamas, the moral ethical precepts.  These are universal virtues to strengthen the mind; prepartions for action; attitudes that bring clarity, focus and objectivity to shine light on all situations. 

"Turn every action into perfection with the magic wand of right attitude." - Sri Swami Sivananda

Ahmisa, or non-violence, is supreme among all Yamas, never to be violated and to be applied to all human beings, animals and so-called inanimate objects.  This includes refraining from harm in thoughts, words and deeds.   Ahmisa is harmlessness, kindness, compassion, love, selflessness and purity.  The Yogic perspective on ahimsa deals mostly with the motivation over the action.  Any act based on violent intent sinks us deeper into ignorance.  A Yogic act is one that brings harm to none and at least benefit to one.  A perfect act has three qualities:  1) selfless and dedicated motive, 2) skillful means, and 3) act brings some benefit and no harm.  

"Perfection in action is Yoga." - Bhagavad Gita 2.50, translation by Sri Swami Satchidananda

Any act of compassion heals the heart and melts away fear.  So be kind to yourself and others.  Ahimsa begins within and extends into the universe.  When we give time to listen to our hearts and bodies by tending to our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs, we can give more openly and fully to others.  Every act of kindness impacts someone else who will then have the choice to positively impact someone else.  By helping one, you help all.  If your heart is wide open, there is room for compassion for others.

From the Patanjali Yoga Sutras, translation by Guruji Sri Reverend Jaganath Carrera

2.30:  Yama consists of non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, continece and non-greed.

2.35:  In the presence of one firmly established in non-violence, all hostilities cease.  

"Over time compassion gives birth to a love and understanding so pure that it lifts the mind to a place of peace beyond any tranquility we had imagined.  Then, in a process of osmosis, the powerful healing energy of love and understanding flows from an area of greater to lesser concentration.  The calming influence of selfless love is a poweful and palpable natural emanation flowing from the hearts of those perfected in non-violece to the hearts of others.  Fear and discord vanish in their presence."

- Guruji Sri Reverend Jaganath Carrera

"I will prescribe regimens for the good of my patients according to my ability and my judgment and never do harm to anyone." - Hippocratic Oath

More from the Bhagavad Gita, translation by Stephen Mitchell...

"Honoring the gods, the priests, the teachers and sages, purity, non-violence, chasity, uprightness - all this is control of the body.  Speaking the truth with kindness, honesty that causes no pain, and reciting of scriptures - this is control of speech.  Serenity, gentleness, silence, benevolence, self-restraint, purity of being, compassion - this is control of the body." (17.14-16)

"Arjuna said:  What is it that drives a man to an evil action, Krishna, even against his will, as if some force made him do it?  The Blessed Lord said:  That force is desire, it is anger arising from the guna called rajas; deadly and all-devouring, that is the enemy here.  As a fire is obscured by smoke, as a mirror is covered by dust, as a fetus is wrapped in its membrane, so wisdom is obscured by desire.  Wisdom is destroyed, Arjuna, by the constant enemy of the wise, which, flaring up as desire, blazes with insatiable flames.  Desire dwells in the senses, the mind, and the understanding:  in all these it obscures wisdom and perplexes the embodied Self.  Therefore, you must first control your senses Arjuna; then destroy this evil that prevents you from ever knowing the truth." (3.36-41)

From Yoga of the Heart by Alice Christensen, p. 63 - Does a non-violent person ever get angry?

"A common misperception about Yoga practicioners is that they are always calm and unruffled, that they never feel or express anger (or strong emotion).  The great Yogis that I have been lucky enough to know would really laugh to even think that they would be descibed in this way.  They were able to express emotion ina pure, very powerful way.

"You cannot be human without feeling.  Those who pretend that they are not emotional are clearly showing denial of feeling - a complete negation of the powers of the spiritual body and its support.  Denying feelings is a form of violence against yourself because that egotistical stifling of emotion cannot help but become uncomfortable and cause problems.

"Lakshmanjoo made a distinction between anger that was "on the lips" and anger that was "in the heart."  A master of Yoga may show anger for a purpose, but the effect is different.  The anger will not destroy the recipient.  Anger becomes constructive when its viewed as a friend who remind you when it is time to protect yourself.  It can be a cautionary instrument that serves you...

"If someone has done something awful to you, you can be sure that it will be taken care of, but you must first step aside and let that process function without your interference.  It takes experience to practice this, but I can tell you that it removes a great deal of stress to believe that you do not have to take responsibility for the rights and wrongs of others."

So... easier said then done, right?  Every day, a little practice.  An act of kindness to someone and a smile can change your day.  Believe in yourself, be aware of your strengths and weaknesses and be the witness.  A witness is one that watches everything with a non-judgemental attitude.  Close your eyes, go within to that place of stillness, follow the breath and watch.  It takes patience, courage, strength, faith and deep understanding to master ahimsa.  Nothing is being added in Yoga.  Do what you do, just do it with a non-attached and dedicated attitude.  As you let go of fear, you crash into the present moment.

Find rhythm.  Share love.  Be happy.

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