the Yogaville experience

I arrived at Yogaville Sunday night coming straight from the Journey Inward retreat. What can I say, its a beautiful place here and I am loving it. I feel as if a month will not be enough, I can see myself returning here throughout my life. The teachings of Swami Satichandanda are so amazing, and most of his devoted students (who take the vows of a monastic life) are old hippies who met him back in the day when he first came to the US. They're really fun and I love talking to them and hearing their stories. A fun fact, Swami Satichandanda opened Woodstock, among many other amazing things he accomplished in his life. His teachings are very inspirational, I will definitely be posting more quotes and sayings from him in the days to come.

For example: "The goal of Integral Yoga, and the birthright of every individual, is to realize the spiritual unity behind all the diversities in the entire creation and to live harmoniously as members of one universal family. This goal is achieved by maintaining our natural condition of: a body of optimum health and strength, senses under total control, a mind well-disciplined, clear and calm, an intellect as sharp as a razor, a will as strong and pliable as steel, a heart full of unconditional love and compassion, an ego as pure as crystal, and a life filled with Supreme Peace and Joy."

The last part of that quote reminds me of something the one of the retreat leaders, Jonathan Evatt, said last weekend: There are 2 things encompassing the natural state: Deep stillness and Ecstatic Bliss. I thought that was such a perfect way to sum it up, I smile when I read those words. And I am learning to allow myself to feel these things, pure bliss, and deep stillness, as part of my "original mind" which all human beings have, but we have lost through conditioning and society, ect. There is a way to return to it though. Sometimes I feel guilty about feeling peaceful and blissful, that I need to be stressed or worried about something, but I am gradually allowing myself to rest in this nature. And that it doesn't mean that you are lazy or don't do anything in life, you do your work and go about your day, but just with the true realization of your divine nature.

Monday I awoke and did Hatha Yoga in the morning. I really love the style of yoga here because there is an emphasis on relaxing the muscles and the body and having no tension or strain. Asana means "comfortable position" they always say. And there is an emphasis when you relax on really being present internally and noticing the subtle flow of prana throughout your body, going to each cell. It's truly a wonderful practice, yoga is offered in the mornings and evenings, and I have gone to at least one class every day. I am going to make that my goal for the rest of the month-yoga every day.

Meditation begins at 5am, (yoga is at 6:20am), with pranayama (breath of fire, deep three part breathing, and alternate nostril breathing), as well as chanting at the beginning and end of meditation. I still don't enjoy the chanting as much as I do the silent meditation/breath awareness/present moment but maybe it will grow on me. I do feel that there is a vibrational aspect of the meditation that is achieved through the chanting, such as Om, Hare, ect. Meditation is offered three times a day, morning, noon, and 6 pm. I try to go as often as I can. At noon you can also meditate in the Lotus Shrine, a short 15 minute hike/walk away from the main campus of the Ashram. To get there the hike goes through some forested hilly land on the property. The Lotus Shrine is truly beautiful, situated in the mountains with a pond surrounding one side of it. The energy there is incredible because Guru Dev (Swami Satichananda) had crystals from all over the world, blessed by many different sages and religious leaders, added to the foundation as well as water from rivers all over the world. Its really an amazing place, I had one very deep samadhi meditation there during my welcome weekend.

Working ("karma yoga") is supposed to be "selfless service" which I'm getting used to. I'm not to thrilled about working in the kitchen or housekeeping but I'm trying my best to not think its too awful....I don't know though! It's kind of cool to cut up lots of vegetables though, I'm sure it will get old after a few days. We are usually preparing meals for 100-150 people so there's a lot to be done. The meals are great, healthy, and vegetarian and whenever possible we use food grown on the Ashram farm.

There are scripture classes at night, so far I've been to two: one on the Bhavagad Gita and another on Thirukkural by Thiruvalluvar. Last night's class was very enlightening, seriously one of the best classes I've ever been a part of. Everyone here is just on another plane of consciousness it seems, or they have studied a lot of the metaphysical and spiritual world, that we can have great debates and discussions.

On Wednesday I went hiking to Cold Mountain in the George Washington National Forest (I believe) with a group of 7 other Ashramites :) It was one of the most beautiful hikes I've ever been on...pictures to come...and it was just so interesting being with an eclectic group of people. Getting out of my usual comfort zone, its great to stretch your mind with new ideas and thoughts. The leaves were so beautiful, with the sunshine, I felt like I was walking in a sea of yellow half the time. And there was a beautiful meadow at the top of the mountain where you could see in all directions--stunning. The sky and clouds were magical :) Before the hike we ate at a local side of the road Thai restaurant, which was yummy to have non-ashram food!, but it was cool. It was totally unexpected. And on the way back we stopped for hot chocolate at a quaint little coffee shop, Rapunzel's, where the walls were lined with used books and some locals were sitting around in a circle playing amazing bluegrass. It was quite a day.

Will write lots and lots more later! xoKatie

Galilean Nights are here!

The latest International Year of Astronomy 2009 cornerstone project, Galilean Nights, is underway. This global celebration of the 400^th anniversary of Galileo's observations is taking place between 22 and 24 October. Find an event near you and learn more, click here! Also, for those in the DC area, there are a number of astronomy events around the DC region this weekend in conjunction with the IYA Galilean Nights. Take a look at this link which has a google calendar of public events in the region. Star parties, lectures throughout the weekend.

Ayurveda + Fall

Ayurveda is beginning to blossom in the West because of its practical approach to self care. At it's foundation, Ayurveda is logical, accessible, and truly holistic. With a few basic concepts we are able to maintain and restore balance physically, mentally, and emotionally.
In Fall the air element is dominant. In Ayurveda we call this the Vata time of year. Imagine a windy Autumn day. The air is dry, cool and moving. Vata, like the wind, cannot be sensed directly--its expression is more subtle. We experience Vata by the way it colors our physical, mental and emotional experience. As these qualities in nature increase during the fall and winter seasons these qualities increase in our nature as well.

General Guidelines for Balancing Vata:
Follow a regular daily routine
Keep calm, meditate, listen to calming music, breathe, relax
Keep warm, avoid extreme cold. Take warm showers and baths
Do gentle exercises like yoga, tai chi, take walks
Massage the body daily with warm sesame oil
Go to bed early, rest when tired, take naps
Follow creative and artistic passions

Diet:
Foods that are in season such as root vegetables and winter squash will help nourish and balance the body. Try carrots, beets, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, acorn, butternut, and delicata squashes. These have the qualities of sweet, heavy, smooth, dense and moist and are the most balancing for vata. Casseroles, soups, and stews are easily digested and can be very nourishing for Vata, warming the body from the inside out.

Eat warm nourishing, fresh cooked foods and warming spices
Favor foods with sweet, sour and salty tastes
Limit foods with bitter, pungent and astringent tastes
Eat warming spices like ginger, cumin, coriander, cardamom, black pepper, and cinnamon
Incorporate ghee, sesame oil, and other healthful oils in the diet
Avoid ice cold drinks, particularly taken with meals or immediately after
Limit raw, cold foods such as salads and raw vegetables

via the Seventh Heaven Yoga Studio newsletter

Blissful

I spent the past weekend at SevenOaks, a beautiful retreat center, in Madison, VA. The energy of the Journey Inward retreat was indescribable and many thanks to Ashley of Deep Green Wellness for organizing the event and bringing us all together. It was great to be at this very sacred place for spiritual growth surrounded by nature, with the cool crisp air, the mountains, walking trails, and the river all so close to us. At the retreat we did yoga, ate healthy vegetarian meals, listened to a very enlightening speaker, Jonathan Evatt. I also received a chakra cleansing (my first) from Sanjivani, which I am very grateful for. Ashely led the yoga classes and also an herb walk around SevenOaks. I have much more to write (and pictures too) but I just wanted to post a brief note here while I am still beaming with the pure bliss I felt at the retreat :) Now, onto hatha yoga here at yogaville, and a guest speaker, Dr. Sullivan, tomorrow morning who will be speaking about Ayurveda (he owns an Ayurvedic spa) which I am so looking forward to!! It just feels as if everything is starting to fall into place.
xoKatie

Autumn Winds

Some thoughts on fall, with inspiration from natasha's pureprana newsletter:
October is my favorite month, really the heart of the Fall season. The abundant days, cool autumn winds, vibrant colors of the changing leaves, and majestic beauty embody this season of change. In this busy season it's important to remember to stay connected with your true divine nature (deep stillness and ecstatic bliss) and your breath. Cherish the abundance, rich colors, and crisp air...and find gratitude with every step you take. You will elevate and radiate total truth in all you do!

Thoughts on Early Morning Sadhana (via the pureprana website):
Here's how Yogi Bhajan explained sadhana: http://www.3ho.org/lifestyle/yogapractice.html. And here's how to do it:
Eat less for dinner the night before, and get to bed by 10pm.
Awake at 4am & take a shower, cold at least in part.
Put on white warm ups and a head covering, such as a bandana or ripped TShirt
(if you don't have white, no problem). If you're late, even by an hour, still show up - you'll still get the benefit.

Sadhana starts with a chant of a 15 minute sacred poem whose Sanskrit-like language incorporates
permutations of the mouth that directly stimulate the endocrine system - the guardians of health.
We then practice a 40 minute kriya workout like any typical kundalini yoga class.
For the final hour we sing seven mantras in meditation, reaching an incredibly elevated state.
By adhering to Yogi Bhajan's urging to practice yoga before sunrise, we work on our personal issues
in the most neutral time of the day (called the Ambrosial Hours), and we catch the awakening waves of the earth which sustain us throughout the day.

Practicing nadi shodhana (alternate nostril breathing/channel cleansing) will bring balance to the right and left hemispheres of the brain leaving you well grounded and energized at the same time. The yogis consider this to be the best technique to calm the mind and nervous system.The most important thing to remember is that the breath should never feel forced.

To begin...

• Find a comfortable seat.
• Gently close off the right nostril using the right thumb.
• Inhale through your left nostril to a count of four seconds. Close off the left nostril with the pinky finger and at the same time remove your thumb from the right nostril and exhale for a count of eight.
• This completes one half cycle of nadi shodhana.
• To continue, inhale through the right nostril to a count of four seconds. Close the right nostril with the thumb and exhale through the left nostril to the count of eight seconds. This comepletes one full round nadi shodhana.

Start by doing three rounds, adding one per week until you reach seven rounds. As you advance, add breath retention to the top and bottom of each inhalation and exhalation.

You should not practice alternate nostril breathing if you have a cold or if your nasal passages are blocked in any way. Always be mindful when practicing any pranayama exercises that nothing should ever feel forced.

our basic heart nature yearns to relax into love

Will's awesome chairs made from unexpected objects! So cool :) What a genius!

Google earth launches climate layer

2009 Solar Decathlon on the National Mall! The model homes will be assembled right on the Mall and will be open to the public on Oct. 9-13 and Oct. 15-18.

A fun site :)

The practice of seeing clearly is what finally moves us toward kindness. Seeing, again and again, the infinite variety of traps we create for seducing the mind into struggle, seeing the endless rounds of meaningless suffering over lusts and aversions (which, although seemingly urgent, are essentially empty), we feel compassion for ourselves. And then, quite naturally, we feel compassion for everyone else. We know as we have never known before that we are stuck, all of us, with bodies and minds and instincts and impulses, all in a tug-of-war with our basic heart nature that yearns to relax into love. Then we surrender. We love. We laugh. We appreciate.

– Sylvia Boorstein, from “On the Cushion,” Tricycle, Summer 2002