tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19809374712714985702024-03-05T06:37:33.204-07:00Yoga for LifeYoga can be essential to feeling good, breathing easier, and being at peace! Yoga is transformative!celiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15882842529514553673noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1980937471271498570.post-6558381056838456082011-05-17T08:46:00.002-06:002011-05-17T08:52:25.336-06:00Perceptions<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAnDC_aV3rBBQ6l6dX-kX1owiYk3NII3SQ7NSjSHPcnpm1-0q4PaQVGOxe8KO-vurnr1zWy5tMjLEsqJ9SZxU44pUdJAT-MkJDDjumeMkpUp9sGWYHhGbsGduWzH5r4fZLYsuQ6A54KZSr/s1600/Krshna+and+Radha+2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 112px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 130px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607697810871483954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAnDC_aV3rBBQ6l6dX-kX1owiYk3NII3SQ7NSjSHPcnpm1-0q4PaQVGOxe8KO-vurnr1zWy5tMjLEsqJ9SZxU44pUdJAT-MkJDDjumeMkpUp9sGWYHhGbsGduWzH5r4fZLYsuQ6A54KZSr/s320/Krshna+and+Radha+2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#990000;">"Your good times in the world are good only in comparison to the bad times. You will eventually learn that it's all a trick, that your perception is simply lying to you." Arten</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#990000;">How are you perceiving the world? </span></div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#990000;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#990000;">Namaste</span></div>celiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15882842529514553673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1980937471271498570.post-36884182224626488132010-10-05T09:06:00.005-06:002010-10-05T09:16:07.435-06:00Seeds<span style="color:#660000;">Everything starts with a seed. A seed is a microcosm of infinite possibilities... Plant that seed, take good care of it, and watch a universe come to life. </span><span style="color:#660000;">Shanti OM<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_lU4hISnE5nDbXv09rVNkyaoEZUffG5Oo78hgV_nNL5lWoc3cF_S6YXLnsvmHM6NfSjxPlfXt0rAK5pjEjGHc0l2Zq0cwU644I7k4sDbiPgRVKQpag_oRhrwAfeU2K29aOL1dOgk6ObcT/s1600/Tree.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 318px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524579435722524882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_lU4hISnE5nDbXv09rVNkyaoEZUffG5Oo78hgV_nNL5lWoc3cF_S6YXLnsvmHM6NfSjxPlfXt0rAK5pjEjGHc0l2Zq0cwU644I7k4sDbiPgRVKQpag_oRhrwAfeU2K29aOL1dOgk6ObcT/s320/Tree.jpg" /></a></span>celiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15882842529514553673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1980937471271498570.post-66340537189307460552010-10-01T23:27:00.004-06:002010-10-02T21:17:49.191-06:00Intentional Solitude<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKzJfYUbsxvgBmFlBQWMgFZz4L8GfPeqW8D6BpVIscNT9Jdti5tr-Y_ZQG1Nz78MoChxtzSza2uxEKdupeZSVuWRtBObvVZWnVVR9u7weAu-wU7mUm-vMgjvI5DACeMLLHzcmLgdaypmui/s1600/summer+vacation+2010+077.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523334526728731570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKzJfYUbsxvgBmFlBQWMgFZz4L8GfPeqW8D6BpVIscNT9Jdti5tr-Y_ZQG1Nz78MoChxtzSza2uxEKdupeZSVuWRtBObvVZWnVVR9u7weAu-wU7mUm-vMgjvI5DACeMLLHzcmLgdaypmui/s200/summer+vacation+2010+077.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#003300;">I am an avid reader, and usually read a book quite fast. Nevertheless, I confess I've been "studying" the latest book on my nightstand for quite a while, absorbing every concept I can, as if it were written directly for me. It was during last week's "study" that I learned about an idea that is more than necessary to all of us at the present moment -<strong> intentional solitude</strong>.</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#003300;">It all starts with a tale about a woman, who is really a seal, forced to live as a human being on land for 7 years by a fisherman who stole her seal skin as she was distracted having fun with others of her kind. She believed he loved her, and considered 7 years to not be such a long time. During the time she spent with him a child was born. The seal-woman was not unhappy at all, and she spent a lot of time teaching the ways of her kind to her little son... but she started feeling the effects of being away from her real essence and environment for too long. It was taking it's toll on her. After 7 years, she was ready to have her seal skin back. However, the fisherman did not keep his promise, and kept hiding her seal skin. Her son, seeing his mother's suffering, decided to go fetch the seal skin for her. Even though she goes back to her kind in the ocean, she visits her son often at the shore, to teach him all he needs to know about his "seal heritage." </span></div><div><span style="color:#003300;">The name of this tale is "Seal Skin, Soul Skin," and you can find one of it's versions, as well as a complete analysis of its meaning in the book<em> Women Who Run With the Wolves</em>, by Clarissa Pinkola Estes. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#003300;">Well, as the author expounds on the significance of this tale, she introduces the concept of intentional solitude, which has been part of my life more and more, although unconsciously. </span></div><div><span style="color:#003300;">Simply saying, it means to take time alone... intentionally. How many of us really take time off from the world around us? How many people think they deserve a time off, and don't feel guilty about it? How many understand the importance of that time off for the health of their soul - or, in a more mundane vocabulary, for the sake of their sanity?</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#003300;">Daily activities, for most of people, involve things which bring them more to the outside world, neglecting that soul/spirit inside of them, full of information, advice and love for who they truly are. We neglect ourselves constantly! There are cell phones, and home phones, and internet, and tv, and movies... and, yeah, our friends, and families, and neighbors, and those we don't know but meet somehow... and, school, studies, work, gym, and of course, there must be some entertainment. Wow! No time for solitude here! Now, do you wonder why you feel constantly tired, lost, angry, mad, overwhelmed, stressed...? Being away from your essence is taking a toll on you.</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#003300;">The idea of taking some time to just be with oneself is not a new fad. Meditation is a well known way of taking intentional solitude, and it's been around for thousands of years. It helps one slow down the mind, finding moments of silence between thoughts. It is during these moments that the soul/spirit/higher self - or whatever name you have for it - speaks to you. We could call them moments of clarity. As the mind slows down, breathing improves, and heart rate diminishes, which contributes for lowering stress levels in the body. One can relax more. </span></div><div><span style="color:#003300;">As you relax and let go of all external distractions, there is a greater opportunity to truly know yourself, and that is the greatest work of all. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#003300;">Now, intentional solitude doesn't need to be complicated. Five minutes would be a great start... five minutes that you could sit down and breath, feel your body, feel your emotions. No judgement here, no wordy explanations, no deep therapy. Breath, feel, be... and that is it! </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#003300;">I would suggest the mat as one of the places where to practice this intentional solitude. The mat is your world, your yoga practice the moment to be in touch with yourself. No distractions, no phones, no one calling for you. Make it all about your inner self, give it space to be, a chance to express itself. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#003300;">As your practice of intentional solitude progresses, you will start feeling the effects of being in touch with your essence again: bliss, consciousness, relaxation, love for all, a sense of knowing... things you cannot find anywhere in this world but inside of yourself.</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#003300;">May you be blessed.</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#003300;">Namaste</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#003300;"></span></div>celiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15882842529514553673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1980937471271498570.post-60385295997368515982010-09-26T21:38:00.003-06:002010-09-26T22:09:36.522-06:00Friends<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZr9dNa26Uj2l-wI0RxbII2uUe9kGbygnzCLttzhwily_bET_JhO4GXMftQIrA153NgqCAc5ZOUyYrntFE6No-I3Kj5boYKtBjOSbUi2ELizyTmLXECpo4lBpj970cmykBIM_ImUkZxg9/s1600/114.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521439917635458770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZr9dNa26Uj2l-wI0RxbII2uUe9kGbygnzCLttzhwily_bET_JhO4GXMftQIrA153NgqCAc5ZOUyYrntFE6No-I3Kj5boYKtBjOSbUi2ELizyTmLXECpo4lBpj970cmykBIM_ImUkZxg9/s200/114.JPG" /></a><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;">Friends... I've always had so many friends. This is such a nice gift from the Universe, people who share moments of our lives, or moments of their lives with us. I love it!</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;">Arjuna and Krsna are very good friends. We can see that in the Bhagavad Gita, the essential book of Yoga philosophy (sorry Patanjali, you came after it). As they are in the battlefield, Arjuna is asking Krsna for advice on the matter at hand, since he doesn't feel like going into battle. Well, don't think Arjuna is a coward... on the contrary, he's a great warrior. He just doesn't want to fight against his family. Isn't it what we want too, not to fight with our families? Anyhow, they spent a great deal of time, just before the battle, talking. Arjuna has loads of questions, and Krsna patiently answers them. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;">I find it interesting to see how Arjuna feels so comfortable with their friendship, he can ask anything he wants, or needs to know. Krsna, wanting to help his dear friend, tells Arjuna what he needs to know to go ahead and perform his duty. It's a beautiful friendship, enveloped in trust and truth.</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;">Friends can be of all types - the ones who last a couple of hours; others who we meet with once every so often; there are friends who only show up when we most need them, like angels; some friends stay around for a couple of months... others stay for a lifetime. It does not matter how long a friend stays close to you, just enjoy that friendship.</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;">This is a very happy week for me. I'll have the chance to see a friend who went to college with me 22 years ago. We are always in touch you know, technology makes it easier to say hi everyday. However, it's always good to have the chance to hug that person, have dinner together, laugh about life right there, as we sit side by side. These little moments with friends... such a gift from the Universe. I love my friends!</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;">Namaste</span></div>celiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15882842529514553673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1980937471271498570.post-79787164910998994662010-08-22T21:18:00.003-06:002010-08-22T21:42:44.056-06:00Definitions<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0hJyJdEa2kwAIosWM9kfp42ztmJZMuaN2GxRtLJgS9IjL3vDJXq2cNxT-4BFHEXf74f-6fri5L-H7KkXM-DO_8gpomx90k56LBQieA8TyNzL_AbrNJ-Olz5hvL6yGyu7SYG8fmXAMZKe/s1600/175.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 231px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 218px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508444444918600834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0hJyJdEa2kwAIosWM9kfp42ztmJZMuaN2GxRtLJgS9IjL3vDJXq2cNxT-4BFHEXf74f-6fri5L-H7KkXM-DO_8gpomx90k56LBQieA8TyNzL_AbrNJ-Olz5hvL6yGyu7SYG8fmXAMZKe/s200/175.JPG" /></a><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;">As I let go of the load I've been hoarding for so long</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;">I realize each piece defined me somehow, at some point in time</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;">I was once a pianist</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;">Then a basketball player, and then a dancer</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;">But that wasn't enough</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;">I felt I needed more definitions, more masks to wear, so</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;">I became a teacher</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;">And have been holding onto this mask for along time</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;">For a while I was a student</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;">I truly enjoyed this one, identified with the role</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;">At one point I was an artist</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;">Clay took over my heart, hands and mind</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;">After wearing the life of a linguist for a season</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;">I changed paths and became a yogini</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;">With the blessings of Shiva </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;">and the teachings of Patanjali</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;">So many definitions... who am I, really?</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;">One day, the one who blessed me said,</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;">"Before you build a new world, you must destroy the existing one."</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;">He crushed it with his Nataraja</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;">And the destruction began</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;">The first mask to go - the teacher</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;">Followed by the artist and the linguist</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;">I'm not a dancer, or a pianist any longer</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;">Left basketball long ago</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;">Cleaning up, letting go</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;">I see all these definitions leaving my being.</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;">Now I feel like a white canvas</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;">Empty, clean, ready</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;">I don't know what the Universal Artist will draw on it</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;">But I'm open to the new</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;">Not to be defined as such</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;">Not to be attached for very long</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;">So I can let it go when the time comes</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;">Graciously... to become a white canvas again</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;">And experience more of this journey. </span></div><div><span style="color:#330033;"></span> </div><div> </div><div><span style="color:#330033;"></span> </div><div><span style="color:#330033;">Namaste</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;"></span></div>celiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15882842529514553673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1980937471271498570.post-10573340996600648202010-06-20T22:00:00.002-06:002010-06-20T22:20:52.131-06:00Happy Solstice!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyr7GPqjzP-BAtI-KPTTEVyAlYfPlUc_VCKow6eWfYQBuf22sRaieJOo-hA9m81OMoAJXBgP6KsJCEMgaqvAZXjmSDZbkBKsCxc1AsHj-egOBcW8dw6nlybP1eBvdKroXzRttB4UGVSTAy/s1600/Chrysanthemum.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485077117159126466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyr7GPqjzP-BAtI-KPTTEVyAlYfPlUc_VCKow6eWfYQBuf22sRaieJOo-hA9m81OMoAJXBgP6KsJCEMgaqvAZXjmSDZbkBKsCxc1AsHj-egOBcW8dw6nlybP1eBvdKroXzRttB4UGVSTAy/s200/Chrysanthemum.jpg" /></a><br /><div>This is a wonderful time! Finally we arrived at the Summer Solstice, a time when energies are such to promote more personal progress, healing, peace and harmony. It may not seem that peaceful, but I can tell you... if you look inside yourself, you will find the peace you're looking for. It is time for us to change our consciousness, move it from the place of fear, anger, despair that we have been to a place of love, light, confidence... the place where we truly belong. The energies provided by the present solstice are appropriate for it. Let's embark upon this change of heart and mind so we can dream a better world and watch it transform before our eyes. It's all in our hands...</div><br /><div>Dedicate your yoga practice the next three days to the changes you want to see in yourself first, and then in the world around you. I know you can make your practice very special this way... </div><br /><div>Today I had a most wonderful yoga... a silent fire vigil celebrating the solstice. It's a great experience to feel One with the people around, with nature and, above all, the Creator. It was truly yoga!</div><br /><div>I wish you all a happy solstice... and a super fun summer, full of yoga, always.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Jay! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>celiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15882842529514553673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1980937471271498570.post-25706388829099157142010-06-07T08:20:00.001-06:002010-06-07T08:22:59.278-06:00Be the Divine"The intuitive mind is a sacred gitf and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift." Albert Einstein<br /><br />Namasteceliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15882842529514553673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1980937471271498570.post-88148224694448927302010-05-25T11:05:00.003-06:002010-05-25T11:22:03.529-06:00Come practice yoga!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimCdVfdDq2_rLKEp7i7qXARHNcCDCoOiS_YV2jeZdu7kBce4uxQVz8q-ELrCu0QU0JD6Qpjnifa0diny3rm_jmIuQBkRIq0oMJ6bTbZVbI5CaUO3CQolcOE2M8Xy3HRI_Jni3G2MZA56qi/s1600/celiatemple1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475258333949545314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimCdVfdDq2_rLKEp7i7qXARHNcCDCoOiS_YV2jeZdu7kBce4uxQVz8q-ELrCu0QU0JD6Qpjnifa0diny3rm_jmIuQBkRIq0oMJ6bTbZVbI5CaUO3CQolcOE2M8Xy3HRI_Jni3G2MZA56qi/s200/celiatemple1.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Dear Selves,</div><br /><div>It's almost summer again, even though we had one more demonstration of power from Mother Nature - SNOW ON MAY 24TH!! I believe she's just trying to tell us to pay attention to the way we are conducting our business on her surface, to accept her changes, and help make life better for all human beings. </div><br /><div>With that in mind... come practice yoga with us at the Sri Radha Krsna Temple, in Spanish Fork, Utah. I teach classes every Monday, and we have other instructors from Tuesday through Thursday, and Saturday. Hatha yoga begins at 6:45 pm and goes to 7:30pm. It's wonderful to practice there at this time of the year because of the way the sun light hits the temple as it sets down, creating an "out of this world" atmosphere. </div><br /><div>Yoga at the temple is free, but donations to the teachers are appreciated. We also offer japa yoga and kirtan yoga as well. It's open to all... don't be shy!!</div><br /><div>Hope to see you there!</div><br /><div>Haribol</div>celiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15882842529514553673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1980937471271498570.post-43531386983218134202010-03-11T09:42:00.003-07:002010-05-25T11:04:01.949-06:00What's in your backpack?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikI1Opom4AhJ942Fhc8R-grKeZdYgClU0X4i9V7JhEbgyR7BqEzsWMbuBcdBB1hMWAj_4C9FXFE6JNlz-O4knkhDv-0KMDSpj578XV2qylDKQl1tAc-U8P5ga3wM-B6BMBx2DUrLnks2Gf/s1600/MahaShivaratri.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 133px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475254104093853010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikI1Opom4AhJ942Fhc8R-grKeZdYgClU0X4i9V7JhEbgyR7BqEzsWMbuBcdBB1hMWAj_4C9FXFE6JNlz-O4knkhDv-0KMDSpj578XV2qylDKQl1tAc-U8P5ga3wM-B6BMBx2DUrLnks2Gf/s200/MahaShivaratri.jpg" /></a><br /><div>If you had the chance to watch the movie Up in the Air, you remember the seminars presented by Clooney - "What's in Your Backpack." Interesting concepts... made me think, "what's in my bag?" </div><br /><div>It seems to me there is a connection with the vedic principles of happiness and the movie character's ideas about life. Most of our lives we pursue those things that are suppose to bring us happiness, but essentially they slow us down, tie us to situations that are not the happiest in our lives... or keep us enslaved to them. We work our entire lives for this - things that we cannot even carry with us as we progress as human/spiritual beings. We work now for a tomorrow we don't know will exist instead of enjoying the present moment, carrying a very light backpack. </div><br /><div>I'm not saying we shouldn't enjoy what life brings us, but there's always a moment where that which brings us happiness becomes the dictator of our lives. Is this what's happening to you? I can see several of those little things in my life...</div><br /><div></div><div>The practice of yoga and meditation help us find the happiness we look for within ourselves, as well as enjoy the beauties of life without attachments. Chapter 6, text 20-23 of the Bhagavad Gita mentions the state of Samadhi, a transcendental state where one is completely absorbed in happiness and self realization, undisturbed by anything else around. This is where the "backpack" becomes so light, and yet full of all that we need in life. </div><br /><div></div><div>Detach... Enjoy... Love... Live... and keep your backpack light!</div><br /><div></div><div>Namaste</div>celiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15882842529514553673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1980937471271498570.post-1702440547796478582010-01-12T09:41:00.002-07:002010-01-12T10:15:28.967-07:00Happy New Year! And no resolutions...I have no sense of time anymore! The holidays went by so fast... it was a great time to reconnect and relax a bit.<br /><br />On New Year's Eve, as I was watching the count down on t.v. with my son, he asked me what was my New Year's resolution. I fired the question back at him, and of course he said, "I don't have any." Obviously, he's only 13! His resolutions exist on a day to day basis, regarding school and video games...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">lol</span>!<br />I looked at him and said, "I don't have any," feeling great relief. I don't need resolutions, I don't need the stress of starting a new year thinking about how to get this one thing done. We both agreed it's too much stress.<br /><br />In a sense though, we all have resolutions, plans, desires... we all want something to change in the next year, to get better, to take us to a different place. It's like the start of a new term in school - we have 100% grades and attendance, and we plan / wish / decide to do our best to keep it so. No more tardies, turn in homework on time, study for the tests, right?!<br /><br />However, people believe they must decide to pursue some <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">unattainable</span> goal, something they have no real desire to obtain - they are doing it because they <strong>should</strong>, or because someone else did it and said it was great, or because they read about it somewhere as "the thing" to do this year. I used to do that a lot in the past... and ended the year frustrated!<br /><br />I have goals. I have desires I want to fulfill. I decided to take the "13 year old boy" approach - one day at a time, and only that which is really important to me. No <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">attachments</span>, though! It all depends on how life unfolds itself before me. <strong>And no <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">shoulds</span>!!</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />Let's enjoy our journey through this life. Let's enjoy the changes 2010 is bringing to us, be positive about them, learn with them. Be in touch with yourself and find out what are the true desires of your heart. Be. Breath. Meditate... it's all good!<br /><br />May 2010 be filled with much love and light for you!<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Namaste</span>celiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15882842529514553673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1980937471271498570.post-27925987976243720862009-12-15T09:54:00.003-07:002010-01-12T09:41:33.786-07:00The line which defines right and wrong is so thin, ethereal, and movable. What seemed to be right yesterday may have a total different look today, totally wrong perhaps. Decisions made months, years, decades ago, "the only right way to go" at the time, today sound so wrong that it makes one wonder if it would be possible to go back and fix it. You see - it was right, now it's wrong, so I want to make it right. It's maddening, isn't it?<br /><br />Years ago, I took a step in my life which affected the lives of those around me in a big way. For a long time I swayed back and forth between right and wrong, to try and explain it in a rational, right or wrong way. Only today I have finally got in touch with the pain caused by that decision... not that what I did was painful to me specifically, but the pain I may have caused somebody else hurts me. I never stopped to think about it! I had the a-ha moment during my morning meditation, and it tossed me to the right or wrong mode again. So, because this other person may have suffered due to my actions, I hurt and therefore what I did was wrong... right?<br /><br />I think I'm learning some sort of lesson here, which brings me to my yoga practice.<br /><br />First, the duality of this world prepares us for doubt, questioning, multiple personalities and the right or wrong mind set. We grow up on "this is right and that is wrong" mode. We become judgemental, always wanting the right, criticizing the wrong and evaluating people and situations constantly, grading them according to our perceptions. Am I so enlightened that my perceptions are completely aligned with universal truth that I can point my finger and determine if this or that person are doing the "right" thing?<br /><br />Second, acceptance of what is before you. People / situations / things are simply what they are, there is nothing right or wrong about them. Usually, we make decisions based on the knowledge we have at hand, to the best of our abilities. As we progress in life our knowledge improves and our senses refine. So, the decisions of the past may seem wrong, but in reality they are what they are - decisions. We live with the consequences/pains, we have the chance to learn from them, and to make other decisions from where we are. We can't waste energy thinking "if..." What if I had taken this other road? What if I had married this other person? What if... What if... What if... This takes us NOWHERE!<br /><br />Third, I would like to quote Patanjali: "And now, Yoga." The meaning of yoga is to yoke, "union," but union with what? Body, mind, spirit, when "yoganized" become one - no more duality! That is the purpose, to find our essence and get out of the mind set created by duality. Can we find this union all around us? Dark/light, beauty/ugly, sound/silence, right/wrong... it's all one! These qualities are what they are, and necessary the way they are!<br /><br />I'm dealing with the pain of my decision. It teaches me to see things under a different light, it teaches me a lesson I needed to learn. It makes me who I am today. I don't think of it as right or wrong anymore... it is what it is. I move on to make other decisions and I don't know if they will be right or wrong. I just try to stay in my heart and make it all... yoga!<br /><br />Namasteceliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15882842529514553673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1980937471271498570.post-88866229762028164602009-11-23T09:35:00.002-07:002009-11-23T09:50:59.933-07:00Sound is everything!Namaste!<br />I want to share a mantra I enjoy greatly by Sadhguru.<br /><br />"Sound is Bhramhan, the manifestation of the universe<br />It is sound that has become all life-forms<br /><br />It is sound that binds, it is sound that liberates<br />Sound is <span style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffff00">the</span> basis of bondage<br />Sound is the basis of Ultimate Liberation<br />Sound is the bestower, sound is the power<br />Sound is Bhramhan, the manifestation of the universe<br /><br />Everything is sound<br />Sound is omnipresent."<br /><br />If you'd like to listen to the Sanskrit version by Sadhguru himself, I suggest you to visit the Isha yoga website - the name of the CD is Nadha Bhramha. I love the mantras, it's my favorite part of yoga.<br /><br />Love to all<br /><br />Shanticeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15882842529514553673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1980937471271498570.post-11896118805227209012009-11-14T21:00:00.002-07:002009-11-14T21:46:54.525-07:00The time to surrender is now!Namaste!<br />Life is so busy right now, specially with the end of the year approaching - Thanksgiving, Xmas, New Year's. If you are a normal person, you're probably worrying about the food, the reunions, the gifts, the entertainment... all that goes on with the end of the year craziness. Are you feeling stressed out? Too much to do... and so little time. What about the money - is there enough for all this? I can tell you, there are a lot of people suffering from insomnia right now.<br />My question is - who came up with this stuff? Why do we have to make this time of the year the most difficult to go through?<br />Last year, my family decided to Feng Sui the holidays and make it about spending time together. We had a different menu, we avoided the mall and kept everything very simple. We decided that our gift to the Earth was to not go around buying things that we would probably discard the next year. Isn't it what we do - buy things that we only use a couple of times and discard? It was liberating! We are so attached to the craziness that we forget the real meaning behind it all - Love and Peace!! Can we buy Love and Peace?<br />Amidst the craziness, we forget ourselves, our plans get delayed... after Xmas I'll relax/take time to read the book I want/do yoga/meditate...or maybe after New Year's, to start it anew, doing everything differently. We wait and wait, for the right day, for the right moment, for the right mood, for the right weather, for the right company. We wait for the perfect alignment of every circumstance to surrender to life as we want it. Is it possible? When do we surrender?<br />During the program in Tennessee, Sadhguru said that we mistakenly believe that life here is eternal, therefore we don't live... we don't surrender to life and enjoy it. We postpone life to when we believe it's more appropriate to live it. Only when we come to understand that, someday, life will cease to exist, then we will start to live.<br />Surrender now! Read that book today! Start your meditation practice today! Change your diet today! Practice yoga today! Live today, right now!<br />Say no to stress; say no to what is unnecessary in life; say no to waste. Surrender to Love and Peace! Make it about Love and Peace... we can all do this.<br />May all be well with you. May all live in peace, love and abundance. May the Light and Love of God shine upon you.<br />Shanti hiceliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15882842529514553673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1980937471271498570.post-26081874442352331692009-11-01T20:19:00.002-07:002009-11-01T21:17:49.460-07:00The end is also the beginningSalutations! It's been a great season so far... and I love the sunset at this time of the year! Even though the air is cool, the sky has such a warmth, the fire in the clouds. I love fall!<br />Lots of things changed in the past weeks. I'll share...<br />Our Tuesday group has been a great blessing in my life. At this moment, I want to thank my friends Jackie and Kevin for making it possible, making great contributions to keep it going. They were a great support and constant in their practice. My great appreciation for their help and love. Thank you guys!!!<br />I also want to thank all those who participated in our practice - it was a great joy to share my time with you. With that said, I must announce that our Tuesday group won't meet in Orem anymore... the end of a season.<br />However, I would like to invite you to come attend yoga classes at the Krshna temple in Spanish Fork. I was invited to teach there a couple months ago and finally decided to accept the invitation. In reality, I have been practicing yoga there for a while, on Saturdays, and I love it! The practice there includes kirtan, singing of the maha mantra, and also some yoga philosophy. After practice, we can indulge in some wonderful food prepared with so much devotion and love. I'll be teaching there on Tuesday evenings, at 6:30, but the program actually starts at 6:00pm. They also offer yoga classes on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.<br />Come join us... it's a great opportunity to get all of what yoga has to offer to our lives.<br />So, this is the new beginning, a new adventure, a different learning experience... it's Shiva creating and destroying, keeping life moving always. Shambo!<br />Love and peace to all.<br />Namasteceliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15882842529514553673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1980937471271498570.post-85731850008160091362009-10-07T10:18:00.002-06:002009-10-07T10:38:56.505-06:00Namaste!<br />I hope you are all enjoying the cold fall season we are having this year. Isn't it interesting to see the fall colors mixed up with the white snow? I love the view, but I confess I don't like the cold weather. According to Ayurveda, I'm more of a vata body type, which means that cold, wind and dark days are not ideal for me. Yoga helps me to keep the balance I need through the cold weather.<br /><br />Well, I've been back from Tennessee for a couple of weeks now, and I have been trying to find the words to describe the wonderful experience I had there. I can't find the words! What I had there is somehow indescribable. My husband and I went for Bhava Spandana, a program offered by Isha Yoga. We did the Inner Engineering Program last June and that was already life changing. This last experience in Tennessee touched our very core, transforming so much within us... it was incredible! If you would like more info about Isha Yoga, go to <a href="http://www.ishayoga.com/">www.ishayoga.com</a>.<br /><br />Our yoga class is back on schedule - Tuesday @ 6:30 pm. We had a great class last night, very restorative, meditative, renewing. It feels wonderful to spend time with people who are in the yoga journey... yes, it's a journey and it takes a lifetime... or two... or three! I hope to see you there next time!<br /><br />Shanti Shanti Shanticeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15882842529514553673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1980937471271498570.post-79006723213307369092009-09-16T09:31:00.002-06:002009-09-16T09:46:16.780-06:00ScheduleHaribol! Next tuesday, Sept. 22, we won't have yoga. I'll be busy learning a different yoga style next week... so, I'll see you all on the 29th of September.<br />We had a very good class last night - everybody was so engaged, so focused. We had beautiful poses done by everyone... it was a real joy!<br />I also wanted to let you know that there will be a wellness fair on Sept. 26, from 10:00am to 2:00pm in Spanish Fork, in the parking lot area where KMart is located. There will be some yoga too.<br /><br />Love to all - and I'll see you on the 29th, @ 6:30pm!<br />Namasteceliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15882842529514553673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1980937471271498570.post-17712097256849984802009-09-06T11:00:00.001-06:002009-09-06T11:02:01.204-06:00Prayer for Well-Being of AllMay All be happy<br />May all be without suffering<br />May all think well of one another<br />May one's destiny be free from sorrow<br />Om, Shanti, Shanti, Shanticeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15882842529514553673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1980937471271498570.post-86030597458960740352009-09-04T10:26:00.002-06:002009-09-04T10:29:56.179-06:00A bit of yoga poetryDelicious breath blows through this body,<br />soft like crushed rose petal dust.<br />Transparent bones<br />land on mat.<br />Familiar dog folding forward and<br />back,<br />snake the spine around<br />this heart.<br />No tomorrow<br />no (to)night,<br />only now, delicious breath. (unknown author)celiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15882842529514553673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1980937471271498570.post-15932502153095447812009-09-04T10:00:00.005-06:002009-09-04T10:26:19.646-06:00Yoga, yoga, yoga...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKlpKdprOMv7zIMtQ7uDQ7AQ51YLdjzGHVhg0BWHU8WDJnNcWmnt79WUoCcewFCXbzF94O2_1S39AprIN0paKXaTCqMjhyWZS8YhGDxahOy5gV0G7PTpDI7xks8fxMlcUb8ICeaCY8Ilo/s1600-h/Celia's+saved+pics+143.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377648807037638674" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKlpKdprOMv7zIMtQ7uDQ7AQ51YLdjzGHVhg0BWHU8WDJnNcWmnt79WUoCcewFCXbzF94O2_1S39AprIN0paKXaTCqMjhyWZS8YhGDxahOy5gV0G7PTpDI7xks8fxMlcUb8ICeaCY8Ilo/s200/Celia's+saved+pics+143.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Salutations to all! I wish all of you are doing well in Light and Love.</div><div>The decision to move the yoga class to Tuesday seems to have been a good one. I like the energy of Tuesday... </div><div> </div><div>Just to remind you all, our yoga class is open to anyone who wants to join and enjoy some time of relaxation, breathing, meditation and contact with oneself. There are no fees - this is a donation based community class. We meet every Tuesday, 6:30 pm @ 1156 South State St., suite 206 in Orem. I teach private classes too, for those interested in a one-on-one approach. If you have any questions feel free to email me @ <a href="mailto:timpanyoga@gmail.com">timpanyoga@gmail.com</a>. </div><br /><div>Bring your mat... come have fun!</div><br /><div>Namaste</div>celiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15882842529514553673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1980937471271498570.post-72409590838071197772009-08-28T12:56:00.004-06:002009-08-28T13:37:15.871-06:00Helping and learning go hand in hand...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFAogQPbhRwM3zEtUEADTYf87RoZ2ezpsy-ca6_f2D6L2V8wRbaD32Xgbl1pV54dlnIR3WB3weWLoveU4EEcfcEHeyeCfpGf20EWKIvbWHVcNLh9dKsYea4xDHcvj8NBaNe_7Bow2AFUn4/s1600-h/Celias+Pictures+026.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375098558872943906" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFAogQPbhRwM3zEtUEADTYf87RoZ2ezpsy-ca6_f2D6L2V8wRbaD32Xgbl1pV54dlnIR3WB3weWLoveU4EEcfcEHeyeCfpGf20EWKIvbWHVcNLh9dKsYea4xDHcvj8NBaNe_7Bow2AFUn4/s200/Celias+Pictures+026.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Salutations yogis/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">yoginis</span></span>! I must confess that I'm very proud of my son... he always teaches me valuable lessons and I feel blessed to have such wonderful teacher.</div><br /><div>Yesterday, as we drove back from school, he told me he was impressed with the number of classmates asking him for help in math. "And I don't think I'm that good mom..." he said. I asked him how he felt about helping his friends, and he told me he felt good about it. He has a natural desire to be helpful... not at home, of course. Don't even think about asking him to put the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">garbage</span> out! "This is child exploitation mom!" However, when he sees a friend in dire need of help, he won't think twice to come to his rescue. And there, in the car, I told him that when we help someone is when we have the opportunity to learn. You learn more every time you help. </div><br /><div>I remember my first year as an elementary school teacher. I had just graduated, and felt I knew absolutely nothing that I could teach to my class. The same feeling came to me when I started teaching yoga: "What can I possibly share or teach? I am not that good at it..." I came to the conclusion that, as time goes by and you stick with the idea that you can be of help, and you're going to try your best to help one, two, ten, or twenty people, you realize that you are learning more than you ever thought possible by serving another. I helped children for 10 years, and they taught me much. As for yoga... I'm learning with you... and from you...</div><br /><div>Live from the heart, help and learn with and from others. </div><br /><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Namaste</span></span></div>celiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15882842529514553673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1980937471271498570.post-24084462867305025152009-08-21T20:46:00.000-06:002009-08-21T20:57:50.977-06:00Schedule change...Salutations! Our Yoga class is going from Thursday to Tuesday, same place and time. This is an experiment - it seems to me that quite a few people have some engagement on Thursdays, which makes it difficult for them to come and enjoy some good time doing Yoga. I hope soon we will have so many people coming to class that we will have it twice a week!<br />So, Yoga on Tuesday eve, 6:30pm @ the same address in Orem (please, look older posting for correct address, or email us!).<br />Our class last Thursday was great! Such wonderful practice... we got to play with a very "dancing" sequence, with Ganesha and Kali, Hindu gods who have special characteristics needed for our times. We were all so happy at the end.<br />I hope you can join us for our next practice... it will be special.<br />Shanti, Shanti, Shanticeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15882842529514553673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1980937471271498570.post-84413770675603050492009-08-18T12:18:00.000-06:002009-08-18T12:27:45.047-06:00Yoga!!I have had people asking me about our yoga class... here is the update:<br />Address - 1156 South State St., suite 206 in Orem<br />Time -6:30 pm<br />When - Every Thursday (unless we need to change it for some reason. The info would be posted here)<br />Price - Donation based class<br />Everybody is invited!<br />Hope to see you soon!<br />Namasteceliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15882842529514553673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1980937471271498570.post-33315179220068327732009-08-16T15:52:00.000-06:002009-08-16T15:54:24.343-06:00This week scheduleWe have yoga this week!! Same yoga place... same yoga time. Well, actually, the yoga time will be 6:30pm. Bring your matt and let's have some fun!<br /><br />See you there!<br />Namasteceliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15882842529514553673noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1980937471271498570.post-84757623788332432162009-08-16T14:03:00.000-06:002009-08-16T14:39:27.921-06:00T.I.A.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeldvTCEv1drROe0THmh6UQ4f9W6apzu6vgYF11Byf5YI7ducqPYyJkfvTuDI1oPpQFUgAkYruhCTsvjZHOiZTfFPtWFE3no7TNTfJM6-VyTNrxN4a9TKNY7kzcPbMKLGoCbqDjBmN-cud/s1600-h/Celias+Pictures+167.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370661870485014914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeldvTCEv1drROe0THmh6UQ4f9W6apzu6vgYF11Byf5YI7ducqPYyJkfvTuDI1oPpQFUgAkYruhCTsvjZHOiZTfFPtWFE3no7TNTfJM6-VyTNrxN4a9TKNY7kzcPbMKLGoCbqDjBmN-cud/s200/Celias+Pictures+167.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I like to prepare before every class I teach. There's always something special to share with everybody. Last week, I prepared by reading an article I found by accident in a magazine, which I also found by accident - as if "accidents" existed, right?! The article is called "Just Say T-I-A" by Paul Sutherland. He goes on telling about the difficulties his family had while adopting a child in Africa. Every time something went wrong, his wife would say T-I-A, meaning "This Is Africa, what else can be done?" He decided to apply this concept to life in general using T-I-A as "This Is Acceptable." </div><br /><div>Now, this is a very interesting concept because it entitles a total "let go" approach to life. No control. Acceptance. No judgement. Acceptance. Love. Gratitude. Acceptance.</div><div>Sometimes, things are just what they are! Anger, frustration, resentment, a "I'm a victim" attitude will not change what it is. Therefore, T-I-A... accept what can't be controlled, what can't be changed. Love, gratitude, living a life that comes from the heart are better responses to life's pitfalls. T-I-A!!</div><div> </div><div>And now you are wondering, "What the heck does the squirrel in the picture have to do with all this?" Well... T-I-A!!</div><div>Shanti Shanti Shanti</div><br /><div></div>celiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15882842529514553673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1980937471271498570.post-1970692303215387302009-08-11T15:54:00.000-06:002009-08-11T15:59:04.544-06:00A thought on yoga<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrVCkr3YN40-Y7rdeS2KmtejlNBODHiOe0cmJ1UjGbCL0AVysFDIInmpbmbGzqzsrNmFLMTlb8vEeVE4DwmuHHn7LCS3e8LWEtxd_vs4EY2BGLW4z8FzuLC2eT9nZok3cBl52I2Y8OFNYG/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368829044132023538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 116px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 116px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrVCkr3YN40-Y7rdeS2KmtejlNBODHiOe0cmJ1UjGbCL0AVysFDIInmpbmbGzqzsrNmFLMTlb8vEeVE4DwmuHHn7LCS3e8LWEtxd_vs4EY2BGLW4z8FzuLC2eT9nZok3cBl52I2Y8OFNYG/s200/images.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>"The immediacy of yoga is astounding. Everything essential is here, right now. Ishvara, the divine principle, lives in the body. Your body! All of the yoga practices support this vision and help us to access the deity within." (unknown author)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Come access your divine Self!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Namaste</div>celiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15882842529514553673noreply@blogger.com0