zogayoga

Celebrating Curves with Yogarazzi in Goa

2012-03-04T07:17:00.004-08:00

When I had arrived in Kerala, I was told that I looked malnourished by my family. Most people who know me, are aware that I love to eat, so nourishment is not ever an issue unless I am fasting. Now by American standards, and if you look back at my earlier photos in India, I looked normal.....but in South India, if your butt isn't inflated enough, you are considered malnourished. Despite my regular Ashtanga Yoga practice, my family worked very hard at fattening me up.....and they succeeded! Due to the fact that when I gain weight it has a tendency to go straight to my buttocks & thighs, when I left Kerala, I literally could not fit into my jeans. According to the family, I looked almost normal. According to my mirror I looked like I needed to get my A$$ back into shape.

The irony I found about this situation is in NYC the culture is to get into the best shape ever, minimal fat and toned and tight.....and in Kerala culturally they appreciate a woman with more meat on their bones. This reaction of an appreciation for a curvier woman is also found in other Spanish, African, West Indian and some European Cultures. When will we just embrace exactly what a woman is without any societal pressures, expectations or media influence? When will a woman be able to gain weight and celebrate every inch? When will health be the main reason we get into shape? Because I always tell my female students to embrace exactly where they are physically, celebrate their sexy curves and live each moment to the fullest, I still went to the beach each day in Goa, in a bikini (Thank you Maayan). I did yoga on the beach, only to have a swarm of men snap photos of me and my friend because apparently they thought I was a Bollywood Film Star and she an American star. So we got the Yoga-razzi!

I do look forward to getting back to a trimmer size.....for now I will enjoy my extra padding for my asana. ~ Namaste

Goa Bound - Beauty and the Beach

2012-03-02T00:51:00.002-08:00

So my travels in India take me to Goa. This is my mini break from teaching and even practicing. My new friend & new Yogini Maayan decided to travel here to practice some more Ashtanga with Ralph and Marci, so I joined for the trip. The first night we sat and had dinner on the beautiful Anjuna Beach. Jupiter and Venus were aligned and we could see this spectacular sky display in full view. It was lovely. We have enjoyed the beach, the market, the friendly local people and relaxing. While there are many different Yoga, and Reiki classes available here in Goa.....there is something remarkable about meditating with the sound of the Ocean waves crashing on the shore. And the newest thing I got to do on the beach was getting my eyebrows threaded. Threading is the common way to keep brows in shape in India. Instead of using tweezers or wax, women use thread. Goa is beautiful!!! Few more days and I head north to teach, study and enjoy India. Namaste and thank you for sharing the journey.

Making Paratha in Kerala

2012-03-02T00:43:00.004-08:00

So while the amazing Ashtanga Teacher Training is complete, and I along with a fabulous group of individuals are Ashtanga Yogis "Officially"....I must admit I miss the group. Truly grateful for the experience!!! I really enjoyed the experience of teaching & learning in Kerala. I especially enjoyed during the Ayurveda cooking class, being the demo model and learning to make Paratha. The chef was insistent I learn. The chef explained to me that it is like washing clothes. After hearing this, I quickly joked that I use a washing machine. In India, when hand washing we flip the clothes on a rock. So like that we are to flip the dough and slap it down to make soft fluffy paratha. It took a while to learn, with a lotta laughs and a tremendous amount of patients from the chef, I did it!!! I made 3 parathas!!!! Apparently, they were delicious. A Healthy addition to your meals. Thank you Soma Kerala Palace.

Typical Ingredients:

2 cups wheat flour
1/2 cup water
2 tsp ghee
salt

Combine dry ingredients. Add water and Ghee. Set aside for a while. Keep applying Ghee and Rolling, slapping and flipping (like pizza dough). Fry on a griddle, serve with some type of curry, curd, pickle or side dish of choice and enjoy.

Welcome New Ashtanga Yogis

2012-02-22T22:06:00.004-08:00

Welcome Freshly Certified Ashtanga Yogis to the Worldwide Yoga Community. It has been a blessing to share in this journey. Thank you Caroline for inviting me to join in this experience both as an instructor & participant. Thank you fellow Ashtangi's for making this such a beautiful experience. I know each individual will go on to spread the energy of love & positivity everywhere they go. Congratulations Jaro, Asya, Joanna, Whitney, Elaine, Kim, Sophie, Bob, Bev, Ulrike, Margharita, Maayan, Clare, and Willa (we missed you Willa). Thank you all for helping me grow as a teacher and as a student to the brilliant of practice yoga. Love you all.

Photo: (taken on our last dinner night with live entertainment & a special Birthday cake for Kim)

Top L-R: Ulrike, Margharita, Bob, Whitney, Asya, Clare, Kim, Maayan

Bottom L-R: Joanna, Jaro, Ambria, Sophie, Elaine, Bev

Kerala Sadhya

2012-02-22T21:51:00.002-08:00

The last lunch for our amazing group of Ashtanga Yogis was served traditional Kerala Sadhya. Kerala Sadhya is a delicious array of Kerala Vegetables served on a Banana Leaf. It was incredibly tasty. Everyone quickly learned how to eat with their hands. I joked and explained to them that our hands are the original fork and knife. We all got the Royal treatment. This experience has been so incredible. I quickly discovered my newest talent of a translator/linguistic expert for Malayalam and English.

The new Yogis are a beautiful group of individuals with the most AMAZING energy. It has been a blessing to learn with them, to teach them, to practice with them and to make new friends. The Kerala Palace where the training took place was a paradise, and I am truly grateful to all the staff.

Maha Shivarathri in Vaikom, Kerala

2012-02-20T19:34:00.000-08:00

The Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Trainees had the privilege to celebrate one of the most beloved celebrations in the Hindu Calendar, the Maha Shivarathri. This celebrates the blessings of Lord Shiva. The group all dressed in traditional Kerala Set Sari, and Mundu for Jaro. We ventured to the beautiful Temple in Vaikom. They saw the procession, the drums, the Thalapooli line of ladies, the massive crowds, the lit lanterns, the decorated Elephant (who even left a little surprise for everyone to witness) and some of the group entered into the Temple as well. It was such a beautiful experience, and a rare opportunity for Teacher Trainees to celebrate something so special. It was a tremendous honor and privilege to help organize this adventure for this amazing group of Yogis. ~ Om Nama Shivaya.

Ashtanga Yoga with Jaro

2012-02-20T19:22:00.001-08:00

Those who practice yoga understand the special qualities that make an Instructor worth following. While I always love to support new teachers, and experience classes from different teachers, it takes a special teacher to have me return for more classes, to have me long for more classes. While I respect & appreciate every learning opportunity, the short list of special teachers who do this for me (and many other students) are Sri Dharma Mittra, Tao Porchon Lynch, Isaac Pena, David Swenson, and Swami Shivam. These are the type of teachers that I not only recommend to my students constantly, but teachers who I would travel to great lengths to take their classes as often as possible. I now have a new Instructor to add to this list.

For a teacher to make my personal list of favorites, the Instructor has an inspiring yoga practice, has in-depth knowledge of the yoga practice, gives impeccable verbal cues, gives amazing adjustments, gives encouraging words, shines with humility, sets the tone for collective consciousness by inspiring synchronized breath, emphasizes the importance of prana, facilitates a mind body experience that challenges us physically, leaves many students with life changing epiphanies/spiritual growth, and of course leaves every student wanting more.

While I am here in Kerala, India, I am blessed to share in Caroline's Ashtanga Yoga teacher training program both as an instructor and student. There is another yogi who is also participating and teaching. His name is Jaro, he is amazing, and he is a new Yogi that I am adding to my personal list of favorites.

His yoga practice is brilliant. His instruction is comparable to the incredible Ashtanga Guru, David Swenson, who not surprisingly, Jaro has studied from. When I first met Jaro (pronounced Yarrow) and heard his name, I instantly knew he had to have some Czech roots. I told him how my late beloved Godfather was named Miroslav and from Czechoslovakia with a brother named Jaro (Jaroslav). Turns out, Jaro is half Czech.

While here in Kerala, Jaro has been instructing students in adjustments and how to lead the Primary Series of Ashtanga Yoga. He recently taught two led classes. I was supposed to only take the first day led class, and adjust in the second day, but I asked Jaro if I could take both days, and he agreed since I am fine with adjusting that I can take the class. These two classes were soooo incredible, I am mentally planning a trip to Czechoslovakia so I can take his class again.

Jaro is a teacher that is incredibly in touch with the energy of the room, he teaches with the traditional sanskrit Ashtanga Yoga count, and challenges students physically with words of encouragement. He has a lovely sense of humour (comically threatening to collect 50 Euro from students who roll beyond the mat in Chakrasana), and infectious laugh, and gives possibly the best adjustments. Too often teachers avoid adjusting me, they assume since I am flexible or deep into a posture, or aligned correctly, that I do not need to go deeper, that I do not need a tiny tweak, which often makes me never want to return. Like everyone who practices yoga, I LOVE a GOOD ADJUSTMENT, and Jaro gives the BEST!

I am beyond grateful to have met this fantastic Yoga Instructor. I look forward to taking more classes with him in the future.....and conducting retreats and trainings with Jaro as well.

For those of you who are serious about your Ashtanga Yoga practice, please see if you can take class with Jaro. You can also listen to the Pod Cast for the recent amazing classes that Jaro led us in, in Kerala.

Jaro's Website:

www.1yoga.sk

Facebook Fanpage:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/1yogask/219489403341

Photos:

Jaro & Ambria......Jaro doing Handstand

Ayurveda Cooking Class

2012-02-10T20:31:00.000-08:00

So while normally each morning is immersion into the Primary Series of Ashtanga Yoga (Mysore style) we had a special treat recently on our Full Moon, of an Ayurveda Cooking Class. Our daily meals are delicious Kerala style meals, with Ayurveda menu items, as suggested by our beautiful Ayurveda Doctor. Since everyone has been enjoying the meals, part of our experience included a lovely Ayurveda Cooking Class. Our amazing Ayurveda Chef, a fellow Malayalee made some amazing food items.

The menu included:

Beet Root Rice
Snake Gord Thoran
Pineapple Curry
Payassam (dessert)

The food was delicious!

Ashtanga Yoga in Kerala

2012-02-01T23:47:00.000-08:00

So while students are progressively enjoying the Primary Series of the Ashtanga Yoga practice, as created by the late Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, we are also going over adjustments. For those who are unaware Ashtanga is taught either in a led class or Mysore style. Mysore style is a chance for students to go through at their pace, and Instructors to provide more adjustments. I love to give and receive adjustments because it feels amazing. Adjustments should always be done in a safe manner for both the giver and receiver, with the primary intent to improve alignment and secondary to deepen the pose.

Purvottanasana is a beautiful pose to stretch the entire front body. It is sometimes called reverse plank pose. An excellent way for students to learn to adjust this pose is to stand above the Yoga Aspirant, legs straddled around them, knees bent, and gently placing the hands near sacral area lift up & lean back, keeping their elbows on their knees. This ensures that the receiver will have a lovely adjustment and the person adjusting has no strain to the back in the process.

I am beyond grateful to be part of this experience with these brilliant Yogis. To learn is to grow, to practice is to evolve. Very excited to lead the afternoon Subtle Body & Chakra Class. ~ Om Shanti

Manifesting Dreams with Yoga in Kerala

2012-01-31T01:10:00.000-08:00

"Do your practice and all is coming" ~ Sri K Pattabhi Jois

So my trip to India has so far taken me from Delhi where I saw a friend, then to Calcutta where I volunteered with Missionaries of Charity, to Chennai where I saw my Aunty, and now Kerala, the birth place of my parents where I can see my family, where I am studying Ashtanga Yoga, where I am teaching yoga & Chakras, and enjoying the lush paradise scenes of the backwaters of India (Kerala).

As I have said to many of my beloved students in the past, write down your dreams, your aspirations, meditate on them and watch how the Universe brings those things to you. Our thoughts are the key factor of quantum physics, vibrational energy that brings to your life exactly what you seek, and exactly what you are meant to learn from or let go of. Key point, if you want to manifest amazing things, please let go of the things that no longer serve you (grudges, painful memories etc....This will lighten the load for your journey)

So the things I wrote on my list last year:

To See my family in IndiaTo study Ashtanga Yoga & become a certified Ashtanga Yogi & deepen my practice.
To Volunteer with Missionaries of Charity in India.
To study Ashtanga Yoga & become a certified Ashtanga Yogi & deepen my practice.
To Teach Yoga and study Yoga in a beautiful location surrounded by water and nature.
To meet my Teacher in India
To study Ayurveda
To travel to the Northern part of India
To Study Kriya & Meditation

Last year, I wrote that I want to go to India and see my family, it had been a few years since I was here. I spent my Birthday with my Uncle and Aunt, and have seen almost all of my relatives so far.

I spent one of the most amazing weeks of my life with the Missionaries of Charity, working at Daya Dan, the orphanage for children with special needs. This experience introduced me to amazing new friends from all over the globe, allowed me to see Mother Teresa's Tomb, and spend time with children who will forever remain in my heart.

I also wrote that I want to finally study Ashtanga Yoga. This was on a list years ago, but in the past I would get sick on my many trips to India, I had family obligations, and also I had many injuries (unrelated to Yoga), that left the Ashtanga practice as far to intimidating. But here I am today, enjoying Ashtanga and discovering new muscles.

If you look at my list above, technically I have crossed off item #1,2,3,4 & 6.

The location where I am studying Ashtanga and teaching yoga/chakra in Kerala is on a beautiful exotic Island, 15 minutes from my family. The experience has been so amazing! I am so grateful for the amazing teacher who invited me to teach here during her training, what a blessing.

On my list items #5,7 & 8 will happen in the month of march when I travel north to Dharmshala.

I share this post with tremendous gratitude for the opportunity to learn and teach in the place where my family originates from, in the place where Yoga originates from, and where many of my beloved teachers are from. Also, I share this to inspire people to understand how quickly the universe responds to our desires, our thoughts, our mind.

Watch your thoughts, as they are the map to your life. While the Asana practice is amazing, it is all preparations for us to become one with God, one with this Universe and experience Samadhi.

Namaskaram from Kerala

Pictures:

Ashtanga Yoga Clinic, Class with Ayurveda Doctor, and Me on the Boat getting to the island where I am studying & teaching in Kerala.

Top 10 things to do in Calcutta

2012-01-23T17:55:00.001-08:00

The Top 10 things to do in Kolkata/Calcutta India. For me the main reason why I made the trip was to volunteer with Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity. The Missionaries of Charity is an organization I have been involved with for many years. The sisters are dedicated and kind. Aside from that there are many other things to explore and enjoy in Kolkatta.

10. Visit the Victoria Museum: The architecture of the building itself is a sight to see. The well preserved paintings and art work is also enjoyable. The surrounding garden is also a lovely place to sit and relax for sometime

9. Eating Bhel Puri at a friendly Veg Walla/street vendor.....This is like Indian Chips and Guacamole.....only better and without the chips or guacamole.....

8. Sipping Indian Chai (from a Chai Walla) Normally I sip herbal tea, but in India I enjoy a tasty cup of chai....with wonderful flavors, served in a shot glass, it is always a treat.

7. Enjoying Live Indian Music Concerts: I was fortunate to hear amazingly talented banusri playing friend, Eric Fraser have a morning concert at an awesome Bookstore with the brilliant Steve Gorn. I also enjoyed a bit of the 60th annual Hindustani Music Concert, and for music lovers, musicians or anyone for that matter, it is fun to go to a music concert.

6. Eating Masala Dosa at a friendly Veg Walla....my favorite Indian breakfast.....it is like a giant rice crepe filled with potatoes etc. While this is normally considered a Kerala food, the folks in Calcutta come to a close second place for their version.

5. Exploring New Market and Sudder Street Shopping area: you will find beautiful Indian clothing, handicrafts, jewels and crystals.....Vendors are eager to make a sale, so they will pull out half the clothing items from the walls to show you.

4. Visiting the Kali Temple: This is the largest Temple for Goddess Kali in all of India. On fridays many will come to make Puja. When I went with two fellow volunteers we saw the tail end of a beautiful Hindu Wedding. There are many temples, churches, a brilliant mosque, jain Temple, and the Hoogley....all places where one can witness the depth and variety of spirituality in India.

3. Sri Aurobindo Ashram: come here to experience peace and tranquility. There are nightly meditation classes and also Indian Classical Dance lessons in the adjacent building.

2.Bengali Sweets: the most delicious bite sized sweets that taste amazing! Shops are nearly on every street.

And the number 1 thing to do in Calcutta.....

1. Volunteering: Personally I did my volunteering with The Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity. I spent time in Daya Dan with the orphan children who have mental and physical disabilities. In Calcutta there are a wide variety of Volunteer opportunities with where you can do short term or long term service. This is Karma Yoga at its finest. You will meet amazing people from all over the world, your life will be changed by the experience and you will leave with a deeper sense of connection with humanity and gratitude for your own life. While I took some wonderful pictures with the lovely children I worked with, I will not be posting the pictures on the blog, out of respect for the Mission.

Yoga and Art Part 2: Selling Sex or Simply just Sexy Yogis?

2012-01-09T02:44:00.000-08:00

Recently an incredibly gifted Yogini, Briohny Kate Smyth who is part of the Dynamic Duo of the West with her amazing fiancé Dice, made an awesome yoga video with Equinox. The video is of her doing her brilliant Yoga Asana practice. It is shot in her room, sweet music echoes with panoramic views of her surroundings while she dives into one of the most inspiring Yoga Asana flows I have witnessed, and she happens to be in her panties while she is practicing. She looks amazing. Possibly one of the most inspiring Yoga Videos I have watched. I am grateful to have taken her classes, so I can honestly say, this lady is an AMAZING Goddess!

She flows through handstands into koundinyasana, lotus, and crow with such ease and grace. She is absolutely beautiful inside and out, and has a strength and power to her asana practice that many aspire for. She is a caring Yoga Instructor who demonstrates with expertise and humility, she teaches with compassion and care, and she practices with strength and power.....She is awesome.

After this amazing video was posted, there was a small uproar in the Yoga community. While most people, myself included, were awe struck by the video, some people sadly, had negative comments and saw it as sexualization of the Yoga Practice. Just because she was in her panties? The traditional Yoga Practice is actually done in a loin cloth, so in that case, Bri is overdressed. When will we be able to see the beauty of the female form as art? When will we lose our prudish views on the human body?

I myself often times practice in my panties or even less. Though never having the courage to set up a camera, when I watched Bri's video I was more mesmerized by her brilliant asana practice and saw it as truly inspirational. The same uproar happened when another Brilliant yogini from the West Coast, Kathryn Budig posed for Yoga ToeSox advertisements in the nude. The pictures in my view are incredibly artistic depictions of a beautiful woman doing challenging Yoga Asana. Kathryn's yoga practice is amazing! While some may argue, is it necessary to dress like that for yoga pictures/videos, or in Kathryn's case not dress, I say, if it bothers you so much, just don't look. Is it sex selling yoga? NO, these women just happen to be sexy and they practice Yoga.

In my own life I have noticed that when others have critical comments to make, or see things with negative goggles, it is actually their own insecurity, envy or even limitations that they are conveying. Many respected sages and Yogis in India practice naked, and this is because they have fully embraced the YAMA, "Aparigraha", non possessiveness.

It is so easy to point a finger at someone else, but remember when we do there are 3 fingers pointing back at you. Sadly, the same men who say women use sex to sell yoga, have their shirt off half the time.

Thank you Briohny & Kathryn, my fellow Yoginis. You both inspire my practice and the practice of many other people worldwide.

If you have not seen the amazing video yet it is under my favorites on my Youtube Page, or click the link below:

http://youtu.be/loszrEZvS_k

Yoga and Art

2012-01-09T02:05:00.001-08:00

While many people understand and study the Yoga practice as an eight limbed practice, there is something very artistic about the third limb, the asana.

B.K.S Iyengar says it best "When I practice, I'm a philosopher, when I teach, I'm a scientist, when I demonstrate, I'm an artist."

If you approach yoga asana like me, it is an offering to something beyond a physical exercise, a moving prayer/meditation. When asana is captured in photos, the beauty in the pose comes from the beauty within the yoga aspirant. That connection with the divine energy that exists in all of us, is the true beauty behind the yoga asana practice. For those who have seen the beloved picture of Sri Dharma Mittra doing the 908 poses, (I have it framed in my room) you may know that Sri Dharma took the pictures himself. Each picture he would be concentrating on God, and the finish product was a gift for his beloved Guru, Swami Kailashananda.

Recently a beloved student of mine sent me an email with an attached photo. The photo was of me doing Pigeon Pose, and it was edited by her friend, an incredibly talented artist named JB Rodriguez. Apparently, JB had seen my photo on Facebook, and felt inspired. I was so touched to see the picture and amazed at how cool it looked, vivid and electric is how I would describe it. JB later asked if he could work with some more of my photos, and of course I said yes. I am so honored that he was inspired to work with my photos, and want to express my appreciation by sharing his incredible talent with you all.

I have seen a lot of his artistic edits, and it truly is amazing! If you are interested in having your photos edited, manipulated and enhanced by an incredibly talented artist, please look up JB Rodriguez on Facebook, he has a page called Way I see it: http://www.facebook.com/way.I.see.it?ref=ts

Delicious Green Smoothie

2012-01-05T02:34:00.001-08:00

Starting this new amazing year with vibrant Green Juices and Smoothies. Green drinks provide plenty of chlorophyl, and oxygenation to the cells of the body. These beverages replenish our system and energize us. Benefits include glowing skin, healthy hair, increased energy, and much more. Recently I used my brother's Vita Mix (the best blender around....pricey but worth the investment) to make the most delicious Green Smoothie. Here is the recipe....

1 cup water
1 head of Romain Lettuce
1 1/2 cup Spinach
I cut apple
I cup chopped Pineapple
1/2 cup chopped Mango

The Vita Mix will pulverize anything.....If you are interested in making Raw Vegan Cheese with Various Nuts, this is the blender to invest in. Many of my friends who are Raw Foodies, swear by this awesome appliance. The great thing about the Vita Mix is that it incorporates everything from the veggies & fruits.....no waste & optimal health value. You can make Raw Soup with this machine and it heats up just enough so that you don't lose the nutritional value of the food.....Last night I had Asperagus soup and it was AWESOME!!!

You can try this recipe with a regular blender, but you might have to spend a lot of prep time chopping your Veggies....Nonetheless make your health your priority. Cheers to Amazing Health!!!

photo: Delicious Green Smoothie......Recipe Served 5 people

More Highlights of San Francisco

2012-01-01T07:46:00.000-08:00

San Francisco was truly an amazing experience, words cannot express the level of gratitude I have to Stephanie for such an awesome experience. The city has a lovely energy. We explored walking the hilly streets, riding busses, and trolley's and had a wonderful time!!! If you are ever in the Bay area and want to get a healthy juice or shot of wheat grass head to the Castro District, you will drink your wheat grass in the sexiest Shot Glass you could ever sip from. Also, if you are looking for a place to get some new Crystals or have a reading or healing session with one of their healers, I highly recommend Crystal Way, an amazing assortment of lovely pieces, incredible energy (waft of sage as you enter is always a wonderful sign) and pieces at reasonable prices. A Variety of Yoga places, and of course the incredible Golden Gate Bridge where you can meditate and do some Yoga with the beautiful panoramic view of the city.

For Wheat Grass Virgins.....Wheat Grass is a wonderful source of nutrients for your body. It provides as much nutrients (vitamins, minerals and amino acids) of 2.5 pounds of veggies!!! It is perfect to improve your immune system, alkalize the body, fight off winter bugs, and give your skin a healthy natural glow.

If you have yet to try Wheat Grass, and are curious of the Health Benefits....please visit my Youtube Link:

http://youtu.be/RKHj4KTmcYs

Cheers to Good Health!!

Yoga, San Francisco & Metallica

2012-01-01T06:53:00.000-08:00

So while I have been so busy these days and unable to keep my blog up to date, I still need to share the awesome experiences that I am so grateful for. In December of 2011, one of my dearest students, Stephanie, who became who became a certified Yoga Instructor last year with me, invited me to join her in San Francisco. Ironically, I have always wanted to go to San Francisco, and I had a feeling many months prior that one day I was meant to take a trip with Steph, but I wasn't sure when that would be. While I feel so much gratitude for the amazing Love I have received from so many students and fellow yogis throughout my years, how lucky am I to be invited to go to San Francisco??? WOW. Thank you so much Steph!!! Steph had won a chance to see Metallica for their 30 year anniversary concert series for members of the fan club only, and Steph chose to bring me, I was her Plus-One. This was a Metal ROCK event of a lifetime, with artists like Ozzy Osborne, Kid Rock, Apocolyptica John Bush, and Dave Mustaine just to name a few sharing the stage. The concerts were not like regular giant stadiums, these were intimate events at the Filmore, where the band chatted and joked with adoring Met Club fans, Collective Consciousness of "Metal Mudras" were all around in the air, and just awesome vibes.

Though I knew Metallica's music, I was never claiming to be a serious fan before, I now have a new appreciation for their music....THESE GUYS ROCK!!! Steph knew I would appreciate the experience being that I am a musician myself. Before venturing to San Fran, Steph also invited me to a Meet & Greet Event where I met the members of the band and a few other celebrities, sharing casual conversations with Lars, Kirk and Rob.....I was so impressed with how down to earth these guys are.

We had the intention to do daily Yoga in San Francisco, and unfortunately I had 4 days of fever due to a Healing Crisis from an amazing Reiki Certification I had conducted with Joseph just days before. It did not stop Steph & I from having fun, exploring the gorgeous city of San Francisco, meditating and doing Yoga at the gorgeous Golden Gate Bridge, riding trolly cars, getting Wheat Grass shots in the Castro District, Shopping on Haight Ashbury Street, lounging at the Warf, visiting a gorgeous Crystal Store, seeing everything on our list & more, and enjoying 4 of the most AMAZING Concerts I have ever been to.

This post is to express my gratitude to Steph (my student, my friend, my fellow Yogi) for inviting me to San Francisco with you. It was such an awesome experience that I will forever cherish.....a trip that will be hard to ever trump! And also tremendous gratitude to my amazing Yogi friends Jen & Dan at Yoga On Studio who had invited me to Teach a Workshop, thank you so much for the invitation, next time we will have more time to connect and it will be amazing!!! Thank you also to Metallica for giving me the music experience of a lifetime!!! You guys really know how to put on an awesome show!!!

Pictures:

Ambria & Lars (The Metal Drummer Lord himself) & Ambria & Kirk (the most Zen Kick *ss Guitarist) at Meet & greet (When talking to Lars about how using Orion for Yoga is ideal, he mentions how he doesn't do Yoga enough LOL)
Ambria doing wheel on a narrow ledge at Golden Gate Bridge while Steph panicked & snapped the picture
Both of us at the Bridge (the second time we went to the bridge, it was sooo peaceful)
Steph doing Warrior Pose, a picture that deserves to be in an advertisement
Metallica chatting with fans before the concert....we were so close it was amazing!!!
Steph & I at the Filmore
Steph & I at the Warf
Steph and I with Rob (Kick *ss Bass player) & his Beautiful Wife

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T06:48:00.000-08:00

Reflecting with tremendous gratitude for the incredible blessings in year 2011, for family, friends, students, teachers, experiences, lessons, and so much more!!! Wishing Love & Light to everyone in this new year, 2012. May the rivers of love & peace flow abundantly in every home & heart. ~ Namaste

Healthy Yogi Friendly Products for your Body & Home

2011-12-29T07:00:00.000-08:00

While many people are waking up, breaking free from the hypnosis of marketing, embracing healthy eating, yoga and even adjusting their home & beauty products to a less toxic chemical selection....there are still some people who think it is conspiracy. Actually, part of becoming aware is enlightenment, not to be afraid, but rather to be aware.

Whether you want to believe that giant beauty companies, food companies, and government run factory farms are creating products with cancer causing/toxic chemicals as part of a conspiracy or not, the reality is, those chemicals have no benefit for us.

So educate yourself on the ingredient list of things that you use. Our skin is our largest organ, and absorbs everything from products to the water we drink. So if the ingredients are similar to ones that can cause rust removal (like the ever famous Coco Cola), perhaps we should make adjustments to what we put in our bodies and outside.

For a beautiful list of popular products that have cancer causing chemicals as ingredients visit the link here: www.unitedtruthseekers.com (Below are two)

Johnson and Johnson Talcum Powder: TALC = carcinogenic and risk for ovarian cancer and lung irritation.
Crest Toothpaste: FD&C Blue #1=carcinogenic, Saccharin=carcinogenic

If you are looking for options, you can create your own products yourself or some products that are natural and safe include:

Cal Ben Five Star Soap Products : http://www.calbenpuresoap.com/
Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap: http://www.drbronner.com/

Things that you can use or make yourself:

Use Coconut Oil with Peppermint Oil/Clove Oil & a little Baking Soda for a homemade toothpaste
Use Coconut oil/Olive Oil, Grapeseed Oil for a body Moisturizer or Hair Oil
Use tea tree oil to help prevent blemishes and keep skin clear
MAKE REGULAR VEGETABLE JUICE for clear skin, healthy intestines and a healthy body

Choose wisely, choose consciously......

Welcoming New Reiki Healers

2011-12-16T06:44:00.000-08:00

A week ago, myself and my dear friend Joseph welcomed 5 new Reiki Healers into the world of Reiki. These 5 individuals enjoyed as they sat in a beautiful sunlight, crystal grid, Yoga Healing Room at Reebok Sports Club and learned about all things for Reiki Level 1. This Zoga Yoga program introduced them to the History of Reiki, Dr. Usui, Uses, Benefits, Chakras, Energy Bodies, Grounding Techniques, Hand Positions and much more. To top it all off, they each received 4 attunements. The energy for this Training was so beautiful, and I know these 5 amazing individuals are going to go on to share radiant love & light with various aspects of this Universe. I am so grateful to have been part of their journey and I look forward to receiving Reiki from each of them.

For those who are unaware of Reiki, it is an ancient technique that was rediscovered by Dr. Usui. I say rediscovered because it was Dr. Usui that believed Reiki to be a Healing Technique that always existed. It is not connected to any Religion in any way, but rather meant to share Universal Life Force Energy. It brings peace and tranquility to both the giver and receiver. Many Hospitals and Medical Schools are now recommending Reiki as an addition to their patients regular treatment. This transfer of positive energy can be done on people, animals, things, situations etc....but when done on people you are supposed to have the permission of the receiver.

Since I have had the honor to give many Reiki Sessions, many people have asked me to train them in Reiki, and since becoming a Reiki Master myself, I provide a list of Teachers who have inspired me, and teachers who have had may years of reputable experience in the field of Reiki. With this list, I ask the students to meditate and allow themselves to be open to who resonates best with them. Much like Yoga it is important to experience Reiki & practice for sometimes before giving attunements.

For those interested in learning about Reiki, there are many amazing Reiki Masters and Teachers to choose from. Like with any search for an Instructor, it is important to learn from the teacher that resonates with your heart. For myself, I learned Reiki 1, years ago, and practiced for years before ever embarking on Reiki Level 2, and actually, I repeated both Reiki 1 & 2 just so I could experience it with a different teacher, and to learn more. Tremendous love & respect to all my Teachers! Reiki attunements open peoples energy up to something very amazing, and in my view, it is important to practice for some time before ever embarking on actually Teaching others, because this makes us a better conduit for the transfer of energy.

Finally, many years later, I had a brilliant Yoga Student in a morning Yoga class that I taught, by the name of Mary (www.muktihealing.com). She explained how she was learning Reiki, and I casually mentioned that perhaps one day she would be my Reiki Teacher for Master level training. This turned out to be a prophetic statement, as a year later, Mary trained both myself and Joseph to be Reiki Masters and Crystal Healers. Thank you Mary for an amazing experience that I will forever cherish.

After my Reiki Master training, I went through what is called a Healing Crisis, and also after attuning these 5 amazing new Reiki Healers, again, I went through a Healing Crisis. The reality is, Reiki is very much like detoxification to the body (emotional, physical, spiritual) and like with any detox, the body goes through symptoms of sickness first before the plateau of Purity. A Healing Crisis is also called "Herxheimer Reaction", which happens when the body is trying to eliminate toxins at a Rapid Rate. My amazing teacher Mary had gone through the same thing. Using grounding crystals like Arragonite Star Cluster, and drinking lots of water can help. I think for now I will only be conducting smaller groups for Reiki Training, since the energy is very intense.

Once again, thank you to the 5 amazing new Reiki Healers: Alexander, Carissa, David, Jackie & Jamie! And thank you Joseph for sharing giving the attunements, it was so awesome to work with you, and I foresee many more experiences ahead.

For anyone interested in having a Special Reading done from Joseph, and also Setting your New Year off Right, please consider attending "THE NEW YEAR MEDITATION WORKSHOP" hosted by the incredible Rock Whisperer herself, Krista N. Mitchell. The line up of healers looks amazing!!! ~ Om Shanti

Photo: Joseph & Ambria at Reebok Sports Club

Burning Sage - Clearing Energy

2011-12-15T06:52:00.000-08:00

Sage is an herb known for its healing and medicinal properties. The botanical name for sage is "Salvia Apiana" which comes from the Latin root Salvare, which means "to heal or to save". Since ancient times people have used Sage to clear negative energy, and bring purification to homes, objects, etc. Sometimes sage is bundled up into smudge sticks, white dried sage or even dessert sage is burned to give off a smoke & aroma said to clear out any negative energy. Some people say it improves their Spiritual practices, and some say say that it creates happiness and abundance to their lives and homes. You can also use loose leaves and burn them in an Abalone Shell or some sort of bowl so that the ash does not get everywhere. Many people who do healing work, use Sage as part of their ritual practice. It really creates a lovely energy and has a sweet fragrance. It is a wonderful addition to cleanse the energy of a Yoga Studio, or Reiki Healing Space. Also, burning of sage is great to use for your Crystals. Sage will make your crystals sing, and your homes ring with abundance of Joy and Bliss. Recently, my fellow Yogi and dear friend Joseph shared some Fresh Sage that was grown by his friend. A huge box of Lavendar Sage and other varieties....so wonderful! I like to think of Sage as a Spiritual Shower. If you are looking for something to set the energy of your home, cleanse for your crystals or yourself, look into burning some sage and embrace the energy. ~ Om Shanti

Rebounding with Carissa

2011-12-11T11:46:00.001-08:00

As I am now in transit, and blessed to spread my wings in the global Yoga community, I returned to NYC on a brief trip. Of course I wanted to take classes with some of my beloved friends & fellow Yogis, and most importantly embrace the concept of stillness. This particular post is about a class that is the opposite of stillness. The class is called Rebounding, taught by my Yoga Sister, Carissa. If you have read my posts before, you may have read about my incredible respect and admiration for this awesome lady, Carissa, who I am blessed to call friend. We met teaching at a lovely studio together, where we left maintaining our friendship. In many ways, Carissa and I have agreed that we consider ourselves equals, in that we are both artists, yoga teachers and if we need to, we will kick your butt in a sweaty class that will leave your muscles shaking, all with a loving/encouraging smile on our face, and a namaste as you leave. For two years she has mentioned this class Rebounding, and I was always teaching at the time she gave the class in Manhattan. Finally, my monday night was free, so I decided to get to this class.

The class was packed, with people eagerly waiting to get on their individual trampolines. So this is what the class is Yoga, Dance Mania, Cardio KickBox, Sculpt and more Dance mania, all done on a trampoline!!! Yes, I said trampoline. A lotta jumping. The music playlist was an incredible compilation by an awesomely talented NYC DJ Dax, that was enough to have anyone motivated. I gave Carissa my hair elastic, as I knew she being the Instructor, needed it more than me. She taught the class with the enthusiasm of a ROCK STAR, because she basically is. While she is cueing the class, counting us in and taking us through this routine of mayhem and sweat, she has a giant "Carissa" smile, and she is head bopping to the music. Making her routine look effortless and amazing. I LOVED EVERY SECOND. Being that I have an irregular heart beat, intense cardio is usually a challenge but if you know me, once I get in a zone and the music is playing I just go for it. Carissa is the awesome teacher that makes you wanna go for it! I still kept it yogic and went at my own pace, not always trying to mimic her Janet Jackson Dance moves on a trampoline, as much as I wanted to...perhaps with practice.

The cutest part was, Carissa had her phone/ipod on silent, and it rang twice. The only person who seems to be able to call her when her phone is on silent, is her mom....I could have swore that her mom called so I could catch my breath. This is the class that will make you sweat, shed those extra layers of fat, get your heart beating, and bring a smile ear to ear, because it is so much fun!! The jumping is also amazing for our lymphatic system too. Carissa gives the new students perfect alignment cues, and is attentive to their safety while making them eager to keep up with the pace of the class....which is probably why the class is so packed. If you are looking for a class to get in shape with, try out Carissa's Rebounding class....she will get you trim & slim. At the end of class after all the sweating, and jumping, I love that Carissa had us sit on our trampolines and center ourselves......what a Yogini. Thank you Lovely Carissa for an awesome Class!!!

Frozen (Grapes) bites of heaven

2011-12-02T06:45:00.001-08:00

Recently after teaching an awesome Yoga class downtown to three families on their amazing rooftop, the ever popular topic of healthy eating came up. We were discussing juicing, and healthy foods, when one of the ladies eyes lit up at the mention of fruits. They were insistent that I try frozen grapes, the kids specifically insisted on frozen red grapes. While I have had frozen fruits before, especially for smoothies, I had to admit I never froze my grapes. I was told they are like little bites of sorbet, another person insisted to call them Popsicle bites of heaven. The reality is, organic grapes can be expensive, and sometimes can go bad quick, so putting them in the freezer is also economical.

I tried, and WOW!!! My new favorite snack, that can last for long time. Since the frozen grape has a longer shelf life, their is no excuse to avoid purchasing an organic grape. For the calorie counters out there, grapes are not so high in calories, roughly a little over 60 calories for one serving/1 cup. For parents who are itching to ween your kids to a healthier lifestyle, 4 kids gave their seal of enthusiastic approval when I was informed of this awesome, healthy snack.

Grapes also happen to be an excellent source of potassium, calcium, and magnesium and vitamin A. Grapes are rich in antioxidants like flavones, tannins, anthocyanins, which scientists claim to have anti cancer benefits. Red Grapes are also a great source of Resveratol, which promotes a healthy heart.

Thanks Roof top Yogis for sharing the wonderful snack idea.

Yoga with Mary

2011-12-01T19:44:00.000-08:00

After my time at the Zendo, my very first Yoga class was with Mary Krensavage, 10 am-ish at the Reebok Sports Club. Mary is an amazing Dharma Yoga Instructor who teaches wonderful Yoga Classes. Her classes are creative, challenging and incredibly balancing to the mind-body & spirit. She was actually subbing the class this particular morning. I had taken class with Mary before, when she had played her "Rock" playlist. Like many yoga teachers she has a few "playlists" to pick from for her yoga classes. The "Rock" - playlist yoga class had us flowing through sweaty vinyasa flows where we did push-ups after every chuturanga, it was awesome!

I knew I was in for an awesome challenge at 10 am with Mary, on a Monday morning, after coming from a week of sitting hours and hours.....oh WOW!

This particular class was packed, and she played her "Zen" playlist. An amazing play list of soft music that echoes in the heart and soul. I was joined by my friends/Sensei's, Joseph & David. The playlist couldn't have been more fitting for me personally, since I was fresh from the Zendo. Amazing, peaceful music that guided us through a class of mega hip-openers. She started class with a lovely meditation, integrating a story of the new timers set on the walk/don't walk street signals. She was telling us to embrace our own time, and avoid pushing or rushing to nail a pose and rather just be present to where our body needs to be. Mary had us flowing through a wildly creative, and challenging vinyasa, with her harmonious voice to lead us in the occasional breath cue. Mary gives breath cues almost like a song, you can't help but extend your inhalation as she swoops the word into a magnificent crescendo. During the beginning of class, a crystal that I had kept in my sports bra popped right out and onto my yoga mat, Joseph noticed it, and we both shared a little laugh.

The class had a deja-vu moment for me.....So here we go, flash back years ago, when Dharma East was the main Dharma Center in NYC, it was packed with the regulars, amazing bendy, flying yogis, and I was in class with my ankle bandaged up. I was in a little bit of pain, but wanted to take Dharma's class so badly, that I had taken a cab from my Upper West Side yoga class, just to attend. I was so grateful to be there, even if I knew physically it would be a challenge. We went through a literal "race" of Surya Namaskar. Sri Dharma challenged the entire room to "beat him", of course none of us did, and a specific song played when I rose my head up to the last Tadasna, simultaneously, Mary Krensavage, who I didn't know personally, except as a familiar friendly face at Dharma's, with her hair in adorable pig tails, was directly across from me in this Massive Ocean of yogis packed into Dharma East, smiled at me. Her smile made me feel so amazing. Energetically she was sending me love & positive energy. I had a moment of feeling like I didn't belong in the Master Level class, since I knew my ankle was a little sore, but her comforting smiles made me feel reassured to stay with my breath and my heart filled with gratitude. As we progressed through class, Dharma came and adjusted me into a deeper variation of Pigeon, it felt heavenly.

So Fast Forward to this DE-JA-VU moment....Well, in this "Zen" class, I am in a forward fold, hands wrapped around my calves, and the same song comes on, I slowly stand up and see Mary smiling. A flood of grateful tears began to fill my eyes, as the moment couldn't have been more perfect.

I thanked Mary after class for another brilliant experience, and told her about my Deja-vu experience. We hugged, laughed and her eyes started to tear, as she actually remembered that specific moment.

Regardless of if you have an injury that forces you to modify your practice, or apprehension due to a break from your regular Yoga practice....Embrace the moment, embrace each breath, surrender to that Portion of God within your heart, and cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Yoga has an amazing way to connect your mind-body-spirit and remind you of the beauties of life.

Thank you so much Mary for amazing classes! I love to practice with you! ~ Om Shanti

Cheers to Amazing Health - Thankful Detox Juice

2011-11-26T12:36:00.000-08:00

So while many people are coming down from their food comas (post thanksgiving) there is more incentive to detox and get healthy. While it is important to be mindful of how we exercise our body, and it's obvious Yoga is one of my favorite methods to exercise the Mind-Body-Spirit, what we eat is also very important to be mindful of. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetable provides our body with phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, water, and oxygenation to our blood and organs.

In the tail end of summer I did a 4 week complete Raw Vegan Cleanse. With daily juicing and smoothies that left my body with more energy than I ever imagined. You can actually witness the transformation in my skin and hair in the videos on my youtube channel http://www.youtube.com/user/Ambriali

In the past I have been blessed with amazing opportunities of doing detox challenges with Yoga Students, only to witness incredible transformations, and while I am no stranger to doing a juice cleanse or even multiple month long fasts myself, the inspiration behind this summers juicing detox, was to inspire my family to get healthier. Since the summer, family juice extravaganza my daddy who is already a healthy person, has kept my juicer, and joyfully makes juice 4-5 times a week (Yeaaa Daddy).

While the superficial benefits of doing a detox are amazing like a leaner body, glowing skin, healthier hair, the Spiritual benefits are amazing as well. Challenge yourself to cleanse your dietary habits and notice the shift in all areas of your life. Your meditation and yoga practice will be stronger, and you will feel a deeper sense of joy. Just a note, when embarking on any type of detox you may get initial hurdles like fatigue, and or headaches ...that is just the toxins leaving your body, it's very temporary, be patient and embrace the detox. Also, if your diet is not so clean/pure or "Sattvic" as they would say in Ayurveda, be mindful that the alkalinity of the fruits and veggies may be a taste that your acidic blood initially has to get used to.

"We must be the change we wish to see in the world" ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Today, I decided to try a new juice combo suggested by a friend.

The Thankful Detox Juice

4 Grapefruits

2 Gala Apples

4 Organic Carrots

1 bunch of Parsley

HAPPY JUICING!!!

New Moon - 11/25/11

2011-11-24T15:26:00.000-08:00

While everyone is ripe with thankful thoughts and energy from the Thanksgiving Holiday, get ready and excited for the New Moon. What is a new moon? Well, when the sun and moon are aligned in the same sign, we have what is called a new moon. This is a time for transformation, to set intentions, create, cultivate, manifest, and make things happen. Waves are guided by the changes of the moon, as are the most intimate aspects of women, so we all have the opportunity to connect to the energies of this Universe.

The phases of the moon have an obvious affect on our energy. For instance the Full moon is related to the end of an inhalation, when prana is tremendous, which tends to increase energy and affect our sense of grounding. However, New Moon energy is related to the end of an exhalation, when apana is tremendous, which tends to make us feel grounded and calm.

Like the Farmer's Almanac encourages planting seeds on New Moon days, as it is supposed to be a time when rooting is strong, it is wonderful to set your intentions, plant our seeds. reflect and establish a heart of gratitude, it is a time to cultivate as well. Perhaps cultivate a personality or quality like forgiveness, courage, gratitude. For Yogis, we can do a Chandra Bheda Pranayama or practice a Lunar Yoga Flow, if you are a reiki practitioner you can do a Reiki ritual, or perhaps set up your Crystals on your altar, where you may want to have your intentions written. If you are an Ashatanga Yogi you observe Full moon and New moon days as Holidays. Set your intentions, solidify your visions, and embrace the energy of the new moon. ~ Namaste

Happy Thanksgiving...

2011-11-24T09:01:00.000-08:00

While every day, and every breath is an opportunity to give thanks, today is a national day to give thanks for many Americans. Originally intended to be a chance to celebrate Harvest, it has been adopted as a wonderful opportunity for family & friends to get together and eat. Every year, my tradition has been to volunteer with the Missionaries of Charity, a place where I used to volunteer weekly. It is an organization started by Mother Teresa, continued on by the Brothers, Sisters and Lay people to house and feed the homeless. Since this is the week of my beloved Mother's Birthday, I have spent years volunteering with the Missionaries to celebrate her love, as she was the person who introduced me to the organization. Whatever is your venue to give back, remember each day is a chance to be grateful. The food banks run throughout the year. The words thank you can bring so much joy to another persons life.

The only disagreement I have with this Holiday is of course the massive murdering of the Turkeys. Just wanted to post a note to say thanks. I am filled with tremendous gratitude for all the abundance of love I have received from everyone & everything. Thank you. ~ Om Shanti

Chakra Workshop - The Three Granthis

2011-11-15T17:03:00.000-08:00

After a week of silence and transformation at the Magical Zendo, I was so happy to teach a Chakra Workshop the next day. The irony was after returning from silence and serenity, I made my way through literally the chaos of the NYC Marathon FINISH line crowd, to make my way downtown to The Lovely OM Factory, it was so fun. This workshop was particularly special as the "teaching" was energetically shared it with my Sensei/Friend/Student, Joseph. Actually, while I was away at the Zendo (away from internet and phone) Joseph took the lead to arrange and invite all the people to participate for the workshop, thank you so much Joseph!!! It was lovely to see some familiar faces at the workshop. Joseph being an amazing Yoga Instructor & Reiki Master, provided Reiki Hands On Adjustments, did a remarkable Crystal Grid of the Room, and brought his magical energy to the room. Some people were lucky enough to get some impromptu Psychic Readings from Joseph after the Workshop.

The energy in the room was absolutely magnificent. With Candles light in front of the Yoga mats arranged in a Circle (Chakra/Wheel). Our workshop worked its way through the Granthis (Knots), highlighting the power chakras: The Root, The Heart, and the Third Eye. With Yoga Asana work, Chanting, Meditation and even a Stomping where we transformed our bodies into drums to awaken the Kundalini at our Muladhara Chakra (Root Chakra). The reality is, our subtle body is so deeply connected to our development of our Yoga Asana Practice. The Subtle body connection illuminates a deeper understanding of our emotional, mental and spiritual connection to our physical bodies. We are limitless, and once we experience this reality in our body, we can soar.

While we had two amazing live musicians who were eager to play, they had prior gigs so were unable to play. Since we had promised Live Music, I played guitar with an original take on a chant "Om Namo Narayana", Narayana being a common name for Vishnu, the 8th avatar of Krishna, who is the Lord of the Heart Chakra. The chant led people into a candle lit Savasana.

It was a magical evening, and it was so lovely to be in the room with the Yantra for the Heart Chakra painted on the wall of the amazing Om Factory. Thank you to all who participated, sharing in the collective consciousness of the room, thank you to Joseph for sharing the incredible energy. For those of you who signed up and missed the magical energy, there will be more to come!!! ~ Om Shanti

All that we are is a result of all that we have thought ~ The Buddha

2011-11-14T12:57:00.000-08:00

Recently, I was invited to spend a week at the Zendo to teach daily yoga, and immerse myself in the Harvest Session Zazen practice. The Zen Buddhist Practice is Zazen (sitting in meditation with the focus on the outbreath/exhalation). The days begin at 4am and go till 10pm with daily Samu (Cleaning assignments), up to 6 hours of daily Zazen Sitting, Teshio/Dharma talks by Shinge Roshi or Shokan Osho, Three amazing Vegetarian meals in Silence served in three bowls. Everything is systematic and organized. The only time we speak is while in Dokusan with the Roshi, Shinge Roshi. We literally sit in silence for more than half the day, and I had never even taken an intro course, totally dived in the deep end.

While the Catskill surroundings of the Zendo, with a magnificent lake, and the amazing architecture are magical, I learned the actual magic happens in the practice of Zazen sitting. Ironically, we who practice yoga, practice for the purpose of “Sitting” in meditation with God (Samadhi).

The first day was a snowstorm, and the Zendo was illuminated by Candle light and freezing cold. After two days my knees were burning during our marathon hour long sitting periods, the 51-degree temperature room was giving me chills, and random memories of recent extremely negative experiences that I had to endure would silently creep into my mind. I played with propping myself up on Zafu cushions, and adjusting my sitting position when we were aloud to move. I was disappointed that these thoughts were creeping in my mind, as I thought I had accepted the situations as lessons learned.

I sat counting my breath as I was told to do, and when I told Shinge Roshi during Dokusan that I lost count, she laughed and explained to come back to #1, the purpose is to count the exhalation till we become one with the breath. I later gravitated to unconsciously counting my blessings, allowing every breath to celebrate all the good stuff, in effort to alleviate the physical pain on my knees, and it worked. When I shared this with Shinge Roshi, she actually shared it in her Teshio Talk. Her Teshio talks were absolutely brilliant, weaving Buddhist Koan's with her own words of wisdom to inspire us all. The next Day, Shokan Osho spoke of the most powerful prayer being “Thank You”.

Back for more endless hours of sitting, and I realize the subtle body connection of Bladder, Kidney, Liver Meridians running through the legs, all related to letting go. And Louise Hay’s Book “ You Can Heal Your Life,” stating that issues with the legs is our reluctance to move forward. Also, our exhalation is “letting go”.

As I sat in silence with my breath, I realized these “recent” negative situations and past experiences with people who every so often invading my meditation time, are representations of patterns that stem from an experience that I suppressed. I prayed and begged to JC (Jesus, my personal Savior) to help me to forgive, sending them love & light. Sometimes, these patterns are ones we unconsciously repeat from watching our parents. I decided to break the cycle and dive right in.

In my hours of silence I realized, I enabled a pattern, allowing people to take advantage because unconsciously I did not believe I was worth more, and all this stemmed back from experiences long ago that I suppressed. Making excuses for behavior done to me that was egregious and actually unlawful. WOW! No wonder I felt like certain aspects of my life and health were like a revolving door. Once my forgiveness went to a place of compassion, understanding and love for those who clearly disrespected me, and most importantly for myself for enabling this…my heart chakra finally felt liberated. My legs felt illuminated, strong, like a kid on the carpet in Kindergarten, and I thought I could sit forever, all pain ceased.

Was this easy? Of course not, we all spend a lifetime with our unconscious thoughts, repeating patterns, justifying our patterns, and revisiting injuries/illness etc. Just because we go through the motions of “moving on” our subconscious mind carries the scars of pain we endured, which later manifests in illness, injury, scattered thoughts, apathy, anger, repeated patterns in relationships, and many other ways that are far from liberation and peace, with deep roots in our childhood experiences. If you ever catch yourself saying to yourself, this always happens to me....I challenge you to sit, till you are so united with your breath only peace remains.

Up until the 3rd day, a family of deer would frolic outside my window, and after that day I did not see them. The deer is the animal related to the heart chakra. I was healed. The next day I sat in silence and a stream of tears poured from my eyes, purification tears, no sounds, sniffles just and hour of Liberation.

We live in a society with distractions all around, excuses all around, and fingers to point as to why we cannot be at peace. Mainstream media uses all forms of entertainment to hypnotize us to mask our real issues. We create ways to be busy to avoid stillness, even people who do yoga. Trust me, I spent 2 years teaching every day, taking Master level classes, so I know how easy it is to stay busy instead of being still.

For me, I had no choice but to sit in stillness for the entire week, nothing to do but face my own “issues”, and I wanted to. I even had quartz and rose quartz crystals all over me (Amplifying stones) to fully surrender to the healing process.

Call it Buddha, Krishna, Jesus, Allah, Yahweh, Shiva, Love…whatever you want to call it, it is a Source of Unconditional love, where no memory lives, no pain exists, only understanding, and love. Challenge yourself to sit in SILENCE, focusing on your breath and observe where your mind wanders. We are our thoughts.

Like the lotus that silently blooms, growing through the murkiest waters, striving for the light, we too are meant to bloom without a drop of dirt that reminds us of the murky waters from where we came. Only beauty.

Finally, when I said that the memory would surface about negative situations & I forgave them....does this mean that if a person stalks/harasses you, or an establishment refrains from paying you for nearly 70 hours of services rendered, or plagiarizes your work (hypothetically speaking)...that that behavior is ok? NOT AT ALL. When someone wrongs us, they have a Karmic Debt to pay, and while we cannot control the actions of others, we have the ability to control our reactions which is POWER. Peace is Power.

This was the most Yogic experience I could have ever experienced, and I am profoundly grateful. Thank you Shinge Roshi, Shokan, Jodo, Joshi, Jo Kei (the most amazing chef EVER), Yu Sen, Andrew, Matthew, Cynthia, E Kyo, Yoko, Yuko, Bill, Gen No, Carlos, Kimpu, Kaity, Larry, and Dai Bo Satsu Zendo for sharing in one of the most profund experiences of my life. While doing yoga with you daily was awesome, the Buddhist chants was amazing, the daily Vegetarian Meals were the best I have ever had, it was actually the practice of Sitting that changed my life!!! Thank you to my friend and fellow Ohashiatsu Alumni, Mark, for driving me to and from the Zendo, and for making this new relationship with Zendo possible! I now sit everyday with so much peace.

I returned to NYC, to teach yoga the next morning and a Chakra Workshop the night. Since I was in a week of silence, thank you Joseph for handling the organizing and inviting for that amazing event in my absence and helping make the workshop magical!

For those interested in experiencing Zen Buddhist Practice of Zazen please visit the link below:

http://www.zenstudies.org

For those interested in Zoga Yoga Retreats and 200 Hr Teacher Trainings that incorporate the experiences of Zazen and the breathtaking location of the Zendo please visit:

www.zogayoga.com

Photos: Shinge Roshi & I, Myself in my monks Robe & the Lovely Deer that played outside my window.

Rockin the Bindi

2011-10-23T16:20:00.000-07:00

So recently I decided to rock a Bindi. Rock a Bindi? Huh? A Bindi is a traditional decorative addition to the forehead for Indian women. Often times it is recognized as fashion, also it is connected to the third eye chakra (Ajna). While people assume that it is a Hindu symbol for marital status, actually it is commonly seen among all Indians regardless of religious creed. As it is worn at the third eye, people believe it to ward off dark spirits, to deepen intuition, and also to bring beauty to a woman.

Two reasons I have been wearing the Bindi.

1) Reason #1 This past weekend, my amazing Daddy and some other amazing Indian Men (Uncles as I call them) were honored for being the past presidents for the South Indian Malayalam Samajam (Association) in Southern Ontario. The beauty of this honor is that my Daddy, was one of the first Presidents to Unite Hindu's, Christians, and Muslims in Canada to celebrate traditions and festivals that would inspire the second generation South Indians, such as myself. We would have Talent Shows, Summer Picnics, Celebrate Festivals like Onam and Christmas in order to recognize and unite in a venue that brought the community together. For many youth in the community the Samajam provided a stage for the arts, a place to make friends, and a platform for group sports.

Since I was missing the festivities, I snapped a picture of my Bindi and texted it to my Big Brother saying that I am wearing the Bindi in honor of our Daddy, and he said jokingly...."Geez, wish that was all I had to do". Apparently, the best part of the evening was that my 4 year old nephew came onto the stage with my dad, and one of the past Presidents jokingly asked my dad "when was he President?" LOL. Congratulations to all the amazing Presidents who have united South Indians to celebrate culture, tradition and inspire future generations of Maloo's in peace & harmony.

2) Reason #2 This Wednesday marks Diwali!!! Diwali is the amazing Festival of Light, to remember how Good conquers evil, Light outshines the darkness. Light your lamps, lanterns and eat your sweets!!! Happy Diwali Folks!

Story Time with Karma Kids

2011-10-19T13:39:00.001-07:00

Today was Story Time with Karma Kids....The Yoga Adventures of Priya & Pooch was introduced to an amazing group of adorable little Yogis. I am so grateful to Shari from Karma Kids for inviting me to share my book, some of my music and Yoga with the lovely kids. Despite the Rain we had an amazing turn out of little kiddies!!! They spread out all over the room, slowly crawled towards me, and at the end crowded around for photos! As we progressed more Kids entered into the Karma Kids Studio and joined us for the fun adventure!!!

We began with the Karma Kids Om Song, and as The book is filled with many yoga poses we did the poses from each page, occasionally did a musical number to coincide with the Story, and at the end I played my guitar and led them in a few more of my Yoga Tunes. With Elephants, Monkeys, Butterflies, Tigers, Camels, Trees and many more poses to explore, these kids maintained the most inspirational level of energy!!! Kids have the most sincere way to inspire people to Yoga. When we were on the floor rolling like Caterpillars, one gorgeous little yogini pointed out how her Caterpillar was growing! When asking the kids to count or name the animals, the enthusiasm & excited responses were awesome. Many of the kids come to Karma Kids, and are familiar with the practice of Yoga from the incredible guidance of Karma Kids Yogis.

5 YOGI Lessons we can learn from Kids:

1. When the music plays they shake and sing with all their hearts

2. When they fall, they get back up with a Giant Smile

3. When they practice yoga....the approach is with tremendous JOY

4. When someone else knocks them over....they laugh and get back up as well.....and most often go and play with the person who accidentally knock them down without any memory of the fall

5. Tree Pose is really not that serious.

Thanks Shari for inviting me to your amazing Studio, and helping in demonstrating the Yoga Poses during the Story and Songs, YOU ROCK!!! Thank you to all the amazing kids, parents and nannies who particpated....You are all amazing!!!

Experiencing Zen

2011-10-19T13:19:00.000-07:00

Upstate NY hides the most magical place on earth....The Zendo. It was an honor and privilege to be invited to share in the Buddhist Monastery informal practices, and also provide Yoga Classes. First let me start by saying, I set the intention a month ago to teach yoga in spiritually enlightened places, and literally two days after I wrote my intention, an amazing friend/Fellow Ohashiatsu Alumni contacted me, and insisted that I visit this Buddhist Zendo....WOW the Universe is quick to respond! I had missed visits to the Zendo in my Ohashiatsu classes, so this was an amazing treat! The setting was absolutely magical..... The magical lake, the Zendo Meditation Room for daily "sits", the Chanting Room, the Gong, the practices of the Monks, the Silent Meals that begin with beautiful Buddhist Chanting, the Beavers, Deers and Bears that play in the surrounded landscape in peace & harmony was just a touch of the magic that I experienced. From the first moment I stepped onto the grounds, I knew I was blessed. To share in the Samu practice, which is similar to Karma Yoga (selfless service) was so amazing.....I have never loved sweeping the floor more in my life! The monks were the most incredible individuals with kindness and purity of heart. The icing on the Vegan Cake was that I got to teach them Yoga....and every resident participated. The collective energy was magical. I look forward to this amazing new relationship, and I am grateful to this magical place, and for the invitation to share Yoga with the Monks. This is a place for transformation, reflection, spiritual evolution and joy! Thank you so much Mark & all the Monks & residents at the Zendo for welcoming me into your family. It was amazing to experience how receptive you all were to the practice of yoga. ~ Om Shanti

" Do not dwell on the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment" ~ Buddah

FULL MOON - Manifest your dreams

2011-10-12T13:47:00.001-07:00

Tonight is the full moon in Aries. This is a powerful night where we can set intentions for our life and experience the amazing changes this moon can bring into our life. This full moon and season are all about letting go of things that no longer serve you, like fear, grudges, grief, clutter, and anything that is occupying space in your heart without purpose. We are connected to all things in this Universe, therefore it is important what we place our attention on. Let go, Recycle, and Restore your life with loving energy.

For me, I am so grateful for the amazing addition that crystal healing has brought into my life. For those who practice yoga, you can use crystals to meditate or with chakras. It is a lovely tool. Many times I would wear crystal jewelry for specific energy during a yoga session, or place them on the altar of the given yoga studio. A lovely Altar Crystal Layout I enjoy is Apotholyte (upper chakras & Angelic Realm), Rose Quartz (to open the heart chakra and create a sense of love), and Amethyst (for a peaceful energy). A while back I had huge Black Tourmaline Pieces (a stone that absorbs negative energy of others & psychic attacks). The stones broke and powdered, and I was told that it was due to psychic attacks which was actually what I was going through. Crystals, Rocks, Stones do have powers which is why many yogis of old used to wear them to generate specific energetic qualities.

Set your stones out in the moon light to get charged, and notice how they twinkle in a special way. Find an amazing Crystal Healer to help you or a loved one in your specific desires, and see how stones can magnify your happiness.....Get Stoned (LOL)!

Some amazing people who have helped and inspired me on my crystal journey include:

Angel at Union Square NYC

Mary Henry of Mukti Healing

Krista the Rock Whisperer

Heather from Stick Stone and Bones

The Rock Store Toronto

As Autumn relates to the Metal Element, the lungs....do some pranayama to awaken this energy. The Lung Meridian is located in the arms, so challenge your practice with Arm Balances.

For me, Arm balances ironically come with some remnants of fear from many accidents (dislocated collar bone, wrist injury, spinal injury from a few car accidents which thankfully have healed but the fear of a repeat injury sometimes lingers). Nevertheless, since I am letting go of things that no longer serve me, I decided to jump to the challenge and work on some arm balances to truly highlight the Lung Meridian with Yoga Asana. Feel free to enjoy the yoga video inspired by the Metal Element.

Click on this link to watch the video: Yoga for Metal Element

Namaste & Enjoy the Full Moon!

Crystal Healing - Tiger Eye

2011-09-29T17:46:00.001-07:00

If you are searching for a crystal to work with that provides a sense of grounding, focus, clarity and cleansing from your past, Tiger Eye is a wonderful choice! Working with Tiger eye is a wonderful stone for this Autumn season. Tiger Eye is an excellent grounding stone. It is part of the quartz family of chalcedonies, and composed of red jasper and hematite. This season is all about letting go, which is a way for cleansing to take place in nature. In our bodies the Lungs and Large Intestine, relate to the Metal Element for this season and both meridians allow the body to let go and cleanse. In order for us to let go, being aware and accepting ourselves, along with being grounded helps.

How Tigers eye come into play are: by placing it on the 3rd eye chakra we are said to become more intuitive, and by placing it on the lower chakras it is said to stimulate the kundalini energy. It is a stone to restore self worth, especially if placed on the Solar Plexus (Manipura Chakra). Since this stone is said to provide balance to both hemispheres of the brain, it is a great stone for clarity, focus, balance and courage. This is the stone to create order out of chaos, so perfect for someone working on balance in their life on and off the yoga mat. Tiger Eye helps for protection and it was once carried to ward off curses and negative energy.

It's healing properties include the eyes, stomach, colon, digestion and broken bones.

Similar to the qualities of a Tiger, this stone inspires patience, alertness, deliberate action, perfect timing and focus. This lovely stone is a beautiful piece for jewelry, and has the healing energies that can benefit so many people.

Celebrating Yogi's - The Art of Subbing

2011-09-26T05:56:00.000-07:00

This post is long overdue... to celebrate the magnificence of fellow Yogi's, and how amazing they are as subs. I once had a very well known teacher refuse to sub my classes at a Yoga Studio, because according to him, he dislikes subbing for a popular instructor because people are never receptive. While this can be true "sometimes", as people do get attached to their favorite Instructor, I actually don't agree with this sentiment, because people who want to practice yoga, just want to practice yoga. That being said, it can be intimidating to sub or take over a class for a popular Instructor, I had to take over the classes for the Amazing Andrew Tanner, and initially I was intimidated, but with his encouragement/vote of confidence, I jumped into the role.

That being said, subbing at a studio is very different than subbing for a Private class. Regardless of where you are, the best advice is to be yourself, sincere, appreciative, and make em' sweat :)

For me, the reason why I continue to enjoy taking classes with a variety of Instructors, and highlighting their efforts, is because learning, is part of the reason why many of us, including myself, embarked on becoming a Yoga Instructor. It is important for us to show appreciation & gratitude for every Instructor, for we are all on the same mission "to inspire to a healthier mind-body & Spirit".

The Art of Subbing is exactly that sometimes, an art. You have to be able to paint a fresh picture, create a landscape, stir up a rhythm, inspire an energy, cultivate a passion that allows people to escape on a magical journey that leaves them yearning for more, or just show up and teach a forgettable class....but no one wants the latter.....therfore, to Sub can be a sense of intimidation for both the Sub Instructor and the student....a chance for us to practice abhyasa-vairagyabhyam (detachment, non expectations)

Since I have been in Canada, I am grateful to have explored teaching up here, embraced the beauty of nature with daily outdoor practice, embraced the beauty of stillness (anything is still compared to NYC LOL), embraced Raw Vegan Lifestyle, and had the honor to receive endless, magnificent feedback from two AMAZING yoga Instructors!!!

While I encouraged all of my Private Yoga Students to embrace the yoga practice with a substitute teacher in my absence, only two of them agreed to this (which I was so happy about, as I wanted them to continue their practice), and Joseph took this task on with such awesome energy. The other class was a group class at a local Temple in the Bronx, Jessica had been covering these classes, and has gone on to inspire people to follow her at other locations where she teaches!!

The feedback for both of these Instructors came as no surprise, since Joseph has experience as an incredible Martial Arts teacher, PreK teacher, Reiki Master Healer & Crystal Healer and overall AWESOME person!!! And Jessica also has experience as a NYS school teacher (which takes a lot of patience since she works with the hormonal age group), she does Crystal Healing and also is an overall AWESOME person!!! Both of them have an awesome presence, compassion, and ability to inspire.

WOW! These two individuals are absolutely remarkable! The feedback on these two individuals has been "Awesome Energy", "Love Yoga with Joseph" "Jessica has an incredible presence, I felt so relaxed" "Loved the class", "I want to take more classes with Joseph", "Jessica Rocks!", "You should be so proud!"....and much more!!!

Both Joseph & Jessica embarked on the Zoga Yoga Teacher Training experience this year, learning with me and various other amazing Instructors. They continue to learn and grow from other AMAZING Instructors, as I always encourage them to do, and have since gone on to be AMAZING YOGA INSTRUCTORS themselves. I have heard tremendous feedback from all the graduates, but these two individuals were gracious enough to cover some of my classes in my absence, and students went out of their way to email me feedback, send pics and RAVE about both of them!!! so I had to share the awesomeness!!!

Thank you Joseph & Jessica for sharing your AMAZING love & light with people. I am honored to have taught you, learned from you, and shared with you. ~ Om Shanti

Photos: -Joseph Instructing a private class which judging from the feedback is now his to teach permanently.

-Jessica & Ambria @ The Zoga Yoga Teacher Training Gradutation

Yoga and Religion

2011-09-15T04:17:00.001-07:00

For quite some time there is the controversy of "Is Yoga Religious?", as there are some religious groups who frown upon the practice of yoga, in fear that it violates a religious code. Yoga is translated as "union" or, connection of the mind-body-spirit. I would think all religious groups would want people to experience this. Yoga is a way of life, yoga is a beautiful practice that allows the individual to improve, discover, and become self aware, regardless of religious beliefs.

Yoga truly does stem from Sacred Vedic Texts, and therefore we should acknowledge/respect this, and that it is meant for the individual to reach "samadhi" or union with God. The actual/specific "God" is not mentioned, and is open to ones on personal experience. Often I tell my students to allow the practice to deepen their own personal faith, or when focusing on the 3rd eye, allow oneself to focus on the faith that inspires them. This allows the individual to make their yoga practice into a beautiful moving prayer. Fortunately for me, I have student who are Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Jewish, and Buddhist, and they all agree that YOGA MAKES THEM FEEL AMAZING and they LOVE YOGA!

The sound of Om, is according to Hindu Sacred Texts is the sound of God, but this is also a Hindu Science, as they understood how we are vibration, we are all made up of atoms that vibrate at various frequencies, and sound, or sound wave energy restores us to balance, each sound also coincides with one of our Chakras in our subtle body. Our scientific genetic make up is similar regardless of religion. The reality is much of Western Medicine is inspired by Ayurveda the oldest system of Science of the Body around, does this mean we are violating our religious code?

Some modern medicine Doctors are now discovering how using sound wave energy alters cells in the brain and body. Even Doctor Oz admits to practicing Yoga daily for its unlimited health & wellness benefits.

Therefore is Yoga a religion? It is up to interpretation. In my eyes, I have gratitude and respect for the fact that it is stemming from the beautiful Hindu Scriptures, and it is an Ancient Science that allowed people to strip away layers/habits or vritti as the yogis would call it, only to reach a sense of calm, peace and enlightenment.

For me, it is a chance to deepen my personal faith, and my practice is an offering to God as a moving meditation/prayer. When I teach I like to just allow the practice to unfold naturally so that I become a vessel for an awesome experience for the student. I have no pulpit, and they have no obligations except to be present and receptive to the Grace of God that exists within them as it unfolds in their practice.

What is this enlightenment? This Connection with God? Can it only be achieved on the Yoga Mat?....NO!!! The yoga practice is meant so that we can carry the lessons of love into our lives off the matt!!! The practice of Pranayama, Asana are all ways to detoxify physically, and theYamas & Niyams, Pratyahara, Dharana and Dhyana are ways for us to detoxify spiritually and mentally. So that we can achieve Samadhi, or connection with God, which is also achieved when we connect to others.

Therefore, while we are on this planet, we can experience this enlightenment when we allow ourselves to connect to everyone, "LOVE OUR NEIGHBOR AS WE LOVE OURSELVES", look at those who hurt us with compassion, Look at those who suffer with compassion, forgive, have an attitude of gratitude, lose our ego, lose our judgement of ourselves and the world around us, lose our arrogance, lose our greed, lose our jealousy, loose our "vritti's.

For some who are obsessed with how amazing their asana practice is, may find this concept so irrelevant to Yoga, but try it out, and watch how suddenly your asana practice flows effortlessly after. You are no longer grunting, pushing, struggling, or pouring sweat when you approach your asana, because you are connected on a deeper level. You are no longer doing a happy dance after you nail a pose, or looking to see if anyone saw you do the pose, or feeling bad if you didn't do the pose, YOU JUST ARE CONTENT TO BE PRESENT. You will be happier. Often times the tightness we are experiencing in our asana practice stems from something deeper, spiritual or mental or karmic blockages.

So Ultimately, in order to get to this enlightenment, connection with God....It is not mastering any asana, or doing Nauli, it can be easily interpreted as "Love Your Neighbor As You Love Yourself".......and ironically the world religions agree on this.

You shall love your neighbor as yourself. ~ Judaism and Christianity. Bible, Leviticus 19.1
Whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them. ~ Christianity. Bible, Matthew 7.12
Not one of you is a believer until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself. ~ Islam. Forty Hadith of an-Nawawi 13
One should not behave towards others in a way which is disagreeable to oneself. This is the essence of morality. All other activities are due to selfish desire. ~ Hinduism. Mahabharata, Anusasana Parva 113.8
Comparing oneself to others in such terms as "Just as I am so are they, just as they are so am I," he should neither kill nor cause others to kill. ~ Buddhism. Sutta Nipata 705
"What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor: that is the whole Torah; all the rest of it is commentary; go and learn."~ Judaism. Talmud, Shabbat 31a
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets." ~ Christianity. Bible, Matthew 22.36-40
One going to take a pointed stick to pinch a baby bird should first try it on himself to feel how it hurts. ~African Traditional Religions. Yoruba Proverb (Nigeria
A man should wander about treating all creatures as he himself would be treated. ~ Jainism. Sutrakritanga 1.11.33
Try your best to treat others as you would wish to be treated yourself, and you will find that this is the shortest way to benevolence. ~ Confucianism. Mencius VII.A.4

Investigation for this post was inspired by a recent conversation after a Yoga class! Thanks to the owner of that studio who has invited me to teach, and for also sparking such interest in this topic in me. ~ Namaste

Meditation and Prayer for 9/11

2011-09-10T05:33:00.000-07:00

For many people the weekend of 9/11 brings a lot of stress and anxiety. It is a reminder of a time that brought tremendous grief to a nation, and loss for many. We can remember our beloved fire fighters, police officers, volunteers and angels who helped many people during this tough time. We can offer prayers, offer our yoga practice (as a moving prayer/meditation), and even offer time for meditation to restore the hearts of many people.

We can remember where we were 10 years ago, I myself was in Boston, studying for my undergrad at Berklee College of Music. Ironically, weeks prior to 9/11, my mom, myself and many other people I knew were having vivid dreams of chaos, dusty rubble and people afraid. I had been feeling uneasy for a week, and I knew it was not jitters for school, as I loved music! Like many I sensed something.

That morning, I saw a huge group of people watching the TV news in the Dorm Lobby, as I was about to leave for school, and quickly realized that something was not right. The year prior I was like many tourist, visiting NYC and saw the Empire State, the Trump Buildings, and the beautiful World Trade Centre, and had wanted to go back before the semester started this year, so watching the live footage was so scary. Like many people I had friends, and family friends who worked close to the Trade Centre, or in them. All were ok, Praise God. My prayers and love still go out to those who lost their lives and the grieving families.

Being that I lived close to the highest building in Boston, and the planes had left from Boston, my friend asked me to leave the area with him, and take the subway to "Cambridge MA". We did, and I bought my very first cell phone (which I had protested for a long time due to the radiation that everyone underplays), and I called my relatives in Canada and India, he called his family in NYC, as we both sensed they must have been worried.

The two things that calmed myself, and the nation after this awful experience was prayer and meditation. Meditation is one of the Limbs of this 8 Limbed practice of Yoga. Samadhi is the ultimate goal of the practice, union with the Divine.

We heal when we pray, when we forgive, when we love. We triumph when we love. If it means setting aside a few minutes a day to spend with your breath, with the faith that inspires you, do so. Sit, communicate with a Divine Energy, and deepen your personal faith. This world is one of energy, and when we unite with LOVE, Peace, and Kindness there is no room for darkness. Allow yourself to shine with light. For a light can shine in the dark, but darkness can never dim the light.

"Peace worldwide, begins Inside" ~ Ambriali

PEACE, is the best detox you can do for yourself. Did someone hurt you? Did someone steal from you? Did someone cheat you? Did someone hurt someone you love? You may never get to change the situation, but you can change how you view the "pain" from it, and invite healing to take place.

Some of my students are amazed and mention how I can be so calm and cool with situations....Perhaps is from amazing guidance from my parents. The truth is, yea sometimes you might lose a loved one, you might work hard and not get compensated, sometimes people may steal from you, you might get hurt in life.....but until it is your last breath, you are still alive.....and if you want to live life to the fullest, let go of whatever does not serve you. Let those who sow negative seeds reap their own rewards, as you be the bigger person and forgive. It is not easy, but well worth it, and truly YOGIC. Grief especially is the hardest, but God is Stronger than we are, so surrender it all to God, and watch as miracles take place. Remember, no judgement, healing happens for each individual in their own time.

Even if you maintain the awareness that the actions done to you, disappoint you.....but never give negative actions power, over your positive outlook and love in your heart. Your happiness is worth much more. Take a couple minutes a day, and pray for people who hurt you, pray for people who lost loved ones, pray for the world....and watch your world change. I pray that you all find love and peace in your heart, it is already there, waiting to be found!

"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong".-- Mahatma Gandhi

If you have yet to visit my newest YouTube Channel, please do so & share with your friends.

http://www.youtube.com/user/Ambriali It is a Mind-Body-Spirit Channel. With Healthy Juices, Beautiful Guided Meditation, Yoga (coming soon), and stuff to make you & the people you love smile! The Guided Meditation Videos have special frequencies added to the music to bring the listener to dream states, to further the purpose of the meditation. ~ Om Shanti

Supermodel Yogic Diet - Coconut Oil

2011-09-06T04:20:00.000-07:00

So while many people embrace yoga for various reasons, it is also important to maintain a clean diet. Clean diet can include veggies, fruits and "good fats". A common staple growing up for me was the use of coconut oil. Coconut oil was the oil of choice for every food prepared or cooked, it was like how people use "butter" in the Western part of the world. The irony of this was mostly all of my relatives consumed a healthy amount of food with dietary staples like (Sambar, Dahl, Vegetable Thorin, Rice etc) all made with a coconut oil, and everyone of my relatives and neighbors were slim and healthy. It was not until Western Scientists deemed that Coconut oil contributed to high levels of Cholestorol, that many Indians made a switch to Sunflower or Olive Oil.

The switch altered the taste of the food, and I noticed how my relatives and neighbors were changing their body structure. Coconut oil and coconut water has many medicinal values for the human body. When taken internally it is a healthy fat which our body needs for cellular function. It also provides Vitamin E and K, and high amounts or minerals and high amounts of Iron. While it is an oil that has been extensively used in Ayurveda, it is especially a wonderful oil for those in the Ayurveda Dosha type of Pitta, as it has wonderful cooling properties. This "medium chain triglyceride fat assimilates well in the body. According to research antibacterial, anti fungal, anti microbial, and anti oxidant properties are rich in Coconut Oil which is attributed to the high amounts of lauric acid, and capric acid.

The Ayurveda research concludes that Coconut oil when applied topically sinks into the subcutaneous levels of the skin to break apart fat particles and give a smooth glowing appearance. Coconut oil was also used in our hair, basically in most every Indian girls hair to provide nourishment to the scalp and hair follicles, and perhaps the reasons for strong, shinny, healthy hair. It can be used like conditioner or a leave in treatment.

If you are worried about consuming coconut oil and it's high caloric count, well Mirranda Kerr (Victoria Secrets Supermodel) consumes 4 tbs a day, and she is, ummmm, well she is pretty slender. If anything, try it out, and consult your doctor to discover your cholesterol level before making any switch. The reality is, if you add coconut oil to your diet and you are still consuming McDonalds or various other popular weaponized foods, you may want to blame other dietary sources for your cholesterol levels or weight loss hurdles. Find the foods that give you optimal energy, optimal taste, optimal beauty, and optimal longevity for a healthy life.

Juicing - Cheers to Good Health

2011-09-02T05:33:00.000-07:00

Since I have been back in Canada, I have spending time with a relative who is in semi paralysis, enjoying time with my niece and nephew, exploring and enjoying teaching yoga up here, and of course missing my lovely yogis in NYC. Seeing the rapidly growing cancer rate in Canada, and witnessing how many people are sadly oblivious to how their diet affects their body has inspired me to put my juicing into full affect. So with my Cinematic Team My 7yr old niece Katarina (Director) and 4 yr old nephew (Prop Manager) we are making juicing videos to inspire the world to health and wellness.....and in the process these amazing kids are enjoy Drinking Healthy Drinks!

For the past couple years, teaching up to 6 classes a day in NYC (and loving it!), I have maintained my Vegetarian lifestyle (and loving it), and had MAXIMUM energy. Juicing has been a staple in my daily life.

Why does our body need to have more vegetables and fruits?

Vegetables provide more alkalinity to the body, and oxygenation to cellular development and our blood
Reality check, our body is made up for 75% water, we need to be replenished
The body requires the most amount of energy for Digestion, NOT ANY WORKOUT, but digestion....therefore we need to eat and drink things that provide optimal benefit and least taxation for our digestive system.
While many yogis abide by AHIMSA (non-harming to all living things, myself included) when embarking on Vegan/Vegetarian dietary habits, we must understand that when we eat meat (especially hormone fed meats of today) our body does not have the enzymes to break down the extremely high amounts of URIC acid in the meats, which is a direct reason for the ever growing colon cancer, liver, pancreatic and Diabetes rates in north America.
Vegetables are the richest source of water, vitamins, minerals, calcium, iron, and phytonutrients, that is something we want!
YES I SAID CALCIUM! Calcium found in the whole "Milk Does a Body Good Campaign" is untrue.....because while Milk may be high in Calcium, it is not AT ALL absorbed by our HUMAN BODY. We are not COWS. Our body does not have the enzyme, or chemical ability to break down the truly minute amount of calcium found in Milk. Milk is also high in hormones, and other additives. This can be directly linked to our growing population of people with bone density issues and osteoporosis.
The vitamins and minerals from juicing instantly absorb into the blood stream.
Veggies give you the highest source of energy. What was my before Zogaliaties (a class known for intensity and high energy) snack? A Banana or Kale Salad and I was bursting of energy!
Veggies and Fruits are low in calorie, rich in taste and have nutritional value for the body, therefore much better than anything processed or in a package which takes longer for your body to digest.
Veggies help to clear skin, detoxify the body, purify the blood, decrease mucous, neutralize free radicals, energize you, stimulate digestion, reduce fat, and provide iron.

SOME VEGGIES I LOVE:

Spinach - High in Iron and Calcium (Popeye ate it)
Kale - Rich in Calcium, and Amino Acids
Parsley - High in Vitamin C, Strengthens Adrenals
Cilantro - High in Vitamin C, Removes heavy metals
Basil - High in Vitamin K, great for Lymphatic system (excellent to reduce Celulite)
Cucumber - high in Water, detixifier (put it on your eyes and watch the puffy go away)
Watercress - SUPER DUPER High in Calcium!!! Anti Mucous for Asthma sufferers, jump on it!
Ginger - Excellent for the stomach and Circulation
Celery - Alkalizing and detoxification for the body!
Beets - Excellent for Kidneys, Blood purification and helps mens prostate health.

These can be easily juiced for a yummy, delicious, healthy drink! If you want to inspire someone to be healthier, invest in a juicer and drink to your health.

A side story.....growing up, my beloved mommy was embracing a predominantly vegetarian type of diet. Her preference was organic and we had a lovely garden. She was known to add spirulina and eat her greens. When she had cancer in full affect (it was in her family history), anytime I made fresh juice for her, her body would literally reject it, and instead she wanted to eat ribs (Something SHE NEVER ATE BEFORE, EVER!). The disease in her body (which is ACIDIC and made her blood acidic) was craving more acidity, therefore rejecting the Alkalinity found in the juice.

So if you are wondering why you hate the taste of Veggies.....it is perhaps because your acidity level of your blood is high....acidity craves more acidity, acidity also eats away at your internal organs and inhibits healthy cellular development. Perhaps you need to monitor what your daily intake of food is. Is your diet consisting of more processed foods? More with white flours, sugars, salts etc? Then your blood may be more on the acidic side.

There are ingredient listings on your daily snacks....with some chemicals we cannot even pronounce....yet when you purchase a head of lettuce, there is no bizarre ingredient list....because it is just plain lettuce.

Remember, being skinny does not mean you are healthy on the inside. So for all those on the fad diets that are super high protein, or starvation-esque....if you are contracting diabetes, or issues with your digestion....you may want to rethink your approach to health and wellness. You may want to think about your inside body.

Look to inspirations like Paramahansa, Sri Dharma Mittra, Lou Corona etc. Make subtle changes and watch how your energy sky rockets, your skin glows, your pants sizes drop, and you look and feel AMAZING!!!

CHEERS TO GOOD HEALTH!

Please visit my Newest YouTube Channel, Share it with your friends, Subscribe, leave comments, ask questions, share recipes ETC. Let's spread the movement of better health with everyone!!!

http://www.youtube.com/user/Ambriali

Crystal Healing - Flourite

2011-08-29T11:28:00.001-07:00

For those of us who enjoy Crystals, you may want to explore Flourite. Flourite is a stone that is very protective. It is effective to protect against electromagnetic stress. It absorbs a lot of stress and is meant to purify the body. It promotes intuition and when placed on the 3rd eye Chakra has been known to create a feeling of openness and clearing. Stones are a wonderful tool when working with your chakras. They can be used to provide positive energy to your home and even be worn as jewelry.

Pictured: Flourite Heart (Thanks Jess!)

Yoga Quote of the Day!

2011-08-29T06:48:00.001-07:00

"If you can Dream it, you can do it" ~ Walt Disney

Ashtanga Yoga Workshop with David Swenson

2011-08-20T16:45:00.000-07:00

This weekend there was an amazing Yoga Workshop with world famous Ashtanga Yogi, David Swenson. Three days at the convention center in Hamilton, Ontario that exposed many people to the world of Ashtanga. For me, Ashtanga was the original style I wanted to learn with the late Sri Pattabhi Jois in Mysore, India but due to family obligations on my many trips to India, it never happened yet. At first I entered into the convention center and saw the sea of Yoga Mats laid out, so Katie from De La Soul Yoga (organizer of the event) invited me to lay out my mat close to the front. People came from all over to attend David's weekend workshop. The front was actually the middle, as David positioned himself in the center of the large banquet room. While he was giving a series of workshops for three days, today was Handstanding, Floating and flight. Like many people I have had injuries that have left some residual fears but with practice those fears have been put on the side to usher in the Joy of Flying. David began with answering questions from the group. He shared his take on certification as it is a beautiful thing and now a standard, but the certificate does not make an excellent teacher, he himself never had a certificate, nor did Sri Pattabhi Jois, nor did B.K. S. Iyengar or Krishnamacharya. Certification is a beautiful way to help regulate for studios, but experience, compassion and the ability to deepen a yoga practice is a safe way is ultimately what will make you a good teacher. While I myself taught long before I got a certificate, I am grateful for my training experience and look forward to more trainings. As Ashtanga is known for jump backs and jump throughs we began with that style of flight. With the help of partners we assisted each other to truly get the effect of the physics of the jump. While some may think it is about the height or the speed, it is actually supposed to be effortless with light feet and weight in the hands. From there we explored Handstanding, at first with partners to spot and then free style. It was AMAZING!!! No use of the wall whatsoever, and the beauty of this is it forces you to be aware of the body mechanics, while ensuring safety for your joints. From there we took flight with crow and side crow, kundinyasana, and more jumping through. We concluded the evening with a Pranyama and Bandha worksop that slowly turned into a Pranayama Circle. David began with the quote "Life is initiated on an in breath and terminated on an out breath". David has a brilliant way of teaching with remarkable demonstrations, beautiful stories of Sri Pattabhi Jois & his time in Mysore with Guruji, a ton of comedic comments, and encouraging variations to make sure everyone feels amazing! His occasional imitation of Guruji in an Indian Accent was fun to listen to also. The concept that if we are able to control our breath we can control our mind was something he highlighted, mentioning that this movement is meditation and connection to breath. This was important when we had us all explore Maha Bandha with the engaging of all three bandhas and truly experiencing the 6 directions of breath movement, rather then the sucking in of the abdomen that many people sadly think is Uddiyana Bandha. The Abdominal lock is much more than this, in fact Bandhas is the internal lifting and resisting which is what controls the outside core, therefore it is not a contraction, it is a lift.

It was such an awesome experience to learn with an incredible teacher like David. After the workshop he posed for a picture and we chatted up Mysore and Yoga. Thank you David for an awesome experience, I hope to learn more from you in the future. Thank you De La Soul Yoga for organizing this wonderful event.

Yogi Organic Gardening

2011-08-19T10:50:00.000-07:00

While most Yogis and Yoga enthusiasts practice vegetarian or vegan lifestyles, in efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and respect the Yama of Ahimsa (non Harming to all living things), it is always amazing to have the veggies fresh from your own garden. Having your own garden helps you appreciate your food, share with neighbors, and have fresh non GMO foods literally in your own backyard. A diet rich in vegetables provides ample vitamins and minerals that help in cellular functions of the body. Veggies are generally rich in water and oxygen which are the primary necessities of our bodies organs and blood. In my case, growing up my parents always had the most amazing vegetable garden, so almost everything was organic on our table. Over the years my daddy has made adjustments to his garden, as the size has gotten smaller, but he never lost his green thumb. This year our plentiful harvest has been beautiful cherry tomatoes, delicious cucumbers, Bitter Melon (Pavikya), Tomatoes, Green Peppers, and Amaranthus (Cheera). Bitter Melon and Amaranthus are both common to Indian taste buds. Bitter Melon is exactly as it is called, BITTER, it looks almost like a dinosaur, and it is an excellent food to improve iron and also decrease insulin levels. Amaranthus is part of the spinach family, rich in vitamins and minerals and also an excellent source of iron. Cucumbers are a refreshing cool veggie that is a wonderful food for those in the Pitta Dosha Type. Cherry Tomatoes and Tomatoes are an excellent source of Lycopene, while Bell Peppers are a terrific source of Vitamin C. Depending on where you live you can have a beautiful garden for many months of the year. Nowadays people are building rooftop gardens, in door gardens or even just using a few pots for herbs and common veggie staples to the dinner table. If you haven't gotten your knees in the dirt yet, try it out. While my thumb is more turquoise than green like my daddy's, I still enjoy the watering, picking and eating of the veggies....so it's teamwork. It is a wonderful way to connect with nature and you can eat some delicious food after all your efforts.

The Rock Store in Toronto

2011-08-18T17:49:00.000-07:00

Bienvenue au Canada. While I am enjoying lovely time with family, exploring Yoga up here (eh!), and teaching up here....I am also exploring the amazing world of Crystals at The Rock Store in Toronto. This store offers Reiki, Crystal Healing, and many other amazing things...and even YOGA!!! The ladies who work there are like amazing fairies, and the selection of stones is awesome! The place was brimming with stones that were buzzing from the incredible aroma of sage. I could not help but pick a few pieces that were calling me, and I hope to go back for some more! It was an amazing store. For those who want to venture to Toronto for some leisure time, you will be amazed with the lovely Vegan eateries, up & coming Yoga Studios, amazing Instructors and This Crystal Paradise called The Rock Store. Thank you Toronto for being so in tune with Holistic Health and Wellness. Missing all my lovely Yogis & Students in NYC & Thank you for your prayers & love. ~ Om Shanti Eh!

Yoga Pose: Anjaneyasana - Cresent Moon

2011-08-16T16:47:00.000-07:00

Anjaneyasana is often found as you flow through Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation. You begin from a lunge placing with hands near the feet, on the mat, with your heart shining up to the heavens. Gently placing the back knee on the mat, softly float the arms up. While we want to invite the concept of sun-moon energy....as we inhale shine the heart further to the heavens, as we exhale sink your hips/thighs further to the earth. Let your breath get deeper as your body gets deeper into the pose. The balance comes from keeping your navel to the spine (Uddiyana Bandha). Tuck the the tail bone down and forward as sink deeper into the pose, you pull your lower ribs into your back, expand through the heart & ribs and keep the shoulders relaxed away from the ears as you lift the finger tips further to the sky. This pose is a beautiful offering in your practice as it opens the heart and awakens the tightness in the hips that affect our root chakra. Depending on your comfort you may want to have a blanket under your bent knee or roll up your mat. For those of you advanced in your practice....You may work on you pigeon variations, bringing your back foot up & inviting a beautiful stretch for the quadricep. You may even attempt this pose on the narrow ledge over looking the Atlantic Ocean like I did (wind blowing, a steep drop to jagged rocks and all...of course wearing a skirt....gotta be a lady)....again awareness of Bandhas is important for balance.

This pose is an excellent way to get into the psoas, the quads the gluteus. Hip Abductor Stablizers (glut medius, minims, magnus, longus) all become toned. Arms are worked and delts, triceps, biceps, traps, rhomboids and lats are all strengthened and toned. For people with tightness in the shoulders work on shining the heart up and keep your arms relaxed.

While this pose is amazing, and anatomically opens the body to prepare for deeper asana work, it is also a lovely pose to open the heart chakra. As you breathe in, breathe in love & compassion, as you breathe out...release any unforgiveness/baggage that burdens your heart, that occupies unnecessary space......So we not only get lighter physically with Yoga, we also get lighter emotionally, mentally while our Spirituality and connection to God gets even more AMAZING!!!

Kids Yoga - One of my greatest Joys

2011-08-11T05:43:00.000-07:00

One of my biggest joys of my Yoga journey, is teaching to kids. For me yoga was first introduced to me by my mom, and while it was fun and silly time, I enjoyed it! Kids in so many ways have the yoga practice that should inspire all adults. They have no ego. It is about having fun, supporting each other, learning to breathe deep, singing and having FUN! When I was teaching grade 1 & 4 in the Public School system, I used Yoga to help calm down the energy, and also to have students aware of their body-mind connection. It was a great tool for fourth graders before State Testing time. Since then I have been blessed to go on to teach and share Kids Yoga with Little flower, Yogi Beans, Bamboomoves, Harmony By Karate, and soon Karma Kids. A huge passion of mine has been to bring Yoga to children with special needs. Working with kids on various areas of the Autistic Spectrum, with Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, ADHD, Sensory Integration and even Williams Syndrome....thank you Yogi Beans for giving me such cherished opportunities! Regardless of what level of learning a child is at, they all relate to yoga. They love to move their bodies, love to chant, love the breathing, and they love to show adults how to have fun with the practice. Falling out of Tree pose is so much more Joyful after years working with Kids Yoga. Whether it's working with Girl Scouts, at a Yoga Studio, at the Rebecca School or in an after school Program, Kids yoga is an AMAZING experience! A recent Yoga Journal Post was brought to my attention highlighting the top 5 reasons Yoga should be in schools:

To manage Stress
To beat obesity
To maintain focus
Resistance to bullying
To improve behavior overall

While I am grateful for all the opportunities, I wanted to take a minute to highlight some of the companies that are really making the movement of Kids Yoga have an enormous and beautiful impact on the community (in no specific order):

Yogi Beans - An Awesome Kids Yoga Experience. Lauren loves the kids! -AMAZING!
Karma Kids - The first Yoga Studio for Kids in NYC- Shari loves the kids! - AMAZING!
Little Flower - Jennifer gives AMAZING workshops and programs! AMAZING
Radiant Child - Shakta's song Fly Like A Butterfly is AMAZING!
Bent on Learning - Working with Inner City Schools - AMAZING!
Sonia Sumar - She trains Teachers to work with Children with Special Needs AMAZING!
Itsy Bitsy Yoga - the name says it all - AMAZING!

It is important for us to spread the awareness of this amazing practice, and share in the quest to bring Mind-Body-Peace to all. In my experience, teaching Kids Yoga has showed me who my greatest teachers are.....Kids! Thank you to all the kids who practice with me....Love you all!

Yoga Quote for the Day - Dalai Lama

2011-08-07T19:12:00.000-07:00

Someone asked the Dalai Lama what surprises him most. This was his response:

"MAN, because he sacrifices his health, in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; The result being that he does not live in the present or the future; He lives as if he is never going to die, and then he dies having never really lived."

Yoga at Governor's Island

2011-08-07T05:29:00.000-07:00

This weekend hoards of Yoga enthusiasts brought their yoga mats to the grassy area of Governor's Island. With an Ocean of Yogis taking a variety of FREE Yoga classes with Sri Dharma Mittra, Dana from Laughing Lotus, and ACRO Yoga with the incredible Matt Giordanno.....it was an amazing site to see. There were some Hari Krishna folks chanting and giving out yummy food, and onlookers who just went to meet other friendly faces. After taking class with Elena Brower, I headed over to the Island to participate in the lovely Yoga event. Initially I was sad because I thought I would miss next weeks Sri Dharma event, but my Dharma Yogi friends told me that there is yoga on that Island this Weekend too. I figured if anything I can be like a tourist and enjoy the Island. It is so beautiful to see how thousands of New Yorkers have embraced the Yoga Practice as part of their daily routine for health and wellness. Next weekend Saturday August 14th, Sri Dharma will be there again at Governor' Island for FREE Yoga from 10-4. Awesome events, Yoga with Heaven above and mother nature all around.....It can't get much better.

Photo: The Ocean of Yogis leaving after an amazing class with Sri Dharma on Governor's Island

Yoga with Sarah @ Infinite Yoga

2011-08-07T04:45:00.000-07:00

After embracing the Yoga practice for quite some time, a lovely lady named Sarah embarked on Yoga Teacher Training last year. She did her training with Bamboomoves, and I was happy to be on board to help teach the amazing group of Yogis. She has been a dancer since the age of three, so to watch her flow through her asana practice with grace & fluidity is really breath taking. Her body is strong, her spirit is angelic, and she is a fellow Aquarian. I love this lady! During her training, she was reluctant to do "Hands on Adjustments", so at the end when they climbed a giant mountain, I flipped back into wheel and told her catch me/spot me to prevent my breaking my brains all over the mountain top....that was really how I explained it! It was really fun to challenge her, because I knew she could do it....and she did! Sarah has gone on to be an Incredible Yoga Instructor. This year when I broke my toe, I had the honor to take her class, and she was so attentive to every student with adjustments, kindness and a challenging flow that left our bodies feeling fantastic. Sarah's ability to demonstrate poses is awe inspiring as her dancers body is able to do pretty much everything! She is a huge heart! This year after taking an awesome class together at Life in Motion, we had a wonderful lunch at Zen Palette (a Yummy Veggie Restaurant).

It is important for Yoga Instructors to support & encourage each other, to listen and grow together, as we are all on the same mission of helping transform peoples lives. Having the humility to be a student & having the awareness that every experience is a valuable learning experience, is what makes a great teacher. While I have been blessed to have the Yoga Practice with me for years as part of my culture, I still take classes with newly certified teachers, with gentle Yoga Instructors and Master Teachers, looking past their experience, and seeing them as a facilitator of an experience whereby I can surrender to something Divine. All teachers may make mistakes, butcher the sanskrit, play music too loud, they may even have tremendous arrogance with primary focus only on how remarkable their ASANA practice is, but to be able to see past that & look towards the actual practice, is how we learn to be humble and yogic. The minute your ego tells you that your practice has exceeded one of your teachers, instead of having gratitude and appreciation, you should perhaps go back to the start of your Yoga Sutras and reevaluate your Ahamkaram (ego).

Thank you Sarah for being an incredible friend and fellow Yogini. While you were my student, you have also been my teacher, and I am grateful for this. Sarah teaches at a beautiful studio in Larchmont, New York called "Infinite Yoga Center", for those of you in the area, she is the lady you want to learn from.

Photo: 1) Ambria & Sarah @ Zen Palatte

2) Sarah Spotting me as I drop back to Wheel on the top of a giant Montain.

An AMAZING Anusara class with Elena Brower

2011-08-06T17:26:00.000-07:00

Today my Yoga Sista, Carissa, and I ventured off to Vira Yoga to take Anusara Yoga with the amazing Elena Brower. Elena is an incredible teacher, who is extremely famous. She has been on numerous covers of Yoga Journal, she was the teacher at the Rained out Central Park Yoga last year where I was honored to be an assistant, and most importantly she is also the proud Mamma of the incredible Jonah. I know Elena as a lovely lady, an amazing Mamma, a fellow Karate student, and a remarkable Yoga Instructor. Her adorable Son takes class with me alongside some incredible Teachers at Harmony By Karate each week. For weeks I have been invited to take class with Elena @ Vira Yoga by the whole family, as they all practice with me at Reebok & know I am a Yoga Teacher too. It was a Harmony Family Reunion. Normally, I am teaching at the same time as Elena, so I was never able to take her class, until today....YEAAAA!!!

I walked in and saw my lovely friend Carissa waiting at the entrance for me. She laid out two mats for us side by side in a packed Yoga Class. The Studio is Vira Yoga in Soho, and there had to have been over 60 people in attendance, and these seem to be regular students. Our mats were towards the back of the filled room. Elena began by announcing how she has been recently studying with the Incredible Rodney Yee. She announced how class would be slightly different as she has been inspired by her recent experience with Mr. Yee. She shared how Rodney had noticed how most playgrounds have gotten rid of the "See Saw". This observation was related to the awareness of the fulcrum action in a pose, the subtle tilt of the pubic bone and tail bone that initiates the safety in a back bend, softens the sides of the feet, articulates the spiral movements of the thighs, and also ensures longevity for the Psoas by making sure that we softly ease into the pose with proper alignment. She led us through a lovely class that kept returning to this theme of the tilt in the pubic bone and sits bones in order to get the safest alignment in our back bends. This is true Iyengar style Alignment, and it was so lovely to experience. Class was truly remarkable. At one point in the middle of her Instructing, Elena recognized me through the sea of Yogis, came towards me, smiled and welcomed both me and my lovely friend with whisper & smile, I couldn't help but thank her. I had already been in a state of gratitude for being in her awesome class. For an instructor to be so connected to each individual in the room is really magnificent, and Elena is that magnificent of an Instructor. Her eloquent way of speaking through the poses, with purposeful guidance, and encouragement is something everyone should experience. I am so grateful to have finally had this amazing experience with the Incredible Elena Brower, and hope to have many more. I was hoping to see the amazing Garth Stevenson. Garth is featured in this months Yoga Journal, he is a talented Bass Player, who normally plays live for Elena's class. Garth and I graduated Berklee College of Music together, so I was hoping to have had him play for the Yoga Class too, but he was out, perhaps another time.

If you have not opened your heart to the heart opening experience of an Anusara Yoga Class, you need to. Elena is one of the founders of Vira Yoga, an incredible famous Yogini, and an awesome woman to learn Yoga from. The Savasana was one of the most heart healing experiences I have had in a long time. After class Carissa and I were filled with so much gratitude for the experience. It was exactly what our Mind-Body & Spirit needed. Thank you Elena for an amazing Class!

Photo: Ambria, Elena & Carissa

The Zoga Yoga Graduation - with the Amazing Joseph

2011-08-06T03:42:00.000-07:00

While the teacher trainees in the Bronx celebrated at the beautiful Bhavani Mandir, Sensei Joseph had his graduation ceremony earlier in the week @ The Harmony By Karate Dojo where much of his training took place. Sensei Joseph is an amazing person & beloved friend. He is a Kung Fu and Karate Black Belt/Instructor, a Reiki Master, a Crystal Healer, A Talented Dancer, an Ordained Minister, an AMAZING Friend and now a 200 Hr Yoga Alliance Recognized Yoga Instructor, through ZOGA YOGA. While the list of achievements is probably longer, Joseph is possibly one of the most humble people I know. Just before his Teacher Training journey, together He & I did Reiki Master Training & Master Crystal Healing Training together, with the amazing Mary of Mukti Healing. When training began, Joseph spent weeks in intense training, learning Yoga Asana, Pranayama, The Koshas, The Sutras, The Bhagavad Gita, Ayurveda & Doshas types, Meditation, Asana Adjustments, Sequencing, Oneness Blessing, Mantras, Traditional Surya Namaskar and various other deep spiritual aspects of the Eight Limbed practice we call Yoga. He also had the privilage to learn Inversions with a wonderful Dharma Yogi/friend Amitai & ACRO Yoga on his last day, with a lovely Dharma Yogi/Friend, Agustin. As part of his program he will take Master Class with Sri Dharma. Ironically, Joseph, Sensei Joseph has been one of my Karate Instructors, and as a Sensei has literally flipped me over his head in class (at the speed of light), and challenged me in ways that have saved my life.....So I made sure to give him a dose of the ASANA Challenge at times. We had such fun exploring poses, advanced Sequencing, Gentle Sequencing and more ADVANCED Sequencing....It was fun!!! The look on Joseph's face when I would guide him through some sequences and demonstrate to encourage him to play was priceless. Soon he was very eager to play and explore the Yoga Asana with Advanced Variations, Adjustments, Mantras, and special Pranayama. Joseph has taught me so much and I am so honored to have been part of his Yoga Journey. I know he will go on to transform lives and bring people closer to God, as he himself is truly receptive to that portion of God in his heart. As most people know, I am blessed to teach Yoga full time, every day, nearly all day....and in my temporary absence from NYC, I am happy to leave some of my private students under the Instruction & care of Joseph, because he is AMAZING!

The teacher training experience is a remarkable chance for self discovery and deepening of the Yoga Practice. It is a chance to heal, grow, learn and find God. Whatever your religious belief....Yoga makes a Christian a better Christian, A Hindu a Better Hindu, a Muslim a better Muslim, a Jew a Better Jew.....and I know this because I have students of every faith, and that has been their experience that they share with me. While the fitness benefits of Yoga are inevitable, the Spiritual and Mental benefits are enormous.

I am grateful to have been on this journey with Joseph, and I know he will inspire many people worldwide. As Zoga Yoga is on its way to be a Global Experience that helps people, and inspires people to help others, I am fully confident and grateful to have Joseph and all the other Newly Certified Teachers in this Army of Love. Thank you Joseph for being so AMAZING!

The Zoga Yoga Teacher Training Graduation

2011-08-05T21:45:00.000-07:00

After months of hard work, sweat, tears, laughter, assignments, Tests, intense asana classes and more sweat....these amazing Yoga Teacher Trainers had their graduation. A journey that began at a studio in the Bronx called Bamboomoves, which soon turned into Excel Yoga, which became the location for the the launch first ever ZOGA YOGA 200Hr Teacher Training Experience. This is the first ever Graduating Class for this program, and I am grateful to have been part of this journey with these amazing people! They learned from amazing Instructors like my friend/Yogini Tao Porchon-Lynch, The incredible Yoshio Hama, The L.A. dynamic duo Dice and Bry, Excel Co. Owner Michael Baez, and myself (broken toe and all). They had to take Master Class with Sri Dharma Mittra & various other respected Teachers that I felt they could learn from. With in depth instruction on the Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, Yoga Anatomy, Yoga Asana Sequencing, Asana Adjusting, Yogic Diet, The Gunas, The Koshas, Pranayama, Meditation, The Doshas, Oneness Blessing Training and much more, these trainees were saturated with all things YOGA. Their graduation took place at the beautiful Bhavani Mandir right after the intimate 7pm class that I taught. The Bhavani Mandir is a gorgeous Temple in the Bronx, where the Friday night 7pm Yoga class will soon be taken over by some of these amazing Yogini's in my absence. The 5 new Yoga Instructors, Margie, Nicole, Jessica, Latesha and Stephanie (minus their three amazing fellow Yogis who were unable to attend) sat on the stage and we began with our chant "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya", and then they sat on their chairs. While graduation was set for 7:30 pm, we started 45 minutes late, so luckily when Michael, the studio owner of where the training was hosted walked in 45 minutes late, he was able to share in the experience. Michael was a pivotal part of their journey. The Bronx studio was once my "home studio" where I am am grateful to say that I was lead instructor for two years & grateful for many learning experiences. I introduced him and invited him to join me & the New Yoga Instructors on stage. Together we distributed certificates, highlighted the unique qualities of each individual, and gave them each Mala Beads and Meditation shawls that I arranged for, specially sent from India for them. There were tears and laughter, it was beautiful. At the end, there was one shawl I had laid out as extra, my intuition told me Michael would possibly show up to come to support these amazing individuals, and so I presented it to Michael with gratitude for my two years at the studio, and the opportunity to launch the ZOGA YOGA Teacher Training program there...we hugged which was followed by a beautiful group hug, and tremendous applause. We said thank you to Bhavani Mandir & Pandit Rohit for providing the amazing space for the graduation. Thank you to the friends and family members who came to support these amazing individuals on the start of a new beautiful chapter in their Yoga journey. Slowly we feasted on Andrew's Pasta Primavera which was delicious (Nicole's hubby), Thank you Andrew. We took pictures, and celebrated the achievements of these remarkable new Yoga Instructors. Each one of them having a special unique gift that they bring to the world of Yoga. I am grateful to have been on this journey with all of them, as they have taught me so much. I accept & I am honored to have been given the nick name "the Pusher", thank you Nicole....and love you all so dearly. It was a pleasure and honor to push you all to your highest potential. Thank you all, and may you continue to be receptive to the Grace of God (as Sri Dharma says), and act as humble vessels that facilitate an amazing experience for others. Maintain respect for your teachers, everyone of them.....every instructor, every child, mother nature, and every student is your teacher.....Please always maintain humility no matter how amazing you think your Asana Practice gets, how famous you get as a Yoga Teacher, without God there is no Yoga, as Samadhi is the ultimate goal of the practice. ~

In the Words of Sri Swami Satchidananda "When you are not aware of the Lord inside, you won't find him outside either. He must be seen inside first. Then you will see Him everywhere!" Om Shanti

Thank you Milta for the lovely pics!!!

Sri Dharma Mittra

2011-08-05T04:48:00.001-07:00

The most amazing Yoga Instructor, Sri Dharma Mittra has inspired my life and the lives of many other Yoga enthusiasts in NYC and all over the world. Yesterday at Master Class, my body was tired and he gave the most challenging class I ever encountered.....IT WAS AMAZING!! At one point he came to adjust me in the fourth round of Vasisthasana (Side Plank)....and my arm was ready to collapse from fatigue. While the asana sequence can be challenging....the part I love about Master Class is that it is truly a Divine experience. Some of my friends say it is like visiting God, because Dharma encourages us to surrender & be receptive to the Grace of God throughout the class. You can go to the class and whatever you are going through, he will speak of in his words, teach through the asana, challenge you, inspire you and bring you to a healing experience. He is 72 years young, and an inspiration to everyone to take up the Yoga Practice. I have been soaking up as many Yoga Classes this week with Sri Dharma as I could because he is really that amazing! Myself and many of my fellow Yoga Instructors take his class as often as possible....because he is the best! After class we had our psychic development with pranayama exercises that awaken the energy in our nadi channels, purify and stimulate the pituitary gland, and leave you feeling like you can soar in the sky. I thanked Sri Dharma for being such a huge impact on my Yoga journey & was grateful to have a picture with this Amazing teacher.

Photo: Sri Dharma Mittra & Ambria

My Yoga Sista - Carissa

2011-08-05T04:34:00.001-07:00

I have posted about this lovely lady before.....She is my Yoga Sista. When I began my journey at an amazing Yoga Studio in the Bronx, formerly called Bamboomoves and now Excel Yoga.....I met this lovely fairy like princess. With wild curly hair, a spunky personality, and energy that matched mine and sometimes trumped it.....I knew she was my Yoga Sister. I felt like I knew her before. We spent almost two years as Lead Teachers at this beautiful location. We laughed, taught classes, took each others classes, laughed and laughed some more! On my last day in the Bronx, she came for class and it was beautiful to have her there. This girl gives an amazing Yoga class, Zumba Class, Rebounding Class, and she is a remarkable dancer & actress. On many levels we felt a strong connection towards each other. Her yoga classes bring spirituality, peace, sweat and incredible anatomical discoveries for every participant. Her heart is pure and loving. She is the real deal. As an actress any time I watch her perform, I and everyone watching are truly moved. Recently, I watched her in a play that was all in Spanish.....I understood nothing......but I understood everything.....because the acting was just sooo superb. Since most people are used to seeing us in Yoga Clothes, with sweaty wild hair, and big smiles....On our recent outing to support a beautiful student on her opening night in her play....we snapped a picture in dresses.....a rare occasion that should be shared. I had been telling her of one of my little Yoga hideaways for over a year....I place I wanted to practice with her.....with another of my favorite teachers, Isaac.....and ironically we discovered that she found her way to that studio too. I am not surprised that both of us had the same experience towards this teacher and studio.....and both agree that we would be honored to just sweep the floor there. If you get a chance to take a class with this amazing lady Carissa....DO IT...you will be elated! If you get a chance to watch her perform on stage or film....DO IT....you will be watching a soon to be famous actress!

Picture: Ambria & Carissa

Another Amazing Dharma Class

2011-08-03T04:09:00.000-07:00

While I am slowly preparing to say a temporary Au Revoir to NYC for a while to spread the awareness of Yoga in Canada & visit family, I am also soaking up as many amazing Yoga classes as I can. Therefore, it is only expected that I would be immersing myself in as many Dharma classes as possible! Last night I went to Dharma (again) and was met with two soon to be certified Yoga Instructors, Stephanie & Jessica. Both women spent months with me and a variety of other amazing Instructors in the Zoga Yoga Teacher Training experience, hosted at Excel Yoga Studio. We sat and waited in the lobby and I introduced the ladies to my friend & founder of Yogi Beans, Lauren. We chatted and waited for class. We walked into the Temple and laid our mats in the back, I mentioned how my body was slightly sore from a kick butt Karate Class with Sensei Joseph @ Harmony By Karate, and both the ladies told me they were a bit tired too. This class was Jessica's first experience, but Stephanie had been to Dharma before. Dharma led the class in an amazing Yoga Asana experience, with his wise words weaving through the sequence, and occasional jovial quips. Sri Dharma made fun of the entire class at one point when all of us mixed our right from our left. The energy at the Dharma Yoga Center is incredible, like nothing else. Not only do you learn from an incredible master, you are also encouraged to copy and learn from some incredible Yogis who practice regularly with Dharma too. One thing I noticed is that some poses that you normally do not do in your regular asana practice can be done at Dharma's and I have to say it must be because of the amazing energy in that beautiful Temple. At the end of class Dharma speaks for sometime and reminds us about the depth of the practice beyond the asana, with advice on diet, meditation, the importance of being receptive to the Grace of God and much more.

He is a blessing to NYC. As always I recommend every person who practices Yoga to take a class at Dharma, and it is actually part of the requirements of the Zoga Yoga Teacher Training that students must attend one Dharma Master Class. We could not stay afterwards to request a picture with Sri Dharma because he was teaching his Stress & Anxiety Talk, so we left, bought some shirts (btw Thank you Stephanie for the lovely gift) and took a picture by an amazing photo of Sri Dharma doing his famous Headstand on the streets of NYC. Thank you ladies for sharing this amazing experience, and thank you Sri Dharma for another incredible class!!!

Photo: Stephanie, Ambria & Jess in front of Dharma's famous picture @ Dharma West

Everything is Perfect - Sri Dharma Mittra

2011-08-01T20:12:00.000-07:00

In the evening Meditation class with Sri Dharma Mittra he read from the Self Realization book. He went on to discuss the Kosha's, the importance of understanding Karma, Non- Attachement, and much more. One key phrase he said stood out to me...."Everything is Perfect".....meaning every situation is a result of Karmic patterns or obligations, and therefore it is perfect. This concept inspires us to accept situations in our lives and surrender to the Portion of God within our heart. If we all embraced the concept "everything is perfect" we would be so calm is something he pointed out. Happiness, Gratitude, Acceptance, Love, Compassion & forgiveness all stem from the ability to accept the fact that everything is perfect.

Sometimes in our lives everything is not perfect, at least that is how we perceive it. We may have been abused, disrespected, suffered grief, bullied, falsely accused, or even just suffering from our own sadness or illness.....Can we come to acceptance that everything is perfect? Can we be non-attached to the outcome? Can we be non attached to the situation? This deep concept is yet another reason why Yoga is a practice.....it may take time to have that self-realization. As we develop our Body with the ability to let go & surrender into challenging asana, without the ego as judge over the result, perhaps we can do the same with our Mind that is constantly running over scenarios, pointing fingers, leaning towards apathy and instead accept that "everything is perfect". When we accept that "everything is perfect" we do not look for fame, we do not lean to blame, we look and lean to God. When we embrace the concept "everything is perfect", we are calm, content, and more than likely practicing the Yamas & Niyamas. With dedicated practice and being receptive, anything is possible. Thank you again Sri Dharma for an amazing class!!! You have been a perfect part of my Yoga Journey while here in NYC.

Acro Yoga with Agustin

2011-08-01T03:25:00.000-07:00

On Joseph's teacher training experience ended with exposure to the amazing world of Acro Yoga with an amazing Dharma Yogi and Acro Expert, Agustin. Agustin is beautiful both inside and out, and this year took over some Yoga Classes that I was unable to teach due to scheduling conflicts, so all around he has been a real blessing to me. He led us in the most amazing afternoon I have had in weeks. Every time I have seen Acro Yoga, I have been intimidated, wondering if my height, weight, or at sometimes day dreaming or controling mind would pose as a problem. The mind is really the biggest thing in Acro Yoga, because as Agustin said "the rest is just Physics". Agustin was quick to notice how I like to be in control, because when I was flying it was hard for me to trust and surrender, this is a perfect way to practice non-attachment. If you think left, right, up and down cues are hard, try it upside down while you are balanced on someone's feet. We went through so many vinyasas, flipping, turning, laughing, heads in crotches, wardrobe malfunctions, the discovery that Indian girls have booty, and a lot of mental discoveries. In more ways than one I felt exposed LOL. When I shared the account of my experience with a friend afterwards, she jokingly told me "somebody owes somebody a dinner". Acro Yoga is more of a mental workout than anything else. You have to trust your partner, and surrender. While it was easy to surrender to both Joseph & Agustin, the listening while flying and transitioning was a challenge at times (for me). It was hard for me to believe that I could hold Joseph up when it was my turn to be the base, and I learned that it is more physics than strength. Joseph of course did amazing both as a base and flyer. Agustin is truly a blessing to the Yoga community and the world of Acro Yoga. His knowledge, skill, and approach to teaching make it easy to trust. I hope to have more opportunities to do Acro Yoga now, as I understand for a Yoga Instructor it is important for us to maintain that practice of non-attachment & surrender. We concluded with some lovely Tai Yoga Massage, which was so wonderful!!! After our amazing session the three of us had a brilliant discussion that Joseph later told me helped him a lot as a new Yoga Teacher, and ironically it opened my eyes to a lot too. The little things that teachers say, tend to stick with a student, and for me, many things Agustin said to us were exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you Agustin for sharing your wonderful energy & expertise with us, it was such an incredible experience, I hope I have more chances to learn with Acro Yoga and you in the future. Thank you Joseph for being so receptive as Sri Dharma says. At the end of our amazing afternoon of Acro fun, Joseph was awarded his certificate of Zoga Yoga 200Hrs Certificate. I know he will go on to transform lives and inspire Balance, Peace, Strength and Beauty in people's lives.

Crystal Healing

2011-08-01T03:17:00.000-07:00

Many ladies from a wonderful studio in the BX, Excel Yoga, opened their hearts to the world of Crystal Healing. The workshop series was taught by the amazing Mary Henry, who also taught myself and my friend Joseph. We learned about the energy of the crystals, how they work with chakras, with healing, with grids and much more. Mary is an incredible wealth of knowledge and an overall amazing woman. Recently I had the chance to meet with one of Mary's teachers, "The Rock Whisperer", Krista Mitchell. Krista was part of a number of panelists at a Healing Arts Expo held in Brooklyn this weekend. It was amazing to meet her and hear her talk. Her passion for Stones, Crystals and connection to Universe is really beautiful. As she says herself, being a Leo, she loves the sound of her own voice, but everyone else did as well, since she really knows what she is talking about. Krista brought a variety of stones to display and sell. She also teaches Reiki & Crystal Healing. Thank you Krista for an amazing event! You ROCK (no pun intended)!

Yoga with Magi again!

2011-07-30T04:35:00.000-07:00

For a whole week I was waiting to be in this amazing lady's yoga class again. Her name is Magi Pierce, and she is truly an incredible Yoga Instructor who will inspire many people. After teaching the Central Park Class, I headed over to Life In Motion on the Upper West Side to take Magi's class. Since I teach a lot on the Upper West Side, I know that summer time is usually not a busy time for Yoga, as many people head to the Hamptons and other vacation spots. Well as the attendance seems to be booming in Magi's class, it looks like people are taking their vacations with Magi, myself included. She led us through a wonderful class. I went into class feeling slightly under the weather, and hoping that a good sweat would cure me, I did get a good sweat and left feeling grateful that I attended. Magi has a very purposeful Yoga Asana Sequence that is carefully crafted with dynamic flows, holding of postures with pranic awareness, poetic conscious verbal cues, and the hands on adjustments that I could compare to a Renaissance Sculptor. She truly crafts the class from beginning to end. Thank you Magi for yet another amazing morning class! You are an inspiration to many people, including myself.

Maggie is giving an incredible Inversion Workshop this Saturday July 30th at Life in Motion, go and play with her, learn and fly with her, you will be glad you did!

Photo: The Magnificent Magi Pierce & Ambria @ Life in Motion

Yoga in Central Park - The beauty of Nature

2011-07-29T04:34:00.000-07:00

Recently, I was asked to sub a lovely yoga class in Central Park for my friend/fellow Yogi Agustin. The group is normally around 7 people, a small intimate group that meets in Strawberry Fields. I woke up with a slight fever, and feeling under the weather, but I knew It was too late to call out of the class, so I headed down to the beautiful Central Park. I wish I had known about this spot beautiful before, because my other times teaching in the park were curbside with bikers, runners, dog walkers, gawkers, and once a dog that came right to my Yoga Mat as I was teaching trying to invite me to play, while those experiences were still amazing, this time it was serene. Four Ladies showed up, and we waited a while to see if anyone else would come, and slowly I was led to their "Spot". It was truly gorgeous! An amazing hideaway surrounded by beauty! Soft lush green dewy grass, brilliant trees around, the sounds of sweet birds, the sounds of silence, and subtle rays of sunlight that peaked through the trees. It was really a magnificent site. We laid out our mats and progressed into a semi Gentle Yoga Flow, embracing the concept of connection to the Universe, letting go, and embracing gratitude. My dear friend and soon to be Yoga Instructor, Joseph, came along to do adjustments. Like in any Yoga Class, we joyfully learned the most difficult part is awareness of your right from your left. We smiled and embraced our inner Goddess amidst the beauty of Mother Nature. We felt the connection to the earth in possibly the most incredible Tree Pose ever, and had a lovely time. The experience only further reminded me how I wish to teach Yoga outdoors more often. Thank you Agustin for inviting me to sub, Thank you lovely ladies for sharing your yoga practice with me, it was such a blessing to share that collective energy with you all, and thank you Joseph for your beautiful adjustments. That class made my fever lessen, and made me feel much better. It was the start of an amazing day!!! For those who have not experience Yoga with the Sun above and the earth below, go roll out your mat on a beach, at a park or in your back yard, after one sun salutation you will feel amazing!!! ~ Namaste

Yogini Kitchen - Mint Vegetable Pulao

2011-07-29T04:16:00.000-07:00

One of my private students is actually a family affair, meaning I once taught their child and now the dad has been my long standing student as well. Because I am going to go away for some time, my student invited me to stay for dinner. They made an amazing feast of Indian Vegetarian Delights. Part of the Main Course was Mint Vegetable Pulao. Pulaou is a South Indian Rice dish, usually made with Basmati Rice and a variety of Veggies. It is very yummy and very nutritious.

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups Basmati Rice - Uncooked

1/4 cup Yogurt/soy yogurt

4 carrots diced/chopped

a bunch of pearl onions or 2 medium sized Onions diced

2 tablespoons of peas

2 tablespoons of beans

8-10 Mint leaves (crushed)

6 green chillies (optional)

3 small garlic cloves (crushed into paste)

1 Tablespoon diced ginger (crushed into paste)

6 cloves

8 cardamons

3-4 Black Pepper corns

Pinch of Turmeric

1 Tablespoon oil

Salt to taste

A Whole lot of LOVE

INGREDIENTS:

Cook Rice till almost done

Heat Oil in Pan

Add Turmeric and Onions when Oil is heated

Add Cloves, Cardomon, Pepper corns and stir for a minute

Add Ginger-Garlic Paste

Add Cut Veggies

Stir and Cover till veggies are 3/4 cooked

Keep occasional stirring to avoid burning the veggies

When Veggies are 3/4 cooked lower the heat add Yogurt and Veggies (high heat will curdle the yogurt)

Cook on Low heat till water is evaporated and Veggies are cooked and finally Add RICE. Stir on Low heat.

As a Side you can add Cucumber Raita or Papadam

Serve in a dish, say Grace and ENJOY!

The beauty of South Indian Cooking is that it is rich in Flavor, Nutritious and Vegetarian. The use of Cloves, Cardomon and Turmeric are also medicinal for the Body. The combination of Legumes and Rice, improves the amino acid chain of the legumes to give optimal protein absorption.

Two AMAZING Days with Sri Dharma

2011-07-27T04:43:00.001-07:00

Recently I participated in two days, back to back with Sri Dharma Mittra at the Dharma Yoga Center. Sri Dharma is a blessing to the city of New York, and especially to Yoga Instructors. As thursday is usually my day to go, my summer schedule has blessed me with a little more flexibility that allows me to take amazing classes! His class is remarkably challenging, inspirational and healing. While I have written many posts about Sri Dharma, it is because he is my favorite Instructor, and the favorite to many. From my Inversion Workshop on Sunday, to teaching 2 classes and taking 2 classes on Monday (one with Dharma), and then last night with Sri Dharma again, my body was a little sore.....but Dharma goes into the fullest expression of the pose with ease, grace, smiles and a sense of humour, as though his body has no tension at all. It is AMAZING!!! At the end of Monday nights class, my body was shaking with joy and fatigue.....as we laid down in Savasana, Dharma said one person is laying the wrong way.....I looked up and noticed it was me, and Dharma had a sweet jovial smile on his face and hands on his hips....I quickly adjusted myself & smiled back at him. After class he gave a wonderful talk on the Bhagavad Gita and pranayama. The way he ties in the Spiritual aspect of the practice to daily life is so amazing, and he lives it too! It is always lovely to meet friends and fellow Yoga Instructors in class as well.

During Savasana last night, Dharma came around and shook my legs and arms, any tension was gone, and I felt like I could sleep for days. After last nights class, my friend and I were speaking about how wonderful class was, and I said to my friend that Dharma's picture is on my altar, right next to Jesus, we both giggled, but she knew that it was true (it really is). He really is an incredible Teacher!

If this is what 72 years young looks like, everyone should practice yoga. I love how Dharma emphasizes the importance and aspect of vegetarianism as it relates to the Yoga Practice. Many times you will hear him say "without Yamas & Niyamas there is no yoga". He embodies Yoga in every way, and regardless of your level of ability, you can benefit from hearing his wise words, participating in his guided meditations & pranayama, experiencing the brilliant energy of the class, and witnessing inspirational Yogis as they practice with respect and reverence for their Guru. When you don't try to do the asana, he will encourage you to try, and advise you to not act like an old person (so fun)! While he has earned the title of "The teachers teacher", it is advised that everyone take the advantage of taking a class with this amazing Teacher. Sadly, I may be leaving NYC for a short while, and I must admit, I will miss Sri Dharma's classes very much! Thank you Sri Dharma for inspiring me, deepening my practice, inspiring my students, and teaching many people the beauty of Yoga.....you are a blessing to my life.

Yoga class at Equinox

2011-07-25T12:25:00.000-07:00

Today after teaching two morning classes, I was invited to join a friend/student, Al at Equinox for a Yoga Class. Equinox is a popular gym that offers some group fitness classes too. I was told that this teacher gives a wonderful class, and that I should check it out. While many people think that the vibe in a mega chain gym cannot provide the Spirituality of a small Yoga Studio, I have to disagree. While it is true that often times we will find an Instructor that resonates with us, or a preferred studio, this all happens when we are receptive ourselves, as Sri Dharma says. The spirituality of the practice comes only when we are open to that aspect, also when the teacher provides guidance towards that, and ultimately, once we acknowledge God is everywhere, we see past all our preferences and focus on the practice. Along with that, many times the asana aspect of the practice takes preference for some, especially in a city like New York, where people want a lunch time break. The Yoga Asana is is a beautiful way to detoxify the body, increase strength, improve flexibility, oxygenate the blood, balance the subtle body, and recover from injuries.

So I arrive at the gym, sign in as a guest and head to the Yoga Studio. The room is dimly lit, with hard wood floors, mirrors on one side and windows on the other. I decide to sit myself down and read my nook while I wait for the room to clear. Apparently, I was a half hour early, so I got in some good reading. I lay my mat out, and ask another student if we are supposed to face the mirrors. She says yes, so I wait, and stretch. In walks my friend, and the teacher is setting up his Ipod. The Instructors name is Jeremy Jai Fahey. My arms were a little tender from the Inversion Workshop of the previous day, but I was happy to participate. Slowly the room began to fill, and I was told that it usually gets even more crowded. With light instrumental music and hardly a murmur of the gym sounds outside we began class. Jeremy led us through a lovely Level 2 Vinyasa Flow Class, with a lot of awareness to the energetic body. Somehow, I knew that he did some other form of body work by the way he would cue the asana. The flow was fluid and fun. Much of his flow was preparing our bodies for Crow Pose. I truly loved how Jeremy led us into Crow, with awareness of Bandhas, lifting of hips, and squeezing of arms with the knees. He actually had us work with the alignment and form of the pose in various ways, including on our backs, before he even got us into Crow. It was really wonderful to explore the pose like that. After class, I thanked Jeremy for his beautiful class, and asked him where he trained, and he explained how much of his training was in body work. It made so much sense. Thank you Jeremey for providing a lovely class, with energetic sequencing, and purpose driven asana.

Photo: Ambria & Jeremy Jai Fahey

Yoga Inversion Workshop with Amitai

2011-07-24T15:30:00.001-07:00

Today my student & Karate Sensei Joseph embarked on the "Inversion Workshop" requirement for his Teacher Training. For those who don't know, Joseph isKung Fu & Karate Black Belt, A Reiki Master, A Crystal Healer, an ordained Minister, and an amazing friend. While my friend and fellow Yoga Instructor Agustin was set to teach the class, he sent his friend Amitai instead. Both Amitai and Agustin are remarkable Dharma Yogi's. I have taken many classes with Amitai at Dharma East, and he truly has a remarkable gift for teaching, and a humble energy that one can only attain with sincere devotion to the practice of Yoga, and their Guru. The class was at the Reebok Sports Club in the Harmony by Karate Dojo. Amitai entered and introduced himself to Joseph. After a very challenging yet beautiful weekend, I was excited to deepen my asana practice too. Even though many people think my asana practice is strong, I personally think it could be stronger, and never hesitate to share that, and continue to take classes to learn and grow. After our Om, Amitai began with beautiful guided meditation/pranayama using the chakras & alternate nostril breathing which is a common exercise Sri Dharma does after Master Class. We progressed into Bandhas, Surya Namaskar and then straight into inversions. Amitai gives amazing verbal cues, and assists in ways that make you feel like you can do everything upside down. He lead us through many variations of forearm balance, hand standing, and scorpion with highlighting the importance of how the prana flows, the importance of bandhas, the proper alignment of our body, and it was super fun!!! It goes without saying that Amitai's demonstration of poses are inspirational, and more than once Joseph and I turned to each other with a full "OMG" expression on our face after Amitai would effortlessly demonstrate!!! Thank you Amitai for an incredible experience. Thank you Joseph, it was so amazing to alternate forearm standing variations with you.

Photo: 1) Joseph working into Scorpion 2) Ambria, Amitai & Joseph

Yoga with Magi

2011-07-24T15:04:00.000-07:00

One of my amazing Yoga students Joseph, has been telling me to take a class with a brilliant Yoga Instructor, Magi. Magi, a native Bostonian, teaches at Life in Motion Yoga studio, and she gives a remarkable class. Life in Motion offers Yoga, Spin Class and a lot more! Since I teach a lot on the Upper West Side, I am familiar with the studio, but never had a chance to take a class. Last week, a friend/yoga instructor Sarah joined me for an amazing class. I enter into the street side door, and climb the stairs. Soon enough a lovely young lady enters and sits on the steps with me, and I asked her about the class, ironically she said that she is the Instructor. We spoke briefly and I told her that Joseph told me about her class. She was so kind and sweet. Soon Sarah walked, we hugged and situated our mats towards the back of class. Magi brought our bodies through such a beautiful anatomically cued vinyasa flow. With a lot of emphasis on alignment, and incredibly challenging yet poetic sequencing that leaves the body feeling amazing! The reason I say that Magi has a poetic sequence, is because the rhythm of the class is something indescribable as she manages to balance the body, challenge the body, take you on a journey, throw in unique tweaks to poses that appear like poetic metaphors, and leave you in a sweaty state of bliss with an occasional joke. She studied with the ever famous, Anna Forrest and another teacher in Boston who she credits as her alignment/anatomy inspiration. Magi does not really teach with esoteric and spiritual aspects of the practice, but more of a concrete anatomical depiction of the asana, and I really loved it! While both Sarah and I were so tempted (and I mean really tempted) to sign up for the discounted membership, my journey is taking me to new horizons these days, so I decided I would pay as I go, should I have the time for an incredible class with this teacher extraordinaire. I have to say that when two Yoga Teachers leave a studio anxious to come back for the teachers class, and tempted to sign up, based off of one experience, that Instructor is truly remarkable! Thank you Magi for being a true inspiration, you are a blessing to the Yoga community in New York City.

To find more info on Magi: www.magipierce.com

Learning to be in a State of Yoga.

2011-07-19T18:26:00.001-07:00

"Yogastha kuru karmani sangan tyaktva Dhananjaya Sidhyasidhyo samo bhutva samatvang yoga uchyate" Bhagavad Gita 2:48

Yogastha - Steadfast in Yoga

kuru - perform

karmani - duties or actions

Translation: Be steady in yoga, Arjun, do whatever you must do; give up attachment, be indifferent to failure and success.

In life we have to accept our path, accept our Dharma (our purpose) without being attached to the fruits of our actions, the same goes for the yoga journey. Concentration on action means concentration on the present or living in the present. While concentrating on the present that is the only way one can make conscious based choices and decisions. Once we concentrate on the present, we are no longer caught up in the past or the future, thus, past anxieties and future worries no longer can make us suffer.

In this epic Hindu Verse, Krishna explains to Arjun "do your best and leave the rest", meaning give 100% and be attached to your actions but be detached to the results. This is also an act of surrender to God, to Divine intervention, and an example of faith. Always living in the present moment with awareness, and practicing the beauty of allowing. The primary gist of the Gita is that at all times, your mind should be in a "state of yoga", having consciousness in our actions, acknowledging that at every moment our mind is working through our actions, united. This unity is where we derive the word Yoga, translated in Sanskrit as to yolk/join/unify which is the union of the mind, body and spirit.

This "state of yoga" translates onto our asana practice....when beginning a class never be attached to the studio, the location of our mat, to the instructor, to the asana we plan to do in our class, to the asana that other people may do in class, but rather surrender to our breath, and just allow the practice to be an extension of that surrender. This approach to practice without ego and with total receptivity is when miracles happen.

This "state of yoga" translates into our dietary habits. We are always in a rush to eat, on the go lifestyle forces us to adapt to quick meals, fast food or skipping meals. Do we enjoy the sight of our meal, the smell, the touch, the taste, or even take time to notice how much we must chew? People who eat with awareness, connection of mind to body, generally never over eat.

Regardless of what religious faith you abide by.... a good lesson from the Gita, a parable from the Bible, a verse from the Kabbalah are all means for us to learn, grow and better ourselves.....to be aware, to allow, to be present & receptive, and invite a "state of yoga"

Yoga Jewelry for your FEET

2011-07-18T04:02:00.000-07:00

My last post on Yoga Jewelry highlighted the incredible talents of up & coming Jewelry designer Milta. This post highlights the incredible talents of her aunt, Isabel. Beauty and Talents run deep in this family. Isabel is a lovely, amazing fellow aquarian lady, with a beautiful heart, and a lot of creativity. She played a major part in helping the healing process of my broken toe this year, and gratitude is constantly flowing in my heart for her. She recently made me beautiful, delicate crochet "shoeless sandals", that have Tigers Eye on them too!.....ok so let's all say WOW!!! When I saw them, it was amazingly thoughtful, super creative, and really beautiful!!! I had been meaning to wear them for a long time, and this Saturday I rocked the lovely shoeless sandals! Everyone enjoyed the Yoga Studio Debut of the Shoeless Sandals.

In India it is not uncommon to see women wearing Jewelry on their feet, silver or Gold anklets (sometimes with tiny bells), toe rings, amd various other Jewerly specifically used for Indian Classical Dance. For the fashionable Yogini, the Shoeless sandal looks like it will be the way to go!!! Thank you Gonzales Ladies for keeping me looking stylish!!! Love you lovely ladies!

Saucha - Purity

2011-07-15T04:07:00.000-07:00

The Niyamas are about self regulation, and us creating the most productive environment in which to grow closer to God. When we practice the five Yamas - non violence, truthfulness, non stealing, control of the sensual drive and non-greed, we achieve Saucha. Saucha is cleanliness, purity of our body, heart, mind and surroundings. Do we keep our energy clear, our surroundings clutter free, do we keep our body clean, and most important do we keep out thoughts clean? Sometimes we get caught up in doing the Yoga Asana, and forget about the other Limbs of the 8 Limbed Practice. We forget the purpose behind the practice is to get closer to God, to achieve Samadhi. I realized this the other day, when something stained my clothes, and I quickly changed clothes, because my daddy used to always say to wear clean clothes, not fancy but clean, and this is a way of practicing Saucha. More than practicing Saucha externally with clean clothes etc, lets focus on the inside, keeping our hearts pure. A clutter free heart, free of hatred, jealousy, greed, envy, grudge is a productive, compassionate, loving and Yogic heart. Sometimes situations in life, challenge our ability to love, challenge the balance in our heart chakra, it is up to us to heal that.

For me, I choose to pray, and ask God to heal the situation, and the person who wronged me, not just so they can be blessed, but more so my heart can find freedom. It is not necessary to carry too much baggage on our journey, it's best to travel light. Also, apologizing or accepting an apology is always a nice thing too. Use discernment always, meaning, if someone apologizes and repeatedly does the same thing, the apology has very little sincerity, and you have the right to disasociate yourself with the individual or situation, as long as you do this without grudge. No one said Saucha was easy, that is why life is full of lessons.

You may have heard the saying "Love your Enemies and pray for those who persecute you" Jesus or...

"Hate the sin, not the sinner" ~ Gandhi.

A sages prayer from one of the sacred Verses of the Upanishad:

Oh Lord,
May my body become pure.
May I be free from umpurity.
May I know myself as Divine Light.

Oh Lord,
May my mind become pure.
May my self become pure.
May I know myself as Divine Light.

Oh Lord,
May I realize You with my purified understanding.
May I realize the highest bliss with my purified understanding.
May I realize You who are the highest bliss with my purified understanding

Teaching Yoga & The Importance Boundaries

2011-07-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

While I believe in being a life long learner, it should come as no surprise that I am constantly reading. This year a lovely student brought a wonderful book to me called "Teaching Yoga, Exploring the Teacher Student Relationship", by Donna Farhi. This book is a must read for every Yoga Instructor, and Teacher Trainee, and Yoga School. Without any reservations Donna breaks down the importance of respecting Boundaries, maintaining professional conduct, awareness & abiding by the Principals of Yogic Philosophy, all with a great deal of emphasis on Teacher-Student Relations. The timing of this book could not have come at a better time, as this year has provided amazing learning opportunities for me. Sadly, negative situations can be the catalyst for learning opportunities.

Being that my nature is very friendly and compassionate, being that I am blessed to have many students who are dedicated to the practice of Yoga, and caring towards me, sometimes there is are "bad apples" in the bunch. What I have learned from both the book and life experience goes as follows:

Yoga Studio Owners - Managers should never take it upon themselves to play "match-maker". The Yoga Instructor may have a personal life that you are unaware of, and this is just "unprofessional behavior" that could lead to negative repercussions for both the Instructor and members of your establishment.
Yoga Instructors need to assert themselves in their work. When I first started teaching I came across many situations where I was asked to work for free...and I did, while Karma Yoga is a beautiful thing, and I look at every experience as a chance to grow/learn, be aware when it is "exploiting your knowledge/experience" for their financial gain. Many times "Yogis" are not paid for their time, and their kindness is manipulated. This is wrong, as Yoga Instructors provide a valuable service, providing their time, to both establishments and students. In the Western world it may be necessary to have the means of payment in written contract form. One of my dearly respected "Yogis" once told me after discovering what he perceived as my incredibly low Private Sessions Fees...."This is NYC, and Yogis gotta eat too".
Yoga Instructors should be aware that kindness from students of the opposite sex & even of same sex, could wind up being more of an infatuation or obsession that could be potentially dangerous. One hour of Yoga Bliss cannot undo someone with years of "severe mental illness", therefore be cautious as you never know who may be a future stalker. Even though we can inspire people in the time frame of class, we are under no obligation to maintain social contact beyond the Yoga Class, and we should use our intuition because in many cases we should avoid this.
Healthy Boundaries goes on to call Yoga Instructors to respect the principal of "Dehabhimane galite vijnate paramatman Yatra Yatra mano yati tatra tatra sadhyayah" -"With the disappearance of the attachment of the body and with the realization of the Supreme Self, to whatever object the mind is directed, one experiences Samdahi". - This means after we teach, understand that when we pay more attention to one student/group of students others may feel dejected, also, we may be feeding into the infatuation of a student. As Yoga Instructors our goal is to facilitate an amazing experience for students, and respect the practice, so it's best to stick to that plan.
Studio Owners and Instructors, be mindful of your words/conduct. We are blessed to provide an experience that has ancient energy & Philosophy attached to it. Much like when you take a Karate Class you respect the Sensei, the same goes for a Yoga Instructor. Even if you are around the corner or on the street, you need to maintain the energy of a "Yogi", as it is not just about owning an establishment with your photo everywhere, saying Namaste, or wearing Mala Beads, the Yoga Practice is a way of life, and should be respected as such. If we want to instill peace, we must be peace. Students watch our behavior, and hypocrisy leaves a sour taste in the mouths of many.
Abiding by ASTEYA (the principal of non-stealing). We must be aware that when we create Manuals, Use Music or Meditation CDs are part of curriculum these are artistic materials that are subject to copyright laws. When I was asked to use another Teacher Training Manual for the launch of my YOGA ALLIANCE REGISTER AND RECOGNIZED ZOGA YOGA Teacher Training program, I was quick to refuse and say that I have put time and effort into "the itinerary of the program", taken over a year to create my own original TT manual, and refuse to be associated with NON-YOGIC behavior. Being that I am a musician, and have a few Original CD's under my belt, I have a tremendous respect for artistic copyright. We obviously cannot copyright Downward Dog, and in many respects the Yogis in India could hold the entire movement of Yoga in the West under Copyright infringement lawsuits, as everyone wants to brand this ancient practice as their own. Nonetheless, we should be more Yogic in our conduct, ask for permission, give credit to the source, and be aware that Karma is a cycle that needs to be respected. No one likes a COPY CAT and I have seen many organizations fall due to lawsuits which resulted in negative reputations. Be Yogic and don't use someone's artistic work without permission and contracts.

Given my recent "learning experiences" this year, I have decided to refrain from naming the location of places where I practice and teach, for my own safety. While often I use this blog to highlight AMAZING Instructors, ONLY and always after having their permission first, I will continue to do so, to inspire more people to embrace this incredible practice of Yoga, but without giving details of my schedule. ~ Namaste

Ashtanga Yoga at Reebok

2011-07-13T05:03:00.001-07:00

Ashtanga Yoga which means 8 Limbed in Sanskrit is a style of Yoga popularized by the late Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. The practice is taught in Mysore, India now by Sri Pattabhi Jois's son, and is an amazing practice. Originally it was my dream to be an "Ashtangi", the intensity of the practice and power always peaked my interest. However, it never happened, and I just would be wide eyed with admiration for the Ashtanga Yogis that I came across on my journey.

Last night, my amazing friend/yoga student/Karate Sensei, Joseph, invited me to take an Ashtanga class at Reebok Sports Club. Joseph is currently doing the ZOGA YOGA 200 HR Teacher Training, and as part of his training he is taking regular classes. His receptivity to instruction is amazing, and his desire to learn is inspirational.

Reebok houses a lovely "Mind-Body Studio" and amazing Instructors. I used to take classes there regularly when I worked there, but never an Ashtanga class. I asked Joseph is there a lot of "jump backs?" (jumping back to Chutturunga), as I knew this was the flow of Ashtanga, and he said "no" the teacher holds the poses a lot. I said "are you sure?", as I was totally confused, and decided perhaps this is the "watered-down-American version" of Ashtanga, as this was not the description of Ashtanga I ever knew. Since I broke my toe earlier this year, I am laying low on the "jump backs", so I was excited to participate in class.

We enter the lovely space with natural light from wall to wall windows and lay out our mats. Joseph and I are joined by our friend Sensei Oscar. This was the first time I took class with all three of them. The teacher, Evan Perry walks into class. I turn to Joseph and say that I recognize him, and he explains how Evan is the father of a child that used to come to the PreK where we both taught. WOW, small world. Evan begins with a lovely chant, and into Surya Namaskar.....with "Jump Backs". I smile to myself, as I realize this is a serious Ashtanga class I am now in. With the traditional Ashtanga Cues, Evan leads us into a brilliant class. His adjustments were fantastic. He supported me in my forward fold as he noticed I had trouble with one side to balance, and also contorted me deeply into poses & binds that I don't usually do. Joseph calls it the "pretzel class"....it is. Evan concluded class with a wonderful chant, and before we got up from Savasana he was out the door with his back pack on.

The power of ancient techniques & tradition resonate in the Ashtanga practice. I love the emphasis on the breath as connection to the movements and the use of Bandhas, as those are keys to the practice. Thank you Evan for providing an amazing class, thank you Sensei Joseph and Sensei Oscar for sharing in the awesome vibration. All three of us left the class floating!

Picture: Me (Ambria), Sensei Joseph, and Sensei Oscar

Crystals & Stick Stone & Bone

2011-07-12T06:22:00.000-07:00

For years I have been fascinated by crystals, loving the beauty, the energy, the relation to chakras and the wonder in Gods gems. Like many people I have ventured to various places to view and purchase crystals like Rockstar, Namaste, Angel in Union Square & of course Stick Stone and Bone. Stick Stone and Bones is by far my favorite place to go, and to purchase pieces. They have incredibly unique pieces, staff that is well versed in Geology and Gems, and the vibration in that store is absolutely incredible. If you are looking for the perfect gift for someone who is interested in Holistic Wellness, Stick Stone & Bone is the place to go.

Since doing my Reiki Master Training and Crystal Healing Training, I have experienced a deeper sense of Clairaudience. For me in teaching Yoga, doing Reiki & Shiatsu, Clairaudience has come in handy, as it is an amazing tool that provides extra sensory-perception and helps you follow the natural flow of vibration. Being around Crystals in Stick Stone & Bone is now an even more awesome experience. Whether it's crystals, Jewelry, Incense, Candles, Sage, Books, Gifts for you or a loved on, or just a nice trip to an amazing store, you want to venture to Stick Stone and Bone. You will experience a lovely energy, and you will learn a lot if you ask questions to the amazing Staff!

Photo: Me (Ambria) at Stick Stone and Bone holding a Celestite Cluster.

Celestite:

A beautiful light Blue toned Crystal
activating upper chakras and the angel realm.
Generally used in Reiki Attunements,
balances Male & Female energies.
Activates intuition
Promotes positive communication
As an elixir it can help the digestive system

Yoga Enthusiast Organic Grocery List

2011-07-08T06:54:00.000-07:00

Organically grown foods are grown without the help of pesticides and artificial fertilizers. With people growing in awareness of their health, it is important to know what to do when buying your food. The reality is your expenses may increase when purchases are "organic" but think of the long term benefit, and alleviated cost of medical expense when you invest in the health of your body. Organic foods are especially beneficial for a developing child and a pregnant woman.

Conventional Foods: use chemical fertilizers to promote plant growth, spray insecticides to reduce disease, give animals growth hormones & medication to prevent disease and increase growth, and use herbicides to prevent weeds.

Organic Foods: Use natural fertilizers like manure/compost, use insects and birds to reduce disease & trap pests, give animals organic feed & access to the outdoors while providing a clean area to live & graze that prevents disease, and mulch, till and rotate crops to prevent weeds.

For the Vegans or Vegetarians, the notion of organically fed meat is not a factor. In my opinion Organically grown produce tastes better and usually supports your local farmer.

According to the "Environmental Working Group" EWG, there is an annual dirty dozen list that they release, highlighting which foods we are better off purchasing organically grown, since these 12 seem to have the most pesticide residue.

The dirty dozen include : apples, celery, strawberries, peaches, spinach, nectarines, grapes, sweet bell peppers, potatoes, blueberries, lettuce, kale/collard greens.

The 15 foods with the lowest pesticide residue included: onion, sweet corn, pineapples, avacado, asparagus, sweet peas, mangoes, eggplant, cataloupe, kiwi, cabbage, watermelon, sweet potatoes, grapefruit, and mushrooms.

Obviously the more foods you have on your grocery list that are natural like fruits, vegetables and whole grains, the more benefits you will see for your body, and inevitably your yoga practice. Fruits and Vegetables are rich in vitamins, water & oxygen which are crucial for cellular development and prevention of disease.

The reality is that many diseases today can be linked to our dietary habits. Sadly, my personal observation has been that the foods that are being heavily promoted, usually cause the most harm to our body (due to high chemical contamination)...foods like Milk, Potato Chips, Burgers, Soft Drinks, etc.

With films like Food Inc., books like Eating Animals, and Yoga and Vegetarianism...Many believe our food industry has a heavy hand in the pharmaceutical business, and thus, work together to create profits, at the expense of the common individual.

Choose health and wellness, educate yourself, and support your local grocery store and farmers. Always remember for those with a sweet tooth, there are Vegan/Vegetarian, Organically grown snacks, cakes, cookies that are available and very tasty. Also, invest in a juicer and sip your way to wellness. ~ Namaste

Photo: This photo was secretly taken of me waiting at the Lifethyme Organic Market for a yummy cookie

Amma NYC - "Laughter is the Music of the World"

2011-07-05T04:02:00.000-07:00

After a beautiful weekend with my family, I decided to go see Amma (the hugging Saint). Amma is the malayalam name for "Mother", almost everyone in Kerala has a few older ladies they call Amma, as it is a name of respect and love. I have heard about Amma for a long time, her humanitarian work, her hugs, and her popularity in the Yoga community here in the USA. Amma has a powerful message of peace, spirituality and love. When I entered into the massive Manhattan Centre, my friend and I wound up on the top balcony as the venue was packed. Amma began to speak, in Malayalam (the language my parents speak). She is from the province of Kerala, from an area not to far from my Mothers home in India. There was such a profound peace in her gentle voice. I understood her every beautiful word, and since this was my first experience at an Amma event, I was translating for my friend beside me, until we realized their is a translator who explains her powerful message right after (LOL). Initially, I was confused by the sea of people who most likely did not understand Malayalam, but her energy & tone of voice speak volumes.

She said "laughter is the music of the world", this to me is such a powerful statement as we spend so much time with frowns on our faces, disappointments guiding our mental state, anticipation of negativity in our bones, why not laugh a little more? Amma is so right! She also explained how we use our brain to stop movement in our legs, in our arms, when we want to....why not use our brain to stop and still the mind? WOW, what a beautiful sentiment. Our thoughts, our ego, often times dictate much of our mental state, why not sit in stillness, sit with God? Amma spoke about the cycle of Karma, how our actions will always come back to us. Therefore, when we do good, good will return to us, and when we do bad, it will return to us as well, at some point, our Karmic Cycle will always make sure we learn and experience life fully. Amma's work is pure Karma Yoga (selfless service), the event was run by a lot of volunteers (many friendly faces I knew from Dharma's and other Yoga friends volunteered their time), and all proceeds of Amma's gift shop goes to her charities. While she provides amazing food at this free event, words of wisdom, Holy Water, and Puja, she also provides Dharshan at the end giving Hugs to all. I am grateful to have participated in this lovely event, to have her her words, and experienced her love. After a lovely weekend with family, it was beautiful to hear her message in Malayalam as well. Thank you Amma for being an example of love and peace.

Reiki Master and Crystal Healing Certified

2011-07-05T03:59:00.001-07:00

After an intense training with the amazing Mary Henry, my dear friend Joseph and I are Reiki Masters and Crystal Healing Certified. For some time when I would do Chakra Workhops or Reiki Sessions, I would use Crystals, as I knew how certain stones resonated with chakras or areas of the body. Like many people, I also had certain crystals that I would gravitate to. My new found knowledge of the amazing energy found in crystals for healing, transformation and balancing, and Reiki Attunements, has opened the door to a deeper understanding of God's beautiful earth. These crystals carry vibrational energy, and the yogis used them for many purposes for centuries.

As a matter of fact, the intricate details of the Taj Mahal were filled with beautiful Ruby, Saphire and Emerald cut stones. When the sun would shine into the Taj Mahal the beautiful, rainbow reflection was said to be the most magnificent sight to see, and a masterpiece of sacred geometry. The last time I went to the Taj Mahal I was amazed to see the beautiful details in the designs on all the walls, and each were filled with colorful stones. Crystals have amazing beauty and energy, Thank you Mary once again for being an incredible teacher!

Bhagavad Gita - On & Off the Yoga Mat

2011-06-26T04:03:00.000-07:00

The Bhagavad Gita is one of the most beloved of Hindu Scriptures. It is an excerpt from the Mahabharata. In almost every Yoga Teacher Training it is one of the main texts that students explore and study. Often times when I teach Yoga class I like to incorporate a theme from the Yoga Sutras, The Chakras, The Bhagavad Gita, The Mahabharata, The Ramayana, Biblical quotes or even a song, something to tie it into the practice so people go beyond the physical exercise.

The Bhagavad Gita tells the story of Arjun from the Panadava family having to accept his Dharma (purpose) of battle with his tyranical cousins from the Kaurava family, also known as the Kurushetra War. Ironically, the Kaurava's are led by Dhritarashtra, who is blind. This blindness is also symbolic for ignorance. The Pandava family are very pale in complexion, almost white, and this is symbolic of purity. The Kaurava family are led by greed and ignorance. While Arjun looks across the battle field he sees his cousins and struggles with accepting his Dharma, as he looks at them with compassion. The size of the Kaurava army is great compared to the small army that Arjun has, but Arjun is a Master Archer and he has Lord Krishna on his side.

While Yoga is not teaching people to fight, in our lives there are times we are up against blindness, ignorance and greed, we have battles, and it is important to look at our opposition with compassion, to put God first in all our battles, and to know that when we assert ourselves for the purpose of the greater good, we are fulfilling our Dharma.

How do we embrace this on the Yoga Mat? We must understand that Yoga Asana and Pranayama exercises are to rid the body of toxins, in order for us to grow deeper in Spirituality. If we practice yoga without peace in our heart, without awareness of Divine love, we are just going through motions. Similar if we go to church, temple, and mosque reciting prayers, and having no love in our hearts, then we are just going through the motions. It is far better to allow these ancient teachings to help us grow spiritually than anything else.

Reiki Master

2011-06-22T18:56:00.000-07:00

Today was a magical day, as myself and my amazing friend/yoga student/Karate Sensei Joseph, became Reiki Masters!!! For years we both had searched for the chance to do Reiki Master Training, as both of us went to Level two attunements. Reiki is an ancient form of energetic healing, that helps balance, heal, and bring clarity for people. Our Teacher is the wonderful, Mary Henry, who had taken Yoga with me for quite a while. Early on Mary used to share with me her journey with Reiki, and sometimes we used to do Chakra based yoga classes in the morning Yoga classes, to enhance her Reiki Experience. Now a year later, I am doing my Reiki Master Training, and Crystal Healing with her. I am truly grateful for the experience. The entire day, both myself and Joseph were buzzing with Joy, Happiness, and Gratitude. Attuning yourself to the vibrational energy of the Universe, and of God, reminds you how amazing Life really is. I truly felt like I was floating. Thank you so much Mary, your Reiki Attunements, and your wisdom of Crystals, the intuition and knowledge you shared will be forever cherished. I know I am blessed to have had this amazing day, thank you so much! Lately, I had been under some unexpected stressful situations, and rather then give stress the upper hand, I chose to look forward and direct my life in a positive & productive path, and this experience was exactly what I needed. Reiki has a way of bringing "Truth" to the surface, and while I left this magical day walking on a cloud, I was met with an unexpected storm, and I am grateful to have found resolve, and an amazing Rainbow full of self-respect, honesty and composure as my Pot of Gold.

Mary will be giving a special Crystal Healing Series Workshop at the Excel Yoga Studio in the BX, on Thursday nights, so if you are interested in taking your journey to a new and exciting level, visit the Excel Page for more details.

Thank you again for being an amazing Teacher! And thank you Joseph for sharing this incredible experience with me too!

Pictures: Ambria, Mary and Joseph......Ambria and Joseph (We are glowing), ....Ambria and Mary

Summer Solstice 2011- Yoga in Times Square

2011-06-22T18:43:00.000-07:00

This Tuesday June 21st marked the 2011 Summer Solstice. This is the day the sun shines the longest, and NYC brings Mind-Body-Harmony to the centre of the Big Apple, Times Square. For anyone to find peace in the busiest place in NY is amazing, and yoga at its finest. With people watching all around, concrete below, tall illuminated buildings around, the beautiful sunny sky above and a sea of Yogis ready to practice, I laid out my "free" mat. Many students of mine both in the city and in the Bronx at Excel Yoga, had decided to participate in the amazing event. While I had been registered for the evening one, I knew that it would make more sense for me to do the afternoon session since I had to teach Yoga 3-8pm. After my 10 am Yoga Session, I headed to Times Square, where I saw one of my lovely students, Doris. We both were happy to be there, got our free mats, and laid out our mats on a slanted part of the concrete. Soon, Nicole and Mary arrived too, but they were late to get the "free" yoga mats, so wound up practicing on two small hand towels. The class was Bikram, with Partick, a very funny and engaging teacher in Tiger Strip Spandex Shorts. Ironically, a few years back when I did the Summer Solstice, I took class with him too. It was truly a magical experience, and I was happy to have shared the event with Doris, Nicole and Mary. None of us actually practice Bikram, but the entire event showed us all that power of collective consciousness, and the power of Yoga. No matter the style, the teacher, the location, this ancient practice of yoga instills positive energy in those who are receptive to it.

Pics: Ambria, Nicole, Doris and Mary (Eagle Posing), Ambria, Nicole, and Doris Eagle Posing again, and Doris and Ambria Camel Posing

Indian Classical Dance Performance

2011-06-21T03:35:00.000-07:00

One of the traditional Dances in Indian Culture, originating in South India, is Bharatanatyam. This beautiful Dance is set to Carnatic Music (Indian Classical Music). Bharata Natyam comes from the words "Bhava" (Expression), "Raga" (Music), "Tala" (Rhythm), and "Natya" (Classical Indian Musical Theatre). Traditionally it would be performed in the Mandir (Hindu Temple) by the Devadasis (women considered servants to God/Married to a deity). This Dance usually celebrates a story in the music with expressive movement, passionate facial expressions, lyrical footwork and mudras. It is very easy to witness various Yoga Poses in this style of Dance. Almost every Indian Girl usually learns this beautifully expressive Dance, myself included. Some girls grow up to be incredible Bharatanatyam Dancers, one of them is my friend Alisha, and a lovely young girl who studies Yoga with me, Meganna. Recently, the students of the amazing Sonali Skandan put on an absolutely amazing performance of exquisite Bharatanatyam Dance here in NYC. The Show began with the young tikes doing the dance to Ganesha, and progressed with the senior dance students who wowed the crowd. I have to say while every performance was lovely, my friend Alisha stole the show with her incredible facial expressions and beautiful movements. The Show was truly incredible, with wonderful MC's, beautiful dance sequences, and enchanting Live Indian Classical Musicians. Thank you ladies for putting on an amazing Show.

Pictured: Ambria & Alisha