YogaHub.com » The Poetry of Yoga

Prescription Drugs and Our Health

Christina Souza Ma — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:50:15 +0000

The other day I was taken aback when one of my family members told me he was on high blood pressure medication – in fact, four members of my family were.

I remembered as a teenager being told that high blood pressure was genetic in our bloodline. My father had passed away from a heart attack – not from his first one, but from the last of several attacks he had had over the years.

I remember worrying “Is it truly genetic? What does that mean for me? I am always sick already, so will this make me even more susceptible in my adult life?”

What does a teenager know at that age? Since I was already always sick and regularly on some sort of medication, I questioned everything to do with health.

Well, the years went by and I became focused on one very important goal – to change what I was told I was destined for. At first, my thoughts went along the lines of “why live if I am going to be ill all the time?” Then I realized that I had to take responsibility for my own health by gaining some knowledge and insight. Western medicine wasn’t doing anything to help me. In fact, I knew somewhere deep inside me (that little voice that speaks to all of us if we choose to listen) that I was overdosing on too many drugs.

So I began to reach my goal by exercising. Running long distances, Nautilus training, playing racketball – you name it, I did it. Exercising was not that easy because I was dealing with severe asthma. But I persevered.

When I’d saved up enough money, I went to Asia on a quest to find out more about Chinese medicine – herbs and acupuncture and whatever else I could encounter in the forms of natural remedies. I wanted to learn to be aware of what could affect my body and my clarity.

So far, so good. I have been able to circumvent ingesting many drugs. Out of my whole family, I am the only one who’s not on any medication at all. I only take supplements. I do get my annual check-ups. I do have my blood tested, etc. so that I can find a balance between the different modalities of medicine.

I have written before about the power we, as individuals, possess to make clear, conscious choices. Follow your heart and listen to what it is telling you. Are you willing to make the effort to change, to shift a lifestyle, to adjust your eating habits?

I told my family member that even though the doctor had prescribed the medication, as a preventative – yes, a preventative – each of us has the choice on whether we want to take it or not. We have the choice to make the change. If you put a bandage on a wound that has not been cleaned first, it will only fester. We need to clean out what is causing the wound, to take care of it, find the reason for the problem, and work on clearing it completely so that we won’t need a bandage.

Your choice.

I know it is not always an easy one, but why not give it a chance? After all, it’s your health and well being.

Your quality of life.

Tags: quality of life, prescription drugs, health, medication, acupuncture, well being, heart attach, high blood pressure

Crystal Energy

Christina Souza Ma — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 15:08:30 +0000

I thought I’d follow up on one of my recent blogs, where I talked about the incredible energies that I had experienced from various plants and my surroundings during one of my trips to Vancouver, Canada.

Well, the last time I was there again was during the holiday season, when Vancouver was experiencing the heaviest snowfall in decades – it just engulfed the entire city like never before and almost everything came to a standstill.

The airport had to be closed because of the weather, and many people were left stranded as flights were canceled. Luckily, I was able to make it through, but I was stunned when I arrived and saw all the chaos caused by the multitudes of people stranded there. Once we stepped outside, however, all the noise faded as we were introduced to the muted, muffled sounds that snow always produces.

As the car approached the North Shore of the city, which is nestled at the base of the mountains and is the area in which I stay, the snow came down in droves, covering the highway and all the surrounding area.

We managed to make it to my destination, but it was at a slow and steady pace. While the driver maneuvered carefully through all the snow, I looked out the front window of the car and was amazed and inspired by the sight. It’s been a while since I’ve seen snow flakes of this size. Everything was pure white, except for the occasional tips of pine trees that peeked through.When we finally arrived at our destination, we got out of the car and walked into the most amazing world of white bliss. It was as if mounds of sparkling crystals were covering everything.

As we made our way through the beautiful soft padded walkway, our steps didn’t make a sound. The stillness was amazingly grounding. It was soothing, and yet there was an excitement that whirled around us.

Coming from the warmth of LA, we weren’t quite dressed well enough for the cold, so we hurried inside to get warm. Since it was late when we arrived, we decided to go to bed almost immediately and enjoy the snow the next day. But while we rested in the quiet of the night, we made sure we left the blinds open so that we could take in all the beauty of the continuous snowfall.

Tags: snow, energy, snowfall, crystal snow, vacation, trip, canada

A Lazy Day

John Sovec — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 14:05:42 +0000

It is very rare that I spend a day doing nothing. I wonder why. Of course, there’s usually a lot to do each day. There are many things I am passionate about – but occasionally I decide I need a “do nothing” kind of day.

On those days, I like to sleep, listen to the sounds of the house, watch the dog sleep, and in general not push myself. On those days, I often find that I’ve become more aware of my physical, emotional and spiritual being because I’ve given my body a little more space to speak to me.

And I never plan in advance when I’m going to take one of my “do nothing” days – that’s the fun part. It’s like winning a second prize in a box of Cracker Jack.

They always make me smile!

Tags: awareness of physical being, do nothing days, lazy days, emotional being

Living the Natural Life

Paloma Chavez — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 15:00:48 +0000

In Eagle Rock, a small neighborhood in Los Angeles, Amy Woodruff, who is of Chocktaw and Cherokee descent, has chosen to live life in a teepee. Amy was raised on a family farm in California and lived in New York for a few years, but she has no regrets about giving up the fast pace of that city to enjoy a tranquil life in her outdoor home.

An artist and a naturalist, Amy has found a renewed spirit by making the airy 16- foot diameter teepee her home. “It is really special to be able to see the stars at night through the top hole, and to be able to hear birds in the morning,” she says.

Amy recently began taking Kundalini yoga classes five times a week from the renowned Golden Bridge Yoga Studio in Hollywood. She reflects that “You really begin to find out who you are when you do yoga, and things from the past come up when you are working on your self.” This newly found sense of self has inspired her to learn more about her heritage, which is reflected in the Native American-inspired jewelry that she creates and sells in selected stores, as well as online.

Choosing to live in a teepee also allows Amy to fold up her home and head out on the road to explore new open lands. She is currently enjoying travels through Arizona, New Mexico, and Oregon, while taking time to share Kundalini yoga with her fellow travelers.

Tags: Amy Woodruff, Kundalini , living in a teepee, Chocktaw and Cherokee heritage, self-awareness, spirit of yoga

Gracious Offerings

Christina Souza Ma — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 22:38:28 +0000

Here I am, worried about finding the courage to overcome the Neti Pot while the world continues to move forward around me.

My beautiful son is a constant reminder of the newest, joyful adventures in daily life. Every morning and evening, we go for walks, as this is my way of spending some quality time with my partner and son. It’s a balance that we have learned to start and finish the day with.

On our walks through our neighbourhood, we always make it a point to greet everyone we come across. Well, yesterday morning, a really beautiful event happened. We came upon several homeless individuals gathering to share some food that the local grocery stores had saved for them. As we approached and said good morning to the gentlemen, I commented on what a nice gathering it was – a time of sharing. We come across these individuals regularly so, by now, we know some of them by name. They excitedly showed me the items they were sharing and offered some of their goods to me.

Even when I said “no, thank you and please enjoy them yourselves”, they generously continued to offer other items, hoping to find something I liked. I finally accepted a bag of croutons and was touched to find that my simple gesture of acceptance brought beautiful smiles to their faces.

These generous and gracious individuals taught my family and me that no matter what we are faced with in life, it is not necessary to lose our love, joy, and laughter in the midst of whatever we may be dealing with.

Tags: giving, graciousness, homeless, food, love, joy, generosity

Easing Your Wedding Nerves at Yoga Class

Paloma Chavez — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 16:04:25 +0000

Days before you say “I do” can be one of the most stressful times in your life. Last-minute preparations and chaos could cause you to panic and think “No, I don’t”! And without your knowing it, your friends and family, who are doing their best to keep you calm, are also beginning to feel overwhelmed.

In order to alleviate some of the stress and keep yourself and your nearest and dearest happy, why not try this unique gift idea – a yoga class from the innovative company, Yoga for Weddings.

Yoga for Weddings was founded in 2006 by Lisa Helfer, who explains “Yoga has helped my clients get in shape for their wedding, calm their nerves, maintain emotional equilibrium, and gain spiritual balance.” The company has experienced instructors in several cities, including Los Angeles, New York, Tucson, and Miami.

Packages range from private brides-to-be yoga classes, themed bachelorette parties, and even officiated yoga-themed wedding ceremonies. You can also add your personal touches with music, poetry, and your favorite yoga poses.

So if you want to “bring the deep breath to the big day,” why not check out the Yoga for Weddings. It may be just what you and your loved ones need to calm down, stay focused, and enjoy one of the best days of your life.

Tags: yoga for weddings, brides-to-be yoga class, bachelorette yoga, wedding with ease

Sitting Under the Jasmine

John Sovec — Thu, 29 May 2008 12:00:30 +0000

Every year, I look forward to the explosion of blossoming Jasmine that takes over my back porch. When the Jasmine blooms, I move as much of my life as I can to the back patio. I read, meditate, write, eat, do yoga, drink tea – and sometimes I just sit and do nothing at all except bask in the spell of this intoxicating scent.

I’m sure if you took a moment to think about it, you also have a secret inspirational place of your own, somewhere that provides you with special relaxation and healing. Whether this place is in your house, on the beach or some other place you have to get to, these oases are wells of healing energy for those of us who lead such busy lives.

Take some time out today to indulge in your own private oasis, and you’ll see how it will lift your spirits for the rest of the day.

Tags: jasmine tree, inspirational place, private oasis, relaxation

My Dog Has the Right Idea

John Sovec — Tue, 27 May 2008 20:46:43 +0000

I think my dog has the right idea. She always seems content. Her biggest desire each day is to lie in the sun and soak up all the warmth coming off the bricks on the patio. She will be lying there when I run out in the morning to go teach a yoga class. She will be there when I come back and rush around the house to get ready to go and see my therapy clients. She will be there when I come home in the evening exhausted but happy from the activities of my day.

And that is when she will deign to raise her head, and throw me a glance with her deep brown eyes as if to say, “Yeah, it really was a tough day for me too”. I then feed her, walk her and, before you know it, the household is getting ready for bed. So she gathers herself up, meanders over to her bed, circles a few times to find just the right position, and off to sleep she goes. I think I want to take one of her days tomorrow. My dog has the right idea, she embodies yoga.

Tags: a dog’s day, inspiration from pets, observing my dog

Do you embody the meaning of ‘Yoga’?

John Sovec — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 00:22:36 +0000

This weekend I started noticing some of the people in my life who embody the spirit of yoga. Although I teach and practice yoga all the time, I am not talking about the people I see at the studio or on the yoga mat. I am talking about those amazing people I run into, who seem to have found the secret of serenity in their lives.

There is the mushroom lady at the Farmer’s Market. All I know about her is that she’s the ‘mushroom lady’, but she is always friendly and kind, and she shares her knowledge with easy and style. Every time I interact with her, I feel happy, because she has a knack of making me see how exciting and interesting mushrooms can be.

Then there is a waitress at my favorite café, who always seems genuinely glad to see me and greets me with a smile. She remembers me from every visit, so I love to eat there. It feels like a home simply because of this one human being.

There is a neighbor who loves to sit outside every evening and say hi to everyone who walks by. He always has wonderful stories to share and it seems like this one person alone makes our neighborhood a community.

These are just a few of the people I run into who embody the connection of yoga. Take a look around in your world and see who draws your attention. And whenever you come across any of them, say Hi!

Tags: embodiment of yoga, everyday people, sense of home, serenity

Nischala Joy Devi New AudioBook

Paloma Chavez — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:00:17 +0000

We recently had the great pleasure of meeting Nischala Joy Devi and experience her compassionate teachings. She instantly filled the room with her generous spirit and beaming smile.

Today we wanted to take a moment to let our readers know about her recent announcement of an audio version of one of her most popular books.

Pranamaya, Inc. and Ms. Devi have created an interactive audiobook of “The Secret Power of Yoga – A Woman’s Guide to the Heart and Spirit of the Yoga Sutras.”

Ms. Devi says, “ I wanted to give women an interpretation of the Sutras that they could relate to and apply to their lives.” “ The Sutras are meant to teach people how to find the harmony, compassion, joy, balance and other qualities that we have within us so we can live more fulfilling, happy lives.”

The 6-CD set is comprised of seven hours of specialized features, with additional information not available in the book. In a couple of weeks we will be posting the engaging interview we had with her at the yoga therapy conference.

Tags: Nischala Joy Devi, yoga sutras, yoga audiobooks, yoga therapy conference, spiritual growth