The things we lose are an opportunity for detachment, not that it is not hard to go through that loss but there is a possibility to find inner harmony through the experience.

My wish for all beings is to feel, heal and see the light in no matter the situation.

This chant has been a part of my daily prayers for the last year. Like many of the chants I use, I experience them way before I know what the translation is. From the beginning, chanting has been a vital part of my Yoga practice. Chanting brings us closer to the higher consciousness, the creator, god, hp . . .fill in your liking.

One of the most important things I have learned in Yoga is that all I need is within me.  This mantra has encouraged and created more brevity to create the life I want from the inside out and to let go of the material worlds desires that hold me back from being the spiritual being that I am; That we ALL are.  It is a daily practice. finding balance between the spiritual and the material worlds that I live in but all is possible with prayer.

-All you need is within you-

Join Krishna Das this Saturday 7pm on the Upper West Side for an evening Kirtan (call and response chanting), you will leave feeling blissed out, not bad for a Saturday night in NYC Below is the link for advanced tickets, tickets also available at the door.

Kirtan NYC

Click HERE for Krishna Das singing his magick

We can speak the words or put them down on paper yet if we do not take the action ie: the owed phone call, the blog post , the paper, healthier lifestyle, Yoga class, completing the task list, letting go of the old to create space for the new, doing what evokes your passion . . etc. Anything from the small to the big to the most challenging, we are accountable.

I continually learn that all that we need is within us. So for me, sitting quietly, shutting my phone down, asking for the next intuitive thought or action allows me to focus in the moment without all of the everyday distractions.

We “say” we want things but truly do we? I know from experience that some things manifest quickly and others take time but in that time there is a cultivation that is in constant flow. When that flow is blocked or stuck so is the vision.

It is a daily exploration and being rigorously honest on what we want or what we don’t want because it is us who manifests everything. Be careful what yo wish for, it will come true so be specific, lead with your heart, be diligent and surround yourself with as much love and support as possible.

We all have gifts to give so make time to give your spirit some attention, find stillness (as best you can) and listen to what the universe has to say.

If I listened to the demon of doubt Naked Spirit Yoga would not be expanding.  Stay tuned for the full 4 1 1 on our new space and classes.

For all of my life I put a lot of attention on the external world.  In some form or another I was always wanting the better this or more of that . . . if only . . . I will feel better if . . .if I acquire that . . . look like that . . my belly was flatter . . . straight hair . .  .I made more money . . had more possessions . . .had a bigger apartment . . .you get it .  . . fill in your own . . if I . . . . . . .

I did attain those “things” (even straight hair) and unbeknownst to me I did not feel any better.  Yes for a moment or two there was a moment of joy, a relief of sort even a ahhhhh but it was false since directed by my will and I found myself sadder than and was willing to understand and experiment what will bring me peace.

In 2008, I left my awesome job in commodities and have been on what I call my life’s adventure.  In 2009. I began my teaching  of Yoga and sharing my experiences in a bigger and more useful way  What has happened to me lately is not something I would have ever imagined.  Through my Yoga practice and my A.A. program  I have found god. . . creator or you may call it . . . higher power, goddess, source, fairees, higher being, jesus, divine being, higher self, the great spirit (what do you call it?).

I am no longer dependent on someone or something for my joy.  It is god I go to first.  I pray and meditate everyday, I spend time quieting my mind by using pranayama and asana practice, as well as doing 12-step work and being of service to others on and off the mat.  I am teachable by all and look at everything as it is not being done to me but giving me an opportunity to learn, to grow, to deepen, to expand.  My life is always in transition, changes are constantly present, I no longer resist what is.  There are always feelings of pain, disappointment, frustration, and anger and of course the flip side, deliciousness, innocence, bliss and greatness.   No more is there the duality.

Sharing Smiles, Love, Light & Blessings,

Cindee

Know that: “God has been here, (s)he is you.”

In reverence to my dear teachers, students, mentors, sponsers, AA’ers, spiritual sisters and brothers, I am in awe of your guidance.

Peace To Your Heart

Peace To Your Heart

In this past week I am experimenting with taking that “extra” sugar out of my diet and  to see what changes occur from my physical, mental, energetic and emotional bodies.  I have been experiencing some detox from the sugar, so I turned to my asana practice.  Finding more steadiness in the physical because and less mental tension.   It reminded me of a Yoga Sutras and intuitively knew which one I was presently connected with.  Here is why:

“Unless the body is perfectly healthy and free from all toxins and tensions, a comfortable pose in not easily obtained.  Physical and mental toxins create stiffness and tension.  Anything that makes us stiff can also break us.  Only if we are supple will we never break”.

“A conversation between a weed and a big tree:                                      Both grew on the bank of a swiftly running jungle river.  One day the tree looked down at the tiny weed and said, “Hey, you puny little creature, why do you stand near me?  Aren’t you ashamed to be by my side?  See how great, how big, how tall I am?  How sturdy and strong?  Even an elephant cannot move me.  But look at you.  Hah!  You shouldn’t have come here.  People will see the difference and laugh at you.  Why don’t you move somewhere else?”                                                                                        The weed bent her head.  ”Sir,” she said, “what can I do?  I didn’t come here purposely.   I just happen to be here.   I know I’m not strong and stiff as you.  But please pardon my presence.”                                                       ”All right,” boomed the big tree, “but just remember your place!”  This conversation happened during the rainy season.  The very next day a heavy rain came, inundating the jungle and causing a terrible flood.  When a river floods,  it erodes the banks and pulls down anything in its way.  Coming in such force,  the water pulled down the big tree instantly.  But the weed bent down,  flattened herself completely and let the water run over her.  When the flood passed, she rose up agaian.  Looking this way and that,  she wondered, “What happened to the great tree?  I don’t see it.”                  From far away she heard the tree’s reply.  ”I’m being pulled down by the water.  I should have been humble and simple and supple like you.  Now I’m being destroyed.”

Where are you stiff, not supple enough yet?

Experiment, Play and Witness the Possibilities Within You!

All quoted from the book:  The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: Commentary on the Raja Yoga Sutras by Sri Swami Satchidananda