White Tantric Yoga NYC

White Tantric Yoga was held in NYC on Saturday May 1st at the Landmark on the Park on Central Park West. In an intimate and beautiful sanctuary across from the Central Park, 200 people meditated together for 8 hours in the dynamic practice of White Tantric Yoga.

White Tantric Yoga is the practice of partner meditation under the watchful eye of the Mahan Tantric. Yogi Bhajan began the practice for the first time publicly in the 1970's and created a series of tantric programs for its legacy to continue. It is said that by practicing White Tantric Yoga (WTY) for one day is equal to an entire year of meditation (Web). The day was filled with 31 and 62 minute meditations that work to balance the chakras in the specific time and place that it occurs. The effects are subtle but palpable.

A group of people meditating together amplifies the effects of meditation, like fullness of a choir versus a soloist. The group energy also helps to carry your individual practice when you become tired or distracted. The practice of WTY reaches into the deep caverns of the mind and removes blockages that are rooted in the subconscious mind. Yogi Bhajan described it as a way to empty the garbage of one's mind.

It has been almost two years since the last time I took part in the practice. It was absolutely magical, powerful, and direct. Over the next 40 days, the effects of the practice will integrate into the psyche. I hope to share with you what may transpire in the coming days and weeks, as a way to document the subtle changes and shifts of this powerful, cleansing practice of WTY.
Sat nam.

Tai chi for stiff joints - Health/Science - NewsObserver.com

Tai chi for stiff joints - Health/Science - NewsObserver.com

Bear your own weight

A great way to improve your fitness capacity and loose weight is to practice weight bearing exercise. A simple move is the push up. This exercise tones and strengthens the whole body: abs, shoulders, arms, chest, back, and legs. If we were to practice push ups at least 3 times a week, we would become quite aware of how much me weigh.
If your goal is maintaining your weight, push ups are a prime practice. The moment we try to hold ourselves up is the moment gravity reveals itself.

Beginning the practice of push ups is exhilarating. Begin with 3 sets of 5-10 of the best push ups you can perform. Be sure to contract your abs and lengthen your neck. Use your legs to help you. Build up and relish the power you feel as you complete the third set.

Try Building up your perfect form reps and different stances. The most important thing to focus on is FORM. You'll get better results by focusing on QUALITY of movement than on quantity.

Level One: Pushups with knees on the floor. Make sure you care creating a nice diagonal line with your torso. Contract your abs, lengthen your neck, and go for it.
Level Two: Push ups with legs extended, feet wide. The wide stance helps to spread out the weight. Keep a nice diagonal line in the body. Do not allow the back to buckle! Contract your abs, lengthen your neck and brace your legs. Go!
Level Three: Pushups with legs extended, feet together. This is the most advanced. It's vital to use your legs to maintain your diagonal line. Do not allow the lower back to buckle.

Sculptworks @ YogaWorks Soho

What an amazing class I took this morning at YogaWorks Soho. SculptWorks is their signature resistance class and Laurel kicked everyone's booty! She was terrific. The class was fast paced without much rest or stretching between exercises which really amp'd the cardio output. The studio is well equipped with props. I loved the glide disks. I was wiped out and know how the folks who come to my core strength classes feel! HA HA! I highly recommended this class for tone and shaping up.
Hadn't been to this location before and it is GORGEOUS! Dry Sauna in the locker room. Lavender scented throughout with beautiful bamboo flooring and river stone decor. It's membership only or you may take one open class there a month. Check it out!

Be well. Breathe fully. Enjoy life.

Spring is just around the corner...

21 days until the first day of Spring and even with the residual snow from this week's storm, the air is a bit sweeter. Today's high is around 40 degrees and calling people to enjoy the outdoors again. Get outside on the nicer days of the winter to enjoy a brisk walk around a park or your neighborhood.
Or simply take 5 minutes to stand outside and breath slowly and consciously for 5 minutes. The fresh air will surely energize you to complete your most mundane chores, like laundry!

Be Well. Breathe fully. Enjoy Life.

Erin the Kulie.

I took a wonderful Vinyasa class at Kula Yoga Project. Erin's 65 minute class at noon led us through an accension of asana that culminated in the release of anxiety and fear as well as induced deep relaxation and calm. Her thoughtful instructions guided our bodies in movement and metaphor throughout the practice. She gave us a practice that was both quiet and challenging. It reminded me and gave me a chance to cultivate calm and quiet while in the midst of challenge. This is what I love about yoga. Thank you Erin! Namaste.

Check out Kula Yoga Project for a smart and sweaty asana practice. www.kulayoga.com

Weak wrists anyone??

This has been a busy month for me. I've been subbing for colleagues around the city in a variety of exercise disciplines. There is something I have noticed from my interaction with all the participants, regardless of age, gender, or weight, they all have weak wrists.

Often in my classes I incorporate weight-bearing exercises to target the entire body to work together. In all exercises, whether its plank, side plank, or even cat/cow postures, the participants are struggling with their wrists.

Weak wrists are a sign of long hours in spent in the office and not enough weight bearing activity.

Spending as little as one minute a day in downward dog will improve wrist strength. Give it try over a week and see if it makes a difference in your wrists, as well as improve your overall well being.