Musings, Meaning, Mindfulness

Ongoing Studio Highlights

2008-10-03T11:35:00.002-04:00

Partner Draw-Bridge - Debbie & Rosil

2nd International Chakra Cleansing Workshop - Puerto Rico

2008-09-29T13:05:00.002-04:00

September 19, 2008, Rosil Saldana and Val Jennings, Presenters

Fresh Air Yoga

2008-06-13T20:30:00.004-04:00

JDP Retreat!

JDP Retreat

2008-06-13T20:16:00.003-04:00

New Year - New Vision - New Focus - FUN!!!

Inaugural Satsang - 6-1-08

2008-06-13T19:37:00.004-04:00

Monthly gathering of satsang.....

My Guru!

2007-12-11T23:14:00.000-05:00

None Sweeter, kinder, and wiser....

Surendran Pandaran

Event Pictures

2007-07-05T11:27:00.000-04:00

Drum Circle - Yona setting the sacred circle and altar - December 1, 2007
Medicine bags with Yona, 11-17-07

The Mandala Yoga Studio Grand Opening - Sept. 9, 2007
Students test-driving the "space"....

May 30, 2007 Beach Yoga

Prophetess of the Obvious

2007-04-18T14:26:00.000-04:00

"An eclectic collection" of thoughts to be happy about in life,
from the Prophetess of the Obvious

Updated periodically!

Birth of a studio

Conscientious tradesmen

Vendors with integrity

Receptive students

Quiet times

Considerate neighbors

Gentle music

Strong friends, (dear Steve)

Yoga
Quiet music
Meditation
VOIP
Good neighbors
Teaching
Chamomile tea
Coupons for free flowers
Self sticking stamps
Incense
Finishing off year-end paperwork
Long hot oiled baths for dry skin
Food for thought
Jury duty
Toe rings
A warm afternoon after a cold spell
Hand-held organizers
Open-faced franklin fireplaces
Knotty pine
A wall filled with family photos
Jack Russel terriers
A cat that talks back
The first 3 bites into chewing gum
Loosing weight
Late nights for reading
Metal file cabinets
Big rubber erasers
Guardians for kids
Crayons for kids at restaurants
Scented candles that hold their scent to the end
Women who know their worth
La Grand Jatte
Lip balm
Steamed clams
Good advice
Water fountains, in and out of doors
Fax machines
Wicker furniture on a porch
A tire swing hanging from a big tree
Brooks for fishing
A frozen pond for ice skating
Weeding a garden
Automatic sprinkler systems
The smell of a room just after it is painted
Orange and black striped leotards
Covered bridges
Quick "I love you's" from a child
An ice cream sundae with really hot fudge
Arts and crafts made by children
Web TV
Butterfly gardens
Working with my hands
Real Maple Syrup
Autumn leaves
Summer thunder storms
Bicycling in the evening
Calculators
Getting technology to "work"
Mouse pads
Grackles
Squirrels
Soft kleenex tissues
Sexy people
Mystery novels
Kids not afraid to say I love you
Step teams
Conventions with lots of choices
Watering cans that hold a lot
Wind chimes
Poetry
Friends who remember to call
Writing a love letter
Old family photos
Brand new notebooks
Talk radio
Watching a thunderstorm
Really breezy days
Garden snakes
A wooden office desk
No time cards
Co-workers who support you
Double tape dispensers
Magnifiers
Electric pencil sharpeners
When alone, eating on my good china, by candlelight
Being sent home early from work
Green tea
Bamboo plants
A boss that knows my worth
Eating raw potato
Flat bed scanners
A good leather purse
Lollipops
A real "ink" pen
Aromatic coffee
The American flag
Children singing
A child-made valentine
The spirit of St. Patty's day
The precocity of indigo children
Self-stick stamps
Staplers that don’t jam
Stores that aren’t huge
Treadle sewing machines
Yarn
The color green
Making a whistle sound with a blade of grass
Paper clips
Achy muscles after a workout
secret fun page
Bicycling at daybreak
Bicycling after sunset
The smell of the ocean
The Armed Forces
Firemen, police and those who serve to protect
Planes and anything that flies
Flies that don’t visit your picnic
Cats and kittens
A dog that has a learning spirit
Barbecue sauce on campfire-hot corn on the cob
Drawn butter for steamed shrimp
Clamming and eating them in the next hour
The eye of a whale
My eyesight
Friends not afraid to share their trade secrets
Self-adhesive stamps
Iced coffee
Pinky rings
A manicurist that is gentle
Squirrel feeders
Bubble baths
Yard work
Hearts of gold
Folks who like to share their talents, just 'cuz
Bacon
A red rose on a black velvet pillow
Computers that work
Boston cream pie
Silk plants
Ceiling fans
Goose neck lamps
Night blooming jasmine in the air
The smell of grass after the rain
Summer showers
Hot chocolate
Dark, rich coffee
Giraffes
The taste of honey
A hairdresser that is an artist
Sharp scissors
My Mom's paintings
Kisses, long and sweet
Directions
An old hammer
Making time to read
Vermicelli
Enough file folders
Pens that don't leak
#2 pencils, sharpened
Crayons
An old house dress
A flirtatious young man
A flirtatious older man
The bright look in the eyes of a child when they know you are really listening
Cotton q-tips
Toy trucks
Quiet streams for fishing
Sunlight that sneaks in through window blinds

Hatha Yoga

2007-01-16T15:34:00.000-05:00

Hatha Yoga

Hatha yoga, also known as Hatha vidya, is a particular system of Yoga introduced by Yogi Swatmarama, a sage of 15th century India, and compiler of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. The word Hatha is a compound of the words Ha and Tha meaning sun and moon and refers to the principle nadis (energy channels) of the subtle body that must be fully operational to attain a state of ultimate peace, called bliss. In other respects Hatha yoga also includes moral restraint and spiritual observances. Hatha Yoga is what most people in the West associate with the word "Yoga" and is practiced for mental and physical health throughout the West.

The main component of hatha yoga is yoga postures, or, in Sanskrit, asanas. The word asana means comfortable, stable pose. Asanas are exercises of a special kind. The form that they have taken is the result of a thousand years of experience: trial and error, experiments, and scrupulous observation. The yogis have discovered that certain positions of the body can give human beings qualities that they do not have or that are in deficitAsanas are special positions of the body that strengthen, provide proper alignment, purify and balance the endocrine, nervous and circulatory systems and should not be confused with mere exercise, calisthenics, which help strengthen and develop muscles. While asanas are rarely prescribed to treat illnesses, they surely have healing properties and definitely prevent diseases. Many healers use asanas and other hatha yoga methods to effectively treat chronic illnesses and emotional disorders. If you practice asanas regularly, your body will gradually achieve greater endurance, your spine will become more flexible, your body will come to its natural weight and rid itself of toxins, you will breathe more easily, you will gain energy, your circulation will improve, your blood pressure will normalize, you will have an easier time coping with stress, and you will have more pleasant thoughts and fewer negative emotions. And considering all this, your overall mood will improve—in other words, you will gain vibrant physical and emotional health.

Theraputic Oils - Aromatherapy

2007-01-05T13:16:00.000-05:00

Aromatherapy combines the physical and emotional effects of gentle massage with the medical and psychotherapeutic properties of essential oils. It not only alleviates stress and improves mood but it also is a successful treatment for many minor disorders. Additionally, by rubbing a drop or two of essential oils in the palms of the hands, aromatherapy can also be used to heighten your yogic experience during practice when focusing on pranayama or breathing exercises.

Aromatherapy stimulates the immune system, strengthens resistance to disease and helps to combat infections. It is especially helpful for women's problems - PMS, menopausal distress. It aids digestion - eases constipation and abdominal spasm - and optimizes the functioning of respiratory system - helps with coughs, tonsillitis, and sinusitis. It eases muscular aches and pains and promotes muscle relaxation and tone. By improving circulation and lymphatic drainage it helps to eliminate cellulite and toxins from the body. Aromatherapy can lower blood pressure, reduces stress level, will combat insomnia and other stress related disorders. It can alleviate tension headaches and helps to deal with different emotions, such as anxiety, mild depression, grief, etc.

Aromatherapy is also extremely useful as a first aid measure for all the little accidents most likely to happen at home - minor burns and cuts - and common problems like sore throat, and blocked or stuffy nose.

There is so much to be said for the comprehensive benefits of essential oils, impacting all aspects of your life. Physical, mental and spiritual health can be affected by the use of what naturally occurrs in nature. Here is just a small sampling:

Lavender
Antidepressant, antiseptic, calming, balancing, sedative
Lavendar may calm and balance strong emotions such as frustration, irritability, nervous anxiety, panic, hysteria and insomnia. It appears to cleanse and soothe the heart, allowing for a release of anger, the emotion which so often a cause for severe depression.

It has long been associated with spiritual love which encourages forgiveness and compassion, allowing for the full creative composure and expression of ones individual self. Lavender's nature is to heal and release all discord which may arise in our physical, emotional and spiritual lives.

Peppermint
Headaches, nausea, colds, urinary sensitivity
Peppermint stimulates and counters shock, mental fogginess, and lack of focus. It has a dualistic action which can stimulate the mind and calm the nerves making it ideal as a physical tonic and emotional soother. Peppermint's nature is energetic and awakens our innate intelligence.

Rosemary
Stimulating aroma may improve confidence, perception & creativity
It is thought to calm nightmares and can help you remember good dreams. It is good for mental strain, exhaustion, fatigued muscles, pain and lethargy. .Rosemary's nature is to offer reassurance and strength.

Patchouli
Meditation, spiritual, warming, aphrodisiac, sedative, soothing
Strong earthy aroma may counter nervousness and depression by putting problems into perspective and releasing pent-up emotions. Its warmth may act to sedate and calm. Its nature is to ground and integrate the needs of both physical and spiritual paths.

Jasmine
Aphrodisiac, antidepressant, sedative
Jasmine's nature is to assist each individual's awareness of their unique passions and desires.
Jasmine is a valuable remedy in cases of severe depression and soothes the nerves, producing a feeling of confidence, optimism and euphoria, while revitalizing and restoring energy.

Jasmine oil facilitates delivery in childbirth: it hastens the birth by strengthening the contractions and at the same time relieves pain. It is effective in post-natal depression and promotes the flow of breast milk.
Because of its deeply soothing and calming nature, jasmine oil helps with sexual problems such as impotence, premature ejaculation and frigidity. It has a very beneficial effect on the respiratory system, by soothing irritating coughs and helping with hoarseness and laryngitis. It furthermore helps with muscle pain, sprains, and stiff limbs. Jasmine oil tones dry, greasy, irritated and sensitive skin, increases elasticity and is often used to assist with stretch marks and to reduce scarring.

Rose
Warming, uplifting, anti-depressant, sedative, aphrodisiac
Its sweet, gentle aroma brings warmth to the soul, healing our emotional wounds and restoring the trust that makes it possible to love ourselves and others once again. Its joy is tireless in relieving melancholy, sadness, disappointment, sorrow, heartache and depression. It is representative of faith, hope, and love -- each of what rose oil seeks to restore to the center of one's being. Rose's nature is to comfort and remind each of us of the unique perfection of our soul.

Sandalwood
Opening and grounding effect on the psyche
Sandalwood has traditionally been used as an aid in meditation and spiritual practices, and in association with the third eye chakra. States of obsessive worry, high expectation, neurotic need for security, and nervous exhaustion are sometimes stilled.

Mandarin
Comforting, refreshing, sedative, soothing, uplifting
Mandarin may be a beneficial nerve tonic which could be particularly supportive for the hard-working, over-achieving perfectionist. Its exquisite uplifting aroma mist helps to dispel depression, intolerance and anxiety. Often referred to as the "little heart of the sun", it is thought to shed light on the drudgeries of everyday tasks and routines. Reawakening our sense of joy. Mandarin's nature is to instill our sense of respect for ourselves and all life forms.

Chamomile
Sedating, nurturing, soothing, calming, reassuring
Chamomile's nature is to help us let go of expectations and calmly acknowledge our own limitations.

Eucalyptus
Increased cardiac action
Eucalyptus Oil is used for aches, pains, sinusitis. It is also used for purposes of inhalation, for asthma, diphtheria, sore throat, ulcers and sores, scarlet fever, typhoid and intermittent fever, as a stimulant and antiseptic gargle, etc.

Lime
Cooling, deep relaxant
Refreshing and rejuvenating. Its aroma inspires and brings fresh energy, clears the mind. Citrus oils help to eliminate emotional confusion and increase ones sense of humor and well-being

Key Lime
Cleansing citrus
Light and fresh, Strong citrusy scent, sharp and slightly spicy.

Lemon
Cellulite, anti-septic
Lemon oil helps the body face physical and psychological weariness, most strongly influencing the mind by supporting concentration and the ability to memorize. Lemon Essential Oil is a powerful antiseptic, antibacterial and antiviral effect attributable to its limonene content. Lemon Essential Oil also contains antifungal compounds.

Tea Tree
Anti-infectant, warts, sores, nail fungus
In addition to opening closed respiratory passages, it helps kill the microbes that infect the throat, tonsils, sinuses and lungs. Tee tree oil is antiviral, antifungal an anti-inflamatory; many of its attributes, including its immunostimulant effects, are no doubt due to its extremely powerful bactericidal properties.

Ylang-Ylang
Aphrodisiac, euphoric
Anxiety, depression, frigidity, hypertension, palpitations, stress. Believed to stimulate hair growth; antidepressant, aphrodisiac, sedative. It is known in Asia as an antidepressant, relaxing to body, mind and spirit, as well as an aphrodisiac.

It is said to calm anger, release tension, lift depression and generally stabilize mood swings. Recommended for frustration borne of anger

Studio

2006-10-30T12:59:00.000-05:00

Taaa-daa - September 9, 2007

The Mandala Yoga Studio.

omg - almost......

Very soon, now -

The studio is blooming!

Another auspicious event - out of the rubble,
a sun flower sprouts, blooms, and faces
the studio......beauteous.....

A wall of glass room with a view.....

Uprights, concrete, frame-out - getting there....

The start of the outer wall - the picture is starting to materialize.....

April 18, 2007
First visitor: Sr. Iguana - what an auspicious occurrence! Thought he was caught in the wire forms - no, no, just sunning himself on the studio floor!

April 14, 2007:
Concrete is broken up; all hurricane windows are in - it's happening, and containing my excitement is a task.

The upcoming studio is creating excitement!!! Ground breaking took place on October 25, 2006. The patio is NAKED, ready and able.....Did loads of yard work this weekend in anticipation, preparing for the day! Deb O walked by with Jake, neighbors, but never knew - she has already blessed the space by entering. Realize that the waiting is a journey, and I need to enjoy the time for what it is - the journey.

October 26, 2006

The start - of a dream.........

Before........

First Blush

2006-10-10T13:24:00.000-04:00

How odd, my first blog. I suppose the entry to the 21st century is running a tad late, but dooooo love this stuff. Will try to figure out what I'll be using this for, most likely, FAQs and TIPS on Yoga.

The electronic phase of the studio is consuming, fun, challenging. Baby step by step - soon to be released!