Image from Earthjustice.org blog

This morning, I stumbled upon some excellent news in an article published in Earthjustice’s newsletter by Brian Smith, WA Moms Summit Mt. Rainier in Call for Green Energy. This past Saturday, July 17, 2010, four moms (yes, you read that, moms) climbed Washington state’s Mt. Rainier in a statement against the use of the highly polluting, coal.

Each of these mothers have children from ages 3 – 6! (Those kids have some awesome moms.) Talk about a breath of fresh air! This is exactly what I always imagined fortunate, educated moms to do: protect their children, and the future of their children.

How these great moms are protecting their children

Since the Reagan years, it’s become somewhat acceptable and even cliché to mock those who constructively take their time to make a statement for environmental (viz. human) health. In the meantime, it has become acceptable for moms to prepare their children for a good education before kindergarten, though everyone knows that this can amount to a tremendous load of pressure on kids. Yet, I never hear moms talk about how they and their children discussed environmental pollution, and what needs to be done as a family unit to minimize everyone’s contribution to it, or, what effects worsening air quality can have on their children’s ability to breath, and overall health in general.

Moms keeping it real

“Today, we demand that coal burning end in Washington,” said climber Genevieve Raymond. “The Governor’s plan to burn dirty coal for fifteen more years is unacceptable. The time to transition to clean energy is now.”

Climber Jennifer Williams said, “Every hour of every day, lax regulations allow poisonous mercury to be dumped onto the glaciers and dirty carbon into the atmosphere. Our children are counting on us to transition to renewable energy now.”

Leading by example

We don’t necessarily need to climb a mountain to get attention to our ambient environmental woes (i.e., poor air quality, dirty waterways, etc.). But, we can follow the lead that these courageous moms have taken. We can in our own neighborhoods, in front of court houses, and houses of legislature, even on the Brooklyn Bridge make a statement indicating our dissatisfaction with how the status-quo has managed our environmental problems. (Hint: Don’t blame the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the EPA; whenever they’ve tried to do good for the public, special interests pressure congressional members, etc. to hobble the agency’s mandated motives to better our air quality, etc.)

It’s up to you and me, we’ve got to do it — demand better environmental quality; not just for us, but also for our children and posterity.

Join us,

Vivekan

Bicycle-stuff.com

In my May 5th, 2010 Reflections on the Practice post, I mentioned how we can use some community-based push for quality, safe bike lanes. Well, fortunately, the Department of Transportation (DOT) created exactly what I had in mind along the entire length of Prospect Park West (PPW). This is great news!

The lane is much like those used in the Netherlands, whereby traffic moves in the center of a roadway; moving away from the center is a lane for parked vehicles; further from the center is the bike lane, and then farthest-most from the center is the sidewalk for pedestrians. This way cyclists never have to worry about cycling alongside moving vehicles or having double-parked cars blocking the bike lanes currently employed throughout most of the city. This new bike lane model being used (and hereby championed) along PPW is much safer not only for cyclists, but also for:

1. pedestrians, because cyclists won’t fear motorists and thereby ride on the sidewalk; and,

2. motorists, because they will not have to worry about cyclists in their blind spots.

Without discounting this great step forward, it is far more important to utilize this new (for NYC) bike lane model on routes like the major roadways of our neighborhood (e.g., 5th & 7th Avenues). After all, we can always ride in the park; the park’s loop is one big bike lane already. We don’t really need the new bike lane model there, on PPW as much as on our increasingly congested, and highly dangerous roadways — at least, for cyclists.

In summary, great work DOT! Now, let’s see these bike lanes all over our neighborhoods. So, my fellow community of practitioners, I invite all of you to join me in championing these new bike lanes for all of NYC’s roadways.

With the breath,

Vivekan

Vivekan

June is Great Outdoors Month

As someone who has solo hiked and camped the Grand Canyons for 4 days/3 nights, and who has done a lot of other hiking and camping, I know the healing powers of the Great Outdoors. It should be noted that I have had the fortune of being introduced to the outdoors with a sense of appreciation, respect, and an invitation to come to balance and harmony with it. This has given me the eyes to witness and experience the sublime majesty of the Great Outdoors.

Whereas, if we approach the outdoors as a barren or dangerous wilderness which is only to be conquered we will miss the unspoken messages pristine, outdoor areas whisper to those who enjoy Her in silence.

The New York tri-state area (and many regions of our country, and others) abounds in overlooked ecosystems. Even if its to your local park, get out and listen!

On the path,

Vivekan

Photo: Camila Vergara

Now, for some words from our president:

President Obama’s thoughts

In these difficult economic times, renewing our commitment to our natural places will foster jobs in the tourism and recreation industries while conserving our great outdoors. Moreover, as Americans, we are responsible for protecting our heritage, including the raw beauty of our lands and waters. Together, let us rise to meet that responsibility and safeguard our cherished outdoor spaces for our children and grandchildren.
–Barack Obama, in his Presidential Proclamation of June 2010 as Great Outdoors Month

Dear Yogins,

We hope your summer is kicking off wonderfully!

In this newsletter:

-NEW SUMMER SCHEDULE
-EXPRESS SUNRISE YOGA SERIES
-5% OFF SUMMER YOGA RETREAT
-DEEPEN YOUR PRACTICE/TEACHER TRAINING INFORMATIONAL MEETING

In preparation for the new season, we are making some schedule adjustments here at the studio. All are effective immediately~

New in the line-up!

• Open Flow, Wednesday, 7:30-9pm
• Express Sunrise Yoga Series, Tuesday/Thursday, 7-8am (July/August)

For the Summer Schedule these classes are suspended:

• Sunday’s 4pm Open Flow
• Wednesday’s 7pm Express Basics
• Wednesday’s 8:30pm Advanced class (Stay tuned for invitational criteria re: the fall re-introduction of our Advanced class.)

Stay tuned to the July newsletter for any additional class changes and as always, refer online for the most up-to-date schedule. Kindly remember, online pre-registration is required for all class attendence as is arriving before class’ start time.

And if you’ve been looking to fit in an early morning yoga practice, we’ve got a fun new series in store! (More below.)

Health + Happiness,
Team Bodhisattva Yoga

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Express Sunrise Yoga Series with Jess
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7-8AM, July 6-August 19, 2010

Early morning is an ideal time to fit in your practice. Mentally, we are in a space of more clarity—and physically, we can use a boost to start the day the right way. Enjoy a comprehensive class including energizing sun salutations and fresh fruit to nibble on as a post-class treat! Pre-requisite: Basics class experience.

There is a one-time registration fee and each class is normal cost (i.e., you can use your existing class series, unlimited pass, or drop-in.) The registration tiers are as follows:

• Early Bird Yogin–$100 Registration fee. Entitles you to take all 14 Sunrise Yoga classes. Deadline to register: June 30.
• Sleepy Yogin–$75 Registration fee. Entitles you to take all Sunrise Yoga classes including and after July 22. Deadline to register: July 22.
• Groggy Yogin–$55 Registration fee. Entitles you to take all Sunrise Yoga classes including and after August 5. Deadline to register: August 5.

The Sunrise Yoga Series will be based on a minimum number of practitioners registered by the June 30 deadline. Sign up today!

E-mail Jessica@bodhisattvayoga.com, call (718) 499-9642 (YOGA) or inquire in person.

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Garden to Plate: Summer Weekend Yoga Retreat

There’s still time to save some $ on our upcoming summer yoga retreat! Register by June 30 for 5% off. Read more about the fabulous food, fresh air, company and retreat center (did we mention yoga instruction?) here.

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Deepen Your Practice/Teacher Training Informational Meeting

If you’ve ever wished to immerse yourself in your yoga practice in a structured setting– or have maybe considered getting certified to instruct yoga, mark your calendar! In preparation for our next Teacher Training program, we’ll be hosting an informational meeting on Sunday, September 12 at 2:15pm. Refreshments will be served. Please RSVP by August 31.

Do your best to practice at least once a week!

You deserve health.  It is your birthright.  Give it to yourself.

Photo: Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Earlier this month, I blogged about the environmental catastrophe that began in late April when oil & energy giant BP’s offshore, oil-drilling rig exploded and sank into the Gulf of Mexico. Not only did this avoidable disaster kill over ten people, but the uncontrollable gushing of oil that resulted from it — and is presently still taking place a mile below the gulf — is likely to present highly undesirable effects for years to come.

There are reports of oil slicks 10 miles long, 3 miles wide, and 300 feet thick (per today’s NY Metro). This preventable disaster is now affecting the livelihood of thousands of shrimpers, fishermen, and Gulf coast residents and resort destinations — along with all their families and communities. This “spill” (sounds simply like some water spilled on the counter top) is also having enormously negative consequences on the affected ecosystems, and their endemic species — many of these species were already in peril before this spill.

Action not Inaction

The good news is we live in a great country where we have rights, and you can do something — which collectively is adding up to a strong message — insist on:

• No more offshore drilling; and, that the US Senate immediately votes on effective, science-based climate legislation – the House already has, and though weak, it’s a start.

Remember, the practice is every thing we do, not simply what occurs on the mat or cushion. So, join myself and many others in voicing your feelings about these important issues.

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. –Martin Luther King, Jr.

–Vivekan

Vivekan

Science Proves Benefits of Regular Yoga Practice, Again

As a yogi I have always approached my practice, and instruction, as both an art and a science. From the view of art it is a dimension of the practice that is intimate and personal in interpretation and therefore subjective. This way of considering the practice can be said to be the existential aspect of the practice. Even when viewed through the varied expressions promulgated by the differing schools and styles of yoga, one can readily see the practice as art.

However, the science aspect of the practice is also of great interest to me. This perspective of the yogic practice is not subjective and full of anecdotes. It is the approach to the practice with empirical methods. By the use of controls and variables in experiments, and with enough data, researchers can arrive at conclusions that others can replicate.

Fortunately, the practice of yoga has become so popular that many are raving about its health benefits. Researchers have begun to take note and serious studies have been undertaken to determine what benefits can be substantiated by empirical methods. Throughout the past the 20 years, many studies have been published verifying many of yoga’s benefits.

Yoga Reduces Stress-Related Inflammatory Compounds

Rick Nauert recently summarized findings of an Ohio State University study in his article, the “Scientific Basis for Yoga Benefits”, published in PsychCentral.com. Briefly, the study demonstrated that the regular practice of yoga aids in reducing stress-related compounds that can increase inflammation that may lead to many age-related health disorders.

Art & Science Come Home

This is what is really exciting: Now, I can not only corroborate my personal observation – the art aspect — of yoga’s ability to minimize inflammation, I now have a better understanding of what stress-produced protein compound is actually mitigated with regular yoga practice; and, these results can be reproduced – the science aspect – by any researcher replicating the same controls and variables.

It is great to be able to share a practice (i.e., yoga) that can offer so many benefits. Make firm your resolve to continuously renew your practice — and, combat stress!

On the path,

Vivekan

Photo: Camila Vergara

Dear Yogins,

In this issue:

• Heroic Yoga^TM
  
• New warm-weather yoga accessories!
• Mother’s Day Gifts/Gift Certificates
  
• Weekend Summer Yoga Retreat
  
• Pre-Registration Policy

With warmer temperatures, now is the perfect time to deepen your practice. I personally have been basking in the perspiration of Vivekan’s sweaty sun flows. As I reminded my class the other day–sweat isn’t a bad thing! We’re releasing toxins, improving skin quality and walk away with a healthy glow.

Speaking of sweat…we have a new class on the schedule Monday nights from 7-8pm. Our in-house strength and conditioning expert Bill guides us through his vigorous Heroic Yoga^TM class. Akin to power yoga, this class offers a great workout using challenging yoga flows.

Vivekan, who is spotted regularly in the class, calls it “the answer to all those wishing to train their inner super hero.”

Here’s to sunny, sun salutation days ahead!

In health + happiness,

Jess & Team Bodhisattva Yoga

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New Yoga Accessories

Check out our new, stylish additions in the studio’s Eco-Retail Nook that will help you stay comfortable, dry and hydrated during class:

• Manduka brand multi-purpose towels in both small and mat-size varieties. These are perfect for both whisking away perspiration and placing over your mat to avoid hand and/or feet slip. Students are raving over them!
• Barefoot Yoga brand Environmental PER Yoga Mats that are healthy for you–and the planet. They’re PVC-, latex-, phthalate-, phenol- and dioxin-free!
• Manduka brand breathable mat bags made from 100% natural cotton canvas and recycled PET fabric. Comes with damp article compartments and is built to last a lifetime (or two)!
• BPA-free reusable water bottles

Let’s Celebrate Moms!

Yogini moms and moms-to-be wishing for the perfect gift–direct your flock over to our website. Two relaxing, kid-free, stress-free words: Gift Certificates. Those of us with a mom or with someone like a mom to thank– why not present them with the gift of health? Or a new accessory as listed above?

Buy a class series or pass or create your own dollar amount in the form of a gift certificate– all online! Or by calling the studio: (718) 499-9642 (YOGA)

Weekend Summer Yoga Retreat

Are cool, country breezes, garden-fresh goodies and the opportunity to deepen your practice calling your name? If you missed the 15% discount on our Garden to Plate Yoga Retreat, no worries! You can still receive 10% off until May 26 by placing a deposit. Get the details online and then reserve your spot. Space is limited and last year’s was a hit! For more info, call the studio: (718) 499-9642 (YOGA)

Pre-Register, Please!

Without using the word “mandatory,” we’re kindly asking for advance online pre-registration for every class. This is for everyone’s benefit. Should class not take place, we can notify you for your convenience!

Photo: Pet Product News

Fish & Wildlife Service Taking Comments

The Department of Interior’s Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) agency is taking comments from the public as it considers making illegal the importation and inter-state trade of nine different species of non-native constrictor snakes (e.g., large pythons and boas).  (Docket No. FWS-R9-FHC-2008-0015: Injurious Wildlife Species: Listing the Boa Constrictor, Four Python Species, and Four Anaconda Species as Injurious Reptiles)

Non-Native Snakes Harming South Florida’s Ecology

This is a result of careless releases of these snakes into our very own Florida Everglades. Some of these snakes have become so prolific in our Everglades that they have developed reproducing populations, and this is resulting in harm upon our native, sensitive species (e.g., the American Alligator).

Expert Opinion on the Matter

This is a matter of importance if we are going to improve the natural conditions of South Florida’s Everglades. Yet, as an expert in constrictor species (in a former life, I bred and raised snakes), and as an environmental manager, I find it short-sighted to simply illegalize these snake species – as described above.

Legal Right to Submit a Comment

So, I wrote a comment to the FWS – we have a mandated right to do this – regarding this important environmental matter. It is below. Feel free to cut and paste it as is, if you too wish to take advantage of your rights and make a comment.

Yes, something needs to be done to mitigate the harm non-native, large constrictors can pose on our sensitive, domestic ecosystems (e.g., the Florida Everglades). However, it is imperative that we take a broader approach than simplistically illegalizing these popular species.

Instead, I propose requiring a permit to obtain these snake species. The permit process would ensure:

1) That such constrictor owners/handlers are educated sufficiently to own, house, feed & safely maintain one of these species — even into the snakes’ adulthood;

2) That chips are inserted into these snakes for tracking — in the event of an escape or illegal release;

3) Proper regulation of these snakes, lending to greater accountability — instead of sending such into the black market without regulation.

4) And, lastly, sufficient funds for such a program via permit fees.

Thank you for your interest, and for doing the small things that in sum add up to greatness! Remember real Yoga is not just what you do on your mat or cushion.

–Vivekan

Vivekan

In my last blog entry, I wrote of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill which began on April 20, 2010. I mentioned in the posting, my astonishment at what appeared to be popular media’s reticence in covering the subject.

Park Slopers, Famed for Progressiveness

As the owner of a yoga studio in Park Slope, Brooklyn, and a member of the same community, I am often shocked at what students and neighbors talk about, and what they do not talk about. This neighborhood is famed for being full of many great, progressive, informed, and interesting people (and after 13 years living here, I can say it is).

Dearth of Environmental Discussion

Despite this, there seems to be very little discussion over how spring is arriving 10 days earlier, or how our weather patterns are becoming more and more erratic, or even of the air quality on our streets. Instead, in my people watching, I observe many: rejoicing at temperatures climbing into the 80’s in early April without a thought of what it signifies; complaining that one day it’s shorts weather, whereas the very next day requires a coat without recognizing the implication; commiserating about how their children suffer from allergies and yet not using the collective, famed Park Slope parent contingent in demanding appropriate traffic/bicycle lane changes, and/or diesel emission controls in order to improve air quality for the children and community in general.

Straighten Oneself

This is not a bashing, this is simply noting what I see. Plus, I know that everyone is super busy; and, we are all struggling with our families, jobs, relationships and so much more. So, for me, as a concerned individual, and as one on the path, it comes back to the famed saying of Buddha (from the Dhammapada, as translated by Byrom):

To straighten the crooked

You must first do a harder thing–

Straighten yourself.

Solutions

Therefore, in such a spirit, I offer this post to the interested reader…Because all I can do is straighten myself. In straightening myself, I wish to present constructive solutions to my fellows also interested in straitening themselves.

• Of course, enjoy the great, unseasonably warm weather! But, please do contact your legislators and state your support for effective climate legislation – that does not give loopholes for big polluters.

• When you find yourself inconvenienced and put out by the erratic weather, take a moment and think of your lifestyle. Is it possible to minimize your carbon footprint as a consumer? I’m sure you can! (Also, see above.)

• Evidence points to childhood respiratory/allergy symptoms as being aggravated by auto emissions. We have ground-level ozone that results from car emissions exposed to sunlight, and diesel particulates that are fine enough to get into our lungs and circulatory systems. As a matter of fact, a lot of what we contribute to allergies are actually the result of air quality. 1) Support programs to have real, separate bicycle lanes on our streets (as in the Netherlands); and, 2) Tell your legislators to support the EPA and the Clean Air Act (CAA) — currently the CAA is under attack by Alaska Sen. Murkowski — and, for the EPA to enforce air quality laws. (Also, see above.)

These are just a few things that can be readily done. There are many avenues to straighten oneself as you practice your civic duty for our community, nation, generations to come, and the planet.

On the path,

Vivekan

Photo: Camila Vergara

Chris Graythen / Getty Images

Oil Spill of National Significance

This morning, as I scanned the local papers, I was stunned to find that only the New York Times’ front cover mentioned the story of ‘National Significance’: The Gulf of Mexico oil spill, which began last Tuesday (April 20, 2010) as a result of an explosion of a 50 mile off-shore drilling rig owned by BP and is still spilling current to this post’s composition, is indeed of great importance.

Janet Napolitano’s Declaration

Head of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano declared that this spill is of ‘National Significance’. To offer reference: Exxon Valdez in 1989 spilled about 11 million gallons in Prince William Sound; this current spill, in the Gulf of Mexico, is estimated to reach 4.2 million gallons. Unfortunately, I bet it is likely to be considerably more than 4.2 million gallons.

Environmental & Aquacultural Tragedy

This national, environmental tragedy is likely to affect countless sensitive aquatic species of plants and animals alike. Further, many fishermen and shrimpers (and many more) are likely to be adversely affected by this spill. Prince William Sound, after 20 years, has still not fully recovered from the Exxon Valdez spill. The spill is expected to make land tomorrow, Friday (April 30, 2010), and possibly affect up to 3 – 5 of the gulf states by the time the spill is sealed.

Oil Giant is Out of its Depth

BP cannot even manage what’s taken place, and now the government has to step in. (Even the Louisana Governor, who, in scorn, audaciously declined federal aid when President Obama signed the Economic Stimulus Bill, is crying for federal help.) Statements assert that it may take a few months (!) to seal the leak which is spewing an estimated 5,000 barrels of crude oil per day.

It’s going to take a while before affordable clean energy is readily available: but the consequences of this spill will take a long time to assess, let alone, to remedy.

What Can You Do?

Though sometimes difficult, the good news is we always have a choice! So, what can you do? For starters:

• Avoid getting down or becoming apathetic,
• But, do get motivated and become informed.
• Do not support off-shore drilling,
• Or, believe the lies stating that new methods make off-shore drilling safe.
• Use your voting & purchasing powers to support renewable fuel sources.

–Vivekan

Source cited: Msnbc.com news service