Vivekan

This is a weekly post from Bodhisattva Yoga’s founder/co-director offering weekly bits of research findings, suggestions, and musings on all things directly & indirectly related to the broad Path of Yoga.

I was staggered when I recently read in a Science Daily article that the leading type of women’s cancer, in the US, is breast cancer; and, that there were more than 230,000 new cases last year. This amounts to about 30% of cancer diagnoses for women. The American Cancer Society estimates that 39,000 women died of the cancer in 2011.
With the majority of my dear practitioners being female, naturally this is a subject that interests me and makes me wish to do what I can to help women minimize risk – if not all together avert the disease.
Former breast cancer research findings pointed to alcohol as an all around risk for women interested in cutting breast cancer likelihood. As alcohol is understood to increase estrogen levels, which then fosters growth of cancer cells. [This may be so of simple sugars in general.]
No, I’m not encouraging you to become a teetotaler! (Unless, of course, you desire it.) Instead, I present the findings of a Cedars-Sinai study which:

…Found that chemicals in the skins and seeds of red grapes slightly lowered estrogen levels while elevating testosterone among premenopausal women who drank eight ounces of red wine nightly for about a month.

White wine, though, did not have the same effect. The investigators suggested that red wine might stem the growth of cancer cells.
So, go ahead and enjoy that red. However, like most things in life, enjoy in moderation.
Lastly, it should be noted that an active life, a healthy body weight, and an appropriate adipose tissue/muscle fiber ratio also plays a tremendous role in cutting breast cancer risks. Hint. Hint. Be sure to keep your practice consistent. ☺

In health,
Vivekan

Wishing the generous holiday spirit was endless, and not limited to a week out of the year? It doesn’t have to stop– in fact, the aspiring yogin wishes to always cultivate the act of giving, even if it seems small in nature, like sending a kind thought to yourself. In the Bodhisattva tradition, it’s suggested to begin practicing being generous with yourself. It would then ideally extend to those directly around you — your significant other, your immediate family and close friends, etc. This can be providing them with a smile, a back rub, a good meal or more that you can realistically offer.

When it feels so good to give, you can’t stop, it’s time to extend generosity to strangers. People you’ve never met, where and when it feels appropriate. It’s not often easy to manage this level of Dhana juggling our jobs, families, etc. That’s where your Bodhisattva Yoga community steps in. In preparation of our February retreat to the Dominican Republic, Vivekan and I wish to share a little Bodhisattva Yoga love with the island hosting us. We thought, what better than Catalina DR, the organization founded by the owners of the Dominican Republic-based hotel we’ll be retreating at this February. The non-profit is lovingly committed to increasing health and education to the local youth in the nearby area we will be retreating.

Whether you’re joining us on retreat, or not, we wish to leave the Dominican Republic a little bit better than before we arrived. Feel free to pack a gift from the list below. If you can’t, no worries, Vivekan and I will represent our awesome BY retreat crew and community! (Donation or no donation, retreating with us alone directly supports responsible travel destinations supporting the local economy.)

Not coming on retreat? You can still get high on Dhana (Generosity). Drop off any of the items below at Bodhisattva Yoga’s check-in desk when you’re in for class, leading up to our retreat Sunday, February 12, 2012:

Art supplies like: (The kids love doing artwork and crafts and these particular supplies are hard to come by on the island!)

• tempura paints
• paint brushes
• construction paper
• feathers
• foam letters
• glitter
• markers
• crayons
• colored pencils

Used infant clothing: (Some new babies have been born to local moms!)

• 0-12 months. (If you don’t have any hand-me-downs but wish to contribute, you can look for a local thrift or consignment shop. Please no brand new clothing.)

xo Jess & Vivekan

Geoff Vidal

This Bodhisattva Yoga Blog series spotlights our rock star body of practitioners, for whom we are proud. The series is intended to inspire, thought-provoke and nurture the growing, friendly Bodhisattva Yoga community. When you see a featured Bodhisattva Yogin in class, say hello!

When we were considering whose portraits to share for the months of December, 2011 and January, 2012 we chose to use sheer attendance level from May 30, 2011 to the present (at the time, end of November 2011). Two people rose to the 1st and 2nd places. At just under 110 classes(!), Geoff Vidal scored 2nd place and became this month’s rock… er… jazz star. :)

Geoff came to Bodhisattva Yoga with a friendly energy from the start. Also almost from the get-go, Geoff shared his appreciation of how doing the pose, breath and flow nicely, complemented the discipline required as a musician. Last September, Geoff demonstrated his preparedness for Sati-level instruction by passing the Semi-Annual Personal Assessment. Although a strong practitioner, he also knows when to pull back and take a break, whether he’s working on hip opening, or using a child’s pose in the midst of a challenging flow.

In his indefatigable consistency, and interest in progressing skillfully, Geoff not only attends an outstandingly high number of classes (over many months!), he has also attended BY retreats and workshops – including last month’s Take it Deeper, Meditate Longer seminar. Perhaps most importantly, he has shared how he has begun to take the practice off the mat and that his mind and body have benefited tremendously as a result. We are honored to have practitioners like Geoff here.

Let’s give it up for Geoff! Whether or not you’ve met the friendly, consistent aspiring yogi yet, give him a shout the next time you see him in class. (He turns 32 this month! Double shouts.)

1. Bodhisattva Yoga: What is your age? Your profession and other life interests?
Geoff Vidal: I am just about to turn 32 years old (Jan 7th) and I am currently working as the executive assistant for Tony Bennett’s manager at RPM Productions in the West Village. The business is all things Tony Bennett, so it’s very exciting and very heavy duty. I am also a freelance jazz musician playing with some of the city’s brightest young talents and recently released my debut record “She Likes That” just this past October [- available at] www.geoffvidal.com. I love to cook and eat delicious food and have a slight obsession for the NFL.

2. BY: How often do you practice at Bodhisattva Yoga on a weekly basis?
GV: I get in to about 4 or 5 classes a week. If I’m home and there’s a class happening, chances are I’m enrolled in it.

3. BY: What classes do you take on a weekly basis?
GV: Lately I’ve been trying to make the Bodhisattva flow class on as close to a regular basis as possible because I really appreciate the teachings that are offered at the start of every class and each teaching has a knack for being just what you needed to hear on that given night. Gigs tend to make the evenings hard at times, but more and more I find myself wanting to be in class at night as opposed to doing a low-paying gig. I get a lot more out of staying true to my practice on the mat. The weekend classes are probably my favorite with the Sati and Inspired Flow classes setting the tone for the weekend.

4. BY: Where do you live and what is your trip like to and from Bodhisattva Yoga?
GV: I live right down 9th Street just off of 6th Ave, so the commute is pretty easy and a huge motivating factor in getting in to as many classes as possible.

5. BY: What is it that you like about practicing at Bodhisattva Yoga?
GV: There are MANY things that I like about practicing at BY, but if I had to pick one it would be the opportunity to have a teacher like Vivekan in my life, who is presenting a way of life to all of us and we get to choose just how much we want to get out of it. I appreciate the focus on honoring your body for where it is at any particular moment and trying to understand that it will not always feel how it does in that moment, but that it will constantly change. By emphasizing that this practice is a journey, and not just a couple of months type of thing encourages me to stay true to myself in way that I never thought about before.

6. BY: What is it that you like about your fellow practitioners at Bodhisattva Yoga?
GV: Watching the studio grow into the strong and dedicated group that we currently have has been amazing. I remember not that long ago, when there would be three or four practitioners in each class, but before long most classes were selling out. The retreat last August really brought together those of us that went and what you find is that there are all of these creative and hard working people that are all attracted to what is being offered at BY. It wouldn’t work any other way. I also appreciate the way that Vivekan’s presentation turns off a certain kind of person and a certain kind of attitude. We are all so lucky!

7. BY: What is it that you’ve mentally/physically/emotionally experienced as a result of practicing at Bodhisattva Yoga?
GV: I have seen how this practice can benefit all aspects of one’s life when done consistently and with the respect that the practice deserves. I have found many parallels to my practice of music, such as focus and diligence. I have also discovered that I am stronger than I have ever been physically but most of all mentally. Not too long ago I found myself in a terribly toxic work environment, but even amidst some of the nastiest behavior that I have every encountered I remained centered and used calm thinking to make my decisions. Watching the impact of the practice on my fiancée Stefanie’s life has probably been the most incredible experience for me at BY. We started coming in regularly just as she was finished with chemo, and I have watched (very closely) from alongside her on my mat as she regained her strength, got stronger and stronger and blossomed into the beautiful woman that she is today, and she just keeps getting more and more beautiful, never stagnant just like we are taught to approach our asanas. What a powerful thing to experience yoga with the love of my life with the frequency that we get to share it. It has changed my life in ways that I never thought possible and I am so grateful for being pointed down this road that is being shown to us.

Vivekan

This is a weekly post from Bodhisattva Yoga’s founder/co-director offering weekly bits of research findings, suggestions, and musings on all things directly & indirectly related to the broad Path of Yoga.

Your diet is likely the biggest contributor to your quality of health. I know. I resisted this truth when I first heard it as well. However, after years of dietary trial and error and self-experimentation – and, working closely with thousands of people – I have come to know that many maladies result from dietary patterns that do not serve the human system.

Many experts suggest incorporating diets that are often entirely different from what we are used to. Keep this in mind when you consider that New York Times best-selling, self-help book. Unless you are a superhero that can jump out of its shadow, it’s unlikely you are going to stick with a diet completely different than what you’re familiar with.

Therefore, I suggest to not “change” your diet in the beginning. Instead, I encourage tweaking your existing diet. Yes, practicality!

Here are my Five Diet Tips for 2012. These easy 5-tips will help you enjoy greater health and ease in your body, as well as weight loss:

1. Start the day with a glass of water (ideally, room temperature).
2. Before each meal/snack have a glass of water. Have another glass of water an hour after finishing the meal/snack.
3. At each meal or snack time, have two-thirds to three-quarters the amount normally eaten.
4. Remain upright after eating for at least an hour before laying down to rest or nap. (If needed, recline back, but still upright.)
5. Finish any solid food intake at least 2-hours before bed.

If you follow my Five Diet Tips for 2012, even with the occasional exception, you will see and feel desirable changes in your body. If you continue for three months, it is likely that you will never quite fall back to former, un-serving dietary patterns. After maintaining these five tips for at least six months, you can more realistically explore how much further you might refine your diet.

If you incorporate my easy Five Diet Tips for 2012, and a regular yogic practice, like Jess and I offer here at Bodhisattva Yoga (once/week, ideally 3x’s/week minimum), then you’ll really start cooking with a healthier lifestyle for 2012 and beyond.

Join me in greater ease in body and mind – for this New Year and beyond!
–Vivekan

This is my 2nd installment of my Standing Flow cycle. These easy and accessible flows are well-suited for home &/or on the go practice. Not requiring a lot of space, they can be done bedside, at your desk, even in the airport waiting area.

These flows are intended to be brief, yet complete enough to warm and limber-up, and help you connect mind, body and breath. Further, the flows are a great way to get bite-sized practice sessions into your week, in between taking classes.

In health!
Vivekan

This Bodhisattva Yoga Blog series spotlights our rock star body of practitioners, for whom we are proud. The series is intended to inspire, thought-provoke and nurture the growing, friendly Bodhisattva Yoga community. When you see a featured Bodhisattva Yogin in class, say hello!

Stefanie’s yoga glow says it all — she regularly practices 3-6 times a week. In fact, that’s why Stef was chosen as this month’s featured yogin. Since May 30th, 2011 she’s attended more classes than anyone else — almost 120! Despite her fast-growing practice, she’s incredibly modest (a mark of a genuine practitioner).

Perhaps more inspiring than anything, is Stef’s inner strength and practice devotion. She is a cancer survivor and testament to what yoga can offer, when one sticks with it through thick and thin, post-chemotherapy and all. That’s hardcore and just one of many reasons why we love her!

She began as a KSHANTI (Basics Flow I) practitioner and today has blossomed into the ranks of a SATI-level practitioner, having successfully demonstrated her Hatha yogic sidhis (accomplishments) in our Semi-Annual Personal Assessment. She’s also a future Bodhisattva Yoga Teacher Trainee, having recently been accepted into our 2012 Yogic Immersion/Teacher Training Program!

Let’s give it up for Stefanie! If you haven’t met the friendly, consistent aspiring yogini yet, give her a shout the next time you see her in class.

1. Bodhisattva Yoga: What is your age? Your profession and other life interests?
Stefanie Vesely: I’m 28 years old.  Currently, I am working as a Senior Accountant at a law firm. My life interests are yoga, food (eating and cooking), the outdoors, traveling, spending time with my family and friends, helping others diagnosed with or recovering from cancer, and discovering my passion.

2. BY: How often do you practice at Bodhisattva Yoga on a weekly basis?
SV: I practice at BY 3-6 times a week.

3. BY: What classes do you take on a weekly basis?
SV: When my schedule allows for it, I take some or all of the following classes: BODHISATTVA FLOW, ANANDA, DHANA, SHILA, SATA & INSPIRED FLOWS. The BODHISATTVA FLOW class is my favorite because it really sets the stage for the rest of the week, but there is something unique about each class that I love, especially DHANA, which reminds you to be kind to yourself.

4. BY: Where do you live and what is your trip like to and from Bodhisattva Yoga?
SV: I live a block away from the studio on 6th & 9th, so fortunately my commute is relatively easy.

5. BY: What is it that you like about practicing at Bodhisattva Yoga?
SV: I love practicing at BY because of the friendly atmosphere and the amazing instruction from our teachers, Jess and Vivekan. They are wonderful teachers and examples of aspiring yogis off and on the mat, and have motivated me tremendously in my own practice.  The atmosphere that they create along with the other practitioners make it a genuine place that you can really feel comfortable practicing and growing without judgment.

6. BY: What is it that you like about your fellow practitioners at Bodhisattva Yoga?
SV: Aside from creating a safe and friendly atmosphere, my fellow practitioners inspire me with their practice commitment, growth and lots of little ways. Sometimes I come to class after a stressful day and once I walk into the room and see familiar, smiling faces, it reminds me that it will be OK and to let it go.

7. BY: What is it that you’ve mentally/physically/emotionally experienced as a result of practicing at Bodhisattva Yoga?
SV: I have practiced with other teachers before, but I can truly say that practicing at BY has changed my life. I began practicing at BY right around the time that I began chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkins Lymphoma, but then had to stop when it became too physically demanding. After going through treatment, I returned to the studio and began my mental, physical and emotional recovery through my yogic practice. At the time, I was the weakest I had ever been in my life physically. Even though I was on the mental high of having been successfully treated and now becoming a cancer survivor, I was also emotionally drained and sort of struggling with what’s next and how to move forward because I knew so much had changed. Through my practice, I was able to apply mindfulness in getting past my fears and negative thoughts about being weak, having no hair, not being able to do poses, being scared that I would pass out, to moving on to be able to trust my body again. I had lost that trust when I felt it failed me by even getting cancer in the first place. Now I have the trust in my body again and my yogic practice back, I use all those tools (asanas, pranayama, meditation) to try not to let my fears of the unknown take me away. I am able to focus more on the things that matter to my health and well being instead of ignoring them because of work or other social commitments.

Vivekan

This is a weekly post from Bodhisattva Yoga’s founder/co-director offering weekly bits of research findings, suggestions, and musings on all things directly & indirectly related to the broad Path of Yoga.

Many Americans are coping with the effects of sleep apnea (Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, OSAS). One of the most prevalent of sleep disorders, sleep apnea disrupts a person’s rest by causing pauses in normal respiration during sleep. Persons dealing with sleep apnea may have an increased risk of developing diabetes type II. Populations coping with obesity experience sleep apnea up to 20-40% more than others, and weight loss is an important dimension to treatment.

Whenever weight loss is a goal, whether it’s intended to combat sleep apnea or not, it requires a two-pronged approach — for long-term success. Firstly, weight loss requires diet modification; and, secondly, weight loss requires an increase in physical activity.

At Bodhisattva Yoga, we’re already getting the physical activity in (particularly if you’re averaging 3, or more, times a week); but, what about our diet? A recent study in Science Daily summarizes the findings of sleep apnea researchers from the University of Crete, in Greece, and it’s good news. Check out what Christopher Papandreou, lead author for the research, said:

This is the first study examining the impact of the Mediterranean diet in combination with physical activity [e.g., yoga] on OSAS via changes in the human body. Our results showed that the number of disturbances during REM sleep was reduced more in the Mediterranean diet group than the other [“prudent diet”] group.

Maybe you’re wondering, “Uh, where’s the good news?” My reply then is, who doesn’t enjoy the Mediterranean diet? It’s high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds; and, it lends to an aspiring yogin’s mental and physical health. So, practicing yoga 3, or more, times a week, and basing your diet around Mediterranean fare can mitigate, and/or avert, your experience of sleep apnea (along with a host of other avoidable maladies). Join me…

In health,
Vivekan

In response to many requests, Vivekan has produced the first of his Instructional Series. This is his Standing Flow, a very basic level standing asana cycle that is accessible to all body types and levels, and can be practiced in even the tightest of spaces. Stay tuned for graduated levels of asana cycles in the weeks to come. Enjoy, Share, Like &/or Fave; give credit, and share your thoughts.

Vivekan

This is a weekly post from Bodhisattva Yoga’s founder/co-director offering weekly bits of research findings, suggestions, and musings on all things directly & indirectly related to the broad Path of Yoga.

I am always trying to find and utilize skillful means whereby I can readily help my practitioners get and feel healthier – both, in body and in mind. In the yogic system, as well in the bodhisattva trainings, and Buddhism in general, teachings points are often listed and enumerated to serve as aids in memorization and implementation. It is in this spirit, that I often share tips that can readily be memorized, recalled and put into practice.

Fortunately, Dr. Clyde Yancy, a professor of medicine and chief of cardiology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, has a list that can help all of us. As summarized in a recent Science Daily article, “Dr. Yancy, who will deliver the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada Lecture … will tell delegates that people who follow seven simple steps to a healthy life can expect to live an additional 40 to 50 years after [!] the age of 50.”

Adding 40 – 50 more healthy years to one’s life, after 50, is not a small feat. This ability would be considered a fine siddhi (Skt., accomplishment), and it is certainly in keeping with the interests of yogins desiring to live long enough to complete Maha Siddhi (Great Accomplishment, i.e., Enlightenment).

So, enjoy optimal health with these seven simple steps to a healthy life, as listed in Science Daily, and suggested by Dr. Yancy:

1. Get Active [Read: Do Yoga! :) ]

2. Know & Control Cholesteral Levels

3. Follow a Healthy Diet

4. Know & Control Blood Pressure

5. Achieve & Maintain a Healthy Weight

6. Manage Diabetes

7. Be Tobacco Free

In my opinion, these are indeed important; but, you must also consider that your lifestyle may take time to incorporate any &/or all of the above. So, be practical; start little by little; and please, never ever beat yourself if you fall off the wagon. Just pick yourself up, and start all over, with greater resolve; little by little… How ever many times you need to. This is where our instruction at Bodhisattva Yoga helps. We encourage this approach not only to our work on the mat, but in all of life. Enroll now.

In health,
Vivekan

Josh Malbin

This Bodhisattva Yoga Blog series spotlights our rock star body of practitioners, for whom we are proud. The series is intended to inspire, thought-provoke and nurture the growing, friendly Bodhisattva Yoga community. When you see a featured Bodhisattva Yogin in class, say hello!

Fun fact: Josh, for over seven years, has been a regular, consistent practitioner at BY – since early October of 2004! We are proud to say that he is the longest, continuing practitioner at our space. From the beginning, Josh has been interested in the finer points of the yogic practice by asking good, timely questions in the instructional classes, and incorporating the elicited suggestions. Recently, he demonstrated his asana siddhis in last September’s Semi-Annual Personal Assessment, thus gaining invitation into our Sati (Advanced — invitation only) class.

Josh knows when to pull back and take a break; and, it is safe to say that he never pushes too far in his practice. He is quick to smile, and has been spotted offering tips to newcomers. Lastly, and this says a lot about character, Josh has never asked for an exception; and, he has always respected our studio’s guidelines, even when BY’s procedures for uniformity have periodically changed due the studio’s needs to adapt and grow. Josh is indeed a model of the Bodhisattva Yoga spirit.

Let’s give it up for Josh! If you haven’t met the friendly, consistent, hardcore aspiring yogi yet, give him a shout the next time you see him in class.

1. Bodhisattva Yoga: What is your age? Your profession and other life interests?
Josh Malbin: I’m 36 years old. I’m a writer [see his e-published novel, Soap and Water], and I also practice martial arts and birdwatch.

2. BY: How often do you practice at Bodhisattva Yoga on a weekly basis?
JM: I come at least once a week, usually twice when I can.

3. BY: What classes do you take on a weekly basis?
JM: One Shila and one Sati, now that it’s offered.

4. BY: Where do you live and what is your trip like to and from Bodhisattva Yoga?
JM: I live just a few blocks away, so the walk over is very easy.

5. BY: What is it that you like about practicing at Bodhisattva Yoga?
JM: I really appreciate the attention to detail in the poses and the way each detail is explained in the context of the physical results we are trying to achieve—and the injuries we are trying to avoid. I know injuries in yoga are quite common, but I have been practicing with Bodhisattva since 2004 and I think largely because of their care and depth of understanding I have yet to experience one. I also really appreciate the intimacy of the studio and the individual attention we each get as a result. Finally, I think it’s wonderful that as practitioners grow more familiar with physical poses they are encouraged to deepen their practice to connect with their breath more fully and focus their minds.

6. BY: What is it that you like about your fellow practitioners at Bodhisattva Yoga?
JM: There’s [a] lovely little yoga family that’s grown up around the studio. It can be very special.

7. BY: What is it that you’ve mentally/physically/emotionally experienced as a result of practicing at Bodhisattva Yoga?
JM: My body has transformed in the past eight years. When I began yoga, my hips were so tight it was impossible for me to sit cross-legged for any length of time, I could not touch my toes, and I had chronic neck and shoulder pain. Now my body is much more flexible, my balance has improved dramatically, and my upper back problems have receded. Since I incorporated a home practice four years ago or so, I’ve begun to notice how much worse my body feels on the rare days when I can’t even get ten minutes on the mat. Even more powerful has been the sense of calm I’ve learned to foster through seated breathing practice in the last few years. I don’t get to do it every day, but now that I’ve had some practice at it I can quiet my thoughts at least for a short while, and I cherish those moments.