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.

Recently, a dear practitioner asked why is it worthwhile to visualize doing something – like a yoga pose – even if one cannot yet fully accomplish the pose, or activity in question. Contextually, the query arises from my suggesting, in my yoga classes, to visualize doing a pose (or transitional movement) even if one does not yet feel able to. There are benefits in mentally doing so.

Studies have demonstrated that when an individual visualizes doing an activity, the regions of the brain involved with the action become stimulated. This activity of the brain is largely the same as if one undertook the action itself, physically. Many athletes have stated that their success lies, in part, in visualizing themselves undergoing what they train for – that doing so makes them better prepared for competitions.

These accounts probably have a lot to do with their visualizations stimulating the very regions of the brain involved with the actual activity. I myself can attest to the benefits visualizations can provide, especially when preparing myself for what I may not yet be able to accomplish – let alone in my asana practice.

That’s why here at Bodhisattva Yoga, Jess & I often encourage our practitioners to take breaks when needed. This is not only to avoid strain, and/or avoid practice intimidation, but to offer the opportunity to utilize the power of visualization for its ability to further prepare us for what will one day become easier, like a pose. The caveat is that you cannot give up on yourself, or your practice, because then we are unable to manifest what we are capable of.

So, enroll now into any of our classes, this will help you stimulate your brain and body, and, if appropriate, visualize yourself accomplishing greatness.

In health,
Vivekan

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.

Despite our modern conveniences and artificially created environments there is something special about how Mother Nature can get everyone to stay in and observe Her majesty – even if it is tinged with a little bit of fearful foreboding.

Here in Park Slope, you’ve got a wide variety of people; and, it takes something of the magnitude of a 9/11 or a citywide black-out to get everyone on the same page. Yet, that’s exactly what Hurricane Irene did — or, at least the expectation of it. It got everyone on the same page.

As a result, there was a small window between late last night (Saturday, 8/27/2011) and early this morning (Sunday, 8/28/11), whereby all was quiet; not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; or, so it seemed. Mother Nature got everyone in line, and kept everyone indoors.

I did some practice — both late last night and early this morning — during this window of quiet. What a wonderful thing to live in an area as developed as Park Slope and not hear a plane, a helicopter, a truck, a car, a dog, or even a pedestrian. Yes, I was observing Her majesty, in quiet stillness and reflection. What wonder! What majesty!

Perhaps, our society can use more opportunities to stay in and reconnect; if not with ourselves, at least with those we care for.

In awe of the elemental forces!
Vivekan

Group ShotAll photos by Lucy Kalantari

This past Friday through Sunday (August 12-14, 2011), I led my 3^rd annual Bodhisattva Yogic Bliss in the Catskills summer weekend retreat. Over the years, I have led a fair share of retreats; and although each have been unique, fortunately all of my retreats have been really good.

Fun in the Jacuzzi

However, this group was so fabulous that it was probably my favorite retreat so far. Jess & I got to work with really great, open, intelligent, interested, and friendly retreat guests. Moreover, and straight from my heart, they also knew how to be festive with responsibility. No one missed any yoga sessions due to late night rocking!

Rockin' in le Trailer

Thanks to all of you who took part in it!

Group hug,
Vivekan & Jess

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.

(To my loyal readers, thank you for your patience… My weekly bit had to lapse a couple of weeks due to studio demands, and more.)

Recently, while reviewing Science Daily articles I stumbled upon one that discussed how even a “small amount of exercise could protect against memory loss” – even among the elderly. This may seem like common knowledge to those in the world of active living. However, the article in question discussed something that was new to me.

What I had not suspected was the fact that long-term memory loss can abruptly occur as a result of an infection, injury, or illness — especially in our advanced years. I never made the connection before reading the study summary on the research led by CU-Boulder Research Associate Ruth Barrientos.

Barrientos and her colleagues found that just a little bit of exercise provides profound protection against brain inflammation and lasting memory impairments that result from a severe infection.

This finding can confer great motivation for us. Life and its demands can lead us to put off our practice. Now, we are armed with yet more knowledge to help motivate us to keep a regular practice. Let Jess & I help you… Enroll now to promote your health and maintain your preventive lifestyle.

In health,
Vivekan

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.

From a young age, I have largely been an optimist. Over the years, I have met many who believed that they were being practical by thinking pessimistically. These individuals even went further and would ridicule me for what they termed my idealism. Well, here’s the beauty of good science…

A recent article in Science Daily, summarizing the findings of research seeking the relationship between optimism and the incidence of stroke cases, offers me sweet satisfaction. The article clarifies by stating, “Optimism is the expectation that more good things, rather than bad, will happen.” Former investigations have indicated that an optimistic attitude correlates to improved heart health, better immune system functioning, and other positive effects; and, this body of research is the first to demonstrate a strong relationship to optimism and stroke.

Eric Kim, lead author of the study, and a clinical psychology doctoral student at the University of Michigan elaborated, “Our work suggests that people who expect the best things in life actively take steps to promote health.” This statement is key, because stroke is the killer #3 in the US, just behind heart disease and cancer.

It is suspected that “the protective effect of optimism may primarily be due to behavioral choices that people make, such as taking vitamins, eating a healthy diet and exercising, researchers said. However, some evidence suggests positive thinking might have a strictly biological impact as well.” This is big news… The implications of that last sentence alone goes well beyond the purview of this post.

In summary, yet again, science is pointing to why exercising regularly boosts health and longevity. Now, it is even affirming my motto of disciplining the mind to avoid its propensity for pessimism, and instead to train the mind to think optimistically.

So, enroll now into any of our classes where, you’ll not only get the comprehensive exercise benefits of practicing yoga, Jess & I are always encouraging positive thinking.

In health,
Vivekan

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.

Childhood Dream to Work With Turtles

This past week, I came upon the opportunity to volunteer for a turtle conservation and research outfit in Queens. Ironically, despite this being the fulfillment of a childhood dream, I almost talked myself out of it. How could I almost talk myself out of this chance to work closely with conservation biologist, Dr. Russ Burke researching the egg-laying patterns of a dear and charismatic turtle species? Easily.

Who’s Got Time?

First, as co-director of Bodhisattva Yoga, there is a lot that consumes my waking day, seven days a week. Second, in my remaining time, as a yogi, I have to spend 3 – 4 hours a day in some form of yogic discipline. The little bit of time I have left is spent maintaining my wonderful relationship with Jess, eating, and sleeping. Even when I take a walk, or a bike ride in the park, I have to mete out my time to manage it well. So, yes, it was easy for me to almost talk myself out of volunteering in the collection of data on Diamondback Terrapin egg-laying patterns, with Jamaica Bay Terrapin Research and Conservation.

Diamondback Terrapin

However, I knew this was something of a test… Firstly, egg-laying season is almost at an end. So, when I reflected on my schedule, I saw that I could squeeze/tweak it for the next 7 – 10 days left of it. Secondly, I knew that the satisfaction of the experience would far outweigh any immediate inconvenience. Thirdly, this was a chance to put my Bodhisattva aspirations into practice. How could volunteering in this capacity be a bodhisattva activity? I can relate the 6-paramitas (Skt., perfections: generosity, discipline, patience, zeal in effort, mindfulness, and, insight), practices of a bodhisattva, into the motivation behind my volunteer activities.

Transforming Activities With the Paramitas

To volunteer, by its nature, is the offering of one’s valuable time. Volunteering my time, in assisting in the collection of research intended to benefit a species can viewed as dhana (Skt., generosity). Volunteering not only requires time and energy directly related to the task at hand, but getting to and from requires discipline in time management. (In this case, approximately 3 hours round trip, from Park Slope to Jamaica Bay – via train and bike.) Managing one’s commitments and schedule to fit in practices and/or volunteer time requires shila (Skt., discipline).

Whenever one volunteers, there is the almost certain need to practice patience. In my case, there was the need practice kshanti (Skt., patience), both, in waiting for the “A” train, and for spotting the terps (short for terrapins). Commonly, in doing volunteer work, no matter how noble the cause, it is easy to lose one’s enthusiasm. When I thought in advance of the undesirable commute (from Park Slope) to the Jamaica Bay refuge, I had to practice virya (Skt., zeal in effort); it was not easy. Despite their positive motivations and developing-view, aspiring bodhisattvas encounter challenges in carrying out these first four paramitas. That is when the last two of the six perfections really come in to play.

Egg-laying Terrapin

Often one is surprised when new to the paramitas. It is as if they expect the entire Multiverse to conspire in their favor. But, Reality is what it is. It is based on an endless chain of causes and conditions coming together. It does not conspire in favor of one entity over another. Instead, it results from our actions &/or inactions, and of even greater variability, from the actions &/or inactions of others. So, this is when, for me, concentration, and insight required repeated practice.

Moments of potential frustration arose when, after volunteering, I waited ~20-minutes for the “A” train. I had to practice sati (Skt., mindfulness) to keep my mind composed, rather than frustrated. I did this by trying to develop prajña (Skt., insight), as I reflected upon the truth that frustration arises from grasping at my self. There are many ways one can transform their activities into that of a bodhisattva. Hopefully, sharing my volunteer reflections will invite you to take occasion to transform your activities in the spirit of altruism, guided by the paramitas.

Here at Bodhisattva Yoga, you will often be encouraged to practice and reflect upon the paramitas. Enroll now and practice with us…

On the Path,
Vivekan

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.

Chess has been around for centuries. It has been, and continues to be, played and enjoyed by some of the greatest minds that have walked this planet — many of whom have extolled the virtues of playing this classic game.

Although I am not especially good at it, I already see the mental benefits that playing chess regularly provides. The game invites you to: think clearly, consider the consequences of your actions, and sit with reality. Who can’t benefit from these? Moreover, what true yogin doesn’t want these qualities?

online chess

Studies demonstrate that playing chess can provide a host of benefits to, and even prolong, our mental faculties. As a chess-playing yogi, I can attest: Chess is a wonderful complement to any yogic regime. If you like chess, &/or are interested in learning it, GameKnot.com is an excellent place to start. Take a look and share your thoughts after clicking the icon above.

Have fun!
Vivekan

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.

When we discuss the possible dangers of fat in the body, it is helpful to know that not all fat has the same effect upon our health. There is subcutaneous fat, which is just below the skin surface; and, there is visceral fat, which surrounds the vital organs (a.k.a., belly fat). It is this second form of fat, visceral fat, that poses the greatest risk to our health.

Well, according to an article in Science Daily, researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center found that we can minimize this form of fat with regular (3 – 4 times a week), moderate exercise – like we practice here at Bodhisattva Yoga. The researchers also found that adding more fruits, vegetables and beans to our diets – and thereby increasing our soluble fiber intake – can further reduce visceral fat.

The lead researcher on the study, Kristen Hairston, M.D., assistant professor of internal medicine at Wake Forest Baptist states, “We know that a higher rate of visceral fat is associated with high blood pressure, diabetes and fatty liver disease. Our study found that making a few simple changes can have a big health impact.”

What are these changes? To summarize: Increase your fiber intake by eating fiber rich foods, and exercise 3 – 4 times a week.

Take advantage of our online enrollment system, and schedule in advance the classes you intend to take – if possible, at least 3 times a week. We have your mental and physical health in mind. Let us help you.

In health,
Vivekan

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.

My last post involved the sharing of my deliciously decadent, Banana Dreams recipe; and, although today I write more about food, also in the form of fruit, it is not a recipe. Therefore, its enjoyment is even far less time consuming, and truth be said, far healthier. It is about the oft overlooked, though heavily clichéd, mighty apple.

Yes, the trite saying, an apple a day keeps the doctor away, does have some basis in scientific truth. (For more, see my blog post on apple’s benefits from January 2010.) Recently, Science Daily summarized findings from a study on yet more benefits that can be derived from eating apples regularly. As with my former post on apple’s benefits, this research involved a compound found in apple peels, ursolic acid.

Image via: Flickr.com/Abhijit Tembhekar

The study’s findings indicate that ursolic acid can prevent muscle weakening, and even promote muscle growth. This is somewhat revolutionary because such qualities are more the domain of proteins, especially animal proteins.

The weakening and loss of muscle is important, because as we age it becomes more and more difficult to maintain, let alone develop, muscle. Moreover, with the increasingly sedentary lifestyle that many of us lead, muscle loss is a grim reality. Further, many practitioners are interested in a vegetarian/vegan diet (which is entirely noble!), but such diets tend to accelerated the loss of muscle. So, this finding, on the ability of apples to maintain and even develop muscle tissue, is very promising.

On that note, if you haven’t already, put the Twinkie down and grab an apple instead. They’re great as a snack, or part of a yogin’s meal. Generally, you can enjoy an apple and still take class with only an hour window in between.

In health,
Vivekan

Hey folks, a lot of you have told us that our 7-Point Seated Posture How-To video was helpful. Thanks!

Well, until our next How-To or Tips video is produced and public, today we are posting a video summarizing the 7-Point Seated Posture. Feel free to Share/Fav/Like the video, &/or subscribe to our Bodhisattva Yoga Channel. Let us know your thoughts…

Cheers,
Vivekan