Tri-Valley Awake

List of Foods High in Iodine...(in case you fear radiation poisoning)

Leena St. Michael — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 19:57:00 GMT

Whether you fear radiation poisoning or not, most of these (see list below) are good foods to include in your diet which are high in iodine AND...of course...are good for building a healthy immune system.

Dr. Yashashree Mannur--Ayurvedic Medicine --of Fremont, CA, suggests that the best way to build a healthy immune system and minimize/prevent radiation damage is to drink (22-24k gold boiled in water) gold water and include ghee in your diet as it is the most pure food.

Dr. Mei Jen Weng--Chinese Medicine--suggests kelp/seaweed.

ALL suggest continual prayer!!! as most important.

From the book FOODS THAT HEAL by Dr. Bernard Jensen:

Top of the list: kelp and dulse (Nova Scotia), then...
Agar, Artichokes, Asparagus,
Bass, Beans, Blueberries, Brussel Sprouts,
Cardamom, Carrots, Chervil, Chives, Coconut, Cucumber,
Eggplant, Fish, Fish roe, Garlic, Goat cottage cheese, Goat milk/whey, Green peppers, Green turtle
Haddock, Halibut, Herring,
Kale
Leaf lettuce, Loganberries
Mustard greens
Oats, steel cut, Okra, Onions--green and dried, Oysters raw
Peanuts, perch, Pike, Potatoes--sweet/white
Quail
Rutabaga
Salsify (that's what it said...)
Seaweed, Silver salmon, Sole, Spinach, Strawberries, Swiss Chard
Tofu, tomato--ripe, Trout, Tuna, Turnips, turnip greens
Watercress, Watermelon

And the Yogi of the Month Award goes to President Barrack Obama

Leena St. Michael — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 21:56:00 GMT

--The Arizona Eulogy and Patanjali Yoga Sutra I:33

If Jon Stewart was a yogi (and maybe he is!) he'd say that Obama "Nailed it" on Wednesday night in that packed Tucson, Arizona university gym.

Yoga is often described as right action, right place, right time and right attitude. President Barack Obama gets my "Yogi of the Month" award for the eulogy he gave in Tucson, Arizona last night. Whether he knew it or not, it was a well-timed, sincere teaching and example of Patanjali's Yoga Sutra, Book I: 33.

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali forms the basis of Classical Yoga. It is one of the six major philosophies "darshanas" (views/visions) of India. The word darshanas reflects that these timeless truths are not just beliefs to be adopted, they are eternal principles which, like gravity, are seen, revealed or experienced by spiritual masters. Sutra (Sanskrit for "thread") 33 offers four keys to keep one calm and serene at all times:

"The mind becomes serene by the cultivation of feelings of love for the happy, compassion for the suffering, delight for the virtuous, and indifference for the non-virtuous." --translation from Sanskrit by Baba Hari Dass, Master Yogi, Mount Madonna Center, Watsonville, CA

"Love for the happy"

President Obama detailed every bit of positive news to turn our focus towards loving kindness and appreciation for small blessings in the Arizona shooting tragedy; breaking the news to the world that Representative Gifford opened her eyes just before the event. He pointed out how many truly good people were on the scene at "Congress on your corner" to gather with peaceably assemble in accordance with the United States Constitution. From the speech text: "Our hearts are broken, and yet, our hearts also have reason for fullness. Our hearts are full of hope and thanks for the 13 Americans who survived the shooting, including the congresswoman ..."

Happiness is contagious. When we are happy for those experiencing good fortune, we lift our attitude and cultivate even more happiness.

"Compassion for the suffering" Obama voiced the nation's and his personal sorrow and compassion for all who are suffering loss. First Lady Michelle Obama held the hand of Gifford's husband on behalf of the entire nation. Obama noted that Democrats, Republicans and a judicial appointment of President Bush were slain. From the text of the speech: "We may ask ourselves if we've shown enough kindness and generosity and compassion to the people in our lives." Compassion opens the heart to greater love and transforming wisdom.

"Delight for the virtuous"

Obama honored the heroes; ordinary citizens who stopped the shoot. A petite white-haired woman, instead of running, literally wrestled ammunition out of the shooter's hands! He spoke of the husbands who threw their bodies over their beloved spouse's to save their lives. He recognized all who tended to the wounded. He celebrated the virtues of the victims who died-and, oh my, what a virtuous bunch. From the speech text: "I want our democracy to be as good as Christina imagined it. I want America to be as good as she imagined it".

President Obama then appealed to each of us to be virtuous: "Heroism is here, in the hearts of so many of our fellow citizens, all around us, just waiting to be summoned." He invited self-examination: "Perhaps we question whether we're doing right by our children, or our community, whether our priorities are in order."

Sutra I:33 invites us to cultivate friendships and celebrate relationships with those who are doing good works. Consider working one hour every day for charity without desire of reward. Yogis call it "seva", selfless service. For those who are "unemployed", nothing gives a sense of empowerment and leads to prosperity like donating time and talent to charitable projects. If one is in good health, there is never a need to be "un-employed". And prospective employers like to see that someone is industrious. On a personal note, I have found new employment and new students while engaged in community service.

"Indifference for the non-virtuous"

Obama recognized that there are many factors contributing to the violent shooting which do need public discourse. From the speech: "But at a time when our discourse has become so sharply polarized...at a time when we are far too eager to lay the blame for all that ails the world at the feet of those who happen to think differently than we do...it's important for us to pause for a moment and make sure that we're talking with each other in a way that heals, not in a way that wounds."

A local peace group sent me an invitation to a lovely peace vigil after the Arizona shooting. The email heading was "Fight the violence". On Facebook, a friend encouraged people to "send Sarah Palin a message!". Really? Today, our language, TV and movies are filled with violence. In 6th grade we learn to make outlines using "bullet points". Today, when something is really good, we might say, "It's the bomb!"

From Obama's speech: "As we discuss these issues, let each of us do so with a good dose of humility. Rather than pointing fingers or assigning blame, let's use this occasion to expand our moral imaginations, to listen to each other more carefully, to sharpen our instincts for empathy and remind ourselves of all the ways that our hopes and dreams are bound together."

It is easy to focus on the drama of tragedy and evildoers, but, as Master Yogi Baba Hari Dass councils, any time we watch violence, listen to hate speech or play violent video games, our mind and tendencies becomes more violent. Science confirms that brain does not know if an image is true or false, it just makes impressions.

Whatever we place our attention on expands. Arguing or fighting against something creates more friction, fire and discord. When we think we are at the mercy of evil, we lose power and become victims. Conversely, actively seeking and aligning ourselves with happy and virtuous people creates more happiness, virtue, calm and serenity.

Dr. Michael Beckwith, founder of the Association for Global New Thought says, "Trying to figure out the mind of a crazy person will make you crazy."

Did you notice, Rep. Gifford's name is Gabrielle and is also the name of one of the victims? Angel Gabriel is heralded in Jewish, Christian and Muslim scriptures as the messenger of God. Consider meditating on what messages this tragedy is giving you, now. What would your life be like if you were more loving for the happy, compassionate towards the suffering, delighted for the virtuous and indifferent to the non-virtuous?

Om tat sat

Namaste:

Blame and Big Oil--How Your Mental State Is Effecting The Gulf Oil/Gas Crisis

Leena St. Michael — Sun, 16 May 2010 22:13:00 GMT

Blame and shame create the lowest and least creative energetic states, according to results of experiments using applied kinesiology reported in Power vs. Force by ________. There is an amazing chart of each assigned a point value from 0-1,000. Blame and shame weigh in at a score of about 50. Unconditional love: 700. Peace: 8-900. Jesus/Buddha consciousness: 1,000.

At the blame/shame end of the consciousness scale there is no love, no peace and certainly (to harken back to the Rolling Stones...No Satisfaction. Particularly crucial, there is no creativity. And, as we all know, we have ventured into unknown territory and we need access to the highest inspiration, innovation and Divine wisdom, NOW.

There is a difference between assigning responsibility and holding one accountable for actions.

When you find yourself in agitated and angry water cooler, coffee klatche or dinnertime conversation about those horrible big corporations:

Stop it. Stop it right now. It doesn't help.
Weep in sadness to release the pressure held in the body and clogging up the mind. (I have a story about this, below)
Send every type of good thought, prayer and chant to all working to minimize the damage every time you think about it.
Consider setting an additional time every day to meditation envisioning immediate and healing solutions.
Only watch the news to the extent that you can raise your mental/emotional state to one of compassion and creatity.
Turn your conversations and personal creativity to ways to reduce your personal dependence on oil and natural gas. Dear ones, if we didn't demand it, the companies wouldn't make a profit on it or have to go so far off-shore to find it. Remember, the off-shore oil drilling is one way to reduce our wars in other countries. Either way, its now particularly clear that the unceasing demand for oil has become deadly in just about every way...all around the world.
Yes, we have to look at our addiction to comfort, convenience and instant gratification,
4. For those in the Tri-Valley, encourage our home-based Chevron leadership to give their ALL to help in the Gulf of Mexico disaster. And thank them for the assistance they are providing. Personally, I have yoga students, friends and neighbors who work for Chevron.

How to Keep Vertebral Discs Keep Happy and Healthy

Leena St. Michael — Sun, 16 May 2010 22:02:00 GMT

Yogis have known throughout the ages that spinal health is one of the most important components of health and quality of life. Most all yoga asanas (postures) facilitate spinal health.

There are 23 discs between each vertebrae of the vertebral column. These discs, filled with gelatinous material, provide cushion and support to help one to move easily in all directions. After age thirty, they receive no direct blood supply, yet they are 80% water. As we age, the discs dry out which can lead to problems.

So, how do we rejuvenate and prolong the life of our spinal discs?

Movement does it, by a process called imbibition.

“Imbibition, from the verb “to imbibe or to drink” …describes the action of the disc passively taking up fluid from the surrounding tissue. Movement causes the disc to absorb fluids. By bending forward, backward, sideways or twisting, pressure on one side of the disc causes the other side of the disc to take up the fluids passively, which helps them stay plump and healthy.” Yogabody—Anatomy, Kinesiology and Asana, by Judith Hanson Lasater, PhD., P.T., founder of Yoga Journal Magazine.

Here’s how it works: When one bends forward, there is pressure on the front side of the disc. At the same time, the posterior (back) side is receiving fluid. When one bends the spine to the right, the right side of the disc is compressed and the left side is passively taking in fluid, keeping it plump and healthy.

Yoga practice is an effective way to move the column safely: extending the life of the discs and maintaining range and ease of spinal mobility. Yoga exercises can be modified for all levels of range of motion, location and available time. One can do them while sitting, standing, laying down and even while seated in a chair at work. If one is injured, there is also some benefit to visualizing these movements as though one had a healthy spine.

Ask Leena or other qualified yoga teachers for the yoga asanas that are appropriate for you. Important: Before embarking on a program of yoga or if you have back pain, check with your doctor/chiropractor Make sure to tell your teachers your restrictions and limitations. Avoid "competetive yoga". ALWAYS practice within a pain-free range of motion.

Namaste:

Leena St. Michael, E-RYT200, RYT500

CCCC Yoga Teacher

Leena teaches five drop-in yoga classes a week at CCCC for fitness and golf members and series classes through Town of Danville Recreation Department. There are classes for all types of bodies and abilities. This summer, she teaches summer yoga programs for teens/pre-teens and youth swim teams and a special summer sunset meditation series on Tuesday evenings. Leena is available for private yoga and meditation sessions, family sessions, corporate programs and yoga parties (including children’s birthday parties) at CCCC. To schedule a sprivateession or series, call Leena at 925.200.5130
For public classes check Danville's Summer Activity Guide
For CCCC members, call the club and leave a message with Christina Doell.

Yogis, Yoga Teachers and Yoga Books I Love

Leena St. Michael — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:57:00 GMT

A Systematic Course in the Ancient Tantric Techniques of Yoga and Kriya by Swami Satyananda Saraswati (Hardcover - Dec. 1, 2004) (I call this "The Book of All Knowledge")

B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga: The Path to Holistic Health by B. K. S. Iyengar (Hardcover - Dec. 17, 2007)

Light on Yoga: The Bible of Modern Yoga... by B. K. S. Iyengar and Yehudi Menuhin (Paperback - Jan. 3, 1995)

Yogabody: Anatomy, Kinesiology, and Asana by Judith Lasater (Paperback - May 1, 2009)

Yoga Abs: Moving from Your Core by Judith Lasater (Paperback - Feb. 10, 2005)

Ashtanga Yoga Primer by Baba Hari Dass, Karuna K. Ault, and Steven Jones (Paperback - Oct. 1981)

(All by Baba Hari Dass. I particularly recommend his works on Patanjali's Yoga Sutras)

Scientific Keys Volume I: The Key Muscles of Hatha Yoga by Ray Long and Chris MacIvor (Spiral-bound - Jan. 1, 2006)

Scientific Keys Vol. II: The Key Poses of Hatha Yoga by Ray Long and Chris Macivor (Spiral-bound - Feb. 15, 2008)

Autobiography of a Yogi : Includes Bonus CD by Paramahansa Yogananda (Paperback - June 1, 2006)

(All books from this great yogi who was one of first to bring the science of yoga to the West.)

All books of Amma, Mata Amritanandamayi

Online: YogaToday.com and YogaJournal.com

DVD Teachers I Appreciate:
Seane Corn
Shiva Rae
Baron Baptiste

The Yoga of Avatar

Leena St. Michael — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 07:13:00 GMT

Oh, I LOVED Avatar!

Avatar was Pocahontas and Dances with Wolves in Star Trek meets Matrix III in 3D-HD Fantasia.

Though there was a degree of violence I could do without, the fantastic creation of the planet world of Pandora was beyond imagination: It was inspired original thought.

Quite a ride. But I digress...There is a profound yogic teaching to explore.

When the main characters, Jake and Neytiri would greet each other, they would gaze into the other's eyes long enough to deeply connect and experience each other at a soul level. Then each would say, "I see you".

In 3D, I experienced:

I see you.

I recognize You.

I feel our Oneness.

I breath your essence.

I honor your unique being.

I appreciate who and what you are for I appreciate the who I am that can see you. It takes one to know one.

I accept you for who you are...especially for who you are regardless of physical appearance, possessions, birth or social status.

This is "Namaste", chanted at the close of nearly every yoga class on the planet.

Namas: I bow to...I honor...I pay homage...

Te: To you.

The Divine, the Light that is who and what I am honors and appreciates that Divine, that Light that you are.

I don't want to give away the plot, so...when you see Avatar, perhaps for the second time, notice that Neytiri and Jake always connect in that profound "I see you" regardless of circumstance, race or physical condition.

Imagine greeting everyone with this same "I see you".

Imagine greeting all of nature in this manner; expressing dominion as a father protects and honors his children, wife, parents and home with a profound abiding love.

Breathe...

This is Namaste. This is yoga.

I see you.

Leena

Leena St. Michael, E-RYT, RYT500 teaches Classical Ashtanga/Hatha yoga in the Monterey and San Francisco Bay Areas. She is an ordained Interfaith Minister, professional hospital chaplain and Global Heart Practitioner of spiritual sciences. For classes, information or prayer go to www.OmPeace.com or her web-logTri-Valley Awake! at www.tvawake.com.

10 Ways to Improve Your Yoga Practice----Breathe and Align, First.

Leena St. Michael — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 05:06:00 GMT

Popular yogi Seane Corn says, “If you are breathing evenly and not compromising your body in yoga, your practice is brilliant.”

Brilliant. Not average. Not “challenged”. Brilliant.

Why? There are several important reasons:

1. Ahimsa (non-harming) is the primary precept of yoga. Think “safety first”. As in all sports or exercise, there is risk. When we’re conscious in the moment with the intention of ahimsa, we’re less likely to experience injury.

2. When one is aware of the incoming and outgoing breath, one is present in the moment; conscious of pain, peace or out-of-balance.

3. Almost all styles of Ashtanga/Hatha yoga increase the flow of prana, or life force, in your body.

4. The process of “breathing through a pose” dissolves pranic blockages.

5. Blocks in life force energy, on gross and subtle levels, cause low energy, pain and dis-ease. The American Medical Association has even declared that 70-90% of all disease is caused from tension/stress.

6. When our body is in alignment, the breath, which is the conduit of prana, flows smoothly, improving peace and health. This is a major reason why our everyday sitting and standing posture is critical to good health.

7. The parasympathetic nervous system is nurtured and strengthened by calm even breathing. The parasympathetic nervous system regulates blood pressure, heart rate, immune system, digestion and more. Our Western life-style and exercise philosophy focuses on the sympathetic nervous system, sometimes to the neglect of the health of the parasympathetic nervous system.

How Does One Safely Approach Yoga Asana (posture) Practice?

Focus on alignment, first. Range-of-motion, second.

10 Tips to Improve Alignment and Deepen Range-of-motion:

1. Foremost, follow your teacher’s instructions on alignment. Ask for modifications or adjustments.

2. Use props to facilitate proper alignment.

3. Breathe evenly with mouth closed while holding or exploring the posture.

4. Avoid comparisons with other students or striving to look like the yogi on the DVD. There is no one “better” than another. There is only the journey of self-discovery to experience you in the asana (pose) that day in that moment. In fact, you may even have a greater range-of-motion or better alignment than the teacher.

5. Seek your range-of-motion “frontier” and breathe with acceptance, compassion and curiosity. You may notice that exploration of engaging or releasing muscle tension, increases the range-of-motion.

6. Consider private sessions. CCCC member Rita “I appreciate the individual attention; having your body gently urged into the posture gives your muscles a memory of what is to be achieved.”

7. Did I mention—breathe?

8. Don’t be surprised if emotions surface. We carry issues in our tissues. This may signify release of pranic blockage. Face it. Feel it. Forget it. Sometimes one can release of blocked emotion that would take years of therapy to unearth. If disturbing material arises, consider professional support including private yoga to facilitate release. An emotional release may be followed by greater range-of-motion or ease in alignment.

9. Back off range-of-motion or support alignment with props immediately if there is any joint pain or “bad pain”. See if you can find small ways of relaxing or engaging muscles to make micro adjustments and find “the peace in the pose”.

10. Patience, patience, patience. Realize that coming into alignment and balance in the body and mind is an ongoing process with ups and downs, comfort and discomfort.

CCCC tennis player, Barbara Wibbelsman: “I have always been out of alignment. My hiking buddies can pick me out on the mountain by how I walk. I have recently discovered yoga and I am loving it! The private time with Leena helps me understand how yoga postures are deeply realigning my body. She supports me to be gentle and patient through the process of change. My balance has already greatly improved. It’s wonderful to know that, as a great grandmother at age 72, there will be long term benefits to my practice. I’m sticking with it.”

Namaste:

Leena St. Michael, E-RYT200, RYT500

CCCC Yoga Teacher

Photo: CCCC student Alice Anthony coached into alignment in revolved trikonasana with Leena

Leena is available for private yoga and meditation sessions, family sessions, corporate programs and yoga parties at CCCC. To schedule a session or series, call Leena at 925.200.5130 or call CCCC and leave a message with Christina Doell.

89-Year's Young Yoga Teacher Still Teaching in Bay Area (Watch Video!)

Leena St. Michael — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:36:00 GMT

Local M. A. Center on Crow Canyon Road (U. N. NGO) to Collect Relief Supplies and Funds for Haiti--Volunteer Opportunities Available

Leena St. Michael — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 19:23:00 GMT

If you would like to physically help alleviate the suffering of injured and traumatized Haitians and give, now, the M. A. Center at 10200 Crow Canyon Road has a major established collection program for medical supplies and regularly distributes these to hospitals in India and other charitable organizations.

The M. A. Center is part of a U.N. designated NGO (approved non-governmental organization.

Here is the announcement posted today at amma.org

Haiti Relief Efforts

January 15, 2010

In response to the deepening crisis in earthquake-ravaged Haiti, Amma announced a plan to provide relief there. In the United States, Embracing the World volunteers based at M.A. Center are already rushing to assemble boxes of clothing and medical goods—surgical supplies, first aid kits, and ambulatory aids like canes and walkers—for immediate shipment to Haiti.

Simultaneously, Amma has directed Br. Dayamrita Chaitanya to travel to Haiti with a small team of medical advisors to assess conditions on the ground. Br. Dayamrita’s team will explore avenues for Embracing the World to make a meaningful long-term contribution to the recovery effort. Click here to find out how you can help.

In Amritapuri, Amma led several thousand people in a prayer for the peace of the departed souls, for those who have suffered injuries and devastating material losses, and for the mental strength and peace of mind of those who have lost their loved ones.

Amma’s charities worldwide are now known collectively as Embracing the World. In the United States, Embracing the World projects are managed by M.A. Center, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in San Ramon, California. Embracing the World’s contributions to the Haiti Relief effort will also be managed by M.A. Center.

_______________________________

In the 30 days following the Asian Tsunami, the M. A. Center and community volunteers sent two full containers to disaster areas.

--Keep peaceful for the peace of those who are so greatly suffering. Count your blessings. Stop complaining. Get active. You are needed.

Love and light: Leena

Being the Healing Presence: Five Ways Yogis Can Be the Epicenter of Peace for Haitians, Chileans and Turks, Now.

Leena St. Michael — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:12:00 GMT

LESSONS FROM KATRINA AND THE GREAT TSUNAMI...

1. Send money and send it quickly to the agencies with the most experience in catastrophic response and the most inroads to the people, government and culture of a country. So, right now, text: 90999. Write: HAITI in the message space. Click: send. This will immediately put $10 on your phone bill as a donation to the Red Cross. The transfer is quick and there is no phone company fee. There are local funds for various countries. Take 3 minutes--Google and text away. Even a small contribution immediately increases the flow of good energetically. There is enough. We can all sacrifice one lunch or a couple of lattes to save lives.

2. The Red Cross: I worked with the Red Cross after Katrina. I found their training, knowledge and compassionate care superb. The networks set up for Katrina and the vast physical "machinery" of specially trained and experienced volunteers are already established across the nation and especially in the Southeast United States. It will be easier to mobilize quickly with skilled responders to support Haitian refugees and family members.

3. DO NOT WATCH TV COVERAGE UNLESS you can view with an attitude of prayer. The photos and videos are showing you the people to pray for. If you start to feel overwhelmed, depressed or anxious then turn the TV off and turn to your toolbox of yoga: Play peaceful and spiritually uplifting music. Chant or say prayers. Meditate. List everything you are grateful for in the moment. Do a few sun salutations, warrior poses, slow twists or deep restorative poses. Remember, the brain makes an imprint of everything. Many images of nature's violence and human's trauma can lower your energy. It is most important that we keep a consciousness of lov, fearlessness and compassion. We are the ones who are needed to lift the consciousness and hold a vision of faith for the survivors. It is not helpful to repeat thoughts of how awful and terrible and filling up with negative images unless you use them for blessings and as a yogic practice of compassion. As Amma said after the Asian Tsunami that the dead are OK. They are out of pain. We must focus on caring for the survivors. This will take a ji-normous amount of positive energy.

4. Notice your emotions and let them flow through you. It is abnormal not to have deep sadness, anger... Use the emotions to take you to creative compassionate action instead of depression. If the losses trigger unhealed personal losses, get support.

4. Find where your time and talents are needed. Every Wednesday and Saturday the public is invited to help sort and pack donated medical supplies for shipment to hospitals that treat the poor and destitute in India at the M. A. Center on Crow Canyon Road (part of the M. A. Math United Nations NGO). This help is always needed. Selfless service increases positive qualities and tendencies. For information on disaster relief activities: www.amma.org/humanitarian-activities/disaster-relief/disasterrelief.html.
I will also find out if we will mobilize an effort for Haiti in particular and get back with you

Om lokah samisthah sukhinoh bhavantu.
May all beings in all the worlds be happy and peaceful. Every time you think of a disaster or traumatic situation, close your eyes, repeat this phrase (or your favorite prayer) and send out a wave of peace.

Namaste: Leena

The Importance of Honoring Rites of Passage When We Achieve Our Goals--True In-Spiration

Leena St. Michael — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:56:00 GMT

I just completed Yoga Teacher Training 500 hour program at Mt. Madonna Center, the internationally respected yoga training center which is home of master yogi Baba Hari Dass.

On January 1st, I was presented with certification which qualifies me for RYT500 (Registered Yoga Teacher 500) status via Yoga Alliance. (yogaalliance.org). I completed the program on October 13th. For two months, I awaited a letter, certificate, email...something that verified that I had indeed satisfactorily completed the program. Usually, the director answers my communications promptly but this time, for two months, my queries went unanswered. Nada.

I admit...I entertained a few worries like-they didn't think I was 500level material or that standards had changed and I needed even more hours or experience. I kept surrendering to...whatever...

When I arrived for the New Year's yoga retreat, all my concerns were quickly vanquished. Kamalesh,the head of the program found me and greeted me with reassurances thatI definitely passed and she just wanted to find a pretty certificate for me. On New Year's morning, she found me in the hall. She had printed out the certificate and proceeded to sign it in my presence...and then she gave me a warm hug with congratulations. She told me she considered me part of the Mt. Madonna teaching staff...and I burst into tears of joy Then, the head of the Mt. Madonna Institutealso found me and congratulated me with another big hug.

Both Kamalesh and Ratna said exactly the same thing: "You really worked hard".

I graduated in the summer of 1975 from Florida State University. There is no summer graduation ceremony, so all I got was a piece of parchment in a cardboard tube. Mt. Madonna Institute could have just mailed me a nice certificate with a letter and been done with it. But,taking the time to wait until I could be there in person for that small personal ritual did something...transformed something in me...that just the receipt of a piece of paper could not. Those few moments of acknowledgment marked an important rite of passage.

The comment that "I really worked hard" inspires me to reflect and acknowledge the transformation from the very casual and self-conscious practitioner in Yoga Teacher Training 200 to full-time teacher. In YTT200 in 2006 I couldn't do a headstand. I couldn't do chataranga dandasana, I couldn't balance in crow pose and I would fall over in pyramid pose. My body always hurt, my shoulders were locked in a slump and I could barely touch my toes in paschimotanasana (seated forward bend). I lacked self-confidence. I was flabby and tired all the time. I had a burning (closet) desire to teach yet I did not trust my voice.

The "final exam" for this piece of work came during that retreat when I was asked to teach four asana classes. Though I am used to teaching large classes, I'm not used to teaching a room full of practicing yogis and yoga teachers. Mt. Madonna has an international reputation for excellence in yoga teaching, so the pressure was on.

As it turned out, I felt at-home. Later, I heard there was a positive "buzz" about my classes and many wanted more. I was "enough".

I'm grateful that my teachers took the time to present me my certificate personally instead of just mailing it. The precious moments gave me the opportunity for a much needed in-breath to experience the fullness of the achievement. It is a little pause at the top of the mountain before starting to climb that next peak. It helps me remember why I do all that hard work. It gives me strength and momentum to keep setting intentions and working hard every day to achieve them.

This year, consider how you might insert rituals of appreciation in your life. How might a small celebration of a goal literally "in-spire" you, your family or co-workers?

Namaste: Leena

Are We Living Our Bumperstickers? Priceless story. :)

Leena St. Michael — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:06:00 GMT

A man was being tailgated by a stressed- out woman on a busy boulevard. Suddenly, the light turned yellow just in front of him. He did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection.

The tailgating woman was furious and honked her horn, screaming in frustration, as she missed her chance to get through the intersection, dropping her cell phone and makeup.

As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer. The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up.

He took her to the police station where she was searched, fingerprinted, photographed, and placed in a holding cell. After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects.

He said, 'I'm very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping off the guy in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him. I noticed the 'What Would Jesus Do bumper sticker, the 'Choose Life' license plate holder, the 'Follow Me to Sunday-School' bumper sticker, and the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk. Naturally...I assumed you had stolen the car.'

In Times of War-- Don't Complain. Be The Warrior.

Leena St. Michael — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:36:00 GMT

Blessings!
The other night, after Obama's Afghanistan speech, a student came to class crestfallen. Her son-in-law who had served in Iraq may now be sent to Afghanistan. She wanted to work on her warrior poses. As we practiced, I was again reminded of the uplifting power of the postures for grounding, strength, focus, balance and courage.

Whatever our political views, it is important to breathe the true warrior spirit and be beacons of fearlessness, truth and right action in our families. It is also important to support our leaders or take steps to actively influence leadership or work towards better leadership. Maybe all of the above.

Warriors don't complain. They serve. Feel the breath moving through the warrior poses. There is no possibility of complaining when in warrior pose. A wise yogi said: Complaining is an ineffective way of getting what you want. Complaining is a resignation that one cannot get what one wants.

By the end of our session, our hearts had filled with hope, possibility and resolve. As fear and depression subsided, this grandmother realized her mission: To hold a fearless space of courage and compassion for her family. To be the most that she could be in the midst of this situation.

The next time you feel like complaining or like the whole world is crumbling around you, find warrior pose (Viravidrasana I, II or III). Breathe and find how the breath flows through the pose. Keep practicing until you feel courageous.

Love and light: Leena
Photo: Three yogini warriors who take classes through Town of Danville at lucy during a recent Fitness Friday: Christine-front, Jan-center, Laura-back.

14 Ways Too Brighten Your Inner Light During the Darkest Time of the Year

Leena St. Michael — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:28:00 GMT

Happy Peaceful Joyous season of light!

And…if I can just make it through til December 21^st when it starts getting lighter, again!

This morning, Danville was blanketed in snow down to 350 feet. The weather report at Tri-Valley Awake (tvawake.com) reported 36 degrees at 8:30am and that it felt like 36 degrees. Yes, it sure did. It is still white on the hill tops at noon!

My Mom always reminds me: If it is to be, its up to me.

Here is my list for cultivating light from within when it’s so dark and cold, outside.

Put up the twinkle lights inside and out. If you have a tree, make it a live one and plant it in the ground after the holidays.
Brew up warm and cozy smells in the house by simmering mulling spices of cinnamon, clove, ginger and cardamom.
Make hearty speecy-spicy soups for warmth. Use several kinds of peppers, chilies and ginger to clear the sinuses and keep the fire in the belly for good digestion.
Limit sweets that cultivate damp and cool within…and calories that make fat without!
Light candles—and remember to set them up safely and blow them out. J
Take hot baths with mineral salts If you get cold feet, periodically soak your feet in hot water.
Get aerobic! Do sun salutations, walk, run, bike. Go deeper into energizing standing poses like the warrior series.
Chant AUM. Aum has both heating and cooling properties. Monk initiates used to be tested by taking them out into the snow and having them chant Aum until they were sweating.
Wear warm socks and slippers around the house. Wear hats. We lose about 10% of body heat through the top of our head. Insulate.
Make something! If you feel depressed: Express!
Write cards and emails of gratitude and love to warm your heart and the hearts of those you love.
Meditate on light within the heart. Group meditations increase the glow by a multiple of the number of people in the group. J
Play music to lift the spirits…Turn on your favorite music that gets your feet moving and your heart singing.
Drink hot liquids throughout the day…See Bhavani’s Instant Chai below:

Bhavani’ Instant Chai

All spices are ground. Here is the ratio she uses. Modify to taste. Keep in an airtight container. Add hot milk and honey or sweetner to taste. You might also brew with your favorite black or green tea or drink caffeine-free. A real taste treat and tummy warmer!

They Were Only 18...And They Put a Man on the Moon...

Leena St. Michael — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:00:00 GMT

When President John F. Kennedy declared the intention to put a human onthe moon in 10 years and bring them back safely, we did in eight yearsand two months.

The average age of the NASA systems launch team members on that historic mission was 26.

They were 18 when they heard JFK's speech.

--per a recent speech of Vice President and Nobel Peace Price winner Al Gore.

Your child is creating the future, now. Nurture them, give them tools...and get out of their way!!!

Namaste: Leena

Musi, Props and Gifts for the Yogi

Leena St. Michael — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:14:00 GMT

Now that you or loved one goes a little deeper into yoga practice (or you wish they would )))))!...Here are some of my favorite yoga accessories, gifts and music...

Oblong bolsters
by Hugger Mugger--check for recent sales!
Oblong bolsters for youth by Hugger Mugger--check sales online!
--We use Hugger Mugger bolsters at Mt. Madonna Center where they are used several times a day. I like the oblong shape--greater support and versitility. Excellent quality.

Yoga Bricks
-- I like the Hugger Mugger cork bricks. They are sturdy and safe with gentle rounded edges and...organic material. Be sure to buy two of them for practice with arm balances, quad-opening lunges...and...even some restorative poses.

Lord Krishna's Cuisine: The Art of Indian Vegetarian Cooking (Hardcover)

You don't have to do yoga to love Indian food! With 799 pages and beautiful illustrations, it's the Better Homes and Gardens of Indian Vegetarian cooking. In fact, it's on MY wish list this year! Just Google the title. There are good deals on Amazon.

BeInJoy Yoga Mats and Knee/Wrist Cushions

These mats are, to me the state of yoga for yoga mats. I have been using these mats for two and a half years and will continue to do so...and to recommend them for the yoga practitioner who needs extra cushion with stability and beauty. You can now get them at lucy and....I hope you'll order them online and put my name in the special instructions box--because it helps me to keep studying and teaching full time. Read about what I look for in a mat and get ordering instructions, here, on my site, OmPeace.com.

Eye Pillows

--For that mid-day cat-nap or shavasana, an eye pillow is a luxury that will soon become a necessity. Consider an eye pillow filled partially with dried lavendar. Make sure to buy one with a cover that is washable. I have several for sale with covers and stuffed with dried lavendar from Amma's garden at the M. A. Center which I harvested and dried.

Private Yoga Sessions

Get the personal attention you deserve, go beyond your limitations with loving support, receive coaching for developing a home practice or healing from an injury. Invest in a private series with your whole family, parent, spouse, child or loved one. Give a gift certificate to a dear friend. I usually offer private sessions at Crow Canyon Country Club or I can come to your home. At CCCC we now have gift certificates for $120 for non-members to come for 6 group yoga classes. (Who knows, maybe they will decide to join!)
Just email me via my contact form at OmPeace.com.

Music for Yoga--from Hip Hop to Healing Chants

Elephant Power by M. C. Yogi Yoga hip-hop! Raps about Ghandhi, Ganesh, and more.
Om Mani Padme Hom, Heart Sutra, Medicine Buddha Dharani and...everything by Imee Ooi. Her music is played during programs of the Dalai Lama and Buddhist Relic tours. Listen to Imee Ooi, now.
Ahimsa by Benjamin Dowling, available on CDBaby. This is the music I playwith my One Minute Peacemakers. Ahimsa, non-harming, is the most important virtue
Eternal Om....a classic, just Google. 60 minutes of OMmmmmmmm
Shamanic Dream...a classic of healing environmental music pioneer, Anugama. Sample all and pick your favorite.
Golden Bowls and Golden Bowls of Compassion by Karma Moffett Clear, resonant, transcendent. Deeply relaxing.

Captain Sully Interviewed on The Daily Show---Our HomeTown Hero!

Leena St. Michael — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:12:00 GMT

What a yogi! Right Action, Right Time, Right Place--Do as much good as possible with the gifts and opportunities you have been given.

Update: Capt. Sulley was honored by the American Red Cross at Crow Canyon Country Club in early November and thanks to the club GM, Michael Rood, I got to take some video of him during his acceptance speech. He had me in tears!--Leena

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Chesley Sullenberger

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Political Humor

Health Care Crisis

Evolving Women--Free 14 weekly tele-conferences with more than 15,000 women and men around the world!

Leena St. Michael — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 20:24:00 GMT

Who are we as women?

When we feel depressed, do we understand it is a signal that we have something important to express?
What is our role in the massive transformation of this planet? How do we live our soul's fullest purpose of love and service? What is the world of science telling us about consciousness and what is possible? Where can we connect locally and globally to women (and men!) of want to explore the power of intention for our greatest good?

Join more than 15,000 women each week from around the world all participating in 14 free teleconferences from leading women visionaries and consciousness/spiritual leaders.

I listened to a recording of the first teleconference from last week with Barbara Marx Hubbard and Lynn McTaggart and was uplifted and inspired. Today, I listened to Jean Houston live. I've learned from all three of these amazing women throughout the years. They are truly pioneering leaders in the field of consciousness and global transformation.

Whether you are sixteen or ninety-six, you will sense connection and perhaps, a "reset" button on your life path. The conversation makes sense...You'll remember that you have a place in this important time we live in.

To connect, Google "Women on the Edge of Evolution".

If this inspires you to participate in a group of women with intention to reveal our greatest potential, contact me. I have a wonderful location for an evening gathering and I've been contemplating a group for some time.

Love, light, peace: Leena

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

If you have not yet listened to last week's introduction to the series, we encourage you to do so. We began with a conversation with anextraordinary woman-- the pioneer of conscious evolution, Barbara MarxHubbard. She shared her vision about the significance of this event,all that's awakening for us as women and our critical role in leadingthe way to the creation of a new world. Just CLICK HEREto listen to the audio or download it now. Barbara will be back on Nov14th for her dialogue on "The Feminine Co-Creator: the EvolutionaryWoman as the Next Step for our Species".

Preventing H1N1 "Swine Flu" Virus--one doctor's advice

Leena St. Michael — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:53:00 GMT

The following are notes from a lecture of Dr. Vinay Goyal at(Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio, TX) on the H1N1(SWINEFLU), its origin and precautions. He is an MBBS, DRM, DNB(Intensivist and Thyroid specialist). Presently, he heads the NuclearMedicine Department and Thyroid clinic at Riddhivinayak Cardiac andCritical Centre, Malad (W). Dr Goyal has more than 20 years clinicalexperience having worked in the Hinduja Hospital, Bombay Hospital,Saifee Hospital, Tata Memorial etc. I don't give official medicaladvice, so, check with your health practitioners. I am available toteach you how do to nasal irrigation (jala neti) and ancient yogicpractice. There is a video posted in this blog, as well.--Leena

H1N1,like other Influenza A viruses, only infects the upper respiratory tract and proliferates there. The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/ throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible not coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions.

Tamiflu does not kill but prevents H1N1 from further proliferation until the virus limits itself in about 1-2 weeks (its natural cycle).

Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is. While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections,
some very simple steps - not fully highlighted in most official communications - can be practiced:

Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).
"Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of your face
Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt).
H1N1takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Hatha Yoga practices to clean nasal cavities), but blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.
Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C. If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, the doctor suggests to make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
Drink as much warm liquid as you can. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. Warm liquids wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive,proliferate or do any harm.

All these are simple and affordable ways to prevent or minimize the effect of the flu--even if you choose to also get a flu shot. Certainly, these measures are much less painful than waiting in long lines outside public hospitals.

(Video) Prevent allergies, sinus infections and H1N1 with simple nasal irrigation--Jala Neti

Leena St. Michael — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:41:00 GMT

This primary Hatha Yoga practice is now featured on Oprah! Call Leena to make an appointment for a personal demonstration after a yoga class. There are many videos on the web. Though I do not endorse any one product, I use this or a similar stainless steel pot for reasons on that product's website. I think it's a nice overall demonstration. My training is to always blow gently instead of forcefully as this technique indicates. Regarding quantity of pure salt: Follow the instructions with your pot or from your health practitioner or qualified yoga teacher. Always good to check with your health practitioner and read instructions very carefully. There are many more demos on YouTube. I also suggest you check: jalanetipot.com. This site sells no products and has a very helpful comparison of types of pots. Make every breath count! Leena