Friday, August 31, 2007

Meditation....

You know all that chatter that comes to your brain the minute you try to sit down and meditate? Well, the Buddhists call those thoughts "Hindrances". They hinder you from having a quiet mind and being able to connect to your inner Self. The trick is to realize that you cant stop them. Just accept them and observe the thoughts. Dont waste your energy trying to fight it -- use your energy to find some space for your mind. Just observe the thoughts. Dont judge yourself. Be compassionate with yourself.

Observation makes you have a different relationship to life's events. You can be with things in different ways. No judgement is needed. That is where the learning happens -- with no judgement -- learn to let go and just be there.

Sharon Salzberg told me this... she gives lectures on meditation at the Tibet House on a regular basis. I highly recommend attending her talks.

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Massage Therapist Extraordinaire !
Looking for a great deep tissue massage ? Elizabeth is here for you !

She works at a women-only spa in SoHo and she is a fabulous massage therapist (and a yogini) ! Elizabeth leans more towards a deep medical massage and uses a "firm hand". Perfect for helping you heal or getting the kinks out.

SoHo Sanctuary -- 119 Mercer Street, NYC (between Prince and Spring) 212-334-5550.

Thursday, August 23, 2007


Weekend Yoga Retreat October 26-28

Many of my students are thinking about coming to the yoga weekend retreat up at the ashram with me October 26-28. I encourage you all to come. When we did this in February, we had such a good time that our students requested that we do it again.

Here are some FAQ:
Where is the ashram?
The ashram is 1 hour outside of NYC. Close to Bear Mountain or Woodbury Commons Mall. The ashram is on 85 acres of beautiful land with woods, hiking trails and a small lake.
How do I get there?
You can get a bus from Port Authority to Monroe, NY or Woodbury Commons. It is about a 1 hour ride and the round trip ticket is about $34. When you get to Monroe or Woodbury Commons, you take a local taxi to the ashram (10 minute ride) -- taxi fare about $10-12. If anyone is driving up, we try to organize a car pool so some of you can come up together. It doesnt always work, but we try.
When do I have to get there?
We have not yet decided our teaching schedule, but the general idea is for everybody to get to the ashram by around 6-7pm on Friday evening. We have an introduction meeting, get you all settled and maybe have a meditation. Of course, if you want to come up earlier and hang out by yourself at the ashram all day Friday, that's cool too. I do that.
What is the cost ?
$330 dorm room, and $375 semi-private room. The price is all inclusive. That includes your room, 3 vegetarian meals a day, Anusara yoga classes, yoga nidra with Roop Verma's sitar, my pranic meditation, satsang, kirtan, fire purification ceremony, walks around the lake.... everything is included. We work hard to keep our prices low so that everyone can afford to come. The only way you could incur additional costs is if you shop at the small gift store or make an appointment for a private massage.
Can I get a private room?
Not really. This is an ashram and everything is shared. The rooms have a minimum of 2 single beds or 6 bunk beds (dorm). The bathrooms are down the hall. Everything is kept clean and immaculate for you. By the way, there are no locks on the doors so leave valuables at home. And yes, the dorms are uni-sex.
Can I share a room with my friend ?
of course. The earlier you make reservations, the better we can try to accommodate your room requests.
What if I am a beginner in yoga?
No matter! we welcome beginners ! In fact, it would be a great experience for you if you are a beginner because it would be an opportunity for you to feel the true experience of yoga.
Are there any rules ?
We are at an ashram. We do not allow smoking, drinking alcohol, drugs or any other behaviour that is harmful to your health or others. All food is vegan or vegetarian. And honestly, caffeine is hard to come by there too (but you can smuggle in some instant coffee).

If you have any questions about the yoga weekend retreat, feel free to contact me by email via this blogsite.

or email me at quietyoga@msn.com

Wednesday, August 22, 2007


Chief Looking Horse at IYI on Oct 4th, 2007


Native American Chief Looking Horse is a well recognized messenger of Peace and founder of the World Peace and Prayer Day. He has won multiple international peace prizes, including recognition from the United Nations with the Juliet Hollister Award.

IYI is hosting this special guest. Come and participate with us, learn the peace traditions and wisdom from a spiritual leader of our Native American people.

Thurs Oct 4th- 8.30PM $25
Integral Yoga Institute
227 West 13th Street, NYC

Tuesday, August 21, 2007


AHIMSA

Ahimsa means "nonviolence" or "do no harm" -- this extends to not killing animals for food or fur, not spreading mean gossip about another person, and to treat your neighbor as you would like to be treated. Non violence also includes how you treat yourself -- be kind to yourself. If your yoga practice is not what you had hoped today, dont be down on yourself. Just try again tomorrow.
Martin Luther King learned of Ahimsa through reading about Mahatma Gandhi and his peaceful movement to liberate India from British rule, and through the principles of non-violence, Dr. King led peaceful demonstrations for the civil rights movement in America.

"Nonviolence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man.

Literally speaking, ahimsa means non-violence towards life but it has much higher meaning. It means that you may not offend anybody; you may not harbor uncharitable thought, even in connection with those whom you consider your enemies. To one who follows this doctrine, there are no enemies. A man who believes in the efficacy of this doctrine finds in the ultimate stage, when he is about to reach the goal, the whole world at his feet. If you express your love—ahimsa—in such a manner that it impresses itself indelibly upon your so-called enemy, he must return that love.

This doctrine tells us that we may guard the honor of those under our charge by delivering our own lives into the hands of the man who would commit the sacrilege. And that requires far greater courage than delivering of blows.

Ahimsa or non-injury, of course, implies non-killing. But, non-injury is not merely non-killing. In its comprehensive meaning, ahimsa or non-injury means entire abstinence from causing any pain or harm to another living being, either by thought, word, or deed. Non-injury requires a harmless mind, mouth, and hand. " - Mahatma Gandhi

Friday, July 06, 2007


Come to a Weekend Yoga Retreat in October with me !

I know it seems early, but I want you all to get this on your schedule !!

I will be co-hosting a yoga weekend retreat October 26-28, 2007 at Ananda Ashram in the Catskills . October seems a long way off, but we have limited space and we want to let you all know about it so you can reserve the date and let us know if you're coming. Kristina, Rikard(both Anusara teachers) and I did this retreat back in February and it was just FANTASTIC !! so we are doing it again ! And some wonderful students have already signed up and given us deposits.

Beginner yogis are welcome !!

That same weekend, Roop Verma, a world class, internationally known sitar player (really!) will be at the ashram and he will be leading his deep yoga nidra meditation, accompanied by his heavenly sitar music -- and we have organized it so you can participate !

$330 for dorm (max 6 beds/unisex)
$375 for semi-private room (2 beds).


Prices include bed, board, meals, yoga, meditation and ashram programs (such as satsang and the fire ceremony for purification and peace).

Please contact me about more information (you can email me via this blog)! And tell your friends ! We really want you all to come !!!

And for those of you who want to come to my Quiet Yoga meditation class in NYC -- dont worry, I havent forgotten you -- I am just working to get the logistics together ( boring stuff like insurance etc..) and I've been super busy so haven't been able to get around to being organized !

Have a great weekend !! : )
OM

Friday, June 29, 2007


Beware of Maya

Maya is a Hindu Goddess -- but mostly she is referred to as "illusion" -- all the illusions that prevent us from connecting with our true Selves. The work of a yogi is to clear away all illusions so that we can see our own Truth -- who we really are, and how we fit into the Divine Cosmic Universe.

What is illusion ? All the things that you think you are that separates you from others -- I am smarter,dumber, better, more attractive/uglier than "them".... I have a great job, a great car and that makes me more important -- I am rich, I am poor, I am different, I will never be in that terrible situation ..... I am better at yoga than that guy.....

When you embark on the yogic path, many think it is so "relaxing" -- but the reality is that when you start yoga, that is when your problems begin. Everything you fear most will come forward in your mind again and again until you face it and deal with it.

Yoga is confrontational -- it brings up all the stuff you didnt want to look at -- the bad marriage you're stuck in but do nothing about, the stagnant job you hold onto, the passive acceptance of your own indecision etc etc... But when you finally face it, you wake up and take control of your life. Everything that is an illusion drops away and you can see your True Self calmly, courageously and with a peaceful heart. Yoga helps you shed all the armour, all the illusions -- and be at peace with yourself. You conquer Maya through letting go -- and when you conquer Maya, you can think with your heart instead of your head. Then you will always know the Truth.

Thursday, June 14, 2007


Don't be afraid of change because you are changing all the time !

This is taken from a newsletter from Dr. Deepak Chopra. I believe it is extracted from his book
"The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success" (one of my favorite books, by the way)

I find Dr. Chopra explains change, and our fear of it, so well.
See if you like it too ....

"...change comes in each moment. You are not the same person you were when you began to read this. Those few sentences above are now part of your make-up. Every interaction, conversation, meal, thought, and activity you engage in today will shift your physiology and your emotional state. We’re often not aware of these subtle shifts because they happen so incrementally. Yet by tomorrow, you will be changed – even if only a bit.

Transformation is a magnificent process that takes you from one state of existence into the next. One of the reasons we fear this change is that we think that once we change , we will be stuck there – doomed for eternity to suffer the scenario you feared most. But what if you could embrace the fact that your transformation never stops. That wherever you are in your mind will change and wherever you end up, that too will change. The person you will be tomorrow will transform again into the person of the next day and the next.

Now you are able to see not just the static aspects of yourself but the ever growing, ever re-birthing, ever-evolving aspect of you. And there’s a bonus…each time you transform…you open yourself to an abundance of possibilities which means you have the ability to be reborn in each moment.

In every moment we have a choice. Whatever we choose, we are opening ourselves to transformation and the abundance of possibilities it offers us. This Namaste recommends embracing the transformation of our body, mind, and soul and smiling with the knowledge that you will be reborn in every moment, every day, in every year of your life. "

Thursday, May 31, 2007


Quiet Yoga Meditation with Me !!
At long last, I think I have found a lovely studio space that I can rent for my Quiet Yoga pranic healing mediation !
the space is close to 26th Street and Sixth Ave.

I am thinking of doing this meditation 6.30-830pm during the week If there is enough interest, then we can do this on a more reguar basis and the effects can become cumulative, and you can learn to go deeper into the healing pranic visualizations.

The class is mostly sitting in meditation or lying down in yoga nidra with a little asana thrown in so you dont get stiff. This is not a class where you get a big workout -- but knowledge of yoga and yogic breathing is helpful.

So, if anyone out there is interested, let me know so I can get an idea of the size of the group. This is only going to happen if students sign up for the class !!
I need a minimum of 5 people to do this. I will charge $17 for a 2 hour class. Please bring your own mat.
pls respond to quietyoga@msn.com
thanks !!!
Into Zen Bhuddism ?

Check out the Village Zendo (in Soho)

588 Broadway, Suite 910
New York City 10012

They have meditation, dharma talks and workshops www.villagezendo.org
It is a small --- but beautiful and simple meditation space.

You have to love NYC. This isnt happening in Ohio, you know what I mean?

Tuesday, May 22, 2007


"...the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom" - Anais Nin

I tell my students to surrender to yoga. Surrender does not mean defeat, it means that you allow your heart to open. Then yoga becomes a healing practice for you. So surrender to yoga. Surrender to the love of yourself. Just let go.

Friday, May 11, 2007

You can now contact me now through this blog

Just click on "my complete profile" at the top left corner of the page and then click on "email" -- and you will be able to send me an email.

FYI -- the email address is quietyoga@msn.com

Thank you for all your support and your continued interest in yoga. Have a great weekend.

Friday, May 04, 2007

Remember Ahimsa ? The yogic law of "do no harm" ?

If you are still just thinking about becoming a vegetarian or you are interested in how your food gets to your plate (hmmm... thinking about the Chinese poisoned wheat fed to the live stock and poultry in this country, perhaps? and that is now on your plate ? ) then read this book.

Dominion: The Power of Man, the Suffering of Animals, and the Call to Mercy by Matthew Scully

Make conscious choices in everything you do. Yoga is about COMPASSION for all sentient beings. Yoga is about being aware.

Available at Amazon, bookstores, Jivamukti or at the library.

Tuesday, May 01, 2007


Weekend yoga retreat in October
I will be co-hosting a yoga weekend retreat October 26-28, 2007 at Ananda Ashram in the Catskills. I know it seems a long way off, but we have limited space and we want to let you all know about it so you can reserve the date and let us know if you're coming. Kristina, Rikard and I did this retreat back in February and it was just FANTASTIC !! so we are doing it again ! Beginner yogis are welcome !!
That same weekend, Roop Verma, a world class, internationally known sitar player (really!) will be at the ashram and he will be leading his deep yoga nidra meditation, accompanied by his heavenly sitar music -- and we have organized it so you can participate !

Ananda Ashram is just one hour north of NYC by bus from Port Authority. Easy to get to.
Accommodations at the ashram will be either semi private rooms (2 beds) or dorm (6 beds max). Shared bathrooms are down the hall. All meals are vegetarian and delicious !

Just to give you an idea of our plans (tentative - it's still too early) :
Friday:
Afternoon check in
Evening Yoga with Anusara style Hatha Yoga teachers, Rikard and Kristina
Saturday:
Morning Yoga, afternoon yoga meditation, evening Ashram programs, fire purification ceremony, satsang, maybe chanting.
Sunday:
Morning yoga nidra with Roop Verma
Afternoon yoga.

Cost : Because it is still early, nothing is set in stone yet, but we really try to keep the cost down so that more people can afford to come. My guesstimate is in the $350-$400 range for the whole weekend. Price is all inclusive. Bed, board, food, all yoga classes and meditation included.
Ayurvedic Massage is available at additional cost.
Beginner yoga students are welcome. so mark your calendars ! I do hope you can come join us.
OM

Sunday, April 22, 2007


Hayfever time is upon us... I found a homeopathic medicine that works very well !

it's called Pollen/hayfever Relief by BioAllers.
about $8 for 1 oz bottle.


You just put a few drops of this liquid under your tongue and you get relief for about 4 hours without the sleepy side effects.

Available at health food stores. I found it at Whole Foods and the IYI Natural Pharmacy.
OM Shanthi

Tuesday, April 17, 2007


My Teaching Schedule :

Integral Yoga in Greenwich Village :

Tuesday April 3 6.30PM Hatha I/II
Monday April 9 6.00PM Yoga Nidra / Deep Relaxation

Tuesday April 10 6.30PM Hatha I/II
Tuesday April 17 6.30PM Hatha I/II
Tuesday April 24 6.30PM Hatha I/II
Tuesday May 1st 6.30PM Hatha I/II
Tuesday May 8th 6.30PM Hatha I/II

Classes are 90 minutes (but I tend to go over....)
East West Yoga - 14th Street/Fifth Ave
Saturday May 12 10AM- 11.15AM Hatha Open Level


I will be doing the Thurs night classes in Soho with Dawn soon.....
yoga by candlelight... how wonderful.
Golden Bridge Yoga NYC

New yoga place in town from San Francisco ! Golden Bridge is known for its Kundalini and vinyasa yoga and it's the "in" place on the West Coast. They are located downtown by Chinatown/Little Italy and occupy a lovely brownstone building. Satya Jewelry shares the ground floor level so should you be interested in a little shopping, it's all there for you.

If you are a new student, they have a special introductory rate of $40 for one month's worth of unlimited classes ! Make sure you ask about it before you take a class !

Saturdays they have a Community class at 430PM -- and the fee is by donation. They donate the proceeds to a local project (like a school.... )

At the end of class, their closing chant is most lovely. I offer the blessing here for you :

May the long time sun shine upon you
All Love surround you
And the pure Light within you
Guide your way on


Golden Bridge Yoga
253 Centre Street - B'tween Broome and Grand Streets
NYC
212 343 8191

Just do yoga.
OM

Thursday, April 12, 2007


Ravi Singh, a great kundalini teacher, sent me an email and I extracted this little story from it for you.

"Swami Satchidananda told a story, in a DVD presented at our event last weekend at Yogaville in Virginia, which illustrates this point: We spend our lives running after our shadows, which remain always just out of our reach. When finally, out of frustration, we turn away from our shadows and towards the light, our shadows run after us.

Kundalini Yoga is both a path and a process. As with all forms of self discipline, there is a dynamic tension created between where we've been and where we're going. Remember, it's darkest before the dawn. Keep your eyes on the prize! We hope you will be inspired to keep up and blossom."
Yoga Accessories
Don't know about you, but I frequently feel I am being gouged when I see the prices of yoga accessories...so at last, I found a place that sells reasonably priced yoga stuff !
They have everything you could want, bolsters, straps, mats, DVDs ....
www.yogaaccessories.com

Just do yoga.

And it's raining in NYC.

OM Shanti

Wednesday, April 11, 2007




TIBET HOUSE MEDITATION
With Sharon Salzberg




This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about meditation with one of our leading Masters. Sharon Salzberg is a Buddhist monk, and a wonderful speaker. She is casual, funny and confused at the rest of us, yet brings the ancient Buddhist teachings to life for us today as we run around NYC. This lecture series is well worth attending. $10 suggested Donation per evening.

She has written many highly acclaimed books, you can check them out at your local bookstore. Sharon also has a meditation retreat up in New England.

The lectures are held on Tues evenings at 7PM - 9PM.

May 15- May 29
June 12 - June 26

Tibet House -- 22 West 15th Street, NYC

We are so lucky to live here in NYC. It is only here that we have the opportunity to be so easily exposed to these great teachers of yoga and meditation. I hope you take advantage of this.

Hari OM.