Month: June 2024

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Happy International Day of Yoga – the 10th Anniversary!!

As we approach International Day of Yoga on June 21st, it’s a perfect time to explore the rich history of this ancient practice and its remarkable journey from its Indian roots to worldwide recognition.

Yoga’s origins stretch back thousands of years, with evidence suggesting its presence in the Indus Valley Civilization around 3,000 BCE. Early mentions appear in the sacred texts of Hinduism, the Rig Veda, where “yoga” refers to a union or connection. The Upanishads, philosophical treatises, delve deeper into yogic concepts like self-realization and the interconnectedness of all things.

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, composed around 2nd century BCE, is a foundational text that codified the eight limbs of yoga, a framework encompassing physical postures (asanas), breathwork (pranayama), ethical principles (yama and niyama), concentration (dharana), meditation (dhyana), and ultimately, a state of complete absorption (samadhi).

While yoga remained deeply rooted in Indian spiritual traditions for centuries, the 20th century witnessed a shift. Figures like Swami Vivekananda introduced yoga’s philosophy and practices to the West in the late 19th century. Yoga’s emphasis on physical well-being and stress management resonated, and it gradually gained popularity as a form of exercise.

 

 

The recognition of yoga’s universal appeal culminated in the establishment of International Day of Yoga by the United Nations in 2014.

That year, during a UN address, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed June 21st as the day for global celebration. The date held significance – it’s the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, the longest day of the year, symbolizing the potential for yoga to bring light and vitality. The resolution received overwhelming support, with a record 177 nations co-sponsoring it, leading to the UN’s official declaration of International Day of Yoga later that year.

Celebrations around the world are as diverse as yoga itself. Mass yoga sessions are a popular feature, often led by renowned instructors. Parks, beaches, and public squares transform into temporary yoga studios, uniting people in a shared experience. Educational events, workshops, and lectures delve deeper into yoga’s philosophy and history. Social media explodes with #InternationalDayofYoga, showcasing the global yogic community and its vibrant spirit. Ultimately, International Day of Yoga serves as a reminder of yoga’s potential to bridge cultures, promote well-being, and foster a sense of global unity.

Today, yoga flourishes globally, practiced by millions in studios, gyms, and even at home. From the dynamic flows of Vinyasa to the restorative Yin poses, there’s a style for everyone. The essence of yoga, however, remains unchanged – a path towards physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

So, this International Day of Yoga, why not unroll your mat and embark on your own yoga journey? Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or a curious beginner, there’s always something new to discover in this ancient practice.

Join us here at Essential You Yoga as we celebrate this special holiday.  We are hosting an  evening of FREE Mini Classes to celebrate International Day of Yoga!

Unwind and Explore with Four Mini Classes:

  • 6:00 PM: Introduction to Yoga with Hiba – This gentle session is perfect for beginners, offering a foundation in basic poses and breathing techniques.
  • 6:30 PM: Breath and Meditation with Robert – Delve into the art of pranayama (breathwork) and meditation, cultivating inner peace and focus.
  • 7:00 PM: Yogic Lifestyle with Sophia – Explore how yoga extends beyond the mat, incorporating its principles into your daily routine for holistic well-being.
  • 7:30 PM: Sound and Yoga with Flo – Immerse yourself in a unique experience that blends yoga postures with soothing sounds to create a deeply restorative practice.

Space is limited for these free classes, so be sure to register early to reserve your mat!

Join us for a joyful evening of exploration, connection, and of course, yoga!

Namaste!

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Every Day Mindfulness: The S.T.O.P. Practice

Have you heard of the STOP practice before?  

We discussed it in our Mindful Meditation Class this morning.  It’s a simple tool you can use to bring Mindfulness into your everyday life.  

One of the big benefits of mindfulness is it teaches us to observe our thoughts and emotions from a calm inner space without reacting to them.  We practice this in meditation when we use our breath to anchor our awareness and invite attention back to our breath again and again.  (and again and again and again!)  

In doing this, we start to learn the patterns of our minds and emotions.  We also get the perspective and understanding that thoughts and emotions both arise and fall away.  Deeper practice offers us the opportunity to begin to recognize physiological responses that our body has to thoughts and emotions.  All of this means that we’re practicing creating space between a thought and emotion and our reaction to those thoughts and emotions.  

Practiced consistently, this leads to deeper feelings of peace and happiness.

So, what is STOP?  It is  practice you can use in the moment when you are experiencing a strong emotion to a person or a situation. 

S stands for Stop, or pause.  This could mean that you walk away from the situation, or that you simply take a moment to check in with yourself.

T stands for Take a breath (or several.)  Deep breathing helps calm your nervous system, which can downgrade a feeling of anger or frustration.

O stands for Observe.  Notice what thoughts and emotions you are having and what your habitual response might be.  Notice what you can about the other person, if there is one involved.  Do they look like they are upset?  What else is going on with the situation?

P is for Proceed.  Take what you’ve learned and move forward.  

When you use the STOP practice, you are consciously creating space between your thoughts, emotions, and your reaction.  This space allows you to react from your highest self, in the moment.

I hope you find this practice useful, and that you can bring a deeper sense of calm into your world.

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Sauca for Purity: An Ayurvedic Summer Cleanse

As we transition into the vibrant energy of summer, it’s the perfect time to rejuvenate our bodies and minds. One effective and gentle way to do this is through an Ayurvedic cleanse using kitchari, a nourishing and detoxifying dish that aligns beautifully with the Ayurvedic principle of Sauca, or purity.

Kitchari is a traditional Ayurvedic dish made from a combination of rice and mung beans or lentils.  It is renowned for its simplicity and profound health benefits. This easily digestible meal serves as the cornerstone of many Ayurvedic cleanses, providing essential nutrients while allowing the digestive system to rest and heal. As we enter the summer months, when our bodies crave lighter, more cooling foods, kitchari offers a perfect balance, supporting our overall well-being.

In Ayurveda, Sauca represents purity and cleanliness, both internally and externally. It encompasses the cleansing of our physical bodies, as well as the purification of our thoughts and emotions. By incorporating an Ayurvedic cleanse with kitchari into our routine, we not only detoxify our bodies but also cultivate a sense of clarity and calmness in our minds.

This practice helps us to let go of accumulated toxins and negative energy, paving the way for a fresh and invigorating start to the season.

The benefits of a kitchari cleanse include:

  1. Detoxification: Kitchari supports the body’s natural detoxification processes, flushing out impurities and promoting optimal organ function.
  2. Improved Digestion: By giving the digestive system a break from heavy, complex foods, kitchari helps to reset and strengthen digestive fire, or Agni, enhancing nutrient absorption and assimilation.
  3. Balanced Energy: This cleanse provides sustained energy without overwhelming the body, making it ideal for the active, longer days of summer.
  4. Mental Clarity: The simplicity and routine of a kitchari cleanse can lead to a clearer mind, reduced stress, and enhanced focus.

To embark on a kitchari cleanse, start by preparing this simple recipe below.  Don’t be afraid to adapt this to your body’s needs, but do keep in mind that we’re trying to make this easily digestible, so avoid adding chilis or strong spices.  Consume this nourishing dish for all meals over a period of 3 days, allowing your body to fully experience the benefits of this Ayurvedic practice.

Ayurvedic Kitchari Recipe (Adapted from MindBodyGreen)

Serves 4

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons ghee (use sesame or coconut oil if you prefer)
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons cumin seeds 
  • 2 teaspoons fennel seeds
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • ½- to 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated 
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • ¼ teaspoon asafetida (optional)
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 1 cup split mung beans or lentils
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro, to serve
  • juice of 1 lime, to serve
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt

Method

  1. In a Dutch oven, heat ghee over medium heat. Add cumin, fennel, and mustard seeds and cook for 3 minutes or until the mustard seeds begin to pop. Add the coriander, ginger, turmeric, and asafetida (if using). Stir to combine.
  2. Stir in the water, rice, and mung beans or lentils. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until rice and mung beans or lentils are cooked, about 40 minutes.
  3. Serve warm, topped with fresh cilantro and lime juice. Kitchari can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  4. To make in an instant pot, use the saute function to saute the spices, then combine rice, mung beans or lentils, and water. Set your pressure cooker function to regular pressure for 12 minutes.  

As we embrace the warmth and renewal of summer, let us also embrace the principles of Sauca. A kitchari cleanse offers a holistic approach to health, aligning our physical, mental, and spiritual selves with the natural rhythms of the season.

We’ll be exploring the theme of Sauca all month as we transition from the Yamas to the Niyamas.  Come join us in the studio to get more ideas of how to take your practice off the mat and into your world.

Wishing you a refreshing and revitalizing start to summer!!

Are you curious about ayurveda?  Enjoy a joint workshop next month with Dr. Kulkarni, a local Ayurvedic doctor.  We’ll be teaming up to offer a Yoga for the Seasons workshop on using tools from yoga and Ayurveda to find greater balance and ease.  You can sign up here