8 Folded Limbs

‎"If to any man the tumult of the flesh were silenced; and the phantoms of earth and waters and air were silenced; and the poles were silent as well; indeed, if the very soul grew silent to herself, and went beyond herself by not thinking of herself; if fancies and imaginary revelations were silenced; if every tongue and every sign and every transient thing -- for actually if any man could hear them, all these would say, 'We did not create ourselves, but were created by Him who abides forever' -- and if, having uttered this, they too should be silent, having stirred our ears to hear him who created them; and if then he alone spoke, not through them but by himself, that we might hear his word, not in fleshly tongue or angelic voice, nor sound of thunder, nor the obscurity of a parable, but might hear him -- him for whose sake we love these things -- if we could hear him without these, as we two now strained ourselves to do, we then with rapid thought might touch on that Et...

Most of us hate to be in pain.  Perhaps--sometimes-- pain can teach us what pleasure never could.  Pain forces us to be acutely aware of the present moment.  In pleasure, we are there, but hoping it will never end instead of wishing for the end, as in pain.  Either way, there is an immediate focus on need. I twisted my ankle today because I was not in the present moment.  There was an early holiday parade in the city, and I was steaming about having to walk all the way around it instead of through it.  Pop.  Ouch.  Limp, limp.  Every step I took to my hostel from that moment was magnified by the pain in my ankle.  I almost laughed at the lesson.  Suffice to say, from that moment and still yet-- I am painfully in the now.  

Every thing you do, say or think creates an imprint in your minds.  Depending on which parts of us we take care of, some of the seeds after time and attention ripen and create fruit.  These fruits are either the end result of thoughtful or thoughtless deeds.  The gardens of our minds are our responsibility.  What we consume, do or think has a lasting effect on not only us, but others as well.  Be very careful of the types of seeds you plant in your mental garden because they will not only affect you -- they can affect those you love as well. Plant thoughtful seeds as much as you can and use meditation to weed out the others.  It is very important to hold the reins of our thoughts and actions.  The fruits of them will come to visit us again.

I have an opening for a weekly student, as one of my regulars can come no longer. I am still offering a sliding-scale for students -- we can discuss what you can afford. I believe I am going to begin discussion on an ancient text next week.  I am just having trouble choosing which one to start with.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I am opening up the sliding scale privates to include not only senior but also pre and post natal. Please be aware that I do not have wheel access where I teach, but I can sure help anyone figure 4 a student into my classroom. I have thought long and hard about the RYT 500 that I will be in the spring.  Most teachers streamline students during that time and move to a pre-determined fee no matter what.  I am not quite sure what I will do, but I am certain that I will always have at least a few slots open for those that need a sliding scale. I know I did -- and my wonderful teacher never looked down on what I could afford to pay her.  

We don't like to talk about poop. It stinks and it just isn't table conversation.  Because of that-- we don't usually educate ourselves on what healthy poop looks like. What you eat inevitably comes out in some form or another and that little package can tell you most of the things you need to know about your health. When you eat -- do you have bathroom issues?  Do you usually have discomfort in your abdominal cavity? Here is a great explanation of what to look for: http://voices.yahoo.com/what-poop-might-saying-health-580236.html?cat=5 Be aware and take action.  You are responsible for your health.  

I think most people might check blood pressure once a year or maybe twice.  I think it's a really good idea to check much more often than that.  If you check it more often, you can have a better idea of how foods you eat affect your body system. If you can afford a cuff, or you can get to the supermarket-- try checking it once a week from now on.   Some people ignore it because they believe they are too young to have a problem. Be an adult.  Be responsible for yourself.  Check your vitals regularly.  Especially if there are people that love you. Thank you.

ॐ त्र्यम्बकम् यजामहे सुगन्धिम् पुष्टिवर्धनम् । उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माम्रतात् ।। Om tryambakaṃ yajāmahe sugandhiṃ puṣṭi-vardhanam urvārukam iva bandhanān mṛtyormukṣīya māmṛtāt I am trying to reach my 108,000 in this mantra. The Ganesha mantra was so much easier.   I suppose I feel honored that my teacher believes I can do it. I will take that feeling into my recitations today. Yoga schedules are  Being made for the next week.

In addition to teaching private sessions, I am now going to begin teaching a series of classes on Yoga beyond asana.  Currently, I am taking requests on the scope of the first series.  What would everyone like to learn? Also, if you would like to schedule a private, sliding-scale session-- please send me an email @ Cinnimin7@gmail.com. However, I accept payments in my mistressin@live.com account.

Well, I am back for another weekend of learning.  This module is on senior and otherwise adaptive yoga styles and it is very informative.  Last week, on my way to the greyhound station, I decided to walk through quite a long tunnel to see if I could manage it.  It's not really set up for pedestrians, but I thought I would try to save a few bucks.  All was going well as I huffed up the hill to the tunnel and I noticed that my heart rate was claiming at a steady-but not alarming-rate.  Upon entering the tunnel, I decided to focus on the steps in front of me and not the obscene smells and incredible lack of distance between me and whizzing, oncoming traffic.  About mid-point through, my breath got shallow and the vertigo started.  There was a tingle on my occipital ridge and my vision went fuzzy.  I knew what was next.  I had to decide if I was going to turn back, sit down or run like a crazy bag lady to the end. I kept my hand on my belly and...

On my way home from the Ayurveda workshop yesterday, I had an odd experience.  The lady who sat on the other side of the aisle way was about 80 years old or older and was traveling alone.  I noticed almost immediately that she had a shaking to her head and her upper body.  I tried really hard not to stare, but it was like a train wreck.  I kept wanting to touch her-to hold her hand or speak to her so that she would feel better.  Then, I realized the longing was much more selfish.  I wanted to feel better, and my mind was playing through all these scenarios to make me feel better.   I wish that I had some healing touch that would have helped her.  I don't rightly know if it bothers her as much as other people.  Sometimes, the good we desire for others is really alleviating our own pain and frustration.  I didn't speak to her nor did I touch her--but she touched me.

I am on the road again tomorrow.  Back to my next step on the road to becoming an RYT 500. I refuse to allow my medical hurdles to keep me from that lofty goal.  This module is Ayurveda, one of the oldest forms of disease prevention and curative practice.  There are not very many Ayurvedic doctors in the west, but I have a feeling that will change over time.  Since we are becoming such an Ama-filled nation,-- there will have to be subtle awareness brought to the nourishment we invest as it pertains to our natures. Watch that food go into your mouth.  Be grateful.

Are you working In a field that suits you?  Are you working just for money? Do you feel like you have to compromise your ethics to carry out your job? Are there many things that you are paying for--keeping you a slave to your job?   If you could down-size your life and work less--would you? Maybe time at work shelters your mind from your thoughts? Maybe you do not enjoy your home life and wish to escape. The less you carry with you(physical and mental)--the less you have to work to bear. Get rid of things that are not good for you.  Do not keep many monuments to the past or you will find yourself wanting to be there.  Do not hold many visions of the future, or the same will be said of it. Thoughts are things, and can be hoarded, too. Lighten your load.

Once you realize that this life is really finite and you have to make the most of every day you have -- there is an odd sense of peace involved.  Every second seems to slow down and the colors are more vibrant than they ever have been. The most simple tasks become a ritual and every day holds new meaning.  There is an added urgency to be kind to everyone -- including those you do not like.  The things you thought you wanted pale in comparison to the mundane joy in the familiar. अ॒सतो मा स॒द्गमय। त॒मसो मा ज्यो॒तिर्गमय। मृत्यो॒र्माऽमृ॒तं गमय॥ — बृहदारण्यकोपनिषत् १-३-२८ a̱sato mā sa̱dgamaya ta̱maso mā jyo̱tirgamaya mṛtyo̱rmā’mṛ̱taṁ gamaya — bṛhadāraṇyakopaniṣat 1-3-28 “From delusion lead me to truth From darkness lead me to light From death lead me to immortality.”

Nice site for beginners

Now the waiting game begins.  My blood work is in, but they have made me an appointment in October to come and discuss the results of that panel.  ( the 10 vials of blood from 2 weeks ago.) The MRI has been sent to my neurologist and they have yet to set up a follow-up appointment with me.  I am assuming that it will be after the holiday.  Follow-ups used to be a courtesy of the doctor--and they used to be free--but not anymore.   I am focusing on my practice and my students at this time and trying not to worry about the tests or the money to pay for them.  My students are wonderful and they really are part of a larger scheme in the Path. I have found that balancing postures are a great help, because they seem to accentuate the moments of life where we are waiting for the next thing to happen.   In all things, the ability to sit with pain and make friends with it is hard-won, but make a difference. May all beings be happy an...

The test is scheduled and the anxiety is raising.  I have had several generous donors  to my findrazr so far and I am humbled and appreciative of the anonymous support. The Fundrazr Page I want to make a pledge to pay this forward in anyway that I can.  My plan is to teach yoga on a sliding scale and also to practice acupuncture in the same way.  I love people and I want to help them. The silver lining of all of this is that I can relate to those who have major tests on the wing and also those who have dealt with undiagnosed issues.  Compassion seems to be a trait that is earned through our own tears ... that we can appreciate the tears of another. One of my greatest fears is leaving this world with unsaid love in my heart.   Know this:  You mattered and you were loved-- fiercely.

I am reaching a new appreciation of people who have to get medical tests on a regular basis. I am going next week to have my brain scanned, along with my eye sockets. I have never had anything like this before, and I am a little nervous. The test is highly over-priced, and my deducible has not been met, so I have to pay for it out-of-pocket. The imaging center does not have a sliding scale for anything like I do, so I am going to place the bill on my credit card and hope for the best. I would appreciate all prayers, meditations and good thoughts you can send my way.  Who knows what is lurking inside my head? If you can donate, please do.  If not, please share the link.  All help will be remembered and appreciated. Donation Fund for my MRI I will try to post an image of the scan to this blog when I get it. My Yoga sessions will not stop during my treatment.  I hope that this experience gives me more depth to help all of my students. Namaste and Lo...

I have many students who are plagued with melancholia.  I think it has always affected many people, but has recently been marginalized into a small subset of 'Bipolar' disorder.  I am fairly certain that the new and possibly even heavier volume of the DSM is changing the title -- again. Many people (regardless of alphabet soup after the surname),  have postulated the possible reasons behind the disease.  Some range from genetics to parenting -- and now -- chemical changes within the brain.  It amazes me that not so many years ago, people would blame depression and mania and a score of other 'maladies' on the Supernatural.  It is possible.  Anything really is.  It could also be that a depression or melancholy is natural.  Humans cannot have happiness all the time.  There are several chemical reactions happening in the body at all times and we cannot control them all. Accepting that chain of events has helped me to deal with the tides ...

I want to have several options for my students, so I have devised a plan to incorporate regular classes, donation classes and trades.  I offer 5 donation classes per week, on a first-scheduled basis(according to individual need).  Once a month, I will trade a class for another service. (One total trade per month.). The donation classes are all after noon classes, i.e. 2-4pm on weekdays only.  Regular classes are scheduled starting as early as 8 am and as late as 8pm all week long.  For all classes I charge a 25 dollar missed appointment fee if I am not given 48 hours notice.  If there are emergencies, I will handle them on a case-by-case basis.  If you are a regular (non-donation) client, we can talk about package pricing to save money and reward you for being a consistent client.