Marjorie Nass

Raw Chia seed pudding

2012-01-11T10:42:00.000-08:00

I made this Chia Seed Pudding dessert with Mesquite Cashew Mylk instead of plain almond milk and it's fantastic. I took it to a pot luck and everyone raved and asked for the recipe, so here it is!

Via Yogahealer.com
Mesquite Cashew Mylk
1/3 cup soaked almonds
one cup soaked cashews
4 cups water
pinch seas salt
four tbsp mesquite powder (Available at health food stores)
Blend and strain

To make Chia Seed pudding wisk and blend one and 1/3 cup chia seeds to the mylk
add
1 tsp vanilla extract OR 1/2 fresh vanilla bean.
1 tsp cinnamon
use a wisk to keep out the clumps after ten minutes, and refrigerate for two hours or more. Serve and enjoy.

How Yoga Hurt me, How Yoga Healed Me

2012-01-06T15:03:00.000-08:00

How Yoga Hurt me, how Yoga Healed me

As life long New Yorker, born to two parents who are lifelong New Yorkers, I began reading the New York Times in elementary school. The New York Times article entitled how Yoga Can Wreck your body" is so sensationalistic, it will discourageindividuals who’d greatly benefit from yoga, and this would be a big loss. Along with the physical risks inherent inmoving ones body, yoga can save lives. It saved mine.

I had just begun practicing yoga in 1998 when I suffered aserious life threatening major depression requiring hospitalization. My first time back on the mat was a fewmonths later when a dear friend from college came by and urged me to practice afew poses along with her. An essentialelement for depressed patients who have been largely physically immobile ismovement. When the body remainssedentary, the mind goes to the same thoughts again and again, and can getstuck in some seriously dark places. Yogabegan to open up sensation and reveal light in my body so I could get out of thedarkness of my mind.

I began to go to yoga classes, sometimes my sole activityfor entire day. Since I’d been in bedfor the better part of several months. I was physically stiff, shut down, andunable to sleep without medication. Theyoga classes were terribly hard, even the basic level classes, and Iexperienced intense sweating, and even shaking in my body. But without exception, I felt betterafterwards. The poses gave my mind a rest from the distressing thoughts Icouldn’t escape. But because my shoulders,in particular, were so tight, there were poses I had no business attempting,including chaturanga and upward facing dog, which are taught in nearly every“yoga flow” class, as well as full wheel and headstand. While practicing shoulder stand and plow, Iexperienced bruises on the vertebrae of my neck because of my tight shoulders. Soon I began experiencing pains in my neck andshoulders, and tingling in my arms. Butthe yoga was healing me on a deeper, emotional level. Sometimes the physical pain was severe enoughto force me to miss class. More often I wouldjust skip the poses that hurt. During my first teacher training in 2001, my neck was in spasm one day, and when I couldn’t sit up, had to remain lying on the floor during one of the sessions. I received shiatsu and deep tissue massage,which provided relief, but none of my yoga teachers had any answers for me interms of the physical practice.

When one of my fellow teacher trainees offered me a private healing session, we focused on making space in my upper body, shoulders, andneck. My heart hurt as it openedup. My shoulders and neck no longer did. In 2002, I found Anusara yoga, and myteachers Amy Ippoliti, Elena Brower, Anusara Yoga founder John Friend, EllenSaltonstall, and Zhenja LaRosa. I alsofound an amazing community of supportive students and friends.

With the Anusara Universal Principles of Alignment, Ilearned to make space in my body, which had been so diminished by thedepression. I learned to strengthen mybody while in alignment, and create clearer boundaries in some of myhyperextended joints. And ultimately Ihealed over the period of a year. AlthoughI still experienced occasional discomfort while practicing, the pain became myteacher, and I learned how to align even more precisely, and to listen to my own body's wisdom. When I started teaching what I’d learned, thesame principles helped hundreds of students out of pain, and it was often pain they’d been experiencing for years.

At 47 my body is stronger and more flexible than ever, and Ihave a daily practice and take two or three open or advanced classes per week. Although never naturally flexible, yoga has opened up my body in a way I never thought possible. I follow a specific ayurvedic regimen of foodsthat nourish my body and my mind, and I receive acupuncture and structural integration, a form of body work, on a regular basis. I nolonger suffer from depression, but know that had I stopped practicing asanabecause my body hurt, I never would have healed the deeply imbedded emotional pain. Onething is certain, whatever physical pain I had was never as severe as the depression,and I guess that’s why it never occurred to me to stop practicing yoga.

If you’re new to yoga, find a class that’s for beginners,find a teacher who explains the poses and the reasons how and why to align yourbody safely in a way that you truly understand, because it’s not about the yoga poses,it’s about being more present in all areas of who you are. One of the definitions of yoga means to engagein the world more fully, stepping completely into the fullness of the experience of who we are meant to be. My wish is that we all step in safely and with the right guidance.

light winter supper

2011-12-17T12:21:00.000-08:00

Since I've been enjoying preparing/cooking most of my own food the past six months, when three friends and yoga teachers who meet a few times a year planned to be at my place, I jumped at the chance to share some simple quick recipes, and they were all a hit.
I had a super busy week, and other than roasting the squash ahead of time, all the prep took less than one hour.
Gratitude to Cate Stillman, Yoga Healer, for the recipes, initially in the yogahealer post Fall Cleanse packet. I've tweaked her original recipes after making them myself a half a dozen times. Thanks to my Mom who taught me how to be a cook in the kitchen without necessarily measuring. Please use organic ingredients whenever possible.

Butternut Squash Soup - 6 servings
Use organic ingredients whenever possible.
One butternut squash
2 tablespoons ghee, butter or oil
1 leek, chopped
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg or cinnamon
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (or two veggie broth cubes plus 4 cups water)
one can coconut milk
salt and pepper

Roast a butternut squash. Treat it like two separate vegetables when preparing to roast. Cut off the bulb of the vegetable, and scoop out the flesh and seeds. Halve the other, oblong part of the squash. Roast flesh facing down in a half inch of water, for 1 hour at 375 degrees or until you can easily pierce the squash. Let cool, scoop out the flesh from the skin and set aside.
Heat butter or ghee and sautee the leeks for 5-7 minutes in a soup pot.
Add nutmeg, then butternut squash and broth. Cook for 10 more minutes
Either use an immersion blender(my choice) to puree or transfer to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
Add the coconut milk and salt and pepper to taste, and blend again.

Stovetop brussel sprouts with leeks,lemon and pecans
Six servings, or less if you love brussel sprouts like I do.

one pound brussel sprouts, preferably the small size
two tablespoons ghee or oil
one half leek, minced
one lemon
one half cup toasted pecans
salt and pepper to taste
Peel the outer leaves off the brussel sprouts, then trim the roots. If the sprouts are large, cut them in half.
Sautee leeks in ghee for a few minutes, add brussel sprouts and saute continuously for about 10 minutes.
Add fresh lemon juice, pecans and salt and pepper to taste.

Chocomole Raw Chocolate pudding
Four servings

two ripe avocados
1/3 cup raw cacao powder
1/3 cup pure maple syrup (grade B if possible)
1/3 cup water or coconut water
2 tablespoons raw mesquite powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla powder
Blend all ingredients in a vitamix, food processor or blender.
Enjoy!

Coconut butter cups with date filling

2011-11-21T06:19:00.001-08:00

I've been waiting a while to make these after reading the recipe on Kris Carr's Crazy Sexy Life newsletter, which I highly recommend you check out, in addition to her book Crazy Sexy Diet.
And the recipe is listed on another site raw foods website which I look forward to exploring more

This recipe made about 25 mini coconut butter cups, so I have plenty to bring for Thanksgiving to my family's and also to serve the students at the semi private therapeutics series at my home studio yesterday.
Definitely take them out of the freezer for at least 10 minutes before serving
and enjoy!

coconut butter cups with date filling

Ingredients:
Artisana Raw Coconut Butter, melted, as needed

1 cup dates, packed (a scant cup also works)
1 Tbsp raw almond butter - (or other seed/nut butter)
1 Tbsp raw coconut butter
1/4 cup filtered water
1/4 tsp sea salt, or to taste *optional

Filling:
In a blender (or food processor), add 1/4 cup water, then the dates and blend to a thick paste. Add in 1 tablespoon coconut butter, and 1 tablespoon almond butter & sea salt.

You may want to use heaping tablespoons, taste as you add. Store in a glass jar & refrigerate, or freeze to chill. (best to use after it's chilled, but will also work right away).

Variation: Add the seeds from a vanilla bean for delicious vanilla coconut cups. Also try diving the mixture and adding cinnamon, nutmeg, &/or ginger to spice things up.

Note: If you don't have a blender or food processor, the filling can be made by mashing ingredients together on a plate with a fork.

To Assemble Cups:

Fill mini muffin liners with a small layer of coconut butter (1/4 inch), stick in the freezer for a few minutes until solid. Scoop 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoon of filling into the center of cups, and smooth it out. MAKE SURE to leave space around the edges! Refreeze for another minute if the bottom layer start to melt.

Then fill in the top, and the edges with another layer of coconut butter, and freeze until the top hardens. They are now ready to eat. If you leave in the freezer until really solid, you can let thaw for a moment before biting into them, but I like the hard shell.

holy chocomole!

2011-11-19T05:53:00.001-08:00

Ok I've been telling so many people about the recipe I made this week so here it is!
After reading about raw chocolate pudding/mousse for the past couple of months, I finally tried it, and and pleased to say the results far out weighted my expectations!
In fact, I'm bringing it serve for dessert on Thanksgiving. Thank you to Cate Stillman, Yogahealer who put this in the Emerging from the Fall Cleanse packet.

Two ripe avocados
1/3 cup organic raw cacao
2 tablespoons organic mesquite powder (I'm new to this product, found in health food stores and also used it to make cashew/almond milk. It has a mildly sweet chocolate flavor)
1/3 cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon organic vanilla extract
1/3 cup water or coconut water
blend in food processor-I used my vitamix
blend until smooth and it's done!!

For more great recipes for the holidays get your free Thanksgiving guide here from Cate.

yogi detox broccoli soup

2011-10-02T16:40:00.000-07:00

In preparation for the yogi detox Fall cleanse, which begins next sunday, I've been utilizing the amazing recipes from the spring detox with Cate Stillman of Yoga Healer.com. Tonight, for the first time I tried the Brazil Nuts and broccoli soup which is amazing and will be a staple of mine when we officially begin the cleanse next sunday. One stalk celery, handful of brazil nuts, 1/2 lemon juice, 1 tbsp fresh thyme (I used dried when I couldn't find fresh at two health food stores rather than stressing) 2 cups broccoli, stalks are fine, one organic veggie broth cube, salt and pepper and pinch of cayenne, plus 2-3 cups of hot water. I use my vitamix which blends it into a smooth creamy vegan soup, but you can use your blender, it will just be a bit chunkier. The soup is amazingly delicious and filling. You can use sprouts or fresh veggies for a garnish on top of the soup.
If you're interested in shifting to a healthier lifestyle, the yogi detox is for you. There are four phone calls, a forum, and a huge packet of information. Laura Juell and I will also be leading an asana class on Saturday September 22 2-4pm for anyone cleansing. Please email me with any questions marjorienass@gmail.com

2011-09-10T17:23:00.000-07:00

Autumn is still a couple of weeks away but I made my first warm soup this evening. Inspired by an amazing vegan asparagus pistachio soup I had last night at Bell Book and Candle, my handy Vitamix helped me make this soup raw, although warm. I used a bunch of fresh carrots from the farmer's market, and an organic vegetarian bouillon cube, which gives a hint of a taste of onions and garlic. I added some raw coconut meat, and a couple of cups of water. Salt and pepper to taste and and blended until warm. It was not as thick as I prefer, so I added more carrots. Then I garnished with organic olive oil and organic pumpkin seeds. That's it-nothing to prepare on the stove top at all. If you use a regular blender or food processor rather than a vitamix, you could enjoy the soup chilled or heat it on the stovetop, which is what I'll do when I have the leftovers tomorrow with lunch!

Why I'll never again miss a Fall detox

2011-09-05T19:29:00.000-07:00

Until seriously starting to practice yoga in 1999, I experienced a long history of major depression, and these episodes always occurred during the late Fall and Winter. I'd had no periods of depression until last December of 2010, and it was also the first Fall season I did not detox in eight years.

I followed my first ayurvedic detox in 2003 with Dr. Pratima Raichur, Ayurvedic physician, of Pratima skin care. I began to see her after experiencing a nasty reaction to a dermatologist's treatment, which turned into a severe eruption on my forehead. I wanted to avoid the prescribed antibiotics, but to my surprise Pratima said I would recover more quickly by taking them, as long as I detoxed after finishing the course of treatment. Eliminating alcohol and caffeine were a non issue for me. I quit drinking in my mid twenties when I fainted after two sips of white wine (another story) and fortunately never became a coffee lover. The restriction on sugar and bread had me worried. Can't I have a piece of tofu cheesecake from Lifethyme, I innocently asked? No, she said that still has sugar in it! So off I went with my little pouch of detox tea powder, filled with what at the time were strange smelling herbs and spices. Every night before bed I drank the tea and each morning spent a good amount of time in the bathroom. I still liken the tea to a little broom inside my digestive tract, scrubbing it clean. I resisted and resented the restrictions of the first detox (and still do sometimes!), and cheated more than once. I remember going out to a special dinner celebration, and eating whatever I wanted. My body was definitely not happy that night or the next couple of days, and I adhered to the regimen for the remainder of the three weeks. I felt lighter, slept better, and thought, this could be something I actually look forward to each Spring and Fall, and the three week detoxes became a regular event in my life twice a year.
Fast forward to Fall 2010. I could not find three weeks in either September or October where I was neither teaching nor traveling every weekend. I'd learned it's best to have a lighter schedule and fewer social commitments, especially the first week of the detox, for extra rest, self care and time to prepare foods. I considered detoxing for a shorter period of time, but instead decided to skip the Fall cleanse completely. BIG MISTAKE!

The first sign my health was suffering was the cold I caught the week after Thanksgiving. I attributed it to the recent flights following a weeklong vacation with my family in the caribbean, at a resort where I wasn't eating my usual diet. No big deal, everyone gets colds, you might think, yet that cold, the first week of December, was the first time I'd been sick in 2010. Over the next few weeks as the holidays approached, a strangely familiar darkness began creeping in. One of the typical symptoms of depression is sleeping more, and I'd frequently head back to bed after walking my dog each morning. I also began skipping activities that normally I never missed, like my favorite yoga classes. Seeing friends and family were events I avoided as the depression took hold, and it was not just the winter/holiday blues. I wasn't taking care of myself, and found it difficult to keep my regular commitments. By early January, I realized I needed help, and I'm grateful to say this particular period of depression was relatively short. In hindsight, when considering the various triggers leading to this depression, the fact that 2010 was the only Fall in eight years that I did not detox is definitely no coincidence. Reading Clean, by Alejandro Junger MD, a fantastic book on the detox process, I was fascinated to learn about the correlation between depression, toxins from the environment, and low serotonin levels in the body. Read this excellent excerpt from the book here.

Detoxing is not just a trend nor is it about losing weight, although that may be something you experience. Our bodies are exposed to toxins through food as well as our surroundings, and we all need a break from our intense routines. I never fully appreciated how the detoxes were such strong factors in keeping my body and mind healthy, and helping to prevent the recurrence of depression, until last winter, and will never again take the routine for granted or skip the three week regimen.

One of the best benefits from detoxing is learning how to prepare more foods for yourself. Please join me October 9-30 for a three week Ayurvedic Living Foods Detox with Cate Stillman. The program is online and webcast and easily accessible. Sharing the experience with other detoxers, especially if it's your first time, is a huge benefit. I wish I'd had a community with whom to ask questions and share recipes over all these years. Last Spring, one student and I excitedly emailed details of our experiences not only during the detox itself, but afterwards as well. I'm looking forward to supporting a group of yogis through the detox process this October.

How we live in our bodies, and how we nourish ourselves is key to living fully. You will have more to offer your loved ones and your community, and you will shift positively in all areas of your life through the gift of the Fall Ayurvedic living foods detox. Please join us.

Peach cardamom smoothie

2011-09-05T13:01:00.000-07:00

Fresh peaches are in abundance this week at farmers markets, and I've been using them for one of my favorite smoothie recipes. Since I didn't have almond milk I used homemade almond butter with ice and water as a base, added two fresh peaches, some coconut milk, hemp seed powder, and 1/2 teaspoon cardamom. If you like your smoothie colder, just add more ice, or use frozen organic fruit, which you can buy in the health food store. I bought five pounds of peaches and nectarines at the farmers market Saturday, which I will slice and freeze when they are fully ripe, and enjoy for weeks to come.

two green smoothies

2011-09-02T17:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a bit of a disappointment as I vitamixed an organic apple, green kale leaves plus organic maca powder in the vitamix. It just didn't taste as yummy as usual and I realized what I'd left out-the tahini. This paste made from raw sesame seeds adds a smooth texture to the drink and without it I didn't even finish what I'd made.
This morning I was determined to do better. Fresh blueberries (from the Union Square farmers's market-the sign said it was the last week, so I bought two pints) plus kale leaves, two cups water with a few ice cubes, one date, plus Navitas Naturals brand Superfood Blend raw protein. It's a blend of organic hemp powder,organic maca powder and organic cacao powder. And the resulting green smoothie was so much better than yesterday's! It tasted like a chocolate blueberry smoothie. I couldn't even taste the greens. This recipe is a hit I will definitely make it again. Let me know if you try it.

frozen smoothies

2011-09-01T13:40:00.000-07:00

Thanks for all of your sweet comments about the blog.

Most of the time, I make recipes for juices and smoothies which result in more than one medium serving. When I leave the house for four hours or more, I often take the second serving in a glass jar (empty almond butter and coconut manna are the right size) sometimes this works out better than others.
Wednesday I used the rest of my homemade almond milk (Organic pacific brand unsweetened is preferred if you're using store bought -it's great)frozen bananas, and frozen blueberries and strawberries from the farmer's market. When the fruit is in abundance at farmer's markets, I buy, wash and store the berries in plastic bags or containers. This weekend I'll buy plenty of ripe peaches, wash and slice them and do the same thing for future smoothies. A tablespoon of organic maca, a healthy fat, and flax seeds, are added to the fruit and almond milk and blended in the vitamix. The first serving I drank at home and it was amazing! The second serving I took with me, unrefrigerated while I traveled and was at a students home from 7:30-9:30, then refrigerated for two hours at World Yoga Center while I was teaching. The smoothie changed texture and taste a bit, definitely not creamy like the first serving, and it became so thick I had to eat it with a spoon, like pudding. I'll have to work on the consistency.

Nourishing ourselves

2011-08-31T13:19:00.001-07:00

I've been asked, repeatedly, by my dear friend, yoga student and fantastic photographer Taryn Longo to get back to writing my blog. Specifically, what I'm eating, not eating and why, and cooking. Other students and friends often ask me what I'm doing in this arena, especially over the past five months, when I dropped a stubborn 15 pounds which creeped up over the past few years (if you never noticed the weight gain you're not alone, I was in denial myself!) My energy is great and my yoga practice has opened up in a new way, so this way of eating is not about dropping weight, but rather it's about nourishing yourself. I'll write more about this in the future.

I'm grateful to all of my teachers and acknowledge the recipes and wisdom I've gleaned from Cate Stillman, Kyle Nuse, Donna Sonkin, Alejandro Junger's Clean Program and Kris Carr's Crazy Sexy Diet. I often tweak the recipes, rarely use exact measurements and tend to use what I have around the kitchen, so what you're getting here is my own interpretation of what I've learned from them.

Tuesday morning, before practicing yoga outside on the beautiful Christopher street pier, which we do every Tuesday at 9 if you care to join us, I mixed a handful of farmer's market organic spinach, farmer's market crispin apple, tablespoon of organic tahini, two organic dates and two cups of water together and mixed in the vitamix. Drank half of that at 8:15.
Felt great, enjoyed yoga, and when I got home at noon added to the second serving, 1/2 very ripe banana I'd frozen, organic blueberries from the farmer's market, scoop of organic trader joes hemp protein powder (I won't be buying that again as I prefer to use the hemp seeds themselves, plus it has added sugar,which is totally unnecessary, but I'm trying to finish it) The second smoothie is a little richer and really satisfying
Then had a spoonful of Nutiva organic coconut manna mixed with raw cacao powder for a little sweet treat. Yum.
The coconut Manna is amazing and can be purchased at Elm Health on 7th AVenue between 14th and 13th or on line at Nutiva.com.

In Memoriam, Brian Cancellieri

2010-07-21T10:56:00.000-07:00

Several people who were present to hear me deliver this eulogy at Brian Cancellieri's funeral asked if I would share what I'd written. I was truly honored to share my remembrances of Brian to his family and friends in person, and here it is, in it's entirety,

I am one of Brian’s yoga teachers. Brian was one of the most dedicated, committed students I’ve ever had the honor and privilege of teaching.

For five years, Brian was always the first to arrive in class on Sunday afternoons at 4:30pm. Sometimes he’d be waiting outside the studio on West 72nd street before even I got there. He always put his mat in the same spot, on the left hand side in the back of the room. He liked to lie on his back with his eyes closed, while the rest of the students began to come in.

Yoga was never physically easy for Brian, but that didn’t dissuade him, he loved the practice, and how much it taught him about himself. Brian was especially attracted to the philosophy, which can serve us so much on a day like today.

Even in times filled with darkness and sorrow we choose to look for the light and love in the world. This is truly what Brian wished to share. Often, his friends were brought by him to my class on Sunday afternoons. It was his way of sharing this essential part of his life.

Brian related to the world in terms of yoga, and how it could bring different types of people together.
He was excited to share his idea of VOGA with me. A hybrid of Vogueing in clubs, and yoga, what better way to strike a pose!?

The last time I saw Brian was on June 22 at the Yoga on the great lawn event in Central Park. He'd come with a friend who’d never practiced yoga, excited to share this grand event led by one of his teachers, Elena Brower. 12,000 people were there that day, and no one was more thrilled than Brian.

(Brian's sister) Erica had recently given birth to baby Tyler, and when asked, the first thing Brian excitedly told me was how Tyler slept in supta baddhakonasana, a yoga pose. He was so excited his nephew was a born yogi!

When I found Dan(Daniel Bowman Simon) and Brian, amongst the throngs on the great lawn, I’m so grateful I took my mat back to be with them. That evening, I practiced on the mat WITH Brian, alongside him. Because really, he is my teacher too, he is all of our teachers.

John Friend, the founder of Anusara Yoga and my teacher, says when a loved one passes, we don’t lose our relationship with them, nor does the relationship end.

Rather, the relationship changes.
May this provide us with some comfort, as our relationships with Brian have not ended, but morphed, shifted into a different realm.

Brian is with us in our hearts. His light is shining

May Brian always be with us, in our hearts.

2010-04-27T18:12:00.000-07:00

This 91 Year old yoga teacher is such an inspiration!

Please watch this three minute video and see how it's possible to get even brighter and better as we age.

Tao Porchon-Lynch doesn't think about age, but takes great pleasure in getting her students to smile. Gorgeous!

Preventing joint replacement surgeries

2010-04-27T17:53:00.000-07:00

I've been using facebook and twitter to stay connected more recently. If you're not already following me, I invite you to do so, however, I'll continue to use the blog periodically. Today's World Yoga Center

class focused on space, stability and freedom, and stabilizing the most mobile parts of the body, ie our joints. I mentioned a recent NY times article about preventing surgeries. I agreed with much of the prevention techniques, including controlling weight, as our joints bear far greater load than what we actually weigh.

I'm happy the article mentions yoga, although it specifies vinyasa yoga, which tends to be fast moving, and not alignment based. I'd caution beginners to find a yoga teacher who can instruct basic alignment which will protect the joints as well as modification in poses..

Back and knee surgery questions.

2009-11-25T14:24:00.000-08:00

How much of the $2.5 trillion we spend on health care goes down the drain for tests and treatments that don't help, run up the bill and may even cause harm? A recent article in Forbes addresses the issue of unnecessary tests, treatments and even surgeries. Here are two excerpts from the article about back pain and surgery, and arthroscopic knee surgery. Read the full article here

"Former computer programmer Laura Held, 52, spent years suffering from herniated discs in her upper spine that sent waves of pain shooting down her arms. So in 2006 she underwent a newly invented operation that replaced three of her worn-down discs with artificial ones, even though her insurance wouldn't pay the $10,000 cost.

But the relief was temporary and the complications long-lasting, she says. The operation paralyzed her left vocal cord, making speaking and swallowing difficult for months. Her voice is still noticeably raspy. The neck pain returned after a year. Held has already generated $100,000 in bills and now faces the prospect of another operation to fix the problems caused by the first one. "She bought a bill of goods," says University of California, Irvine spine surgeon Charles Rosen.

Spending on back and neck pain treatments, including prescription narcotics, increased 65% (after inflation) between 1997 and 2005 to $86 billion, a 2008 Journal of the American Medical Association study found. Yet the study found no evidence all the spending was making people feel better.

Back surgery is getting ever more complicated and expensive. One controversial operation that has surged in popularity is spinal fusion, in which two or more vertebrae are fused together to alleviate pain blamed on degenerated discs. It costs around $50,000. Two controlled trials, one in England and one in Norway, found it was hardly better for plain lower back pain than a good rehab program combining exercise and cognitive therapy. The surgery comes with more complications than the exercise.

33.3 million Americans report back and neck pain.
$86 billion Total spending on back and neck pain treatments.
65% Rise in spending since 1997 (inflation adjusted).
20.7% Percent of back patients with limitations in physical function in 1997.
24.7% Percent of back patients with limitations in physical function in 2005.

Source: Journal of the American Medical Association, Feb. 13, 2008.

One common way to treat arthritis of the knee has been to shave off loose pieces of cartilage through arthroscopic surgery. Two rigorous trials show that this $5,000 procedure doesn't help. In 2002 researchers at the va Medical Center in Houston showed that the real operation was no better than a fake (placebo) operation for arthritic knees. But some surgeons refused to accept the verdict, even as Medicare stopped covering the procedure for arthritis alone. (It is widely used for sports injuries.) They argued that the veterans study reflected a narrow demographic and that patients with locking or other "mechanical" symptoms could still benefit. Doctors performed 956,000 knee arthroscopies in 2006, up from 629,000 in 1996. How many are done in arthritis sufferers is unknown.

Orthopedic surgeon Robert Litchfield of the University of Western Ontario in Canada thought his trial, comparing arthroscopy to treatment with painkillers and physical therapy in 176 arthritis patients, would disprove the earlier one. But after two years those who got operations were no better, including those with mechanical symptoms, according to the results reported last year in the New England Journal of Medicine.

A murky situation is patients with some arthritis and with tears in the meniscus, the knee's shock absorber. Most arthritis patients have the tears, whether they are in pain or not. "This is one of the most frequently performed procedures in medicine, and we don't know whether it works," says Brigham & Women's Hospital rheumatologist Jeffrey Katz, who is leading another trial to resolve the matter."

$5,000 Cost of knee arthroscopy.
956,000 Number of knee arthroscopies performed in 2006.
629,000 Number of knee arthroscopies performed in 1996.

Surgery is invasive, expensive, and not always effective. Why not try other available options, including yoga before surgery or drugs? Most people do not know that yoga can be effective, and most are not told there are ways to manage their condition, and even improve it, without the risks of surgery.

Here is a link to an abcnews piece about doctors prescribing yoga, even in hospitals, for everything to ADHD to brain tumors.

Is happiness contagious?

2009-09-13T16:38:00.000-07:00

Asks this NY Times Magazine article. I was so curious, I read all ten pages right on my iphone. Although questions about the methodology remain, the results of the study unfailingly cause us to ask the affect our behaviors have on one another

"Good health is also a product, in part, of your sheer proximity to other healthy people"

The often quoted Ghandi statement, "be the change you wish to see in the world" allows us to acknowledge that the simple acts of smiling, eating a healthy meal, or going to yoga class, WILL affect others.

"happiness doesn’t come only from having deep, heart-to-heart talks. It also comes from having daily exposure to many small moments of contagious happiness. When you frequently see other people smile — at home, in the street, at your local bar — your spirits are repeatedly affected by your mirroring of their emotional state".

Simply through the practice of yoga, we feel better, and when we feel better, we are happier, when we are happier, we are more likely to be healthy, and when we are healthy we make better choices in life. When we are happy, others around us are uplifted, and in turn those whose lives they touch are affected.

As my philosophy teacher Douglas Brooks says, "you are the company you keep, so keep good company". We could take it a step further, and say, you are the health of the company you keep, so keep healthy company.

As of Monday, September 14, the NY Times article was one of the top five emailed, so clearly, people are curious about the answer to the question, is happiness contagious?

What you wear on your feet makes a difference

2009-09-01T17:39:00.000-07:00

I received several emails from students asking for thoughts on the following New York Times article. The subject of the article is a new type of footwear for running, which rather than heavily padding and coddling the feet, offers the runner an experience as close to barefoot, and to nature, as possible. I'm responding via this blog post, as well as offering classes which focus on the feet. We'll continue the exploration this Sunday, September 6th at 4:30-6pm at World Yoga Center.

The article in question ran in the Times' business section, with the $17 billion sports shoe market at hand. I was pleased the article points to the very real effects on our feet and the rest of our body when we wear shoes, while running or not, and how the act of being barefoot aligns the body with nature.

"Proponents of (the running barefoot approach)...contend that naked feet are perfectly capable of running long distances, and that encasing them in the fortress of modern footwear weakens foot muscles and ligaments and blocks vital sensory input about terrain". Yoga is practiced barefoot, therefore as we become more sensitive in our feet, we receive support and a deeper connection throughout our body. When we're firmly grounded into the earth, we feel more aligned with the world around us, and with one another.

“The shoe arguably got in the way of evolution,” says Galahad Clark, a seventh-generation shoemaker and chief executive of the shoemaker Terra Plana, based in London. “They’re like little foot coffins that stopped the foot from working the way it’s supposed to work.” In addition to being barefoot during your yoga practice, try kicking off your shoes and socks any time. Feel the floor or the rug beneath your feet. Stand in mountain pose, tadasana, and connect the four corners of your feet to the earth. (Four corners in order: big toe ball, inner heel, little toe ball, outer heel) and breathe.

While it's still warm out for the next few weeks, walk barefoot in the grass or on the beach, and notice how your whole body lights up in a new way.

Shoelessly yours,

Namaste

Marjorie

Day of Gratitude-on the Upper West Side

2009-08-12T12:23:00.001-07:00

I was excited to read a New York Times article about an upcoming day of gratitude, to be held Wednesday August 19th on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Numerous restaurants, retailers and hair salons in the neighborhood are participating. Gratitude Day was the brainstorm of a longtime local resident, Melissa Sones. She decided to approach local Upper West Side businesses with the idea, which has grown to at least 10 businesses at press time.

For me, the big surprise is that an idea like this might be something those of us familiar with yoga expect to find in yoga studios, maybe in other parts of the country. But here in New York City, in an upscale neighborhood! I'm stunned, and in a very thankful way!

Consciousness is definitely shifting in ways we cannot have imagined just recently.
Will you participate in Gratitude Day, interested in learning more?

Why I love twitter

2009-08-09T16:57:00.000-07:00

I remember the first time I heard murmurs about Twitter, sometime last year. A student explained she'd heard that friends used it to let one anther know what bar they were going to that night. Perfect, I never need to know anything else about that, I thought! A few months later, I read an article by David Pogue in the New York Times about the benefits of Twitter. He could actually could get an answer to a question he posted to his "followers". Still not interested, But everything changed back in June when John Friend, my teacher and founder of Anusara Yoga, started tweeting, and I became a follower. I like reading about John's class themes on the very same day he teaches them. I love to see photos of the classes he's taught from around the world. Since I see John in person on only three or four occasions a year, it's like I can get a little dose of John every day! Now, I also follow other Anusara teachers on Twitter, including my teacher Amy Ippoliti. I love getting the instantaneous dose of teachings and inspiration. When do I have time to I read the tweets? On the subway, on my iphone (which has a special app) on the subway, and the brevity is brilliant.
As with Facebook, I believe the benefits of Twitter far outweigh any drawbacks. And if you'd like to follow me on twitter, I'm modnass1.

" Be proud to be part of a magnificent Earth, and a group of beings seeking the ultimate freedom in a grand diversity of creative expression" John Friend (anusarafriend), via Twitter 6/27/09

More on Obamasana

2009-04-18T16:40:00.000-07:00

Evidently, I'm not the only one who sees Obama from a yogic perspective.

Hip hop mogul and yogi Russell Simmons says Obama is a yogi, because rather than governing from fear, he listens and brings communities together through outreach and dialogue.
"He's an inspiration to the whole yoga community", says Simmons.
Hear the entire interview on politico.com, which also includes Simmons' thoughts on climate change and vegetarianism.

Nationwide Yogathon

2009-04-16T14:03:00.000-07:00

It's been way too long since I've updated my blog. When I saw the January date on the last post, I realized how quickly three months have flown. So I'll be making up for lost time by catching up on some postings!

On May 1st, Karma Krew ,a yoga‐based 501(c)3 nonprofit, launches the Peace by Peace Yogathon ‐ a month‐long
nationwide fundraiser to support its outreach initiatives that include bringing yoga programs to underserved populations and promoting community volunteerism through a nationwide network of yoga studios and teachers. Karma Krew recognizes that in this time of financial jeopardy and economic hardship, it’s hard for many people to imagine having enough energy, time, or resources to commit to community service or fundraising for others. An integrated model of serving others while nurturing yourself now exists with the Peace by Peace Yogathon.

Stop and take a moment to think about how much your yoga practice has helped you – how it’s brought you better health, balance, and harmony in your life. Now, imagine if that same opportunity was available to everyone, no matter their circumstances or background. What if yoga programs could be brought to nursing homes, drug treatment facilities, hospitals, prisons, and children’s shelters all over the country? How might our world start to change?

Take the Peace by Peace Nationwide Yogathon Challenge this May and help do your “peace” to change the world.

As a participant, you register for free at www.karmakrew.org to obtain a personalized fundraising page to use in securing your pledges online for each yoga class you plan to take during the month of May. Classes can be taken anywhere you choose. Karma Krew uses the money you raise to fund outreach programs and yoga classes for underserved populations all over the country.

Karma Krew has partnered with various socially-conscious companies to provide prizes for the biggest fundraisers and weekly raffles. Winners will be awarded with various yoga gear, clothes, books, cds, and even yoga trips from the Peace by Peace sponsors including Jade Yoga , I LOVE YOGA, Patagonia, and Be Present. The Grand Prize is a weekend R & R trip to Kripalu!

In addition, all participants will receive free daily intention podcasts, inspirational karma related articles, tips for consciously living your yoga practice off the mat, and other moral support via email and at www.karmakrew.org throughout the entire month of May. Sign up now at www.karmakrew.org and do your peace! See this You Tube clip with co-founder Amy Lombardo for more details.

I've committed to taking 10 yoga classes in the month of May, and hope you will join me.

Obamasana

2009-01-26T08:55:00.000-08:00

Since well before last year's election, yogis have affectionately used terms like Obamasana, OMbama, and Obamaste. A picture of Obama seated in padmasana is even captured in a current full page Lululemon ad. President Obama has certainly captured the world's attention, but as yogis I think many, if not most of us feel a particularly strong connection with our new leader. (I even had a dream that he invited me to teach yoga at the white house!). I've been thinking about why, and believe it begins with the elegance and ease with which President Obama carries himself, and how comfortable he appears to be in his body. He is the definition of openhearted.

When we form ideas and speak directly from our heart, not only from our head, we can access our intentions based on hope. The new administration is led by a man who is the embodiment of grace.

When we live our lives based on fear, it show in our bodies and our expressions, as we become closed, restricted and hardened. When hope leads the way, we become receptive and expansive, with soft eyes and a big smile. My first exposure to this idea was with philosophy professor Dr. Douglas Brooks in late 2003, and the teaching has had a profound impact on me in many areas of my life. How differently the day begins when our thoughts turn to possibilities, rather than restrictions!

Let's embrace change as we officially start the next four years, and may we lead our lives from hope rather than fear.

Speaking of change, The Chapel of the Sacred Mirrors (CoSM) will be moving into the East West Yoga studio where I've been teaching since October. If CoSM sounds familiar it's because I blogged about it last May after taking a yoga workshop with John Levis. Read more about it hereCoSM.

This week all classes at East West are suspended, resuming Tuesday February 3rd. Since the Gallery will be open 12-5pm seven days a week, both my Sunday and Monday classes will be affected. I will let you know if I'll be continuing to teach at East West as soon as I find out. In the meantime you can join me at my regular classes at World Yoga Center and Equinox Fitness. See the about me section on this blog for my schedule or my website at marjorienass.com.

Obamaste!

Enlightening Up?

2009-01-02T16:47:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

I had a mini retreat/staycation this week and took classes four consecutive days at Virayoga in Soho, including a three hour Viracity practice New Years Eve day with Zhenja LaRosa and a two hour New Years day practice with Elena Brower Lyons.

On Thursday, the room was abuzz with news that the New York Times' style section featured a gorgeous photo of friends, Virayoga's very own teachers Sharon Kenney and Julie Dohrman dropping back into Urdva Dhanurasana. The accompanying article mused about yoga teachers literally lightening up yoga classes with humor, music and westernized names of poses. Sarah Court, another friend and creator of the "yoga thugs" music videos featuring Sharon and Julie, graced the first page of the styles section. Sarah substitutes my Equinox class at Greenwich Avenue Mondays at 5:30pm when I'm out of town.

The article suggests that a less serious, rigid style of yoga can be more appealing and accessible to some students. The Anusara style of yoga offers this approach in many ways. Teachers create an uplifting practice where we connect with something bigger than ourselves, and we celebrate all aspects of life, while choosing to focus on its goodness and gifts. If something is funny, laughing in class, especially at ourselves, is encouraged. A class may spontaneously burst into applause at a fellow students' demonstration, and unique to Anusara Yoga is a pose affectionately named "wild thing," a variation of the vasistasana armbalance. I believe these are factors which contribute to Anusara Yoga's accessibility to students, and why it has become popular all over the world. What do you think?

In this first week of January, I'll be teaching about the first principle of Anusara Yoga: Opening to Grace, aligning in the currents of nature, and pausing to feel what is right in front of us. If it's something funny, please laugh out loud!

Walking Lesssons

2008-11-12T05:08:00.000-08:00

One of my very first yoga teachers, Jonathan FitzGordon, from back in the day at Om Yoga, is featured in this article in the New York Times today. In addition to teaching yoga classes at The Yoga Center of Brooklyn, he also offers workshops and private sessions on walking.

My yoga teaching includes details on how to optimally hold our bodies as we move through the world, not just on the yoga mat. Jonathan saw his students with amazing yoga practices arriving and leaving the studio with poor posture, and realized there was a need for details on how we can incorporate yoga alignment principles in our daily life.

More on multitasking.....

2008-10-30T04:50:00.000-07:00

NPR had a broadcast on multitasking this morning, mostly about driving while talking on the cell phone. They list some additional articles here.

Multitasking

2008-10-27T08:34:00.001-07:00

A great article in the New York Times last weekend concludes what many of us already suspected. It's not possible to effectively do more than one thing at a time, and it makes us more stressed. Yoga helps to increase awareness, so that whatever we're doing, we're more fully present and can offer our complete attention. Really, we're not saving any time by talking on the phone while checking email, or opening the mail while talking to a family member right in front of us (I have a personal issue with that one!). Even walking around NYC while talking on the phone is multitasking. You still have to watch for other pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles (maybe just walking on the street itself is multitasking?!) I try to find a sunny spot and stop if I must answer a call. There's less chance of miscommunication, and I usually need to check my schedule at that time (which is on my iphone, which also can check my email, but I digress....)

Yoga is an invitation to have a deeper experience in life, so I invite you to turn your chair away from the desk/computer when you answer the phone, or better yet, stand up and take a few deep breaths. You may find there's less distraction and more ability to focus when returning to (the single) task at hand.

I've often shared that before I began yoga, at the gym I'd stairmaster or ride the stationary bike, while simultaneously listening to music, AND reading the newspaper AND watching TV....all at the same time! No wonder yoga was such a huge leap for me - I couldn't put my attention exclusively on one thing.

Recently a student walked towards me on West 72nd street as I walked and looked at my iphone. By the time my awareness shifted he was standing right in front of me, waiting for me to stop, and by then I almost caused a collision! Clearly, a part of that multitasking gym rat lives on in me after all these years. Thanks for calling me on it Brian.

In a recent Teacher Training, John Friend invited us to truly look and see what, and who, is in front of us right at that moment. There are teachings and invitations presented to us constantly, and my practice will be to look and see straight ahead, not down at my iphone.

New Mexico Photos

2008-10-25T10:24:00.000-07:00

This is a house in Carson, NM, where one of Elizabeth's friends lives. It's an "earth ship." style, and is built part way into the ground, and faces the sun to get the maximum amount of energy to run its own solar power. I kept calling it a space ship by mistake!
Two of my friends who I went to high school with in new york city, Scott and Elizabeth, live in New Mexico, and both live in houses "off the grid." Scott's just outside of Taos and Elizabeth is near there in a tiny town called Carson. We ate meals completely prepared from food grown in Elizabeth's garden, including winter squash, dried pinto beans, tomatoes, swiss chard, basil for the pesto sauce. yum!

Here are some photos from New Mexico including me in Vrkshasana in which I'm always photographed. The scenery is so beautiful, and it almost looks like another planet. It was unusually cloudy when I first arrived, so the typical blue skies are not abundant as on the 300 sunny days Sante Fe has each year.

A church outside of Taos in the adobe style, and

Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu where Georgia O'Keeffe lived for many years. She painted both of these images in her work.

National request for meditation and relaxation

2008-09-20T14:10:00.001-07:00

I was pleased to receive an email request from the National Director of Group Fitness at Equinox, where I teach a yoga class each week here in Manhattan.

It was a request that all yoga teachers take time to create a portion of class which includes meditation and relaxation. Those of you who have taken class with me know each class begins with centering, breathing and chanting Om, as well as the Anusara invocation. Classes end with meditation and Savasana. In gym environments, this is not always the case, because often yoga classes are focused solely on the physical aspects of yoga (asana).
This request for inner contemplation is a direct result of the enormous unrest in the financial markets this week, which effects all of us, if not directly, in an indirect way. The fitness director recognizes that yoga classes are a place members come for "...respite and to literally calm their minds and heal their bodies."

"...the mind and body calming effects of meditation, and we believe you, our yogis, can help our members bring clarity of purpose through a conscious exploration of thoughts, feelings, and expectations."

Taking five to ten minutes of a 60, 75 or 90 minute class to slow down offers numerous benefits in health and well-being. Outside class, we can always take another five minutes to get more exercise, but most will not take five minutes to sit and watch the breath. And indeed, that is what we've been asked to offer.

Please keep me posted if you notice classes emphasizing more meditation and relaxation in the coming weeks.

On being barefoot

2008-09-07T08:54:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Anne Libby, who responded to my July post on flip-flops, and shared the following NPR broadcast; an interview with a man who lives life barefoot. Apparently, there are many people living in our modern society interested in this lifestyle, as there's even a Society for Barefoot Living. I still need to spend some more time on the site, but a quick look revealed some great articles about the advantages of being barefoot. Stay tuned for more.

Finding the new in the familiar, and vice versa

2008-09-06T18:59:00.000-07:00

In this first week or so after Labor Day, a sense of beginnings and renewal floats in the air. It's back to school and work after summer weekends away and vacations. I always loved the beginning of a new school year or semester, and starting with a fresh notebook and all the possibilities ahead. In fact I still love opening up a new journal! But what our yoga practice reveals is we can find something new in the familiar at any point in time, even in the most mundane and banal experiences (washing the dishes, anyone?).

This week's yoga classes will focus on the theme of the new and the familiar, so we'll practice repeating the same asanas, and ask what can we find that's new in the third, or even fourth trikonasana? And when attempting an asana that's new to you, what familiar aspects can you find in the pose?

I love your comments-keep 'em coming!

On Language

2008-08-24T07:09:00.000-07:00

Jaime Epstein, a writer and certified Jivamukti teacher, wrote the On Language column in the Sunday August 24th edition of the New York Times. Entitled, Namaste, Jaime humorously writes about Sanskrit, yoga, and how we use the language in classes. Check it out and let me know what you think!

More on Bikram

2008-08-03T07:25:00.001-07:00

Chicago Tribune Health and Fitness writer Julie Deardorf has more on Bikram Choudhury today.

I especially appreciate her concluding remarks, "finally, the yoga classes I like best—and the ones I keep coming back to—are the ones that reflect the teacher's creativity and personality. That's missing in Bikram, where, like McDonald's, the product is standardized so it can be mass marketed"
As a Certified Anusara yoga teacher, I believe I have more to offer students when I can be creative. My teaching changes based on experiences in my own personal practice, and classes change and evolve over time. The consistency remains in the asanas and the philosophy, but the sequence and themes are constantly changing, something I appreciate both as a teacher and as a student.

Yoga Mats, green vs PVC

2008-08-03T04:53:00.000-07:00

This great chart gives a rundown of the pros and cons of the old sticky mats, which contain PVC but are definitely "stickier" and the new eco friendly mats, which definitely don't last as long, because, they're biodegradable. Greenzer.com is a shopping site which offers all types of products, so when you click to buy your organic style mat, they'll offer some eco friendly yoga clothes as well.

Going Postal?

2008-08-03T04:26:00.000-07:00

The postal department in Ranchi, India now offers a 9 day yoga training, including asana and pranayama. Read the full article.
“Yoga and pranayam give peace of mind and increase the physical and mental stamina. The performance of the postal personnel will increase manifold if they keep up the practice of yoga,” said Swami Sachchidanand. In addition to employees, customers are also taking part in the "yoga camp"

Anyone for yoga at nyc post offices, perhaps for the customers waiting in line?

Interview with Bikram yoga founder

2008-08-01T18:16:00.000-07:00

I'm often asked "what do you think about hot yoga?" Bikram Yoga is practiced in a room heated up to 104 degrees. I think this interview with yoga founder Bikram Choudhury from the Chicago Tribune blog shows his true colors. What do you think?

Estelle Parsons-80 year old Actress in NY Times doing headstand

2008-08-01T17:58:00.000-07:00

More students told me about this article than any other in recent months. Two LARGE photos of Estelle Parsons were featured in the paper itself. In the Times online, they print the photo of her in Shirshasana, but not Vrkshasana.

See how age 80 can look - when yoga is practiced for 30 of those years!

More about Community

2008-08-01T17:29:00.000-07:00

Yoga teacher Alison West was the first to offer her seva of visiting an elderly neighbor, Elizabeth Goodyear. A community of individuals visit and read to Elizabeth, who is 101, now that she no longer can herself. Read this article from the New York Times for more details. Usually I only read The Times Online, but happened to see that this was on page A1 (the front page). It's also on the top 10 of most emailed articles on NY Times online.

Listen to Elizabeth herself talk about subjects like taking class with Martha Graham through this audio link. She is a yogi in the truest meaning of the word.

"Yoga Bears: Its no stretch to say Traders are Taking Deep Breaths" WSJ

2008-07-24T05:49:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Barbara Greenberg for forwarding this interesting article from the Wall St Journal on yoga practiced by employees at financial companies, both in the office and at home. I love getting these articles-please keep me in the loop!

Subway breathing

2008-07-20T07:13:00.000-07:00

I've found many themes for yoga class on the subway, which often can be a New Yorkers greatest challenge, especially in the summer!

From Samadhi and the City this week, Carla Dharani Ardito, who wrote a little breathing exercise for the sticky summer subway.

“First, place both feet on the floor (if your legs are too short, then toes gently pressing on the ground will suffice). Close and relax your eyes, soften your tongue, sense your body sitting, and feel yourself upright yet soft. Ease your back into the curved subway seat. Scan the body and let go of all the muscles in the body not involved in sitting up and your internal organs—especially the heart and the brain.
Now feel your belly moving gently in and out as you inhale and exhale. If you do not sense this movement at first, continue to work on releasing and softening the entire body. Eventually you’ll sense this subtle movement. Imagine a sleeping baby’s belly moving up and down, smoothly and evenly.
Once you are calm and centered, send those feelings out to the entire subway car.
You may notice a change in the environment brought about by your yogic ability to center yourself and bring forth the peace that is truly at the center of every human being.
The NYC subway is no rival for the power of a peaceful warrior.”

Yoga on the Beach?

2008-07-20T04:35:00.000-07:00

If you've ever tried to practice yoga at the shore, it's a wonderful experience. You are truly in the flow of nature (Anusara means, to be in the flow). The sand rests beneath the body, the sea breeze tickles the skin, the sounds of the waves and seagulls are constant, and the smell of the salt air wafts through the nose. The clear vision of the ocean as far as the eye can see creates a clarity that we're a part of something much bigger than ourselves.

There's a yoga class held early morning on Long Beach, New York during the summer, and read what the students and the teacher have to say in this article from the New York Times. If you ever can practice on the beach, even for a few minutes it's a gift.
Yoga on the Beach

Flip flops

2008-07-19T07:01:00.000-07:00

The last couple of weeks, many of you have been asking about wearing flip flops. Can they actually be harmful to the feet? We discussed them in this weeks therapeutics classes, while doing toe yoga, and basically, what it comes down to is WHERE you wear your flip flops. At the beach, around your apartment, even for a short walk to the store or late night stroll with the doggie is probably okay. But more than that, you're asking for trouble. There just isn't enough support from those thin soles under your poor feet to be pounding the pavement for any length of time. If you like to have your feet open to the air in the summer, like I do, there are much better options for your feet, including Merrells, Keens, Birkenstocks, and my new favorite, Fit Flops, which say they are good for toning the legs. I don't know about that, but my feet and legs feel good, even after running around town all day. Let me know what you think about the following article. Flip flops

A follow up to this July post. It's a little too cold to think about flip flops right now here in NYC, but here's another article for the files when it's time to pull them out for a winter vacation, or next summer. It states wearing flip flops causes joint pain.

Guru Purnima

2008-07-18T19:05:00.000-07:00

In classes this past week, we discussed the auspicious holiday, Guru Purnima, and celebrated all of our teachers and their gifts with gratitude. This article has more details on the holiday, and an interview with spiritual teacher Dattatreya Siva Baba. He has a vision of a new period of enlightenment about to be ushered in.

It's hopeful. What do you think?

yoga and depression

2008-07-12T12:08:00.001-07:00

This is one of the best articles, by Stephanie Brail, on yoga and depression I've see. I will add my own opinion that yoga keeps one's body/mind in the present, while depression keeps one either obsessing about the past, or ruminating about the future.

(NaturalNews) Feeling depressed or down? Do some yoga. ...Prior to modern drug companies, sages from the East discovered a method of calming the mind and soothing the spirit. These physical exercises, called "asanas," are what modern Westerners typically think of when they hear the term "yoga."

The roots of yoga date back tens of thousands of years. Yoga, in the grander sense of the word, is not just physical exercise. It is more than asanas. It consists of an entire philosophy and prescription for emotional and spiritual well-being.

Yoga asanas (or postures) were developed to prepare the body and mind for long periods of meditation. Ancient yogis believed that it was difficult to reach heights of spiritual awareness with a body that was suffering from ill health. The mind also needed to become calm and serene, and this was accomplished through the physical practice of asana.

Through trial and error over thousands of years, yoga evolved to become a powerful and effective mind/body practice. Thus, yoga is a special form of exercise specifically designed to calm the mind and reduce mental chatter and worry. Certainly, you might feel some stress relief from jogging or tennis, but yoga, unlike most western forms of exercise, was actually designed to create a sense of peace and serenity.

Western studies have shown that regular exercise can provide relief from depression. In addition, yoga postures have been specifically shown to increase levels of the neurotransmitter GABA, which may alleviate depression. Furthermore, as many enthusiastic practitioners of yoga will tell you, yoga seems to go beyond the benefits of general exercise and helps increase overall happiness.

How does yoga improve mental health?

On a physical level, yoga postures are designed to massage the internal organs, increasing and decreasing blood flow to targeted areas. This circulates the blood and lymph, thus removing stale bodily fluids from vital organs and helping flush toxins. The physical movement can also stimulate certain hormones and neurotransmitters, leading to positive feelings and emotions.

Additionally, according to the Eastern medical model, yoga exercises are also designed to specifically move the "prana" or life force energy in the body (traditional Oriental medicine calls this "chi"). Keeping this life force fresh and alive is vital to well-being, according to Eastern philosophy.

Yoga poses stimulate certain aspects of the body's energetic system, comprised of "chakras" (energy centers) and "nadis" (the yogic term for "meridians" or energy channels). As stuck prana is moved and energized, old emotional wounds manifesting as blockages in the energy centers and channels can be released. This may explain why so many yoga practitioners experience a sense of emotional release from practicing certain poses, such as a spontaneous expression of tears, providing a sense of extreme relief and peace afterwards.

The special breathing exercises that go along with yoga (called "pranayama") also serve to energize the body by bringing fresh quantities of prana in through the breath. These breathing exercises can also alleviate anxiety and create a sense of calm and well-being.

Full article

Benefit for Cedar Rapids Kula 7/4 at World Yoga Center

2008-06-30T12:04:00.000-07:00

Those of you attending my classes last week heard about the terrible flooding in Cedar Rapids which affected the local Anusara studio, Yoga Fusion. Students who attend the center lost their homes in the disaster. World Yoga Center will be holding a benefit class for the Cedar Rapids yoga Kula this Friday, July 4th at 10am, taught by Certified Anusara teacher Jackie Prete. Suggested donation is $20.

My theme of community illustrated how Anusara teachers from around the country had stepped up with donations of props and funds to assist Yoga Fusion and owner Marsha Neiland, back on their feet at a new location for the yoga studio.

I'm delighted that the World Yoga Center kula can contribute by participating in this benefit class, but if you cannot attend, donations can also be sent directly to Marsha Nieland, checks made out to Fusion Studio. Send to 419 Green Valley Terrace SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 52403.

Yoga Event Stretches across US/Mexico Border

2008-06-28T09:09:00.000-07:00

Yoga Event Stretches across US/Mexico Border

This article ties in well with this weeks theme of community. Thanks to Anne Libby for forwarding the link. I welcome any yoga related articles, so please send them along!

The feet!

2008-06-23T19:03:00.000-07:00

The Feet

Thanks to Yehuda Berger, who forwarded this great article from NPR.com. Click on the slide show and you'll see some familiar "toga" (toe yoga) poses, which we do in most World Yoga Center therapeutics classes.

Our feet are our connection with the earth, and when we lose awareness of them, our foundation is compromised. With the warmer weather and lighter footwear, we see more of our feet each day. Get your toes, arches and heels moving and your whole body will feel better.

The Unbelievable Size of the Universe

2008-06-23T18:48:00.000-07:00

As I taught about community this week, I found a way to get a little perspective, and remember that we are a part of something much bigger than ourselves.

Check out this short video.

The Unbelievable size of the universe

Community, in the big city

2008-06-22T10:17:00.000-07:00

My class theme this week invokes community, and we practiced remembrance that we are part of something bigger. Physically, we can remember the parts of ourselves that we don't see, like the back of the body, which represents the universal, as opposed to the front of the body, which reflects our individual self.

Last week, Anusara teachers worldwide received an email that the Cedar Rapids, Iowa Anusara studio had fallen victim to the vast flooding. The studio was unusable, as were the mats and props, and left students without a place to practice yoga. Marsha, the owner of Fusionstudio was busy looking for a new location. Within a day, she received generous donations of new props and funds, and had a temporary location for her students, many of whom had lost their homes, and were craving a place to come together and practice yoga. Today, thanks to the Anusara kula, students in Cedar Rapids will begin practicing yoga at a temporary location .

I love these six ideas which offer the chance to use New York City as our teacher, especially the community of new york city.

Posted by Samadhi in the City blogger at Yoga Journal online.

1) Always go through a park instead of around it. Take the trees and the dirt and grass and squirrels, and the overall natural aliveness deep into your cells.

2) Smile. Though I recommend actual lips-turned-up smiling, even just internally, energetically smiling at people with a soft, gentle gaze—can absolutely transform your experience of New York. Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh said, “If in our daily life we can smile, if we can be peaceful and happy, not only we, but everyone will profit from it. This is the most basic kind of peace work." But he understands the value of “fake it till you make it,” because he also said: “Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”

3) Don’t run for lights. Take the red light moment—even if there are no cars—to do a mini open-eye meditation. Take a few deep breaths and take in your surroundings.

4) Do small nice things, especially when you don’t feel like it. Open doors, give up your seat, your place in line, the last sesame bagel. Tell people when their bags are open, when their shirt tags are hanging out.

5) Cultivate a meditation and/or yoga practice. A lot you you probably know this, but It helps us clear the brush from the passage to that calm, still, love-essence place so we can visit frequently.

6) Be grateful. When you feel yourself going off the rails on a crowded, warm subway, make yourself come up with three things you’re grateful for.

CoSM

2008-05-19T05:38:00.000-07:00

For the past two years, I've been hearing about a unique gallery in Chelsea called Chapel of Sacred Mirrors (CoSM) with works by the artist Alex Grey. Last Saturday, I finally made it to attend my friend John Levis' fabulous Anusara workshop which was held in one of the CoSM's spaces. The parallels between the CoSM vision, and Anusara yoga are profound. Both see the entire universe as an expression of consciousness, and while Alex Grey uses his visual art to convey his vision, we use our bodies and the Anusara yoga practice to reveal that connection. The CoSM space holds a variety of events, including live music and ceremonies for the Full and New Moon. At the end of the year, CoSM will relocated to upstate New York, for its next incarnation, so take a visit over to Chelsea before too long!

This week I am teaching about how to develop a deeper sense of connection, in conjunction with aligning the upper body in order to stand up tall in the world. The manner in which we hold ourselves is a reflection of what we believe we have to offer and contribute.

Where to buy yoga mats and clothes

2008-05-18T08:20:00.000-07:00

At least once a week I'm asked where is to buy a yoga mat, props, and especially, yoga clothes.

If you live in New York City and prefer to shop for new stuff, head to Lululemon at 1928 Broadway (64th) for sustainable mats, and a great selection of clothing for men and women. The Equinox gyms also have great boutiques with a variety of brands.

If, like me, you often shop online, I recommend TheYCatalog,(home to a variety of brands, and which donates ten percent of sales to charity)Prana, Bepresent and Bluecanoe for clothing, and yogaaccessories.com for mats (including biodegradable and extra long styles) and props.

Satya-Truth in the Medical Profession

2008-05-18T07:53:00.000-07:00

One of the most basic teachings of yoga is satya, or truth. Satya is the second of five Yamas, or specific ethical guidelines for those who practice yoga.

This article in the New York Times illustrates some remarkable results when doctors admit their mistakes, and actually tell the truth to their patients. Read on:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/18/us/18apology.html?em&ex=1211256000&en=0022f0dd5509455e&ei=5087%0A

Animal Kingdom's Odd Couples

2008-05-17T18:56:00.000-07:00

Animals, especially our pets, can teach us so much about ourselves and one another. These photos, plus the link to even more, show unusual pairs of animals getting together just fine. We could all learn something from them!

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/popupid=3381380&contentIndex=1&page=10&start=false

2008-05-12T16:01:00.000-07:00

See all the photos from Red Rock and Rocky Mountain National Park at

http://picasaweb.google.com/modnass1/Colorado?authkey=2eZAUQXsUvg

More from the Rockies

2008-05-11T07:56:00.000-07:00

Tree Pose/Vrkshasana in the Rocky Mountains

2pm Estes Park, Colorado at 7000 feet-sunny and cool

2:20pm even cooler-put on Liz' down coat

3pm sunny, six inches of snow and cold - added the hat.

3:30pm 9500 feet Final pose at our summit for the day. I needed gloves to enjoy this winter wonderland on May 10th!

One of the many lasting benefits of the 2007 India trip led by Desiree Rumbaugh, is that it resulted in some wonderful friendships. This past week I stayed with Liz Aitken, a yoga teacher originally from New Jersey, who's lived in Lakewood Colorado for the past year and a half. Thanks to Liz, I had the good fortune to be able to walk to the Belmar center for the Anusara teacher's gathering every day. Liz absolutely loves her new outdoor lifestyle, and can't wait to take visitors on her tour, so yesterday, we met up with another India trip friend, Meg Smeaton. Meg is based in North Carolina and currently in Boulder doing a training in the Rolfing technique.

We headed from Boulder over to Estes Park for a drive and a hike up near one of the beautiful spots Liz has explored. There was more snow there on May 10th than we had all winter in NYC. It was a little too stormy for the walk we planned, so we drove around and saw some young elk walking around the park and on the roads. It was a beautiful day.

My blog

2008-04-26T13:29:00.000-07:00

Thanks to your enthusiasm and interest in reading about my thoughts about yoga and more, I now have a blog! Stay tuned!