Yoga in State College Blog
March 27th, 2015
The secret to Compassion
namaste
Exerpted from www.anmolmehta.com

Compassion is the nectar of life. If you are saturated with it, you will be sweet and this sweet fragrance will also be felt by all those around you. Unfortunately, the true value and depth of this treasure is not fully appreciated and today, many vessels, also sometimes called humans, are empty of this enriching energy. So what makes compassion flow? The answer is not at all complex. I suggest you pose this question to yourself and see what reply comes from deep within you, before I go into my thoughts on this matter. The answer to what makes for you to be filled with compassion, is simply the realization that this world belongs entirely you to. This beautiful earth, blue skies, eternal mountains, lush forests, quiet streams, starry nights and wondrous animals are all yours. This is your world. Do you see that? Do you feel it? It is your world to create as you see fit. All the people are your people. When you awaken to this truth, you will feel compassion like never before. After all, if you see the whole world as yours, you will start to care deeply for every part of it. So why don’t many of us realize and live this fact? There are, I feel, two primary reasons for why we are unable to fully awaken to the fact that the entire universe and all within it belongs to us, are an inseparable part of us. These two causes follow each other like night follows day. First, you have been conditioned to believe that you are a separate being. Separate from everything. This separation is enforced by every facet of society and the embraced life. All of what society values, further strengthens this sense of separate existence, and the end result is you no longer feel your connection to the world you live in. You feel totally disconnected. Having now created in you an impenetrable sense of separate existence, society next forces in you a sense of lacking or incompleteness. So now, you are forever lost in the pursuit of filling this hole. The end product is a tiny little separate person, all alone in a big world, trying like mad to build their petty little empire. Result… no sign of compassion anywhere in sight. You are so lost in trying to get somewhere and so consumed by your ambition, that you no longer feel connected to the totality, let alone feel the great responsibility of taking care of this great big world of yours. Compassion flows when there is a shift in emphasis, away from yourself and towards the totality. So how do we undo this conditioning? Where do we go from here? The place to start, is to question the sense of incompleteness that has been forced on you. Question the ambition you are burning with. Will that new BMW convertible be enough? Will the 5 bedroom house, with the walkout basement and sun room be enough? Will a million dollar portfolio be enough? It won’t. It never is. No matter what you acquire you will get used to it and soon demand more. Otherwise, you will find many who have achieved much be finished with ambition, but it simply is not so. The hole cannot be filled by acquisitions. The hole, the sense of being less, must simply be rejected. You must simply draw the line and say, I have enough, I am enough, I know enough, I am good enough, I am spiritual enough, I am fine, everything is fine, I don’t need anything more, let me see what I can do for my world. In other words, let me give, instead of take. I am the Sheppard, I am the savior, I am saved and I will save my world. Result… compassion will flow.

April 27th, 2015
Look down, not up
Allison
by Allison Machnicki
Look down, not up During a recent workshop with Lara Heimann, she began one of the classes expressively going into a crescent lunge and saying, "you are no less spiritual if you don't look up during poses." She was giving us advice to relax our necks and not strain them looking up to the ceiling. I do not necessarily do yoga for a spiritual connection. I do yoga to protect my body and mind from the stresses of life. So as a stressed athlete and graduate student that studies anatomy why was I looking up? I already have a neck problem (in addition to a lower back problem). I know that it hurts after a long day in the lab to strain my neck up in triangle just to look at my fingers. I make other adjustments in poses for things I cannot do, including those for my lower back, but I neglect my neck. So again why was I looking up? Because before this I was always told to do so. Because it seems like every image of a yoga pose has the practitioner looking up majestically at the sky. Because everyone else in the class is. Basically, I was never given a modification and I didn't think to do it myself. This happens too much during yoga. We push ourselves into poses just because we see someone else (in a magazine or in person) do something and want to be there rather than doing what feels good for our own bodies. In yoga there should be no rush, we have our whole lives to practice. However, in order to practice for our entire lifetime we must take care of our bodies now. There are days when my neck feels good and it is nice to stare up and off in the distance and looking out in the world in a pose, but sometimes it is also nice to relax and let the yoga do what I want from it. To help me relax in both body and mind and to help me prevent injuries (not perpetuate them). So I encourage you in your next class to look down, instead of up.
Questions or Comments
April 12th, 2015
Penn State Yoga Club
Christine Suhr
by Christine Suhr
Hello, Yoga In State College community! Have you heard of the Penn State Yoga Club? The Penn State Yoga Club is a club sport that seeks to create a (mostly undergraduate) student community of yogis through weekly practices and other events. I’m the newly elected President for the Fall 2105 and Spring 2016 semesters, and I’m very excited to help the club grow, with the help of the local yoga community. Currently, different yoga teachers from the State College yoga community volunteer to teach free classes for students. The club loves these teachers, because many students who attend yoga club are new to yoga and are just beginning to explore the many different aspects of the practice. Often, after exposure to a teacher they “click” with, students will then seek out that teacher and the studio they teach at. Over the past year, between 50 and 70 students attended yoga club practices on average each week. Roughly 20-25% of the yoga club participants are male. We welcome all students, regardless of physical fitness or prior yoga experience. If you have any questions or would like to teach at the Penn State Yoga Club, please contact me!
Questions or Comments
March 8th, 2015
What are you seeking for?
Kami Dvorakova
by Kamila Dvorakova
Many of us come to yoga classes for the health benefits of physical exercise. Some of us want to spend some time away from work… do something nice for ourselves… and maybe find some inner peace. A few of us are even seeking to transcend the reality and levitate into the Space :) All these reasons are great and wonderful because they brought you right HERE… So, how about expanding (and stretching) yoga into more places of your life..? How about applying what you learn in yoga classes into your life? What if you take a moment and reflect on what is it that brings you to practicing yoga (and reading this post right now)? Peace.. health.. wellbeing.. stability, focus, balance, inner strength…reducing stress.. you like the instructor.. that’s just what you do on Wednesday afternoons.. Whatever arises, make a mental note… Now… How to bring whatever you’re looking for in yoga classes into your daily life? Isn’t that the BIG question? It’s great to be relaxed after yoga class but how about being relaxed in LIFE? Whatever it is that you’re looking for, what if I challenge you a little bit by exploring: Is it possible that whatever you’re looking for is ALREADY part of your present experience? No need to answer with words, rather let the question settle inside of you. What if all the peace and stability and love you’re so much looking for is ALREADY part of this moment? What if we’re just not used to looking deep enough? Let’s see - take a quiet moment here. Wherever you are, focus on your breath. Take 3 deep breaths, feel the breath in your body, closing your eyes if possible.... And when you open your eyes, see if in your heart, underneath the surface of emotions, thoughts, and “stuff", there is... a sense of peace, calm, and sweetness of your awareness... This is a place that you can easily visit whenever you take the moment to do so. Notice that you don’t have to push away or avoid any thoughts or emotions to touch into your awareness. Notice that you don’t need to change or resist anything that is happening in this moment. Notice that you don’t need to comment or judge your experience right now. The point is to simply connect to that deeper sense of your awareness, the tranquil place that is always within you… the awareness is always aware … Simply and effortlessly, do this throughout your day.. not having to achieve anything.. not having to do this perfectly.. just bring kindness and ease into this practice.. the same way we do it in yoga classes.. taking care of ourselves, not pushing or resisting.. simply being present to all that is.. For the rest of today, be aware of your breath and breathe.
Questions or Comments
March 1st, 2015
The State of Yoga today
Yoga Competition
by Teresa Martin
Ah, Yoga. We love how it feels after a fabulous practice on our mat, guided through the postures and inspired by the loving impressions of our teachers. We consume ourselves with our bodies and in our minds to that self awareness, love, and gratitude deep with in. Yoga is loving, accepting, giving and understanding, it calms the mind, nurtures the spirit and exercises the total body. Yoga~ for that hour when it is just you on your mat your body, your mind reflecting on how you operate your body, your mind In collaboration with everyday yogis and yoga teachers, creating a small art show, I presented a preview to a person whom I wanted to glean their reaction. This person, loves the awesome stretch, the asanas of yoga; A spiritual man, guided by love and Catholicism. His impression of the self awareness being presented in images and words for the show was that of narcissism, and that yoga, being presented as a spiritual experience is a pagan substitute for true faith, a replacement for religion. This impression concerned me. People of all faiths and religions, or of no religion, practice yoga. The beauty is that it enhances who you are, guides us to be mindful and be present right now, living, breathing and loving this moment. For every yogi who practices, the beauty and love are known. For those who enjoy the physical aspect of yoga the benefits are rewarded in strength and sound body. For deeper practitioners who practice off the mat and into their lives, yoga philosophy benefits everyone they encounter. Perhaps it is selfish, but the love (self or otherwise) a yogi radiates, creates the wonder that attracts so many people to the practice. Yoga allows you to be the best that you can be. The aesthetics of the physical body, self examination and mindful awareness are loving benefits of yoga. With holding judgment and opening a mind is where expanded practice takes a yogi. The conversation I had after exposing my art allowed me to share the wonder of yoga with this dear man. He withdrew his strong words and embraced a conversation in acknowledging the deeper concepts of yoga philosophy. Knowledge and non-judgment two very liberating aspects of yoga study and practice. That moment when we have a chance to enlighten another person in the love and light of yoga, and they begin to get it. Bliss. For the rest of today, be aware of your breath and breathe.
Questions or Comments
February 23rd, 2015
Yoga competition vs cooperation?
Yoga Competition
by Kristen Boccumini
So you walk into the yoga studio and roll out your mat and start breathing and flowing. You hear the teacher say to practice non-judgment, to not compare yourself to others, nor compete. And you need to hear that because at some point during class you notice that other person close to you and see what their doing and maybe even try to one up them or feel intimidated by them...no competition, you remember. Then after yoga class you hear about the actual existence of Yoga Competitions and how some individuals are trying to make yoga an Olympic competitive sport! Sounds like a big contradiction. Well, there are strong arguments on both sides. Ashley Hooper, who has medaled in one of the past competitions commented, “We don’t feel we are competing with each other. We are competing with ourselves.” At the same time, many groups within the larger yoga community, like Off the Mat Into the World and Kula for Karma, are directing their energy towards cooperative efforts, actively supporting humanitarian work and providing yoga to underprivileged populations. So what is right and what is wrong? Is one practice selfish and one selfless? Even within local yoga communities, not only does competition arise here and there among students in class, but does it not among teachers and between yoga studios? How much competition is healthy and motivating, and how much can it also stifle growth? Can cooperation support everyone all the time? Or is there, yet again, a balance between both? But can this competition be distracting yogis from real world issues? Just like many religious congregations, who are involved in local and global community outreach, seva, or selfless service, is also an important practice of karma yoga. Is self-competition then selfish? Could yogis be the next massive collective that can create a major impact on positive global change? I guess it depends on what path you choose. For the rest of today, be aware of your breath and breathe.
Questions or Comments
February 18th, 2015
Slow down and Breathe
Current views on Yoga
by Karen Joy Sankey
Breathe. Deepen your breath. Have you ever been told to do this in class? For many of us, this is not an easy task. We attempt to breathe more deeply, but often feel light headed or dizzy. This happens because many of us are not in tune with our bodies and our breathing. We need to establish breath awareness, but how do we do this? Lie in svasana and let your body rest. Close your eyes or soften your gaze as you move towards stillness. Notice the flow of your breathing, feel the breath flowing in and flowing out. As you exhale, know that the breath is cleansing the body by removing stress and fatigue. As you inhale, know that the breath is nourishing the body. Continue to breathe slowly and without pause as your abdomen softens. Once your awareness has settled on the rhythm of your breath, begin to breathe solely through the nose. There is a cooling sensation at the tip of the nose when you inhale and a warming sensation when you exhale. On your next inhalation notice how your navel region rises. The abdominal organs are squeezed toward the front of the body as the diaphragm draws down and out with the inhale. With each exhale, the belly softens and relaxes. Place one hand at the navel and the other hand on the chest. Breathing softly and smoothly, feel the flow of your breath. Feel the movement in the belly and the stillness in the rib cage, establishing diaphragmatic breathing. As you continue to practice, the breath becomes more relaxed and effortless. Lie resting and breathing diaphragmatically for several minutes. Invite the breath to soothe the body and calm the nervous system. When you feel ready, move your awareness to your whole body and begin to move and stretch in a way that feels right to you. For the rest of today, be aware of your breath and breathe.
Questions or Comments
February 8th, 2015
Naked Yoga
Current views on Yoga
by Gretchen Swank
We were born naked. It is by social standards that we, as human beings, cover our bodies with clothing. In fact, “dress code” has become ingrained into culture; think of the last time you were invited to a social gathering or event. What was one of the first thoughts that came to mind upon acceptance? What should I wear? You may have gone one step further and called a friend to ask the same question. Clothing has become ingrained into our society; a way of identification, conformity, restraint, self-expression, and art. The fabric we wear has become a fabric of our very being; to the extent that nudity in mainstream society has become equated with sexuality. Period. In fact, one of the most common, and unsettling, dreams nowadays is being in front of an audience naked. So, what if I were to invite you to walk straight into this unsettling dream? What if I took you to a yoga studio, instructed you to unroll your mat, and shed your color-coordinated yoga clothes? What if I told you that nudity is a dress code in this particular yoga class? Sit with that concept for a moment. What feelings and judgments instantly arise within you?

Naked Yoga is making its way into yoga studios across the globe. The practice which is exponentially increasing in popularity in studios such as Bold and Naked in New York City and Naked Yoga London (England) is sending rippling waves of curiosity to yoga practitioners within every geographic and social community on the planet. But, this practice of yoga in the buff is not some “New Age Hippie” idea meant to challenge the constraints of society; it has its roots in ancient India, and it’s Sanskrit name is Nagna Yoga. One of the Indian sects called Naga Sadhus made nudity a part of their spiritual practice, but naga have been misunderstood as “nagna.” Naga means “those who represent Power.” Members of this group considered nudity a way of rejecting the material side of life; they practiced yoga naked to diffuse their desires, ground themselves within their physical bodies, and break their attachments with everything physical, sensual, and material. So, I ask you again… Could you forego your Lululemon yoga pants and let go of all attachment to your outward appearance for 90 minutes? Could you be on your mat, within yourself, without judgment about your naked body? With no distraction? With no wardrobe to adjust? What if the way you look no longer mattered? What then?

To disrobe and step onto your yoga mat is a bold expression. It is an act of bravery, and I venture to go as far as to say it is the ultimate act of self-acceptance and healing. It is overcoming fear, and going deep within to explore the deepest parts of your “you-ness.” No fronting. No costumes. No performance. Yoga means “union.” It is a gradual and continual process of letting go of everything that does not serve our “best self,” and recognizing that flame of divinity which resides within each of us. That flame within each of us is part of an eternal fire that unites us all in Oneness consciousness. What better way of expressing yourself fully within this Oneness consciousness than stripping yourself down to the very nature of you physical body. With no psychological armor which take the form of clothing to distinguish “me” from “you.”

We were born naked. And we can be re-born naked… on our yoga mats. All we have to do is break through our own barriers, and merge with that fire within… NAGA.
Questions or Comments