The Word Is Om

"I will give you the Word all the scriptures glorify,
all spiritual disciplines express,
to attain which aspirants lead
a life of sense-restraint and self-naughting.
It is OM. This symbol of the Godhead is the highest.
Realizing it one finds complete fulfillment of all one's longings.
It is of the greatest support to all seekers.
Those in whose hearts OM reverberates unceasingly are indeed blessed
and deeply loved as one who is the Self."

- The Katha Upanishad - 1.2.15


CHANT

OM (or ONG) NAMO GURU DEV NAMO

Meaning: I bowed my head to God and God took all of me. Every imperfection, God took all of me. And everyday God lives and breathes through me. Looking in the mirror, I love you sweet God. -Snatam Kaur

Both Om and Ong have strong vibratory effects. While Om refers
to the force of all creation, Ong refers to the Creator, who is the Doer of all action.

Chant this mantra at least 3 times with your hands at your heart in Anjali Mudra.

The Inner Quest

Aparigraha is non-possessiveness or non-greed. Aparigraha means not coveting what is not ours. It is different from Asteya, which is non stealing. Asteya is rooted from a lack of abundance. Aparigraha is the greed rooted in jealousy. Jealously means that we desire to be what someone else is or to have what someone else has. Aparigraha teaches us, in its essence, to keep the gaze inward and discover our own true nature. To be content with who we are.

Apply Aparigraha into your asana by not looking around and comparing yourself with someone else. Look inside and discover your uniqueness, discover your own self. Honor your body and work within your capacity.

The Yamas: Kindness, truthfulness, serving others, self-control and self-reliance teach us that the inner quest is what makes us feel whole.

Aham,
Vicki

Bhakti Yoga - Yoga of Devotion.

Let go of your form identifications. Do not identify yourself with labels you have put on yourself or labels someone has given you. Because in form we will always be inferior to another or superior to another. In our true nature, however, we will be neither inferior or superior to another. In essence, we are one with life - radiant and free. This is the message of Kirtan.

When we are chanting, breathing and moving to the same rhythm, the energy and vibration connects to a higher vibration that moves beyond our need to be in control..beyond our ego. We connect to the space where the spirit of life resides...the heart.

So when you sing, sing from the heart. Kirtan is not about judgment or music. It is about liberation.

See you at the Friday night KIRTAN - Jiva Yoga Center, August 21st!

In the meantime, here is a chant you can sing and weave into your daily meditation/yoga practice:

AHEM PREMA
Ah-hahm PREH-mah

I AM DIVINE LOVE.




Vicki

(Picture: Jai Uttal and Daniel Paul)

Moose Practice Ahimsa

I have always been fascinated with Moose. I was fortunate to see a few of them feeding in the water during my hike on Mt. Katahdin in Maine last week. As I often do, I wanted to find a way to weave the teachings of yoga into my experiences in life and especially today on this magnificent mountain. Moose happen to be one of my favorite animals! I sat on the rock and observed their beauty and strength and I realized there was something I could share with you regarding our last months teachings on the YAMAS.

Moose are the largest members of the deer family, with the biggest moose as high as seven feet at the shoulders. They can weigh over 1300 pounds, the males with broad, palm-like antlers up to six feet across can weigh 90 pounds! Despite their size and strength, moose tend to act very kindly toward their environment. They do not eat meat or fish. Moose eat all sorts of plant matter. In the summer, moose wade and swim through marshes and lakes, eating water plants. They also eat the tender shoots such as birches, willow, or poplar. In the winter, they will feed near the edges of forests, eating plant material such as bark or branches.

Moose practice AHIMSA and treat other animals and their surroundings with respect and care. They do not attack other creatures unless they or their offspring are in danger. They would prefer to avoid hurting others if possible. Moose shed their antlers before the winter each year and grow them back in the spring. One of the reasons they shed them is because starting over would allow the moose to expand not only in length, but also in broadness and strength!!! Ahhh...... Enjoy the video! See you soon!

NaMOOSEte' Vicki