A special thanks to Sonam who today gave us a talk on the topic of Meditation, mindfulness and Meditation objects in the daily life. and a thanks to everyone joining us from the yoga shala 🙂
The Dalai Lama has praised Geshe Lharampas, the highest-degree holders in Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, as precious gems. These scholars dedicate around 20 years to deeply understand and effectively convey teachings with meticulous analysis and systematic presentation.
In addition, he likened these scholars to fully matured trees, encouraging them to live spiritually and enrich the lives of sentient beings, bearing sweet fruits for the world.
Sonam Dawa, one of only two individuals to achieve the Geshe Lharampa degree during his tenure at Drepung Monastery, shares his unique journey. His name, Dawa, meaning “Moon,” and his peer, Nyima, meaning “Sun,” are known as Sun and Moon, tasked with spreading the Dharma to all sentient beings.
Despite the passing of his classmate Mr. Sun, Sonam Dawa, the sole Geshe Lharampa from their class, continues to devote his life to disseminating the Dharma.
After diligently teaching in Vietnam for 9 years, Geshe Sonam Dawa is finally going to teach us online for the first time in Stavanger. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn from him.
Exciting News from The Yoga Nest! Join us for a special talk with Sonam on June 23rd as he shares insights on Tibetan Buddhism philosophy. The Dalai Lama has praised Geshe Lharampas, the highest-degree holders in Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, as precious gems. These scholars dedicate around 20 years to deeply understand and effectively convey teachings with meticulous analysis and systematic presentation.
In addition, he likened these scholars to fully matured trees, encouraging them to live spiritually and enrich the lives of sentient beings, bearing sweet fruits for the world.
Sonam Dawa, one of only two individuals to achieve the Geshe Lharampa degree during his tenure at Drepung Monastery, shares his unique journey. His name, Dawa, meaning “Moon,” and his peer, Nyima, meaning “Sun,” are known as Sun and Moon, tasked with spreading the Dharma to all sentient beings.
Despite the passing of his classmate Mr. Sun, Sonam Dawa, the sole Geshe Lharampa from their class, continues to devote his life to disseminating the Dharma.
After diligently teaching in Vietnam for 9 years, Geshe Sonam Dawa is finally going to teach us online for the first time in Stavanger. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn from him. Join us!
Zoom talk with Sonam Dawa on the topic Meditation, mindfulness and meditation
Making your own yoga mat spray is easy, cost-effective, and allows you to use natural ingredients. Here’s a simple guide to creating your own refreshing yoga mat spray.
DIY Yoga Mat Spray
Why Use a Yoga Mat Spray?
A yoga mat spray helps:
Disinfect: Eliminate bacteria and germs.
Deodorize: Remove unpleasant odors.
Refresh: Keep your mat smelling pleasant.
Extend Mat Life: Maintain the material and texture of the mat.
Ingredients for a DIY Yoga Mat Spray
Distilled or Boiled Water
Alcohol, Witch Hazel, or White Vinegar
Essential Oils: Tea Tree, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Lemon, etc.
Spray Bottle
Simple Recipe
Ingredients:
1 part alcohol (isopropyl or rubbing alcohol), witch hazel, or white vinegar
4-6 parts distilled or boiled water
5-10 drops essential oils (your choice)
Spray bottle
Instructions:
Mix Liquids: Combine distilled or boiled water with alcohol, witch hazel, or vinegar.
Add Essential Oils: Add 5-10 drops of essential oils.
Pour into Spray Bottle: Use a funnel to avoid spills.
Shake Well: Shake the bottle before each use.
How to Use
Shake: Always shake the bottle before using.
Spray: Lightly spray your yoga mat.
Wipe: Use a clean cloth to wipe the mat.
Air Dry: Let your mat air dry completely.
Tips for Maintaining Your Yoga Mat
Clean Regularly: Clean your mat at least once a week.
Store Properly: Keep your mat in a cool, dry place.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Use natural cleaning solutions to preserve your mat.
By making your own yoga mat spray, you keep your mat clean and fresh with natural ingredients. This enhances your yoga practice and contributes to a healthier lifestyle.
In the practice of Ashtanga Yoga, the concept of ‘space’ transcends the physical confines of a room—it delves into the profound moments between our inhalation and exhalation. This space, though seemingly minor, plays a pivotal role in enhancing our practice, enabling us to harness the full potential of our movements and transitions between poses. It is in these micro-pauses, the delicate balance between breaths, that we find the opportunity to truly connect with our bodies, observing the subtle nuances of our physical and mental states.
The art of extending and fully utilizing these spaces between breaths is akin to fine-tuning an instrument. It allows for a synchronization that not only smoothens transitions but also deepens our presence within the practice. This heightened awareness brings us into a state of ‘here and now,’ transforming our practice from a routine exercise into a meditative journey. The result is a practice characterized by effortlessness and increased endurance, mirroring the dynamics of a well-tended fire.
Just as a fire requires the right balance of wood and oxygen, facilitated by adequate space, to burn brightly and efficiently, our yoga practice thrives on the space between our breaths. Without this space, our internal fire—the drive and energy within us—fizzles out, leaving us feeling unfulfilled and disconnected. Conversely, when we cultivate this space, our practice becomes more than just a series of poses; it becomes a beacon guiding us towards balance and harmony.
This principle of creating and appreciating space extends far beyond the yoga mat. It infiltrates every aspect of our lives, from the way we approach our work to how we engage in conversations. Introducing moments of pause, even for a few seconds, can significantly impact our responses and overall energy. These pauses act as breathers, allowing us to collect our thoughts, replenish our energy, and approach situations with a renewed sense of clarity and purpose.
Incorporating this ethos into our daily routines fosters resilience and effectiveness. It teaches us the importance of balance—not just in our physical movements but in our approach to life’s challenges. By embracing the concept of space, we learn to navigate the complexities of life with grace and adaptability, ensuring that, like the well-tended fire, our light continues to burn strong, illuminating our path and the world around us.
As we continue to practice and explore the depths of Ashtanga Yoga, let us cherish and cultivate these spaces. They are not just pauses but gateways to deeper understanding, mindfulness, and a harmonious existence. In doing so, we not only enrich our practice but also bring a sense of peace and balance to every facet of our lives, proving that the lessons learned on the mat are indeed lessons for life.
In the work space i often meet the question, what make me get on the mat practicing every morning and my response is “It prepare me for the day to come and to make better decisions”. Most of the time I do not get to elaborate much on what I actually mean, I therefor decided to elaborate a bit in this post.
I’ve been practicing Ashtanga Yoga for the past 15 years, and after the first few years I’ve had a daily practice. Beside Ashtanga also practicing Pranayama and Meditation. These practices all contemplate and contribute, for the purpose of this pose i will focus on the physical practice and in particular Ashtanga Yoga.
Spoiler alert
The benefits are many, some which stand out and one can easily relate to in the work space are Building a growth mindset, accepting failure as part of the journey, building self-awareness, building capability to stay in the presence and discipline. I would imaging most people agreeing these traits are important in you work life as well as personal life, when it comes to the physical health benefits i take it for granted all the readers are all familiar with those.
Building a Growth Mindset
Ashtanga Yoga teaches you to embrace challenges, persevere through difficulties, and view mistakes not as failures but as steps in the learning process. This mindset is invaluable in the workplace, where challenges and setbacks are inevitable. A growth mindset fosters resilience, encourages you to seek feedback, and drives you to continuously improve and adapt, qualities that are essential for personal and professional development.
Accepting Failure as Part of the Journey
Regular practice of Ashtanga Yoga serves as a constant reminder that failure a vital part of the journey toward mastery. In the work environment, this perspective helps you to approach tasks with an open mind, learn from mistakes, and use them as stepping stones to achievements. It cultivates a sense of patience and persistence, enabling you to navigate the ups and downs of professional life with resilience.
Building Self-Awareness
The introspective nature of Ashtanga Yoga, combined with Pranayama and Meditation, enhances self-awareness, allowing you to understand your strengths, weaknesses, emotions, and triggers more deeply. This self-knowledge is crucial in the workplace for effective communication, leadership, and teamwork. It enables you to manage your reactions, make more informed decisions, and interact with colleagues in a more empathetic and understanding manner.
Staying Present
Ashtanga Yoga emphasizes mindfulness and the importance of being present. This ability to focus on the current moment without distraction is invaluable in a work setting, where multitasking and constant interruptions can lead to stress and burnout. By practicing staying present, you can improve your concentration, enhance productivity, and maintain a calm, clear mindset, even in high-pressure situations.
Discipline
The discipline required to maintain a daily Ashtanga Yoga practice translates directly into professional discipline. It demonstrates commitment, dedication, and the ability to prioritize and manage time effectively. This discipline ensures that you approach your work with the same consistency and effort, leading to higher quality outcomes and the ability to meet preferred outcomes.
Conclusion
Your Ashtanga Yoga practice is not just a morning routine; it’s a comprehensive training for the mind and body that prepares you for the day ahead in a holistic way. By building a growth mindset, accepting failure, enhancing self-awareness, staying present, and cultivating discipline, you equip yourself with the tools necessary for success not only in your professional life but in personal aspects as well. These traits are indeed crucial for anyone looking to lead a balanced, productive, and fulfilling life.
First thing first, what is a Boutique Yoga Studio?
The term boutique has it origin from France and refer to a small store which specialize their offering and personalize their service, often with focus on high-end and -or uniqueness. Over time the term has been adopted in businesses beyond retail, most recognize the term “Boutique Hotel” these hotels are known for their individualized attention to guests, unique decor, and often, a thematic or historical character.
With a growing interest in health and wellness, there also follow an interest in more specialized and personalized approach also in the yoga space. Which is what you will find at a Boutique Yoga Studio.
In essence, a typical boutique yoga studio offers a unique, personalized, and holistic approach to yoga, focusing on creating an intimate, supportive community atmosphere with high-quality instruction and a range of classes catering to different needs and preferences
Size and Atmosphere
intimate spaces compared to larger yoga studios, gym and fitness center yoga classes, typically catering for somewhere between 10 to 20 students per class. Often have a welcoming, calming, and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere, which might include elements like natural light, soothing colors, and decor that promotes a sense of tranquility and mindfulness.
Specialization
Specialization can come in many forms, often in the from specific styles, holistic experience and specialty areas etc.
Personalized Attention
Due to the smaller class sizes, instructors at boutique yoga studios can provide more personalized guidance and attention to each participant.
Community Focus
Boutique studios often emphasize building a community among their clientele. This can include hosting events, workshops, retreats, and other activities that encourage social interaction and a sense of belonging among participants.
Qualified Instructors
These studios typically employ experienced and well-trained yoga instructors who are passionate about their practice and teaching. They often bring a personal touch to their classes, sharing their knowledge and experience in a way that enriches the practice.
Holistic Approach
Many boutique yoga studios take a holistic approach to wellness, offering classes that focus not just on the physical aspects of yoga but also on mental and spiritual well-being. This might include meditation, mindfulness practices, and workshops on topics related to holistic health.
Additional Services and Amenities
Some boutique studios may offer additional amenities and services, such as private sessions, yoga therapy, wellness consultations, and a range of yoga accessories, products and services.
Pricing and Memberships
Boutique studios often operate on a membership basis, but they may also offer drop-in rates for classes. Prices might be higher compared to larger, multipurpose fitness centers, reflecting the specialized service, smaller class sizes, and more personalized experience.
Innovative and Thematic Classes
These studios may also offer innovative and thematic classes that cater to specific interests or trends, such as yoga with live music, outdoor yoga sessions, and classes focusing on specific aspects of yoga philosophy.
Online and Hybrid Offerings
In response to growing demand and changing circumstances, many boutique yoga studios have expanded to offer online classes, live streaming, and hybrid options that combine in-person and virtual participation.
Translation: Error is false knowledge stemming from the incorrect apprehension [of something]. (Edward F. Bryant, The Yoga Sutra of Pantajalin, A new Edition, translation, and commentary)
The concept of viparyaya, or error, as the second type of vṛtti in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, highlights the misperception or misunderstanding of reality. This vṛtti arises when we incorrectly perceive or interpret something. A daily life example of this could be mistaking a friend’s neutral expression for anger due to our own insecurities or past experiences. This misinterpretation can lead to unnecessary worry or strain in the relationship.
Viparyaya differs from other vṛttis in that it can be corrected by true knowledge. In the example of the friend, later realizing or learning that your friend was just preoccupied, not angry, would correct the initial error in perception.
The essence of viparyaya is the imposition of incorrect knowledge onto a situation or object. For instance, fearing a harmless garden hose in the grass, thinking it’s a snake, is a classic example. The snake’s form is wrongly projected onto the hose, creating a vṛtti of error.
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras recognize error as a natural but correctable modification of the mind. By acknowledging and understanding these misperceptions, and through the cultivation of true knowledge and awareness, yoga practitioners can overcome these false perceptions. This leads to a more accurate and clear understanding of reality, aligning with the sutras’ emphasis on discernment and personal growth (Edward F. Bryant, The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali).
Understanding and overcoming viparyaya (error or misperception) is crucial in the journey of yoga and personal growth. Here are some practical tips and exercises for yoga practitioners to recognize and correct viparyaya in their own lives, along with personal anecdotes, and further reading suggestions.
Practical Tips and Exercises:
Mindful Observation: Begin by observing your thoughts and reactions without judgment. When you notice a strong emotional response, pause and ask yourself if there’s another way to interpret the situation. Is your reaction based on what’s happening now, or is it colored by past experiences or fears?
Svadhyaya (Self-study): Regularly engage in self-reflection. Keep a journal to note instances where your perception might have been clouded by viparyaya. Over time, you’ll start noticing patterns in your misperceptions.
Pratipaksha Bhavana: This is the practice of cultivating the opposite. When you catch yourself in a negative or incorrect thought, consciously try to consider a positive or alternative perspective. For instance, if you feel someone is angry with you, consider the possibility that they might be under stress and it’s not about you.
Asana with Intention: During your physical practice, focus on asanas that promote openness and receptivity, like heart-openers or balancing poses. Set the intention to see things as they are, not as you fear or wish them to be.
After diligently teaching in Vietnam for 9 years, Geshe Sonam Dawa is finally going to teach us online for the first time in Stavanger. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn from him.
The Dalai Lama has praised Geshe Lharampas, the highest-degree holders in Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, as precious gems. These scholars dedicate around 20 years to deeply understand and effectively convey teachings with meticulous analysis and systematic presentation.
