The chanting OMs in our practice are thought to be the very sound of that all encompassing creative energy! That’s a lot of power and energy to be able to express, and yet half of us in these classes are too embarrassed to really let out our inner OM. There are many explanations of what the sound, and chanting of OM or AUM mean or how they should be done or used. I have what I believe and how I feel about them, and if my explanation doesn’t tickle your OM fancy than I do encourage everyone to do some researching, and some self searching.  I like the idea or belief that the 3 letters of AUM represent the 3 stages of consciousness; waking (conscious), dreaming (sub-conscious), and deep sleep (un-conscious). I personally like that concept about the 3 letters of AUM (OM) because it brings me into myself at the beginning and end of each practice. Even I have an uncomfortably loud, rattling, half open mouthed OM that I let slip out of my mouth at the beginning of my practice, while I self consciously listen closely to the people sitting next to me just to find out that they are also half way shaking out the same sound; so don’t think you’re the only one! When I let down my guard and let the sound actually vibrate through me, slightly vibrating my bones I can feel my whole body getting lighter and I feel this intense amount of movement inside my heart . I think about the states of consciousness and how that sound is all of them all at once,  and that it is all things… all at once. I let myself get lost a bit, and when it comes to the ending low Mmmm sound I find myself only wanting to take in one more deep inhale and at the top truly belt out an OM. One my Mama would be proud of, if you know what I mean. Every class that uneasy feeling starts to fade and I find myself melting into my mat, feel myself letting go, letting my state of being and my state of consciousness get lost; I let it be lost in all the states, as I am not awake, not dreaming, and not in deep sleep.  Regardless of if you know this sound as the sound of all things, the beginning sound, the uplifting chant, Omkara or even if you know it as that seriously horribly embarrassing moment at the beginning of your yoga classes, let yourself try something new. Find your inner OM, forget where you are or who you are with and just BELT IT OUT! Or just sit and enjoy the warm room.

Keep Breathing.

“Nothing changes if nothing changes, and if I keep doing what I’ve always done, I’ll keep getting what I’ve always got, and I will keep feeling the way I have always felt.”- Earnie Larson

Have you ever gone out somewhere and realized you were WAY under dressed? Or shown up to a Halloween party full pirate costume, bird on the shoulder and all just to find out it’s a Halloween party, not a costume party? Even right now, thinking about those moments you probably have that tight stressful feeling in your throat and you may even be blushing a little, amazing that even the thought can do that right?   That feeling of utter distress and embarrassment is what causes us to be so uneasy about trying new things. When we are trying something new, we don’t know how to prepare ourselves for what’s about to happen or what we may need to be as comfortable and successful as possible. Everytime I show up somewhere unprepared and looking insanely uncomfortable, which happens more often than I would like to admit to, people throw out the saying,” Yeah, I remember my first time…” . When people say that to me I just want to look them straight in the eyes and say, ” YEAH!? Thanks for the forewarning. Coulda’ given me the manual so I didn’t have to look like a fool! Geez.” That is why I am here saying: “Yoga…Yeah, I remember my first time”. This is about as close to a manual for your first time in a yoga class as I can give you, hopefully it will help you show up comfortable and prepared for anything those crazy back-bending teachers will throw at you.

Things you should bring

1. Yoga mat. Preferably a mat that is not too slippery! A few mats I have tried and loved are Manduka, Jade, and the ever so popular LULU Lemon THE MAT.  Yogi Toe mat towels are great if your mat is slick!  If you don’t have a mat, Bala has them available to rent for a small fee or to be purchased, also Yogi Toe mat towels are able to be rented or purchased!

2. Face towel. You will get sweaty in class and nothing is worse than sweat in your eyes!  If you forget one or it’s laundry day at your house, Bala has them to rent as well.

3. Appropriate clothing. You want them to be easy to move around in, not too heavy and easy breathing fabric.  Probably want to do the bend and look check to make sure you can’t see straight through your pants, noticing after class your leggings are sheer is pretty devastating. Trust me… not good. Bala has a pretty good amount of different yoga pants and shirts for sale, and they are looking into carrying even more… and they are so amazingly cute! OH! Ladies, don’t forget a hair band or head band… handstands are hard enough without your hair getting caught under your hands.

4. WATER. Ever been to Vegas, Arizona, or anywhere warm, like the thick humid kind of warm?  Water is gold. You’ll be in a heated room and sweating quite a bit. I use a Bala Do Yoga water bottle because I love that they are made in the USA and it’s awesome to rep some yoga gear even when I’m not actually in class, not to mention the sweet spinning lid . Bala has water to purchase for 2$ and its COLD which is so amazing during a class, also they have a few different types of water bottles to buy… one of them is glass and it says “LOVE BIG” which is pretty rad!  Drink water before, during and after!

5.OPEN MIND. It’s perfectly normal to be nervous about attending a yoga class and having the idea that everyone else in the class is going to be a yoga master crazy guru. I can guarantee that will NEVER be the case, which is why we come back to our practice. Nothing is ever perfect, no one is ever a MASTER. There will be all levels of students in every class, even people who have been practicing for years come back to the foundation building classes. Come to class with an open mind, and let the anxiety of attending your first class be excitement instead.  Everyone has their first day some day, right?!

Hopefully this calms your nerves about joining us here at Bala Yoga!  I know we are all always excited to see new students coming in the studio, because it’s crazy exciting to see someone realize that they actually LOVE yoga! It’s amazing to see people start the journey we all call yoga! You’ll be happy you gave yourself the opportunity to come and grow with us!

See you soon?! Of course I will.

-Lindsay Lu

“Fall seven times, stand up eight.”
~ Japanese Proverb

“Lindsay, did you ever  play ‘airplane’ with anyone when you were little?” -Brian Charlton

“Of course! I’m almost positive everyone has, why? Wait a second, what are you doing… why are you pointing your feet in my direction? Oh! Oh no… that’s not going to happen. I was literally half the person I am now, there’s no way!” -Me

“Trust me, just fly.” – Brian Charlton

The moment my feet lifted off the ground  I was overwhelmed with the sheer Sukkah (sweetness, pleasure) of being able to instantly defy gravity, and defy myself. Letting go of the chronic obsession we hold onto as humans and as a society that we shouldn’t trust anyone, especially when it comes to defending our own bodies, was radically liberating and illogically easy. When he told me to breathe, I would; to let my legs fall and trust him to catch them, I didn’t think twice; to give him control of the art, I gave in.  After only moments of being taken on this journey my body adapted, almost as if this was exactly what my body was built to do; even though, self-consciously, only moments ago I would have disagreed.  A divine partnership eased my conscious, and the Sthira (grounding through relationship) was astounding. Being immersed in the Sagarat Vat (ocean like) flow of Vinyasa that was boundlessly tied to the Agni (fire) of acrobatics put me in a sort of trance, I was instantly captivated. Being twirled in  seemingly zero gravity cart-wheels, to being the five year old me arms spread wide imagining soaring through silk clouds; I forgot to be scared, I forgot not trust my partner, I forgot about gravity, I was too busy smiling. Now that I have practiced Acro-Yoga a handful of times, I can tell you every experience I have had with new partners has been vastly different, but always filled with pure Metta ( loving and kindness) and I have never walked away without a new friendship.

Surrendering trust into someone else’s hands, and in this case their feet as well, to toss your weight around upside-asana style isn’t likely to have been a scenario you’ve contemplated deeply enough to lose sleep over.  We have all come across them before: The elegant pictures of two (sometimes more) yogis flawlessly twisted up, backlit and in some posture you’re positive there isn’t even a name for, and thought to yourself, “That’s not even possible. Photo editing is getting super intense these days,”  or something along the lines of, “I wonder where they even do this stuff at?! Do people seriously teach this, or do they just go join the circus?” Well, ladies and gentleman it seems the circus has come to us this time. Bala Yoga will be hosting two amazing teachers to go through the basics of Acro-Yoga and all things partner! Brian Charlton and Jenn Hill are offering this workshop on April 6th,2013 from 1pm until 4pm. If you have never done Acro-yoga, or even Yoga at all I invite you to come let yourself build new confidence along with friendships in the welcoming community at Bala Yoga!

Here are a few tips to ready yourself for this kick-asana playshop!

1. Come 15 Minutes early! Get to know people, get comfortable. You came to play!

2. Wear something comfortable. Comfortable… not baggy! If you’re swimming in your shirt, you will surely be tied up with someone’s feet in it as well!

3.Don’t eat up to 1 hour before. Pretty self explanatory… could end poorly.

4.Bring water, a towel, and your mat just as you would for a regular yoga class. Forgot your mat or towel? Don’t own a mat?! Thank goodness Bala has them to rent as well!

5.No experience with Acro-Yoga needed to come and play! A little regular yoga experience helps, but hey everything is yoga right?! We invite everyone!

Tips about Acro-Yoga:

1. Bring someone! If you are worried if you don’t have a partner… don’t be! We are a community! We all are here to show our love and have fun! Invite your friends and your family! Bala is such a warm loving community, we welcome every level of yogi, every level of nervous and intimidated first timers with open arms!

2.Worried about your weight?! Get over it people, we are all different and yet the same! We stack weight so you use bone strength vs. muscle strength. Muscle tires, bones don’t! “Acro doesn’t defy gravity, it honors it”- Acroyoga.org

3.Give it up, take it in! You have to let yourself go and trust your partner, you have to trust yourself! Enjoy not having to worry about what to do next, just be in the moment! “As you learn to support others, you end up allowing yourself to be supported” -Acroyoga.org

4.Ask and you shall receive. “hey, your foot…. it’s really uncomfortable pushing in my stomach. I love the how your supporting my arms though!” Ouch?! Speak up! If you want to try something you’ve never tried, or if something isn’t your cup of tea… communicate! Always with love, always with respect! Work together, or fall apart!

5.Base, flyer or spotter… that is the question. Try it all!! Find your own passion, and your partner will find you!

Well, that’s what I have to offer you guys for the Acro workshop! I hope I have calmed the nerves and amped the mind and body! Come and Join us! I’ll be there! If you have any questions about this workshop feel free to email Brian Charlton at Briancharlton@balayoga.com. Make sure to  pre-register ($40) at Balayoga.com under events or just show up the day of ($45)!! See you all soon!

___/|\___ Namaste and come play!!

A mantra is a word or series of words chanted aloud or silently to invoke spiritual qualities. Chanting is used as a spiritual tool in virtually every cultural and religious tradition. In the yogic tradition a mantra is a Sanskrit word that has special powers to transform consciousness, promote healing or fulfill desires.

The practice of chanting a mantra is used as a form of meditation. Sitting in a comfortable position, with the eyes closed, the mantra is repeated silently or aloud. The mind is focused on the mantra, the thoughts are let go of and the breath is slow and deep.

Hold your mala in your right hand (in India the left hand is considered impure) and use your thumb to “count” each mantra by touching the bead during the recitation and then lightly pulling the bead towards you on completion and moving to the next bead.  The index finger is extended and should not touch the mala.  The large meru (mountain) bead should not be counted or touched by the thumb and is used as a starting and ending point of the recitation.  If you have a wrist mala of 27 beads you will need to repeat this 3 more times.  Continue by pulling the beads and going backwards until you again end at the meru and continue until you have done 108 repetitions, or multiples of 108.

To empower the mala and the mantra used, japa (mantra meditation) should be practiced each day for 40 continuous days.  When the mala becomes empowered it can be worn or lightly placed on oneself or others to transmit the energy of the mantra as well as the energetic qualities of the mala.  When you use a new mantra with a mala, this energy becomes replaced, so it is recommended to use a new mala with each mantra if possible.

When not in use, store your mala in a special, clean and preferably sacred space.  The best place to store a mala is on a personal alter or statue of a deity.

Choosing a Mantra

A mantra is either given to you by a teacher or chosen by yourself.  When selecting a mantra, be clear on what your intention is, and use your intuition over your intellect.  You may want to try out each mantra for a few repetitions to see how it feels to you and choose the one that feels like it fits best for you.

Article Source: Japa Mala Beads

Malas sold at Bala Yoga by Blooming Lotus Jewelry

Thank you Bala!  I feel wonderfully blessed to be a part of Les Leventhal’s teacher training this month.  I am sharing this experience with 22 amazing, diverse, and talented individuals who walked in the first day ready for the challenge of transformation.  Just as caterpillars go into their cocoons to prepare for flight, we’ve been going into the studio everyday to train.  So what happens in this cocoon?  Every morning begins with chanting, meditation, pranayama (breathing) and asanas (poses) that kick our assanas! Les is a master who has helped us gain strength, flexibility, and confidence not only on our mats, but off them as well.  Afternoons are full of intensives on nutrition, philosophy, anatomy, and quality time to discover, share, cry, get uncomfortable, grow our intuition and practice and embrace our new found selves and skills.

Soon we will be opening our cocoons, taking flight for the first time.  Our journeys will be different, but carrying each of us will be the wings that we created together…a bond that will forever remain and for this – (I can speak for us all)…we are grateful.

Thank you to all the Bala family for being so beautifully patient and encouraging this month as 23 sweaty, energetic/tired, happy/sad, crazy/peaceful trainees walk out of your studio each day….We entered this training as caterpillars, and we will be released as butterflies, ready to pass on the gifts that were so graciously given to us. Namaste - Karen Ullery

An additional highlight is that I got a chance to meet 27 awesome people during this training.  They have not only become good friends but also have helped build a great yoga community.  Hopefully we can share our yoga experiences and knowledge with the rest of the world.   Six days a week of intensive training is tough, but time flies by so quickly.  I only know that I need to push through it in a month.  I’d like to express my gratitude to my teacher, Les Leventhal and his two assistants, Julie Watson and Nacera Mekki.  Without the Bala Yoga studio providing us this opportunity and its wonderful environment, my journey would have never begun.  Namastate.”

Rachel Lu-Brown

Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that complement the bacteria already present in your body. They can be taken in supplement form but optimally, they should be eaten in the form of cultured foods.

Different probiotics are more effective than others for different bodies, which is why it is important to incorporate a variety of probiotic-rich foods into the diet. Probiotics can be very helpful in alleviating digestive distress or boosting immunity.  Essentially, they serve as the “gate-keepers” in the digestive tract and help monitor what the body absorbs.

Below are some delicious options for foods that contain live probiotics.

Pickled vegetables:
Varieties: Sauerkraut, kim chi, beets, carrots, and cucumbers (pickles)
Where to find Pickled Vegetables: QFC, Fred Meyer, Safeway, Trader Joes, Whole Foods, PCC, farmer’s markets

- Raw cultured vegetables can be found in the refrigerated section of a grocer and host a variety of live bacteria. To ensure the product contains live bacteria, choose products that have not been pasteurized and are labeled as “raw”. It is also possible to make your own pickled vegetables.

Dairy:
Varieties: Yogurt, Kefir, Butter, sour cream
Where to find dairy: any grocer with a dairy selection. Best option is one that is low in added sugar and from a local dairy source with organic dairy

- Yogurt is the most widely available probiotic food but the other forms of dairy can contain valuable sources of probiotics as well. To ensure that your dairy contains live bacteria make sure it is labelled “cultured”. If you do not eat dairy, most natural grocers offer cultured vegan substitutes made from soy, rice or coconut milk.

Kombucha-
Varieties: fruit juice flavored
Where to find kombucha: QFC, Safeway, PCC, Whole Foods

Kombucha is a fermented health drink made from tea, sugar and live cultures. As the tea ages, the sugar is consumed by the bacteria while vinegar, B vitamins and other nutrients are produced. When choosing a kombucha, make sure that the added sugar content is low and there are not many other ingredients besides the tea, sugar and probiotic strains.

Kefir-
Varieties: dairy, coconut water, water
Where to find Kefir: QFC, Fred Meyer, Trader Joes, PCC, Whole Foods

Kefir production originated as a means to preserve milk before refrigeration was available. Kefir is produced when Kefir grains and a liquid of choice (usually milk) are allowed to ferment. For those who are lactose intolerant, coconut water kefir proposes a great alternative to the traditional dairy kefir. All varieties can be found in the refrigerated section of a grocer or made with grains from a reliable source.

Using the power of love derived from Ahimsa points beings in the direction of freedom.  Once hate melts away, evil forces that bog an individual down, join hate in its’ disappearance.  The sanskrit Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu, also supports the prevail of love over hate.  This sanskrit translates as this; May all beings everywhere be happy and free.  A more in depth translation can be as follows;

Lokah:  The location of all universes existing at this moment
Samastah: All beings living in this location
Sukhino: In happiness, joy and free from all suffering
Bhav: The divine mood or state of union
Antu: May it be so

This sanskrit is not a traditional veda sakhas, however it expresses the universal spirit found within all beings.  Most commonly chanted near the closing of a meditation or a practice, Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu is absorbed into one’s soul to be carried onward into their life.