This weekend I was walking on my street and noticed that the trees on the streets are starting to get new leaves on their branches. For some reason it reminded me of an early spring walk I took during the pandemic. I remember thinking at the time how nature just keeps going regardless of whatever is going on in the world. It was true then and holds true now.

I long time ago I was looking for some form of exercise to practice. Weight lifting or running or other sports did not appeal to me. I decided to try the physical part of yoga since I was already doing other yoga practices. I was very surprised to enjoy it even though it was a very difficult practice. I just did it because it was fun to be in a room with other people working on the different poses. It was like being in a journey together for one hour and a half. I remember at that time I did not have many expectations except being stronger, more flexible, and a few pounds off would be great. I felt very open to possibility as I continued to practice. 

During the week I am constantly moving from one side of the city to another. The area that I cover can go from Chelsea all the way up to the Bronx. In addition to the moving around, there are the physical things that I am working on that are with me all the time. When I take all these into account I realize how easy it is to neglect posture. Yes even for a yoga teacher :) 

Yesterday, Saturday February 10th, we started a new Lunar year. So Happy Lunar New Year to you all!!!  The Chinese tradition which follows the lunar calendar establishes that this year is the year of the wooden Dragon. Everything that I am reading regarding the symbolism related to this year is about growth, strength, prosperity, good luck, and taking care of each other.

Mantra

We are very familiar with this Sanskrit word, mantra. We think of it as something we repeat to ourselves intentionally or not. Traditionally mantra is a phrase or word that is used as a tool or device to focus, clear, and befriend the mind. It can take us back to a pure state of Being. A mantra can be repeated during meditation or when performing …

Since I started practicing yoga I have been adept to reading as a way to obtain understanding about meditation, philosophy, and the yoga poses. I read many of my teacher's books and talks that she gave as well as other teachers within my tradition. I had read other philosophy books before but I could not grasp what they were trying to elucidate. It felt like trying to hold water with my hand. It did not matter how much I tried, it felt like I could only get my hands wet at best but could not get enough to drink. Reading and studying my teacher's books somehow opened up my eyes and mind so I could embark in the process of discovering what is contained in the yoga books.