Yoga Portraits: LENA

 

NAME: Lena Jogie

OCCUPATION: Psychologist/Teacher

1. HOW DID YOU DISCOVER KUNDALINI YOGA?
Patrice, who I met from hiking with friends. She mentioned it to me. I can't say whether I knew much about Kundalini (other than the name) until my first class.

2. WHAT ABOUT YOUR FIRST KUNDALINI YOGA EXPERIENCE MADE YOU DECIDE TO CONTINUE WITH IT?
The structured aspect. The variety of exercises, deep breathing and meditation.

3. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PRACTISING KUNDALINI YOGA?
2 months

4. WHAT ABOUT KUNDALINI YOGA MAKES YOU CHOOSE IT AS OPPOSED TO THE MANY OTHER FORMS OF YOGA?
It actually feels truly holistic. I like the exercises. That looks easy, but becomes a challenge when it actually is practiced, given the time you have to repeat it in. I like the meditating and breathing aspect of it also. I think its holistic because of this combination.

5. DO YOU KEEP UP A REGULAR PRACTICE?
Regular practice for me thus far is once a week on Tuesday evenings. I would like to do more but I'm not ready. I will know when I'm ready I guess.

6. WHAT BENEFITS DO YOU EXPERIENCE?
Maintaining flexibility. For me it's a form of relaxation and me time.

7. HAS ANYTHING ABOUT YOU OR YOUR LIFE CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED PRACTISING KUNDALINI YOGA?
It helps to keep me grounded.

8. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ASPECT OF KUNDALINI YOGA?
The exercise sets. Some can be easy and some challenging, although they may be so simple. I like the simplicity, the variety and the stamina required.

9. HOW DO YOU GENERALLY FEEL AFTER A KUNDALINI YOGA CLASS?
I feel great and accomplished.

10. ANY WORDS OF WISDOM FOR ANYONE READING THIS?
This yoga is feel good with a lot of insight and philosophy that can be personal to the self.

11. HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THOU ART YOGA?
From you: Elspeth Duncan via email

12. ANY FAMOUS LAST WORDS?
The music is awesome! :)

Gosh! I forgot to add that the instructor is also awesome.
:)

***

To find out how you can join Thou Art Yoga classes:
http://yogapassport.blogspot.com/

Yoga Portraits: DEBBIE

 NAME: Debbie Lai

OCCUPATION Admin Rep

1. HOW DID YOU DISCOVER KUNDALINI YOGA?
A friend told me about it, but I didn’t make it to my first Kundalini yoga class until a few months later.

2. WHAT ABOUT YOUR FIRST KUNDALINI YOGA EXPERIENCE MADE YOU DECIDE TO CONTINUE WITH IT?
After I left my first Kundalini yoga class, I remember feeling really good inside. Something had definitely shifted. I felt happy, calm and at peace, right through to the core of my being.

3. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PRACTISING KUNDALINI YOGA?
Six months.

4. WHAT ABOUT KUNDALINI YOGA MAKES YOU CHOOSE IT AS OPPOSED TO THE MANY OTHER FORMS OF YOGA?
Kundalini yoga works on so much more than just the physical body. It is a much more spiritual experience that focuses on healing and purifying the mind and body. It helps me to equip myself mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually, to deal with all that I encounter on my own personal journey.

5. DO YOU KEEP UP A REGULAR PRACTICE?
I attend Kundalini yoga classes every Tuesday evening and that’s when I practise. Ideally I want to practise every day but my days seem so long and full, mornings are difficult and by evening time I’m so tired. I need to readjust my day to make the time to do it. I KNOW IT’S WORTH IT!!

6. WHAT BENEFITS DO YOU EXPERIENCE?
I feel a greater sense of awareness and clarity and I feel more self-confident. I am able now to let go of little things a lot easier.

7. HAS ANYTHING ABOUT YOU OR YOUR LIFE CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED PRACTISING KUNDALINI YOGA?
Since I started practising Kundalini yoga, I have been feeling a lot better about myself. I feel like I am more in touch with myself, my thoughts and my spiritual side. I now look at and see everything happening in my life with a greater conscious mind.

8. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ASPECT OF KUNDALINI YOGA?
I love the mantra meditation. It puts me in a tranquil and serene state of mind, and I feel like I’m connecting with my higher Self.

9. HOW DO YOU GENERALLY FEEL AFTER A KUNDALINI YOGA CLASS?
During and after every yoga class, I feel very calm and relaxed, both my mind and body.

10. ANY WORDS OF WISDOM FOR ANYONE READING THIS?
You should try Kundalini yoga, it can help anyone, wherever you may be on your own personal journey. It will open your eyes, your heart and your mind..

11. HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THOU ART YOGA?
Through my yoga instructor, Elspeth.

12. ANY FAMOUS LAST WORDS?
"Don't let yourself be weighed down by what other people think, because in a few years, in a few decades, or in a few centuries, that way of thinking will have changed. Live now what others will only live in the future."
- Paulo Coelho

***

To find out how you can join Thou Art Yoga classes:
http://yogapassport.blogspot.com/

Yoga Portraits; PATRICE

NAME: Patrice Charles

OCCUPATION: Social Work student

1. HOW DID YOU DISCOVER KUNDALINI YOGA?
My friend recommended it when she found out that I was going through a depressive episode :)

2. WHAT ABOUT YOUR FIRST KUNDALINI YOGA EXPERIENCE MADE YOU DECIDE TO CONTINUE WITH IT?
My whole mood changed. I went from feeling sad and dejected to feeling clear, peaceful and hopeful.

3. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PRACTISING KUNDALINI YOGA?
For eight months now.

4. WHAT ABOUT KUNDALINI YOGA MAKES YOU CHOOSE IT AS OPPOSED TO THE MANY OTHER FORMS OF YOGA?
This is the first form of yoga I have ever practiced. After starting Kundalini yoga I tried Hatha and Bikram yoga but they were not as comprehensive as KY. KY is so transformative because it strengthens my emotional, physical and spiritual self.

KY class is psychotherapy for me. It shows me how to get past emotional blocks and how to reach my inner teacher and develop my intuition.

5. DO YOU KEEP UP A REGULAR PRACTICE?
I haven't kept up regular practice for a while now. I feel distracted and lack discipline.

6. WHAT BENEFITS DO YOU EXPERIENCE?
Emotional strength and Resilience.

7. HAS ANYTHING ABOUT YOU OR YOUR LIFE CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED PRACTISING KUNDALINI YOGA?
Yes, many aspects (activities and people) of my former life just fell away that were not in tune with healthy living.

8. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ASPECT OF KUNDALINI YOGA?
Pranayama - it transforms me. I feel revived and renewed! My favourite aspect after that would be the meditations/mantras - I love their meanings.

9. HOW DO YOU GENERALLY FEEL AFTER A KUNDALINI YOGA CLASS?
Energized and calm.

10. ANY WORDS OF WISDOM FOR ANYONE READING THIS?
If you are looking for a form of yoga that teaches you to Strengthen the Self, then Kundalini yoga is for you. It works very quickly to restore emotional balance. Now that I've started I can never stop!

11. HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THOU ART YOGA?
Through a friend. I honestly feel that I'm in the right class with the right teacher. I can't imagine any other.

12. ANY FAMOUS LAST WORDS?
The key is in you. Unlock your potential with the brilliant tools of Kundalini yoga.

***
To find out how you can join Thou Art Yoga classes:
http://yogapassport.blogspot.com/

View my films in TV Film Fest (July)

Click to enlarge image

Write these dates in your diary. Two of my films will be screened in the T & T Film Company's upcoming TV Film Festival—on the following stations: Gayelle, GISL, CNC3 (and soon coming on board, WIN TV). The films will be shown a few times, giving you ample opportunities to view.

See below for schedule (date, time, station) and trailers:


ALL OF EMILY (22 minutes)

1.Sat 9 July @ 9:00 p.m. on GISL

2. Sat 9 July @ 9:30 p.m. on CNC3

3. Mon 25 July @ 8:40 p.m. on Gayelle

See ALL OF EMILY trailer below




 
INVISIBLE: CHILDREN LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS (10 minutes)

1. Sun 3 July @ 9:30 p.m. on TV6

2. Sat 9 July @ 8:30 p.m. on GISL

3. Fri 15 July @ 9:30 p.m. on CNC3

4. Mon 18 July @ 9:30 p.m. on Gayelle

See INVISIBLE trailer below:

New is necessary

Butterfly eggs on kitchen window

One thing the death of Hindi illuminated for me is that there are things, people, situations and ways of being which, even though current, can actually be considered dead.

Often, we habitually hold on to these 'dead' things without realising their time has passed. Comfort zones. Hiding places. A dead job, a dead relationship, a dead place, a dead habit . . . things we do, places we frequent and people with whom we associate who no longer serve us or contribute to our development.

Why do we hold on?

When Hindi died, I was holding her against me. I felt when the prana (life force) left her body.  Once prana leaves the body, we are no longer alive. Even if I'd wanted to, nothing I did could not have stopped or reversed the dying process. Likewise, there are things in life that we cannot resuscitate once their time has passed . . . even though we may try to.

In that experience I had no choice but to see letting go as necessity, unavoidability, opportunity.

The time is here. Let go of whoever and whatever no longer serves us.

Renew.

Be new.


For Sunday Scribblings (first time I'm doing it in ages)

Yoga Portraits: DEV

 

‎Spiritual Name: Beantroop Singh

Given Name: Dev Pooma

Occupation: Teacher

1. HOW DID YOU DISCOVER KUNDALINI YOGA?

It was recommended to me by a dear friend of mine who thought that this would be something that I would be interested in. She was right!!! Thanks Veve :D

2. WHAT ABOUT YOUR FIRST KUNDALINI YOGA EXPERIENCE MADE YOU DECIDE TO CONTINUE WITH IT?

I originally started Kundalini in September 2008. I decided to continue with it because of my connection with the teacher (Tek Har). My positive mind was telling me that good would come from it and that I needed it.It was right!

3. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PRACTISING KUNDALINI YOGA?

I had done it from 2008 to 2010 I believe. Then I took a sabbatical of sorts and returned to it this April (2011). Since then I have started the 40 days meditation. I am now on my twelfth day of that practice and I'm feeling good!!!!! ( think Jennifer Hudson when you read this line.)

4. WHAT ABOUT KUNDALINI YOGA MAKES YOU CHOOSE IT AS OPPOSED TO THE MANY OTHER FORMS OF YOGA?

Well I can't say that I know much about the other forms of yoga. What I like about Kundalini is the fact that it is described as the householder's yoga. The kriyas are more or less simple to do. And most importantly I am seeing great results in my life. I am HAPPYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!

5. DO YOU KEEP UP A REGULAR PRACTICE?

I've been doing my forty day meditation since the first of June. I basically do the meditation aspect and the breathing as I feel like I have problems with breathing. Also I find that simply breathing properly helps in every situation. I do this practice at nights before I go to sleep. I chose that period because I dream a lot and felt that doing this practice before bed would curb this or change the quality of my dreams.

6. WHAT BENEFITS DO YOU EXPERIENCE THROUGH YOUR PRACTICE?

Like I said "I am happy!!!" Also I am able to approach each day with a different outlook, a more positive one. I find that my energy/ aura has improved. My sexual energy has also calmed and has become more controllable and controlled.

7. HAS ANYTHING ABOUT YOU OR YOUR LIFE CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED PRACTISING KUNDALINI YOGA?

I find that since then I have observed the universe aligning to support me. However to show a practical example I'd like to share a personal story.

My fifteen form five students (whom I love dearly) are graduating this year. I decided that I would take them out to a celebratory lunch before they leave. I have been telling all of my friends about this. Lo and behold one Saturday evening a friend gives me a box. She says "This is going to be your Oprah moment". As I opened it I saw a Chinese envelope. I immediately thought it was Chinese tea and was happy to receive it as I do love tea. She says" Look inside!" As I open the envelope I saw money. "Check it" she says. As I checked I realized it was twelve hundred dollars!!!! I looked at her confused. She says "It's for your lunch with your kids. Four of my friends and I came together and wanted to to do this for you because you are the kind of teacher that we need nowadays. You represent what being a teacher is all about." I wanted to cry but for the first time that I can ever remember I was totally speechless. I hugged my friends. I said thank you and I've been on cloud nine since then.

To me this shows how yoga affects your life. It supercharges it with positive energy all around.

BTW Big up to my friend and her four friends (now my friends!). My kids and I will surely pay this grand gesture forward.


8. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ASPECT OF KUNDALINI YOGA AND WHY?

I love the meditation. It is something I am familiar with and it settles my mind.

9. HOW DO YOU GENERALLY FEEL AFTER A KUNDALINI YOGA CLASS?

Supercharged!!!!

10. What words of wisdom do you have for anyone reading this?

"Try it! You go like it! Cause it makes you feel goooooood."

11. HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THOU ART YOGA?

I was sent an email and am part of the group/class.

12. ANY FAMOUS LAST WORDS?

"I claim my personal power."

A time to be born, a time to die

Today is mummy's birthday. Happy Birthday (again), Mummy.

Today is also the day that my beloved Hindi left this dimension and entered a new one. What can really be said? Her body was not her. Her Spirit is now somewhere else—romping, creating mischief, looking for holes in fences, breaking rules, eating everything in sight, courageously being Miss Independent and wagging her paintbrush tail while doing all of the above.

Hindi, you will definitely be missed. Thank you for the love and lessons you shared with me from the time we first met on the steps of the Temple in the Sea on Independence Day (or more aptly . . . Hindipendence Day) 1999.

May Dog Heaven find a way to keep up with you.

Yoga Portraits: PEPEETA

Outside our POS class venue, The Sangha

NAME: Pepeeta Ameerali

OCCUPATION: Marketing Officer,

HOW DID YOU DISCOVER KUNDALINI YOGA?
Strange how things work out. My cousin Neala sent me an email to try it out. The workshop was starting the week after I finished my exams, any earlier and I probably would have declined.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR FIRST KUNDALINI YOGA EXPERIENCE MADE YOU DECIDE TO CONTINUE WITH IT?
Again, perhaps more than coincidence… That day was a difficult day and I actually arrived at the studio very distracted and stressed. But at the end of the session I felt so calm and at peace that I realized that it was necessary.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PRACTISING KUNDALINI YOGA?
Only 3 weeks

DO YOU KEEP UP A REGULAR PRACTICE?
I’ve ordered my own mat. Yes, I intended to continue past this 10-week workshop and perhaps look at Moksha yoga as well.

WHAT BENEFITS DO YOU EXPERIENCE THROUGH YOUR PRACTICE?
I am calmer. As a ‘creative’ person, it is difficult to empty my mind totally. The meditations encourage a soothing flow of images to help relax.

WHAT HAS CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED PRACTISING KUNDALINI YOGA?
Before starting Kundalini Yoga, I was starting to feel like a turtle, carrying a heavy shell, the weight of the world on my shoulders. I knew I needed to start shedding some of it. The classes help to lift the weight and bring perspective. I am using these sessions as a stepping stone to change.

YOUR FAVOURITE ASPECT OF KUNDALINI YOGA . . .
Stretches… they feel good. And the meditations.

HOW DO YOU GENERALLY FEEL AFTER A KUNDALINI YOGA CLASS?
Relaxed, yet inspired.

WHAT WORDS OF WISDOM DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE READING THIS?
Kundalini Yoga is great for refocus.

HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THOU ART YOGA?
From the class.

ANY FAMOUS LAST WORDS?
Sat Nam

***

To find out how you can join Thou Art Yoga classes:
http://yogapassport.blogspot.com/

Yoga Portraits: INDIRA

Introducing the "Yoga Portraits" series—featuring students of Thou Art Yoga. First up, Indira from the St. Augustine class.

Poolside at our St. Augustine class venue, Reimedi Spa

  
NAME: Indira Ragoo
OCCUPATION: Retired Pre-School Teacher

HOW DID YOU DISCOVER KUNDALINI YOGA?
I saw a newspaper clip, with the advertisement for the class and a cell phone number to call for info.I called the number and I was told where the class was being held and when. So I decided to join the Friday evening class.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR FIRST KUNDALINI YOGA EXPERIENCE MADE YOU DECIDE TO CONTINUE WITH IT?
When I first attended class I had no experience or had never before attended a class so this was a new kind of experience for me. Somehow I felt a difference in body and mind,and I could not wait to attend the next class.I also had a spiritual experience while reciting the mantras and this caused me to be drawn even more to this class.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PRACTISING KUNDALINI YOGA?
I started my Kundalini class on the 11th of February 2011.

DO YOU KEEP UP A REGULAR PRACTICE?
I do try to keep up my practice of kriyas and meditation as regular as I can.I wake at 4.am. I find this time to be very good for me, I sit in easy pose taking deep breaths then reciting the mantras to begin. Then after the mantras I begin with the Kriyas. After this I lay on the mat breathing in and out deeply.Then I pull the feet up and rock myself back and forth side to side.Rotate my feet and hands. Rub my feet and hands together.Rock myself back into easy pose,and end with .. Long time sun.

WHAT BENEFITS DO YOU EXPERIENCE THROUGH YOUR PRACTICE?
I feel spiritually fulfilled, I feel I’m better able to handle any situation that may come my way.
I feel physically energized. I’m not fearful in trying to achieve the things that I want in life.

WHAT HAS CHANGED FOR YOU SINCE YOU STARTED PRACTICING KUNDALINI YOGA?
Since I started practicing Kundalini yoga I have noticed that I have become more peaceful within myself, able to handle life’s challenges better.I do not react to situations the way I used to.I have a lot more patience to deal with situations that occur in my life.

YOUR FAVOURITE ASPECT OF KUNDALINI YOGA . . .
I enjoy sitting in easy pose and reciting the mantras.I feel calm and really very peaceful.

HOW DO YOU GENERALLY FEEL AFTER A CLASS?
I feel peaceful, calm, physically fit, I feel like I can handle whatever life sends my way.

WHAT WORDS OF WISDOM DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE READING THIS?
I would strongly encourage anyone reading this if you are looking for a way of getting in touch with your true self and looking for a way to become a better person ,then you should by all means start a Kundalini yoga class .You would truly benefit.

HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THOU ART YOGA?
I visited the website after hearing about it from a friend.

ANY FAMOUS LAST WORDS?
My Kundalini yoga class has been the best thing that I have ever done for myself.It has changed my life in a way I never thought possible. It has made me realize how much I was missing in my life how much I never knew myself .It has put me in touch with my true self, and made me see others around me in a different way.I would like to thank my Kundalini yoga teacher Tek Har for the wonderful work she is doing and wish God blessing’s and best wishes in the future. Sat Nam.

Thou Art Yoga crossword

 

The crossword generator didn't give me a link to paste to the crossword, so I had to take a screenshot. Click on the image to enlarge. 


Across
2. Which body relates to the Soul (5 letters)
6. Translate: I call upon Infinite Creative Consciousness
8. Your protective mind (8)
9. A group of sounds, syllables or words with transforming power (6)
10. The amount of days to make or break a habit (5)
12. Thou Art Yoga's pre-paid consecutive class discount card (8)
14. Kundalini energy is envisioned as this animal (5)
15. Kundalini Yoga balances this body system (9)

Down
1. Your projective mind (10)
3. Where Thou Art yoga's Tuesday class is held (6)
4. Where you can join the Thou Art Yoga page for updates and info (8)
5. Kundalini Yoga strengthens this body system (7)
7. The amount of bodies we have (3)
9. A hand position that locks and guides energy to the brain (5)
11. 3 minutes of this breath cleanses the body of toxins (12)
13. Another name for the electromagnetic field surrounding the body (4)

Beggars can't be choosers, but givers often are

When people on the street beg you for money do you (a) always give it to them (b) never give it to them (c) sometimes give it to them (d) offer to buy them food or a drink instead?

Try this delicious recipe

(Photo added after it came out of the oven)

The second intensive week of Kundalini Yoga teacher training finished on Friday 3 June. It was a fantastic seven days. On one of the mornings, we had a yogic cooking class—the results of which we had for lunch. The menu was Yogi Tea, Mung Beans and Rice and Beet/Carrot casserole. It was all extremely delicious, nutritious and filling, without being heavy. Definitely called for seconds.

This morning I went to the market and bought a few items, including beets and carrots. As I write this, the beets and carrots are steaming upstairs, waiting to be peeled and grated so that I can make the casserole. It is worth trying.

Here is the recipe (taken from this source). If you make it, let me know how it tastes.

Beet & Carrot Casserole

This is a very tasty, light recipe that is wonderful for the health and cleansing of your liver.

1 bunch beets

1 lb. carrots

1 Pint Cottage Cheese (optional)

2 bunches of scallions - chopped

3 cloves minced garlic

4-6 tbs. olive oil or ghee (clarified butter)

Braggs Liquid Aminos and black pepper to taste

Grated cheddar or soy cheese to taste

Scrub beets and carrots. Steam beets whole. When half done (10-20 minutes) add the peeled carrots. Cook until tender, yet firm. After they cool, remove beet skins. (They slide off easily).

Grate beets and carrots with a coarse grinder. Mix together loosely (so the colors stay distinct).

Saute the scallions and garlic in the olive oil. Toss this mixture with the beets and carrots, Cottage Cheese, Braggs and black pepper. Put in a casserole dish. Cover with grated cheese and bake until cheese is golden. This recipe was created by Siri Ved Kaur Khalsa.

Source of recipe