YOGA FOR THOUGHTS

Yesterday, I remembered that one day I was teaching in Brazil and a beloved friend and student of mine at that time came to me after class and said how much she loved to practice with music. And then she added: "Music is such a gateway to the Soul. Like Yoga". Wise comment, beautiful friend. And is precisely my understanding of yoga. Yoga is the gateway to the Soul. So during my walk as I reached the top of this amazing hill here in Gisborne, NZ; as I looked to the sky and to that incredible nature around me the words: I AM THE EYE IN THE SKY came to my Soul. And WOW. What a moment of complete connection and awakening that was. Thank you, Universe. I remembered the song from singer Alan Parsons. So, after I got home, I started to hear again. First time after many years. And for funnier it might sound today I felt that this song is probably registered in my DNA as my beloved father used to listen to it a lot when I was a kid. And then the gateway to the Soul was opened....

Last Sunday around 1.45pm a group of cool yogis :-) got together for another chakra workshop with me. I was just making one of my dreams come true: to do a yoga moment on that spot right there. With stunning nature around us. Felt so "good" being there. One of those moments it seems that is meant to be. It was my fourth workshop about chakras this year. It was all about the AIR element and our heart center of energy. The Anahata chakra. It was an exceptional yoga moment. We started our practice 'off the mat' and completely emerged into nature. One of the suggestions to work with the heart chakra energy is to walk close to nature. And so we did. Our meeting point was at MAKORORI HEADLAND. Situated at the end of one of the gorgeous beaches here in Gisborne; called Wainui. Pure magic. It was an uphill walk towards the top of this incredible mountain. Not an easy one as we were mostly walking uphill, but it's just breathtaking. We were a group of 14 ...

The 12 petals of the lotus, each has a Sanskrit symbol, surround two triangles superimposed on each other forming a hexagonal star.  The upward-pointing triangle represents Shiva (yang) and three higher chakras (anahata, vishuddha, and ajna) and the downward-pointing triangle, represents Shakti (yin)  and the three lower chakras (muladhara, svadhistana and manipura). They also indicate inhalation and exhalation.  A symbol of perfect balance, it is traditionally colored smoky gray, like incense rising in a draft of air. In the center is a bana linga like a crescent moon, to represent the psychic blockage within. It is set in a shinny golden triangle - showing the explosion of the divine light that can be seen when the vishnu granthi (knot) is untied and the heart chakra opens. The deer at the bottom refers to the lightness of physical substance in the air element. There are also the picture of two Deities: Isa and Kakini Isa is an aspect of Shiva , Lord of Sp...

The GRANTHIS, or knots, are significant blocks, or psychic hurdles, we must cross in order to raise energy. The knot or granthi that is located at ANAHATA CHAKRA, in the region of the heart, is called VISHNU GRANTHI. Vishnu is the Hindu God responsible to maintain the order is also known as the keeper of the good health. Untying the VISHNU GRANTHI frees us from worldly attachment to compassion and devotion, unities us with cosmic faith. It is related to the astral body and the world of emotions.  A recommended mantra to help us unblock the unstruck sound of compassion is the Guru mantra:  "Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu, Guru Devo Maheshvara, Guru Sakshat, Param Brahma, Tasmai Shri Guruvey Namaha."  A good book about chakras is the "CHAKRA WORKOUT" by Mary Horsley. Namaste :-)

Anahata Chakra. THE HEART CENTRE. GREEN LIGHT. AIR ELEMENT.  UNSTRUCK. heart and lungs. arms and hands. shoulders and thoracic spine. SCAPULAE. Nerve Plexus and Cardiac. ENDOCRINE GLAND = THYMUS. TOUCH. SMELL LIKE FLOWERS. Rose. Jasmine. Lavender and Orange.  Represents the balance between the lower and the upper chakras. YAM. YAM. YAM. I as part of humanity. THE POWER OF COMPASSION.