Finding Softness in Ashtanga Yoga

Friends, please know that I have moved on from Ayurveda Boston to a new blog in support of my recent publication with Shambhala books: The Everyday Ayurveda Cookbook.

You will now find my blog, yoga and ayurveda whereabouts and whatnots at www.kateodonnell.yoga. Here is the latest post form Mysore-

There is time to reflect in Mysore, and I’ve been reflecting on the balance of will and softness in Ashtanga yoga. In a practice where we are applying so much effort, where is the receptivity? How does this practice teach effort without tension?

It would seem to come back to the Bhagavad Gita, wherein Yoga is described as action without attachment to the fruits of the action. Sharath recently noted at conference how the element of Ashtanga yoga that brings personal growth is the act of showing up for practice every day. Getting up early and attending to yoga daily builds character. The quality of the asana practice itself is secondary. This is where so many of us can become attached to the action of taking yoga practice. It is a great reminder that showing up is more important than performing asanas, that being willing to try every day without being attached to the outcome is the yoga itself.

The action of showing up can also continue into the practice. The past few years I have often been mired in an attitude of defeat due to the asana practice feeling like it is sliding backwards (oh, you know that feeling).  Then there comes a fear of pain and ageing. These stories often overshadow the act of showing up in the practice of asana, for whatever subtle fruits may be growing. There is a self that is listening to the stories of pain and defeat, holding back, and somewhere another self that longs to give freely to the practice. It is not as much about doing as it is about giving. Action as the Gita describes is a duty, and an inescapable karma. To the amount that we approach our lives with contentment and generosity, we will sow more of the same. As always, the asana practice becomes for me a window into the mind and heart, informing not just what happens on the mat, but how I am acting in Life. I have learned when the practice starts to feel like a struggle, its time to take a look at my attitude.

The Gita describes action with a “mind full of faith” as the way to success in yoga. This is where softness lies, and results in effort without tension. In my own journey, it’s when there is pain that faith can be elusive. My practice is to show up daily and be receptive to the pain- do I need rest, do I need to move slow, or do I need to get warm and bend, what do I need to do today? What action is the body requiring? I then have faith in the intuition and follow it through a practice, of some sort. If I put my faith in this, instead of listing to the angry or afraid voice, the one that wants to mindlessly perform some version of the practice without consideration of the present moment, the practice becomes an expression of Faith, softness, and beauty- even while I work.

What is Ekam?

I have been holding a 3-month course for the Mysore crew here in Boston to study the larger context of the primary series asana practice according to the teachings of Patthabhi Jois. Our course books are Yoga Mala, and Stephen Mitchell’s Bhagavad Gita. We are looking into purification of the body, nerves, and mind through Asana, breathing system, and Drishti. In a homework assignment, a student writes:

“I am reminded that there are SO many aspects of yoga to incorporate into your life. I mean the daily asana practice is trying enough, but to also study and understand the yamas, niyamas, make time for pranayama, contemplate the universal self, how do YOU do it? How do you live your life and also dedicate time to really understand all 8 limbs… they really challenge and require a complete change of thinking. And even when I feel my thinking is changing, it’s difficult to sustain it in a society that focuses on doing, material gain, and isolation. Any suggestions? I know on the mat, you tell us to start at Ekam, is there an “ekam” per se for things off the mat?”

No doubt these sentiments are familiar to many of us. I remember reading Yoga Mala while living in Encintas, working at the health food store and practicing with Tim Miller. I remember reading not to participate in social gatherings, or to eat many vegetables. Funny what the mind takes note of. I did eat vegetables, but I did not socialize. I made very few friends during my 6 months in so-cal. Looking back, the system of checks and balances which arise from living in community would have relieved some suffering for me.

Yes, it would seem a few words on Ekam off-the-mat could be helpful indeed.

First off, let’s get hip to the gradual nature of change. When Guruji said “99% practice, 1% theory” he was saving us all some strife. Theory describes the goal, but it is the practice of daily life through which we establish ourselves in yoga. No one shows up to yoga practice having mastered any of it, the asana, or the first limb of Yama. That is why 99% practice. Changes in paradigm happen much like asana. Slowly, slowly. Pay attention, keep paying attention, trust the method, and have patience.

Now to deliver a suggestion for Ekam. Something practical, as my nature requires…

In discussion with my partner Rich who brings the Buddhist attitude, we came to

SELF-ACCEPTANCE.

I’m sorry it’s not something more tangible like Abhyanga. But truly, to begin the work of changing physical and mental patterning, as Ashtanga yoga does, one would best begin at being OK with the here and now. Approaching yoga from a vantage point of how far-from-yoga things are now can be a recipe for suffering. Where-as Ekam inhale reminds, hey, I made it; I’m here; I’m OK, and I’m going to do my best now. I’m going to take this practice one step at a time.

Each step the aspirant comes ever-closer to a state of yoga.

Life Example: Drawing on my Ayurveda studies, food is always a good starting point. How we nourish ourselves is integral to yoga practice, and how we eat is often affected by our cultural surroundings. Changing the diet may raise a few eyebrows, while not changing the diet may sink a few postures.

Yoga is as yoga does, right?
The next time you are making a choice for a mindful meal, when others might be imbibing, eating meat, or stuffing food in the face without chewing, notice if you feel a struggle. Take a step back, pay attention, notice if there is a mean voice in your head criticizing you or another. Try taking a breath and accepting this moment as well as the people and the foods present. Then go ahead and enjoy your meal, having tasted a few Yama and Niyama for appetizers.

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How to Not Get Sick in India

            As an unsuspecting traveler in my early twenties in India, I began my journey with Ayurveda to heal my digestive system from a persistent cornucopia of parasitic infections.  My yoga studies have brought me to India from my home base in New England annually for 15 years now.  That’s a lot of travel in India!  I teach yoga on tours with westerners now, and am responsible for helping keep the students healthy.  It seems I am a good practitioner to be writing for the blog about how to avoid getting sick in India. 

I certainly do lean on Ayurvedic medicines and eating practices to keep the gut in balance.  What follows are my top recommendations, including Ayurvedic meal routines and easy to find herbal formulas to pack in your travel bag.

1.    Get on the plane with a happy belly.  Start now!

This year I traveled right after Christmas, which is historically a bit of a tough time for my gut.  I love Christmas cookies! I had a much harder time keeping healthy this year in my travels because I didn’t come out of the gate strong.  Ayurveda sees what the body is accustomed to as an important element in digestion.  If your diet and routines are far from what you see below, you will do well to start practicing some of the food observations here a month before you fly. 

2.    Eat light. 

Your gut, given the chance, is going to manage the changes in atmosphere nicely.  But overeating is hard to manage.  Avoid overdoing all those amazing delicacies- I know sometimes it feels like you may never see this particular specialty again, but enjoy responsibly, and keep in mind your gut is only able to process the amount of food you can hold in your two palms at each meal.   Avoid eating a lot before you expect to be sitting for long periods.

3.     Keep it movin. 

I have noticed a direct correlation between constipated types and parasite difficulties.  If you are not the type to poop easy, you may consider getting on Triphala (see Banyan Botanicals.com) before you travel, and staying on a routine of 2-3 tabs before bed while you are in India, up to a few months.  I also recommend a short Ayurvedic cleanse before you hit the road.  You can find information about this here: http://www.ayurvedaboston.com/ayurveda/seasonalcleansing, and I am happy to consult with you about a cleansing program before you go.

4.    Paracleanse by Banyan Botanicals

I had great results using this formula as a preventative on my 3-week temple tour this winter.  It helps keep your system inhospitable to invaders, and is a good helper if you are going to be moving about a lot for a time (which is when you need to be most mindful).  Its only helpful if you take it 1-2 tabs, 2-3x/day for at least 2 weeks.  I just used it until the bottle was gone.

5.    Bolster the immune system. 

It is all about the immune system.  Again, get strong before you go.  Start the diet routines now.  Get plenty of rest, bring along some vitamin C.

6.    Avoid excessive sugar.

You know the bugs love sugar.  Go easy on the chai and the sweets.  You can expect if you are in India longer term to have some sweet cravings from the vegetarian, often overcooked food.  Don’t let it take you over.

7.    Rest up.

I know its so exciting, but avoid over scheduling.  You must make sure you are resting enough to give your immunity the time it needs to keep you well.

8.    Yoga for digestion. 

Lie on your back on the floor and take wind-relieving posture.  Bring one knee up alongside the rib cage, keeping the other leg straight.  Hold the knee with same-side hand, compressing the ascending (right side) and then descending (left side) colon.  You can circle the knee gently.  Repeat.  Remember never to suppress the urge to pass wind or move the bowels.

9.    Try not to snack.

Allowing for space between meals will let your gut completely process each meal.  Adding more food into the mix before the stomach is fully emptied can create fermentation, which is the ideal atmosphere for little friend parasites to flourish.

10. Watch where you eat.

Go to places where lots of people are enjoying, good turnover.  Its not out of the question to ask to poke your head in the kitchen to be sure its looking well-kept back there.  You will get lots of smiles!  Avoid raw juices, even though they are always on the menu.  They always have white sugar added.

11. Positive Thinking.

You are going to be fine!  Be kind to you gut, meditate on clean digestion, be thankful for all of your foods, and know that I have seen many travelers enjoy India without any disturbance.

Kate ODonnell is an Ayurvedic Diet and Lifestyle Consultant trained at the Kripalu School of Ayurveda with a practice in Boston.  Her Ayurvedic Lifestyle workshops, yoga classes, and cooking classes are available in person, and on-line.  She specializes in Ayurvedic cleanse programs, offering on-line group programs, as well as individual consultations in Boston and on-line.  She teaches yoga on retreats and temple tours to India annually.  Her website, www.ayurvedaboston.com features seasonal recipes, yoga tips, and resources for education and Ayurveda supplies.

Spring Tasting Guide

Free Spring Tasting Download from Everyday Ayurveda.

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Ayurvedic cooking is a concept: seasonal whole foods, warm, sit-down meals, simply prepared, and generously spiced to stoke digestive fire.  

In collaboration with photographer Cara Brostrom, I am creating the Everyday Ayurveda Food Guide to help you get inspired, motivated, and organized about creating healthy meals for yourself every day, all year long.  

This spring collection of recipes offers a spring day's tasting from the full Guidebook, which will include meal themes that change with the seasons.

The Importance of Pramana; Correct Knowledge and Pratyaksa; Direct Perception

I don’t consider myself one who wanks about all that’s wrong with yoga today, smattering my post with Sanskrit, but here I go.  I’m worked up. 

What’s with yoga teachers sharing information they haven’t allowed to live in themselves through practice?  Each one of my teachers, western and Indian, as well the ancient texts, have cautioned against sharing the practices and the knowledge without having vigilantly allowed this to incubate.

The yoga Sutras tell us that correct knowledge arises from direct experience.  It would seem the western academic model of regurgitated information applied to Yoga is antithetical to the growth of classical yoga.

The Teacher Training prevalence has created a world where one can aspire to make a living as a “yoga teacher.”  In this, the focus is on the teaching before the practice has even begun to find a seat.  I remember 10 years or so ago, Robert Moses giving me the raised eyebrow, “You know,” he said, “the possibility of fame and fortune through yoga is a totally new thing.  There was absolutely no chance of this ever before in the yoga.”  He would speak of visiting the websites of well-known teachers where the site was all about Them.  He found this preposterous.

I am reminded of Pattabhi Jois’s tales of his wife owning one saree during his first teaching tenure in Mysore.  His daughter Saraswati tells me now she herself owns around 500.  Times change.

Pramana, correct knowledge (which requires deep understanding) results from practice and observance (which requires patience).

There is nothing about the wisdom traditions of India that suggests a quick fix, a next-best-thing, or a marketing gimmick.  I’m not stating anything you don’t already know, even with some small amount of knowledge of these traditions.  The touting out of American style sound bites, from individuals who feel their several years of experience of one tradition or another merits the next workshop, is cheap.

Small amounts of information and experience are just the beginning.  Offering practices up to the public before they live inside us does a great disservice to the art of yoga, and even more so, to the self. 

As the Prana required to experience and integrate our own yogas goes outward to the act of teaching, we miss the chance, the greatest chance of this lifetime to practice deeply and truly Svadhyaya; self-study.  We miss the chance to percolate through the filter of experience down to the field of Pramana.  We miss the opportunity to follow the yoga along the journey it leads us on when the mind is going outwards to teach new information and practice.  It takes years, it takes patience, it takes above all a commitment to the path of self to Self.

Meaningful teaching arises naturally from those who have embodied some Truth.

Addressing a group of teachers a few years ago, Sharath assured us:

“You have the honey.  Don’t worry, bees will come.  You don’t see some flowers making posts in the newspaper about their nectar.”

A South End Fire Escape

Construction vehicles, Rubbermaid trash cans, and sunlight through knobbled iron grates.  I am closer to the clouds and the roof decks of the affluent.  Somehow a difficult winter in India makes it so perfect to…be…here.  I inhale whatever sun comes in this spring, molasses-slow in its arrival.

Last year, high on Darshan, I came home to a 190ft sublet with no closet, the traffic and consumerism of the Back Bay a thorn in my spiritual side.  I would pace that little neighborhood, trying to reconcile the slow receding of India’s subtle awareness with the sensory assault of jackhammers and searchlights on Route 90 at 10PM.  Man, was I pissed.

This year, America is a breath of fresh air,  literally.  With the re-growth of clean and happy lung tissue, and the support of a very special community of yoga practitioners, I feel- watch the cliché- renewed.

There is nothing like a difficult and toxic time to clear the way for gratitude.  It reminds me of the experience that follows time spent slogging through my tissues’ mire at the Ayurveda center.  Those who are joining the spring cleanse this year can look forward to just this sense of renewal. 

Aaah, Boston, the other lover.  You are not the one I pine for, but the one I keep coming back to.  Like any family home, this city folds me into a stifling, centering embrace.  I step back, gasping and giddy.  Time spent here, and a life slowly built, are money in the bank.  Heart bank.

Let it be known, I am happy to be here.  Maybe for the first time in this deep way that threatens to precede a total surrender to the place.    

Tonight at the Pine Tree Saloon: God! No Cover.

I sit to write

the universe ignites

Dreaming life sprouts

pierce the heart of doubt

I can't decide

for whom I write

A single silhouette?

Or entire worlds unmet

The smell of chai

the symphony of sky

Hanging half moons

over pine tree saloons

Everywhere is godliness.

Everything is remembrance.

Of the one the only

True Love Story

Inside me inside you

whether we are three or two

Dreaming of Divinity

Reaching for Reality.

2009- Poland Spring, ME.  Blast from the past.