Moving Forward in the New Year
The Elephant in Indian Mythology
Atma Center Calendar of Coming Events
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THE YOGA CONNECTION
Moving Forward in the New Year
By Atmarupa
As we approach the end of January, many New Year's resolutions have already gone by the wayside. Yet when we set our goals on January 1st, there was determination and so much hope for change. "This is the year I will finally .......(fill in the blank)." But as the days pass, we come to realize that same level of determination and hope are hard to maintain.
Why is it so difficult to change even the smallest patterns of our behavior or personality? Why do we become impatient waiting for signs of progress? Why do we so easily give up and abandon our resolutions or goals?
Yoga psychology and philosophy offer answers to all of these questions. The answers are based on understanding the complexity of who we are. According to yoga, who we are is not so simple. Each person and personality arises from the different components of the mind, patterns of actions from the past, and the influences from subtle energy centers within the body. These various forces combine not only to establish who we are, but to perpetuate who we are.
Basically, every cell and vibration of our being is programmed to recreate itself and will, there-fore, resist change.
Imagine you are trying to redecorate a room of your house and every time you try to change something and turn away for a moment, that change reverts back to the way it was. You would think that you were losing your mind or that someone was playing tricks on you. So you try to become vigilant, try to figure out what's going on. But there are times you must sleep or eat or work, and when you return, everything is back the same.
Now this analogy may seem unlikely, but 'redecorating' our personality can be just as unlikely. Change is not easy. It takes vigilance through awareness. It has been said, "Problems cannot be solved by the same level of awareness that created them - a new level of awareness must be developed."
It's easy to think that we can just put our mind to it and we'll be more aware. If it were that easy, we would all be perfect, enlightened beings by now. It takes a new level of awareness, and yoga is the key. Every practice of Satyananda Yoga is geared toward developing and deepening awareness.
Editor's Note: Stay tuned for a new 2-part workshop by Atmarupa in March: "Moving Forward - Facilitating Change in Your Life." See details in Events Calendar.
By Mary Baird
I was fortunate to attend a recent Atma Center workshop in which Atmarupa shared her multi-faceted recipe for lifting the spirit. Along with a complete series of "blahs–busting" yoga practices, several user-friendly tips for surviving the dreary months of Cleveland winters were mentioned:
- Go towards light and fresh air - - walk outdoors for at least a half hour daily
- Watch your diet:
- Eat light, not heavy or oily foods
- Avoid mucus forming foods (dairy, soy, wheat) that add to that “stuck” feeling
- Stay away from ice and cold foods that can have an immobilizing effect
- Choose warming foods (root soups, ginger, onion, garlic)
- Drink plenty of water - - dehydration contributes to stiff joints, “sticky blood” and poor circulation
Of course, daily yoga was suggested. But, instead of beginning with slow stretches down on the mat, start off with standing poses. Remember, heat rises. Do the poses dynamically to “stir” the energy. Not only does this serve to heat you up on chilly winter mornings, but it also short circuits that "creeping lethargy" that tends to drag us down as the winter drags on. Here are some of the Blahs-Busters we practiced:
- Surya Namaskara (sun salutation) for an all around warm up and energy boost
- Standing spinal stretches: Tadasana (palm tree), Tiryaka Tadasana (swaying palm tree), Kati Chakrasana (waist rotating pose). Good alignment achieved by lifting the sternum serves to lift the spirits as well!
- Backward bends: Bhujangasana (Cobra) done dynamically up to 20 times
- Inversions that stimulate the brain, help you "see things from a different angle," alter your mood, and heat the body: "feet up the wall" (right angle handstand)
- All twists heat the body's core, activate the "fire" chakra, raise energy levels and aid the digestive process
In addition to asana, other kinds of yoga practices can help to neutralize the blahs. For example, based on the desired effect, choose a pranayama practice to add to the mix. Bhastrika (bellows breath) is energizing, heat producing, and uplifting for a depressed or lethargic mood, while Bhramari (humming bee breath) can calm and quiet a mind immobilized by anger or anxiety. Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) is one of the best, as it has a balancing effect on any of the mental or emotional extremes that plague us.
The Elephant in Indian Mythology 
Why do we see so many elephants on Indian silk and cotton prints? Just look around the Atma Center retail store. Why do people collect elephant statues?
The main characteristics of the elephant are his strength and steadfastness. So, through the ages, this majestic creature has become a symbol of great physical and mental strength, as well as courage, wisdom, and responsibility.
What about the significance of the white elephant? In Indian mythology we hear about the flying elephants and Airavata, the white elephant who become the vehicle of Indra and appeared from the churning of the milky ocean. As a result, white elephants are considered very special, having the power to produce rain. They are identified as rain-bearing clouds, which will explain the belief in the flying elephants. In Indian society, elephants are considered to bring good luck and prosperity. In ancient times, they were owned by the kings and used in wars.
Feb 4 – Yoga as Therapy Workshop focusing on depression – SOLD OUT. Still spaces in March (Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue) and April (Asthma & Allergies).
Feb 9 – Yogic Studies 2a begins. Explores yogic psychology, the Yoga Sutras, the chakras, and more. Prerequisites: Yogic Studies 1 courses.
Feb 14 - "The Yoga of Relationships" work-shop will be held from 6-7:30 PM. Limited to 12 people. $25 investment and receive a $10 discount card for an after workshop dinner at Café Tandoor.
Feb 23 – Yogic Studies 2b begins. Focuses on yogic culture and literature, more advanced practices, social applications of yoga. Pre-requisites: Yogic Studies 1 and Yogic Studies 2a.
March 10 & 24 - "Moving Forward - Facilitating Change in Your Life" Saturdays, from 1-4 PM. A two part workshop by Atmarupa. Registration is limited to 12 people. $75 investment, nonrefundable.
Mar 30 - Yogic Studies 1a Weekender begins. If you would like to delve deeper into awareness and transform your life, consider attending the Yogic Studies courses, beginning with this entry level weekender version. Practical classes and lectures are held over three weekends. For more information check the flier or go to www.atmacenter.com.
May 17 to 20 – Anusara Yoga Workshop with Jamie and Justin Allison. Back by popular demand! Mark your calendars and watch for more details soon.
This newsletter is provided to you by the Atma Center, 2319 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, Ohio. [216-371-9760 www.atmacenter.com] The Atma Center is one of three places authorized worldwide to offer advanced training in Satyananda Yoga through Yogic Studies and Teacher Training courses.