July-August 2004 - The Journey Magazine

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Asana of the Issue By Marni TaskVasishtasana - A Practice in Passionate PatienceVariation A Variation B Variation C Variation DLike many balancing asanas, vasishtasana (vahsish-tahs-anna)(side plank pose) takes greatstrength and much inner equanimity, as well as patienceand perseverance. The name of this posture honors theancient sage Vasishta. Vasishta literally means “most excellent,best, richest.” He was a rishi, a wise man, and one whoknows the secret of the Vedas. He was the author of a numberof Vedic hymns in the Rig-Veda and was affectionately addressedby his disciples as Kulapati or chief preceptor. In those days ateacher who fed and taught at least ten thousand students wascalled Kulapati. He owned the divine “cow of plenty,” Nandini(“delight”), who granted his every wish by providing abundantmilk and sweets for all who needed nourishment. Since Nandinihad extraordinary powers, she brought him infinite wealth. Tocelebrate the infinite wisdom of Vasishta, a shining star wasnamed after him. Just below the North Star, you will find agroup of stars in the shape of the English letter “u”. The starsare seven in number and are called ‘Saptarshi Mandala’ or theGreat Bear constellation. The seven saints/sages after whomthey are named are: Marichi, Atri, Angiras, Pulastya, Pulaha,Kratu and Vasishta.As you can see, Vasishta’s legacy is one full of accomplishmentsand charitable acts. He generously gave to his disciplesand his presence was always one of peace. Vasishtasanais exactly that. This pose cultivates tapas (diligent, passionatepractice) within, so we can continue to uncover our deepestwealth and master the ability to create extraordinary feats likebalancing on one hand and on the edge of one foot with theother leg extended into the sky like a shooting star!Vasishtasana has several variations, all of which can summonan experience of bold freedom. The many benefits of thispose include:• Toning of the arms, abdomen, and legs• Stretching and strengthening the wrists and shoulders• Flexibility in the backs of the legs (in the full version D)• Improves sense of balanceThis pose may be contraindicated if you have very weakwrists or severely injured shoulders. However, like Vasishta, ifyou have conviction and practice good alignment, you canactually heal your weak areas. Below you will see a step-bystepway to build Vasishtasana from the simplest variation to avariation as way out as the big bear constellation. As you searchfor that delicate, fiercely bright balance, you may come acrossPAGE TWENTY TWOJULY • AUGUST 2004frustration. Like Vasishta, cultivate calm patience and persevere.Vasishta’s patience was tested many times during his life,especially by one of his most famous disciples, Vishwamitra.He tried to steal Nandini, Vasishta’s divine cow, and createdchaos at the ashram. While in this asana you may feel like theworld is wreaking havoc all around you. Don’t waiver! ThoughVishwamitra was a challenging individual to deal with,Vasishta’s patience never fluctuated. No matter whatVishwamitra’s negative actions were, Vasishta acted benevolentlytoward him. Through Vasishta’s actions, Vishwamitrasaw the error of his violent, greedy ways and decided to changethem. Through his tapas (practice) he was transformed into arishi immersed in the light of wisdom. Begin this pose withthat kind of transformative potential. Reach for the stars!Variation A1. In Adho Mukha Svanasana (down dog). Exhale, loweryour right knee to the floor and straighten your left leg back,left foot flat on the floor like in warrior 2.2. Make sure that the supporting hand (right hand) ispositioned slightly in front of its shoulder rather than directlyunder and perpendicular to the floor. So the supporting arm islifting into the shoulder on a diagonal. Inhale, straighten thearm by firming the triceps muscle, and press the base of theindex finger firmly against the floor.3. Exhale, take your left hand onto your left hip, turn yourtorso to the sky and support the weight of your body on theright knee and right hand. Inhale. Lift the left arm to the skyand spin your chest to the stars.(This beginning version is great for beginners and thosewho are healing wrist and shoulder injuries. If you soften theheart center and lift the bottom arm shoulder blade into thespine you will engage the rhomboid muscle and begin to liftthe weight up out of the wrist as well as strengthen the shouldergirdle.).Variation B continuing from A1. Stay in Variation A and inhale, pivot your left foot tothe left and step your left foot slightly in front of the rightshin. Firmly planting the left foot into the floor, exhale, shiftonto the outside edge of your right foot (as if your foot iskarate chopping the floor). Keep externally rotating the bottomarm and with perseverance draw the right shoulder bladeTHE JOURNEY
up towards the spine.2. Then, just like Vasishta, be generous of spirit and inhale,extend your wisdom from your heart up through the top,to your left hand.(You will notice as we advance through the variations thebottom wrist and arms are beginning to strengthen. The legsand torso are becoming firm and toned in order to find thedelicate balance needed in the more advanced variations tocome!).Variation C continuing from BThis is the variation with which most are familiar. Thisvariation depends on the core strength in our legs and abdomen.Continuing on from Variation B.1. Inhale, stack your left inner foot (arch) on top of theright. Embrace the legs together and allow them to depend onone another. Like Nandini depended on Vasishta to protect her,on the exhale squeeze the legs together and protect your balanceby allowing your left leg to depend on your right. Being agreat ascetic, Vasishta labored for the welfare of the world. Inhaleinto the core of the pelvis, exhale extend the fruits of yourlabor down into the heels and up to the top of the head2. inhale, stretch the top arm toward the ceiling andmake a clear conduit from palm to palm earth to sky. Exhale,keeping the head in a neutral position gaze forward or turn togaze up at the top hand.Variation D continuing from C1. Inhale, lift your left (top) leg, and reach for the big toewith your index and middle fingers (yogic toe lock). You maybend both knees to make it easier to take hold of the big toe,as well as allow for a more steady connection to the earth.2. Exhale prepare. Holding the big toe, drink in a generousbreath, on the exhale split the legs and extend the left legforward and up telescoping into the sky.3. Inhale, firm the scapulas (shoulder blades) and sacruminto the back torso. Strengthen the thighs by hugging themtogether. Exhale, from the core of the pelvis shine out into theheels and lengthen that energy through the head. Keepingthe bottom (right side) in one long diagonal line from the heelsto the crown, begin to turn the upper back into a bow and holdthe big toe as if your leg is an arrow waiting to release fromthe arching bow of your back. With each new breath honorthe wisdom within you and radiate your will up and out intothe universe.4. Stay in this position for 15 to 30 seconds. Come backto Adho Mukha Svanasana, take a few breaths, and repeat tothe right side for the same length of time. Then return to AdhoMukha Svanasana for a few more breaths.Revel in the challenge of Vasisthasana, and embrace yourability to be passionately patient with yourself as you rise abovethe Vishwamitra-like obstacles that try to sway you.Marni Task teaches on the east side at 8 Limbs, Windsof Change, Cleveland Yoga, and Evolution Yoga; on thewest side at Inner Bliss. She teaches Jivamukti and Anusara.She is excellent with therapeutics for injuries and is knownfor her hands-on alignment assistance within a vinyasaclass. Her quirky humor inspires spirit in every class. Forprivate or group lessons call: 216 376 2521 or check out herwebsite www.marnitask.comTHE JOURNEYJULY • AUGUST 2004What is Passion?By Jonny KestThe word “passion” similarly to the word “tantra” oftenis just limited to or confused with sex. However, just liketantra, passion has a much deeper and spiritual significance.Passion in your yoga practice is key to unlockingyour doorway to real health and happiness, without it youare left with boredom and atrophy. So what is passion? Atits essence passion is a vibrant river of pure love that keepsflowing without expecting anything in return. So when youare truly passionate in your yoga practice it no longer becomesabout looking good or expecting some benefit orresult. You practice yoga for the pure love of it and as abyproduct all the most amazing spiritual, emotional andphysical benefits arise. You no longer are motivated bymoney or any external form, your motivation comes froman inner sense of pure love and joy that arises like a fountainout of a pool. Passion is not something you can find,for many it just happens. Practice and all the reasons whyyou come to your yoga mat fall away and you simply beginto enjoy what makes you feel most alive! The healing powerof your breath, the sensuality of your being and the flow ofunconditional love that arises in the moment of true passion.Subscribe to The Journey!Only $21.95 per yearCall 440-255-5301Doorwayto Freedom:True VinyasaYogaInstructor:Jonny KestThis workshopinvites you to faceyour fears andreveal your truenature. Leavefeeling more aliveand free as youpass through thedoorway of an original and dynamic sequenceof Vinyasa Yoga. All levels welcome.Saturday, September 119:30 am–NoonThe Journey - A Mind • Body • Soul EXPOLakeland Community College, Kirtland OHTickets $40 Adv./$50 at the doorFor more information, call 440-255-1638 or visitwww.atouchofserenity.netPAGE TWENTY THREE
Page 1 and 2: HEALTH & WELLNESS • HOROSCOPESYOG
Page 3 and 4: 8785 Mentor AvenueMentor, Ohio 4406
Page 5 and 6: forgets to start growing thicker fu
Page 10 and 11: Natural Passions: The Logic Of The
Page 12 and 13: THE GREEN LOTUSEXOTIC TREASURES FRO
Page 14 and 15: You have to fall in love. You have
Page 16 and 17: Marni TaskMarni Task teaches Jivamu
Page 18 and 19: Passion and Yoga:ANTITHESESA Teache
Page 20 and 21: Yoga Teacher FeaturePassionA Studen
Page 24 and 25: THE YOGA LISTINGSYoga Studios:Atma
Page 26 and 27: EXPO 2004 Feature SpeakersFor more
Page 28 and 29: Demos & Mini-LecturesJust a samplin
Page 30 and 31: THE JOURNEYMIND • BODY • SOUL E
Page 32 and 33: Featuring classes in Hatha Yoga •
Page 34 and 35: PAGE THIRTY FOURAriesIn July set as
Page 36 and 37: PAGE THIRTY SIXJULY • AUGUST 2004
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July-August 2004 - The Journey Magazine

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