My Body | My Temple

The Art of Yoga

The intention I set for 2013 was for creative collaboration. The first sign of that is my beloved partner, our home renovations and our wedding plans!  The second was Yogapalooza accomplished with the love, support of my fab business partners. Now the newest option has emerged.

The Art of Yoga is a monthly Yoga and Meditation workshop held at the Art Gallery of Mississauga. The first session takes place on Wednesday, November 6 at 7pm. Each workshop will draw inspiration from the art and artists currently on display in the gallery. It's the perfect opportunity for art lovers and Yoga lovers to come together and enjoy the gallery space together.

Pls check this facebook link for further details and to buy tickets.

Looking forward to sharing Kundalni Yoga with you in Mississauga.  Here is a sneak preview:

 

 

Love
Salimah

Three Life Lessons

I answered the phone one morning last December. The voice on the other side said, “Can you help me please angel? I'm dying and I know nothing at all about filling out paperwork for that.”

There was something about his voice that was loving and sincere and calm.  He had the voice of a teacher, a friend, someone you would miss when they were gone.  Over the next 9 months John and I had a number of phone calls.  After each conversation, I would sit for moment and reflect.  What he left me with were life lessons - ideas that I would like to share with you today so that you can have the benefit of his generosity. 

 

Everyone Matters
John never called me by name - he always said, “You are my angel.  You are here to help me.”   It made me smile. And it made me want to help him.   After a few conversations I was pretty sure that he called everyone his angel. His Power of Attorney, his doctors, his life insurance agent - we were all his angels. He knew he needed us.  And he treated us all like we mattered to him personally.  I know we all did our best for him – not just because we were experts – but because he set the bar really high.  From his example I learned that being aware and appreciative of others – brings out the best in everyone.  Myself included.   

 

Be Present
Just like every person counts - every moment counts. Being right here in the moment is where infinity exists.  You just don't ask a dying man about tomorrow or next year or even yesterday.  You talk about the right here right now of the weather, the doctor’s advice and the forms that need filling.  In this present moment awareness everything is perfect and as it should be.   It's the past and the future that bring out our guilt and fear.  In this present moment we can decide to be happy, to be relaxed, to be grateful.  Everything is possible.  I once asked John, “Why do you sound so happy?” He replied, “Right here, right now I am alive.  And that’s all that matters.”  Yes.      

Say Yes
John faced his fear. He picked up the phone and let a total stranger know what was happening. He had to say yes to his greatest fear. Admitting he was dying.  In saying yes, he also said yes to spending the rest of his life consciously.  He made decisions to protect his family, to clean up his marriage.  He said yes to life.  Witnessing his transformation, I learned the power of this little word. Yes.  I learned that yes opens door and turns walls into bridges.  Yes has super powers.  No has endings. 

You

The truth is, I could have easily passed that call to my colleague. I could have not gone in to work that day, I could have not picked up the phone.  I could have done nothing and would have had nothing to offer you today on this topic of life lessons.  What I know from that call is that everything can change in a matter of minutes and all you have left is how you dealt with it.

So here is my challenge to you – what can you do differently in your life?  What can you do to make sure that the people around you, close friends and strangers alike feel warm in your presence?  What can you do to be here right now completely?  What is it worth to you to give up the worry and the guilt and enjoy this very moment?  And what do you need to say yes to?  A big resounding yes, a secret whispered yes?  What can you say yes to make the most of life’s opportunities and possibilities?  Because you never know when a life lesson is waiting for you. 

Ten Reasons to Love (and Like and Attend) Yogapalooza

Join in on Saturday, September 21 and Sunday, September 22 for Yogapalooza and share a day of FREE  Movement, Music and Meditation at Harbourfront Centre.  See www.yogapalooza.ca for details.

 

1.  Yogapalooza is Social Entrepreneurship

 

Doing good for the world, doing good for the community and strengthening families is what we are all about.  Yogapalooza is the biggest FREE family friendly outdoor Yoga event in Canada.  Our joy is to share the gift of Yoga and raise the consciousness of the world at the same time. 

 

2Support the Community

 

Check out the Community Tent and meet with community agencies using Yoga and Meditation to bring about world peace.   We love what they do and know you will generously support their initiatives.    

 

3.   Visit the Wholesome Marketplace

 

We have great vendors – including YogaFit, Utopia and Giddy yoyo.  Our sponsors believe in what we do.  Check out their booths and give them a high five for their vision, amazing products and services.   

 

4.   Free Yoga, Dance and Martial Arts

 

New to the practice?  Been at it for lifetimes?  Explore Kundalini Yoga, Hatha Yoga and Laughter Yoga –  All ages, shapes and sizes are welcome.  Yoga is for everyone and our line up of teachers will introduce you to the beauty of the practice.  This year we also feature Nia and Belly Dance.  Join Martha and Auni for expressive movement.  Drop in for a class or two or stay for the whole day.   New this year is mixed martial art with our favorite dude, Jason from DRGN Athletica. The value of this experience is more than money can express. 

 

5.   Kids Space

 

Look out for our brand new kids space.  We believe in a world where joy and consciousness are available to all.  We believe in a world where it is accessible to the youngest members of our tribe.  Bring your little Yogis out for two full days of programming especially for them.  Share storytelling, meditation, and dance with teachers who love your kids as much as you do. 

 

6.   Volunteers Rock!

 

Every teacher on stage, every person who hands you a button or helps direct you to the right spot has donated their time and energy to make this event come to life.  Isn’t it amazing what love manifests? 

 

7.   Go Big and Go OM

 

If you were at Queen’s Park with us in 2010, you know that over 600 people attended Yogapalooza.  In 2011 and 2012 we set records for attendance in Gage Park.  This year we will be at Harbourfront Centre – Toronto’s premier festival location.  Like our FaceBook page to stay on top of all the glamorous details.  Who knows where 2014 will take us.    

 

8.   24 Degrees and Sunny!

 

When Mother Nature cooperates – you know its gonna be an amazing event : ) Perfect weather for your practice and for relaxing at our drum circle. 

 

9.   A stellar list of attendees

 

You and your crew of course!  This is the perfect time to bring your kids and your parents for a day by the lake.  Enjoy movement, music and meditation with us.  Tweet @yogapaloozaTO and let everyone know where to meet up with you. 

 

 Paparazzi!

 

Our fav videographer, Stephen J. Kew will be there to capture the highlights of Yogapalooza this year.  Give him your best smile and look for the final edit in October.  Sign up at Yogapalooza to receive your souvenir video. 

 

See you all at Yogapalooza on Saturday, September 21 and Sunday, September 22 at Harbourfront Centre. 

 

And of course, everyone gets a souvenir Yogapalooza button for hanging out with us at this year’s festival.

 

 

Love,

 

Salimah Kassim-Lakha

Brigid Dineen

Salima Jivraj

Yogapalooza Festival Producers

Travel Tips from the Yogis

Hello friends,

Just back from Italy. First trip abroad with the beloved. We bent time and space and faced all of the required demons and angels masquerading as pizza.  Here's what we learned:

1. Set your intention as you plan
Is this a time for personal reflection? Developing a relationship? Writing? Health?  Make it clear in your heart and mind why you are going and be clear who you want to be along the way. And if the Plan changes as a result so be it.

2. Essential oil
Take some with you. Pack it in your suitcase and you have a fool proof way of altering and enhancing your mood. Lavender is relaxing and peppermint is invigorating for example.  Choose a scent to wear along your way to remind you of your intention.  Use your intuition when you pick your scent.  I like www.youngliving.com for organic oils. 

3.  Go with your gut
Traveling is hard on the belly. Change of diet, change in routine, and anxiety can all play a part in changing how your body processes what you take in.  Taking a night time laxative tea occasionally can help to move the toxins out and gently encourages elimination. Being less full of shit is optimal.  Heheh.

4.  Move it
On a resort, Europe bound or volunteering abroad find away to go out for a walk, a hike,  yoga.  This can be your time to reflect and be with the earth and its people in a different way. Motion creates emotion.

5. Cool it down
Move through a time change easier by taking a cold shower and going for a walk as soon as you arrive at your destination.  This is a simple way to detox your skin, cleanse your blood and adjust your nervous system.


6. Neti pot
That special little teapot works wonders for allergies and recovering from stuffy planes and dirty air.  Use it once in the morning with saline solution for best results.  Start a few days before you travel. This is a healing technique from Ayurveda.

7.  Expand your aura
Being in new places puts your spidey sense on high alert. Create a strong presence by using this mantra as you enter and leave places.

 

Expand your aura and create a shield of safety around yourself and your travel companions. The eight chakra is your aura.

8. Dress alert
Dress for the heat by taking clues from people and cultures in hot climates.  Loose, long and flowing, light or white clothing is ideal.  These options reflects the sun, keeps it off off your skin and have the added advantage of expanding your aura.

9. What?
Yep no make up.  Try it.  You might like it.  No one will ever see you again. And if you meet the One aren't you glad they will see you as you truly are? Naturally beautiful.  Very yogic.

10. Climb every mountain (or volcano)
Just do it.


Loved this?  Listen to the podcast and enjoy a full length yoga class at the same time.  Check it out here

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Tuning in wirelessly
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Strengthen Your Aura

Imagine the space around you, nine feet in all directions. This is your aura. Animals have hoofs, claws and teeth. Human beings have this divine shield of protection. What happens to you happens in your aura first so having a strong bright aura repels negativity draws in love, joy and peace. 

Here are 5 ways to strengthen your aura:

1. Sing out loud
Chose an uplifting song or mantra and belt it out. The sound of your voice changes the vibration of cells in your body and of the Universe itself.  Here's why mantras work so well:

 

2. Cold Showers
A three minute cold shower feels great in the summer.  The cold water causes toxins to rise to the surface of your skin and  adjusts the electromagnetic frequency of your blood. Avoid wetting the top of your head and pay extra attention to flushing your under arms.

3. Wear white
Blending all the colours and reflecting light is the advantage of wearing white. It is uplifting to the eye and creates a neutral palette for those around you. They see their own highest consciousness and you get to reflect that back to them. Lofty idea and simple to do.

4. Watch those electronics
Keep your personal force field intact by having a device free zone in your home. Plug in and power up away from your bedroom and areas where you rest and relax. Replace dead batteries and purge devices that you no longer use. These electronics carry a latent charge that can affect your aura.

5. Practice this powerful 9 minutes Kriya called Strengthen Your Aura.

These simple steps can have a profound impact on your experience. Test them out and let me know what happens.

Love
Salimah

Did You Get Angry Today?

Did you get angry today?

 

Come on be honest.

Did you swear under your breath when someone cut you off in traffic?

Did you grimace after talking a phone call from your mother, your mother in law, your partner?

Did you get pissed after stubbing your toe?

 

Anger is an ancient part of our human psyche.  Back then we used it for dealing with danger, like running away from a wild animal or a rival tribe.  Anger releases a flood of chemicals including adrenalin, putting our body and mind on high alert.

In the here and now  anger doesn't serve this purpose. It is more of a learned response. Most times anger is a reaction to a situation long past but triggered by current events.  Prolonged periods of this emotional state lead to fatigue, pain and mental confusion. As I was researching this article,  one of the most interesting and liberating lessons was the revelation that past anger is often disguised as problems that we don’t associate with anger - traits like depression, fidgeting, being secretive, feeling victimized, and being a workaholic.

Unresolved anger stays trapped in the body. According to Chinese medicine anger resides in the liver which corresponds to the navel chakra in Yoga.  When our navel chakra is strong, we have the energy to take action and accomplish things. When it is weak, we have difficulty taking action for ourselves. Not taking action on our own behalf and falling prey to the manipulation of outside forces, breeds more inner anger and rage.

Kundalini yoga is a safe and effective way to release the energy of anger.  You don't even need to know why you are angry or be able to identify where it came from.  You just need to know that everyone has it and everyone needs an opportunity to let it go.  

Check out this weeks podcast for a powerful kriya to release inner anger.

I have just started a 40 day practice with this meditation. Join me and add your comments on our YouTube page.

 

See you next week.

 

Love,

Salimah

Your Power is Where Your Mouth Is

I asked my students, "what do you do most with your mouth?" The top two answers were eating and talking.  Kissing was a close runner up. . .

Your mouth is the beginning of your relationship with the food you eat and your place in the universe. Let's explore these topics from a yogic perspective. 

Conscious Eating
When you eat you interact with the energy of the Universe.  There is a connection between the thoughts we think and the food that we eat.  A yogic diet is mostly plant based; easy to digest and easy on the mind.  One way to bring consciousness to your meals is to make food time relaxing. Take the time to notice when you are hungry versus thirsty. Savour the experience, eat without distraction.  Chew forty times before swallowing and give your digestive system a chance to utilize all the nutrients in your meal. 

When preparing food listen to uplifting music.  As you select your produce, touch the food and look at what you are doing, infuse these actions with love.  Remember the farmers who tilled the soil, the vast potential in a seed and the earth that provided the abundance.  Make your meal an experience of yoga - a connection between the finite and infinite.

Here is a meditative kriya for healing and intuition. This kriya uses a powerful mantra to experience the relationship between you and the Universe.

Conscious Speech

Do you have a favorite mantra? Is it I'm so busy or I'm so tired or I'm so fat?

"Mantras are not small things, mantras have power. They are the mind vibration in relationship to the Cosmos. The science of mantra is based on the knowledge that sound is a form of energy having structure, power, and a definite predictable effect on the chakras and the human psyche." ~ Yogi Bhajan

There are 84 meridian points on the roof of the mouth.  when you speak or chant either outloud or mentally, your tongue stimulates those meridian points, and they in turn stimulate the hypothalamus which makes the pineal gland radiate. When the pineal gland radiates, it creates an impulse in the pituitary gland. When the pituitary gland gives impulses, the entire glandular system secretes and a human being experiences a state of bliss. This is the science.

Choosing your words carefully makes all the difference to your experience. What you say is communicated to each cell of your body.  Your body starts to reflect the nature of the language you use. The sound of your words sends a message out to the Universe and draws experiences to you that reflect that frequency. This is true of any conversation that you have with another, with yourself or when you use a mantra during meditation. 

All of this power belongs to you.  How you use your mouth is up to you.  Use it wisely, use it to love, serve and uplift. 

Here is my favourite mantra: 

 

 

Join us via podcast for more Kundalini Yoga.  Click Here. 

Yoga for Seniors - At the World Partnership Walk

Hi All,

On Sunday, May 26 from 9am to 10am at Metro Hall in Toronto, I will be leading a Yoga segment for Seniors at the World Partnership Walk.  Come out and support this amazing event and bring your friends and family. 

Here is a selection of exercises to get everyone warmed up for the Walk.  These basic moves promote flexibility by loosening the muscles.  These movements should be practices slowly with focus on the breath.  For anyone with pre-existing condtions or a sedentary lifestyle check with your doctor before starting an exercise program.  And most importantly - you know your body best - if it hurts - don't do it.

1. Alternate nostril breathing

Use the thumb of your right hand to block off your right nostril, fingers are pointing straight up like an antennae.  Breathe long and deep through the left nostril  1 minute. Switch sides.  1 minute.

  

 

 

2. Neck rolls

Drop your right ear to your right shoulder and inhale as you circle your neck back and inhale as you circle your neck forward.  5 x and then go in the opposite direction 5x.

 

 

1.  
2.  
3.  

 

3. Shoulder Rolls

Roll your shoulders up and back 5x.  Roll your shoulders forward.  5x. 

 

 

 

 

4. Tricep Stretch

Bring your left arm up over your head, palm touching the back of your shoulder.  Using your right hand, press your elbow back to further the stretch.  1 minute.  Switch sides.  1 minute. 

 

 

 

 

5. Chest stretch

Interlace your fingers behind your back. Inhale as you extend your arms up, breath long and deep.  Relax the pose and inhale as you bring the arms up again.  3 x

 

 

 

 

 

6. Wrist Rotation

 Pull the fingers of your right hand back gently with the left hand hold for 10 seconds.  Switch sides for ten seconds.

 

 

 

 

7. Ankle Rotation + Point and Flex

Extend your legs out in front of you, toes pointing toward the sky.  Rotate your ankles in one direction, alternatively pointing and flexing your feet to stretch the Achilles tendon.  1 minute.  Rotate in the opposite direction.  1 minute.

  
8. Hip rotation

Stand up slowly and bring your hands onto your hips.  Gently rotate your hips in one direction.  1 minute.  Rotate in the other direction.  1 minute.

 

 9.  Archer Pose

Bring your left foot forward and bend the knee.  Bring left arm up and the thumb up.  Hold 1 minute.  Switch leg and hold for 1 minute. 

 

 Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday. 

with Love,

Salimah

ps for information on upcoming classes and event - including Yoga for Prosperity and Yogapalooza in Brampton click here 

Front Lines - Yoga for the Skin

 

Deepa wanted to clear up her skin.  She was tired of the flare ups, the expensive lotions and potions that never quite covered the spots or stopped them from showing up in the first place.  She wanted to explore natural remedies.

 

Your skin is the largest organ in your body.  It is your perimeter, regulating temperature, allowing interaction with the environment through the sensation of touch.  Your skin is porous, whatever you put on your skin eventually makes its way into your body.  

Your skin is a mirror of what is happening inside your body.  Toxins in the organs, unresolved emotions, genetics, drugs, alcohol and eating habits all play a role in the health of your skin.  Think of your skin like a filtering system, as important to your digestion as  your colon and liver.  Most of us will blame our skin issues on the choice of food we make.  There is usually much more at play.

When Deepa reflected on what else was happening in her life she admitted that she was undergoing a stressful transition at work. These changes at work left her feeling angry, her sleep was disrupted and her eating habits were taking a turn for the worse.    

Here are some new ideas for Deepa.  When dealing with an emerging emotion, it is best to eat the opposite of what you are craving.  Fresh, raw food allows the body to cleanse and brings emotions into our awareness.

A regular yoga practice offers support when introducing  new habits and shifts in behavior. Long term these options provide relief where heavy make-up and medicated creams cover up issues or hide our true selves from the world.  Here is a series of movements for healthy skin.

Natural Remedies

Heal yourself from the inside out with these simple fixes for troubled skin from the Kundalini Yoga tradition

1) Drink 2-4 cups of chamomile tea daily as an inner cleanser for the skin.

2) Green grapes can be eaten for a clear complexion.  They are high in vitamin C, magnesium and potassium.

3) Dry skin brushing - a soft bristle brush used over your body before showering helps remove dead skin cells and promotes good circulation. 

4) Make a paste out of tumeric and water spread over the face and then rinse with warm water.

5) Make a face exfoliant using sea salt and sesame oil. With light pressure massage scrub onto face and then rinse with warm water.

 

Try this meditation:

Sitali Pranayam is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It's an ultimate quick fix when skin flares up! It's great to curb symptoms of rosecea. It's also a gentle liver cleanser. Inhale through a curled and extended tongue. Exhale through the nose. Do 26 of these breaths per practice session. Ideally do 26 in the morning and 26 in the afternoon.

 

 

For more informatino and a guided practice - join the podcast

Inner and Outer Vision

The human body is a sensory process.  Each of our sense organs takes in information that we imbue with meaning.  For the month of May, get ready for a unique experience as we explore the function of each organ (think grade 9 biology refresher) and a kriya to create awareness and healing for that organ.

Lights Camera Action

When light hits the eye, the cornea helps the eye focus as light makes its way through. Behind the cornea are the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber. The iris is the colorful part of the eye. The iris has muscles attached to it that change its shape. This allows the iris to control how much light goes through the pupil.

The pupil is the black circle in the center of the iris, which is really an opening in the iris, and it lets light enter the eye.  After light enters the pupil, it hits the lens. The lens sits behind the iris and is clear and colorless. The lens' job is to focus light rays on the back of the eyeball — a part called the retina.

Your retina is in the very back of the eye. It holds millions of cells that are sensitive to light. The retina takes the light the eye receives and changes it into nerve signals so the brain can understand what the eye is seeing.

Think of the optic nerve as the great messenger in the back of your eye. The rods and cones of the retina change the colors and shapes you see into millions of nerve messages. Then, the optic nerve carries those messages from the eye to the brain.

Tears also keep your eye from drying out, keep the eye moist and provide expression through laughter and crying.

Movement

Your eye muscles also need to be stretched.  We tend to use our eyes in limited ways, staring at a computer screen, reading, driving and watching TV.  For the most part we don’t use our eye muscles fully.   In this Kundalini Yoga Kriya for the eyes, you use all the muscles of your eyes, bringing circulation and a  full range of motion available to your eyes. For optimal health, the eyes need exercise and rest.

click here

Rest for the Weary

But what about eyestrain? The word is a bit of a misnomer, says Eli Peli, a professor of ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School. Peli says that vision happens in the brain, not the eyes; therefore, sitting at a computer isn't a strain for the eyes in the sense that it causes trouble for their muscles. Instead, the fatigue you feel is your brain asking for mercy."The brain, in its smart way, projects fatigue onto the eyes, so you'll take a break."

May is Vision Health Month.  Check out this infographic on caring for your eyes:

 

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