I long time ago I was looking for some form of exercise to practice. Weight lifting or running or other sports did not appeal to me. I decided to try the physical part of yoga since I was already doing other yoga practices. I was very surprised to enjoy it even though it was a very difficult practice. I just did it because it was fun to be in a room with other people working on the different poses. It was like being in a journey together for one hour and a half. I remember at that time I did not have many expectations except being stronger, more flexible, and a few pounds off would be great. I felt very open to possibility as I continued to practice. 

During the week I am constantly moving from one side of the city to another. The area that I cover can go from Chelsea all the way up to the Bronx. In addition to the moving around, there are the physical things that I am working on that are with me all the time. When I take all these into account I realize how easy it is to neglect posture. Yes even for a yoga teacher :) 

Yesterday, Saturday February 10th, we started a new Lunar year. So Happy Lunar New Year to you all!!!  The Chinese tradition which follows the lunar calendar establishes that this year is the year of the wooden Dragon. Everything that I am reading regarding the symbolism related to this year is about growth, strength, prosperity, good luck, and taking care of each other.

Mantra

We are very familiar with this Sanskrit word, mantra. We think of it as something we repeat to ourselves intentionally or not. Traditionally mantra is a phrase or word that is used as a tool or device to focus, clear, and befriend the mind. It can take us back to a pure state of Being. A mantra can be repeated during meditation or when performing …

Since I started practicing yoga I have been adept to reading as a way to obtain understanding about meditation, philosophy, and the yoga poses. I read many of my teacher's books and talks that she gave as well as other teachers within my tradition. I had read other philosophy books before but I could not grasp what they were trying to elucidate. It felt like trying to hold water with my hand. It did not matter how much I tried, it felt like I could only get my hands wet at best but could not get enough to drink. Reading and studying my teacher's books somehow opened up my eyes and mind so I could embark in the process of discovering what is contained in the yoga books.

On January 21st 1996 I attended a weekend meditation retreat entitled "The Music of Consciousness". Little did I know that person at the end of that weekend was going to be different from that day on. It was a new beginning like no other. My mind could not completely grasp that weekend but my heart could feel the changes so palpably. I am so happy that I attended that retreat and immensely grateful for what I received that weekend. That day I set myself on a yoga path that I am still walking to this day, 28 years later