Brahmacharya

The classical interpretation of brahmacharya is celibacy, but this yama can have a broader interpretation which includes preventing the dissipation of one's energy through the misuse of the senses. In a piece I've been reading from in my classes this week, the author says that we can experiment with this interpretation of brahmacharya off our mats any time we find ourselves in a difficult, challenging, stressful situation. When this happens, we can ask ourselves, "Can I let go of my tension and relax into this moment, knowing that the situation does not need my stress to resolve itself?" I thought this was a really good piece of advice that I'm going to try working on. Maybe it will resonate with you too.

Yoga Music Playlist - Week of 5/24/10

Here's what's playing in my yoga classes this week:

Vinyasa & Energy Flow classes:
My Spirit Flies to You by Los Monjes Budistas

Hatha classes:
Kerala Dream by Shaman's Dream Project

Yoga Music Playlist - Week of 5/17/10

Here's what's playing this week:

Hatha Classes:
Tim Story - Glass Green


Vinyasa & Energy Flow Classes:
Jai Uttal - Dial M for Mantra

Yoga Music Playlist - Week of 5/10/10

Here's what's playing in my classes this week:


Hatha Classes:

Aad Guray, Deva Premal, Dakshina
Jap Man Sat Nam, Snatam Kaur, Anand
Ishq'allah, Miten, Songs for the inner lover
People of Love, Snatam Kaur, Celebrate Peace
Ma, Girish, Reveal
Wah Yantee, Guru Singh, Game of chants
Long Time Sun, Hari Bhajan Kaur
Deep Blue Sea, Snatam Kaur, Celebrate Peace
Ma, Guru Ganesha Singh, Pure Ganesha
Ra Ma Da Sa, Snatam Kaur, Grace


Vinyasa & Energy Flow Classes:

Shiva Invocation, Various Artists, Nataraja: Compiled By Shiva Rea
Such Great Heights, Iron & Wine, Garden State
Dark Water & Stars, Natural Calamity, Thicker Than Water
One Of These Things First, Nick Drake, Garden State
My Guru, Kalyanji Anandji, Thicker Than Water
Witchi Tai To, Harpers Bizarre, Thicker Than Water
Track 04, Mandalay, Solace
Track 06, Azam Ali, Azam Ali
New Slang, The Shins, Garden State
Don't Panic, Coldplay, Garden State
Caring Is Creepy, The Shins. Garden State
I Want To Be The Boy To Warm Your Mother's Heart, The White Stripes, Elephant
Track 06, Jet, Jet
Track 01, Zero 7, The Garden
In the Sun, Michael Stipe
Goodbye Hollywood Blvd, Ryan Adams
I Just Don't Think I'll Ever Get Over You, Colin Hay, Garden State
Sembahyang Pagi, Jalan Jalan, Bali

Clarity

This week in my yoga classes, we concluded our practice with a meditation for clarity.

Putting our palms together over the 3rd eye, we ask for clarity of thought--a calm equanimous mind.
Putting our palms together over the lips, we ask for clarity of speech--to be able to say what we mean and mean what we say.
Putting our palms together over our heart, we ask for clarity of action--to take what we learn on our yoga mats and integrate it into our lives.