First Class Free

Don't Expect Anything

 

By Laura Mills

 

One of the first things my husband and I wanted to do upon arriving at our vacation destination was a sight-seeing river cruise. We found the correct pier, bought tickets, and boarded the boat for a 1-hour river tour. We were supposed to return to the same pier at the tour's end, but we noticed at that time that the bodn't stop. A few moments later, one of the guides told us over the intercom that our pier and others nearby had been closed in the last hour due to a rowing race, the participants of which would pass that way along their route. In the meantime, our boat had to wait on the opposite side of the river for however long it took all the race participants to row past.

This occurred at 4pm on the first day of our trip. My husband and I had landed in the city at 7:30 that morning and hadn't had a significant sleep or meal since early the day before. By then, all we wanted to do was disembark, freshen up, and find a restaurant. Then the boats started passing. I had never seen a rowing race before; suddenly, there we were on a boat near the south bank of a river in the middle of a beautiful city watching this race. And better than even front-row seats, we were watching the action from the level of the race itself.

It wound up being very, very, very cool, not a bad way to start a vacation after all, and another reminder that sometimes we just literally have to go with the flow

Happy Cleaning!

 

“Re-doing” is exciting. Even on the smallest scale—cleaning out a drawer, for example, or reorganizing a few files, or disposing of spoiled food from the refrigerator. If the project occurs on a larger scale, as in painting a room, vacuuming an entire home, or rearranging furniture, we feel especially exhilarated. Any time we de-clutter and make space, in fact, we gift ourselves with renewal. Not really coincidentally, as yogis know, we encounter the same renewal when we step on our mats. Through breath and poses we de-clutter blockages from our bodies and make space for peace in our minds. And with regards to both kinds of de-cluttering, when we come together to accomplish it, the “good vibes” seem to multiply exponentially.

Imagine, then, the vibes that will be energizing Total Body Yoga in the weeks ahead! For sure, we’ll clean out drawers, reorganize files, and dispose of a lot of old stuff; we’ll also paint, improve the carpet, and rearrange furniture. But immediately after that, we’ll also come back together to our mats to continue practicing yoga, allowing life to flow through our bodies and peace to spread through our minds. And because we’ll accomplish all of this as a kula, or family, the positivity that shines up the studio—on all levels—will be perfectly amazing.

 

 

April 20, 2011.  Theme: Facing our Fears, Hanuman Salutation.

 

Twin Blue, Millions & Millions

Dreamcatcher, Bahramji And Maneesh De Moor

Those To Come, The Shins

Johnny B Goode, Peter Tosh

Track 11, Keiner+Carl

High Grade, Richie Spice

What a Feeling, Collie Buddz

Track 09, Keiner+Carl

Lively Up Yourself, Bob Marley

Stay Human, Michael Franti

Om Namah Shivaya, Govindas

Incense, Erykah Badu

 

April 17, 2011. Epic day of mountain biking with the most amazing friends.  So many meaningful conversations as we cycled our yoga! Peace in all ways, Silvia

 

AM MORNING YOGA PRACTICE DAY 2

Shavasana/Deep Relaxation, Shiva Rea

I Know Places, Lykke Li

No Jive, De-Phazz

Lebanese Blonde, Thievery Corporation

Heart Skipped A Beat, Xx

Crystalised, Xx

Dolly Parton Vs Jay Z - Jolene Is Mine (KMT Mix), KMT

Blue Monday, Flunk

Black Eyed Dog, Nick Drake

Infinity, Xx

Afterlife, Glorybox

 

April 13, 2011.  You know when you come upon the "perfect" playlist?  I had that moment today.  I love this.  It's sweet to start and then plays up in a sweet sexy way. Loving Dolly Parton/Jay Z mashup! And yes no problem going old school too.  This is a great mix for Springtime! Love and light, Silvia

Shavasana/Deep Relaxation, Shiva Rea, Yoga Sol

I Know Places, Lykke Li, Wounded Rhymes

No Jive, De-Phazz Detunized Gravity

Lebanese Blonde, Thievery Corporation, Garden State

Heart Skipped A Beat, Xx, xx

Crystalised, Xx, xx

Rolling In the Deep, ADELE, 21

Dolly Parton Vs Jay Z - Jolene Is Mine (KMT Mix), KMT, Waterproof London

Rapper's Delight, The Sugarhill Gang, The Sugarhill Gang Vs. Grandmaster Flash - The Greatest Hits

The Next Episode, Snoop Dogg

Till I Get There, Lupe Fiasco, Lasers

Jettin', Digable Planets, Blowout Comb

Blue Monday, Flunk, For Sleepyheads Only

Ardes Bhaee, Mirabai Ceiba, Jamtse - Love & Compassion (An Offering for the Tibet Fund)

Black Eyed Dog, Nick Drake, Way To Blue (An Introduction To Nick Drake)

Infinity, Xx, xx

Beatiful People, Rusted Root, When I Woke

Afterlife, Glorybox, Coffeeshop - Finest Selection

 

 

April 11, 2011. Change is happening all around us.  And it’s easy to convince ourselves to go faster and do more, collect more in order to feel like we can control the changes happening.  But at the end of the day, end of class, end of our life: the person with the most poses doesn’t win anything more than anyone else.  The same can be said of life. If we insist on speeding up and collecting more work hours like we collect poses or we focus on doing more and faster we won’t get anything in particular for our super human efforts.  We need not push or shove or pull at change but learn how to get along with it keeping our hand on the tiller so to speak but without it letting it speed us up into hysteria or confusion.

Slowing down in sanskrit is SHANI. 

And science tells us straight out that our brains function at a faster frequency than our bodies. It’s like being in the same car with two radio stations dialed.  The noise of listening to two different types of music simultaneously can give anyone a headache. This is what is made more obvious the more stressed out we are.  Our minds get faster and faster, our bodies more tired and slow.

Yoga is that practice of bringing things into balance and tuning our dials.  Chapter 2.46 in the yoga sutras talks about this as sthira and sukha this balance between effort and letting go, doing and being, stability and freedom, steadiness and sweetness.  If the mind is spinning wildly then we come to the mat to slow it down, shani dude.  And if the body needs to energize we learn to move through poses.  Yoga dials us into the same radio station and the breath is that link to slow down the mind and encourage the body away from inertia.  Mindful moving helps us leave in a sweet state of SHANI. 

Today we used balancing poses to help us focus the mind more quickly and get our bodies going straight from the start.  And by the end you could feel the effect of the practice.  Savasana was sweeter than ever. Ah yes! Mind and Heart and Body as one again.  Love yourself, love your day, love your life! Silvia

 

TODAY’S PLAYLIST

Chandra (The Moon), Michael Mandrell and Benjy Wertheimer

Child's Eyes (Jenny's Song), scott Cossu

The Hill, Markéta Irglová

Big Medicine, Mari Boine

Lumière [MAIN], Blue Scholars

Nungabunda, Ganga Giri

Grid Lok'd, Govindas

Diarabi, Issa Bagayogo

Pitchblack Darkness (feat. Reazun, Paradox), Kyteman

One Moment More, Mindy Smith

Wonderwall, Ryan Adams

Wash Away, Joe Purdy

Samba Sadashiva, Donna De Lory

 

APRIL 11, 2011.  This one hour playlist is perfect for a purposeful, peaceful class focused on elegant effort. Enjoy! Love, Silvia

 

Chandra (The Moon), Michael Mandrell and Benjy Wertheimer

Child's Eyes (Jenny's Song), scott Cossu

The Hill, Markéta Irglová

Big Medicine, Mari Boine

Lumière [MAIN], Blue Scholars

Nungabunda, Ganga Giri

Grid Lok'd, Govindas

Diarabi, Issa Bagayogo

Pitchblack Darkness (feat. Reazun, Paradox), Kyteman

One Moment More, Mindy Smith

Wonderwall, Ryan Adams

Wash Away, Joe Purdy

Samba Sadashiva, Donna De Lory

April 4, 2011. Really great flow. You'll love the new and old school mixed and the theme for class is movement and why movement benefits our mental health.  Love yourself, love your day, love your life! Silvia

Playlist timed at 75 minutes.

Lakshmi, Girish, Donna Delory, Greg Leisz & Georges Lamman

Govinda Fly, Sharon Gannon (Mixed By Mike D)

Quiet Dog, Mos Def

Rapper's Delight, The Sugarhill Gang

Friday Night, Girl Talk

Alors On Danse, Stromae

Miss Teardrops, Felix Laband

The Next Episode, Snoop Dogg

In Da Club, 50 Cent

Minute By Minute, Girl Talk

No Pause, Girl Talk

Mushaboom, Feist

Trapped In My Mind, Kid Cudi

I Will Be Light, Matisyahu

One Of These Mornings, Moby

Beyond Time, Blank & Jones

Simple Song, Lyle Lovett

While My Guitar Gently Weeps, The Beatles

Shavasana/Deep Relaxation, Shiva Rea

 

*Join me in class or on retreat check my schedule at www.silviamordini.com

April 2, 2011.  Count how many times you’ve set an expectation in the last 24 hours?  About the weather, your job, your partner, your children, your family? And then compare that to how many times the reality matched your expectation.

How did that make you feel?

When we have decided in advance how someone else is going to act or how a situation is going to be we open ourselves up to suffering when the reality doesn’t match our expectation.  In yogic philosophy this attachment to expectation is a root cause of human suffering.  

Focused inward another name for expectation is Self-Judgment. This critical prism of judging ourselves in advance of the outcome and again with the result only brings more disappointment.

We would do well to heed the advice of Eckhart Tolle in the Power of Now who writes, “When you surrender to what is and so become fully present, the past ceases to have any power.  The realm of Being, which has been obscured by the mind, then opens up.  Suddenly, a great stillness arises within you, and an unfathomable sense of peace.  And within that peace, there is great joy.  And within that joy, there is love.”  This practice on and off the mat helps us to see clearly without making happiness dependent upon our expectations.  This acceptance for sure brings about inner peace, joy and love.

So that no matter what the world presents we know we can manage remaining quiet and centered at our center.  "Accepting means you allow yourself to feel whatever it is you are feeling at that moment. It is part of the isness of the Now. You can't argue with what is. Well, you can, but if you do, you suffer." (Eckhart Tolle, A New Earth)

Who goes on to write “To offer no resistance to life is to be in a state of grace, ease, and lightness. This state is then no longer dependent upon things being in a certain way, good or bad. It seems almost paradoxical, yet when your inner dependency on form is gone, the general conditions of your life, the outer forms, tend to improve greatly.”  Try it for a week or even a day where you surrender your heavy expectations of yourself and others and live with less resistance to this isness of now and then decide if its worth going back to again living with the burden of expectation for even a day longer.  Love yourself, love your day, love your ilfe, Silvia

 

TODAY’S SWEET PLAYLIST

Gobinday Mukunday, Spirit Voyage Artists

In Another Time, Sade

Miss Teardrops, Felix Laband

Allah Hoo, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

Yara Seeli Seeli, Lata Mangeshkar

Express Yourself, Mocean Worker, Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street

Mr Big Stuff, Jean Knight

In The Colors, Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals

Blind to You, Collie Buddz           

Jet Lag, Joss Stone

Butterflyz, Alicia Keys

In A Sentimental Mood, Nancy Wilson with Hank Jones

Shavasana/Deep Relaxation, Shiva Rea

 

HIP HOP YOGA WORKSHOP PLAYLIST APRIL 2, 2011.  Ok seriously ch, check this out. Some old school along with what's up this week. Peace! Silvia  (times out @2 hrs)

I Do It For Hip Hop (Co-Starring Nas and Jay-Z), Ludacris, Theater Of The Mind

Thought Process, Goodie Mob, Soul Food

Mojo So Dope, Kid Cudi, Man On the Moon, Vol. II: The Legend of Mr. Rager

Love Lockdown, Kanye West, 808s & Heartbreak

The Show Goes On, Lupe Fiasco, Lasers

Let Me Know, Collie Buddz, Collie Buddz

POWER, Kanye West, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

Not Afraid, Eminem, Not Afraid - Single

Hate It Or Love It (Remix), 50 Cent & G Unit, The Massacre

Life's A Bitch, Nas, Illmatic

Evening Chai, Blue Scholars, Blue Scholars

Gangsta Nation, Nate Dogg           

Don't Feel Right, The Roots, Game Theory

New People {Empire Remix}, Blue Scholars, New People

Motion Movement, Blue Scholars, Blue Scholars

My Chick Bad, Ludacris Feat. Nicki Minaj, Battle Of The Sexes

The Donque Song (Ft. Snoop Dogg), will.i.am, Songs About Girls

Rapper's Delight, The Sugarhill Gang, The Sugarhill Gang Vs. Grandmaster Flash

In Da Club, 50 Cent, Get Rich Or Die Tryin'

Set It Off, Girl Talk, Feed The Animals

Minute By Minute, Girl Talk, Night Ripper

No Pause, Girl Talk, Feed The Animals

Coming Up (feat. MDMA), Lupe Fiasco, Lasers

Summer Smoke, Girl Talk, Night Ripper

Friday Night, Girl Talk, Night Ripper

Hands In The Air, Girl Talk, Feed The Animals

Little Bit, Drake, So Far Gone

I Used To Love H.E.R., Common, Resurrection

Jumelles, MC Solaar, Mach 6

Soon The New Day, Talib Kweli Feat. Norah Jones, Ear Drum

 

April 1, 2011. You know how sometimes you create something that captures the essence of the day, the moment perfectly? Well that's this playlist. It is one of my all time favorites. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did in putting it together.  Love yourself, love your day, love your ilfe! Silvia  

 

Lokah Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu, Chandra Om, Be Receptive

Soon The New Day, Talib Kweli Feat. Norah Jones, Ear Drum

Southbound, Blue Scholars, Joe Metro

Man On The Moon (The Anthem), Kid Cudi, Plain Pat & Emile Presents a Kid Name Cudi

Hey Baby, Stephen Marley featuring Mos Def, Mind Control

Escaping Arkham, Common Market, The Winter's End EP

Khalgi Stomp, Transglobal Underground, Thievery Corporation - Versions

Paris, Tokyo, Lupe Fiasco, The Cool

Hey World (Don't Give Up Version), Michael Franti & Spearhead, All Rebel Rockers

Just Breath, Pearl Jam           

Let Me Know, Collie Buddz, Collie Buddz

Rolling In the Deep, ADELE, 21

Second to Numb, Kings of Convenience, Declaration of Dependence

Tenuousness, Andrew Bird, Noble Beast

Wash Away, Joe Purdy, Julie Blue

Shavasana/Deep Relaxation, Shiva Rea, Yoga Sol

 

www.silviamordini.com

CHILL PLAYLIST: equally uplifting but easily so and just easy.

Om Padme Om, Wah!

Shri Krishna Govinda, Jai Uttal

Beautiful Boy, John Lennon

Sexxy Bicycle, Mad Rad

Nogo, Issa Bagayogo

Diarabi, Issa Bagayogo

Must Must,

It's a New Day, will.i.am

You And I, Wilco

How I Got Over, The Roots Feat. Dice Raw

Down on the Corner, Creedance Clearwater Revival

What a Feeling, Collie Buddz

Karaoke, Drake

Hawa Dolo, Ali Farka Toure

Rero, Ismael Lo

Hors d'œuvre, M?DE::IN::HEIGHTS::

Mahadeva Shambo, Wade Imre Morissette

Peace, George Winston

March 17, 2011.  Wonderful most blessed day!  And our most fun playlist ever.  So grateful to all the yogis that have shared time with me.  Love you all! Silvia

PLAYLIST:

River Flows In You, Yiruma, First Love (Yiruma Piano Collection)

Black Eyed Dog, Nick Drake, Way To Blue (An Introduction To Nick Drake)

Hate It Or Love It (Remix), 50 Cent & G Unit, The Massacre

Gangsta Nation, Nate Dogg           

Catacombs, Poi Dog Pondering, Liquid White Light [Live] [Disc1]

The Donque Song (Ft. Snoop Dogg), will.i.am, Songs About Girls

Buttons, The Pussycat Dolls           

Quiet Dog, Mos Def, The Ecstatic

So Doggone Lonesome, Johnny Cash, I Walk The Line - 16 Great Performances

California Gurls (feat. Snoop Dogg), Katy Perry, California Gurls (feat. Snoop Dogg)

Police Dogs Bonfire, Lazyboy, Ibiza The Sunset Sessions

Till I Get There, Lupe Fiasco, Lasers 

Jumelles, MC Solaar, Mach 6

Soon The New Day, Talib Kweli Feat. Norah Jones, Ear Drum

aint feel nothing, zino & tommy, Tears From The Moon

POST SAVASANA

Praan, Garry Schyman, Praan - Single

 

PS Join me on retreat www.alchemytours.com or in class www.silviamordini.com

 

March 14, 2011. Today's incredible playlist! Theme is focused on our Perspective and how if we change the way you look at things then the things you look at change. You create your own reality.  Love in all ways, Silvia

Stairway to Heaven, Led Zeppelin, Mothership (Remastered)

House of Cards, Radiohead, In Rainbows

Every Breath You Take, UB40, 50 First Dates (Love Songs from the Original Motion Picture)

Da Da Da I Don't Love You You Don't Love Me Aha Aha Aha, Trio, Da Da Da

No Rain, Blind Melon           

Run-Around, Blues Traveler, Four

Jai Ho, A.R. Rahman, Sukhvinder Singh, Tanvi Shah & Mahalaxmi Iyer, Slumdog Millionaire (Music from the Motion Picture)

Push It, Salt-N-Pepa

Flip Ya Lid, Nightmares On Wax, In a Space Outta Sound

Mast Kalander, Rehan Khan, Sajid Khan, Salim Shehzada & Shankar Mahadevan, Heyy Babyy

Ela Mia Nichta, Theodosia Stiga, Greece: A Musical Odyssey

Saï, Kanda Bongo Man, Kwassa Kwassa

New Slang, The Shins, Garden State

Jesus, Etc., Wilco, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot

You Know I'm No Good, Amy Winehouse, Back to Black

This Years Love, David Gray           

Mere Guru Dev, Krishna Das, Greatest Hits Of The Kali Yuga

Ohpa-Me, Dechen Shak-Dagsay, Jamtse - Love & Compassion (An Offering for the Tibet Fund)

 

PS Join me in class www.silviamordini.com

March 13, 2011.  Dedicated today's 80's inspired playlist to my best friend who celebrate's his Birthday this Tuesday!  Big love to all, Silvia

Only You, Yaz, Upstairs At Eric's, 1982

50 Ways To Leave Your Lover, Paul Simon, Negotiations And Love Songs, 1988

Shock The Monkey, Peter Gabriel, Shaking The Tree, 1982

Saving Grace , Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers                       

Just Can't Get Enough, Depeche Mode, Catching Up With Depeche Mode, 1987

Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough, Michael Jackson, Off the Wall, 1983

Don't Go, Yaz, Upstairs At Eric's, 1982                       

Some Kind of Wonderful, Grand Funk Railroad                       

Walkin' Boss, Jerry Garcia & David Grisman, Jerry Garcia & David Grisman           

Midnight Rider, Brandi Carlile                       

Baby did a bad bad thing, Chris Isaak                       

Mama Told Me (Not to Come), Three Dog Night, The Best of Three Dog Night, 1986

Ananda, Solar Quest, Namaste Experience Ibiza

Java Shiva Shankara, namasté , Magical Healing Mantras           

Be the Change (Niraj Chag's Swaraj Mix), MC Yogi, Elephant Power           

Still, Wade Imre Morissette, Strong As Diamonds        

 

Join me for regular weekly classes see www.silviamordini.com

 

March 12, 2011.  Noon class.  Theme was Showing Up for Your Life as the CEO.  Some great French Hip Hop. And the first song really spoke to me.  Really best class ever! Love you all, Silvia

Don't Think Twice, It's All Right, Bree Sharp, Live At the Fez

Prayer In Passing, Anoushka Shankar, Rise

Ganga River, Wade Imre Morissette, Sargam Scales Of Music

Assaisin's Tango, John Powell, Mr and Mrs Smith Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Allah Hoo, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Monsoon Wedding

Jumpin' Jumpin', Destiny's Child           

Suerte (Whenever, Wherever), Shakira, Laundry Service

Use Me, Bill Withers, Lean On Me: The Best Of Bill Withers

Drive. Ziggy Marley, 50 First Dates (Love Songs from the Original Motion Picture)

Jumelles, MC Solaar, Mach 6

Soon The New Day, Talib Kweli Feat. Norah Jones, Ear Drum

Dreamsome, Shelby Lynne, I Am Shelby Lynne

Misty, Ella Fitzgerald, Compact Jazz

I May Know The Word, Natalie Merchant, Tigerlily

 

Playlist March 11, 2011, 60 minute flow, easeful. Theme Trust and Surrender.

Helplessly Hoping, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, So Far

Fire And Rain, Jonatha Brooke, Back In the Circus

For All Mankind, George Fenton; Ravi Shankar; The Wren Orchestra, Ghandi Movie

Allah Hoo, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Monsoon Wedding

Anand (Bliss), Snatam Kaur, Jamtse - Love & Compassion (An Offering for the Tibet Fund)

Long Nights, Eddie Vedder, Music for the Motion Picture Into the Wild

Dust in the Wind, Kansas, Point of Know Return

Buckets of Rain, Bob Dylan, Blood On the Tracks

Old Fashion Morphine, Jolie Holland, Escondida

Dawg's Waltz, Jerry Garcia & David Grisman, Jerry Garcia & David Grisman

 

March 5th, 2011. Our playlists for Xinalani Mexico Yoga Retreat. Enjoy! Love, Silvia 

 

ALCHEMY TOURS XINALANI RETREAT FEB 26-MAR 5, 2011 MUSICAL INSPIRATION: PLAYLIST SUMMARY 

DAY 1 MORNING

Gobinday Mukunday	Spirit Voyage Artists	Yoga Living Series - Temple Spa
Hope (Live for the art of peace)	Rush	Songs for Tibet - The Art of Peace
Hard Sun (Main)	Eddie Vedder	Music for the MOtion Picture Into the Wild
Escucha Me	Gipsy Kings	Best Of The Gipsy Kings
Nogo	Issa Bagayogo	Timbuktu
Xoxoxo	The Black Eyed Peas	The Beginning (Deluxe Version) [+digital booklet]
Mahamrtyunjaya Mantra	Reema Datta	NuTONE Music to Inspire: Sampler - Fall 2008
High Low (feat. Zap Mama) [Acoustic Mix] {Bonus Track}	Michael Franti & Spearhead	All Rebel Rockers (Bonus Track Version)
Escaping Arkham	Common Market	The Winter's End EP
No Rest for the Weary	Blue Scholars	Blue Scholars
Queen Bee	Devendra Banhart	Cripple Crow
Faust Arp	Radiohead	In Rainbows
While My Guitar Gently Weeps	The Beatles	Anthology 3 (Disc 1)
Guru Mari	Shri Anandi Ma	Yoga Rhythms compiled by Shiva Rea
Shavasana/Deep Relaxation	Shiva Rea	Yoga Sol

 

DAY 1 EVENING 

Earth	Uwe Neumann	Jala: Compiled by Shiva Rea
Helplessly Hoping	Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young	So Far
Fire And Rain	Jonatha Brooke	Back In the Circus
Track 01 Raga Indian music Ghandi Fave		Movie Music
Allah Hoo	Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan	Monsoon Wedding
Anand (Bliss)	Snatam Kaur	Jamtse - Love & Compassion (An Offering for the Tibet Fund)
Long Nights	Eddie Vedder	Music for the Motion Picture Into the Wild
Dust in the Wind	Kansas	Point of Know Return
Buckets of Rain	Bob Dylan	Blood On the Tracks
Old Fashion Morphine	Jolie Holland	Escondida
Dawg's Waltz	Jerry Garcia & David Grisman	Jerry Garcia & David Grisman

 

DAY 2 MORNING

Om Namaha Shiva	Sheila Chandra	Weaving My Ancestors' Voices
Assaisin's Tango	John Powell	Mr and Mrs Smith Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Mustt Mustt (Lost in His Work)	Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan	Mustt Mustt
Lumière [MAIN]	Blue Scholars	Fixxie Riddim
Dream Machine (Down Tempo Mix)	Mark Farina & Sean Hayes	Hôtel Costes: Vol. 8 by Stéphane Pompougnac
Boda Boda Rap	Fossil Fool, the Bike Rapper, with Lawi One	The Bike Rapper
Boee (Come to Me)	The Idan Raichel Project	The Idan Raichel Project
Quelqu’un M’a Dit	Carla Bruni	Quelqu’un M’a Dit
Hope	Shaggy	Hot Shot
Govinda Fly	Sharon Gannon (Mixed By Mike D)	Sharanam
Enter Galactic (Love Connection Part I)	Kid Cudi	Man On The Moon: The End Of Day
Hey Baby	Stephen Marley featuring Mos Def	Mind Control
Just Breath	Pearl Jam
Yellow	Emily Asen	Proof LP
Second to Numb	Kings of Convenience	Declaration of Dependence
Yellow	Jem	Sweetheart
This Years Love	David Gray
Bayaty	Anja Lechner & Vassilis Tsabropoulos	Chants, Hymns And Dances
Conga Jog	Al Gromer Khan	Yoga Rhythms compiled by Shiva Rea

 

DAY 2 EVENING

AMAZING GRACE
Om Ram Ramaya	Deva Premal	Embrace
Amen Omen	Ben Harper	Diamonds On The Inside
For What It's Worth	Buffalo Springfield	Retrospective - The Best of Buffalo Springfield
Queen Bee	Devendra Banhart	Cripple Crow
Tenfold	Layne Redmond	Shakti Rhythms With Shiva Rea
Everlasting Love	Lifescapes	Inner Peace
Sitara Dreams	Rasa	Saffron Blue

 

DAY 3 MORNING 

Om Namah Shivaya	Wade Imre Morissette	Sargam Scales Of Music
The City of New Orleans	Arlo Guthrie	Hobo's Lullaby (Remastered)
Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)	George Harrison	Best Of George Harrison
Helplessly Hoping	Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young	So Far
Shiva Shambho	namasté	Magical Healing Mantras
Ananda	Solar Quest	Namaste Experience Ibiza
Hara Hara Mahaadeva	Krishna Das	One Track Heart
Govinda Jaya Jaya	Dave Stringer	Mala
Sita Ram	Girish	Shiva Machine
Hanumana	Wade Imre Morissette	Strong As Diamonds
Maintenant	Rupa & The April Fishes	Extraordinary Rendition
Madrugada 8	Twinkle Engine	Jala: Compiled by Shiva Rea
Seen It All Before	Amos Lee	Amos Lee
Trois morceaux après des hymnes byzantins I	Anja Lechner & Vassilis Tsabropoulos	Chants, Hymns And Dances
River Flows In You	Yiruma	First Love (Yiruma Piano Collection)
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot	Jane Siberry	Hush
Guru Brahma	Shaman's Dream	Kerala Dream

 

DAY 4 MORNING

 

Time In a Bottle	Jim Croce	You Don't Mess Around With Jim
Operator	Toby Lightman
Time After Time	Matt Ketteman & Cameron Mizell	Follow Through
The Times They Are A-Changin'	Bob Dylan	Bob Dylan's Greatest Hits
Tiny Dancer	Elton John	Classic Elton John
Tajabone	Ismaël Lo	Ismael Lo
Time Of Your Song	Matisyahu	Youth
Matadjem Yinmixan	Tinariwen	Aman Iman: Water Is Life
I Ka Barra (Your Work)	Habib Koite and Bamada	Muso Ko
They	Jem	Finally Woken
Don't Think Twice, It's All Right	Bob Dylan	The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
I'd Rather Be With You	Joshua Radin	Simple Times
Stand By Me	Various Artist
He got game	Public Enemy	He Got Game by Spike Lee
Talk to You	Tracy Chapman
I'll Be	Edwin McCain	Misguided Roses
Time After Time	Tuck & Patti	The Best Of Tuck & Patti
What's Been Going On	Amos Lee	Last Days At the Lodge
Solo Para Ti	Armik
Still	Wade Imre Morissette	Strong As Diamonds

 

DAY 5  MORNING

Incense	Erykah Badu	New Amerykah Part Two: Return Of The Ankh
La Niña De Fuego	Concha Buika	La Niña De Fuego
The Only One	The Black Keys	Brothers
Mamacita	Collie Buddz	Collie Buddz
Hey Girl	Damian Marley, Rovleta Fraser & Stephen Marley	Welcome to Jamrock
Movement song awesome
Sabura (Desert Delight Remix Reconstructed By Max Psahm)	Ekova	Arabian Travels
Paper Aeroplane-Angus & Julia Stone	Hotel Costes X	Hotel Costes X
Io	Gianna Nannini	Grazie
Where I'm From	Digable Planets	Reachin' (A New Refutation of Time & Space)
Window Seat	Erykah Badu	New Amerykah Part Two: Return Of The Ankh
The Sweetest Thing	Lauryn Hill	Ms Hill
It's Okay	Land of Talk	Some Are Lakes
Sterne	Martinek & C-Deluxe	Fruit Lemon
Afterlife	Glorybox	Coffeeshop - Finest Selection
Dreamcatcher	Bahramji And Maneesh De Moor	Tandava
Conga Jog	Al Gromer Khan	Yoga Rhythms compiled by Shiva Rea
Prayer	Anja Lechner & Vassilis Tsabropoulos	Chants, Hymns And Dances
Longing	Ty Burhoe	Invocation

 

DAY 6 

Dream	Priscilla Ahn	A Good Day
Tesegu	Danone O'Sow	African Lullaby
Land Of Anaka	Geoffrey Oryema/Brian Eno	Pure Moods III
Blue Indian	Widespread Panic
Nogo	Issa Bagayogo	Timbuktu
Stars All Seem to Weep	Beth Orton	Central Reservation
Promised Land	Grateful Dead
Friend Of The Devil	Jerry Garcia & David Grisman	Jerry Garcia & David Grisman
Cat's In The Cradle	Johnny Cash	20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection
What's Been Going On	Amos Lee	Last Days At the Lodge
American Tune	Simon & Garfunkel
Stay Human	Michael Franti	Songs from the Front Porch - An Acoustic Collection
Madrugada 8	Twinkle Engine	Jala: Compiled by Shiva Rea
Infusion (Bombay Mix)	Adham Shaikh	Jala: Compiled by Shiva Rea
Chão de Estrelas	Baden Powell	Personalidade - The Best of Brazil: Baden Powell
Ganashyama	Dave Stringer	Planet Yoga: Music for Yoga, Meditation and Peace
Pascal's Waltz	Gary DeMichele	Big Night
Consciousnesss Unfolding	Saggio	The Thunder Of Silence

 

DAY 7

Lokah Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu	Chandra Om	Be Receptive
Song for You	Alexi Murdoch	Away We Go Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Escaping Arkham	Common Market	The Winter's End EP
Evening Chai	Blue Scholars	Blue Scholars
Boda Boda Rap	Fossil Fool, the Bike Rapper, with Lawi One	The Bike Rapper
Now That We Found Love	Heavy D and the Boyz
Paris, Tokyo	Lupe Fiasco	The Cool
Hey World (Don't Give Up Version)	Michael Franti & Spearhead	All Rebel Rockers (Bonus Track Version)
Just Breath	Pearl Jam
Yellow	Emily Asen	Proof LP
Second to Numb	Kings of Convenience	Declaration of Dependence
Breathe	Alexi Murdoch	Time Without Consequence
Yellow	Jem	Sweetheart
Have a Little Faith In Me	Solveig Slettahjell	Pixiedust
Shavasana/Deep Relaxation	Shiva Rea	Yoga Sol
Stand By Me	Various Artist	Dave to Jen

 

PLAYLIST FEBRUARY 21, 2011

*New Radiohead! And almost new Black Eyed Peas!

 

Gobinday Mukunday, Spirit Voyage Artists

Ardes Bhaee, Mirabai Ceiba

Song for You, Alexi Murdoch

New People {Empire Remix}, Blue Scholars

Hate It Or Love It (Remix), 50 Cent & G Unit

Sexxy Bicycle, Mad Rad

Xoxoxo, The Black Eyed Peas

Morning Mr Magpie, Radiohead

Karaoke, Drake

Mahadeva Shambo, Wade Imre Morissette

Yellow, Jem

River Flows In You, Yiruma

 

Awesome great vibe! 63 minute playlist to rock your practice!

Gobinday Mukunday, Spirit Voyage Artists

Paul Valery, Blue Scholars

It Takes a Muscle, M.I.A.

I'm Outta Love, Anastacia

Outta Control, 50 Cent

Xoxoxo, The Black Eyed Peas

Govinda Fly, Sharon Gannon (Mixed By Mike D)

Enter Galactic (Love Connection Part I), Kid Cudi

Enjoy, Janet Jackson

Inna di Red, Stephen Marley featuring Ben Harper

Lively Up Yourself, Bob Marley

Stay Human, Michael Franti

Yellow, Jem

River Flows In You, Yiruma

There is So Much Magnificence, Shiva Rea

 

www.silviamordini.com

CLASS PLAN FEBRUARY 16, 2011

WAVE 1 - Purpose: Safely warm-up spine and strengthen core to protect low back); Learning Points: Understand how your pelvis and ribcage can be used as levers to affect your vertebral column

 

Begin on back - Savasana (3 part breath dirga pranayama hand on belly, hand on heart)

Inhale arms wide like a T and alternate apanasana (1 knee to chest at a time), Exhale return leg to start

Twist Right, center, Twist Left (Jathara parivatanasana)

Bridge (Sethubandasana) 

Core cultivation:  Pigeon abs to Single Leg Raises 

Waterfall abs (hands protecting lower back, lumbar area of spine)

 

WAVE 2

Roll up to Dandasana (optional Pascimotanasana)

Parsva Janu Sirsasana twist (then lift hips option to next pose_

Vasistasana variation kneeling

Janu sirsana forward fold 

Cobbler (twist both sides); Side 2 Parsva Janu Sirsasana begins

Upward Facing plank with knees bent (Modified version) --- pull backs to hover, activate core optional (warm up shoulder girdle complimentary muscle groups to prepare for plank, dog, chatarunga)

Malasana 

Standing Forward Fold 

 

WAVE 3

Sun Salutation A (traditional)

*Include Half Moon A 

 

WAVE 4 (These waves will go easy on shoulders and weight bearing on hands to focus on hips)

I leg dog lift right leg, open hip (Teaching external rotation) 

Downward Dog

Step left foot forward High Lunge to Leaning Lunge to Half Moon B (right hip open in external rotation)

Standing splits (internal rotation of hip) to baby eagle 3 x's, hold last one strong adduction

Step lifted right leg back to high lunge prep

1 leg dog lift left leg, open hip (teaching external rotation) this begins Side 2

 

WAVE 5 Easy Mandala Salutation

Begin wave 4 series, add on.  1 leg dog external rotation to downward dog, Step other foot forward High Lunge, Leaning Lunge and OPTIONAL Tumbling Tree

High Lunge to Half Moon B, Standing Splits, Baby Eagle

Step back to high lunge prep into Revolved Lunge to Transverse Lunge

Face back of mat (OPTIONAL basic vinyasa)

Begin same leg twice to go in circle

Add OPTIONAL half crow from transverse lunge, prasarita paddotanasana, finish Mandala

Begin Side 2

 

WAVE 6 

Pigeon Right leg: first gentle twisting kriya then forward fold

I leg downward dog right hip external rotation (OPTIONAL flipped dog)

Left foot forward: High Lunge, Leaning Lunge, Crane, 1 leg standing pigeon with right leg in same shape as we just did on the floor

OPTIONAL Eka Pada Galavasana (flying pigeon arm balance) - break down into small steps

Forward Fold to Malasana (Squat pose)

Cobbler

Crow

Begin Side 2 (After side 2 move into partner series)

 

KEY LEARNING POINTS: OPENING AND CLOSING YOUR HIP JOINT

Two very basic movements for the hip joint include stabilizing the connection between the thigh bone and pelvis and creating space within that connection. 

You can also think of these movements as compressing the joint and decompressing it. (I would like to use the word "extend" in place of decompress, but in anatomy terminology, "Extending the hip joint" usually means moving the thigh bone back relative to the pelvis.) Another pair of terms that you can use are "Closing" the hip and "Opening" it.

 

Both of these actions involve activating muscle tissue. In one case you use muscles to pull your thigh bone away from your pelvis. In the other case you pull the thigh bones in towards the hip socket. A third action, or non-action, is relaxing the hip joint completely.

 

WAVE 7 PARTNER PRACTICE TO HELP WITH KEY LEARNING POINTS

A.  Cobbler person 1 - Pascimotanasana Person 2: hold wrists and apply muscle energy to work with one another in moving forward or back in these poses (Here we have one open hip position, one closed hip)

*Switch and the other person does the complimentary pose they did not already do*

 

B.  Upavista Konasana (Seated wide angle pose). Each person sits with wide legs facing one another. Person 1 feet inside the other persons ankles and hold wrists and move forward or back.  The compressing or decompressing is as a result of squeezing legs closed if feet are on the outside or conversely pressing feet out if they are inside partner's ankles.

 

C.  Cobbler person 1 holds onto the ankles of standing person 2 while that person helps lengthen their spine and ground the sit bones. Secondly the standing partner walks around behind them (after they release their ankles) and helps apply gentle weight to the hip creases to ground the head of the femur bone.  Once done we let person 1 just stay there until they want to come up. Then switch.

 

CLOSING WAVE 8

Cooling postures: Supine cobbler; Plow to OPTIONAL Shoulderstand

Savasana

 

PLAYLIST FEBRUARY 14, 2011. Theme Balance of Love.

Hey World (Don't Give Up Version), Michael Franti & Spearhead

Pink Moon, Nick Drake

Ananda, Solar Quest

Deep South, Layo Paskin & Matthew Bushwacka

Nogo, Issa Bagayogo

Gate To The Silkroad, Mokhira

Free Tibet, Hilight Tribe

Rero, Ismael Lo

Hard Sun (Main), Eddie Vedder

Yellow ,Coldplay

Grace, U2

Savasana

 

HIP HOP YOGA PLAYLIST FEBRUARY 12, 2011

Fire, Coco De Mer

Hate It Or Love It (Remix), 50 Cent & G Unit

No Rest for the Weary, Blue Scholars

The Fire, The Roots Feat. John Legend

BIG BANK HANK [Main], Blue Scholars

Xoxoxo, The Black Eyed Peas

Just You & I, Dzihan & Kamien

Free Tibet, Hilight Tribe

Strong Will Continue, Nas & Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley

Coming Home, Diddy - Dirty Money & Skylar Grey

I Will Be Light, Matisyahu

One Of These Mornings, Moby

Lakshmi, Girish, Donna Delory, Greg Leisz & Georges Lamman

Beyond Time [ambient edit], Blank & Jones

BONUS: I’m Too Sexy, Right Said Fred

 

February 5, 2011. Just a year ago I used GPS for the first time. I get the idea. You plug in where you want to go and it helps guide you there. The key point being you KNOW where you want to go. Yoga to me has been that which helps us ask the question “who am I” and eventually we get to the “why am I here” and even further down the path “WHERE THE HELL AM I GOING?” So this concept of GPS is pretty vibrant.

If you can get to the point that you know where you want to go then you know your spiritual maturity is evolving in the right direction. Until I finally decide to go to Tuscany on a Yoga Retreat one year I just played at entering a real GPS for my life. Then from that point forward I got clear. I want that for you. Get on the mat, do the practice, get your destination in gear and watch what happens. Love yourself, love your day, love your life! Silvia

PART OF MY PLAYLIST TODAY 2/5/11

Hard Sun (Main), Eddie Vedder
Nogo, Issa Bagayogo
Break Your Heart, Taio Cruz Feat. Ludacris
Vamos A Bailar, Gipsy Kings
Tighten Up ,The Black Keys
Express Yourself, Mocean Worker Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street
Mr Big Stuff, Jean Knight
Dedication, Kirby Shelstad
AMAZING GRACE

Join us on an amazing spiritual adventure www.alchemytours.com or come take class with me www.silviamordini.com

PLAYLIST FEBRUARY 4, 2011.

 

Hope (Live for the art of peace), Rush

Hard Sun (Main), Eddie Vedder

Escucha Me, Gipsy Kings

Nogo, Issa Bagayogo

Mahamrtyunjaya Mantra, Reema Datta

High Low (feat. Zap Mama) [Acoustic Mix], Michael Franti & Spearhead

Escaping Arkham, Common Market

No Rest for the Weary, Blue Scholars

Queen Bee, Devendra Banhart

Jesus etc., Wilco

Faust Arp, Radiohead

While My Guitar Gently Weeps, The Beatles

 

Join me for wonderful yoga retreat www.alchemytours.com

 

PLAYLIST FEBRUARY 2, 2011.  Theme was about Shiva/Shakti and we talked about appreciating endings as much as we do beginnings.  And in those endings we are completing cycles nothing more or less. In that way we can tap into the Power of Creativity, Creation and make the best lives ever!

 

Om Ram Ramaya, Deva Premal

Every Breath You Take, The Police

Believer, M.I.A.

Lumière [MAIN], Blue Scholars

Dream Machine (Down Tempo Mix), Mark Farina & Sean Hayes

Groovejet (If This Ain't Love), Spiller

Freestyler, Bomfunk MC's

Now That We Found Love, Heavy D and the Boyz

Let Me Know, Collie Buddz

I Ka Barra (Your Work), Habib Koite and Bamada

What a Feeling,            Collie Buddz

High Low (feat. Zap Mama) [Acoustic Mix], Michael Franti & Spearhead

(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay, Otis Redding

Don't Think Twice, It's All Right, Bree Sharp

Mahadeva Shambo, Wade Imre Morissette

Infusion (Bombay Mix), Adham Shaikh

Thanksgiving, George Winston

Shine On, Wade Imre Morissette (POST SAVASANA!)

 

Join me on retreat www.alchemytours.com 

PLAYLIST JANUARY 31, 2011

The power of YES was our theme for class tonight. Thank you kindly and whole heartedly to JL for letting me sub this evening.  And love to all yogis who rocked with me in this class or any other class.  You inspire me! Love yourself, love your day, love your life, Silvia  (Join me on an active vacation this year www.alchemytours.com)

 

Eminence Front, The Who

Sympathy for the Devil, The Rolling Stones

The Time (Dirty Bit), The Black Eyed Peas

Govinda Fly, Sharon Gannon (Mixed By Mike D)

Ancient People, Nas, Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley & Jr. Reid

POWER, Kanye West

Lamaset (Miami Mix), Jef Stott

Lost In The World [feat. Bon Iver], Kanye West

Bhagavate

Just Can’t Get Enough, The Black Eyed Peas

Enter Galactic (Love Connection Part I), Kid Cudi

Rofiki (DNA Remix), Zap Mama

Paris, Tokyo, Lupe Fiasco

Satyam Shivam Sundaram, Thievery Corporation Feat. Gunjan

Postales, Federico Aubele

I'll Be Missing You, Puff Daddy Feat. Faith Evans & 112

Oh My God, Michael Franti & Spearhead

Infusion (Bombay Mix), Adham Shaikh

Down Slow, Moby

 

www.silviamordini.com

 

PLAYLIST JANUARY 31, 2011

What a beautiful way to start the week! Here is the engaging, world influenced playlist from today 12pm-1pm yogalife.  Love your day! Silvia (And join me at yogalife 12pm-1pm M/W/F every week) 

Stir It Up, Bob Marley & The Wailers

A Well Respected Man, The Kinks

On the Hudson, SHAKE YOUR PEACE!

On the Dub-ble, DJ Krush

Liberate Your Mind, The Ginger Ninjas

Letting Go (Gaurav Raina Breakz Mix), Various Artists

Lamaset (Miami Mix), Jef Stott

Sita Ram, Girish

I'll Be Missing You, Puff Daddy Feat. Faith Evans & 112

Cold wind blowing           

Dreamsome, Shelby Lynne

Rain, Jill Knight

In My Solitude, Billy Holiday

Shavasana/Deep Relaxation, Shiva Rea

 

**Join me and www.alchemytours.com this year for the best active vacation of your life!  And keep checking my schedule www.silviamordini.com

PLAYLIST JANUARY 29, 2011

Tajabone, Ismaël Lo

Matadjem Yinmixan, Tinariwen

I Ka Barra (Your Work), Habib Koite and Bamada

Everything (...Is Never Quite Enough), Wasis Diop

Good Thing , The BoDeans

They, Jem

All Of The Lights, Kanye West

Mr. Rager, Kid Cudi

Stand By Me            Various Artist

Patience, Nas & Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley

Hey World (Don't Give Up Version), Michael Franti & Spearhead

Talk to You, Tracy Chapman

Rain, Jill Knight

Solo Para Ti, Armik

Still, Wade Imre Morissette

 

*Shared at www.hauteyogaqueenanne.com 12pm-1pm. Join me weekly! www.silviamordini.com

 

PLAYLIST BACKBENDING CLASS JANUARY 26, 2011

Shavasana/Deep Relaxation, Shiva Rea

Comfortably Numb, Dar Williams

Kind and Generous, Natalie Merchant

Sympathy for the Devil, The Rolling Stones

Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?, Rod Stewart

Chaiyya Chaiyya, Sapna Awasti & Sukhvinder Singh

Ya Rayah (Sonar Remix), Dahmane El Harrachi

Nogo, Issa Bagayogo

Tajabone, Ismaël Lo

Joy, George Winston

Jesus etc., Wilco

Something In The Way She Moves, James Taylor

Yellow, Jem

Heart And Soul, Mel Tormé

Light My Fire, Patricia Barber

Thanksgiving, George Winston

Guru Brahma, Shaman's Dream

Samba Sadashiva, Donna De Lory

 

January 24, 2011.  Here is today’s playlist 60 minutes long. And supporting the philosophical theme of Peace.  When is all is said and done what I aspire to most in this life is being peaceful.  With lovingkindness, Silvia

PLAYLIST 

Dream, Priscilla Ahn

Tesegu, Danone O'Sow

Land Of Anaka, Geoffrey Oryema/Brian Eno

Blue Indian, Widespread Panic

Promised Land, Grateful Dead

Friend Of The Devil, Jerry Garcia & David Grisman

What's Been Going On, Amos Lee

American Tune, Simon & Garfunkel

Stay Human, Michael Franti

Chão de Estrelas, Baden Powell

Ganashyama, Dave Stringer

Pascal's Waltz, Gary DeMichele

Consciousnesss Unfolding, Saggio

 

JANUARY 22, 2011:  I was hanging out today before I taught class at a cool coffee shop called Twirl Cafe in my neighborhood (http://www.twirlcafe.com/Welcome.html). I was there with my favorite 2 year old Willem and my friend Anne.  The neat thing about this cafe is that it is child friendly with organized play areas, kids classes and great latte's.  As I watched the kids play you can see the purest form of imagination at work, total flow yoga.  One moment of play leading spontaneously into the next moment followed by another.  Children innately understand that the only time we can be really happy is NOW.  Like is written in the Alchemist, “Because I don't live in either my past or my future. I'm interested only in the present. If I can concentrate always on the present, I'll be happy!” Kids love to be in the flow!

As adults, Yoga helps us to reconnect to the spontaneous FUN available in life!  We’re moving and breathing and trying our best to put ourselves in funny looking shapes without being self-conscious. It reminds us what it was like to be a kid and if you think about it, we really are all just kids in grown up bodies.

Yoga is an adventure whereby we engage in SACRED FUN.  Remembering it is not how or when we accomplish something it is that sense of enthusiasm during the process in just trying. This speaks directly to a favorite quote from the Alchemist, “There was a language in the world that everyone understood. It was the language of enthusiasm, of things accomplished with love. We are riding the wave when what we think and what we do are done from love with great enthusiasm and vigor.  This happens when we are living in “the present.”  And you have to be present and easeful to tap into the joy of spontaneous, sacred fun. In yogic teachings you can think of this as Lila Tandava, “The Playful Dance of Life.”  

So if today you walk into class and don’t feel very playful the yoga is still going to work to help you soften your edges and be a little less serious. Make no mistake, Yoga has serious benefits but we don’t have to practice in a way that is overly hard or serious.  I wish for all of us that the yoga we do makes us feel lighter and more spontaneous. And that when we leave class we spread sacred fun into the whole of the world.  And quite frankly, the world could use a lot more Sacred Fun, now more than ever.  

Today thank yourself for practicing yoga and connecting to Lila Tandava as you danced with your breath, choosing not to be a spectator of life but as the Adventure Seeker yourself! As Willfred Peterson in the Art of Living puts it,“A man practices the art of adventure when he heroically faces up to life; When he has the daring to open doors to new experiences. When he is unafraid of new ideas, new theories and new philosophies (new poses or sun salutations). When he has the curiosity to experiment. When he breaks the chain of routine. When he has the nerve to move out of life's shallows and venture forth into the deep. When he keeps his heart young, his expectations high and never allows his dreams to die...staying vitally alive every day of his life.”

Take action get on the mat for the most Sacred Fun you can possibly imagine!  Don’t wait.  Do it now.  Life is too short not to celebrate it full on everyday!  Love yourself, love your day, love your life! Silvia

PS - Thank you Yogi Students for trying out a new sun salutation which I've included below. Keep it playful!

 

Mandala Namaskar I (From Shiva Rea)

INHALE -- Eka Pada Adho Mukha Svanasana (1 Leg Downward Dog)

EXHALE – Anjaneyasana (Lunge)

INHALE – Parsva Anjaneyasana (Side Lunge)

EXHALE – Skandasana (Transverse Lunge)

INHALE – Ardha Anjaneyasana (Low Lunge)

EXHALE – hands down

INHALE – Ardha Plank (1 legged Plank)

EXHALE -- Chaturanga Dandasana

INHALE -- Urdhva Mukha Svanasana

EXHALE -- Chaturanga Dandasana

INHALE -- Plank

EXHALE -- Adho Mukha Svanasana

(To create circular pattern, Mandala, go through series right foot, right foot, left, left)

 

January 22, 2011.  I was so happy to hear that there are other Grateful Dead lovers! Whew! So right on. One song today, more to come. And BTW China Cat/Sunflower is one of my all time favorites. Hope you enjoyed the flow and sweetness of songs by Lyle Lovett and Bree Sharp.  Love the day! Silvia

PLAYLIST 

Simple Song, Lyle Lovett

China Cat/Sunflower, Grateful Dead (Europe 72 Disc 1)

15 to 20 (Den Haan Remix), The Phenomenal Handclap Band

Heyy Babyy, Loy, Neeraj Sridhar, Pervez Quadir & Raman

POWER, Kanye West

Rotolando verso sud, Negrita

Ka, Patchwork

Diarabi, Issa Bagayogo

These Boots Are Made for Walkin', Nancy Sinatra

Yardie Bone (feat. Wayne Marshall), Sean Paul

Say Something, Mariah Carey Feat Snoop Dogg

Don't Think Twice, It's All Right, Bree Sharp

Arms of Mary, Leo Kottke

Savasana Singing Bowls

 

*Join me on a yoga retreat in 2011 and enjoy a new playlist for our twice daily yoga classes* www.silviamordini.com and www.alchemytours.com 

 

January 19, 2011. Physical focus today was shoulders, philosophical focus was Sutra 1.2 and how we make a big deal out of the small stuff and as a result over-respond. Yoga helps us to choose what's important.  And as always love to include something either French, Italian, Spanish. Enjoy the flow! Silvia

PLAYLIST

Child's Eyes (Jenny's Song), Scott Cossu

The Hill, Markéta Irglová

Big Medicine, Mari Boine

Lumière [MAIN], Blue Scholars

Nungabunda, Ganga Giri

Diarabi, Issa Bagayogo

Just You & I, Dzihan & Kamien

You’re The One, Paul Simon

Grid Lok'd, Govindas

Revofev, Kid Cudi

Pitchblack Darkness (feat. Reazun, Paradox), Kyteman

Maintenant, Rupa & The April Fishes

City Is Burning (feat. Reazun, Paradox), Kyteman

One Moment More, Mindy Smith

Wonderwall, Ryan Adams

Wash Away, Joe Purdy

Into Dust, Mazzy Star

Samba Sadashiva, Donna De Lory

 

**Join me and Alchemy Tours in Puerto Vallarta Feb 26th-Mar 5th early bird until January 31, 2011!**

 

January 17, 2011.  Here is my playlist from class on MLK Day.  Focusing on freeing up our intentions as the best way to show gratitude for all those like MLK that sacrificed so much in order for us to do our hardest pose of all: be ourselves.  That is the ultimate freedom! Love yourself, love your day, love your life, Silvia www.silviamordini.com

PLAYLIST

Big Medicine, Mari Boine

Lumière [MAIN], Blue Scholars

Nungabunda, Ganga Giri

Grid Lok'd, Govindas

Just You & I, Dzihan & Kamien

Diarabi, Issa Bagayogo

Pitchblack Darkness (feat. Reazun, Paradox), Kyteman

One Moment More, Mindy Smith

Wonderwall, Ryan Adams

Wash Away, Joe Purdy

Child's Eyes (Jenny's Song), Scott Cossu

The Hill, Markéta Irglová

Samba Sadashiva, Donna De Lory

 

***Still time and room to join me in Puerto Vallarta Feb 26- Mar 5! www.alchemytours.com

January 13, 2011.  Seriously an amazing playlist.  Very few spoken songs but when they were included like old school Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin or new Kid Cudi, Benni Chawes they were powerful.  And the flow was easy to allow for lots of more in depth verbal cuing on alignment.  Enjoy! Love yourself, love your day, love your life, Silvia

PLAYLIST - 90 minute class

The Host of Seraphim, Dead Can Dance

Another Brick in the Wall, Pt 1, Pink Floyd

Beyond Time [ambient edit], Blank & Jones

Sterne, Martinek & C-Deluxe

Afterlife, Glorybox

All My Love            , Led Zeppelin

Trapped In My Mind, Kid Cudi

Om Namah Shivaya, Sean Johnson and The Wild Lotus Band

Boee (Come to Me), The Idan Raichel Project

Darbari NYC, Prem Joshua

Have a Little Faith In Me, Benni Chawes

Meditate (feat. Gabriel Teodros & Khingz), Suntonio Bandanaz

Elusinian Blue, Gabrielle Roth

Conga Jog, Al Gromer Khan

Chandra (The Moon), Michael Mandrell and Benjy Wertheimer

PS – If you want to really delve deep into the living your yoga join me on Yoga Retreat in Puerto Vallarta Feb 26-Mar 5, Xinalani resort (all suites, all beach front, all gourmet food included and transfers too along with 14 yoga classes with me!) www.alchemytours.com or www.silviamordini.com

(Thank you Ginger for letting me guest teach tonight!)

 

JANUARY 12, 2011.  Here is a really beautiful, fluid playlist aligned with this snowy winter's day. Enjoy!

PLAYLIST:  

Beautiful Friend, Light Rain

Gate To The Silkroad, Mokhira

Ananda, Solar Quest

Deep South, Layo Paskin & Matthew Bushwacka

Nogo, Issa Bagayogo

I Ka Barra (Your Work), Habib Koite and Bamada

Do U Wanna Partner, Clington, Shaan, Suzi Q, Udit Narayan & Wajid

Everything (...Is Never Quite Enough), Wasis Diop

Ganapati, Girish

One Step Closer to You, Michael Franti & Spearhead

This is How I Feel, Finley Quaye

 

January 9, 2011. My life has a sound track.  My yoga does too!  Some great influence of reggae for a Winter's Day.  What amazing energy from some really fun yogis today at 4:30pm!  Here is my playlist you guys. Thank you so much for making me feel so welcome and for laughing at my jokes!  Can't wait to see more of you.  And feel free anytime to ask me anything at all.  Happy to sweat, flow and breath together. Love yourself, love your day, love your life! Silvia www.silviamordini.com

 PLAYLIST JANUARY 9, 2011:

Flip Ya Lid, Nightmares On Wax

Under Pressure, Queen & David Bowie

Diarabi, Issa Bagayogo

Mamacita, Collie Buddz

Clothes Drop, Shaggy

Breathe, Stretch, Shake, Mase

Breathe, Alexi Murdoch

Twist, Xavier Rudd

Jamaican In New York, Shinehead

The End, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis

Drive, Ziggy Marley

Enchantment, Corinne Bailey Rae

Something So Right, Paul Simon

Purnamadah, Shantala

Shavasana/Deep Relaxation, Shiva Rea

 

 

January 8, 2011.  My playlist today for an awesome vinyasa flow class with highlights of asana including: creative core with eagle arms; road runner switch ups; crow pose; eka pada galavasana arm balance; and variations on pigeon. Love yourself, love your day, love your life! Silvia

PLAYLIST JANUARY 8, 2011

Om Shreem Shriyei, Steve Gold

Count Your Blessings, Nas & Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley

The Ave, Blue Scholars

POWER, Kanye West

Miss Teardrops, Felix Laband

Govinda Fly, Sharon Gannon (Mixed By Mike D)

Alors On Danse, Stromae

Trapped In My Mind, Kid Cudi

Motion Movement, Blue Scholars

What a Feeling, Collie Buddz

Meditate, (feat. Gabriel Teodros & Khingz)Suntonio Bandanaz

Hey Baby, Stephen Marley featuring Mos Def

Afterlife, Glorybox

 

Visit my website to get more ideas for Yoga Music www.silviamordini.com 

Hey guys here is my playlist today, the first day after the new moon!  Enjoy and super namaste to all. Love yourself, love your day, love your life, Silvia

VINYASA YOGA PLAYLIST JANUARY 6, 2011

Gobinday Mukunday, Spirit Voyage Artists

Just Breath, Pearl Jam

Escaping Arkham, Common Market

Lumière [MAIN], Blue Scholars

Dream Machine (Down Tempo Mix), Mark Farina & Sean Hayes

Evening Chai, Blue Scholars

Boda Boda Rap, Fossil Fool, the Bike Rapper, with Lawi One

Now That We Found Love, Heavy D and the Boyz

Govinda Fly, Sharon Gannon (Mixed By Mike D)

POWER, Kanye West

Paris, Tokyo, Lupe Fiasco

Under Pressure, Queen & David Bowie

Motion Movement, Blue Scholars

The Traffic Jam, Stephen Marley featuring Damian Marley

Second to Numb, Kings of Convenience

In Another Time, Sade

Twin Blue, Millions & Millions

Dreamcatcher, Bahramji And Maneesh De Moor

 

Join me on an amazing yoga retreat www.silviamordini.com with Alchemy Tours

 

The philosophical theme today is Patience and this playlist I created felt to support the physical focus of backbends and practicing patience as we take a step by step approach to our own development.  Enjoy!  Peace in all ways, Silvia

Shine, John Legend & The Roots       

Gayatri Mantra, Bruce Becvar & Nada Shakti       

Easier, Grizzly Bear       

Dance Me to the End of Love, Madeleine Peyroux       

Come Let Go, Xavier Rudd       

The Ave, Blue Scholars       

We No Speak Americano (Original mix), Yolanda Be Cool & Dcup        

Ka, Patchwork       

Haterade (feat. Nicki Minaj & Pharrell), Gucci Mane       

Georgia's Most Wanted

Serenity, Arthur Lee Land       

Things I Cannot Recall, Blind Pilot       

Birds And Ships, Billy Bragg & Wilco       

Hymn (For Ishaja), John Consemulder       

Consciousnesss Unfolding, Saggio       

 

Enjoy today's playlist.  Great vibe, easy, fun then chill and sweet. Love, Silvia

Inna di Red, Mind Control               

Dream Machine (Down Tempo Mix), Hôtel Costes: Vol. 8 by Stéphane Pompougnac,

Cruz, Oof! EP               

Yardie Bone (feat. Wayne Marshall), The Trinity               

Karaoke, Thank Me Later       

Om Shakti Om, This Is Blue               

Friend Of The Devil, Jerry Garcia & David Grisman

Purnamadah, The Love Window - Sacred Chants of Devotion

Chão de Estrelas, Personalidade - The Best of Brazil: Baden Powell

Cuidándote, Pafuera Telarañas (Edición especial)

Cedar Flute Love Song, Native Healing        

The Heart is the Sun of the Soul - Shine out!

 November 14, 2010 

 The definition of self-conscious is "to be Conscious of one's self as an object of the observation of others."  There are good things and interesting things about this in that every day the way we live our lives we either serve as a positive example or a warning to other people.  We are under some scrutiny whether we like it or not. As Sally Field says,  "It took me a long time not to judge myself through someone else's eyes." It is only when we allow the good opinion of other people to be more important than our own, that this self-consciousness becomes deeply detrimental to our happiness.  

 As a result of coming to the yoga mat I have grown both more aware of others judgments and less self-conscious all at the same time.  We step into the poses and we are alert to the presence of others but instead choose to focus on ourselves. We do the practice to be more conscious of our innate happiness and go beyond self-limiting belief.  We move and breath with the freedom that only comes from the light within: our hearts dancing with joy, long-held inhibitions vanishing until all self-doubt is erased!

To be honest this process may take more than just one class.

"We live in the most self-conscious society in the history of mankind.  There are good things in that, but there are also terrible things.  The worst of it is, that we find it hard to give ourselves to the process." - Larry Harvey says.  I agree.  The day I knew this enemy of love, self consciousness was no longer driving my life was when I felt the FLOW of the yoga poses and let the breath move me.  I gave myself to the process.  And everything changed.  I started to drop self-criticism along with being critical of others.  The judgment I feared from others no longer had power over me.  And in this video you can see how this translates into movement. 

http://totalbodyyoga.smugmug.com/Other/Yoga-Video/14626334_ctxSf#1088205682_EJPLo-A-LB

The choices I make I now honor as my own. And with every day I get more expert at doing the hardest yoga pose of all....Being Myself.  This is the pose I want you to learn more than any other too.  Love yourself, love your day, love your life, Silvia       

OCTOBER 24, 2010.  With more and more yoga options all the time.  And I am not talking about types of yoga I am simply talking about the temperature of which a yoga room is heated for your practice. You have to make the best choice for yourself 120 degrees?  95 degrees or 80 degrees?  The bigger question is not about the temperature of the air but how does it make you feel?  If you are practicing in a cold room and you leave the practice a Hot headed yogi well that's a problem.  If you are practicing in a super duper hot room and you leave a cold hearted yogi that's a problem.

 My hope is you find what you need in the world and you leave the practice warm hearted with a cool clear mind.  That's all.  And whatever you have to do to get there is all good.  The world needs less hot yogis or cold yogis and simply needs loving warm yogis.  Love yourself, love your day, love your life! Silvia

October 12, 2010  This Place of Mine....  (Thoughts of a Beginning Yoga Teacher) By Laura Mills

  The need to put things in their place is what initially drew me to yoga. After some difficult years during which my life's flow drastically changed course, yoga proved itself a paddle with which I continued sailing forward. Yoga felt right; it made ME feel right, or at least more right than before...which made pursuing my teaching credentials feel especially right, so I could ultimately help others do the same.

  And so, eager to teach others about re-establishing life's peace--about putting things in their place--I immersed myself in a teacher training program. And then, sooner than expected, a teaching opportunity arose, and into my first class I jumped. I'm glad it all happened quickly; if I had had more time to think before I accepted the commitment, I likely would have talked myself out of it. And true to my nature, after I accepted I struggled daily with the thought, "What have I gotten myself into?" Terrified, I wrote my first class, then practiced it at least once a day for an entire week. I mentally rehearsed it again and again. I even took the class plan to bed with me.

  Was this what "right" should feel like?

  The morning of the class I woke up sick-to-my-stomach nervous, and throughout the early hours I forced myself to stay busy at the risk of otherwise panicking. In fact, up to the moment the class began I focused so intently on NOT panicking that I can't explain too much else of what happened that day--all I know is that after the class I felt a surge of relief. And exhilaration, for it had gone well...which surprised me, because again true to my nature I had expected something to go wrong. Still, even with my initial happiness, afterwards I mentally replayed the class: did I cue everything correctly? Did I make eye contact? Did I speak clearly? Was my music too loud? What's landscape vision again? Was this really the right course for my life?

  As my second, third, fourth and subsequent classes passed with the same anxieties and the same questions, something else emerged: a new dimension to the respect I held for my own yoga teachers. The effort in sequencing a class, the thought in developing a theme, the creativity in compiling a playlist...the amount of work involved, which I now undertook myself, revealed my teachers' love of and dedication to the practice. The thought of all they had done for me as their student humbled me. But even more than that, my realization of their faith inspired me anew...faith that, at some point, a teacher just has to let go of each class and trust that she or he has prepared enough and the rest will somehow come together.

  The anxieties and the questions began to diminish...a little.

  And then, a bit further along, an old feeling arose within me--a really, really good feeling that felt stronger with each class. I hadn't felt it in a long time, but here it was, back again. I recognized it when I realized I felt more excitement than nervousness before class; I recognized it when I realized I greatly looked forward to interacting with my students, many of whom I now knew by name. I recognized it when I realized I wasn't just another yoga teacher working with just another group of students, but part of a unique and beautiful yoga studio family.

  And, I recognized it when I realized I was totally overwhelmed with blessings. With my attention lately so focused on yoga, my yoga-related blessings in particular were in mind.... My yoga teachers who enriched my practice and inspired me; my fellow trainees who shared so many of their gifts; my students who put their faith in me to guide them through each practice, each class; my husband who supported me in every possible way on my yoga journey. And God, the Universe, the Divine Being, who made certain that yoga and yoga teaching found me, and thus put me in my place...which is, in light of all this I am growing more certain, the right one.

  Wishing you peace in recognizing your place, Laura 

Namaste Yogis, 

I am back from Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon  with a new spark to live life to the fullest, and to bring a sense of adventure into every moment. Adventure is the willingness to commit to an uncertain outcome with an open heart & open mind.  It's the ability to take a leap into the unknown with mindfulness and grace.  It's the ability to think big about who you are, how you live, and what you can do in the world, whether it's  climbing to the ridge of the Grand Canyon, putting all your $ on red, or flowing through asanas. Please come on an adventure with me tomorrow at 9:15 am.  I will have a new playlist from The Beatles  to Barry Manilow :)

Life is uncertain! Being adventurous means seeing that uncertainty as the gift of possibility!

Peace & Namaste,

Christine

*Don't forget this month refer a friend and they get 30 days unlimited yoga for $30!! And you get entered to win 2 FREE months of yoga

SEPTEMBER 29, 2010.  I am talking tonight in class about "radical affirmation of the fullness of experience" and how growth results from challenge and makes our hearts grow.  This has everything to do with the law of attraction which simply states that like attracts like.  This means what you think about your challenges is either an opportunity to grow positive energy which attracts more positive energy or negative energy which builds inertia.  The challenge is not the problem, the way we think about it is.  (The resistance to the disturbance is the disturbance.)

When you think about it, there is never any reason compelling enough to hold onto a single negative thought.  Not even one.  Why? Because we don't have time to waste our energy on negativity which only produces more negative energy.  Life is too short to live like that.  We will all experience challenge, it comes in countless forms just this week I have friends and students who have received a diagnosis, lost their jobs, are separated from their partner, kids acting out, are being harassed at work and the list goes on.  However, we only get to live today once.  And to focus on anger, fear or disappointment will only cause you to leak energy, the very energy you long for to make each moment count and help you meet the challenge with grace.

The key things to know about the LAW OF ATTRACTION are:

1.  you don't focus your thoughts they will end up scattered in all directions.  They will be circus like ping pong's stopping and starting and running about.

2.  if you make no effort in directing your thoughts towards something positive they will tend towards the negative and catastrophic (known as our hard wiring the "catastrophic brain") 

We practice yoga to focus our thoughts.  We practice these poses and breathing to see our habitual pattern of thinking and where we tend to be auto pilot negative.  We practice yoga to apply the law of attraction on the mat so we know how all day long.  What you say to yourself holding a poses is either positive or negative, rarely is it neutral.  And if you can direct your thoughts to be positive in an uncomfortable or difficult pose then you can certainly do that when you encounter challenges in your life. 

Finally, what I'd love for you to commit to memory about the law of attraction and keep forever and share with someone you love is the following:

1. The energy of your thoughts are like a magnet.  The more focused your thoughts are then the bigger your magnet and the more powerful they become at attracting similar thoughts. 

2.  The longer you are able to hold a positive thought in your mind, the more powerful the positive energy becomes around you.  

And brain science proves that eventually by holding positive thoughts longer and longer we don't need to try so hard and control so much of what we are thinking because we are constantly surrounded by the positive vibrations that draws more of what we want to us.  With positive energy hugging us in we find an easeful effort to remain positive. It becomes our way, in spite of life's challenges.  So today love yourself, love your day, love your life! Silvia, ERYT and ANUSARA INSPIRED teacher

(For more yoga inspiration, life coaching while on yoga retreat or teacher trainings please visit my website www.silviamordini.com or friend me on Alchemy Tours facebook)

TODAY'S PLAYLIST:  Les Enfants Qui S'aiment,  Amoureux De Paris, La Serenissima, Loreena McKennitt, Fire, Coco De Mer, Elusinian Blue, Gabrielle Roth, Believer, M.I.A. MAYA, Nobody's Perfect, Madonna, Il Pescivendolo, Matteo Salvatore, I'm Outta Love, Anastacia, Prayer to Rudra, Krishna Das, That I Would Be Good, Alanis Morissette, Dedication, Kirby Shelstad, Silent Wings, Lifescapes

 

*1008 humble bows to the opening quote from John Friend at the Anusara Grand Gathering 2010

SEPTEMBER 2010.  The theme tonight was LOST & FOUND. Really this gets to the heart of what nondualism means in seeing the world holistically, its challenges, and its ease.  In yoga can we be sthira and sukhum at the same time instead of pitting strength and flexibility, effort and happiness against one another.  We can apply this to all aspects of our lives: for instance how do we forgive when we are hurt, how do we balance strength and flexibility in the poses, how do we stand bravely but with heart? 

It’s as Einstein said:  “The rational mind is a faithful servant. The intuitive mind is a sacred gift. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift.”  

In this example even Einstein is saying to us that we shouldn't be all or nothing, a dualistic philosophy.  Instead as much as you engage your rational mind stop being mindful of the gift of your own intuition. Tap into both at the same time and realize one is not better than the other and we need not pick only one.  The same then can be applied to what happens we get lost.  And if you're honest with yourself we ALL get lost sometimes.  We lose track of where we are in our lives and why we are doing the things we do.  This is also what Elizabeth Gilbert comes to play out in her book Eat, Pray, Love.  She has everything she could want and is lost within herself.  The difference between those of us practicing yoga, meditation, mindfulness is that we are seekers.  We see we are lost and want to be found.  We don't punish or judge ourselves when we get lost we simply do the work for reconnecting to who we really are.  

You see being lost is not bad in and of itself.  It is just part of the whole spectrum of who we are. Perfectly imperfect and simply amazing human beings!  So take the time on the mat to help you find your own balance - more ease, more playfulness, more discipline, more strength....find both.  Love yourself, love your day, love your life! Silvia

Music tonight 6:15pm Yoga included: Dream Machine by Mark Farina, Ancient People by Nas, Damian Marley, In Another Time by Sade, Outre by M.Ward, Salsoul Nugget, even some Blue Scholars and Trevor Hall. 

JUNE 7, 2010.  Who is the most Courageous person you know?  How do they inspire you to be more courageous?  When was the time in your life you were MOST courageous?

All these self-observations and contemplations were the focus of or practice today.  And who doesn’t need more courage.  When I come to the mat to teach my intention for each student is that this practice helps them rise with courage to meet the challenges of their life.  And yes we all face challenges.  Judith Lasater a national yoga teacher, author and a personal hero of mine says, “Courage is the second most important quality to cultivate in life. (Right after love).”   

It is easy to fall into believing the old stories about ourselves and getting stuck.  Or as my friend Sadie Nardini says in her book Roadtrip Guide to the Soul, “Alongside positive change, challenge appears. You will confront old fears, old ways of being, as you drive through to your soul. Along the road to your best life possible, be prepared for delays. There will be potholes, irritating construction, and long stretches of open space where nothing seems to be happening. That’s life, imperfectly perfect. The lag times and frustrations are necessary to hone your discipline and commitment to your path.”

This much I know for sure, that to live life to its fullest means to risk being hurt.  We cannot numb out or check out.  Oh for certain comfortably numb will keep us from pain but we’ll never get to experience the joys of love and passion and excitement and happiness that are our birthright.  Having the courage to really action the secrets of your heart will bring you to your fullest potential.  It doesn’t make it less scary but isn’t the scariest thing not about having the courage to try and fall but more so not beginning to live at all?

Hey I get it.  In April I finally took the risk and mustered up the courage to begin teaching Yoga Retreats.  Does it take me away from the studio I love a little bit (well like 3-4 weeks a year)? Is that scary for me? YOU BET IT IS! But I know that by doing 3-4 retreats per year I not only help sustain the studio but I give myself the chance to try something I’ve always wanted to do.  And that is to change the ecology of heart and mind for my beloved yoga students. 

I come back a better teacher and I have more to offer everyone.  So it’s a choice.  You can use this practice to connect to your own best courage, open your heart and ride the biggest wave of your life or you can stay on shore and risk nothing.  It’s up to you.  May you rise up to meet the courage of your heart! Love the day, Silvia  (I want to honor and humbly thank my teacher Shiva Rea for sharing with me the Agni Namaskar Fire practice we did today that I shared with you, pay if forward...)

 

 

June 7, 2010: Courage
June 8, 2010: Discipline
June 9, 2010: Persistence and Perseverance, TBY B-day!
June 9, 2010: Mind Body Integration
June 10, 2010: Compassion (Slowing Down)

CLASS PLAN BASICS: May 29, 2010

Theme: Trust, Trust is spiritual maturity, Trust is Healing

Focus: Hips, Hamstrings

OPENING

On Back with blanket under legs

Bridge tilts

Pigeon Twist to Supine Pigeon to Pigeon Abs

Savasana

Side 2

 

WAVE 1

Roll up to seated left leg in front

Cat/Cow seated

*Fists of Fire pulsation option to lift feet off ground modified boat

Seated Twist, other side

Twist/Side Bend

Boat to Twisted Boat

Lie down

Cobbler Abs, Supine Twist

Side 2 right leg in front seated

 

WAVE 2

Supine Lunge (half happy baby

Supine Cobbler, Cobbler Abs

 

WAVE 3

Roll up

Boat variations (Twist it this time)

Malasana

Forward Fold

Half Salutes (optional)

 

WAVE 4

Warrior A

Pyramid Flow together with half salute arms

Prasarita

Side 2

 

CLOSING

From Prasarita

Forward Fold

Squat, Garland Pose knees together

Transition to Supine: Sideways childs pose curled into ball

Supine Twist arms at T, both sides

Supine child’s pose

Savasana (with blanket under legs as an option)

OPENING

Handstand at wall

 

WAVE 1 – Mandala Namaskar

Mountain
hallf Moon A

Yoga Mudra FF

Chair arms up

FF

Standing Splits

Revolved Lunge

Prasarita (hold leg feel twist)

Standing Splits left leg

Forward Fold

K2 Mountain, Half Moon A hand behind head, Yoga Mudra FF, Chair, FF, Standing Splits

Pyramid

Revolved Triangle

Pose of Shiva K1 Twists, K2 side bends hand behind head, Breath of Fire, Fire Mudra

Prasarita

1 leg downward dog, external rotation

Basic vinyasa

Dog

Walk to FF

Begin side 2

 

WAVE 2

From 1 leg downward dog, external rotation right leg

Core Plank, 2 times

High Lunge

Arms high, bend knee headrest arms

Flying lunge

Hands to heart

High twist

Open arms

Cartwheel down

Inhale plank prep

Exhale core plank

Inhale 1 leg plank

1 leg basic vinyasa

Side 2

 

WAVE 3

Lunge

Quad stretch

Sunbird

Cow

Pigeon

Dolphin

Pose of the Heart

Bow

 

WAVE 4:

Closing practice

 

Class plan Level 1 May 26, 2010

 

THEME: Member of Human Family, Connection, Relationship, Yoga of Humanity

 

OPENING:

Supported Bridge Pose with blanket under pelvis and strap around legs

 

WAVE 1

Vajrasana on block

Sankalpa all the way up

Cow face arms, side bend

Neck stretch                                                                          

Side 2

Dog

 

WAVE 2

Plank belly Plank Dog 3-5 x’s

Plank progressive Chatarunga

Locust with Yoga Mudra

Locust with hands on ground

Cobra

Basic vinyasa

Dog

Forward Fold

 

WAVE 3

Sun Salute A

Half Moon A with cowface arms

Sun Salute B with variation: Half Lunge, cow arms, half moon B while in half lunge

 

WAVE 4

Sun Sal B with variation: Warrior A cow arms

WA to Pyramid flow

Prasarita Fold

Prasarita twist

Transverse lunge tick tock side to side hands in sankalpa mudra

Side 2

Return Side 1

 

WAVE 5

Sunbird hold foot

Cobra

Half Frog

Forearm plank

Dolphin

Dog

Dancer Dog hold foot like half bow

Side 2

 

CLOSING

Wide forward fold mid mat

Malasana

Cobbler

Supine Cobbler

Knees to chest

Savasana

CLASS PLAN LEVEL 2:  May 25, 2010

Peak Poses: Bow Pose, Wheel, Tripod Headstand to Half Moon B, Downward Facing Bow to King Dancer, King Dancer

Key Points: Shins in Thighs Out with Arms, Backbend focus

Theme: Power of Intention, I FEEL GOOD, Video of Jessica

 

OPENING

Vajrasana on block

Sankalpa all the way up

Cow face arms, side bend

Neck stretch                                                                          

Side 2

Dog

 

WAVE 1

Plank belly Plank Dog 3-5 x’s

1 leg dog core plank to half plank Chatarunga

Kneeling side plank dip to Chatarunga

Open to Kneeling half bow

Core plank, 3 part plank

Basic vinyasa

 

WAVE 2

Half (Low) Lunge

Revolved Lunge to Parsva (side) lunge

Transverse lunge

Prasarita

Basic vinyasa

 

WAVE 3 – Mandala Namaskar I from Shiva Rea

INHALE -- Eka Pada Adho Mukha Svanasana (1 Leg Downward Dog)

EXHALE – Anjaneyasana (Lunge)

INHALE – Parsva Anjaneyasana (Side Lunge)

EXHALE – Skandasana (Transverse Lunge)

INHALE – Ardha Anjaneyasana (Low Lunge)

EXHALE – hands down

INHALE – Ardha Plank (1 legged Plank)

EXHALE -- Chaturanga Dandasana

INHALE -- Urdhva Mukha Svanasana

EXHALE -- Chaturanga Dandasana

INHALE -- Plank

EXHALE -- Adho Mukha Svanasana

 

WAVE 4

1 Leg Dog left leg

With Right leg step into Half Moon B

Half Bow variation to King Dancer to Downward Facing Bow to Standing Splits

Basic Vinyasa

Dog Pose

Jump to Malasana

PEAK – Tripod Headstand to Half moon B

Jump Back basic vinyasa

Side 2

 

WAVE 5

Pigeon

Quad stretch

Half Frog on belly

Quad stretch

Side 2

Bow

Bridge then Wheel

 

CLOSING

Supine twist, Apanasana, Supine Cobbler, Savasana

Theme: CELEBRATION!

WAVE 1

On Belly, Gecko

Child’s pose

Vajrasana

Flow1: Vajrasana Mudra high, exhale child’s pose, inhale table, exhale dog, inhale table, exhale child pose

Flow2: Vajrasana Mudra high, exhale child’s pose, inhale cobra, exhale dog, inhale table, exhale child pose

Flow3: Camel Mudra high, exhale child’s pose, inhale cobra, exhale dog, inhale table, exhale child pose

From Dog pose, inhale plank, exhale 1 leg dog, inhale plank, exhale 1 leg dog, inhale plank, exhale basic vinyasa

Inhale prepare, exhale jump Forward Fold

 

 

WAVE 2

Half Moon A

Half Sun Salute A

Jump basic vinyasa

1 leg dog

Low lunge half moon A, Yoga Mudra

Basic vinyasa

 

WAVE 3

Repeat above high lunge from Yoga Mudra Warrior 3, standing splits, forward fold, inhale repeat half moon A and as above

 

WAVE 4

Lizard

Side Angle

Shiva Pose with Eagle arms

Humble Warrior with Eagle arms

Warrior 3 Eagle arms

Forward Fold

 

WAVE 5

Seated half cow half forward fold

Standing cow

Eagle

Forward Fold

 

CLOSING

Malasana

Seated Cobbler with Eagle Arms

Supine Pigeon

Supine Pigeon Abs with Eagle Arms

Supine Child’s Pose

Savasana

 

FOCUS:
Physical – Twists

Philosophical – No more procrastinating, take action now

 

OPENING
On back supine cobbler

Cobbler abs

Jathara partivatanasana twist

Pigeon abs

Pigeon twist

More Pigeon abs

Roll up to Forward Fold

 

WAVE 1

Inhale Mountain

Exhale backbned

Inhale Mountain

Exhale Forward Fold

Inhale Monkey

Exhale Ball Pose

Inhale Mountain begin again

 

WAVE 2

Sun Salute A

 

WAVE 3

Chair Tip Toe Chair

Basic Vinyasa

1 Legged Downward Dog

Inhale High Lunge

Exhale Flying Lunge

Inhale Prayer Lunge

Exhale High Lunge Twist Hands in Prayer

Inhale High Lunge Twist Arms in T

Exhale Warrior B

Inhale Reverse Warrior B

Exhale through Basic Vinyasa

Chair Tip Toe Chair Twist

 

WAVE 4

Chair Tip Toe Twist
Side Crow

Crow

Jump Back

Basic Vinyasa

Jump to Seated, lie down more ABS

Roll up Forward Fold

 

WAVE 5

Chair to Crane

Pigeon Chair Twist

Crane to Warrior 3

Wave 2 flow with K2 Full Prayer Twist

Basic Vinyasa

Side 2

 

WAVE 6

Jump to seated

Seated Pigeon, twist it

Double Pigeon or supine

Arm balance Yogi Dandasana

Double Pigeon

Cobbler

Upavista Parsva variation

 

CLOSING

Supine Cobbler

Bridge or shoulderstand

Savasana

6^th Chakra Theme: Tree Cards

 

OPENING:

Supine pigeon tree

Supine pigeon

Supine pigeon twist

Side 2

Supine Cobbler

Apanasana (supine Child’s Pose)

Roll up to Forward Fold

 

WAVE 1

Plank: Hip Hikers

Dog: Hip Hikers

Basic Vinyasa

Dog to 1 Legged Down Dog

Dog to Forward Fold

 

WAVE 2:

Sun Salutation B (with 1 leg dog included as modification)

K1:  Walk the Dog: Forward Fold Hasta Pada K1 to Mountain, Half Moon A, Tree, Tree with Half Moon A

 

WAVE 3:

1 Legged Down Dog to 3 part plank (optional push up)

Warrior B: eagle arms

Side Warrior: eagle arms

Side Warrior: niralamba hold wrist, relax bottom arm

Side Warrior Straight Leg

Triangle

(Level 1-2: Parsva Vasci exit to twisted plank to one leg dog, optional basic vinyasa)

 

TRANSITION: K2: Walk Dog Chair, Eagle arms with Chair, Eagle, Warrior 3 with Eagle arms, Standing splits, Walk to 1 Legged Down Dog

 

Side 2 of Wave 3 begins straightaway

 

WAVE 4:

1 Leg Dog step Forward to Standing Splits

Revolved Lunge (stay or Side Plank with Tree Leg)

Transverse Lunge

K1: in middle

K2: sit to side hold big toe and reach

K3: like Parsva janu Sirsasana

Prasarita (optional tri-pod)

Half Lunge transition into Half Splits or Full Splits

Half Virasana

(In Level 1-2: Koundinasana 1, jump back option)

Garland

Chair with eagle arms

Tree with eagle arms

Forward Fold

(In Level 1-2 Warrior 3 with Eagle arms to Warrior 1 with Eagle arms, Basic Vinyasa)

Side 2

WAVE 5: CLOSING

Malasana

Cobbler

Supine Cobbler (2 trees together!)

Savasana

 

OPENING Mountain Chair arms up MOuntain wiht prana hasta mudra (flow this) WAVE 1 Hridaya Namaskar with same Prana Hasta Mudra arm flow WAVE 2 Chair with eagle arm flow Crane Warrior 1 with eagle arm flow 3 times with prana mudra hold Star Prasarita with yoga mudra Warrior 2 to Reverse Warrior 2 Revolved Lunge Half Splits Low Lunge Sun bird to 1 leg cat to hold Sunbird Table pose of heart Dolphin Dolphin plank to 1 leg Frog Dog 1 leg dog Standing splits Pyramid to revolved to revolved half moon hold foot WAVE 3 Sun Salutation C WAVE 4 Twist chair to Sun Salutation C Tiwst lunge WAVE 5: Drop Back Fun Techniques Standing Cobra with partner Walk down wall from standing Use bricks under hands to lift to wheel Walk up wall from bricks Feet at wall, walk over from wheel into Forward Fold WAVE 6 Downdog FF Turn around 360 Down Dog Standing split with wall Quad breather with wall Pigeon full expression Standing splits with wall Handstand with wall Side 2 CLOSING Pigeon Janu Sirsasana wide legged Ardha matsyendrasana Bharavajrasana Side 2 Supine twist, twist other side Apanasana Savasana

OPENING
Sphinx - Cat/Puppy tilt Child's pose  

WAVE 1

Vajrasana or Camel with eagle arm flow open and close then pulse up and down flossing shoulders

Table Thread Needle dynamic then hold

Side 2 Vajrasana/Camel with eagle arm flow  

WAVE 2

Chair to Mountain with Eagle arm flow (open arms t in chair, eagle arms mountain backbend) Urdva Hastasana arms up over head Crane Warrior A with eagle arms Flow: 3 x's up and over with eagle arms to tap knee fold; Star pose; Prasarita with yoga mudra, Warrior B with eagle arms (other arm under) to Pose of Shiva hold Half moon A with leg lift progressive side to side Eagle pose full expression hold (first time right foot, second time stand on left foot) Step to front of mat Side 2  

TRANSITION Tip Toe Pose Squat  

WAVE 3 Broken Toe Pose

Table

Bharavajrasana

Ardha Matysendrasana Right

Bharavajrsana Twist

Side 2 Bharavajrasana Ardha Matysendrasana Left Bharavajrsana Twist  

TRANSITION Lie on side  

WAVE 4

Open to Supine upward facing twist

Supine Cow Face pose (like eagle legs)

Core Cultivation Eagle legs with Eagle arms

Eagle Twist Side 2  

CLOSING

Apanasana (Supine Child's Pose)

OPENING WAVE

Lie on mat roll long to long Roll to side Bharavajrasana sit right hip: sidebend, twist

Pigeon right inhale/exhale 5 breath hold

Plank to basic vinyasa

Down Dog

Bharavajrasana sit left hip (side 2 begins)  

WAVE 1 Repeat above and add on Pigeon 1 breath I leg dog to core plank Pigeon hold 4 breaths Same as above side 2  

WAVE 2 Repeat above and add on, variety Pigeon 1 breath 1 leg dog to twisted plank Parsva vascistasana 2 Pigeon hold 3 breaths Basic Vinyasa, side 2  

TRANSITION Malasana Forward Fold tick tock back and forth Crow Basic Vinyasa  

WAVE 3 MANDALA

I leg dog Open Hip 1 leg dog Close Hip 1 leg dog Twisted Plank Parsva Vascistasana 2 1 Leg Dog Low lunge to Side Lunge Transverse Lunge pulse side to side Quarter turn to Left foot 1 leg dog, jump switch 1 leg plank, basic vinyasa 1 leg dog, jump switch to core plank to hops 3-7 times Mandala Namaskar same leg again flow through  

TRANSITION

Krama 1:  Jump FF Mountain Half Moon A Prana mudra arms (last time lift leg up sideways)

Krama 2: Hold wrist half Moon A, step foot behind like cow legs, to crane to eagle to eagle chair twist Then side 2 left leg begins  

WAVE 4 1 leg dog, flipped dog, twisted plank, parsva vascistasana 2 Upavista Konasana Twisted upavista konasana Parsva upavista konasana Janu sirsasana Marychasana A Marychasana C Twisted Plank 1 leg dog, hop switches  

CLOSING:

Malasana

Cobbler

Pascimotanasana

Bridge with brick

Supported Shoulderstand

Savasana

CLASS PLAN LEVEL 1 MARCH 24, 2010

OPENING WAVE

Sukhasana Seated: Buddha mudra in stages

• Right hand - accomplishments
• Left hand - goals
• Both, energy ball, sankalpa mudra

Change cross of legs - lie down in sukhasana  

 

WAVE 1

Cobbler Supine Bridge prep:  inhale lift arms, exhale lower arms, inhale lift hips, exhale lower hips (flow)

Bridge hold: 1 legged bridge to pigeon bridge 5 breaths

Pigeon twist

Pigeon on back

Pigeon abs

Pigeon bridge,

1 legged bridge,

Bridge Side 2  

 

WAVE 2

Spinal rolls to forward fold

Rotate foot to right, walk hands out, back to center Rotate foot to left, walk hands out, back to center

Step back left leg into Prasarita Paddotanasana Ardha Prasarita hold (stand up)  

 

WAVE 3

Inhale Star, Exhale Warrior 2 Right (warm up ankles) Inhale Star, Exhale Warrior 2 Left (flow)

Second stage: Star, Warrior 2, Reverse Warrior 2, Warrior 2

Third stage: Star, Warrior 2, Straight leg Reverse Warrior 2, Triangle, Prasarita Twist (heart helicopter, 1 hand on ground)

Prasarita forearms down  

 

WAVE 4

Jump in and out (handstand prep)

Forward Fold, turn right foot out, lift into Ardha Chandrasana B

Standing Splits

Pyramid

Standing Cow

Jump in and out (handstand prep)

Side 2 (turn left foot out, begin above)

From Prasarita walk hands forward and 1 leg downward dog  

 

WAVE 5 Dancing Warrior 2 (Warrior A, Warrior B, Reverse Warrior B, Side Angle, Warrior B) Basic Vinyasa  

 

WAVE 6

Cow dog (cross left leg behind right)

Walk dog standing cow

Seated Cow pose (buddha mudra)

Cow pose twist (optional koundinasana 2 legs bound)

Baby Cradle leg to Sundial pose

Double Pigeon

Seated Pigeon (optional koundinasana 2)

Seated Pigeon twist to open side straight arm inside instep of foot (arm balance option)

Upward facing plank with pigeon leg, then straight up with leg (like 1 legged bridge)

Upward facing plank

Malasana

Baby Crow

Crow

Basic vinyasa to Dog Side 2  

 

CLOSING

From upward facing plank Bridge prep

Supported Bridge with block

Eagle twist (legs like cow face pose)

Savasana

CLASS PLAN LEVEL 1-2 FRIDAY MORNING MARCH 19, 2010 OPENING Supine Cobbler: breath Supine Cobber Abs: Double Pulse then single pulse Bridge Prep (knees bent) Single pulse then Double pulse Bridge Prep bring one knee above hip: lift head/shoulders singles then hold and twist Apanasana (alternate one knee to chest inhale extend supine mountain, exhale knee in) Single Leg Spinal Twist (hold) Supine Mountain Supine Child's Pose Abs with Block: arms and legs in "L" shape, give brick to feet lower, bring back up into pike position, give brick to hands lower (a few cycles) Supine Cobbler WAVE 1 Roll to the right Bharavajrasana (Mermaid): inhale side bend, exhale center, inhale kneeling Vasisthasana, exhale center (a few cycles) From the side mini Chatarunga: double pulse, then single Roll through center to do left Roll back to center for upward facing plank hold Upward Plank variations: 1 leg straight up and pulse like tricep dips, then extend from hip forward and hold 5 lower inhale/exhale, side 2 Malasana Forward Fold WAVE 2 Sun Salutation C (variation) Mountain hands inside out to Half Moon A extend leg in air for supported warrior 3, hold 5 Half Lunge arms up inside out hands to Half Moon A 3 times each side I Leg Dog Plank, Belly, Cobra, Lower Prep: turn toes under of right foot, left foot points, inhale to plank, exhale down dog splits left leg is now up Half Lunge arms up inside out hands to Half Moon A 3 times each side I Leg Dog Plank, Belly, Cobra, Lower Prep: turn toes under of left foot, right foot points, inhale to plank, exhale down dog splits right leg is now up WAVE 3 Down dog splits (1 legged dog) to 1 legged plank to Chatarunga to cobra to belly, toes under one leg, 1 leg plank other leg, down dog splits (5 x's) Table Thread the Needle dynamic (8-10 times from the core) then hold shoulder down to floor, come up Extend 1 leg back half spinal balance, extend opposite arm forward full spinal balance Flow: Spinal balance forward and back inhale, Lateral side to side spinal balance exhale (8-10 x's) Both hands down: Core Plank, Twisted Plank hold 5, 1 leg downward dog, open hip Flipped dog Side plank Plank Forearm plank Forearm plank thread the needle (8-10 x's) Sphinx Updog Downward Dog (side 2) WAVE 4 - DANCING WARRIOR 1008 VARIATION EXHALE–Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog) INHALE -- Eka Pada Adho Mukha Svanasana (1 Leg Downward Dog) EXHALE – Core plank INHALE – Revolved Lunge EXHALE -Parsva Anjaneyasana (Half lunge sideways facing) INHALE/EXHALE - Transverse Lunge INHALE – Half Lunge EXHALE – Half Splits INHALE - Half Lunge EXHALE - Revolved Lunge side 2 Begin side 2, go back and forth in half Mandala 3-5 x's End Salutation flows into next Half Lunge, Half Splits right Jump switch Half Lunge, Half Splits left Jump switch (3-5 x's) Dog **Catch up on basic vinyasa**3-5 x's 1. Reverse Vinyasa (Updog, Chatarunga, plank, dog) 2. Regular basic vinyasa WAVE 5 Walk to forward fold Malasana Upward Facing plank, circular flow into full Wheel Side to side or all the way around) End in Wheel (or bridge) Pause Wheel refinements (or supported bridge) CLOSING Bridge prep: Wrist, shoulder stretch (lift up, half cow face arm under body, lower on top, reach other arm over head, let knees twist away from center from arm being stretched) return, side 2 Supine child's pose Savasana

CLASS PLAN LEVEL 1 FRIDAY EVENING MARCH 19, 2010  CORE CULTIVATION FOCUS

OPENING

Child's Pose

Table Cat/Puppy Cat lift knees core cultivation

Dog pose

Plank: knee dips find core

Lower to belly locust with yoga mudra

Cobra Plank Dog

Child's Pose

Krama 2:  Table on forearms; forearm plank, knee dips, sphinx, cobra, plank, dog  

 

WAVE 1

Forward Fold

Half moon A

Forward Fold with Yoga mudra

Sun Salutation A 3 x's  

 

WAVE 2

Chair

Half chair

Half chair twist arms long

Chair

Forward fold

Basic vinyasa

INHALE -- Eka Pada Adho Mukha Svanasana (1 Leg Downward Dog)

EXHALE - Core plank

INHALE - 1 legged plank

EXHALE - step forward

INHALE - High Lunge

EXHALE through basic vinyasa or one legged version

 

WAVE 3 Repeat above in Wave 2 Add the twist in High lunge  

 

WAVE 4 Repeat above in Wave 2 Replace High Lunge with Warrior A  

 

WAVE 5 Repeat above in Wave 2 Replace Warrior A with Low Lunge Option: twist fully, high lunge twist  

 

WAVE 6

1 Leg Dog

Low Lunge High Lunge option to Warrior 3 High Lunge back to Low Lunge (or have been waiting in Low Lunge)

Revolved Lunge Flying Warrior 2 Warrior 2 add eagle arms Reverse Warrior 2

Half Splits

Basic Vinyasa Side 2  

 

WAVE 7

1 leg dog, step forward Standing splits Ardha Matsyendrasana (Seated twist) Twist to open side

Lizard (Parsva Vascistasana 1)  

 

CLOSING Meditation, pranayama Savasana    

March 12, 2010:  In the book The Five Love Languages Dr Chapman talks about figuring out your primary way of expressing and interpreting love.  Cool concept. I was told about this NYT best seller 2 years ago or more. Finally yesterday I read the book.  What really came through to me from a Yogic perspective is this understanding of how we communicate is the practice of Svadhaya or self-study/self-observation.  If you don't know who you are or what language you're speaking gosh it's going to be a bit more difficult to ask someone else (whether it be a friend or family member or partner) to speak your same language.  And from becoming more expert in your own humanity you learn about other humans.  

In the corporate world I used to tell my staff to apply a variation of the Golden Rule. I said to them don't communicate and treat them the way you want to be spoken to but communicate with them the way THEY want and need to be related to.  This was at the heart of my efforts to teach/coach or otherwise inspire my staff to build relationships with both clients and fellow staff.  Many times they'd come back to tell me a story of how they applied this to home life too and it worked!  

When we come to the mat we have a chance to figure ourselves out a bit and ultimately refine the primary language we speak and practicing in a group we can look around and see maybe the people around us have their own yoga, speak another language.  It is not enough to come from love. We are all hopefully doing that.  We have to take that next step and learn the love languages of our friends and loved one's too.  If I keep speaking Italian and don't ever attempt to learn Japanese which my partner speaks then likely we are not going to be able to connect on a deeper level.  So enjoy this 7th Chakra Namaskar (Salutation) which asks us to unify our energies from 1st through 7th chakras.  And some of the great flow music I choose today I've included below too.  I will offer a second posting about this book all on its own for your non yoga friends to share in if you want to pass it along.  Here's to all of us speaking the languages of Love!  Blessings, Silvia  

 

LOVE LANGUAGE PLAYLIST

Gobinday Mukunday, Spirit Voyage Om Padme Om, Wah!, Ananda, Solar Quest Diarabi, Issa Bagayogo Nogo, Issa Bagayogo High Low, Michael Franti, Spearhead feat. Zap Mama Nobody Right, Nobody Wrong, Michael Franti Aja Uttama, Dave Stringer Ganesha Windmix, Jai Uttal Guru Ram, Mirabai Ceiba Ahimsa, Baird Hersey & Prana    

7th Chakra Namaskar

Start standing in Mountain with HASTA VINYASA – “Conductor arms”

 

INHALE – Reach arms down and out lift left knee Crane

EXHALE – Arms to sides and reach forward Flying Lunge

INHALE – Low Lunge circle arms out and up

EXHALE – Half Splits circle arms down and out

INHALE – High Lunge circle arms forward and up

EXHALE – Prepare

INHALE – Warrior 3 circle arms down and out

EXHALE – Crane circle arms forward and up, lower foot to Mountain

Side 2 begins

INHALE – Tip Toe Pose

EXHALE – Forward Fold arms sweep back and up

INHALE – Tip Toe Pose

EXHALE – Plow

INHALE – Tip Toe Pose

EXHALE – Forward Fold arms sweep back and up

INHALE – Jump to Vajrasana

EXHALE – Camel (Flow circular arms)

INHALE - Plank

EXHALE - Chatarunga

INHALE - Up Dog

EXHALE - Down Dog

March 11, 2010:

"Be water my friend" says Bruce Lee http://www.wimp.com/brucelee/  

With all the rain we've had we allowed water and the flow of surrender to inspire our practice today.  When we have the courage to surrender we find our highest potential reveals itself.  Like water cleanses us, and washes away the dirt we wash away through breath and asana the outer labels of limitation. We put aside the self limiting beliefs and go beyond limiting perceptions and old stories.  

Chapter 2 Verse 1 of the Yoga Sutras: Tapas svadhaya isvara pranidanah kriyah yogah.  

The translation of this sutra means: "This letting go focuses us on the process of practice rather than the goals of practice."  

May this practice help you practice how you want to live your life.  If you aspire to live a life of beauty, graceful and courageous then your life becomes that. Like the Bruce Lee clip suggests that water takes the form of the container it is in.  If you want the container of yourself to be beauty you then embody beauty. If you want to live in love then move like love, breath like love, flow like love.  Be like water my friend! Become that which you want and the process of experiencing yourself courageously is the life practice.  Love yourself, your your day, love your life! Silvia

TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER: CLASS PLAN LEVEL 2 MARCH 9, 2010 OPENING WAVE Child's Pose WAVE 1 Table Half Spinal Balance to Chatarunga once Open Kneeling Vasisthasana, Close Core Plank I leg down dog I leg basic vinyasa Puppy Child Puppy, Cat Dog Table Side 2 WAVE 2 Same as above this time Half Spinal balance to 3 times Chatarunga I leg dog to 3 variations of core plank including twist Side 2 WAVE 3 Table Half spinal balance to twist to lateral knee to elbow Dip once to Chatarunga leg remain up like Half moon B, Bow variation Core Plank 3 part core plank to twisted plank to Parsva Vasisthasana 2 Lizard Half splits Low Lunge Revolved Lunge Transverse Lunge I leg dog basic vinyasa Puppy, Child Side 2 WAVE 4 I leg dog right leg to basic vinyasa I leg dog left leg to basic vinyasa Alternate 3-5 times each Step left foot forward, jump switch DWI 3/4 Warrior A right leg is forward, humble warrior WAVE 5 Warrior A right yoga Mudra Prasarita yoga Mudra, eagle arms Transverse lunge Low lunge half splits low lunge twist High lunge twist, chair twist Chair Chair twist other direction, high lunge twist other side, low lunge twist Half splits Standing Splits Send leg forward, sit Marychasana C Janu Sirsasana Parsva Upavista Konasana Pigeon Dolphin plank - knee to shoulder Dolphin Child's pose Side 2: begin Warrior A left yoga Mudra CLOSING Headstand Seated meditation Savasana

CLASS PLAN LEVEL 1: MARCH 8, 2010  EARTHY ENERGY, CALMING BHAVA

OPENING

Vajrasana

Table with toes under wrist stretch

Vajrasana toes under (broken toe pose)

FF Malasana FF  

WAVE 1

Supported W3 Lunge back low Lizard, variations

Triangle to side angle flow (inhale tri/exhale side angle)

Half Splits Low Lunge

FF Malasana (Side 2 begins)   

WAVE 2

Lunge back Lizard variation toes out

Quad breather Twist

Half Splits Low Lunge

High Lunge Warrior 2 (W2 for short) Rev Warrior 2 straight leg Triangle Prasarita twist

W2 to reverse W2 straight leg Side 2  

WAVE 3

FLOW Namaskar from Wave 2 in between Sun Sal A  

WAVE 4

Malasana to Crow

Cobbler

Marychasana C

Janu Sirsasana

Twisted Upavista Konasana to Parsva Upavista Konasana (side bend)

Pigeon Quad breather

Pigeon again  

WAVE 5

Wall Vinyasa for Quad Breather with the wall

King pigeon prep  

CLOSING      

CLASS PLAN LEVEL 2: MARCH 2, 2010 Theme: Yoga is not boring    

WAVE 1 (3 times) Dog pose Plank hold 5 Table Child Modified plank Cobra low Up dog Dog Walk dog  

WAVE 2 FF to malasana Up to half moon a each side Malasana to Crow hold 5 (Perform 3 times, 2nd krama tripod) Walk dog out  

WAVE 3 I leg dog hips closed inhale, hips open exhale, hips closed inhale (mini vinnie) 3 part plank (mini vinnie) High lunge, high twist DW2 (Dancing Warrior 2: Warrior A, Warrior B, Reverse Warrior B, Side Angle, Warrior B) Basic vinyasa, side 2  

WAVE 4 Jump forward fold Monkey, mountain, chair Half moon a hold wrist, cross legs Eagle Eagle to high lunge to high lunge twist DW 2 1 leg dog to plank 1 legged Core plank to 1 leg chatarunga 3 times Basic vinyasa 1 leg dog right leg again 3 part plank (koundi 1) Twisted plank to parsva vascistasana 2 - hold 5 Pigeon Ardha matsyendrasana Standing splits Forward fold, side 2  

WAVE 5 Chair to half moon A to eagle to pigeon chair agni mudra kalabhati breathing Eka pada galavasana to jump basic vinyasa Jump to half moon B Standing splits Arhda matys Cow side and twist Pigeon Twisted plank Upavista konasana side bend Marichyasana C 1/2 cow 1/2 seated forward fold Side plank exit,  Side 2  

CLOSING Shoulderstand eagle legs Eagle twist Supine Child's Pose Savasana!  

WAVE 1

Seated pranayama Sun Salutation A  

WAVE 2

Forward Fold (FF) Mountain to Half Moon A FF with yoga mudra

Chair to half chair

Crane W3 to standing splits Baby eagle 2 times

Revolved lunge Low Lunge Standing Splits FF Side 2  

WAVE 3

Chair to half chair

Crane to W3 pulse up and down knee conditioning standing leg

Standing splits

Revolved Lunge High lunge to twist to Revolved Lunge back to high lunge 3x's

From last revolved lunge to Side plank

Basic Vinyasa I leg Dog right, standing splits Side 2  

WAVE 4

FF Mountain Chair, Chair Twist

Eagle pose and eagle arms up and down like ab crunches

Warrior 3 with eagle arms

Warrior A landing backbend with eagle arms

Warrior 2 Reverse Warrior 2 with half cow face arms Prasarita with full cow face arms

Headstand with eagle legs to seated eagle transition (or jump cross legs and sit)

Cow pose side bend, twist

Janu sirsasana side bend Bharavajrasana Pigeon I leg dog vinyasa Side 2  

WAVE 5

1 leg dog right Warrior A with cow arms

Humble Warrior A - fold in half

Warrior 3 with cow arms to Pyramid cow arms

Revolved Triangle

Standing Splits

Standing crane leg extension (Uthita Hasta Padagustasana)

Warrior 3

Low lunge to spinal balance to Sunbird

1 leg dog left Side 2 begins now  

CLOSING WAVE

That includes cooling poses, meditation, Savasana    

Namaste Yogis!

JANUARY 25TH, 2010:  I was out at Target this morning and overheard two ladies one saying to the other: "I'm so over Winter. Yeah I've been over it since it started." Ok. I get that.  I'm one of those folks for whom staying well in Winter is hard.  My balance is constantly disturbed in the Winter (I’m more sensitive to sound & emotions, more easily agitated, more difficulty concentrating, relationship to food is vastly different – my digestion is more sluggish, I want to eat more but don’t get full, can’t warm up, harder to relax, hold my breath more, tired but not sleepy). Does any of that sound familiar?

For most of my life I thought I was alone. Thank goodness I found Yoga and eventually my studies expanded to include the sister science to Yoga called Ayurveda.  According to Ayurveda, we are all made up of the 5 elements; ether, air, fire, water and earth.  The 5 elements combine to create the three doshas; Vata (air and ether), Pitta (water and fire) and Kapha (water and earth.)  We are each born with varying quantities and qualities of the doshas, denoting our unique psychobiological make-up or constitution.  One of the three doshas is usually primary, one secondary, and the third least prominent.  Health depends on maintaining this proportion in balance.

Here’s the thing.  STAYING WELL IN WINTER IS HARDER FOR US IN COLDER CLIMATES.

It is much easier to maintain balance (mentally, emotionally, physically) let’s say in Spring and Fall. So what do we do? Give up? NOPE. That’s not it. If we don’t get off the couch the downward energy and sluggishness INCREASE and we feel worse. Bummer. The answer to maintaining balance (or at least have a shot at it) is to address the high degree of Kapha in all of us this time of year and keep moving.  YOGA ENERGIZES:  it helps restore energy to a tired body allowing cells, senses and nerves to quiet down.  It increases circulation to the adrenals, thyroid and kidneys which are the storehouse of energy.  YOGA REDUCES STRESS: it reduces cortisol and other stress hormones which drain the body of energy from being in fight or flight response.

However, the Yoga we should do is a steady slow-flow with some holding of poses and more inversions.  So that’s what we’ll offer you.  All you have to do to feel your best this Winter is show up for class.  You guys we have to keep the momentum going, it’s only January 25^th….we have a ways to go until Spring my friends. Just don’t give up! Stay the course. 

 

My themes for evening classes this week:

Jan 25^th Level 1 at 6:15pm-7:15pm and Basics 7:30pm-8:30pm:  Lazy People’s Yoga

Jan 26^th Basics 6:15pm-7:15pm Yoga and Weight Loss and 7:30pm-9pm Level 2 Yogapalooza (linking a gazillion poses gently, sweetly to one another)

Jan 27^th 6:15pm Level 1 Slow Flow for Home Practice

Jan 28^th 7:30pm Level 1 Using Inversions Safely for Healthy Metabolism

Jan 29^th 6pm Level 1 Avoiding Stuckness

Jan 31^st 4:30pm Level 1-2 followed by 6pm Wine and Cheese Party (Why Do A Yoga Retreat – Benefits of Spiritual Adventure)

 

So let’s plan a date. Make and keep this appointment with your LIFE, don’t skip Winter, get out there, stay involved and active in your life! Love the day, Silvia (Bonus article below)

 

 

 

”Staying Well in Winter Conditions

Winter brings in a handful of elements that may disturb the healthy balance we maintain during more moderate seasons. Cold weather disturbs, and increases vata. Add the dryness in the air, caused by indoor heat and it increases doubly. Kapha is affected in damp, cold conditions and can also be also exacerbated from not getting much fresh air and natural light.

When the air outside remains cold, it provokes the Vata quality in us all; inside the constant blowing of dry heat can also disturb vata through the quality of dryness; remember that balancing Vata is key to all individuals since when Vata moves, it directly affects the complementary elements, or doshas, for better or worse. Cold, windy and dry conditions can be hard to avoid altogether, and the following actions can counteract disturbed Vata:

* Staying well covered in cold climates - hats, scarves, and gloves 

* Nourishing the insides with warming foods, drinks and spices to promote internal fire

 

*Do more Yoga. Slowly flowing and interspersed with longer holdings an inversions to keep energy moving upward. Make sure to stay warm during the whole practice and cover up during savasana at the end of the practice

* Special attention to skin care in cold/dry conditions - keeping the skin, hair and nails hydrated and lubricated 

* Establish and keep to a daily routine - balancing vata in this way will help to keep all the doshas in balance”

Detox Flow For Haiti: Sweat for a Cause 

Kick Start Your New Year Yoga With This 2 Hour Yoga Intensive to Raise Money and Awareness for Haiti. And to support your local studio on January 23rd, Yoga Day 2010. This 2 Hour Class Will Help You Clear The Obstacles Of 2009 And Get Ready For The Best Year Ever!! Team Taught by Silvia Mordini and Liz Leffert 3pm-5pm.

What does the practice look like? Silvia Mordini has designed some fantastic vinyasa flows for all levels of yogis for the first hour and Liz Leffert has prepared some Partner Yoga and restorative sequences for the second hour of deliciousness. Join us, sweat for a cause both local and global and do something good for yourself by improving your circulation, stimulating your digestion, and emerge feeling serene and refreshed. We all have a lot that we want to accomplish in 2010 and you don't want any of your old patterns holding you back. We will take time to write, meditate, recite mantra, rest and sweat it out! Please join us January 23 from 3pm-5pm. 

COST: FREE. Toilet Paper Contribution for your local studio, TBY and any donation to Lamp for Haiti whose medical director is the brother and brother-in-law of TBY Students Deb Cunningham and Dan Cunningham. Check them out at http://www.lampforhaiti.org/

 

NOVEMBER 30, 2009: Who amongst us wasn’t out of the “flow” of our routine last week for Thanksgiving? Just that hiccup, even for great reasons like being with family and friends, can turn our worlds upside down. It is a time when we see a lot of folks fall away from their practice of yoga as we start racing, running, stumbling towards the finish line of December 31st. But this year, instead of crawling over that finish line because we are over tired and stressed by being out of the flow I welcome you to stay with your Yoga.

Let’s refind the Flow and commit to staying in alignment (physically and spiritually) these last few weeks of the year so that we don’t just barely make it but that we enjoy each of these long nights and feel our best selves by New Years. This can be the time of MOST healing, not less.

Invite the alignment of what you think be in the same flow as your actions and desires. Remember the yoga teaches us that how we look at the world determines what we get out of life. Our thoughts are energy so begin by finding flow and ease in your thoughts by controlling your breath. This flow of easeful, life affirming thoughts then shapes our actions. What happens if we are out of the flow? Well you know it – a stuckness, stagnation, a lack of ease (disease). That is not our natural state. Our most natural state when we live in the current of grace is to be inspired, the latin means “in spirit”. When we are in the flow we live our life from spirit, from heart in a most inspired way. And the flow leads us to inspire all those around us. The flow embraces all with love and peace. That is my wish for you, please stay in the flow of yoga so your life moves each day forward with ease and most of all love. With joy in my heart, Silvia

AUGUST 5TH, 2009:  A friend gave to me not too long ago a sweet little book that is powerful beyond measure. I have since purchased many copies to give as gifts to friends.  The book is "The Way to Love" and contains the Anthony de Mello's final thoughts as he grapples with the ulimate question of love.  In 31 meditations he implores his readers to break through illusion, the great obstacle to love.  "love springs from awareness, " de Mello insists, saying that it is only when we see others as they are that we can begin to really love.  This task, however, is not easy.  "The most painful act," he continues "is the act of seeing. But is in that act of seeing that love is born."

Today I meditated on the HARDEST YOGA POSE, being ourselves.

de Mello speaks to this as he offers us these words "Compare the serene and simple splendor of a rose in bloom with the tensions and restlessness of your life. The rose has a gift that you lack: It is perfectly content to be itself.  It has not been programmed from birth, as you have been, to be dissatisfied with itself, so it has not the slightest urge to be anything other than it is.  That is why it posseses grace and absense of inner conflict.  You are always dissatisfied with yourself, always wanting to change yourself. So you are full of violence and self-intolerance which only grows...any change you achieve is always accompanied by inner conflict.  And you suffer when you see others achieve what you have not and become what you are not."

So from a yogic view we have the power to make ourselves.  Our suffering comes when we try to bring about changes based on what other people want us to be or society says we should be or we compare and compete with our neighbors getting jealous or envious.  The INTENTIONS our aspirations we have for ourselves can manifest without our coercing, forcing or doing battle to be someone else, to be something we are not.  For if we try to find happiness being what someone else wants us to be we will only ever be second best. We can only be OUR BEST SELF. 

De Mello compares says this is "an exhausting self-defeating process like driving with your brakes on." Which by the way in my jeep I actually have tried...doesn't work that well.

To me what we are speaking to here is the difference between being selfish (which is good) and self-intolerant.  If we really like ourselves and have confidence in our life choices based on what is good for us then we ignite our greatest potential from within.  We "run our own race" as I'm fond of saying.  We no longer get upset, restless or dissatisfied with who we are. 

We are all just flowers in the garden of life. The universe respects our diversity and wants us to bloom as our unique selves.  I have often referred to myself as a delicate flower, and you are too, so let us selfishly love ourselves as we are while on the path to achieving our highest aspirations.

Love to you all, Silvia

 

JULY 29, 2009:   Love thinks, it is not a mindless feeling and falls asleep mentally.  It keeps busy in thought, knowing that your thoughts precede your actions. (Quote from where I can’t remember but totally inspiring me today and everyday!) 

When you first fall in love don’t you think about the other person a lot?  Don’t you think about where are they, when will I see them, what are they doing, what are they wearing, when can we talk again and on and on. We even tell them, “I’m thinking about you.”  So this makes the point that LOVE IS ACTIVE.  It is not something passive.  Love thinks!  It moves it flows.  It is like water always engaged with the rivers banks, flowing around the fallen trees, boulders or whatever comes into its path for it seeks out to keep moving forward while it caresses all in its path. 

 

We are like water, actually the human body is 60-85% made up of water science tells us.  This flow is a way of vinyasa krama hatha yoga.  Vinyasa yoga is a great way to release some of the tension in our lives so we can transform our bodies, and learn to be present so we can transform our minds. In class we are invited to move smoothly, let out our aggressions, and leave behind bad feelings we might've been fostering.  (Tension is resistance to change)

 

We must think love and turn away thoughts of fear (fear is stagnant, smelly, unhealthy, sleepy, passive).  But when we think love we find ourselves being passionately at home in our bodies and honest in our emotions.  This makes us desirable and alluring.  Folks that are rooted in loving themselves are MAGNETIC.  So if we are thinking love we give off this vibe that we are fascinated with the ‘e”motions/motions and flow of our hearts.  And cool thing is others will feel this as well

 

So today do not let your mind restrict your flow.  Think LOVE.   Invoke this second chakra, the water element, to help you think love into a more creative, powerful, patient, adaptable and receptive way of life! 

 

Enjoy my personal mantra:

I love myself

I am love

I offer love

I receive love

 

JUNE 10:

Today’s Guest Blogger is Chance Olesak

Summer Vacation…..

Summertime is here (although the weather this past Sunday night suggests otherwise) and that is the time of year most everyone enjoys. Long days, warm weather, vacation time for us kids!!! Summer is a great time of the year to unwind, a time let go from all that bogs us down in life. However not all of us are kids or young adults in school. We don’t get a guaranteed vacation for 3 months out of the year. Most of us are 9-5’ers with everyday jobs and find it hard to even sniff at a day off for months to years. Everyone needs time off, a vacation……or do we?? Why should we have to travel to exotic places to be free from work, when vacation could be as far as the next step we take?

"…you can live a whole lifetime, without ever being awake" —Way of the Peaceful Warrior

As it says in the Alchemist; "The secret is here in the present. If you pay attention to the present, you can improve upon it. And if you improve on the present, what comes later will also be better. Forget about the future, and live each day according to the teachings, confident that God loves his children. Each day, in itself, brings with it an eternity." I’ve read quite a few books the past couple months and all of them are intertwined. They all share a common ideal of living the moment. You can truly be free at anytime, on any given day, anywhere in this world.

"There are no ordinary moments" —Way of the Peaceful Warrior

Being a collegiate swimmer I initially got introduced to yoga for the physical aspect of it. I’d do a DVD yoga session for 5:00 AM swim practice 3 days a week. Burning a sweat and stretching out my 5’4 body so as to help me swim like I was 6’4! My coach cut out the shavasana part of the DVD and figured it wasn’t important; it was a symbol of my life at the moment. I was missing out on the simple beauty and joys’ of life. My swimming career came to an end after a shoulder injury and I needed surgery to repair it. I was lost, torn and didn’t know where to turn for an answer. I came across the book "Way of the Peaceful Warrior". And in the weeks following my mom introduced me to Total Body Yoga.

Through my reading of a couple books lately and my yoga practice I’ve learned to let go. To not dwell on the past and worry about what the future may hold. I love each day as if it were a blessing; I put 100% into whatever moment is placed upon my path, not wasting any extra energy or thoughts on what may or may not happen. I just go with the flow. Yoga then helps teach us to flow like water. "Nothing in the world is more flexible and yielding than water. Yet when it attacks the firm and strong, none can withstand it. "–Saltwater Buddha

Go with the flow my friends. We are all faced with challenges and decisions in life. Decide on a path and go down it. Don’t look back, but don’t look ahead too far or you’ll miss out on everything that is going on around you. Most of all do something because you want to do it. Find the joy in whatever it is you’re doing at that moment and in every moment. "The journey is what brings happiness, not the destination" –Way of the Peaceful Warrior Life is what you make it to be. So make it a good one. Physically we might not be able to get away but mentally we can. Be happy, smile, be free, and be present in this moment.

Namaste


My Reading List:
Way of the Peaceful Warrior (It’s also a movie available on DVD!!!)
The Alchemist
Yeah Dave’s Guide to Livin’ the Moment
Saltwater Buddha
Siddhartha

MARCH 6TH, 2009:  Interesting enough, children laugh 300 times or more per day while adults laugh an average of 17 times per day.  We clearly have lots of catching up to do according to Heather King.  When it comes to yoga it is as my idol Judith Lasater who says, "yoga practice is important but not serious. Practice is too important to be serious."  RIGHT ON!  Life can appear pretty serious so as a result it can be easy to take it and ourselves way too seriously. 

That’s how yoga can help.  It works to maintain our balance by really finding the FUN on the mat through playful practice.  This idea of Lila Tandava, “the playful dance of life” helps us to find the humor in even the most ridiculous and most challenging poses on the mat and off.  We discover there is always play even within the most serious moments – this is how we thrive not just survive difficult situations.  Even if you walk into class and don’t feel very playful it still works to help us soften our edges and be a little less rigid.  Yoga helps make us feel lighter!

  

Of all the ways that yoga has saved my life.  Without a doubt it is the Sacred Fun of the practice that has helped me live life more fully and with greater enjoyment.  I implore you then today to waste not a moment longer stand up, wiggle, sway your arms, dance, move, breath.  Reconnect to the kid inside your adult body!  And feel how this helps you in the words of Tagore “attend the birthing of the radiant light within you.” 

 

JANUARY 9TH, 2009:    Vinyasa yoga is a great way to flush out some of the tension in our lives so we can transform our minds and improve the loving flow from our hearts. In class we are invited to move smoothly, letting go of the hard edges as we invoke the Water Spirit by moving like water.  When you think about it what is tension but resistance to change.  The water element which is the element of the 2^nd chakra governs all watery things about us: circulation, tears, peeing, congestion, orgasm.  Makes sense, water flows, moves and changes and a healthy second chakra allows us to go with the flow and navigate the changes in life with grace and ease.   

 

So today I dedicate this practice to a dear friend who is just now really allowing themselves to open up to taste the sweetness of life! You know who you are.  And I want to thank my teacher Shiva Rea for sharing with me the Jala Namaskar that inspired the physical practice.

 

For those of you not able to join us, when you feel stuck or overally demanding of your body, your life, your relationships (like you want them to be different than what they are) invoke the water element.  Engage fluid vinyasa movement, curving flow, backbends, and mandalas (rotations) of all the major joints to mimic the way water circles and spirals.  I wish for you for me for all of us that this chakra helps us to feel what we’re feeling, that it helps us open to life even when its scary, to lessen our resistance to being happier than ever before and that you feel more sensual in the way you breath, eat, drink, move and touch the world!  A big warm embrace for all of you, Silvia