Mysore Magic: yoga at the source – ashtanga yoga documentary film.

http://muvi.es/983/13486

Reblogged from Cheekytree:

I believe that the secret to a long, happy life lies in simplicity and beauty and this short film reaffirms that belief. Shot in Fire Island, New York, this inspiring short film (4 min. 23 sec) created by artist and filmmaker Julia Warr captures the secrets of eternal youth as Maia Helles, a Russian ballet dancer turns 95 but still remains resolutely independent, healthy and as fit as a forty year old.  “My secret to long life is simplicity, work and enjoyment.” Maia Helles Maia’s beauty shines not …

Inside beauty.

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But home is far away
In the Dark, we can’t make out the sea.
No stars point our ways to the shore
Wind comes from all directions
Cutting our bones.
By Wang Ping
January is a time of brisk, crisp, sparkling skies and clean air— an inspiration to get outside and get some exercise. January is cold wind and early darkness that feels likes an assault.
Sometimes I revel in the snappy skies, sometimes I grouse about having to wear shoes and boots and socks and sweaters. . . It can be depressing. I’m thinking about those times when the glass is less than half empty— it isn’t even there, which doesn’t matter because there is nothing to pour into it, anyway.
In winter, “wind comes from all directions.” We shrug our shoulders and hollow out our chests to make our bodies smaller and less exposed. “Home is far away.”
If you’ve lost your job or your good friend or relationship, if you’re feeling stuck in the same obnoxious spot, or if you feel like you’ll never get where you want, what you want, when you want, this is a particularly poignant time of year. You might remember all your good hopes, desires and wishes from last year, and feel especially hurt if they didn’t come true.
Grieve. Then close the door on what is lost or should be. Mark this day with a ritual. Write a poem or paint or take photographs. Go for a long run. Play racquetball.
Maybe you’ll experience a deep movie or a book— something to take your attention. Enjoy a good meal with a friend and talk all night. Spend the day in meditation, then light some incense and relax in a warm soothing bath. Move on.
Generous action is an important antidote to feelings of worthlessness, aloneness and depression. Find someone who needs a hand and lend yours— that will feel make you feel better. Knowing that you made a difference helps you feel more worthy.
Give something to yourself, too. Not an object, but an experience, a way to live differently. Set yourself one goal. Just one, that’s enough. There may be other changes you’d like to make, but take it one bit at a time; transformations are more powerful and more likely to succeed if you work focused, deep and slow.
In January many people make resolutions, and by February many people forget them. Resolutions can feel fiery, but they are often surrounded by cold water. Your resolve will be tested, and sometimes extinguished. Don’t give up. Start over.
Starting over gets easier with practice. Younger people often feel that all is lost, life is over, there is nothing left to do. A person who is a bit older and more seasoned has been through difficulties before, and may be more optimistic— knowing that after all is lost something gets found again. Life is a process: you fail, you win, you sail along— until you fail again and the cycle starts over. If you don’t fail, you probably haven’t tried anything new; failure is an audition for eventual success.
Recently a dear man who had been very ill, who thought he was going to die, told me that he needed to get used to being helped doing things that had been easy for him. Even though it was hard for him to accept help, he needed it, and he learned to feel grateful and become more loving to his family. He is thankful for his life, especially because it may be coming to a close. I am thankful that I can spend time with him.
Every morning when we wake up we’re starting over.

Image via Wikipedia

I’ve been practicing yoga for over 50 years and I’m a graduate of the Integral Yoga Institute, which, according to a survey run by “Yoga Journal” holds the record for the safest yoga school in the U.S.

I have accrued untold mind/body benefits, but a few sore spots too- like my Achilles tendons- so I baby them and take care of my 67 year old body by paying attention and giving myself what I need.

I know how to protect myself; but often the people who need yoga the most are also the least knowledgeable and most liable to injury. They are likely to take “open classes” which are billed as OK for everybody. They are not. If you’re new to yoga take a class for beginners, or study privately with a competent teacher.

What everyone needs to remember is that yoga is not only exercise. Yoga is a philosophy and a psychology that stresses mindfulness and compassion to oneself and to others.

This means:
1. Pay attention.
2. Be open to learn.
3. Don’t force yourself or let yourself be forced into anything.There is no place for coercion in yoga.
4. There isn’t any room for competition, either.
5. Follow your breath. If you’re breathing is ragged, take a rest.
6. Bring a refillable bottle of water with you. A small sip of water might be helpful at times.
7. If something hurts, don’t do it.
8. Leave your ego outside the yoga room.

Image via Wikipedia

Material and Spiritual Dev’t Must Go Hand in Hand; His Holiness.