Fast & Fluid

For a long time I had suffered the dilemma of bringing in other cardiovascular forms of exercise to complement my yoga practice.

Running? Ummm...I despise running. Besides, it can't be good for the knees, now can it?

Cycling? Ehhhh....not my cup of tea. Phobia of thunder thighs!
Tennis? The more I play the worse I get.

Volleyball? A friend once told me that volleyball players' radius when put under x-ray reveals a web of hairline fractures!

I was never really a big fan of swimming. Firstly because I had always thought it a hassle to change into my swimsuit, get wet and then having to take a shower immediately. Secondly, if I remembered clearly from observing the swimmers during school days, the chlorine in pools was potent enough to turn your hair mossy green!

Even when I moved into my apartment more than 2 years ago, I had never been tempted to take a dip in the pool despite the alluring charm of its surrounding landscape. Only recently did I begin to appreciate the benefits of this enchanted element - WATER.

Besides the apparent physical benefits (low impact workout, increases flexibility, improves alignment, develops better lung capacity etc...) merely submerging myself in the weightless abyss brings about a comforting sense of calm and serenity. In fact the state of mind during swimming is similar to that of when moving through asanas. The integration of breath and movement, the single pointedness of concentration and the inward drawing of awareness.

These days, I just cannot wait to sneak off for my therapeutic rendezvous with the pool...

The Key to Happiness

Over the weekend, I managed to watch what I felt was one of the most powerfully captivating, real-life stories ever told. 'Into the Wild', a 2007 film based on the adventures of the young Christopher McCandless whom, fed up with the ills of society denounces his family and all material wealth and journeys into the beautiful but harsh conditions of Alaska in search of the true meaning to man's existence. Unfortunately, Christopher's life met a tragic end shortly after he came to the self-realization that true happiness can only be experienced when shared.

Watching the film brought me to ponder upon what happiness meant to us individually. Some think it can be found in material wealth, social rank and power, the temporary highs of which are decreasing in popularity in this new age of awareness. Nevertheless, neither is the answer found sitting in a cave, meditating. Such was the living proof of my Saddhu friend  whom I had met in Uttarkashi. I later found out that he decided to reunite with his family after more than two decades living the spiritual life of an ascetic holy man.

"Happiness is only real when shared.", Christopher Johnson McCandless writes shakily with his last ounce of energy.

My Saddhu friend approximately 1 week before deciding to return home.

In fact the message cannot be more obviously put across that the quest for ultimate happiness  lies in the continuous flow of love discovered through internal inquiry and externalized through the compassionate act of giving, sharing and forgiving.

"Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive." - The Dalai Lama

Yoga & Alcohol

A friend forwarded me a rather interesting email this morning. Never better timing! Just as I was recovering from the previous night's celebration in ode to Arthur.

RESEARCH CONFIRMS THAT DRINKING GIVES YOU THE SAME BENEFITS AS YOGA DOES...

SAVASANA

Position of total relaxation

BALASANA

Position that leaves a sensation of peace and calm

SETU BANDHA SARVANGASANA
This position calms the brain and heals tired legs

MARJAYASANA
This position stimulates the midriff area and spinal column

HALASANA

Excellent for back pain and insomnia

DOLPHIN

Excellent for strengthening shoulder area, thorax, legs and arms

SALAMBHASANA 

Great exercise to stimulate the lumbar area, legs, and arms

ANANDA BALASANA
This position is great for massaging the hip area

  
MALASANA
This position strengthens the ankles and back muscles

The Music of Yoga

I remember very vividly the first time I was introduced to the Sarvangasana because that was when I found out that yoga can be quite a musical experience. OK, that was an exaggerated statement on my part but for those of us who have practised yoga before, (whether or not we would like to admit it) have discovered that flatulence is a common occurrence during our weekly date with the mat.

There was this incident when the yoga instructor conducted a class focusing on twists. Here I was, concentrating and breathing slowly to deepen my Ardha Matsyendrasana, when I heard a faint staccato of rapid expulsions as if someone was performing the Kapalabathi. As we progressed through our series of twists, the somewhat rhythmless expulsions became more regular. Eventually, I came to realize that the woman a couple of mats away was releasing an orchestra of woodwind performance everytime we exhaled into a deep twist. 

Yoga farts or varts (only applicable to women) are usually experienced when one does an inversion or a twist. There is nothing explicitly wrong with farting while striking a pose. In fact, the yogic movements of twisting and inverting, churn and massage our internal organs, which encourage the release of built up gas within our intestines. This internal relaxation results in the phenomenon of uncontrollable farting.

Some Fart-Inducing Poses:

What To Do?

1) Stay away from beans, legumes or any gaseous foods before class.

2) Warm up by performing fart-inducing poses at home prior to the class.

3) Try this Fart Suppressing Technique if all else doesn't work! 

4) You could also find these useful - Kegel Exercises and engaging your Mula Bandha (Specifically to address varts). 

Farting is nothing to be embarrassed or apologetic about as we are afterall dealing with a  perfectly natural process. Like life, the experience of yoga should not be taken too seriously. Smile and appreciate the miraculous workings of our body. Well, at least it serves as a comical accompaniment to the latest Shiva Rea compilation playing in the background.

In the mean time, to aid you in your practice, have a Fart Fest watching this :-)

The Quest for Golden Poo

In the past few years colon cleansing and detoxification methods have gained popularity among the new health-conscious generation of city dwellers. Suddenly, health centers mushroom throughout the Klang Valley offering various programs for this new way of body rejuvenation. 


But like all latest fads, supported by over-hyped reviews, media coverage, extensive marketing and Voilà! the glowing bright-eyed consultant exclaims, "This limited time promotion will only cost you a mere RM300 per session, or you may purchase a special 5 session package for RM1,250 and not forgetting the recommended specially formulated liquid diet for only RM320 (all in the name of health, of course)."

OR
There is the DIY Enema Kit that can be purchased online and discreetly delivered right to your doorstep with step by step instructions and all the tools necessary to get you started on the program to expel all bodily toxins in the comforts of your own home. Well, the only drawback is that you will have to stick it up your A**SE!

OR 

You could do it the cheaper, natural and non-invasive way, the way yogis have practised for hundreds of years. Let me introduce to you..... 

SANGKA PRAKSALANA

*Do take note that the description provided below does not serve as a guide for self experimentation. Please consult a certified yoga instructor for further details of the process.

1) Heat up 5-6 liters of salted water (1 tablespoon of salt per liter of water).

2) Drink a glass of this solution (at least 250 ml) and perform a specific set of  exercises consisting of 4 yogic movements. Continue with this sequence (drinking and performing the exercise) until you have consumed about 6 glasses of the solution. By then you should have an uncontrollable desire to 'Unleash the Siphon', or put simply, 'Pee your butt out'.

3) Repeat step 2) several times.  Initially, the evacuated substance will resemble chocolate soft serve, but gets softer and clearer with each evacuation, until finally it becomes as clean and clear as the solution first drunk. Once this is attained, stop the evacuation by drinking 3 cups of warm unsalted water and perform the Jala Vaman Dhauti (vomiting technique explained in my earlier post).

4) The first meal must be consumed between half an hour to an hour after the last glass of unsalted water is drunk. This meal should consist of boiled white rice mixed with at least 40 grams of butter. Dairy products, sour foods and raw veggies/fruits are forbidden for the next 24 hours. Spices (except salt), meat and alcohol are forbidden for the next 48 hours.

Important Tips

a) Perform this on en empty stomach.

b) Ensure you have exclusive rights to the toilet for half a day.

c) For the next 24 hours after the procedure, avoid any over exertive physical activity and contact with cold air or water.


Now comes the long awaited part which makes it all worth while. The practitioner will not only be bestowed with radiant skin, peaceful sleep and fresher breath, but the stools that appear 24 to 48 hours later will be golden yellow in colour and odourless , just like a baby's.

The Other Side of Tibet

In this time and age, where mankind perceives human rights as a given birth right, it is shocking to realize that there are still millions born into imprisonment. This is the sad story of Tibet, a country with such distinct culture and captivating nature, all of which have been destroyed by the Great Leap Forward, a socio-economic plan led by Chairman Mao in 1959 to transform China into a modern communist country.

The Chinese government, under the false pretense of helping to provide education, only set up schools in cities and not in the rural areas where majority of the Tibetan nomads live.  Local Chinese have been encouraged to move into Tibet with the sinister aim of weeding out the original residents. Present day ethnic cleansing is what it is.

Every Tibetan I met in Dharamsala had his/her own story to tell. Each, a touching journey of endurance and hope. Sangye, my Tibetan cooking class teacher escaped his beloved homeland when he was just 22 years old with his best friend. Being young and reckless, the duo trekked over the himalayan mountains with only some dried cheese and meat. They braved the bone-chilling winter, when the Chinese soldiers hid in the warmth of their barracks and miraculously arrived in Nepal 28 days later without losing any body parts to frost bite. 3 days after, they were put on a bus to Dharamsala, India where Sangye has remained ever since.

Families risk their lives to escape and seek refuge in India, where the exiled Tibetan Government currently operates from. If caught by the Chinese soldiers, individuals are immediately put into jail as a political prisoner and subjected to creative torture techniques. However, if successful, exiled Tibetans have a chance at the taste of freedom. Freedom to exercise their fundamental rights of simply being Tibetan. Children are provided with free education, food and accommodation. Refugees look forward to meet their revered spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. Back in Tibet, any mention of the Dalai Lama, or the mere possession of His Holiness' picture could potentially put a Tibetan into prison.


Even then, life in India does not define freedom in the way most of us are accustomed to. Tibetan refugees are given a residential card which they will need to renew on a yearly basis. None of them have passports, which means that they can only remain in India. Most of them still have families back in Tibet, loved ones whom they will probably never meet again. Going back to Tibet is far too risky and even phone calls back home might be tapped by the Chinese Government, causing trouble for the families there.

Many Tibetans still speak passionately about their motherland and their fight for freedom. This is due to the efforts of the Dalai Lama and also international volunteers who are continuously bringing awareness to the world. However, time is running out as the younger generation assimilates with the rest of China.

Tibetan monks in the Dalai Lama's Temple in Dharamsala lighting lamps symbolizing renewed hope for freedom

We can do our little part in supporting the plight to free Tibet, not necessarily through donations, but simply by creating awareness among people we know, for it is only through awareness can we expect change to happen.

Delightful Dharamsala

At the mere mention of 'India' these are the first words that flash across one's mind - Spices! Curry! Taj Mahal! Ghandi! Bollywood! Rarely is India labeled a sanctuary, a refuge, a saviour, precisely what she has been, to a nation that never ceased to intrigue people from all around the world - TIBET.

Dharamsala was not part of the initial plan for my route through India. But as if a blessing in disguise, unfavourable weather conditions forced me to abort my trekking trip to the beautiful Valley of Flowers, an area which has recorded over 500 species of floral splendour. A few days earlier, Mägie, my Swiss friend had raved endlessly about Dharamsala. Aaron, the chatty vegetarian chef from England shared the same sentiments, along with Elisheva, the bubbly American Isreali, Takako, the Japanese expatriat, and the list of international fans goes on. That night I dreamed I was a Tibetan nomad riding freely through the vast dry plains of my mystical country.

I found myself for the next 8 days magnetically drawn to Mcleod Ganj, a suburb of Dharamsala which had officially become home to the exiled Tibetan government and thousands of refugees for the past five decades. It was a struggle to suppress my high expectations of this popular destination but the minute I stepped out of the bus, I knew I wouldn't be disappointed. That was the moment I fell in love with the little town of Mcleod Ganj and its Tibetan residents.

I was lucky enough to capture this on my camera - a spectacular 15 minute lightning show that graced the skies on the night of my arrival.

Every morning I was greeted by the cool fresh air and magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. First class pampering for the senses.

Mcleod Ganj boasts a smorgasbord of activities. So much to do in so little time!!! Pamper yourself with a Tibetan massage, challenge your limbs to a Yoga class, discover your healing powers by taking up a Reiki course, recreate tibetan delicacies at home by signing up for a cooking class, commit a good deed by volunteering at a tibetan refugee center, go bonkers shopping for cyrstals, thangkas and singing bowls, be shocked listening to ex-political prisoners retell their tale of escape and survival, release that little adventurer in you by exploring the nearby waterfalls and pine forests, be mesmerized by the animated stomping and clapping of tibetan monks debating away over spiritual teachings, and much more...

Simple, hearty, rustic and delicious tibetan cuisine can easily be found at every corner of the street. Tibetan food all the way for me...keep the momos coming!!!

Dharamsala is undoubtedly my favourite place in India. If one had not known better, this colourful display of life seems to reflect joy, happiness and prosperity of its people. However, there lies a deeper and darker truth to what lurks beneath this facade. A past of tragedy, a present of growing awareness, and a future that relies on the compassionate nature within all of us.

....TO BE CONTINUED...

Neti Pots, Rubber Catheters & Saline Pints

The journey to India was sparked by the curious notion of what a 'YOGA HOLIDAY' experience would reveal. And what more at an ashram strategically nestled in the mysterious Himalayas, right by the banks of the great River Ganga! And did my eyes not fail me?....for under RM50 per night inclusive of meals, accommodation, yoga and lectures?!!! Yo! I'm sold...India, here I come!

A 5 hour train ride and an 8 hour bus ride later, I finally arrive at the gates of the highly acclaimed Sivananda Kutir Ashram in Uttarkashi, my home in India for the next 10 days. I was relieved to be able to settle down comfortably at last after the nail-biting journey, many times just narrowly avoiding knocking the oncoming vehicle off into the steep ravine. 

Brushing off those unpleasant episodes, I must say that the view up the mountains was breathtakingly beautiful and the cool breeze much appreciated after the suffocating heat of Delhi. It was also during our lunch stop that I amusingly took a bite into my first 3D samosa.

The re-heated frozen 2D version we         The newly discovered freshly-made
get at home                                         3D version available only in INDIA!


All in a day's life at the ashram:

05:30am: Morning Call

06:00am: Satsang (Meditation, Chanting)

07:30am: Tea Time

08:00am: Yoga Class

10:00am: Vegetarian Brunch

11:30pm: Karma Yoga (Selfless Service)

02:00pm: Lecture & Meditation
03:30pm: Tea Time
04:00pm: Yoga Class

06:00pm: Vegetarian Dinner

08:00pm: Satsang (Meditation, Chanting)

10:00pm: Lights Out

 

Meal times at the ashram are observed in silence

 

The gushing Ganga right outside my dorm

We had the tastiest and healthiest food at the ashram with varieties ranging from plain rice, chapati, spiced papadoms, dhal and coconut chutney to different types of boiled grains and sweet banana custard topped with fragrant mango and pomegranate seeds.

Yoga classes twice a day complemented by only two vegetarian meals a day were working well for my much needed health regime. The last 2 months of almost daily indulgence in beer and wine left me with a newly developed paunch which I had been desperately trying to hide behind loose and dark clothing...not very sexy, unfortunately. Hence the strict ashram rule of NO ALCOHOL coupled with the lack of accessibility to a watering hole doused the flame of my inner cravings. (Of course being away from my enabler, back home, helped substantially. And whom I later found out also fared very well herself without me!)

Apart from the yoga asanas (postures) that we are accustomed to, yoga practices do also involve cleansing of the internal organs. Personally, I had only performed the Kapalabathi (forceful breathing process to cleanse the brain and lungs) and Tatrak (eye cleansing process where one stares as long as he/she can into the candle flame without blinking). We were introduced to 3 other Kriya (cleansing) methods that initially made us cringe. But after successfully attemtping all the three methods, I realized that excretion of mucous could never have been done so creatively or felt so refreshingly rejuvenating! Girls and boys, only attempt this on an empty stomach.

Yogic Kriyas 101                    

1) Jala Neti Kriya (performed by Miguel)

The saline solution is poured into one nostril via a neti pot and comes out through the other nostril. This is repeated for the other nostril. This helps cleanse the nasal cavaties of any impurities from pollution.

Personal Note:

At first I thought that this would have a stinging sensation but it was pleasantly soothing. The key is in the saline solution mixture (adequate salt added and temperature lukewarm). It is also important that the nostril where the solution is supposed to come out from should always be positioned forward and below the throat to prevent fluid backflow.

                                          

2) Sutra Neti Kriya (performed by Takako)

A rubber catheter measuring about 18" long and 3mm thick is slowly inserted up one nostril until it appears at the back of the throat. The catheter is brought out of the mouth with two fingers and moved back and forth 10 to 15 times. The same is repeated for the other nostril.

Personal Note:

This was the toughest kriya but still easier that it looked. When I first attempted this, I had a strong urge to sneeze. But after taking long and slow breaths, the sensation ceased. There was also a gagging sensation when the catheter came down the throat, but nothing too much to handle. Note that it is easier to use the index and middle fingers (rather than the thumb and index) to pinch the catheter back out of the mouth.

3) Jala Vaman Dhauti Kriya (performed by Takako)

2 to 3 pints of the same saline solution is quickly consumed until the stomach feels full or until there is an urge to throw up. Once the feeling is attained, the throat is tickled by the tips of two fingers to induce vomiting. With this, the solution and other accumulated waste from the stomach will gush out like a waterfall.

Personal Note: 

For me, this was the easiest to master (attributable to my pint-drinking days. I am also referring to the drinking and not the vomiting part. Why? Because I can handle my alcohol and I am not bulimic). To be performed not more than once a month. 

Now it's time for breakfast =)