लोकाः समस्ताः सुखिनो भवन्तु

Lokah Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu

I was thinking about my message for the month of May and this mantra popped into my mind: Lokah Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu.  I think it’s because the English translation of the mantra begins with the word, “May”.  "May all beings everywhere be happy and free."

“Man” is mind and “Tra” is vehicle.  A mantra is a sacred word we can repeat to affirm something to ourselves and allow that meaning to merge into our subconscious and to bring about a positive pattern or habit.  To me, a mantra is a way of praying and this particular mantra has been passed down through generations by way of oral tradition. A more detailed translation is: “May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may my thoughts, words, and actions contribute in some way to happiness and freedom for all.”

The Sanskrit breakdown of this peace mantra is as follows:

• lokah: location, realm, all universes existing now

• samastah: all beings sharing that same location

• sukhino: centered in happiness and joy, free from suffering

• bhav: the divine mood or state of unified existence

• antu: may it be so, it must be so (antu used as an ending here transforms this mantra into a powerful pledge)

  When we add the “Lokah” mantra to our yoga practice, we affirm our capacity to create freedom and happiness in the lives of others. Mother Teresa reminded us that “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.”   For me, praying this mantra is a way to do something small and great because of its power to make available happiness and freedom to every creature, everywhere.

  “May all beings everywhere be happy and free." mantra also reminds me of the Buddhist Metta or Loving Kindness Prayer which is so simple, but so profound. This prayer begins by a repeating a blessing for oneself and then, expanding out by sending that blessing to our loved ones, the sick, and eventually to all beings, even our enemies and all creatures. There are many variations of the Metta meditation and you can even make up your own version to suit your intentions.

  The CHY family wishes to send you the following blessing:

  May you live with ease, may you be happy, may you be free from pain.  May your life be filled with happiness, health, and well-being.

   Namaste,

  Romy & the CHY Family

  Here is a one of my favorite versions of this mantra by Deva Premal

Are you feeling Springy?

Check out my dear friend, Yogi Mojie as she shifts into Spring and battles cancer

Are you feeling Springy?     No? Maybe?
 

It maybe hard to feel springy when we just weathered one of the  coldest winters ever, and it snowed on April 2, but Spring is coming.  Pattabhi Jois, the great yoga Guru said: “ Practice and all is coming.”  While Spring is a time of rebirth and transition, you maybe feeling stuck or anxious and still thawing out from our beautiful but long winter.  It may be hard to shift out ot the winter hibernation, to shed your layers and have access to your vivacious energy and vitality. But just like yoga, we have to create practices that will help us make space to transition into a new season.  Shifting from winter to spring, physically and energetically will help us to refresh our bodies, homes, schedules and set intentions to ease into the season of rebirth.

Here are 5 of my favorite practices that I use to shift into Spring!

1. GET OUTSIDE-  This is the easiest way to shift your energy.  Step outside for short or long walks and take deep breaths.  Invite fresh air into your body and soothe your mind. Spend some time in silence out in nature and close your eyes and listen for the birds and the sounds of Spring.  

2. BRING SPRING IN -  Find ways to bring Spring indoors to you.  Essential oils are great for soothing the senses.  Use some of your favorite Spring scents like, lavender, and orange and spray your home, curtains and linens.  Adorn yourself with color: change out your pillows and tablecloths and bring out favorite colorful patterned clothing.  Place colorful flowers in beautiful vases around your home and even at work at your desk.

3. LET GO!-   Practice Aparigraha or letting go by decluttering you home, care, and office space.  Bring out your Spring wardrobe and donate everything that no longer lights you up! Keep only what makes your energy go up!  Try something new like a hair cut. I am loving mine! This is also a great time to assess how you spend your time and energy.  Review your commitments; notice how you are spending your time to see what you value and what serves you.

4. RADICAL SELF CARE!  Feel better by taking care of your body-  Visit your Chiropractor and get an adjustment; Get Acupuncture and prepare your body to transition energetically and stay ahead of the allergies that comes with the flowers.  Get a massage -Treat yourself to some good body work as this is one of the best self care tool.

5. PRACTICE YOGA -  To me the most important step to shifting into Spring is to Practice more of the 8- fold path of yoga.  Now is the best time to recommit to your practice. Our theme this month at CHY is Pranayama, or breathing.  Perfect timing to breathe new life into your practice. Join our newer pilates classes and strengthen your core and get ready for bathing suit season!

Inhale the new  and  Exhale the old!

Namaste,