Todays Yoga Magazine April 2017 by Todays Yoga Magazine

FLORIDA

MIAMI F FORT LAUDERDALE F PALM BEACH

APRIL 2017

ODAYSYOGA

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CELEBRATE

APRIL 22

ICRO PLASTICS IN OUR OCEANS

LOOKING TO NATURE

FOR GUIDANCE

BHAKTI CORNER SEA ANGELS GRACE OUR BEACHES

Plus: STUDIO SPOTLIGHT â&#x20AC;¢ HOT FUSION FLOW BENEFITS april 2017

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april 2017

CONTENTS

TODAYSYOGA 19

cover stories

In Celebration of Nature!

Studio Spotlight: Yogarosa

Micro Plastics in Our Oceans

april 2017

The yogis before our time looked to nature to become inspired. Did you ever notice many of our poses have animal or plant names? In honor of Mother Earth, tap into your natural side with these nature-inspired poses! with Mitch Marx

Rosa Santana, owner and founder of Yogarosa studio, had no idea that when her aerobics instructor didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t show up for class that it would lead her to her destiny of becoming an Iyengar yoga teacher and studio owner.

Our interconnectedness reaches far beyond our mats. It is time to combine our ocean breathing techniques with eco-friendly choices. Make your asana practice truly mindful by reflecting on how changing some of your daily habits can impact both the big blue and our own health. by Ă&#x2026;sa Guilamo

Pose of the Month

plus . . . 14 16 19 22 26 29 4

Everglades Tranquility The Seaside Sutras Bhakti Corner Relationships Eco Lifestyle: Clean and Green Find your Flow Directory

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Expires on April 30, 2017

april 2017

CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS Sunny Arfa is the founder of Feel Great Meditate TM. Sunny is an empowerment mind coach, educator, speaker, spiritual advisor, life transformational coach and provides many tools to activate spirit and balance energy within. She provides energy healing through yoga, breath-work, Kundalini, meditation and sound vibrational healing. Sunny is currently on tour in South Florida and also has private appointments on Skype. She is the author of Can You Imagine World Peace? and is the creator and voice behind the “Just Breathe” relaxation meditation CDs. Find out more at www.FeelGreatMeditate.com/free

TODAYSYOGA Executive Editor Julie Murphy

Managing Editor Lynzy Ferris

Director of Photography Sean Egiziano

Stephanie Gadaleta is a 200-hour certified vinyasa yoga teacher and has her Reiki level I certification. She teaches at Hot Salutations and American Yoga. You can find Stephanie’s blog at http://the9-5yogi.com

Ambassadors

Paty Renda • Jessica Coyne • Andre Viggiano Melody Tunks • Gabi Fernandez • Sarah Michelle

For Editorial:

Scott Feinberg counts his blessings as a dad, writer, entrepreneur and dedicated yogi. He is the founder of Kula Yoga Shala, a donation-based yoga and healing arts collaborative in Jupiter, FL www.KulaYogaShala.com. Scott’s teachings are steeped in the merging of the philosophical with the practical, rooted in the intention to establish a strong connection to one’s inmost essence which can then become the foundation from which we act in the world. He has launched non-profit yoga outreach initiatives in over 100 cities across the world, and been a presenting faculty member at The Omega Institute, The Caribbean Yoga Conference and The Omega Yoga Conference in NYC. @mysticmuse108 Nikki ‘Harini’ Bruno draws her inspiration from the natural world. She has spent time as a marine biologist, trail hiker, science teacher, yoga teacher, writer, musician, and she regularly races sailboats. She is the director of Student Coaching Services, an education company that teaches students the real-life skills they need to succeed in today’s fast-paced world. She weaves lessons from science and yoga into her work, helping teens create balance in their lives. Visit www.studentcoachingservices.com for more information.

Paty Renda is a 200 hour certified Aananda Hatha Yoga teacher and Vedic Thai Bodywork practitioner. She also holds certifications from Baby Om Yoga, Kids Yoga, Seniors Yoga, Vedic Thai Yoga Bodywork and Yoga Nidra meditation. Her wish is to make yoga playful, relaxing and appealing to every person in the world. Email Paty at citygoddessproject@gmail.com Also look for Paty Renda and The City Goddess Project on Facebook and at www.patyrenda.com

call 844 - 600 - YOGA e-mail: editorial@TodaysYoga.com

Regional Advertising Pedro Luna pedro@TodaysYoga.com Fern Conn fern@TodaysYoga.com Danielle Mercer danielle@TodaysYoga.com

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call 844 - 600 - YOGA Production Manager Jenny Diaz jenny@TodaysYoga.com

For Circulation:

call 844 - 600 - YOGA e-mail: delivery@TodaysYoga.com Dindy Yokel has been a yoga practitioner for more than 20 years, receiving her RYT200 certification in May 2016. She has been published in National Geographic, National Geographic Traveler, Arts & Opinion, ForeWord Review, SeaBreeze Publications, Southern Beverage Journal, among many others, under her own byline and as a ghostwriter. She is the founder and CEO of DindyCo PR & Marketing, an internationally recognized boutique agency specializing in public relations, marketing and advertising for luxury brands and services. www.yoginidindy.com and www.dindycopr.com

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TODAYS YOGA, INC President

Rina Jakubowicz is known for her vibrant and uplifting approach to yoga. She is an international bilingual yoga teacher, Reiki practitioner, motivational speaker, and author of Choose Peace: A Practical Guide to Consciousness. She has been a teacher of teachers for over 11 years, presenting at yoga conferences all over the United States and the world. Rina was Yoga Journal’s March 2015 cover model, and has been featured in Mantra Magazine, Yoga Journal Online, Today’s Yoga Magazine, and other worldwide publications. She also created Super Yogis’ Schoolhouse, a pioneering yoga curriculum for children and teens. Learn more at rinayoga.com. Eric Paskel is known for his rock ‘n’ roll personality in the normally quiet world of yoga. He’s an international yoga teacher, marriage-family counselor, and motivational speaker. He has been a teacher of teachers for over 16 years, presenting at events and festivals around the world. Eric is one of Gaiam TV’s featured teachers and created Yoga Journal’s 14-day program, Yoga Rocks. John Capouya, author of Real Men Do Yoga, used Eric as his inspiration for the book. Eric founded Yoga Shelter—a family of eight yoga studios—in 2004. Eric’s latest creation is his greatest masterpiece, Electric Soul Yoga. Learn more at ericpaskel.com.

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Jeffrey (JD) Diaz

Vice-President David Ramoy

455 NE 5th Avenue, Suite D-151 Delray Beach, Florida 33483 844 - 600 - YOGA Today’s Yoga Magazine is published monthly and distributed to over 300 locations throughout South Florida. Entire contents of this publication is copyright 2017 Todays Yoga, Inc., all rights reserved and may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without written permission from the publisher.

april 2017

In Celebration of Nature

he yogis before our time looked to nature to become inspired. Did you ever notice many of our poses have animal or plant names? In honor of Mother Earth, tap into your natural side with these nature-inspired poses! Before practicing this sequence, we suggest gently warming up with Cat-Cow pose, Dancing Lion and perhaps some Sun Salutations. You might add a prayer twist to further prepare the spine.

Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)

Transition: Start in High Plank and lower to the mat. Make sure fingertips align at the shoulder, or further down the torso to access more spinal extension. With toenails pressing down, straighten the legs, contracting the thigh muscles. Squeeze the gluteus muscles and root the pelvis to the earth. This will make it easier to lift the spine away from the mat. Roll the shoulders back and away from the ears. With each exhalation imagine growing taller and longer! Maintain a bend in the elbows as you work to utilize back strength rather than arm strength. Hold for five breaths.

Camel Pose (Ustrasana)

Transition: From Cobra Pose, press up into Plank and drop the knees into Tabletop. Camel Pose, a heart opener, extends the spine and opens the shoulders. Come upright from Tabletop and place the palms on the small of your back, fingers facing upward. Neutralize the pelvis and create lumbar support by lightly contracting the gluteus muscles. Look skyward and aim your heart towards it! With each exhalation, feel energy flowing up the spine, a sensation of lengthening upward and then back. Eventually consider bringing the hands to the heels, incorporating more depth. Breathe deeply and release tension in the jaw and neck. Hold for five breaths.

Demonstrated by

Written by

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MITCH MARX

LYNZY FERRIS

Yoga and Pilates Teacher, Delray Beach, FL

Photos by

SEAN EGIZIANO

Mitch found yoga in 1999. His previous career as a construction superintendent was stressful and over time it was less of a fit with how he wanted to live. He began teaching yoga in 2001; studying the Iyengar, Anusara, and Ashaya styles of yoga. Over the course of 18+ years, Mitch has studied extensively with many master teachers. He teaches at Simply Yoga of Delray Beach at 2275 S Federal Highway, provides private yoga instruction, and also teaches Pilates. Mitch’s furry yoga partner, Shiva, has been a devoted companion for 15 years. Shiva enjoys Downward-Facing Dog, Upward-Facing Dog, and Savasana, or truly any pose in which he can “assist”. Contact Mitch at 513-383-3478 mitchmarx@aol.com

Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)

Transition: From Camel, bring hands down into Tabletop. Tuck the toes and lift the hips, pressing back into Downward Dog. Note the distance between hands and feet in Downward Dog is relatively the same as in High Plank. Press into the fingers and especially into the index finger knuckles where they join the palm, alleviating weight from the wrists. Draw the shoulders away from the ears. Eye gaze is at the legs, releasing neck tension. Press the torso back towards the thighs so that there is flexion in the shoulders and a pike in the hips. Let your exhales release any tension in the hamstrings and calves, and note that the heels may or may not touch the earth. Hold for seven breaths.

Dolphin Pose (Ardha Pincha Mayurasana)

Transition: From Downward Dog, drop the forearms to the earth. Spread the palms wide and allow the crown of the head to drop down, but keeping the head off the mat. For tight hamstrings, bend the knees until comfortable while maintaining high hips. Use exhales to release tension from shoulders and hamstrings. Option for those with straight legs: change eye gaze by looking between the hands and work on leg lifts by alternating right and left leg up to the sky. Leg lifts will eventually bring you into your Forearm Stand, another one of nature’s creatures—“Feathered Peacock Pose” or Pincha Mayurasana (not featured). Hold for seven breaths.

Tree Pose (Vrksasana)

Transition: Drop the knees and bring the hands into Tabletop, returning to Downward Dog. Walk the feet to meet the hands at the top of the mat. Soften the knees and rise into Mountain Pose. Sweep the arms high and exhale them into prayer at heart center. Begin to transfer weight from the left leg to the right leg. Track the left foot up the inner right leg aiming to bring it to the inner calf or inner thigh, avoiding the knee joint joint. Once in Tree Pose, maintain steady balance by breathing calmly, contracting the navel to spine and pulling ribs in. Feel free, growing your branches (your arms) and playing with different variations. Maintain for 7 breaths then switch sides. You could also have fun by trying to maintain balance with your eyes closed! april 2017

ogarosa in Hallandale Beach, offers yoga classes and workshops following the lineage of B.K.S. Iyengar. The Iyengar style of yoga is based on the principles of anatomy and physiology with a strong emphasis on the development of proper musculoskeletal alignment; Using props such as blankets, bolsters, blocks and other equipment to bring intelligence and space to the areas of the body that are dull. Today’s Yoga Magazine chatted to Rosa Santana to find out more about her love for Iyengar Yoga. Rosa Santana, owner and founder of Yogarosa, had no idea that when her aerobics instructor didn’t show up for class that it would lead her to her destiny of becoming an Iyengar yoga teacher and studio owner. She was not only amazed at the art of doing nothing in Savasana, but also impressed at the attention to detail as well as the intelligent element of the practice. Rosa was was fortunate enough to go to India to study with BKS Iyengar during his 80th birthday celebration and notes that watching this Yoga Master in action was life changing. On one of the days, she watched Iyengar call up onto the stage a woman who was experiencing excruciating sciatic pain. He placed her in an asana and made the simple adjustment of moving her big toe, only to find the woman relieved of the agonizing pain. Rosa explains that with misalignment, one cannot experience the yoga chitta vritti nirodha, which is the stillness of the mind. In a state of yoga chitta vritti nirodah, one can have a vision of the soul. From that experience Rosa decided to dedicate her life to propagating his teachings in an authentic manner ever since. Yogarosa has been open since 2001 and facilitates an environment where everyone

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STUDIO SPOTLIGHT

Yogarosa

can learn and grow. Their students’ ages range from 20-95 and Yogarosa’s teachers are Certified Iyengar Yoga Teachers, or working towards Iyengar certification. Yogarosa has a partnership with the National MS Society to offer free yoga for those with MS. They have a special class for those who have difficulty getting up and down from the floor. The body naturally compensates when there are weaknesses or deficiencies in muscle strength and flexibility, and Iyengar Yoga teaches how to create a more balanced body. Yogarosa welcomes everyone as they are, to tune into their bodies and learn focus and concentration, as a vehicle to train the mind. They don’t only teach asana, they teach yoga as a vehicle for understanding of the Self. Rosa’s mission is not to heal all, but rather to spread the teachings of BKS Iyengar in an environment of inclusion and respect. Where anyone can benefit from the healing art of yoga regardless of their physical, emotional or financial condition. Visit Yogarosa at 110 N Federal Hwy, Suite 304, Hallandale Beach, FL, 33309. For more info, see www.yogarosa.com and Facebook www.facebook.com/Iyengar.Yoga.South. Florida (954) 456-6077

POSE OF THE MONTH Send us your yoga photo! In your post, tell us . . .

Karen Calcaño

is a yogini who lives in South Florida and loves nature and animals. “Nature is present and unapologetically authentic; a living, breathing example of the importance and beauty of interconnectedness. Maybe this explains why our pets seem to be so attracted to yoga mats when their humans are practicing. Maybe when we practice yoga, and burn through some of those layers, we vibrate for once, in the same frequency as they do, and this inevitably attracts them.” Instagram: @kcalcano Photo credit: Alex Dumas

How does yoga make you feel? How has yoga changed your life? Post on Instagram/FB with #potmTY AND tag @todaysyogamagazine or email “My POTM” to editorial@todaysyoga.com We’ll feature one pose a month in print and we’ll select some pics for TodaysYoga.com

Thanks again, yogis!

april 2017

The Eight Limb Path to live your life as a yogi… Polish The Mirror—The Purification Practice of Saucha

need only stop self identifying with the impermanent features of our life experience so that we can rest into our indwelling nature. Saucha is the precise practice that provides this support.

f I were to ask you if you’ve ever seen a dirty wall, most likely your answer would be something like, “Yes, of course I have.” Yet, according to the teachings of the Yoga tradition, the answer would be a definitive, “No, you haven’t.” Upon closer examination we come to realize that we have confused the essential nature of the wall with the conditioned nature of the wall.

We can embrace saucha as a moment-bymoment practice I like to call, “Clean as you go.” As we tend to accumulate stress unconsciously over the course of the day, our practice becomes making the unconscious conscious. With the intention to clean as we go, we can turn ordinary moments into reminders to come back to our true center.

The wall itself is clean. Yet over time, dirt and debris have accumulated on its exterior surface, giving it the illusion of being dirty. This is the distinction of dirt on the wall versus a dirty wall. What does this have to do with Yoga? Well, our essential nature is pure, joyful, whole and inherently free. Over time, we tend to self identify with the conditioning of our lives which acts as a veil that conceals our underlying nature. This understanding is key, as it gives us the framework to see that the spiritual path has less to do with becoming any of these things and more to do with revealing the already present pure state of our essential being. This is what brings us to the practice of saucha, the first of five niyamas included in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra—a 2,500-year-old treatise comprising teachings to support spiritual aspirants in their journey home to their true self. The niyamas represent a grouping of five personal observances describing the quality of space we hold for ourselves on our spiritual path.

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by Scott Feinberg

The translation of “saucha” is to clean or purify. This is commonly interpreted as maintaining a clean environment, home, diet and body. But to stop there sells the teaching short. The role of saucha is to clean away the accumulation of past impressions and the tendency to self identify with them as they will otherwise veil our basic nature. To believe otherwise establishes an orientation of being fundamentally separate from the goal of an awakened Self, so that this becomes something to attain on our spiritual path. A more nuanced understanding allows us to see there is truly nothing to attain. We

I like to use doorways as my reminders as they represent transitions from one encounter into the next. This is a powerful place to practice, as we tend to bring the impressions of past experience into present moment experience. Simply train yourself to take a sacred pause: A deep breath in to connect and a deep breath out to let go of any accumulation of stress. Do this each time you open a door. This easy technique will prevent conditioning in the form of mental and emotional stress from building up throughout the day. It can be helpful to simply remember that we are who we are when we’re not who we’re not. This practice of saucha incorporated into your daily life becomes the basis for navigating life with an ease that acknowledges the sacredness in each moment and each person that you encounter. Namaste, friends.

THE 9-5 YOGI By Stephanie Gadaleta Most of us have heard our yoga instructor say, ‘let go of your ego/release the ego’ and wondered why acknowledging the ego is important in a yoga room. Well I don’t know about you, but I didn’t catch on so quickly to those kinds of statements…until I became a yoga instructor. I saw first-hand how often people injure themselves and lose mindfulness based purely on what is happening around them. The very word ‘ego’ has a few meanings; Webster describes it as “a person’s sense of self-esteem or self-importance.” A more psychoanalytical explanation for the ego is, “a portion of the human mind that wavers between the conscious and subconscious that is in control of one’s personal identity as well as testing reality.” Finally, the ego as viewed from a metaphysical perspective can be identified as “a subject of conscious thinking.” For many students, their egos would have them believe that they aren’t truly a yoga practitioner until they have conquered an inversion, an arm balance, or some other difficult asana that they have seen their fellow classmates or social media friends doing.

Kill Your Ego With Kindness And let’s be real, this isn’t entirely our fault; we are taught from a very young age to look at what others do and to do it better, faster, and more efficiently. We are taught to be competitive. One of our challenges in yoga, in love, in LIFE, is to unlearn that lesson. What is the answer? I’d like to think the answer is to gift your ego (yourself) with kindness. On the mat, this might translate to showing yourself compassion and taking a modification when the instructor offers a pose you struggle with. Who cares if other students don’t appear to have trouble with it, this is your yoga and your opportunity to grow and show yourself you are more than the posture. There are seven other limbs you can tune into. Off the mat this might look a little different: for instance, it might appear that friends around you are getting promotions, traveling, living the dream. The ego might want to nose dive into a place of lack—might even ask, “why am I not living my dreams?” Good question, and a great time to modify and do some self-exploration; to go within and find what makes your heart beat fast. Life is NOT about why we aren’t doing what others do, or don’t have what others have; it’s about exploring ourselves and the expansive world around us to get closer to peace. So, ego, thanks but no thanks, I’ll catch ya on the flip side.

april 2017

Nature as Your Sacred Yoga Studio By Julie Murphy

hat do I do when I’m homesick for the call of the wild? When my South African roots have me longing for the serenity of the savanna, instead of driving south to the airport, I head west to the Everglades. Within minutes of getting into a kayak, there’s this mushy thing that happens in my belly as my stomach muscles soften into instant Savasana. A soppy look appears on my face when I see my first Great Blue Heron of the day (for the umpteenth time, and yet I’m still captivated by the swaying S-curve of its neck in its pre-dinner dance). I’m mesmerized by the heart-shaped lily pads bobbing up and down in the water; a solitary white flower here and there, catching the light. The light. The cliché of the wide, open spaces and blazing sunsets. The stillness. That same sort of silence you experience in “the bush” in Africa. Quiet, but not quiet. Buzzing with the sounds of bird calls, frog croaks and insect chirps. Sometimes I’ll add the clicking of my camera shutter to the ambient noises, in the hope of capturing some of nature’s splendor. Other times, I put away all cameras and devices and simply breathe it all in; taking a photo with my memory, able to recall it later in all its splendor, without my Instagram feed. There are no roaring lions or prancing wildebeest out here, but an energetic bullfrog impressively impersonates a warthog. If I half close my eyes and squint a bit, the leathery gator looks like our crusty crocs of the Southern Hemisphere, except with better manners. I’m not looking to replicate Africa out here on the “River of Grass”, because the Florida Everglades have their own magic. But I do feel the same joy of being connected to nature. I am grateful for easy access to this aquatic beauty that has earned the hefty titles of World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, and Wetland of International Importance. Not just on Earth Day, but on any day, if you ever doubted that Nature has the power to heal, simply spend some time outdoors to feel it soothe and revive you. A recent, annoying conversation suddenly doesn’t really matter that much. Maybe worries dissipate a little and life looks positively cheerful. Maybe you simply remember how to be in the present moment and breathe. Trade in Heron, Tree and Tortoise poses for the real thing, as you bask fully in the Yoga of Nature. Per that sage, Albert Einstein, “Look deep into nature, and then you will

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understand everything better.” Yoga teaches us awareness of the inner Self and awareness of our connection with, and impact on, the world around us; including its creatures and habitat. Namaste. Julie Murphy, executive editor of Today’s Yoga Magazine, has been teaching yoga and meditation in the US since 2007. She sees yoga as a way for anyone to reach their full potential in body, mind and spirit. She is well known for her soothing Yoga Nidra work, and is energized by its positive impact. You’ll find her album recordings and yoga retreats at www.yogaressa.com.

Everglades Tranquility

Right On Your Doorstep

he Everglades National Park offers places like Shark Valley (no sharks but plenty of slumbering gators to dodge as you weave around them on the bicycle trail), or you can venture deeper into the park for a swamp tromp, pretending to be Clyde Butcher. But for an easily accessible hit of outdoor bliss, you’ll find the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, 10216 Lee Rd, Boynton Beach, FL—just minutes away from malls and traffic and yet an instant immersion into the harmony of nature. The refuge is less than ten miles west of the I-95 in Palm Beach County, allowing locals to enjoy the peace and stillness of the Everglades. It provides habitat and protection for endangered wildlife, such as the snail kite and the wood stork. You can help preserve this last remnant of the northern Everglades by supporting one of its outdoor adventures: • Guided Twilight Prowl of the Everglades, 7 p.m. (meet at 6:30 p.m.) Tuesday, April 11 (full moon) and Tuesday, April 25 (new moon) Limit of ten people and nobody under 18, due to alligator mating season.

• Full Moon Guided Canoe Trips: Saturdays, April 8 and May 6, from 7:009:00 p.m. Meet at the Lee Road boat ramp to enjoy a beautiful canoe tour through a portion of the Refuge interior. • Early Morning Bird Walks: every Wednesday, 7:30-10:30 a.m. • Guided Bird, Butterfly and Wildflower Walk: every Friday, 8-10 a.m. Join a volunteer naturalist for a nature walk and see how many birds and other critters you can spot. • Guided Canoe Trips: every Saturday, 9:00 - 11:15 a.m. Reservations are required for the twilight prowl and canoe trips. Call the visitor center at 561-734-8303, and for the full moon canoe trips: call Loxahatchee Canoeing at 561-733-0192. For full details and recommendations on what to wear and bring, see www. loxahatcheefriends.com/events/events.shtml

I Look to Nature for Guidance By Karen Calcaño

t is a human affliction to view nature through the myopic lens of our self-importance. We have strayed from our home. I believe that underneath flawed humanity, lays a perfect, infinite wellspring of unconditional love, compassion, kindness, and wisdom. I believe that this is our true state. In this state, we exist as one with all beings and all things. When we deviate from this oneness, just as nature in its infinite wisdom works daily to equilibrate itself, so is the spiritual housekeeping we must do to continually restore our true state. As we go through life, we accumulate energetic muck in our spiritual and physical bodies. We experience traumas and heartbreak and our spirits and bodies harden. These experiences begin to shape our perception and dictate our habits, reactions, the way we see the world, and eventually the way we live our lives. We begin to believe we are broken, unfixable and incomplete. Our sense of wholeness then begins to dissipate. The practice of yoga to me is the progressive and intentional removal of these layers. It is a necessary practice that helps me connect to my authentic, higher self. When I practice yoga, whether it is applying the yamas and niyamas, or practicing asana, I feel I am a part of something much larger. I feel like a being and not just a human. I feel included in the rhythmic movement of earth. I am renewed in knowing that even eternally flawed, I am also perfectly whole, because the universe is whole and I am part of it, and that by being a part of it, I am it. My practice is a sacred space where I am gloriously accepted, and I

am reminded that I am a divine being with divine purpose. Animals and nature never get separated from that sacred space. They are connected to it, twenty-four seven. They do not buy into the maya of separation. My furry and feathery family members observe me intently as I practice. When I video record my practice, I see them in the background, their eyes tracking my every movement, completely engaged. I’m sure that my birds, being as flamboyant as they are in their mating displays in the wild, can especially appreciate the beauty and freedom of uninhibited movement. Or maybe they just think I’m nuts, I can’t be entirely sure! Yoga to me, in its most refined state, is ultimately the promotion of unity. Unity with the ‘true self’. Unity with others, yoking, coming together; uniting breath and movement, mind and body, human and nature, human and human, planet and universe. When I am not sure how to proceed on my mat or in my life—I look to nature. I try to embody its reptilian patience and resiliency, I try to love like a canine, without conditions or prerequisites, I try to remain soft yet strong and keep a calm, watery, unshakeable, tenacity. When I am lost I always ask myself, WWND—what would nature do? And it leads me home, or should I say, OM. Karen Calcaño is a hopeless animal lover and yoga teacher at the Yoga Joint in Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale, FL. Her Sunday classes provide donations to the Florida Humane Society and to Adopt a Family of Palm Beach. You can follow her yoga and love for animals on Instagram @kcalcano.

Photo credit: Alex Dumas

april 2017

The Seaside Sutras

By Nikki ‘Harini’ Bruno

Staying Calm During the Storm A Shaky Foundation When the winds of life blow about, we must remain rooted like palm trees in a hurricane. Our leaves might get ruffled, but we mustn’t move an inch. Less metaphorically, we need to learn how to not react, even when everyone surrounding us seems to be going bonkers. The ability to remain calm during a storm is more important than ever, especially considering the current political climate. One way to attain this, is to ground ourselves in the moment. The concept of being ‘rooted’ comes up often in yoga, and not just when your teacher asks you to strike a tree pose. The root, or Muladhara, chakra is the foundation we rely upon to keep ourselves steady. One psychological sign that your base is shaky is anxiety or insecurity, like you don’t really feel ‘at home,’ or able to meet the challenges of everyday life. These mental states go on to produce, directly or indirectly, uncomfortable physical sensations in the lower body. If you experience issues such as constipation or other bowel

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distress, impotence, or pain in the lower back, it might be time to go back to your roots. This overall discomfort can also trigger behaviors like neuroticism, avarice, or social avoidance. Keeping Yourself Grounded Fortunately, there is a simple way to ground yourself, and you can do it right now! Focus on your outer surroundings. The reality that truly exists is this moment. The past and future only exist as a mental concept. When we get lost in the past, we risk depression and guilt. When we fly off into the future, we risk worry and fear. But when we focus all of our attention on what we are physically experiencing in this exact moment, we can dig our roots deep. One way to become grounded is to put yourself in a position to experience a state of ‘flow.’ When I’m racing sailboats, there’s no time to get lost in thought. I have to simultaneously feel gravity and the pull of the sails with my body, hear wind and water with my ears, see other boats and the race course, and notice

if I taste dryness in my mouth so I don’t get dehydrated! If I’m not tuned in to what’s going on, I can easily fall overboard or over-exhaust myself. The practice of focusing on your senses, not thoughts, can apply to any and every situation—playing music, cooking, going for a hike, and much more. You don’t have to sit in a lotus position, meditating, in order to fully experience the moment! You’re Already There! It might sound difficult, to be fully present, but in truth you’re doing it all of the time. If you can see, hear, smell, taste, or feel—you can root yourself into reality. The brain has a hard time multi-tasking, and if it’s completely locked up in experiencing physical sensation, it’s very hard for unwelcome emotional states to waltz in and take over. They might knock at the door, but when you are rooted, you’re too busy to open it. Distracting thoughts will have to wait until later!

Micro Plastics In Our Oceans By Åsa Guilamo Micro Plastics in Our Oceans—What Can a Yogi Do? Our interconnectedness reaches far beyond our mats. It is time to combine our ocean breathing techniques with ecofriendly choices. Make your asana practice truly mindful by reflecting on how changing some of your daily habits can impact both the big blue and our own health. Be inspired by Fish and Dolphin poses and use the extra energy to make a difference!

How much plastic garbage? Over 13 million tons of garbage ends up in the ocean yearly. The majority, about 8 million tons, is plastic waste. It is the equivalent of five plastic grocery bags filled with plastic for every foot of coastline in the world. Alarming, right? If we continue with business as usual there will be more plastic than fish in the world’s oceans by year 2050! What is micro plastic and where does it come from? Micro plastics are less than 5 mm in size. They originate from: 1) Bigger plastic waste: Plastic broken down from larger pieces such as garbage bags, water bottles, packaging material and fishing equipment. As plastic does not naturally decompose, it is continually broken down into smaller and smaller pieces over the years. 2) Micro beads: Plastic manufactured in micro sizes to be used in e.g. facial scrubs and toothpastes. These tiny particles easily

pass through water filtration systems. 3) Microfibers: Tiny fragments of plastic used to make synthetic fabrics. Microfibers are shed from our synthetic clothing during a washing machine cycle. Why it matters Micro plastics consist of hormone disrupting substances and they can easily bind to organic environmental toxins. In other words, micro plastics are harmful in themselves and function as magnets for other harmful chemicals. Small organisms, such as plankton and mussels, consume the micro plastics as food. Fish and seabirds easily mistake tiny plastic pieces for prey. As micro plastics are transported further up the food chain, they create long-term threats to both marine animal life and human health. What is being done about micro plastic pollution? Many countries have implemented recycling plans preventing the bigger plastic waste to enter the water bodies. Some countries have banned plastic bags and France recently announced its ban on single use cups, plates and utensils. The U.S., among others, has banned micro beads from rinse-off cosmetics. Microfibers is the next area with emerging data that necessitates action and solutions. Fleece products are the worst, but other synthetic microfibers are from regular clothes made out of acrylics, polyester or nylon. Some companies use recycled plastic bottles for fleece jackets and yoga pants. However, from an ocean perspective, breaking a bottle into millions of fibrous plastic bits is the opposite of environmentally friendly.

• Wash your synthetic clothing only when absolutely necessary and use a wash filter bag. • If you are thinking of replacing your mat, consider buying a cork or biodegradable natural tree rubber mat. • Avoid using plastic bags and disposable plastics. • Make more ocean-friendly choices for your bathroom products, using products guides at www.beatthemicrobead.org. • Create your own facial and body scrubs with natural ingredients such as almonds and oats. • Participate in beach clean ups! Åsa Guilamo is Vice Consul at the Consulate of Sweden in Fort Lauderdale and a certified yoga instructor. She was previously appointed scientific attaché for sustainable development at the Embassy of Sweden in Tokyo and has worked for the central government in Stockholm for over ten years. Åsa served in different positions in the Ministry of the Environment, responsible for policy on e.g. climate change, urban sustainability and environmental research.

What can a yogi do? An “out of sight, out of mind” mentality often keeps people from truly understanding the consequences of marine pollution and heedless disposal of waste items. As yogis, we know that does not work. For each and every ocean breath, it becomes evidently clear we need to change the way we interact with the seas. Here is how YOU can make a difference: • Take a look at the label of your clothing. Choose clothes made out of organic cotton, merino wool, bamboo or hemp. • Reduce your use of synthetic fabrics: buy only what you need, buy high quality and make it last. april 2017

ASK PATY Question Submitted by Ed Silva

Can yoga improve your sex life?

We hear yoga can fix headaches, high blood pressure, anxiety, crankiness and more. For those who have been practicing yoga, studying all aspects, and seeking to understand it, yoga is capable of helping with world peace. If yoga can be that powerful of a tool, it is only obvious that it could help improve our sex life. Sex is a big part of our lives and can be a spectacular experience for body, mind and soul, where you find the light of all creation, including your own. So, here’s how yoga can help: • Flexibility This is an obvious one. The more flexible your body is, the better it moves, the healthier it feels and the happier it is! And when your body feels amazing, sex feels amazing too. • Confidence and Self Love A constant yoga practice creates acceptance of self, increasing selflove and confidence. When you are on the mat, observing and appreciating your body, you find value in the body you have right now, regardless of the changes you might want to make to it. You understand that only by loving yourself fully, can you then work on improvement. Sex is not about the way your body looks. It is all about how confident you are, how comfortable you are with yourself and how much you love yourself. • Mula Bandha Yoga is a complete workout that engages the muscles, and stimulates the organs and glands. As we become more aware of our body and all the parts being used, we start applying mula bandha (root lock) to help us lift energy and create a strong and energetic body. As much as mula bandha gets mixed up with Kegel exercises, it actually requires extra muscles in the pelvic floor and perineum area to engage in order to be done correctly. As we become more comfortable with this, we have more muscular control and awareness of our sexual organs, which helps to improve not only orgasm, but also all the sensations anticipating orgasm. • Awareness Mindful practices, such as yoga and meditation, can be considered important tools in developing awareness. The knowledge of the self, combined with gratitude and appreciation learned from such practices, can take your sexual life to a higher level. Compassion, gratitude and care can transform sex into an incredible spiritual experience where not only the body is being shared and touched, but where the soul feels at home, too. The connection created through awareness during sex will feel like a transcendental experience of oneness and peace. Agree? Disagree? Will try? What are your experiences? Let me know, and keep on asking cool questions!

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Much love, Paty Paty@TodaysYoga.com

FIREFIGHTER MIKE BY MIKE

ARCIPRETE

Zombieland Hello, are you there? Here I am, literally writing this article on my iPhone 7. No need to wait until I get home. No need for a laptop or desktop computer. I can write on the go, hassle free and at my convenience. Times have surely changed, but for better or for worse? I remember using a typewriter to write papers in school. Then I “graduated” to a word processor, oh the joy! We have come far with technology. Steve Jobs did what he set out to do: create a device that is literally an extension of one’s self. But has this tech-crazy world turned people into digital zombies? Creatures who cannot hold a simple face-to-face conversation with one another? Kids today are being bred into tech zombies! It’s like a ghost town in my neighborhood. Do kids go outside anymore? Sure, we can reach so many more people through social media, but the simple act of speaking to one another face to face has been greatly diminished. Some examples: I ate at a restaurant and noticed three separate tables. At each table, nobody was looking up. Every person was staring down at his or her phone. Only when their food arrived did they put down their device for a moment to shovel food into their mouths. Digital Zombies! I thought. I watched a kid cross the street never once looking up from his phone to see if any cars were coming. When a car beeped, he didn’t flinch … zombie! I attended an NBA game and noticed people in the front rows staring down at their phones while Carmelo Anthony was killing it on the court—$3,000 seats to stare at your phone? I would love to have those seats and watch a game up close. Welcome to Zombieland. Although we are all guilty of being too attached to our phones, let’s not forget how to live life. We can’t always get the same emotions from a text or an emoji as from a human voice. Let’s teach our youth to verbally speak to one another, a lost art these days. As much as I enjoy my iPhone and the various apps that can make my daily tasks easier, I still miss my typewriter. I miss the sound it made and the concentration it took to write a paper. There was no auto correction, no copy and paste, and no save feature; just my thoughts, ink and a piece of paper. Now that spring is here, try shredding yourself of any devices and enjoy your surroundings without digital interference. Use only your own will power to push your body when trying to reach fitness goals. Try it, just for a day, and you might just see how good life can be without the zombie devices!

BHAKTI CORNER

Sea Angels Grace Our Beaches by Robyn Halasz, Sea Angels Founder and President This new column in Today’s Yoga Magazine highlights there are many ways to practice bhakti yoga, the yoga of devotion. Unlike asana (the physical aspect of yoga), all that is required for bhakti yoga is an open, loving heart; complementing the other elements of yoga. There are several traditional expressions of bhakti yoga, one of which is to combine a sense of love or devotion with the practice of karma yoga (selfless service). This action often hits the bullseye of our spiritual hearts, resulting in a feeling of deep, universal joy. What better way to kick off Bhakti Corner than to take a cue from Sea Angels and show love for our planet?

ea Angels is a nonprofit environmental conservation organization providing education, awareness and cleanups on South Florida’s beaches since 2005. Our goal is to highlight the seriousness of litter and its effects on our environment, with plans to expand internationally and educate others in how to clean up their local communities. Our eco-minded organization is the leader in “Green”, sustainable cleanups; recycling and upcycling wherever possible. We were the first group to use reusable buckets, grabbers, and gloves for cleanups so that we don’t add unnecessary plastic to our landfills. Sea Angels recycles what you would put in your blue bins at home and we also recycle batteries and fishing line. We collect drink pouches for TerraCycle and we have taken on a new initiative to send TerraCycle certain plastics such as plastic utensils, bottles and more to their Beach Plastic Cleanup Project. I will use some of the litter found for making upcycled art to bring awareness to the litter epidemic.

Upcycled Art—Made From Plastic Litter

Lastly, we collect caps for Caps of Love, pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House and used pill bottles for A Second Chance Puppies and Kittens. We believe it’s not enough to clean the beach but to clean it in a smarter way. It is important too, that we provide education for volunteers. We want them to know why it’s crucial to clean the beach. It is amazing how many more volunteers have come out since we started six years ago. Just last month we had 142 volunteers! It goes to show how many people do care about this planet. There’s something about taking care of our natural environment that is fulfilling. I personally go out weekly and clean the beach because one person can make just as much of a difference as a group! We thank all those who help us to make our environment a safer and cleaner place. www.SeaAngels.org Monthly green cleanups every last Saturday of the month, located at Ocean Inlet Park, 6990 N. Ocean Blvd, Boynton Beach, FL 33435 Join us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ SeaAngelsBeachClean and spread the word!

Mike Arciprete is a New York City Firefighter, Certified PT and Health & Fitness coach. Mike is an avid cook and enjoys teaching about clean eating. He has been practicing yoga for ten years.

april 2017

All is One…Everything is Yoga by Leslie Glickman

s you all know, April is the month that we celebrate EARTH DAY! As a yogi that can mean many things. Of course, we all have a reverence for Mother Earth and this incredible planet but what does that really mean in our yoga practice? How can we take our yoga off the mat and experience it in all things? I believe that yoga is a spiritual practice that goes way beyond the poses. I know that many of you would agree. This practice elevates our consciousness and brings back our sense of wonder. It starts with an awareness about our bodies which in turn makes us more curious about everything around us. It is this curiosity I wish to inspire in you this month. When we are on the mat we “pay attention” to everything from the big movements to the most subtle aspects of the breath. This is in many ways prepares us to live our lives more fully and to experience the world with greater awareness. For example, if you applied the state of mind you have on your mat to the simple act of walking through your house in the morning or sitting to have breakfast, you would notice how you distribute weight in your feet with each step, your gaze would be steady and you would be aware of your breath. If you took it with you into your breakfast…you would contemplate the best choice of what to eat, prepare it with care and then sit and savor every bite. Do you follow me so far? The next step would be to take this curiosity and consciousness out into the world. Maybe stand at the ocean or look at the night sky. Pay

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attention…what would you take in, now? You may notice the vastness and then have awareness of your place in it all. There is greater intelligence at work in the universe, and this intelligence is in each and every one of us. Let’s make sure to experience all the magic and the wonder this month in honor of Earth Day. Go sit by the ocean, eat a mango, smell a freshly cut rose, and do it with the state of awareness that you strive for on your mat. Involve all of your senses. Take note of the natural order of things, big and small. Allow it to create a sense of gratitude for the blessings we are surrounded with here in South Florida. This is yoga, my friends. All is one…everything is yoga. Namaste, Leslie Creating connection and building community are Leslie Glickman’s passion. Teaching yoga since 1995, she is one of the most loved and sought after teachers in South Florida. With influences ranging from dynamic vinyasa flow to the deep experience of yin yoga, her Pause, Breathe, Notice, Feel ideology is the basis for a comprehensive style of teaching. Challenging, creative and compassionate, she’s always mindful of the student’s safety and experience. Leslie has developed her weekly Yoga Journey in the Park and annual Something BIG events that bring free outdoor yoga to thousands. Through her company, Yoga Journey, Leslie seeks to elevate everything she touches.

The Perks of Mercury Retrograde By Lynzy Ferris Managing Editor, Today’s Yoga Magazine

erks? Yes, you read that correctly. Despite the looming energy that results from the ‘bad talk’ of when Mercury is retrograde, there are some benefits to when Mercury looks like it’s going backwards in the sky. First, there is a warning that when Mercury is retrograde, it is best to not start new routines, new projects, to not sign any new contracts and not to fix anything that is broken during this time. If you’re wondering why, the word retrograde speaks for itself. It means to literally go backward. Therefore, new routines, new projects, and new contracts have a hard time going forward because the energy is going backward! At the root of the matter, that is exactly what it is, a matter of energy. So what can we do during this period of backwards energy? Well, we can go with the flow and go backward! Mercury retrograde is productive when it comes to looking back. Such as cleaning out our closets of old clothes, going back to that unfinished household project, grabbing coffee with an old friend to reminisce on memories, to even mentally visiting a situation of the past that we might have been avoiding, so we can heal from its impact in our life. Being that the energy is backward, it also shifts our mental patterns, giving us an alternative view on life. This is also why the word new when it comes to how we move through life, is to be avoided during Mercury retrograde. A lot of us think differently during this time, which means that when the retrograde period is over, the new things we started might not seem so bright and shiny as they did during retrograde. Have you found yourself thinking differently about your job, a relationship, and routine? Mercury retrograde gives us a different perspective on our lives. Being able to see things differently, from a personal perspective that we understand, can only bring us growth and learning if we accept it! It is yogic to seek acceptance of the current situation and then surrender to it. The surrender allows us to go with the flow of life, clearing our perspective of inauthentic energies. From there, our highest potential can be reached. Enjoy your backwards motion. Namaste! Next Mercury Retrograde is April 9 to May 3.

NEWS • NOTES CycleBar® Opens in Palm Beach Gardens Be the first in Palm Beach County to experience this new concept in premium indoor cycling CycleBar®, the new, high-energy, indoor cycling workout in a rock concert-like atmosphere, will celebrate the opening of its first Palm Beach County studio. CycleBar offers a pay-per-class model, with no membership necessary, Riders are led through a 50-minute dynamic and effective ride in a state-of-the-art CycleTheatre; featuring 48 bikes, LED lighting, wide-screen graphics and a DJ booth. Riders can also track performance data and download music used during class. Concierge service and amenities include free towels, lockers, and shoes. After class, riders cool down with fresh fruit and enhanced water, while aromatherapy helps guests relax throughout the facility. Located at 4550 Donald Ross Road, Suite 100 in Palm Beach Gardens. 33418 http://pbg.cyclebar.com

Slip on a Seat Hoody

Two sisters who started their athletic careers as Division 1 College gymnasts, discovered their passion for yoga after their gymnastics careers were over. After yoga class, they’d climb into the car, all sweaty, and “to prevent our car seats from getting gross and smelling like sweat, we created the Seat Hoody”. The Seat Hoody is the first easy on-and-off car seat cover that keeps the sweat off your seat after a workout. Made with carefully selected patterns and colors, non-slip backing, and machine washable, the Seat Hoody is a product that yogis love! www.seathoody.com @seat_hoody

Love our Beaches? Be a Sea Angel

Do good, feel good, at Ocean Inlet Park, Ocean Ridge, FL. Join the Sea Angels for a beach cleanup, Saturday April 29. Tools provided. Community service hours can be given and no pre-registration is necessary (contact info@seaangels.org). You’ll feel good about making our environment a safer and cleaner place – current upcycling projects benefit the Ronald McDonald House, and A Second Chance Puppies & Kittens. Cleanups are every last Saturday of the month. www.seaangels.org. 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at 6990 N Ocean Blvd. in Ocean Ridge.

Yoga Therapy in Boynton Beach

Boynton Yoga Wellness is thrilled to announce that John Ingraham, head Kripalu yoga teacher and Certified Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist, is one of the first certified yoga therapists (C-IAYT) in South Florida, accredited by the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT). The IAYT (www.iayt.org) was established in 1989 as a professional organization for yoga teachers and yoga therapists. It has formed a strong professional community, with over 3,400 individual members from 48 countries, and has also created a common set of standards for practicing yoga therapy. In 2016, the IAYT established the policies and standards for the C-IAYT training programs. Typically, a yoga therapy session is broken into three main parts: • The client forms an intention, which guides the yoga therapist on what physical postures to use • After a body scan to notice what is happening in the body, the client is led by the therapist into assisted yoga poses and breathing techniques; prompted to note, “what’s happening now” (physically, emotionally, spiritually or intellectually) • The yoga therapist observes the results of the client’s practice and integrates their experience by recommending an action step for the client to take home with them—a practical way to reinforce the lesson of the yoga therapy session As a C-IAYT, John follows IAYT’s internationally-recognized code of conduct and practice standards. He has nearly 20 years experience offering Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy (PRYT) in Europe and the US; combining practitioner-assisted yoga postures, breath-work and non-directive dialoguing to manifest true healing, growth and change. No yoga experience is necessary and yoga therapy is accessible to all ages and abilities. To learn more or to schedule a session with John, call 561-633-9557 or visit www.boyntonyogawellness.com/pryt.php.

april 2017

RELATIONSHIPS

Yoga Is Our Relationship

Photo credit: Jeff Skeirik, rawtographer.com

nternational yoga teachers, Rina Jakubowicz and Eric Paskel, are known for their vibrant and uplifting approach to yoga. We featured this cute couple in Today’s Yoga Magazine, March 2017 (todaysyoga.com: Yoga Love in an Elevator). This month, they chat about weaving yoga into their daily lives. Q. How has living the yogic lifestyle improved your relationship? He Said: It’s the only way we can have a relationship. It is our lifeline. The crux of, or the backbone of, yoga and relationships, is the certain sacrifice. Once in a relationship one has to drop the ‘I’, or one will die. Any form of ego that is personalization will eventually break a couple apart. The practice of jnana, bhakti and karma yoga are banks that steer a relationship to its ultimate place. Unity, union. So in essence, yoga helps to reframe the universal question that humans ask in relationships. “What about me?” is replaced by “How can I serve you?” Without that shift in thinking, for us, there’s no relationship at all. She Said: We have been honest with each other in a way that I’ve never experienced before. This honesty allows us to live in trust with each other instead of fear. It gives us a foundation where we hold ourselves individually and as a couple. We are both looking to evolve as human beings and seek that true Self within us. Since we have the same language we can help each other when either one is having an off day. We have the tools to help build us up, on our own and for the other one, as well. This feels like a true partnership—one that started with true assessment of each other and continued with being present from day to day. I never forced future ideals on him. I embraced what I got for the day and honored him and myself. The way we want to please each other and rise for ourselves and for the other has led us to constantly applying the principles of yoga.

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Q. How can someone apply yoga to their daily life? She said, but he agrees: Every interaction you have is an opportunity to practice yoga. How you feel off the mat is more important than how you feel on the mat. Let’s look at a few key elements from the ancient teachings of yoga.

Oska Pulse

Workout Pain? Relief at Last

• How much of your day do you spend thinking of yourself versus others? This has to do with karma yoga, which is selfless service. If the intention behind your actions is for sheer giving and serving, then you will be more fulfilled and happier in your life. The more selfish you are, the more suffering you will experience. In addition, karma yoga is about action. How much of your day do you spend planning in your head, then procrastinating? How many excuses do you make in order to NOT take an action? How much of your day are you trapped by your own fears instead of taking conscious action that brings about clarity and peace of mind? If you can do the latter more, then you are practicing karma yoga. • How much of your day is spent judging yourself and others? Can you shift that thought into one that is self-loving and loving of others? Finding a sense of devotion and deep universal love is practicing bhakti yoga. • How much time do you spend reflecting on lessons you’re learning, contemplating things that might be a bit beyond what a layperson might think about? Are you willing to look within yourself for answers, or are you always looking for external approval and stimulus. When you inquire into your own nature, then you are practicing jnana yoga; the path of knowledge.

For a limited time, purchase an Oska Pulse for $349.

More about Rina and Eric at www.rinayoga. com @rinayoga and www.ericpaskel.com

To order visit oskapainfree.com or call 844-317-4433. Mention yoga15 to receive your discount.

$50 off the regular $399 retail price (plus free shipping).

Lower Back Pain?

American College of Physicians Recommends Yoga by Dr. Sandra Doman, The Yoga Doc

i, friends! This is one, big, Universal job posting from the medical community. An exciting article was published recently in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Created by American College of Physicians, the new lower back pain treatment recommendations for medical doctors affect the future and health of millions of people. Did you know that one out of every four Americans suffers from lower back pain? We’re talking an $80 billion industry. That’s a lot of people, pain and unnecessary medical procedures. We’ve known for a long time that some yoga asana sequences combined with meditation are not only a cure, but also prevention for many types of back pain. Now it will be recommended to millions of patients by their medical doctors. Out with the Opioids Why is this medical article so important? Two words: opioid addiction. We’ve hit crisis mode here in America. Opioid overdose deaths have quadrupled and opioid use disorder/addiction is at its peak. According to the CDC, there has been a 300% increase in opioid prescription sales since 1999 without an overall change in reported pain. Opioids are pain-relieving medications. You may have heard of a few: hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin & Percocet), morphine, codeine, and many others. These drugs reduce the intensity of pain signals that reach the brain and turn down the effects of a painful stimulus. For those who think their designer drugs are perfectly safe for regular use, heroin is also an opioid, just to give a little perspective.

Lumbar Extension

Lumbar Flexion

Vertebral discs are like the cushions, or shock absorbers, that pad in between every single stacking bone, or vertebra, of the spine. We also know this area to be the path of Kundalini and our chakras. That’s how important it is to become intimately familiar with the spine! Due to poor biomechanics, prolonged sitting, repetitive lumbar flexion exercises, car accidents, sports injuries and too much physical and chemical stress over time, these delightful shock absorbers can break open and let out the cushy jelly center. Think: stepping on a jelly donut.

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300% increase in opioid prescription sales since 1999 without an overall change in reported pain.” Here are two important guidelines if your yoga student brings some old, healed herniated lumbar discs onto their mat*: • What makes lumbar herniated discs worse? Lumbar flexion. It puts more pressure on the disc! • What makes lumbar herniated discs feel better? Lumbar extension. It takes pressure off the discs! Like what you read? Want a copy of the medical article recommending yoga? Feel free to send questions and comments to Info@DrDoman.com. While there are many excellent resources to whet your therapeutic appetite, check out the International Association of Yoga Therapists www.IAYT.org to get started.

Demand for Qualified Yoga Teachers If you ever wanted to make an impact in the lives of others through yoga AND develop a solid yoga business, now is the time! The demand for qualified yoga teachers—with a strong knowledge of alignment and safety precautions as well as experience in working with special populations—is going to explode in the coming years. Your time has come to join us formally in the healthcare offices and help a LOT of people lead a better quality of life through yoga. While there are MANY flavors of lower back pain, today I’ll share some nuggets of knowledge to help you better understand herniated or bulging discs in the lower back.

* Creating a healthy and safe practice is our #1 priority as yoga teachers. This article is not intended for diagnosis. When in doubt, please encourage a student to consult with a physician before starting any yoga exercise program. Dr. Sandra L. Doman is a chiropractor and registered yoga teacher. Her progressive approach to rehab led her to develop A Yoga Doc’s Guide to Working with Injuries©, a program for yoga teachers. She is the orthopedic injuries educator for all Equinox gyms in South Florida. Dr. Doman is the onsite chiropractor for the Dwyane Wade, University of Miami, and Shaquille O’Neill basketball camps as well as at Gulfstream Park for the jockeys. In 2010 Dr. Doman opened Miami Sports Chiropractic & Yoga Center in Aventura Florida, Miami’s first physician-supervised yoga therapy center.

april 2017

GOOD READS Laughter, Friendship and Answers

The Dalai Lama & Archbishop Desmond Tutu by Dindy Yokel

hen looking for the recipe for joy despite the chaos of today’s world, look no further than the latest must-read from the cherub-cheeked duo, the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, in The Book of Joy, written in conjunction with Douglas Abrams. The photographs alone tell an inspiring story of this long-term friendship. Laughter, kissing and hugging, dancing and deep conversation are perfectly captured in each photo, providing insight into these two spiritual giants and in turn jump-starting the reader’s desire for true joy. These images reflect their shared thought that deep and lasting joy is, “born from deep well-being and benevolence.” In 2015, Archbishop Tutu traveled to Dharamsala, India to celebrate the 80th birthday of the Dalai Lama. During the fiveday visit these Nobel Peace Prize Laureates discussed finding, “lasting happiness in a changing world.” Recorded eloquently in The Book of Joy by Mr. Abrams, one closes the back cover feeling hope and a yearning for a deep and binding friendship such as these gentlemen experience and share openly with the reader. So many gems and invigorating thoughts grace the pages that a slow read is preferable so each lesson may be explored and absorbed. Connection to oneself and others is the key to joy and showing photo credit: Miranda Penn Turin compassion for oneself and others is the rule of thumb. Not new concepts, but the impact is stellar given the sublime joy exhibited by two men that have spent five decades in exile and, “soulcrushing violence of oppression.” Throughout the pages, these octogenarians tease each other, agree on nearly everything but culinary choices— simple food for the Dalai Lama and lots of sweets for the Archbishop, who adores rum raisin ice cream—and fill the book with mirth, love and above all, joy. The Book of Joy

www.bookofjoy.org.

Author: His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu with Douglas Abrams

Hardcover 348 pages $26.00

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Planetary Healing Meditation As We Heal Ourselves, We Heal the Planet by Sunny Arfa

’m walking on a nature path that leads me into the forest. It’s dark and foreboding but I have faith that I can find the light. As I continue to walk down the path I see a glimpse of light shining through the forest canopy. It is a beautiful scene of light illuminating all of Mother Earth’s trees, leaves and life among us. My faith increases with each breath I take. The solar energy empowers me. I feel the solar energy nourishing my physical body. I stretch my arms up to the sky and welcome the light. I feel illuminated within. I soak up the solar and cosmic rays. I feel energized, relaxed and peaceful. Rays of light are shining a new path for me. I take a deep breath and feel the knowingness that everything’s going to be okay. I welcome the light into my world. I affirm in my mind, “I trust the universe.” The corners of my lips lift and a smile stretches across my face. I instantly feel lighter knowing how far I’ve come on this life’s journey. I take in a deep breath and exhale a big sigh, “AAHH.” I let go of everything that no longer serves me. I instantly feel lighter. I feel relieved. It’s time to enjoy this light journey and love my life more. I always know which way to go. I feel my belief increasing with each new step. I feel guided on this healing nature path of life. I AM EMPOWERED! The leafy green ferns tickle my ankles as I walk on the path. It makes me giggle inside. I feel so lucky to have this moment with Mother Earth as I honor this planet for Earth Day. I affirm, “I AM grateful for you, Mother Earth! I

AM blessed!” The more I breathe with each new step I see more light shining on my path. The light shines right through me, through every cell of my being. I feel rejuvenated and renewed. I can visualize pure white light around Planet Earth. I can see Earth returning to wholeness. The trail takes a turn and starts moving upward. I no longer question whether I can make this journey for I believe in myself. I also believe in the healing power of nature and that invisible force of love while visualizing a peaceful Earth. Boulders are magically placed like stairs out of the Earth’s hills. I bound upward into the light, feeling and knowing that I’m on the right path. I effortlessly head towards the light like I have wings upon my feet. I am grateful for this journey and honor Mother Earth as I celebrate the Earth—not just today, but every day, and continue to raise the vibration of love on this planet. Join me on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22. Enjoy a Vinyasa Flow Yoga Class from 9-10:15am as you feel the Earth’s connection and ground your intentions of a healthier planet while we flow with movement and breath. From 10:30-11:45am join me for Earth Day Meditation. Activate the Crown Jewel as we raise our planetary Consciousness of a healed Earth. Breathe, become one, reconnect and activate chakras within as we focus on a peaceful healed Earth. Includes breathing meditations, guided meditations, chanting with mantras to influence command centers of the brain, movement, deep relaxation and sound healing. Only $15 www.medtatewithsunny. com Meets third path north of Atlantic Ave. just north of Delray Beach Marriott. Bring blankets and towels to sit on and $2.00 quarters for parking on A1A. Like us on Facebook @ Feel Great Meditate 561-859-2891

The Benefits of Hot Fusion Flow Yoga

s a lifelong yogi, yoga teacher, business owner, mommy and wife, I am continually amazed by the benefits of Hot “Fusion” Yoga. This thing called life that we are all juggling can take its toll on us mentally, physically, and spiritually. This list of my favorite benefits may help get you on your mat, and on your way to a healthier you. 1. Flexibility: Practicing hot yoga will help you become more flexible and less injury prone. No need to twist into a pretzel shape to see results. The hot temperature combined with the poses allows you to safely reach new levels of flexibility even in beginner’s postures. Increased flexibility means better mobility and less pain and tightness overall. 2. Strength: In yoga, you move your body in ways you would not regularly, using muscles you didn’t know you had. Most weight lifting exercises are isolated to individual muscle groups. Hot Fusion Flow is designed to target all major muscle groups and is low impact, reducing risk of injury. 3. Breath: Studies show the breathing techniques bring fresh blood and oxygen to the prefrontal cortex of the brain. This is the CEO of the body and just like any great company you want a strong CEO running it. We tend to become more proactive and less reactive from stimulating this part of the brain. With the heat, you won’t make it far without breathing deeply! If there is no breathing, there is no yoga. It won’t take long before you learn to breathe in a full and controlled manner, both on and off your mat! 4. Cardio: Your heart can work the same way doing yoga postures in a heated room as it does when running a mile, and you never have to leave your mat. This effect is seen particularly when you are balancing and

by PAIGE HELD

contracting your muscles simultaneously. In any class you can burn 6001,000 calories. The way you stretch and compress your internal organs also stimulates metabolism, resulting in burning calories more efficiently after practicing as well. 5. Detox: The heated room helps you stretch, get your cardio, and sweat! Your body eliminates waste through breath, digestion and through sweat. If you put the toxins in, you’ve got to sweat them out! The postures also detoxify your muscles, organs, glands and lymphatic system. 6. Focus: Throughout the class you train your mind on “focal points”. In many poses you cross the right and left hemispheres of the brain. As this is not something we do often in daily activities, it exercises the brain. Studies suggest this helps combat brain diseases. The routine helps you gain tremendous focus and determination and that focus carries over into to your daily life. 7. Healing: With regular practice, the postures can help heal old injuries and prevent new ones, especially back pain. It might feel slightly uncomfortable while releasing tension that’s been there for a while, but that’s where the breath, consistency and practice come in. Over time your body will respond. Hot yoga has also been proven to reduce symptoms of illnesses including diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, depression, arthritis, and obesity. Paige Held is the owner of The Yoga Joint studios. She is also the co-creator of Hot Fusion Flow; a dynamic, all-levels, hot yoga class. Visit her at www.theyogajoint.com and through @paigeheldyoga and https://www. facebook.com/paigecoe11

april 2017

ECO LIFESTYLE

Clean AND Green by Bri Aberle

ere’s a DIY recipe from Bri Aberle for homemade laundry detergent. She has been using this mixture for over a year and loves it. She says, “It takes less then ten minutes to make and when I break down my cost of supplies it’s only $.03 per use—talk about economical. Also, I have incredibly sensitive skin and break out horribly with even the ‘free’ detergents, but I have had NO reaction with this DIY detergent!” Ingredients 1 1/2 cups pure baking soda 1 1/2 cups washing soda (with no additives) 1 cup Borax (optional) 1/2 cup epsom salt (non-scented) 2 tbsp kosher salt 5 drops lavender oil 5 drops lemon oil

Directions Combine all ingredients into a bowl and mix well (if using coarse salt, blend in a food processor until fine—you can also mix everything in a food processor if you wish). Pour into an airtight container (or mix directly into a storage container if large enough to stir).

Green Goddess Salad Dressing

Notes: • Safe for all washing machines • One batch makes approximately 74 loads • I use one tablespoon per load—you can use two, but I’ve found one is enough • I use dōTERRA essential oils (which I ADORE). I am a dōTERRA wellness advocate—however, you can use your favorite brand I tested out multiple combos, various ingredients, including a liquid version, and this one seemed the best and one of the easiest! My test was the hubby’s soccer clothes. Always after washing them with storebought detergent they still had a musty, stinky smell; I just considered that the norm. I was shocked and super excited at how CLEAN they smelled after using this product. That was it—this is the only laundry detergent I use now.

Bri Aberle is a yoga teacher, essential oil educator, and wifey, whose intention in life is to live happily and simply. She loves cooking, making crafts and experimenting with DIY home and health products. Connect with Bri at dovetailyoga@gmail.com

By Christine Ferris With the wealth of available fresh herbs right now, embrace the month of April and get blending! Here’s my take on a dairy-free Green Goddess dressing. You can use all of the herbs or what may be available at the time. Any variation will work. Extra greens such as kale can easily be added as well! The Herbs: Using equal parts of these: Flat leaf parsley Cilantro Dill Basil Garlic chives You may want to go lighter on these: Oregano Thyme Sage The Blend: Blend herbs in a food processor or blender and add salt and pepper to taste. I recommend using Himalayan sea salt and fresh cracked pepper. Spice it up with some fresh jalapeño or hot pepper of your choice. Add the juice of a whole orange and extra virgin olive oil (equal parts). Any citrus fruit will do. Add a tablespoon of local honey and one half teaspoon of your favorite mustard. Shake and pour! Use as a marinade, salad dressing, or top your favorite lightly-cooked veggies with your homemade Green Goddess! Christine owns and runs Pompano Beach Food Tours. Go to www.pompanobeachfoodtours. com and use the discount code: TODAYS YOGA to get a 10% discount on your next food tour in Pompano Beach! Food tours are allergy and diet modification friendly. Call 954-607-5638

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april 2017

ON THE HORIZON

APRIL Sundays, April 2, 9, 16, 23 Increase Life Force! Activate the Pranic Body! 2 Life Altering classes: Kundalini Yoga and Meditation with Sunny Arfa. 11-12:15 Yoga & 12:15-1 Meditation & Sound Healing with the Gong. Class includes breath-work, movement, energy balancing with Kundalini exercises, chanting mantras and more! Discover why Kundalini Yoga is the Diamond of all Yoga. Give your body the internal cleansing it needs: Improves physical health & balances nervous system. Quiet the mind & Re-charge the Brain! Activate Chakras, achieve inner peace and calm emotions. Enjoy Sound Healing meditation with the healing vibes of the Gong. 6 classes Transforms your life! Both classes $30 or $20 each. www.meditatewithsunny. com Like Facebook@ Feel Great Meditate 561-859-2891 Located at The CENTER for Spiritual Living 2 SW 12th Ave. Boca Raton, east of 95 off W.Palmetto Park. Mondays, April 3, 10, 17, 24 Twilight Yoga at the Light From 7 to 8 p.m., enjoy the beautiful sea breeze and the sounds of nature while doing yoga with Mary Veal of Kula Yoga, on the deck of the lighthouse! Located at Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum, 500 Captain Armour’s Way, Jupiter, FL 33469. This class is an all-levels

For more event listings visit TodaysYoga.com

donation class; please bring a mat and a flashlight. Meet at the museum 10 minutes prior to start time. Class is weather dependent, check the website calendar for updates www. jupiterlighthouse.org Tuesdays, April 4, 11, 18, 25 Practice Yoga for FREE in Lake Worth! Free and Easy Yoga with Ann meets every Tuesday morning @ 8:30 in Bryant Park at the South end near the sports equipment. It’s a 60-minute all levels Hatha flow class. Bring a mat, water, breath and intention. FREE!!! Wednesday, April 5 Meditation in Religion and Science. 12-1 pm Snyder Sanctuary at Lynn University in Boca Raton. Panel discussion with religious leaders, academics and neurologist on meditation. Followed by a guided meditation led by Keith Fox, owner Fox Yoga. Kindly RSVP: kaplanjm@ hotmail.com Saturday, April 8 The Yoga Expo Arrives in Fort Lauderdale Master teachers from around the globe will join top local teachers and studios for Yoga Expo, at the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There are classes for everyone. This one-day event brings together the local yoga community and offers a wide array

of 50-minute classes for beginners, advanced yogis, kids, and anyone in between. This year’s Yoga Expo hosts over 40 teachers offering classes with live music, meditation, and mindfulness. Guests will also be encouraged to explore the yoga marketplace and food court which features 100 booths, as well as aerial yoga shows, and is filled with yoga apparel and accessories, vegan food and beverages, plus products and services to help you stay happy and healthy. New this year, the Fort Lauderdale Yoga Expo has teamed up with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. For every full-priced ticket sold, $1 will go to a child in need. Furthermore, there will be a philanthropy class with Drishti Beats for $10. The Yoga Expo hosts events throughout the U.S. and Canada to educate and empower participants to enact social change through their daily choices. Founder Kyle Michaud started The Yoga Expo, “because I wanted to create a community where students and teachers have the opportunity to connect, explore our yoga-themed marketplace and enjoy a day of mindfulness.” Participants will have an opportunity to connect, reflect and learn about the joys and benefits of yoga. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at www.theyogaexpo.org Tuesday, April 11 Yoga of 12-Step Recovery with Melanie Haraldson @ Yoga Journey Studio, 1950 Glades Road, Boca Raton in the Wyndam Hotel (5th floor). 7:459pm The Yoga of 12-Step Recovery (Y12SR) is a 12-step-based discussion and all-levels yoga practice open to anyone and everyone dealing with their own addictive behavior or affected by the addictive behavior of others. This is an open and inclusive group. All A’s are welcome. Y12SR combines the practical tools of the 12-step program with the ancient wisdom of yoga. Combining the two, creates a model that truly addresses addiction as the physical, mental & spiritual disease that it is. This class will be held the second Tuesday of every month from 7:45 - 9:15 pm. Investment $10 www.yogajourney.com Tuesday, April 11 Full Moon Manifesting Meditation & Sound Healing 7-8:30pm on Delray Beach. Join Sunny Arfa for her monthly meditation on the beach as you soak up the Full Moon’s rays of light. Discover why meditating on this day is the best day of the month to focus on your goals and intentions while the energy of the moon AMPLIFIES all thoughts. This life transforming event includes breathing meditations, Kundalini yoga, meditation, deep relaxation and

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sound healing as you lay down and enjoy the powerful healing vibes of the Gong. Meets third path north of Atlantic Ave. just north of Delray Beach Marriott. Bring blankets and towels to sit on and $2.00 quarters for parking on A1A. www.meditatewithsunny.com Like Facebook @ Feel Great Meditate. 702-553-6819 $20 Fri. & Sat., April 14 & 15 Chakra Journey with Terri Cooper @ Yoga Journey Studio, 1950 Glades Road, Boca Raton in the Wyndam Hotel (5th floor). Starts 6:00pm Friday. Our chakras show us where we are avoiding, where we overcompensate and where we are completely shut down. They tell us not only the story of our past, but can predict where we are heading. Join Terri Cooper through a yoga practice, intermediate breath work, reading/writing and group discussion as we come to understand, balance and heal our 7 chakras. Investment - $299 Continuing education credits available to RYTs. www.yogajourney. com Saturday, April 15 Great American Clean-Up 8:00-11:00am. Join Gumbo Limbo and millions across America for the nation’s largest community service program! Get involved by signing up for a beach or mangrove clean up. Event t-shirts (limited supply) and supplies provided by Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful, Inc. sponsors. Community service hours awarded, groups welcome. Space is limited. Reservations required (561) 544-8615 or at www. gumbolimbo.org. All ages. Children under 18 MUST participate with an adult; no drop offs. Gumbo Limbo Nature Center 1801 N Ocean Blvd Boca Raton FL 33432 (561) 544-8605

MAY Sat. & Sun., May 6 & 7, 20 & 21 Ladybug Yoga Children’s Teacher Training Our 10 hour, 2 day training is a dynamic, interactive and fun training program geared towards anyone seeking to or currently working with children. 10 continuing education contact hours (CE) towards yoga alliance can be applied to registered yoga teachers. May 6 & 7 1pm-6pm YACEP - Ellen’s Ultimate Workout. 5173 S University Dr. in Davie May 20 & 21 10:30am-3:30pm YACEP - Anuttara Yoga. 2219 Seacrest Blvd in Delray Beach For more Information & to Register: Call: 754-244-5596 Email: contact@ladybugyoga.com Send listings to us at: calendar@todaysyoga.com

FIND YOUR FLOW Miami/Dade County

Broward County

Palm Beach County

COCONUT GROVE Hot Yoga House Miami 2500 SW 28th Lane (305) 856-9922 miamibikram.com

CORAL SPRINGS Fusion Fitness and o2 Yoga 4670 Coral Ridge Drive (954) 345-9642 www.fusionfitnessyoga.com

BOCA RATON Mindful Healing Center 26 SE 4th Street (561) 901-5808 www.myfloraaura.com

Dharma Studio 3170 Commodore Plaza (305) 461-1777 www.dharmastudio.com

DAVIE Krama Yoga 12900 W. State Road 84 (786) 238-6043 www.kramayogainstitute.com

Feel Great Meditate at Center for Spiritual Living 2 SE 12th Avenue, Room 5 (561) 859-2891 www.feelgreatmeditate.com

DEERFIELD American Yoga 1645 SE 3rd Court (561) 789-8080 www.americanyoga.net

BOYNTON BEACH Boynton Yoga Wellness 7545 West Boynton Beach Blvd, #102 (561) 455-6342 www.boyntonyogawellness.com

FORT LAUDERDALE Bombay Room 3354 NE 33rd Street (954) 567-1110 www.bombayroomyoga.com

DELRAY BEACH Simply Yoga of Delray Beach 2275 S Federal Highway, #150 (561) 735-7172 www.simplyyogadelray.com

The Yoga Joint 6131 N Federal Highway (954) 916-7253 www.theyogajoint.com

Delray Yoga Shala 10 NE 2nd Street (561) 441-3467 delrayyogashala.com

MIAMI Miami Yoga 301 SW 17th Road (305) 856-1387 www.miamiyoga.com

HALLANDALE BEACH Synergy Yoga Center 138 NE 1st Avenue (954) 707-2665 www.synergyyoga.org

JUPITER Zeal Yoga 1209 Main Street, #108 (561) 320-3213 www.zealyoga.com

TRIO Yoga - Mind, Body & Spirit Studio 2330 NE 2nd Avenue (305) 573-1841 trioyoga.com

Yogarosa 110 N. Federal Highway #304 (954) 456-6077 www.yogarosa.com

MIAMI BEACH Synergy Yoga Center 844 Alton Road (2nd floor) (305) 538-7073 www.synergyyoga.org

POMPANO BEACH Yoga 4 Life Studios 814 N Federal Highway (754) 307-9489 yoga4lifestudios.com

LAKE WORTH The Cozy Yogi 307 Lake Avenue (561) 713-2707 www.cozyyogi.com

Green Monkey Yoga 1827 Purdy Avenue (305) 397-8566 www.greenmonkey.com

SUNRISE/WESTON Yoga Factory & Fitness 15481 SW 12th Street, Suite 300 (954) 370-6869 yogafactoryfitness.com

MIAMI SHORES 305 Yoga 9537 NE 2nd Avenue (305) 917-5886 www.305yoga.com

WESTON Weston Yoga 2600 Glades Circle Suite 400 (954) 349-6868 www.westonyoga.com

CORAL GABLES Prenatal Plus - Yoga, Inc. 401 Miracle Mile #405 (305) 498-6722 prenatalplusyoga.com Prana Yoga 247 Malaga Avenue (305) 567-9812 www.pranayogamiami.com DORAL Pranoga Yoga Studio 2555 NW 102nd Ave #201 (305) 597-1565 www.pranoga.com

PALM BEACH Haute Yoga Palm Beach 340 Royal Poinciana Way #332b (561) 514-9098 hauteyogapalmbeach.com WEST PALM BEACH Yoga Path Palm Beach 4514 S Dixie Highway (561) 557-4026 www.yogapathpalmbeach.com Om Yoga and Wellness Studios 410 Northwood Road (561) 410-0162 www.omyogawellness.com/

List Your Studio and Reach 25,000 Avid Yoga Enthusiasts Each Month for 3 months

Call 844-600-YOGA or email directory@TodaysYoga.com april 2017

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Celebrate Earth Day • April 22, 2107 not hurry, “Natureyetdoes everything is accomplished.”

LAO TZU

Namaste photo of Jessica McCarrick • 2016 Yogaressa Retreat at Lake Atitlán, Guatemala • yogaressa.com

april 2017

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