Taking a vow of Ahimsa - non violence

"Neither peace nor health can be gained without first cultivating inner harmony and health for all of humankind.  Food for one must be health for all.  Prosperity for one must be abundance for all.  Harmony cannot be achieved at any level while any form of life suffers."  Maya Tiwari

Ahimsa means non violence and taking a vow of ahimsa means it is not something to be achieved or pursued but simply a way of being, it is a state.  Being non violent in our hearts, hands and heads, in action, words and feelings, to all living entities and to ourselves, to all our fellow brother and sisters in the form of humanity, to all animals and to all plants, trees, the earth, water, fire, air and space.  

Making an intention to Ahimsa everyday - every morning and evening is going to help digest this state into every act you make, every word you say and every thought that pops into your head, and when it is not say a non violent act, word or thought - it will make you more aware of the negativity and help to turn it around to be gentle and positive.

You may approach this in different ways - by making a sankalpa or positive statement and mentally repeating it - sit or stand in a comfortable position and place the palms together infront of the heart center, take a deep breath to collect your spirit and repeat the vow of your choice - such as these below

I take the vow of Ahimsa - I make inner harmony my first priority

I take the vow of Ahimsa - In my thoughts, speech and actions

I take the vow of Ahimsa - To protect mother nature and my food source

I take the vow of Ahimsa - To preserve the heart of peace and love

I take the vow of Ahimsa - To strengthen my power of personnel awareness

I take the vow of Ahimsa - To invest in world peace and the protection of all beings

Or you may like to sit in a meditative pose and repeat with your breath -

Breathing in I calm my body

Breathing out I smile

Breathing in I calm my body

Breathing out I offer peace to the world

Breathing in I take strength from the great spirit

Breathing out a wonderful moment.

Ahimsa is a way of life, actually everything is rooted in Ahimsa - and all battles whatever they may be can be overcome and won by the practice of Ahimsa.

Let us bring positive vibrations of health, harmony and hope.

Wishing you all a mind of peace for the collective mind of peace of the whole universe "Yoga provides a real solution to our health problems, which is to return to oneness with both the universe and the Divine within.  This requires changing how we live, think and perceive." Dr David Frawley
Atha Yoga Anusanum - now you are ready for yoga

Have beautiful practice and beautiful days

Shanti shanti shanti

Mangala / Nicky

Raise yourself out of your condition.

Sometimes it may feel that our suffering is surrounding us like an impenetrable wall - it may seem inescapable and overwhelming.  In this posting I don't want to go into too much detail - just outline some postures that really aim to give us a way out - a release and a breath of fresh air.   The following postures or asana highlight a certain energy that can combat a certain way we are feeling they become a vehicle for the cessation for suffering things such as a clouded mind or anxiety.  Of course all therapy should be undertaken under expert guidance and not just from blogposts, internet resources or books, it is the guru that can truly pass positive channels and health and uplift you, however if you are a regular practitioner you can begin with regular practice of these asanas for particular conditions and practiced with awareness of breath, for some time, every day and with the right integrity you will begin to see the difference.

For Anxiety, worry, restlessness and insomnia - Prasarita Padottasana and Padahastasana 

These postures help to reduce mental tensions, external distractions and soothe the nervous system with deep abdominal breathing.  They also regulate the hormonal system and massage the digestive tract.

For memory or clouded mind - inverted V pose and savasana

When we invert the body we naturally encourage focused and deep breathing sending the oxygenated blood directly to the brain, bringing a greater sense of clarity.  Within the inverted V a complete stretch through the body is given which can attain a sense of space.  Also complete rest in savasana helps to clear the mind.

For Fatigue - Supta Vajrasana

In this pose feelings of safety and nourishment and encouraged, it opens the chest, improves respiration, circulation and helps to lift the spirits.  Also by stretching out the thighs the stomach is soothed and digestion aided which can bring increase of energy instead of depleting the energy.

As we practice so we become, take time for you as well as all the commitments and demands that are placed on you - you are not a machine but a very delicate and precious part of life - so take care of yourself

AUM always from the heart

Mangala . / Nicky

Changing how we think when we can't change the situation.

There was once a farmer who lived in a house with two rooms.  The cattle and bulls were in one room and his family in the other.  Life was hard, cramped and miserable so he reached a point where he was truly fed up and went to seek help from a Guru to see what to do.  The Guru advised him to put all the cattle in the same room as the family and lock the door to the other room they had originally been kept in and come back in a week.  After a week he went back, he told the Guru that life was so much worse than before and the family were more miserable what should he do?  The Guru told him to go back and put the cattle back in the original room and come back in a week.  When that week passed he returned to see the Guru, he was most happy and explained that life had become much better not only for the family but also for the cows!

When things are appearing that they are not going the way we want - when we have a disturbance in our mind due to a situation sometimes all we need to do is alter the way we think or feel about it to be able to live in contentment with what is going on.  We have to realise that the universe has its ways and rhythms and we have to be able to recognise and go with them, paddling against them only rocks the boat.  A wise person will recognise every situation as an opportunity - what that opportunity is could be very different from situation to situation and could be just the chance to be able to live with something and gaining the strength and courage to be at one with it.  That in itself can be a very powerful thing and puts you in control.  Recognise your feelings and become friendly with them just by observation.  If you want to be happy which all of us do, you have to find that state of original nature - mediation can reduce and combat suffering.  Holidays can bring freedom from the normal stress of life, meditation can bring a holiday for the mind and ultimately liberation.  Meditation is a technique to detach or disengage from a situation that maybe causing a disturbance to you, give you space to watch or look into your thoughts and then the power to overcome them or accept.  Meditation is the royal road to freedom.  

You can begin today with this simple meditation to help bring you back to your true self - 

Sit in a quiet place free from distractions - no phones, no other disturbances, if sitting is uncomfortable then you can also lie in savasana.

Hold the back straight and the spine tall.

Close your eyes and take a deep breath in and a long exhalation - repeat two more times.

Then allow the breath to regulate and become smooth and natural, notice the length of the breath and the movement in the tummy, chest, throat and nostrils.

Allow yourself to naturally become a little quieter and calmer.

Once you feel settled then start to mentally repeat SO with the inhalation and HUM with the exhalation.  Continue for the time you have - even a few minutes a day will make a huge difference.  

SO with the inhalation HUM with the exhalation.

Before you leave that space to continue your day, just sit for a few moments without concentration and just observe your wonderful self, rub your palms together creating prana and then cup your hands over your closed eyes and allow the eyes to drink the energy you created.

When you are ready slowly release the hands and continue with your day.

SO HUM meaning - I am that.  (I am that of existence, awareness and consciousness.)

Enjoy a beautiful practice, begin today without excuse, create a good habit and begin to address how we think without expecting change from a situation, if we change how we think then we are in control.  

AUM shanti shanti shanti

Mangala / Nicky

Finding Space

Creating space through your asana practice creates space within the body and allows internal cellular activity to flow.  Equally when we create space with the body it will bring more space or shall we say clarity to the mind.  And once there is space there is prana - the vital life force, once there is prana there is wellness.  Also once there is space there is room for the connections to become strong and information or chita also to flow for example the chemical information, neuro transmitters, magnetic energy and hormones etc to make YOGA happen in the body or union of that prana and chita.  Finding that space through asana practice allows healing to happen, not just for the physical body but for the whole uphadi - the body mind system.  Once healing has occurred we can start to go beyond, as essentially yoga is about the realization of the self, find space, heal and then continue to know the truth of who you are.  

The diagram above is beautifully demonstrating the Halasan or plough pose, it is an inverted forward bending position which as you can see stretches and creates space through the whole back and spine.  Increased flexibility is attained not only through the spine and back but also through the hamstrings, calf muscles and achilles and even the sole of the foot.  The spine and all the spinal nerves are nourished with richly oxygenated blood and there is a lot of tension released from the mid back or cervical region and the shoulder region.  As we find space through the back of the body there is a compression to the front - which gives a deep massage to the internal organs especially the digestive system allowing great regulation and therefore detoxing the system and releasing tensions held in the stomach - maybe accumulated through stress.  As the space increases the prana starts to flow without interruption and we can observe what happens to our thoughts.  I find halasan a deeply calming asana, I love the connection between my shoulders and the mat and then again the sense of flow through the back until there is connection again at the balls of my feet and my toes.  When I have become anxious it is this asana that really seems to soothe and bring clarity back as the breath deepens that sense of nurturing really increases, it is almost that I feel that those internal clouds that start to gather really do start to disperse and allow the flow that brings freshness and clarity back. It allows me to really take my attention internally and let go of the external experience.  Or if I find that sleeping has become difficult again this pose after holding some time and breathing deeply through the body allows me to climb back into a restful sleep without any internal disruptions.  All postures have their purpose and open up certain elements within us, and we find out over time when we have experience of our practice what we will need to nurture us at that moment, to form an intimate relationship with it to create space and become grounded, calm and with inner peace of mind, energy and body.  

Always practice under the guidance of a suitable teacher, with the suitable warm ups and sequence before attempting any challenging practice.  

Know what nurtures you, know what nourishes you, recognize what you need, your strengths, your weaknesses and how your strengths can help you overcome the weakness.  What are your aims and find in your practice that clarity that will take you there.

Enjoy, have beautiful practice and take care of yourselves always

AUM shanti shanti shanti

Mangala / Nicky

'A ounce of practice is worth a ton of theory'

Recently after teaching an asana class one student asked me 'Nicky, I have read many books but one day maybe you will share with us your secret as to you being like this?'  I replied eagerly back to her that there is absolutely no secret - it is just practice and dedication to your practice and in practice I don't just mean your asana's but also your meditations, pranayamas, diet, chanting, selfless service, self observation and complete lifestyle, being mindful and very aware of our thoughts and emotions, surrounding ourselves in positive natural environments and being able to step away from the material world even when we are caught in it.  Books are wonderful things and are to be treasured but there is nothing in comparison to actual practice, as Sri Swami Sivananda tells us 'an ounce of practice is worth a ton of theory.'  We can sit and discuss theory and philosophies until it gives us brain ache or for me at least, however by actual experience of practice you can truly begin to feel positive change.  I am by no means always floating on clouds through rainbows, I have life to deal with just the same as everybody else, challenges, blockages, expectations put upon me, moods and emotional outbreaks - I am still contained within this human body and mind, and it is an amazing wonderful gift to have and what an opportunity to learn about humankind that to be able to truly observe yourself; what is the root of that particular worry, that little bout of anger, that moment of jealousy and this moment of joy, and how do I take myself out of those moments that would have negative effect on myself and others, and how to learn to love the moments of joy without attaching to them.  It is dedicated practice that allows us to be open, to love all living things and entities no matter what, it is dedicated practice that brings compassion and acceptance.  It is dedicated practice that prevents the self sabotage, the doubt the mistrust.  It is dedicated practice that prevents us from becoming caught in a sense of being stuck, it is dedicated practice that brings freedom.  In my little humble opinion there is nothing else that can take you there. 

So my response to the question is there is absolutely no secret - just whatever is manageable for you at present in terms of practice then be brave, no more excuses and dedicate yourself to it.

Make that step - you will embark on a gritty, amazing, demanding, transformative journey, Atha yoganusasanam - now you are ready for yoga, now you are ready for change.

Read your wonderful books, but the essence is practice - it is that which is going to make you free, able to approach every part of your being no matter how scary that may be,  but it is magical. 
Love your life, love your time and love you
Dedicate yourself - put yourself on that journey, no body can do that for you but you, be brave, be honest and just do it really.
Always from the heart - I wish you a beautiful journey
AUM shanti shanti shanti
In honor of Shakti the divine feminine energy on the last of the 9 days of celebrating Devi
love to you all
Mangala / Nicky

The magnitude of the Gayatri Mantra

The chanting of Mantra has a powerful and profound effect on the whole system, physically, energetically and mentally.  It starts to uplift our vibratory level and cleanse through our energy centers that will certainly be holding blockages from our life experiences.  Mantra - meaning Man or coming from manas - the mind and tra to free, the chanting of mantra is literally a way to free ourselves from the bondages of our mental waves, and physical limitations.  

The Gayatri Mantra is a universal mantra, a purposeful and powerful connection between divine intuition and awakening of our true intellect.  It first appeared in written form in the Rig Veda between 1100 - 1700 BCE.  It is stated that it is the poem of the divine and chanting this glorious enriching mantra firmly establishes the mind and brings joy and happiness.

Aum
Bhur Bhuvah Svah
Tat Savitur Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi
Dhiyo Yo nah Prachodayat

In meaning it is connecting to existence absolute, the creator of the three dimensions, that of past, present and future, or creation, destruction and preservation, or purity, movement and inertia.  We contemplate upon divine light that it stimulates our intellect and bestows on us true knowledge.  Or in other terms - O Divine Mother, we have darkness in our hearts, please make the darkness distant from us and bring illumination, wisdom and knowledge within us.

Aum, the vital vibration that feels the whole universe.  It is sum and substance of all the words that ever emanate from the human throat or all sounds of sounds.  It is sound symbol of the universal absolute.

Bhur Bhuvah Svah, literally means past, present and future - giving knowledge of the whole cosmos and illuminates the 3 regions of existence.  

Tat, that ultimate reality

Savitur, Divine sun - ultimate wisdom

Varenyam, to adore

Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi, we ask for divine grace and contemplate the intellect 

Dhiyo yo nah Prachodayat, we are praying or urging that knowledge and intellect to be illuminated.

In greatness it is a prayer for final liberation through the awakening of our intelligence, it increases our learning power, concentration and brings inner prosperity, eternal power, peace guiding us toward divine intuition. 

As we chant we express our gratitude to the life giving light and by chanting it is an offering to grace and to inspire ourselves, chant from the heart, chant from the soul and feel the effect through each part of your existence, as you can see from the image above the vibration of each part of the mantra is stimulating through the energy channels at particular parts of the body.  

Breath through every pore of you body the light of intelligence and wisdom.

Have beautiful days and beautiful practice

AUM shanti shanti shanti

Mangala / Nicky

A New Dream

A New Dream by Don Miguel Ruiz

I want you fo forget everything you have learned in your whole life.  This is the beginning of a new understanding, a new dream.  The dream you are living is your creation.  It is your perception of reality that you can change at any time.  You have the power to create hell, and you have the power to create heaven.  Why not dream a different dream?  Why not use your mind, your imagination, and your emotions to dream heaven?

Just use your imagination and a tremendous thing will happen.  Imagine that you have the ability to see the world with different eyes, you see the world around you in a different way.  Close your eyes now and then open them and look outside.  What you will see is love coming out of the trees, love coming out of the sky, love coming out of the light.  This is the state of bliss.

Beautiful words shared,  why create a horror story or even a thriller, create a love story everyday.  If times are challenging or we are in times of rejection - it is painful but use it - be open to it, observe it and evolve, be yourself, be strong and find the depths within your heart, catch your lightness of being.  

Yoga Mangala is currently in Casablanca and is offering classes at my temporary home shala and also at Yogablanca - Val D'Anfa studio and Temps Danse - Bouskoura.  Kindly email me for details nickymangala@gmail.com

Also I have my little Ugandan Tribe based in Kampala running sessions around the city and at Boutabika Hospital.  Enquiries nickymangala@gmail.com

Find your lightness of being by giving yourself permission to be loved

shanti shanti shanti 

mangala / Nicky 

Complete Relaxation is Vital.

Taking time in Savasana is essential for our wellbeing, to give complete relaxation for the body, the energy and the mental activity, to bring balance and harmony back.  We need complete and proper relaxation for the wellbeing of our whole system and this is the only way to take complete relaxation - lie down on your mat, a rug or even on your bed.  Take the legs mat distance apart and the arms around 45 degrees from the body, palms facing upward.  Allow the head to be inline with the spine, take a deep breath in and a long breath out, repeat a deep breath in and a long breath out and gently close the eyes.  Allow the breath to become natural and effortless.  Feel the back of your body and where the weight of your body is, where is your body at its most heavy?  Where is your body at its lightest.  Scan through your whole body from the toes upward to the top of your head and feel all the sensations within you, whatever they may be hold no judgement on them.  Then again feel your breath, the movement in your tummy and chest as you breathe through the nose.  Begin to completely relax, feeling a sense of letting your body deepen into the mat or become heavier or lighter, allowing your mind to stay connected to the relaxation, feel as if the clouds are dispersing leaving only blue skies.  Silently tell yourself - my toes are relaxed, my feet are relaxed, my legs, my knees, my hips are relaxed.  My back is relaxed, my spine is relaxed, my fingers, my hands, my arms are relaxed.  My shoulders are relaxed, my neck, my head, my face are relaxed.  My breath is relaxed, my mind is relaxed.  Shanti Shanti Shanti, peace peace peace.

Practice Savasana everyday to rejuvenate your system, bring a fresh outlook and greater clarity.

I am always honored to share the practice with people from all over the world, from all different cultures, all different upbringings, different circumstances, the young, the old, in schools, in hospitals, in studios, in fields, there is always a way and always time.

The journey may take different paths for different folk, they may use different names for different techniques or even the same techniques with different names!  But essentially where we are aiming to be is all in the same place, this place of oneness, where there is no bondage, the body, the energy, the mental waves are calm and in abiding peace.  There are no storms, no where else to be and nothing else to do, but to simply be resting in your true essence, your true nature, your true self.  This is the reason I practice Savasana every day and the reason that you should too.

Become the creator and create beautiful days

Shanti Shanti Shanti  - Peace Peace Peace

Please don't hesitate to contact me to find out about classes, locations, workshops etc, or how I can help.

From the heart

Mangala   /   Nicky

nickymangala@gmail.com

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Calming and comforting with Pashchimotanasana

Originally in the scriptures it is written that there were 8,400,000 asanas (Yogic postures.) Imagine trying to go through and remember so many in our self practice! Each one of those asanas key to alignment with the internal space and the external space - & the universe that surrounds us -representing a journey from our simplest form that with desires and attachment to our most subtlest - that with full realization of the true self.  Over time the great Yogis and Rishis modifies and reduced the number to the few hundred that are widely known of today, and actually out of these few hundred only 84 are the most useful, and applied in the proper way with intention and awareness begin to open our energy and psychic centres.  They are a body map to a higher awareness and existence and provide a stable foundation for exploration of the body, breath, mind and beyond.

One of these 84 is known as Pashchimotanasana - or the seated forward bend.  I have always fully appreciated this posture but recently it is like my internal self and body are calling for it.  For me I think it is finding the stability that I need being close to the earth and drawing the external energy inward as you fold forwards and really giving a foundation to turn the attention to the inner landscape.  It gives me time to really feel a complete stretch taking me to the edge of that stretch and sometimes going beyond, to feel the breath and tune to quietening the mind.  I find it incredibly calming and soothing - and gives me space to approach any mental tensions with clarity and allow them to dissipate.  It was in this asana and continually repeating this asana to build the awareness of it, muscle and mental strength, that I realized that if a situation also keeps repeating itself somewhere in your life then the lessons that you need to learn from it have not yet been understood, and only when we learn can we break the pattern and move on.  Everything we learn on the mat we can apply to our everyday situations and find what we need be it courage or strength or adaptability to deal with what it is and move forward or away.  I have a deep love for this posture - maybe you will find it too -

- Sit up with the legs straight out in front of you, feet together and flexing the toes upward toward the sky.  Keep the spine straight, top of the head lifted.

- Inhale and reach upward with the arms as much as possible to really find space in the spine and back.

- Retain the stretch then exhale and fold forwards from the hips leading with the chest.

- Keep the legs straight, the knees pushing down toward the mat, keep the back as straight as possible as you fold forward, drawing the abdomen up and inward; this will enable you to fold a little deeper.

- Keep the feet flexed do not permit them to fall outwards, let your hands either rest on your knees, shins, ankles of hold the tops of your feet depending on your flexibility.  

- Breathe deeply through the nose.

- Beginners may hold the asana for 30 seconds or so and then inhale as you lift yourself up and out of the pose, you can repeat several times.  More advanced students hold for longer periods of time gradually increasing as you progress.

-Make sure that the spine is not rounded and you are leading down with your chest and not the forehead.  If you have any low back issues then the knees can be a little bent or place a cushion under them.

-Awareness should be with slow and deep breathing and let that guide you directing the energy inward.

This posture gives a powerful massage and stimulates all of the abdominal viscera, especially the liver and spleen.  It tones all the digestive organs and improves digestion.  It helps to regulate pancreatic functions which control carbohydrate metabolism and blood sugar levels, it is a very valuable asana for diabetic patients.  The entire nervous system is invigorated, joints are mobilised, the spine becomes elastic and body keept youthful.  Regular practice helps to bring relief for sciatica and any compression of the spine.  It stretches the hamstrings bring elasticity and increases flexibility in the hips.  From a pranic point of view over time it allows the vital life force to flow through the sushumna nadi running through the spine unblocking blockages and allowing us to let go of the things that no longer serve us any purpose.

Amazing!

So have a beautiful practice 

Love always from the heart and wishing peace throughout the universe

Mangala / Nicky

International World Yoga Day

The profound practice and way of living - YOGA is a legacy that has been in practice for over 15000 years.  Since Adi Yogi - the first Yogi there have been many ways in which yoga has been spread and practiced, today it is being talked about in a major public and International forum on a huge scale.  And what is being discussed is about discovering oneness with ourselves, each other, nature and the whole world that surrounds us.  The world is beginning to listen!  And to start understanding that this yoga leads to ultimate wellbeing for not only ourselves as individuals but also for the whole planet.  This is a tremendous and hugely positive step.  177 countries voted together to bring about International world Yoga day.  These great and powerful practices that we call under one name of yoga have been going on for centuries, but possibly NOW are when they are most needed.  For the last 100 years or so we have been pulling apart and destroying this world and in turn ourselves, NOW is the time for change and reform, to live peacefully, gently in tune with each other and with all of nature, this yoga goes beyond everything - beyond culture, beyond different religions, countries and creeds - it is time we turn around - as Adi Yogi did on this day - the longest day 21st of June and turn inward, heal ourselves and the world around us.

I humbly take great pleasure in inviting you to a global move for harmony and peace with the practice of Surya Namaskar 108. Each salutation practiced will bring a beautiful ray of light for your heart and the universe. Practice will commence at 6pm GMT on Friday 21st June.  This is not a competitive practice to reach physically 108 salutations, rest when you need to and practice some rounds mentally until the body feels ready to again join the flow of movement.  Take yourself on a journey through the body, energy, thoughts and feelings; again moving into a pure satvic state and finally resting in your true self, that of compassion, calmness, peace and oneness.  

Have a beautiful practice to one and all, let us be one in our thoughts, hearts and deeds.

OM NAMAH SIVAYA    JAI JAI JAI

Love to one and all

Mangala / Nicky

Be a fruit upon the tree of humility

Oh Divine Consciousness

I have come to connect with you, to be with you

to unblock the blockages within me

To release the things that no longer serve me any value or purpose

To fill my heart with divine virtues.

Allow the trees to have peace and bring peace

And may we protect the trees

May the waters be pure and calming  and also have protection

May the herbs and fruits of the earth be nurturing and wholesome

May the earth feel love from us and us love from the earth.

May my heart be full of compassion, joy and perfect peace

May I have the strength to love and support my family and those that surround me

May I have the strength to love myself.

May I let go of fear and worry and be full of trust

I am calm, I am calm

I am peace, I am peace

I am love and I am light

I am perfect as I am

I am that, consciousness, existence and bliss

I am healing, I am healed.

I bow in gratitude for all the blessings I receive each day

I bow in gratitude for this wonderful gift of life.

I bow in gratitude.

Hari Om Tat Sat

Fasting Safely

Fasting is a powerful tool in restoring ones health, bringing a higher sense of awareness and regaining vitality.  An improper diet leads to disease of one shape or form, lethargy and mental imbalances such as mood swings, worry and depression.  In fact I strongly believe that so many of peoples problems are definitely diet related, and with gentle adjustments over time a greater sense of wellbeing and calmness can be regained just through the adaption of diet.

I see a problem today though when in modern society everything is instant and people expect great results in that same manor, patience and discipline seem to have been forgotten.  There is a tendency to jump from one sort of practice to another without giving one enough time and effort to see the results take shape and people give up or look for something else.

Fasting has been practiced for centuries and is part of all major religions, but has also become one of the many buzzwords in todays world, as well as spirituality and mindfulness.  Now it seems people are throwing themselves into fasts that can be violent on their system, becoming unwell, breaking the fast unapropriately which can cause shock to the digestive system and then slipping straight back to their old habits.

Fasting should be treated with the upmost respect and care and should be practiced under guidance and with the appropriate daily routine.  Done properly it can restore health where everything else has failed and gives nature a chance to cleanse the system, eliminate poisons and toxins from the system.  Through a sensible fast nature can go about its work at healing the whole system and the vital life force can be rekindled.  

There is a difference between fasting and starving and in no manor should there be a violent act against the body and mind that is only going to have a negative impact.  Fast sensibly, it should not be continued if you feel very weak or the heart becomes slow, and when breaking the fast it should be done slowly and carefully.

I love this Kicharee fast which is incredibly balancing and effective, very easy on the whole digestive system and a safe way to restore your health.

Take Kicharee around 10 or 10.30am, if you are hungry before this time then take some fruits such as apple or orange or a little fresh lemon juice.  And again take Kicharee in the evening before the sun sets around 6pm.  Fruit juice can be taken throughout the day and evening and make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the fast.  If you don't feel hungry then don't take the food, if you feel weak then take a little of the kicharee throughout the day as and when needed.  After 3 days some green leafy vegetables such as spinach or peas can be added to the evening meal.  

Fasting this way can be done for 1-3 days or longer depending on your individual needs.  

Begin each meal by giving thanks to the earth for providing and maintain a peaceful attitude whilst cooking and eating.  Maintain silence whilst eating and bring your full attention to the food.

Drink a little water before eating and then refrain from drinking during the meal and about an hour after or until you feel thirsty.  

Be mindful of how much you are eating - little is best, about a handful of food is the right amount. 

Enjoy the experience of eating.

KICHAREE RECIPE serves 4

300gm white basmati rice

2tsp sesame oil or organic ghee 

1/2 tsp each of black mustard seeds, cumin seeds, ground tumeric, cumin and coriander

5cm chopped fresh ginger root

pinch of salt

chopped fresh coriander 

lemon or lime juice

Heat the oil, and the mustard and coriander seeds in a large pan, once the seeds begin to pop add the ginger and the rest of the spices for a couple of minutes, add 500ml of water and bring to the boil, then add the rice and cook for about 10 minutes or until the rice has absorbed the majority of the water and is soft.   The stew should be a little bit soupy.   Add a pinch of salt and the fresh coriander and a squeeze of lemon or lime juice.  

Also you can add spinach at the last minute of cooking or fresh peas with the rice.  

Enjoy your Kicharee -  and take great care of yourselves as we are all very precious parts of life

Have beautiful days

AUM shanti shanti shanti 

Mangala  / Nicky

The thought for change.

We are made of many layers, the physical, energetic, mental, intellectual and blissful. Each interlaced with the other, until we reach the blissful layer there is division. But I continue my inquiry, my inquiry through each layer, my inquiry through this world, my inquiry through the existence to become one. Where all the scattered thoughts disperse and only 'I am' remains. I am the earth, the water, fire, air and space, I am inside and outside, I am the vital life force; Prana, I am thoughts and memory, I am discrimination and I am peace. I'm walking along the path to reach total absorption, there is happy, then a little more happy comes and a little more  until the destination, where there is a path, a path of only  Tat Twam Asi - limitless and all knowing, and limited; I am that. I am witness, everything I am, I am only witness, but the minute I react then I am involved. My goal Sakshi Bhav - a state where you can be totally unaffected by anything, when you are in Sakshi Bhav there is no end, you are only witness.  

But our minds think and our hearts feel, if we are sorry, this is a flow of thought, the thoughts grow and grow like ocean waves, If I think something continually it gets powerful, when this is a negative thought this can be extremely damaging not only to ourselves but to those that surround us.  We can reverse this way of thinking, everything is there in the mind.  Thinking creates the problem and another type of thinking can solve the problem.  Ultimately we need to feel the need for a change we need to feel the need to turn things around, and walk in the opposite direction, not of disturbance but of  peace and an abiding mind.  Everything is thought power, and practice is the only way to get will power to reach the destination, first the thought comes for change, then practice and finally the will power.  With will power you can do anything you want.     

So if you have the thought for change, then practice practice practice and then practice some more! Walk with me on the path towards your ultimate freedom, all is one, all is peace.

Have beautiful days

Mangala / Nicky

Maha Mrutyanjaya Mantra - the giver of life and bestower of liberation

Every grain of sand came from something bigger, every grain of sand travelled to be in this place.  I put my footprints in the sand, the sand envelopes my toes, the souls of my feet, my skin.  Am I the sand too, or is the sand a part of me?  Every grain of sand came from something bigger, something bigger than me, or am I bigger than it?  Are we not just one and the same, all coming from a larger presence, a huge collective consciousness.  Are we not beating as one in some shape and form, and life - when the heart stops beating, the breath stops flowing, then where do we go?  Back to the one, as I put my eyes to rest and stop the flow of breath, my body may disintegrate but I, the bigger I keeps the journey, moving back to a bigger life.    As we are born so there will be death and again birth.

We chant the Maha Mrutyunjaya mantra in these complex times to bring life and to bestow liberation.  Let the mantra show you what is real, the heart beat of vibration the heart beat of consciousness and chant for a safe journey through.  This mantra wards off death and has a wonderful curative effect for disease, also keeping us safe from accidents.  By chanting this Siva Mantra it will bestow liberation from the bondage of the unreal and bestows on you a long and healthy life and brings inner prosperity of joy, contentment, peace and the truth of eternal consciousness, and once the body has dropped off carries us in safety.

Chant 3, 9, 27 or 108 times . and chant from the heart.

Om Tryambakan Yajamahe

Sugandhim Pusti Vardhanam

Urva Rukam Iva Bhandhanat

Mrityor Muksiya Ma mrtat

Dedicated to Bob, may your journey onward be beautiful.

Shanti Shanti Shanti 

Mangala / Nicky

Solar Vitalization with Surya Namaskar, over coming anxiety, depression and restlessness.

I adore the practice of Surya Namaskar, not only because it makes me feel strong in my body, flexible and with increased energy, but because it totally connects me to the natural laws of nature.  It is so much more than just a physical exercise but a way to express oneself and ignite the solar energy that lies within us.  Of course the physical benefits are there, toning the whole body, increasing respiration and detoxing through the build up of toxins in the lungs and kidneys.  It stimulates and harmonizes the endocrine system - regulating the efficient working order of the glands and metabolic system and massages the internal organs as well as increasing flexibility and strength.  The whole body receives a boon with the practice.  However when also practiced with an awareness of the cycles of the sun within the 24 hours, the different elements to the day and how the energy changes within us, we can become fully connected back to the universe and her cycles and feel mentally balanced and back in touch with our true nature; that of Sat Chid Ananda - that of pure consciousness, existence and bliss absolute.  Surya Namaskar practiced with absolute awareness is a powerful means to bring us back to ourselves through the self and become whole and at one again.  This practice is not only preventative for disease and illness of the body and mind but also heals the sufferings we may be going through, it is one of the most powerful tools a yoga therapist has in their tool box.

As you stand in tadasana and bring the palms together in front of the heart, imagine the wonderful rising sun - a time of dusk and peace, drawing that peace into the heart.

As you reach up towards the sun arching backward, draw all the energy of the sun into the body and through every pore in the body bringing upmost energy and vitalization.  Draw every ray of light into yourself.

As you come down towards the earth in padahastasana - look within for inspiration from the inner guru and draw the energy downwards, take time to go deeper within the self.

As you step back to ashwa sanchalanasana look upward for power and courage, the self confidence is there after looking within to the inner guide.

As you step back to the plank we make a little prayer for our progress in our life on our path.

As you come down to ashtanga namaskar we look to the earth for nourishment and support, this is representing the mid day sun when energy is at an ebb and we may be at our most vulnerable and we make a gesture of surrender.

As we rise up into bhujangasana we look up to the cosmic golden self represented in the light, showing an awakening from ignorance to knowledge as we ascent back up toward a pure state of being.

As we push back to parvatasana - the inverted V, we again introvert and look inwards with introspection providing balance from an extroverted daily life.

As we step forward back to ashwa sanchalanasana we look again upward to the cosmic mother for her infinite energy and wisdom.

Stepping forward to reach again padahastasana - the standing forward fold we make a little prayer for inspiration and stimulation from the power of the sun.

As we rise back up to hasta utthanasana we lift ourselves up to the one who is fit to be praised - the giver of all life, the one whom shines on all and is friend of all.

As we come back to bringing the hands together in namaskar mudra in front of the heart center, hold the beautiful setting sun between the palms, the time of dusk and again feel the peacefulness of this time.  A time of stillness and tranquility, no restlessness - just being. 

Surya Namaskar is an amazing technique and when you have learnt it and fully experienced each of the 12 postures from not only a physical level but from that also of expression, thought and feeling - it is an wonderful priceless practice passed down over generation and generation. 

So turn your head upward and look to the glorious sun, go deeper within and feel every part of your beautiful existence.  

Be the light of the all mighty sun and shine shine shine!

Have days and nights full of light and lightness of being

Om shanti Om

Mangala /  Nicky

Eating your favourite ice-cream!

I love this analogy from Swami Govindananda and it always helps to be reminded, so thought I would share -

'When you eat your favourite ice-cream you become happy - why?  You think that the ice-cream is bringing you happiness.  You might have a second one and ok you are still happy.  You might have a 3rd helping and you start to feel bad.  So if it is the ice-cream bringing happiness why are you still not happy with the third one?  When you ate the first one you were completely focused on it, your mind was completely concentrated on one thought - that of the ice-cream.  By the third one the mind is wandering again and dissatisfaction occurs.  Like when it is cloudy, is the sun not shinning?  The sun is always shinning even at night, so the first one is like full sunshine, the second one the clouds are starting to come and by the third one the clouds have gathered - the mind has become cloudy.  Therefore how can it be that the ice-cream has brought you happiness?  It was not by any means the ice-cream but the one-pointedness of the mind whilst your mind held only one thought of that ice-cream.  The place where joy resides is in the self not in the ice-cream.'

The mind is nothing but thoughts, when we sit for meditation largely it is concentration that we are practicing, this is with effort.  When mediation occurs this is without effort, and it will come naturally when the time is right for you.  In concentration there is you and many thoughts with one thought in mind, you are trying to keep that one thought, in meditation there is you and you have merged with that one thought for the purpose of liberation.  But to reach that state we have to practice, practice and practice.  Yoga should be practiced everyday - you don't eat just once a week!

Have beautiful days full of practice!

Love and lightness of being 

Mangala / Nicky

A Celebration of Consciousness

AS I sit infront of the Lingam it speaks to me in silence.  My mind becomes calmer, and a gentle concentrated stillness begins.  Sometimes it is a fleeting moment, sometimes there is length.  But always to come and gaze in front of the sacred Lingam brings something deep, profound and there is an awareness of the consciousness that this symbol is.  Reality whispers and the mirage that surrounds us dissipates.  The whole of creation came out of the Lingam, out of consciousness and energy, Prakriti and Purusha, and in the end we merge back to Lingam - the place of our origin.  I am that eternal consciousness and bliss, silence the pain and anxiety you feel and come back to peace.  Rest away from your restlessness in your true nature of silence and a celebration of the life that you are.

chidanandarupah Sivoham Sivoham.  

The blue skies are always there, the clouds just come and go, come and go.  There is no need to create the blue skies they are already there.  

Have beautiful days

Finding a lightness of being 

Mangala / NIcky.   

Maha Sivayatri

On this great night of Siva tune yourself to the natural upsurge of energy and elevate yourself away from the negativities away from the darkness and celebrate the beautiful light that you are.  Meditate, chant OM Namah Sivaya, practice your asana, sometimes move in elevation and sometimes be completely still just as the greatest Yogi.  Turn your head upwards and tune to the potential of reaching Siva on this night.  Wishing you all the blessings and joy

May you reach Siva and find the answer within.

Om Namah Sivaya OM Namah Sivaya Om Namah Sivaya

Mangala / Nicky

Nirvana Shatakam - the Song of the Self

At eight years old the great Adi Shankara or Shakaracharya was wandering up in the Himalayas mountains in search of his Guru.   A great sage stopped and asked him who he was and this was his powerful reply -

Mano Buddhi ahankara chittani naaham

Na cha shrotravjihve na cha ghraana netre

Na cha vyoma bhumir na tejo na vaayuhu

Chidananda rupah Shivoham Shivoham

I am not the mind, the intellect, the memory or the ego

I am not the ears, the skin, the nose or the eyes

I am not the space, not earth, not fire, water or wind

I am the form of consciousness and bliss

I am the eternal Siva

Na cha prana sangyo na vai pancha vayuhu

Na va sapta dhatur na va pancha koshah

Na vak pani padam chopastha na payu

Chidananda rupah Shivoham Shivoham

I am not the breath nor the 5 elements

I am not matter nor the  5 sheaths of consciousness

Nor am I the speech the hands or the feet

I am the form of consciousness and bliss

I am the eternal Siva

Na me dvesha ragau na me lobha mohau

Na me vai mado naiva matsarya bhavaha

Na dharmo na chartho na kamo na mokshaha

Chidananda rupah Shivoham Shivoham

There is no dislike in me, no greed, no delusion

I know not pride or jealousy

I have no duty, no desire for wealth lust or liberation

I am the form of consciousness and bliss

I am the eternal Siva

Na punyam na papam na saukhyam na duhkham

Na mantro na tirtham na veda na yajnah

Aham bhojanam naiva bhojanam na bhokta

Chidananda rupah Shivoham Shivoham

No virtue or vice no pleasure or pain

I need no mantra no pilgrimage no scriptures and rituals

I am not the experienced nor the experience itself

I am the form of consciousness and bliss

I am the eternal Siva

Na me mrtyu shanka ne nejati bhedaha

Pita naiva me na mataa na janmaha

Na bandhur na mitram guru naiva shishyaya

Chidananda rupah Shivoham Shivoham

I have no fear of death no caste or creed

I have no father or mother for I was never born

I am not a relative nor a friend, nor teacher or student

I am the form of consciousness and bliss

I am the eternal Siva

Aham nirvikalpo nirakara rupo

Vibhut vatcha sarvatra sarvendriyanam

Na cha sangatham naiva muktir na meyaha

Chidananda rupah Shivoham Shivoham

I am devoid of duality, my form is formless

I exist everywhere pervading all senses

I am neither attached nor free nor captive

I am the form of consciousness and bliss

I am the eternal Siva.

The wise Sage that Shankaracharya was talking to was Swami Govindapada Acharya and was indeed the teacher that he was looking for.   This is an amazing summery of the whole of Advaita Vedanta the non-dualistic philosophy, that as a simple yogi I look into and have been taught by my Gurus.   It is a wonderful composition that looks at the essence of Vairagya - that of dispassion, detachment or renunciation and we can say in particular that of the renunciation of  the pains and pleasures in the temporary material world.  I have been trying to explain this recently when I look at the reactions of others at the way I live.  This doesn't mean suppression, being fundamental, violent to oneself or denying ones needs; but the ability to see beyond the limitations of the worldly things and know that the journey one can embark on beyond them is the greatest.  Indulging ourselves in the worldly temporary things only pulls us away from the greatest discovery - I am that form of consciousness and bliss, I am the eternal Siva.  

Maha Sivayatri will fall on March 4 ^th this year, enjoy the preparations and Sadhana.

Wishing you the greatest ride of your life!  

You can hear the Nirvana Shatakam here on this link -

www.ishashoppe.com/downloads/portfolio/vairagya-sounds-of-isha/?_ga=2.11917428.1574130966.1550490991-903625408.1503637584

Love and Lightness of being - I am Siva I am Siva

Mangala / Nicky