Chakras, Energy Centers of Transformation.

Chakras are centers of subtle and vital energy located in the Astral body, a body that is not physical not apparent but hold our energies, thoughts, feelings, emotions, decisions, intellect and wisdom.  They are centers of awareness; consciousness and are located in correspondence with associated glands in the physical body.  They lie within the Sushumna nadi (astral nerve) that runs through the spinal cord.  The physical body and astral body are in close relationship with each other, so vibrations produced in the physical centers by various practices, such as asanas (yogic postures) chanting and breathing techniques also have an effect on the chakras hence stimulating and unblocking them from stored emotions, feelings and memories and allowing prana, (vital life force) to begin to flow through these centers uplifting us towards a higher awareness.  Chakras are centers of transformation, are psychic centers and are active at all times, energy passes through them to create different states.  They are related to the five elements, earth, water, fire air and space, which are constantly coming and going within the body.

Each chakra has a specific feeling, colour, force, function, characteristic, sense etc.  There are many chakras all over our upphadi (body mind system) but we mainly focus on 7 main ones.

1.    Muladhara – located right at the lower end of the spinal column.

2.    Swadhisthana – located at the genital organs

3.    Manipura – located at the navel corresponding to the solar plexus.

4.    Anahata – at the heart.

5.    Vishuddha – at the throat.

6.    Ajna – between the eyebrows.

7.    Sahasrara – at the crown of the head.

It is interesting to see how these chakras are also associated with blockages in the body causing certain ailments.  Any ailment is caused by a block of prana, the prana can't flow as it should, so imagine the chakras as similar to a jammed roundabout, nothing is moving. This little bit of information is like looking at a prescription for what is troubling you physically, and by know which ailment is related to which chakra then how to combat the problem by stimulating a particular chakra.  Certain yogic postures are related to each chakra so therefore by looking at which ailment correlates to which body blockage and which posture correlates to which chakra we can work towards healing ourselves. It is a powerful bit of knowledge as these postures start to stimulate and unblock the traffic jams at the chakras!

1.    Sahasrara Chakra – blockage; Alzheimer’s disease, confusion – posture to combat, sirshasana, the headstand or rabbits pose as a softer version.

2.    Ajna Chakra – blockage; learning difficulties, neurological imbalances, unable to see the signs of life - posture to combat, sirshasana or rabbits pose.

3.    Vishuddha Chakra – blockage: thyroid imbalance, congested throat, difficulties communicating – posture to combat, sarvangasana, the shoulderstand.

4.    Anahata Chakra – blockage; heart issues, chest pain, shortness of breath, respiratory problems, feelings of jealousy or inability to love – posture to combat, matsyasana, the fish pose.

5.    Manipura Chakra – blockage; constipation, stomach ulcers, digestive problems, eye dysfunctions, feelings of resentment – posture to combat, paschimottanasana, the seated forward bend or mayurasana the peacock pose.

6.    Swadhisthana Chakra – blockage; lower back pain, impotency, prostrate cancer, lack of ideas – posture to combat; padahastasana, the standing forward bend.

7.    Muladhara Chakra – blockage; constipation, inability to move forward a feeling of being stuck – posture to combat, trikonasana, the triangle pose.

The Sivananda system of yoga embraces all of these poses within it and so offers a very complete system to work towards optimum health and not only a cure but also a method of prevention.  How wonderful a thing!

Sarve Bhavantu Sukhina

Sarve Sant Niramaya

May all be happy, May all be in peace.

AUM Shanti to all

Mangala / Nicky.

Its Simple - a beautiful story

ONce a man was having a conversation with God - "God, I would like to know what heaven and hell are like." he said.

God led the man to two doors, he opened one of the doors and the man looked in.  In the middle of the room was a large round table, in the middle of the table was a large pot of stew, which smelled delicious and made the mans mouth water.  But the people sitting around the table were thin and sickly appearing famished.  They were holding spoons with long handles that were strapped to their arms and each found it possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful, but because the handle was longer than their arms they couldn't get the spoon back to their mouths.  The man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering.

"You have seen hell" said God.

Then they went to the other door and it was opened, it was exactly the same as the first one, a large round table, a delicious pot of stew and the people had the same long-handled spoons strapped to their arms.  But here the people were well fed, plump, laughing and talking to each other.

"I don't understand," the man said.

"It is simple," said God, "In this place the people have learned to feed one another."

Every moment of yoga is a drop of gold for your body, mind and spirit, make those drops build up so you shine for all of humanity.  

The story is taken from a book titled Soul to Soul, poems, prayers and stories to end a yoga class, compiled by John Mundahl.  The author of the story is unknown.

Have beautiful days

AUM always AUM 

Mangala / Nicky

King Posture - Sirsasan

Sirsasan or otherwise known as the headstand is a wonderful posture that brings so many benefits to the whole system.  A student asked me today what if I have limited time what should I practice and my initial response is of course make more time!!  But on another note if we are just talking about asana's or postures regardless of the sun salutations and any breath work we may be doing, then I would say hmmmmm make it the headstand if there really is no time for anything else.  There are many variations of sirsasan and the image above is the classical version, however there are 8 steps to come up into the postures, each equally important and bring benefits in themselves, so make sure you go slowly step by step, learn patience and get instruction and guidance from a suitably qualified teacher.  

Physical Benefits -

Slows respiration

The heart gains a wonderful massage as it needs only to pump with enough force to get the blood to reach the toes, gravity does the rest.

Enhances deep breathing which brings increased oxygen to the brain and the sympathetic nervous system.

All body functions are toned and enhanced.

Varicose veins get relief as the circulation starts to flow in the opposite direction and stagnant blood starts to drain.

Disorders of the nerves, eyes, ears, nose and throat are improved.

Pressure is relieved from the lumber and lower back.

Mental Benefits -

Memory and intellectual capacity are increased.

There is an improved sense of focus and concentration, and improved sensory faculties.

We start to overcome our nerves and fears and become more confident.

Helps us learn patience and acceptance. 

Spiritual Benefits - 

As we stimulate the Sarashara Chakra and Ajna Chakra this induces our intuitive knowledge, we can overcome the sense of time and union can occur.  

"he who practices the headstand for three hours daily conquers time." Yoga Tatwa Upanishad.

The headstand is one of the most powerful asana for the well-being and upliftment for the body, mind and spirit a real boon for all of human ills physically or mentally.  It is a real journey to learn but wow it feels wonderful when you finally get it.  Do you think my student will have 3 hours to spare to hold her body and her mind completely concentrated in Sirsasan? I will ask her!!  I bet her answer will be - wow I will work towards it!!

Take joy in the journey and all it brings

May you all be well, happy and free from suffering and find your peace.

Mangala / Nicky.

IF YOU ARE NOT A SEASONED PRACTITIONER OF THE HEADSTAND PRACTICE UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF A QUALIFIED TEACHER.  STEP BY STEP AND SLOWLY!

Headstand workshop after class this coming thursday, Gems Cambridge International School, Butabika, Kampala, Uganda.  Class 5.00-6.30pm  headstand practice 6.30-7.00pm.  Free for local Ugandans.

International World Yoga Day - round 2!!!

On the occasion of the worlds 2nd International World Yoga day, let us open our hearts to our inner beings and find a simple expression of joy.
EVENT ; Opening the heart through our bodies and sound
PLACE: EDGE Fitness, Sadlers Lane, Naguru, Kampala, Uganada
TIME: 21st June Tuesday - 6.30-8.00pm
FREE EVENT

Opening the heart through sound.  Sound plays a vital part of our everyday lives; it is a way of communication of learning and interacting.  Have you ever just stopped and listened to all the sounds that surround us and see the effect they have on our bodies, emotions and moods?  How they vibrate through our systems?  Then in turn how do the sounds we create affect us?  The sound of gentle breath, the sound of the heart beat the sounds from our vocal chords.  Sound has the power to either raise our vibratory level or lower it, depending on the sound, for example the sound of a drill will have a certain effect on us compared to that of a divine voice sweetly singing.  This International World Yoga Day I will be exploring how sound can open our hearts and elevate us.  Raise our awareness to a higher plane and begin heal us.  It can activate the right side of the brain the creative side and bring holistic development to the individual, using the practice of mantra and kirtan chanting we can uplift ourselves, create happiness and a more focused mind.  We will chant in Sanskrit; the language of the Gods which comes from within so by chanting you are activating your inner knowledge, unblocking and activating our chakras, (energy centers.) allowing our energy to flow positively.
Sound is energy let us make some noise together and let that energy manifest for the benefit of ourselves, all living entities and for the Universe itself.
The session will begin in initial relaxation to free us from the day and tune into our practice, giving ourselves some space.  Then we honor the light of the day with a few rounds of Sun Salutations to re-charge and release toxins from the system.  Followed by a few rounds of Moon salutations to welcome the transition from day to night.  Then we are prepared for the use of sound, sometimes calming and soothing and sometimes with dynamic energy, we will chant, sing and generally make some noise.  Let us see where it takes us! And of course we finish with a lovely final relaxation throughout the whole system to allow the energy we have created to permeate into every part of us.  We will conclude with a surprise treat, as no celebration is complete without a little sweet treat for the soul!

Do please join us all are welcome and experience something a little different.

Be the light that you are

I will also be teaching at the National Theatre Kampala from 4.45-5.30pm so you can catch me there too! And their celebration for yoga day will continue until 8pm.
AUM Shanti
Nicky

Prayer Flag

Drive this Body Car intelligently, Relax perfectly, Breathe Rhythmically, Meditate regularly - You will enjoy happiness, health and love in a long life - Swami Vishnudevanada.   Make your every breath one long prayer, be inspired and send your prayers out into the universe.  Let the world smile back at you. 

AUM AUM AUM

Serve, love, give, purify, meditate, realize - Swami Sivananda

Mangala / Nicky

High Frequency foods to promote Health.

We all know that the yogic diet is a strictly vegetarian one consisting of simple and natural organic foods that promote our health both mentally and physically.  Eating foods that are first-hand from nature that have been grown in fertile soil free from chemicals and pesticides and that have not been genetically modified are going to give the maximum nutritional values that we need.  Processing, refining and over-cooking destroy much of these values. We are all vibrating at different levels consistently, our cells are vibrating our minds are certainly vibrating even our skin – our whole self is operating on a vibratory level, that level goes up and down depending on our situation.  A person in upmost health is vibrating on a high level compared to a person who is suffering with disease either mental or physical or both.  In that case the vibratory level goes right down.  The purpose of eating is to supply our being with life force or prana the vital life energy.  Everything we eat also has its own vibration, foods that have been grown directly in the sun are going to have a much higher frequency than foods that have not received that life giving energy from direct rays of light.  Processed and refined foods are like eating affirmations of death to your system.  So the higher the frequency of the foods that we eat are, the more prana we will have and we will be in better health.  Here I have listed the high, medium and dense frequency foods that a yogi diet would include, so clearly the more high frequency and the less dense frequency foods that we ingest then the more energy we are going to have. –

High Frequency Foods – promoting optimal wellness

Highest – spirulina, blue green algae, chlorella

Medium – sea vegetables such as nori, hiijki, arame, sea cucumber

Low – leafy green vegetables, cabbage, chard, collard greens, kale, red lettuce, green leaf lettuce, spinach, watercress, sprouted seeds, bakchoy, bananas, avocado, kiwi, pomegranates, papaya, melons, plums, lemons, limes, oranges, berries, mango, pineapple.

Medium Frequency Foods – promoting good health

Highest – nuts and seeds, vegetable flowers, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels, artichoke, dates, figs, apples, apricots, raisins, prunes.

Medium – vine flowering vegetables, cucumbers, eggplant, aubergine, peppers, pumpkin, squash, tomatoes.

Low – tubers and stem vegetables, asparagus, leaks, celery, rhubarb, radish.

Dense Frequency – promoting basic health

Highest – green beans, split peas, legumes, lentils, kidney beans, black eyed peas.

Medium – roots, beets, carrots, potatoes, parsnips, yams, turnips.

So munch away on the highest frequency foods to attain vitality and be full of prana with a keen intellect and serenity of mind.

Eat to live not live to eat!!

Have beautiful healthy days

OM Lokha Somastha Sukhino Bhavantu

May we all find balance and harmony

May we all live as one.

Always –

Mangala / Nicky

Soften your Heart, let go of your Resistence.

After spending almost a year now in Kampala; Uganda, I look back to all the people I have shared yoga here with since I came, or have practiced with and think about where we are at.  I have taught policemen, security guards, school teachers, NGO workers, mental health patients, support workers, students, cleaners, mums and lots more, local Ugandans and expats alike.  I have practiced with some guys that certainly like to bring the idea of ‘Power’ to the mat.  Some have been amazingly open and joyful even excited to come to my classes, whilst others have been suspicious and defensive to the practice.  Before coming to this beautiful country I was warned by a lovely Ugandan lady I had been teaching in Kathmandu – Nicky be careful with the deepness in your classes, be careful with your chanting and the spiritual aspect, go gently.  I listened to her of course but I have always stuck to the truth of the teachings, I have complete faith in them because I have felt them and do so on a daily basis and I’m not scared to be challenged, in fact I almost welcome it as I see a lot of modern forms of yoga being practiced here as a physical experience only.  I am only too keen to have the opportunity to practice here and bring to others classical yoga and the depths of all my trainings.  As I look back to how I first started many years ago, sometimes I felt resistance too but this softened and slowly I started to embrace all aspects of yoga.  I stopped fighting and managed to put myself on a little lotus leaf and let it be carried by the river of life.  I stopped needing to be in control.  I stopped worrying about my body and started to be more concerned with my heart. 

When I first started yoga I had no intention really of a spiritual journey I just wanted to play with the body and see what I could do, I wasn’t even really aware of what yoga was and thought it to be just some form of exercise, but over time things started to open within me, and I wanted to and started to connect to the divine.  I started to connect to that which is divine within us, my whole world started to open on a level I hadn’t really experienced before.  Meaningfulness started to poor into my practice, which in turn opened up new possibilities in my life.  I no longer battle to try and find whatever it was I thought I was looking for, I no longer battle to be in a place where I think I should be, but take joy in surrendering to the play of life in a very wonderful and beautiful cosmos.  When I think back before I had found this amazing thing called yoga I seem to have been always searching or fighting something, now I am relaxed and contented.  I am relaxed to be where I am on a moment-by-moment basis and to find a contentment or acceptance of it. 

This yoga is a journey and as much as I love to travel the globe, meet new cultures and learn from them and see the beauties of the planet, I also love to journey within now with confidence to explore the soul.  It is an amazing adventure and one of constant learning.  Which is a wonderful thing to keep learning and being ever inquisitive. 

Yoga isn’t about standing on our heads, putting our legs behind our heads, being able to hold plank pose for five minutes, it is about accepting our humanness and seeing the Divine within and journeying beyond.  It is becoming the master over the five elements - which make our physical bodies, it is being able to observe our mental activities and emotions, it is finding complete balance over our energies, and moving beyond this.  It is about exploring our limitations and then becoming limitless.  Now when I chant Siva Siva Siva Siva, it is not that I am a Hindu or have a vision of a form of a man with dreadlocked hair tied above his head holding a trident, but that of the meaning of Siva – that which is not.  Because that which is – is material, it is physical – that which is not, goes beyond.

Yoga pre-dates any religion, before any idea of religion entered humans mind, yoga was.

So when I meet people coming to yoga for the first times and I find they have a heart that is closed, a mind showing resistance, in a way it makes me smile as I think back to myself, and also now to those people that I met in the past and that also showed that same resistance, but they kept coming and are now yoga teachers themselves. 

Oh for the journey!

AUM Lokha Somastha Sukhino Bhavantu

May all beings find harmony and balance.

Always

Mangala / Nicky.