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Yoga

Tapas – Hungry For Yoga

March 25, 2010 Victor Dubin Leave a comment

Jocelyn in Tapas This week we’re discussing the yoga principle tapas and people keep getting hungry during class. The definition we’ve been working with in class is commitment, dedication, and passion. And while all of these capture the essence of tapas, making a commitment to one’s self and one’s yoga practice, there is something to the experience of hunger that illuminates the practice of tapas.

When there is a hunger to practice yoga, there is tapas. Too often we silence the inner hunger to do what is best in exchange for what is easy or expedient. Tapas is an honoring of our best selves. It is a practice of listening to our need for effort in the direction of progress and growth. So when you are at the moment of internal decision: “I could go to yoga class, or I could go run these errands, or check my facebook page, or….” call on tapas to support your best self.

When there is a hunger to practice peace, there is tapas. The definition of peace as a noun misses it’s true nature. Peace is a practice that requires strength, courage, determination, and consistency. Peace is best practiced with the full intensity of our being and this is what tapas brings to our yoga practice.

Bring tapas to your yoga practice. With tapas you will find the support you need when there is adversity and inspiration to be your best in every moment.

Victor

Yoga

Essential Yoga Practices

February 3, 2010 Victor Leave a comment

For the last several years I have been encouraging students learn and engage some essential yoga practices. These have been around much longer than the last several years. They are the 8 limbs of yoga, ashtanga, that Patanjali codified in the Yoga Sutras.

I have also promised over the past several weeks that I would blog the definitions for a few of these. These definitions are in no way intended to be the end of a conversation, but rather the beginning. It is my intention that students and others will not simply take what I say as gospel, but will dig deeper and come to their own conclusions about the best way to define and practice each of these.

Finally I would like to note that while some of these practices can be construed simply as philosophical concepts or as end points to be acheived, they are intended as processes of exploration and are best engaged actively.

Asana: posture; mindful physical action;
Pranayama: intentional breathing;
Pratyahara: turning the outer senses inward; inner reflection; deepened awareness;
Dharana: concentration; mental focus;
Dhyana: meditation; presence; openess to what is;

More to come next week.

Victor

Nourish, Playlists, Yoga

A National Holiday For A King

January 18, 2010 Victor Leave a comment

martin-luther-king-jr-right

All week I have been creating music mixes for classes to honor the life of Dr. King. Today it culminates with the national holiday in his honor. Most of today’s exerpts come from the March on Washington speech, but some from the march to Birmingham and others from his later years in opposition to war in general and the U.S. participation in war specifically.

Monday 1/18/09
Beginning, 11:30-12:15 and 12:30-1:15
The Pleasure to Present Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The Star Spangled Banner (Live) – Marvin Gaye Marvin Gaye NBA At 50: A Musical Celebration
Beginning of a Movement Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
A Change Is Gonna Come Sam Cooke Portrait Of A Legend 1951-1964
Now Is the Time Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Freedom Now Tracy Chapman Crossroads
How Long Not Long Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Sojourner’s Battle Hymn Sweet Honey In The Rock Still On The Journey
Happy to Join With You Today
America The Beautiful Ray Charles Ray Charles Anthology
Soul Force Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Soul Power James Brown Crooklyn, Vol. 2
Unearned Suffering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Redemption Song Bob Marley & The Wailers Uprising
My Country Tis of Thee Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
My Country Tis of Thee Mahalia Jackson I Wonder If I Will Ever Rest
Let Freedom Ring Through Free At Last Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Someday We’ll All Be Free Without Gospel Aretha Franklin Malcolm X Soundtracck
Free At Last Free At Last Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

5:45-7:00 Beginning
Free At Last Free At Last Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The Star Spangled Banner (Live) – Marvin Gaye Marvin Gaye NBA At 50: A Musical Celebration
The Pleasure to Present Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Books & Spoken
Shed A Little LIght James Taylor New Moon Shine Music
Happy to Join With You Today
What’s Going On (Original Unreleased Detroit Mix, April 5, 1971) Marvin Gaye Unreleased: What’s Going On (Deluxe Edition)
Life Liberty and The Pursuit of Happiness Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Get Up, Stand Up Bob Marley & The Wailers Songs Of Freedom [Box Set]
Now is the Time to Dream Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Freedom Now Tracy Chapman Crossroads
Soul Force Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Soul Power James Brown Crooklyn, Vol. 2
Unearned Suffering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Redemption Song Bob Marley & The Wailers Uprising
Even Though We Face The Difficulties Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Dreaming On A World Tracy Chapman Matters Of The Heart
With This Faith Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
A Change Is Gonna Come Aretha Franklin I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
My Country Tis of Thee Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
My Country Tis of Thee Mahalia Jackson I Wonder If I Will Ever Rest
Let Freedom Ring Through Free At Last Dr. Martin Luther King
Someday We’ll All Be Free Aretha Franklin Malcolm X Soundtrack
Integration of Moral Concerns Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Heaven Is 10 Zillion Light Years Away Stevie Wonder Fulfillingness’ First Finale
Against the War with Love Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
America The Beautiful Ray Charles Ray Charles Anthology
He Who is Greatest Shall Be Your Servant Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
All That You Have Is Your Soul Tracy Chapman Crossroads
Mountain Top Prophecy Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

All Levels, 7:15-8:45
Free At Last Free At Last Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The Star Spangled Banner (Live) – Marvin Gaye Marvin Gaye NBA At 50: A Musical Celebration
The Pleasure to Present Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Books & Spoken
Shed A Little LIght James Taylor New Moon Shine Music
Happy to Join With You Today
What’s Going On (Original Unreleased Detroit Mix, April 5, 1971) Marvin Gaye Unreleased: What’s Going On (Deluxe Edition)
Life Liberty and The Pursuit of Happiness Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Get Up, Stand Up Bob Marley & The Wailers Songs Of Freedom [Box Set]
Now is the Time to Dream Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Freedom Now Tracy Chapman Crossroads
Soul Force Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Soul Power James Brown Crooklyn, Vol. 2
Unearned Suffering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Redemption Song Bob Marley & The Wailers Uprising
Even Though We Face The Difficulties Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Dreaming On A World Tracy Chapman Matters Of The Heart
With This Faith Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
A Change Is Gonna Come Aretha Franklin I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
My Country Tis of Thee Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
My Country Tis of Thee Mahalia Jackson I Wonder If I Will Ever Rest
Let Freedom Ring Through Free At Last Dr. Martin Luther King
Someday We’ll All Be Free Aretha Franklin Malcolm X Soundtrack
Integration of Moral Concerns Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Heaven Is 10 Zillion Light Years Away Stevie Wonder Fulfillingness’ First Finale
Against the War with Love Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
America The Beautiful Ray Charles Ray Charles Anthology
He Who is Greatest Shall Be Your Servant Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
All That You Have Is Your Soul Tracy Chapman Crossroads
King’s Self Eulogy Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Peace Michael McDonald This Christmas
Mountain Top Prophecy Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

I hope this week has been as inspirational for you as for me. Let’s keep moving together toward freedom for all.

Victor

Playlists, Yoga

Saturday’s MLK Celebration Playlists

January 16, 2010 Victor Leave a comment

Intermediate 10-11:30:
Love’s In Need Of Love Today Stevie Wonder Songs In The Key Of Life
It Tolls For Thee Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Everybody Got Their Something Nikk Costa
He Who is Greatest Shall Be Your Servant Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
A Time To Love, Stevie Wonder (with India Arie) A Time 2 Love
Integration of Moral Concerns Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Strength, Courage, and Wisdom India Arie Acoustic Soul
The Weapon of Love, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Let Us Love Bill Withers
On the Move Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Move on Up Curtis Mayfield The Very Best of Curtis Mafield
Unearned Suffering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Peace Anyway , The Black Crowes Band [unreleased LP]
Victory For Justice and Goodwill Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
We Are The Champions Queen, Queen’s Greatest Hits
I Have A Dream Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
I Had A Dream Last Night Joss Stone
Free At Last, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free Nina Simone Anthology
Now Is the Time Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
If Not Now… Tracy Chapman Tracy Chapman
Soul Force Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
We Shall Overcome FreedomSingers
How Long? Not Long. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr
Eventually Carole King The Carnegie Hall Concert June 18, 1971
Commitment To Non-Violence Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In Search Of Freedom
Love’ll Set Me Free Michael Franti, Songs From The Front Porch
Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Autobiography of Martin Luther King Jr.
A Change Is Gonna Come Sam Cooke Portrait Of A Legend 1951-1964
King’s Self Eulogy Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Peace Michael McDonald This Christmas

Beginning 12:00-1:15
Love’s In Need Of Love Today Stevie Wonder Songs In The Key Of Life
It Tolls For Thee Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Let Us Love Bill Withers
He Who is Greatest Shall Be Your Servant Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
A Time To Love, Stevie Wonder (with India Arie) A Time 2 Love
Integration of Moral Concerns Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Move on Up Curtis Mayfield The Very Best of Curtis Mafield
The Weapon of Love, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Love That Will Never Grow Old Emmylou Harris
Unearned Suffering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free Nina Simone Anthology
I Have A Dream Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
I Had A Dream Last Night Joss Stone
Now Is the Time Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
If Not Now… Tracy Chapman Tracy Chapman
Soul Force Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
We Shall Overcome FreedomSingers
How Long? Not Long. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr
Eventually Carole King The Carnegie Hall Concert June 18, 1971
Commitment To Non-Violence Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In Search Of Freedom
Love’ll Set Me Free Michael Franti, Songs From The Front Porch
Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Autobiography of Martin Luther King Jr.
A Change Is Gonna Come Sam Cooke Portrait Of A Legend 1951-1964
King’s Self Eulogy Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Peace Michael McDonald This Christmas

See you Monday!

Nourish, Playlists, Yoga

King on Thursday 1/14/09

January 16, 2010 Victor Leave a comment

Thursday’s Playlists
12:30-1:15 All Levels:
Shed A Little Light, James Taylor, New Moon Shine
He Who is Greatest Shall Be Your Servant, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Let Us Love, Bill Withers, Live At Carnegie Hall
It Tolls For Thee, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Everybody Got Their Something, Nikk Costa
The Weapon of Love, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Love That Will Never Grow Old, Emmylou Harris
Unearned Suffering, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free, Nina Simone, Anthology
I have a dream 1, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
I Had A Dream Last Night, Joss Stone
Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Autobiography of Martin Luther King Jr.
A Change Is Gonna Come, Sam Cooke, Portrait Of A Legend 1951-1964
King’s Self Eulogy, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Peace, Michael McDonald, This Christmas

5:30-7:00 Intermediate:
Shed A Little Light James Taylor New Moon Shine
He Who is Greatest Shall Be Your Servant, Martin Luther King Jr.
Let Us Love Bill Withers Live At Carnegie Hall
It Tolls For Thee Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Everybody Got Their Something Nikk Costa
Integration of Moral Concerns Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
One U2 Achtung Baby
The Weapon of Love Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Love That Will Never Grow Old Emmylou Harris
On the Move Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Move On Up Curtis Mayfield The Very Best of Curtis Mayfield
Unearned Suffering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Peace Anyway The Black Crowes Band
Victory For Justice and Goodwill Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
We Are The Champions Queen Queen’s Greatest Hits
I have a dream 1 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
I Had A Dream Last Night, Joss Stone
Free At Last Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free Nina Simone Anthology
Now Is the Time Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
If Not Now… Tracy Chapman Tracy Chapman
March Ahead Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
We Shall Overcome FreedomSingers
How Long Not Long Dr. Martin Luther King Jr
Eventually Carole King The Carnegie Hall Concert June 18, 1971
Commitment To Non-Violence Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In Search Of Freeom
Love’ll Set Me Free Michael Franti Songs From The Front Porcc
Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Autobiography of Martin Luther King Jr.
A Change Is Gonna Come Sam Cooke Portrait Of A Legend 1951-1964
King’s Self Eulogy Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Peace Michael McDonald This Christmas

Nourish, Playlists, Yoga

Long Requested Playlists

January 13, 2010 Victor Leave a comment

After many years of putting together playlists for yoga classes and having numerous requests for the list of songs/tracks, I will now begin posting the special playlists on this blog. Most of the songs are readily available for purchase at your neighborhood disc shop, or of course online.

As I said tonight in the intermediate class, single days are not nearly enough to celebrate a birthday. Seems like at least a full week is required to do anyone’s celebration of life justice. This is particularly true as we celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. this week. His birthday is Friday, January 15th and the national holiday to honor him is Monday, January 18th, but I’ve started celebrating today.

As promised here are the tracks from today’s classes. More tomorrow. Enjoy.

Tuesday, 1/12/09
12:30-1:15 p.m. All Levels
Shed A Little Light, James Taylor, New Moon Shine
Beginning of a Movement, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Freedom, Richie Havens, Resume: The Best of Richie Havens
Victory For Justice and Goodwill, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Peace Anyway, The Black Crowes, Band [unreleased LP]
Commitment To Non-Violence, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., In Search Of Freedom
I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free, Nina Simone, Anthology
The Weapon of Love, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Love That Will Never Grow Old, Unknown
Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
A Change Is Gonna Come, Sam Cooke, Portrait Of A Legend 1951-1964
He Who is Greatest Shall Be Your Servant, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Love’ll Set Me Free, Michael Franti, Songs From The Front Porch
A Preacher Leading His Flock, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., In Search Of Freedom
Peace, Michael McDonald, This Christmas
Mountain Top, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

5:30-7:15 p.m. Intermediate
Shed A Little Light, James Taylor, New Moon Shine
Beginning of a Movement, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,
Peace Anyway, The Black Crowes, Band [unreleased LP]
Victory For Justice and Goodwill, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Freedom Richie Havens, Resume: The Best of Richie Havens,
The Weapon of Love, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Love’s In Need Of Love Today, Stevie Wonder, Songs In The Key Of Life
Commitment To Non-Violence, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., In Search Of Freedom
Let Us Love, Bill Withers, Live At Carnegie Hall
Police Brutality Will Backfire, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., In Search Of Freedom
Bomb The World, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Everyone Deserves Music
Now Is the Time, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Forgive Them Father, Lauryn Hill, The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill
Unearned Suffering, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free, Nina Simone, Anthology
On the Move, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
A Change Is Gonna Come, Sam Cooke, Portrait Of A Legend 1951-1964
How Long Not Long, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Someday We’ll All Be Free, Donny Hathaway, A Donny Hathaway Collection
March Ahead, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Love That Will Never Grow Old, Unknown
I have a dream 1, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The Star Spangled Banner (Live) – Marvin Gaye
He Who is Greatest Shall Be Your Servant, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Freedom For My People, U2, Rattle And Hum
Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
All That You Have Is Your Soul, Tracy Chapman, Crossroads
Peace On Earth, U2, All That You Can’t Leave Behind
A Preacher Leading His Flock, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., In Search Of Freedom
Love’ll Set Me Free, Michael Franti, Songs From The Front Porch
Peace, Michael McDonald, This Christmas
Mountain Top, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

(Sources of King Speeches: In Search of Freedom; The Autobiography of Martin Luther King Jr.; A Knock At Midnight)

Nourish, Yoga

Time Magazine’s Year in Health: Yoga

December 5, 2009 Victor Dubin Leave a comment

Thank you to one of our clients for bringing an interesting article in today about yoga and eating disorders. This excerpt comes from Time’s annual The Year in Health article, which focuses on important medical topics and developments from 2009.

“A session of yoga for teens with anorexia, bulimia or other eating disorders may provide more than a spiritual and physical boost; it could also help them get over their illness, according to a new study of 50 adolescents, mostly girls. The girls were seriously ill — nearly half had been hospitalized because of their eating disorder — and were being treated at an outpatient clinic at Seattle Children’s Hospital. The teens were randomized to receive either their usual treatment at the clinic or that treatment plus two hours a week of yoga classes.

The study lasted eight weeks. While the non-yoga teens showed improvement during treatment, they relapsed a month afterward. In the yoga group, improvement started slowly, but a month later, the teens were showing steady gains. The exertion required by some yoga poses had no negative effect on weight, which was reassuring — the last thing dangerously underweight subjects needed to do was shed more pounds. The researchers suspect that yoga may help by reducing the obsessive concern about weight associated with eating disorders. In their study, they wrote, “Food preoccupation may be reduced by focusing attention on yoga poses.” Some subjects even expressed this idea directly to the researchers. Said one: “This is the only hour in my week when I don’t think about my weight.” A larger study is planned to confirm the findings”

Kate P

Nourish, Yoga

My Top 4 Yoga Tips

November 17, 2009 anthonyjackson Leave a comment

I have only been practicing yoga regularly since I started working at NOURISH. Before that it was just MTV yoga dvd’s in the living room and an occasional free class if I could get a hold of a coupon. Since starting to do yoga more intensively at NOURISH, I have realized it is imperative to continue your practice on a regular basis. I feel more flexible, energized, relaxed and overall in better health if I do yoga at least once a week. In addition, keeping up with yoga helps me remember all the tips and adjustments I am supposed to be implementing!

Here are some things that I have learned at NOURISH which I like to keep in the front of my mind while I do yoga:

1. Keep your hands and feet active: Sometimes its easy to forget these extremities when you are concentrating on your back posture and the larger muscle groups involved in a pose. I felt and saw such and improvement in my practice after Victor gave me this little tip. Simply spreading your fingers or flexing your foot can activate more muscles and work them harder than letting your paws slack while you are in the pose. Flexing your foot makes the biggest difference for me in seated poses, where my legs can get lazy. It really helps stretch out my hamstrings and even gets into my back! As for your hands, Kate showed me that when you are in poses like spreading your fingers wide without raising your wrist too much can help make your arms more active and involved.

2. Make it challenging, not painful: On Sunday, Kate said something very important for yogis of all levels: The difference between sharp pain and a slight challenge for your body. We are constantly trying to push ourselves further in yoga, both physically and spiritually. These changes should be incremental and positive in order to be most effective. If you feel a sharp pain in any pose, you went too far! Try to slowly fall deeper into the pose with each breath or ask for an adjustment from the instructor if you are just plain uncomfortable in a pose. Challenge is imperative for improvement in yoga, but the changes you make must be controlled and smooth in order to be beneficial.

3. Smile with your buttocks: Try it! Literally try to make your booty smile. I like this tip not only because of the physical effects, but also because it never fails to put a grin across my face! It’s hard to explain in a blog, but just try to uplift your butt with your back and core. Kate taught me this one as well, and it really helps to make poses engaging and comfortable. I think this technique is implemented mostly in standing poses, but I just try to do it in class whenever Kate mentions it. Mention it next time you are in class and I am sure she will be stoked to teach how and when it should be done.

4. Enjoy! Victor sometimes says this after students enter a pose and will be there for a while. I think this is one of the most important tips I have learned at NOURISH. If you are not having fun and feeling great, something needs to change! Yoga should be a positive experience that de-stresses you and brightens your day. Sometimes in the grind of things, people forget that they are at yoga and are supposed to be letting go. Don’t think about what you did that day or what you will do tomorrow, think about how you feel in the pose and just relax! Leave your stress at the door and enjoy some physical and spiritual release, that is what NOURISH is all about!

Keep in mind that I am not a yoga instructor, so these tips should be used with caution! These are just some things I like to remember when I do yoga that have helped me over the course of my practice. So….as Victor says: Enjoy!

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