Patanjali is the author of the “Yoga Sutras.” He is also thought by many scholars to be the author of various ancient texts on Ayurveda and Sanskrit grammar. Others think that the name Patanjali represents a group of people who came up with these writings. Sutra in Sanskrit translates to “stitch” as in a thread of knowledge. The Sutras provide a thorough and consistent philosophical basis for yoga, and they also clarify many important concepts in Indian thought.

Patanjali divided his Yoga Sutras into four chapters or books (”pada” in Sanskrit). -Samadhi Pada (51 sutras): Sanadhi refers to a blissful state of Oneness. This book contains the famous verse “Yogas citta vritti nirodhah” which translates to “Yoga is the restraint of mental modifications.” -Sadhana Pada (55 sutras): Sadhana is the Sanskrit word for practice or discipline. In this book, Patanjali talks about Kriya Yoga (also called Karma Yoga) and Ashtanga Yoga (Eightfold Yoga). Ashtanga Yoga describes the eight limbs that together constitute Raja Yoga. -Vibhuti Pada (56 sutras): Vibhuti is the Sanskrit word for power or manifestation. The sutras explain that the focus should be on liberation, and not on the attainment of power. -Kaivalya Pada (34 sutras): Kaivalya as used in the sutras means emancipation and liberation, which is the goal of Yoga. This book describes the nature of liberation and the reality of the transcendental self.

www.whatsyourdosha.com

Acne is a common skin disease that affects more than 85% of the population at some point in their lives. Acne is more common in men than women during adolescence, and more common in women than men during adulthood. Ayurveda says that acne is an imbalance of all three doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha, with the main cause being the aggravation of the Pita dosha.

Pitta is made up of a combination of fire and water, hence the heat, or redness, of the skin. Since a Pitta imbalance is deep in the physiology, creams and topical treatments just mask the symptoms of acne. Ayurveda recommends a Pitta diet and lifestyle routine to tackle the disease at the root cause. Meditation and yoga help to ease stress, which is a contributing factor. When experiencing a breakout of acne, try making a paste of turmeric powder and water and applying to the blemishes with a cotton ball. Turmeric is an antibiotic and antibacterial so will help calm the eruptions.

www.whatsyourdosha.com

My large box from Amazon has finally arrived. I suspect I’ll be through this batch in a month or so, and then be on the lookout for more. New, this week:

• Structural Yoga Therapy
• Anatomy of Movement: Exercises
• Ram Dass: Still Here Now

Today I had my first Thai Yoga Massage. It was fantastic!

One of our assignments in Yoga Teacher Training is to complete a “Karma Project”[*]. I completed mine last year – my Ontario Holistic Directory. This year, I’m going to be the lucky recipient of the time of another, receiving personal training. Now, although I’m quite slender and eat (relatively) well, my muscle tone could use some serious improvement and I would love more definition on my obliques [**]. I’m heading out from work soon to meet my new trainer. I’m not sure how many hours she will be beating me up spending with me, but I’m rather looking forward to the end result.

[*] – A volunteer project
[**] – Admittedly, this is a wee bit shallow

Garam Masala, found on spice racks and in recipes, is not a spice in itself, but a blend of spices used throughout India. Garam means “hot” and Masala means “spice.” The spices, and some of the proportions in Garam Masala can vary depending on personal taste, and the region. Here’s a sample recipe so that you can make your own Garam Masala at home. This recipe makes about ½ cup of Garam Masala, and when kept in an airtight container will keep for 3 months. I’ve seen different recipes that use mace and/or fenugreek, so experiment and see what you like.

2 Tablespoons cumin seeds 2 Tablespoons coriander seeds 2 Tablespoons cardamom seeds 2 Tablespoons black peppercorns 1 3″ stick cinnamon, broken up 1 teaspoon whole cloves 1 teaspoon grated nutmeg ½ teaspoon saffron (optional) Put all of the spices except the nutmeg and saffron in a dry, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Toast the spices about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn several shades darker and give off a sweet, smoky aroma. Let cool completely. Transfer the spice mixture to a spice mill or coffee grinder and grind to a powder. Stir in the nutmeg and saffron.

www.whatsyourdosha.com

When I first started this blog, I wanted to use it to document my journey through completing my yoga teacher training. What I failed to recognize was the fact that coming up with something to write about every day was going to be something of a challenge. More so, in giving myself this particular goal, I would be inadvertently causing myself stress in the event of having writers’ block. Writing should have a point and a purpose; writing dribble for the sake of living up to a goal (and no other reason) demonstrates an obsession to detail that I’m not comfortable with If tending to my yoga blog on a daily basis is causing discontent, I am going to see if I’m more inspired by a M-W-F model!

~~Nasmaste,

Rebecca

Last night, I received some wonderful insight about working with children: the concept of “inviting them”, as opposed to “telling them”. Language is a very powerful tool, and I can really appreciate the difference it makes to put forth a suggestion with an invitation, rather than that which could be perceived as an order.