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The Heart Organ in Chinese Medicine and Its Relation to Summer

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The Heart Organ in Chinese Medicine and Its Relation to Summer

By Tanya Boigenzahn, ERYT 500, C-IAYT, RTT, AYS, CHTP, YACEP, & Reiki Master

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Heart is one of the most crucial organs and is closely associated with the Fire element, which is in turn associated with the summer season. Understanding the role of the Heart in TCM and how to care for it during summer can help maintain balance and promote overall health.

The Heart in TCM

1. Functions of the Heart:

  • Governs Blood and Vessels: The Heart is responsible for pumping blood through the vessels, ensuring that all organs and tissues receive nourishment.
  • Houses the Shen (Spirit): The Heart is the seat of consciousness, emotions, memory, and thought. A balanced Heart leads to a clear mind and stable emotions.
  • Controls Sweat: The Heart controls the opening and closing of the sweat pores and is related to perspiration.

Summer and the Fire Element

1. Characteristics of the Fire Element:

  • Season: Summer
  • Emotion: Joy
  • Color: Red
  • Taste: Bitter
  • Climate: Heat

2. Symptoms of Heart Imbalance:

  • Emotional disturbances such as anxiety, restlessness, or excessive excitement
  • Physical symptoms like palpitations, insomnia, night sweats, and mouth ulcers
  • Mental symptoms including poor memory and difficulty concentrating

Maintaining Heart Health During Summer

1. Diet:

  • Cooling Foods: Incorporate cooling and hydrating foods like cucumbers, watermelon, celery, and lettuce to balance the body’s heat.
  • Bitter Flavors: Include foods with bitter flavors, such as bitter melon, kale, and dandelion greens, which help clear heat and support the Heart.
  • Light Meals: Opt for light and easily digestible meals to avoid overburdening the digestive system.

2. Lifestyle:

  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and cooling herbal teas, such as mint or chrysanthemum tea, to stay hydrated and cool.
  • Moderate Exercise: Engage in moderate physical activities during cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late evening.
  • Adequate Rest: Ensure you get enough rest and sleep to allow the body to recover and prevent heat exhaustion.

3. Emotional Well-Being:

  • Cultivate Joy: Engage in activities that bring joy and relaxation, such as spending time with friends and family, pursuing hobbies, and practicing gratitude.
  • Mindfulness Practices: Incorporate mindfulness, meditation, and breathing exercises to calm the mind and support emotional balance.

4. Acupressure and Herbal Remedies:

  • Acupressure Points: Stimulate points like Heart 7 (Shenmen) and Pericardium 6 (Neiguan) to calm the mind, reduce anxiety, and support heart health.
  • Herbal Remedies: Consult with a TCM practitioner for herbal remedies tailored to your specific needs, which can help balance the Heart and the Fire element.

Acupressure Points for Heart Health

  1. Heart 7 (Shenmen):
    • Location: At the wrist crease, on the radial side of the tendon of flexor carpi ulnaris.
    • Benefits: Calms the mind, reduces anxiety, and promotes restful sleep.
  2. Pericardium 6 (Neiguan):
    • Location: On the inner forearm, about three finger-widths above the wrist crease, between the tendons of palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis.
    • Benefits: Alleviates nausea, calms the mind, and supports heart health.

Note:

In TCM, the concept of organs extends beyond their anatomical structure and encompasses their functional relationships and energetic qualities. When referring to the Heart or other organs, it is essential to understand that this perspective differs from the modern Western biomedical model.

By aligning your lifestyle and practices with the principles of TCM, especially during summer, you can enhance your Heart health and maintain overall balance and well-being.

Yoga & Social Change Resources & Support

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Dear friends, students, neighbors near and far,

Devanadi is committed to being a welcoming and supportive environment to learn, grow and shine for all seekers through the mind-body practices of yoga, meditation, self care and healing arts.

As a yoga and wellness school, and as a sangha/community, we have taken the following steps below. We hope that you will join us in whatever ways you are able to. We also understand that this is just the beginning.

  • Our fundraisers and company have donated to the Cities Care Collective, Women for Political Change, We Love Lakestreet, MIGIZI, and the George Floyd Memorial Fund. Attend our upcoming Donation Classes/Fundraisers and you can help out, too!
  • We attend and support local events and peaceful protests in our area, as well as collect and drop off supplies and food at various distribution sites.
  • We are actively continuing ways to help Devanadi feel like a truly inclusive environment and further prioritize diversity in our learning environments, including generating a UNITY Scholarship fund for BIPOC and other under-represented communities in our training environments and other Devanadi Events (email us for application OR if you’d like to contribute to the fund).
  • Devanadi is sponsoring Bridges Through Yoga’s Yoga & Anti Racism Conversation Series with James Orione. Click the link to see all details.

Contact us as we are open to your suggestions as this is just a partial list, and we welcome your support.

Organizations to Support

Teachers to Follow

Online Articles

Is My Yoga Cultural Appropriation?

Books & Films

Fundraising Efforts

  • George Floyd Memorial Fund – the official GoFundMe to support the Floyd family, this fund is established to cover funeral and burial expenses, mental and grief counseling, lodging and travel for all court proceedings, and to assist the Floyd family in the days to come as they continue to seek justice for George. A portion of these funds will also go to the Estate of George Floyd for the benefit and care of his children and their educational fund.
  • Minnesota Freedom Fund – (CAPPED June 2 – their website announced on June 2 to please donate to other local nonprofits – many listed below – while they streamline their efforts). Community-based nonprofit that pays criminal bail and immigration bonds for individuals who have been arrested while protesting police brutality.
  • Reclaim The Block – Coalition that advocates for and invests in community-led safety initiatives in Minneapolis neighborhoods.
  • Campaign Zero – Online platform and organization that utilizes research-based policy solutions to end police brutality in America.
  • Pimento Relief Fund – Providing black-owned businesses without insurance relief from damages done.
  • Little Earth Residents Association – Food and safety for residents of Little Earth of United Tribes.
  • West Broadway Business and Area Coalition – To support Northside businesses that have been impacted.
  • Lake Street Council – Direct support to small business and nonprofits to rebuild and reopen.
  • Al Maa’uun – Providing critical needs in George Floyd’s neighborhood and across Minneapolis.
  • TC Care Collective – South Minneapolis-based easy access childcare by and for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and queer organizers and families.
  • Hamline Midway Coalition – An initiative of Neighbors United Funding Collaborative serving Midway and Union park small businesses in need.
  • Minnesota Healing Justice Network – “We provide a supportive professional community and mutual aid network for wellness and healing justice practitioners who also identify as IBPOC (indigenous, black, or people of color).”
  • Central Area Neighborhood Development Organization – Community driven organization for those who live and work in the Central neighborhood
  • Headwaters Foundation – Amplify the power of power of community
  • African Career, Education, and Resource (ACER) – A nonprofit organization that engages African immigrants living in the north and northwest suburbs of Minneapolis.
  • Black Immigrant Collective – The Black Immigrant Collective amplifies and makes visible the voices of Black immigrants in Minnesota.
  • Black Women Speak – Gathering Black Women in Minnesota to share our experiences in order to heal, find joy and move toward liberation on our own terms!
  • Black Visions Collective – A black, trans and queer-led organization that is committed to dismantling systems of oppression and violence, and shifting the public narrative to create transformative, long-term change.
  • Centro de Trabajadores Unidos en Lucha – CTUL is a worker-led organization where workers organize, educate and empower each other to fight for a voice in their workplaces and in their communities.
  • Cities Care Collective – South-Minneapolis based rad worker-owned childcare co-op working to provide easy access childcare by and for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and queer organizers and families.
  • Division of Indian Work – Division of Indian Work’s mission is to support and strengthen urban American Indian people through culturally-based education, traditional healing approaches, and leadership development. We provide many services to the community but the most relevant one right now is our food shelf.
  • Du Nord Riot Recovery Fund – Du Nord Craft Spirits is a Black-owned distillery with a building that was damaged. They’ve “received a tidal wave of love and support from across the nation and many have asked how they can help… Therefore, Du Nord is establishing this fund to support black and brown companies affected by the riots.”
  • Isuroon – Isuroon is a grassroots nonprofit organization working to promote the well-being and empowerment of Somali women in Minnesota and beyond.
  • Joyce Preschool – emergency fund for families who had to evacuate their homes near Lake Street last week, and who are now coming back to a devastated neighborhood with no grocery stores within walking distance.
  • Latino Community on Lake Street – fundraiser for Latinx owned businesses on Lake Street.
  • Migizi Communications – MIGIZI Communications advances a message of success, well-being and justice for the American Indian community. Support them rebuilding after fire.
  • Minnesota Healing Justice Network – We provide a supportive professional community and mutual aid network for wellness and healing justice practitioners who also identify as IBPOC (indigenous, black, or people of color).
  • Northside business support – support businesses on Minneapolis’s Northside that have been impacted by recent demonstrations.
  • Spiral Collective – A volunteer full-spectrum reproductive options and support group comprised of doulas, birth-workers, and passionate reproductive justice advocates. based in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota, occupied Dakhóta territories.
  • West Broadway Business and Area Coalition – WBC in partnership with Northside Funders Group will direct all donations to support Northside businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19 and the recent uprising.
  • Women for Political Change – Holistically investing in the leadership and political power of young women and trans & non-binary individuals throughout Minnesota.
  • Unicorn Riot – A decentralized media organization that has been live-streaming uprisings

Donation and Distribution Sites

  • Interactive map of sites in the Twin Cities taking donations and providing aid – find a location near you where you can donate or where you can receive assistance
  • Minneapolis Public Schools: Food for Children During Closure – Weekly food boxes are available for pickup Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Friday Food Distribution at Mount Carmel Lutheran Church – 6/5, 6/12, 6/19 at 10 a.m.; pre-packaged food boxes to our neighbors in need, no questions asked. The boxes are meant to feed a family of four for up to three days.
    To pick up food: Drive to the back of the church (31st Ave.). Please maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from our volunteers and other people.
  • North Point Health and Wellness Center Food Shelf – 1835 Penn Avenue North Minneapolis – Monday to Wednesday, distribution 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; donations accepted Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Donate food and goods: Our most needed items include canned tuna or other meat, peanut butter, beans, oatmeal and whole grain cereals, toothpaste and toothbrushes, feminine hygiene products, and other toiletries.
  • The Coven, 30 N 1st St, Minneapolis, MN 55401 – Items needed: Toys, Syringes/Insulin, Glucose Meter and strips, Asthma Inhalers, Epipens, Bread/Tortillas, Fresh Produce , Cleaning Supplies, Soap/Detergent, Body Soap/Lotion, Diapers (all sizes), Wipes, Children’s Medicine, Culturally appropriate hair care, Pads, Razors, Deodorant, Baby formula/food, Non-perishable food.
  • Pimento Jamaican Kitchen, 2524 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, (till 7:30 p.m.). Not accepting physical donations until further notices. Will be in need of distribution help later this week.
  • YWCA Midtown – 2121 East Lake Street, Minneapolis, Wed., June 3, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, Distribution Help Needed
  • Justice Frontline Aid Crew (also on Facebook) – Justice Frontline Aid Crew is a group of concerned citizens working to provide aid and to assist in treating minor wounds sustained during the protests. Accepting financial donations through PayPal at justicefrontlineaidcrew@Gmail.com and physical donations on Friday, June 5, at Modist Brewing.
  • Modist Brewing – accepting various donations; check the link for the latest updates.
  • Urban Roots — 463 Maria Ave, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55106, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. through June 4, needs diapers (all sizes), baby formula, toilet paper, paper towels, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, feminine hygiene products, household cleaners, laundry detergent. Food needs: non-perishables, eggs, milk (cow & non-dairy), water.
  • Shega Foods — 2111 East Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. (June 3), needs include high priority: toilet paper, paper towels, diapers, baby formula, hand sanitizer; accepting: non-perishables, water, household cleaning supplies, hygiene items.

Agra, Inda 2018

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Namaste from Agra, India! I have been trying to get this newsletter to you for DAYS! Vanessa, my web admin, has had our newsletter ready to go, but without my note to you. As I’m on our 2018 Journey to India retreat, my internet connectivity has been… well… faulty to say the least. We are now on our last leg of the trip in Agra (where the Taj Mahal is) and at the Radisson Blu – FINALLY online. First world problems… 😉

What a trip! This is my 3rd time to India. For this retreat, the focus was first getting rejuvenated at the Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Southern India (say that 3x fast!). We experienced 7 days of 2 hour Ayurvedic therapies for our personal health and well being, checking in daily with our Ayurvedic doctors for updates to our treatments.

We experienced everything from daily 2 person Abhyanga oi lmassage to release tension and toxins from our bodies, to Shirodhara – thin stream of oil poured with control on the forehead to calm the mind, to milk or herbal baths where the therapists (always 2) poured warmed liquid over our bodies in unique patterns for a half an hour, to ear steaming, to papaya or saffron or cucumber facial packs, to Shirobasti – wearing a tall chef-like cap where the therapists poured warm herbed oil in and you “wore” the oil for 30 min or so, to Ayurvedic foot massage – us laying on a mat where the therapist used her feet to rub warm oil while holding a rope hanging from the ceiling… as well as other therapies.

Each therapist said a prayer for our health and well being and made sincere contact with each of us. We all grew so fond of our “little mothers” who loved us daily and held our hands while walking us to and from our treatment rooms. Our hearts opened to just being nurtured and cared for, and then just resting to help heal and let go from all of our busy lives.

Heal Your Heart with Apana Vayu Mudra

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By Tanya Boigenzahn, ERYT 500, C-IAYT, RTT, AYS, CHTP, YACEP, & Reiki Master

As a yoga teacher trainer and Ayurvedic Yoga Therapist, I often get asked what are my top “go-to’s” for balance and well-being. Although everyone is different, one of my favorite tools to use that most people can benefit from is a very special and effective practice called Apana Vayu Mudra. A mudra is a seal created with the body to help link up and expand our prana in a particular way. Apana Vayu Mudra is in the category of therapeutic mudras and is done with one or both hands. Sometimes known as Mrta Sanjivani Mudra (one that brings along life from death), this mudra has many benefits and is for anyone with physical or mental/emotional heart conditions for help in symptom relief and letting go.

Here’s How To Do It:

  • find a quiet place and sit comfortably with your spine tall
  • extend the arms forward, palms up
  • fold your index finger in towards the center of your palm
  • cross your thumb over the index finger
  • touch the tip of the thumb to the tips of the middle AND ring fingers
  • keep little finger straight
  • keep elbows straight
  • soften or close your eyes, and practice 1:1 mindful, diaphragmatic breathing with the intention of healing your heart

Benefits with Regular Practice:

  • helps prevent heart attacks as well as their recurrence, lessen heart palpitations, relieve heaviness on heart
  • helps relieve heartache, anxiety, panic, grief, sadness, overwhelm
  • helps balance the three doshas (vata, pitta, kapha) as well as can help improve digestive fire as well as lung capacity

Practice Guidelines:

  • a regular practice of Mudra Therapy consists of doing it 3x/day for 2 minutes each time until the symptoms are relieved
  • practice with both hands for the best results
  • if you are unable to make the mudra for whatever reason (i.e. arthritis), do the mudra one hand at a time and use your other hand to help create the mudra, or use a thin scarf to gently tie the fingers in place
  • doing the mudra with your meditation practice is a wonderful addition

I want to thank my teacher, Indu Arora, for sharing this beautiful practice with me many years ago. It’s been a go-to for challenging times in my life, as well as has touched the hearts – literally – of so many of the students I serve. ~Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

Women on Adventure

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I’m very blessed in that I love what I do, and last week was no exception with the awesome beauty and empowerment that came with co-leading our yoga and hiking women’s retreat in Colorado with my dear friend and colleague, Nina Roberts Salveson. Over 7 days, we hiked up and down miles and mountains, rafted down whitewater in June (meaning the levels were HIGH and we got wet!), practiced yoga at the Red Rocks, saw native cave dwellings, rode on sweet yet sometimes temperamental horses through the Garden of the Gods (ahem… well, my horse just wanted to linger and eat!), and supported each other through the challenges and successes that come with a retreat of ADVENTURE! If you missed the trip but want to join, we plan on doing this women’s retreat annually to different locations around the US to live in nature, unplug from technology, laugh with like-minded yoginis and celebrate the beauty around us.
Other than that, June was a busy month of teaching, and this week I’m technically on STAY-cation with my son, River, so I’ll bid adieu to you and you and you and head back outdoors to the hot, hot sun and muggy SUMMER weather that I crave so much in the cold winter months and work on weeding my back yard!

It’s SummerTime!

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Is it getting HOT in here??!! Like many of you, the recent political news about the negation of climate change makes my blood boil… and now that we’re in June, this topic is just going to get hotter – mentally, emotionally and physically. However, as a Yogini, I MUST stop and reflect upon what friction I feel in my being, and see it for what it really is. I’m less of one to speak from that place from unrest, and would rather chew on it for awhile and see what it reveals in me for insight, for growth and for understanding. As I hear now about cities and countries coming together to make a difference outside of politics, I’m reminded that the constant effort at the local level is often what brings about the most significant change. It starts with me. How can I be upset about a global issue and the politics around it if I don’t do my part?
For me, the debate about the climate and how we negotiate the future is about power and resources. Who owns what? What are the rules? Who has to follow them and why, etc. I was reading from a TT student’s Yama/ Niyama reflection yesterday about Asteya – the Ethical Rule ( Yama) about non-stealing. To be clear, a Yama is something we aim to control in our lives so that our Yoga may take root. Following this rule reduces Dukkha(suffering), and allows that outward directed energy to be channeled towards higher purposes. Here’s a little of her reflection I feel compelled to share with you to inspire all of us to act with integrity around the topic of climate change – whether you believe in it or not isn’t really the question here… It’s more about resources… am I taking MORE than I need? Am I taking from others? Why am I taking in the first place??
“Asteya. Non-stealing. Do I steal? Do I deny my own or others’ sovereignty to the lives we are living?  When I am late, disorganized, distracted, I steal time from those I love.  When I buy things and have no plan for their disposal, I steal health from the earth. When I withhold appreciation of someone/thing, I deprive myself of the celebration of their full expression. I contract, and my world becomes defended. I can begin to cling to my biases, hearing only my own voice, stealing from the growth of my soul and from the future of our children.
Deborah Adele says “Asteya calls us to live with integrity and reciprocity.” So. Non-stealing becomes, for me, taking responsibility for my own story and listening more and more deeply to the stories within All My Relations.”
So let’s commit to that at least… personal responsibility for our use of our resources, honoring each other, and staying open. Let’s do our part.
And yes, Hooray! Summer is here, and we are in the thick of prepping for all types of great trainings, retreats and other events (see below for a TEASER about CLASSES!) coming to Devanadi. We are so supportive of YOUR growth, and aim to do our part as teachers and practitioners of these Sacred Rivers of Wisdom that help to bring us back to home, to remind us of our unbreakable spirit, to open our hearts and minds to understanding, courage and patience.

Spring Break & Spring Cleaning

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Hello from the ocean… It’s Spring Break, and I’m in Daytona Beach with my son for the week (thanks Sri Sri Glenny G!). YESTERDAY I slept in today for the first time in awhile (lovely!), but today woke with the sunrise and did my yoga and meditation practice, stir-fried up some AM veggies for breakfast, and am about to go for a run on the beach (after I finish this email to YOU!). It’s SPRING and not only is it Kapha season officially, but it’s also time to detox from the long, cold winter and move our bodies! Plus vigorous exercise isn’t a bad way to help clear up the BUZZ about all the recent news events, as well. Keep sending the light, yogis! Clarity is coming!

I’m also very excited to let you know of some new offerings coming up. Nina Roberts Salveson and I are leading our Yoga, Hiking & Women’s Empowerment Adventure this June in CO. I’ll also be starting my new Monday 9:30am 8 Week Workshop Series on the 8 Siddhis of the Heart. PLUS Indu Arora, Chanti Tacoronte-Perez and I are leading a Women’s Summer Shakti Goddess Retreat in Aug. And yes, our SPRING Women’s 235hr Yoga Teacher Training is running and still open for registration – 5 spots left!. Chanti and I are SO excited to lead this group to honor the Divine Feminine in our hearts, minds and bodies. Reach out if you are interested in joining us!

Kapha Season if Officially Here – Get Balanced!

Kapha is the Ayurvedic constitution that is the combo of the Earth (prithvi) and Water (apas) elements. In SPRING, these elements rise up and have the tendency to accumulate more now than other times of the year. In our body, we might develop seasonal allergies, a spring cold with heavy mucus, lethargy, dullness, not wanting to get out of bed at sunrise (this is also due to the recent “spring ahead” time change), pessimism, and a dark mood.
The antidote to help keep Kapha balanced is to:
– KEEP MOVING – walk, hike, dance, play, run, swim, etc.
– do more vigorous yoga than other times of the year
– eat your greens to detox your liver – dandelion greens especially!
– avoid dairy (causes mucus in many)
– get up before the sunrise to boost your energy
– do kapalabhati to open your mind and dry out your lungs
– have the intention to practice Viveka – discernment – and stay positive!
– join a Spring Cleanse for support (Chanti and I will lead one May 1-5 – details coming soon!)

To stay positive, I’m reminded from the our recent weekend hosting Yogarupa Rod Stryker where we were reminded of the teachings of Sri Vidya share that:

– Life is a Gift
– Life is Beautiful
– I am part of the Divine

Remember… no one can do the work of yoga for you. Here’s a gentle… wait, no!… Spring Kick in the Booty… reminder to KEEP MOVING. KEEP WALKING. Let the practice of yoga and meditation REVEAL these teachings to you. Let us all have the strength, courage and capacity to PRACTICE so that we never have to tumble in the darkness again.

SWAHA!

 

Find Inspiration

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Have you ever gone on a quest… even one where you didn’t specifically know your destination? Have you ever given yourself the space to seek and discover a part of you you’ve “left behind” but so dearly wanted back? Many of you are in my Monday 10 Week Workshop Series: Yoga & the Bhagavad Gita where we have been exploring the ways in which yoga helps us to open our hearts, increase our clarity and take appropriate action. As a response to leading this class AND relishing in the wisdom that has been springing up in my own svadyaya (self-study) and practice, I realized recently that I had a deep samskara (impression) in my heart that was left “untended” for some time… like YEARS.
“Teaching is the greatest act of optimism.” ~Colleen Wilcox
Grateful to study this week with one of my very first yoga teachers – Julie Lawrence – from Jewel Yoga in Portland, OR, in the Iyengar way. Julie consistently has taught with clarity, expertise and humor. She was a huge inspiration for me as I learned the art of teaching yoga. What a gift to be her student again
When this insight rose up in me, I chose to surrender and follow my heart. It led me back to my old home in Portland, OR where I had spent several years in my 20s. To make a long story short, I was seeking something that was hard to put words to. But the timing and circumstances were right (thank you Delta Sky miles!), and although it was a short trip, I got what I needed: inspiration, creativity, closure, and unconditional love.
So as we are about to SPRING AHEAD again, here’s to YOU seeking YOUR quests in this lifetime. What journeys have you been on for awhile? What journeys are you excited to take? Are there untended places in your heart that require attention? Can you keep your heart-fire lit?
Devanadi has always been a place where we aim to practice and study more than just the yoga poses… see below for ways you might choose to tend your heart fire alongside us. We are honored to mentor, share and guide you with open arms.

A Year to Grow

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Feeling uncomfortable? Feeling edgy? Feeling MN? Ok, ok…. If you haven’t already felt it coming (who hasn’t!) today is the FULL MOON & LUNAR ECLIPSE! I am inspired by the wise sage-woman, Sarah Varcas, and her monthly Lunar posts for insight. Here’s a couple goodies from her latest post on MysticMamma.com:
“…This lunar event reminds us that we are our own destiny, even as life takes us forever by surprise…”
 
“This lunar eclipse in Leo reminds us that the now is also eternity and history combined: an alchemical blend of past, present and future, distilled into a micro-second of existence in which we have the power to act, choose and become.”
© Copyright 2017 ~SARAH VARCAS All Rights Reserved
____
 

2017 – A Year to Grow & the Start of a New 7 Year Cycle
Tennis, Anyone? I’ve said for YEARS that I knew I’d be in balance if I had time to join a tennis league. Mission accomplished! Love, set, match!
So many of you know that I’ve been a sort of “sabbatical” from planning and doing, to rest, recover and revision that last 7 years of my life since launching Devanadi as my own school. I made a commitment to myself earlier in 2016 to not plan anything on my calendar until several other things in my life were complete. I’ve learned to really trust in my DHI, or inner voice, over the years, and sitting in that uncomfortable, yet potent, place on uncertainty isn’t for everyone. I, like many of you, like to know what’s next and feel safer knowing that the ball is in motion. However, regardless of whether I liked it or not, I felt that this time “off” was mandatory not only for my health and family, but also to hear the call of what’s needed in the world to help hold the space for light and how to help channel that light into the world with faith. The result was what I was looking for: Purpose, Clarity, Renewed Vigor and Inspiration.
Thus, this time “in my cave” allowed me to see the beauty that Devanadi has created in the world the last 7 years. Our programs and events have reached hundreds of people, that in turn are reaching thousands. I am so grateful for all of YOU who have walked through our doors! I also accepted that this is a time of great uncertainty in the world, and more and more people are waking up to the fact that “white-knuckling it” won’t work. Yoga, Meditation, Self-Care and Sangha are more important than ever. With this in my heart, I’ve made some revisions to our current 235 & 340hr Yoga Teacher Trainings & Intensives to help usher in more support, peace and mastery for our students with more mentorship, cohesive scheduling, master teachers (YOGINI DREAM TEAM!) and a CALL TO ACTION TO HELP SERVE MORE WOMEN. I’ll be sharing my insights on all this in the coming weeks and months. But in the meantime, please visit our webpagesfor our upcoming 2017 TTs to learn more, or see below.
I’m still in my cave, and in fact, I’ll be going deeper. I’m committed more than ever to help spread the teachings of positivity, wisdom, healing and self-mastery. But if I’m not grounded and clear, what’s the point? SWAHA!

Happy New Year!

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It’s officially 2017! River and I are currently on retreat at the Himalayan Institute, my yoga home. We have done a bunch here – hiked through the fresh snowfall, sipped hemp milk hot chocolate, and filmed a couple kid-friendly videos for YogaInternational.com.
This is my 6th of 7 years coming to HI for New Year’s. It gives me a chance to reflect, reorient, rest and recover from the previous year. I always set intentions for the coming year, and sit for hours in the meditation shrine soaking up the good energy that so many souls have deposited there for rejuvenation, insight and support.
There’s a pretty strong ParaYoga contingent here! Fueled by purpose, we are learning the Sri Sukta (an ancient chant to celebrate the divinity in all things), and about to learn a whole new set of mantras called the Shiva Sankalpa Sukta. Wow! My practice has really amped up! If you are interested in learning the Sri Sukta, please contact me and we can start a study group!!! But it’s not all study and chanting out here either… we also participated in the Mannequin Challenge… coming soon to social media everywhere!

I’ve had a pretty full 2016… so much teaching, lots of travel, my partner (The Fireman) and his teenage girls moved in, peaceful conflict resolution, my ex’s brewery was sold, plus I’ve had a miracle healing for my auto-immune issues. There’s been a “period” put the end of many stories in my life, and I’m so ever grateful to come out of this rajas (active) time with more clarity, patience, faith and gratitude than ever before. I feel clear on my path going forward, and can’t wait to share some of these gifts with you all.