Finding Balance Tools

Saturday 13th Dec 12-3 p.m.
Learn real world skills from a Yoga Master.

I’m attending a Meetup with Safe Yoga: Sun Salute Yoga Center Dana Point http://meetu.ps/2F6NSl

Brain vs Mind

Death meditation is a Yoga technique.  Bhagavan Das described in his autobiography himself being taught the fragility of life by meditating at the funeral pires in India where bodies are cremated. The mediator is covered by ash from the fires and drink from a scull cap. The actual top of a scull is their cup and dinner plate. As primitive and blunt as this appears to most it is a stark way of seeing the fragility of life and the distinction of mind from brain and body.

I think you can also achieve this when someone close to you dies and at least for me and my obsessive mind the survivor contemplates the horrible things your loved one went through in dying and what their body must be doing as the years go by.  The practice of burial in a coffin with embalming is preposterous and polluting. The body is filed with chemicals to prevent decay and stuck in a very expensive box that won't decompose. So the body never gets to return to earth or nature. It's a  superstitious practice. I'd rather return to ash. And if you contemplate for a spell what happens to the body in cremation you can't be attached either.  However instead of meditation on death I feel the same result can be achieved by contemplating on the miraculous functioning of the body we inhabit. The visceral effect of being inside a machine such as the physical and being aware of its biology for me reminds me that I am not this body and that it's biology is finite in its functioning. It then becomes an invaluable and irreplaceable commodity that one has to care for and maintain the best one can while in possession of it. Just contemplating the chemistry of the sperm and it's miraculous journey to fertilize the egg that become the body reveals the fragility of our bodies and shows us how it takes biological matter that existed before we became conscious to create that which we call 'Our Body'.   How did it become ours? Did we purchase it? No. It was a gift to us to care for and maintain while in possession of it. Or it's in possession of us. It needed an operating system to run it efficiently. The brAin the hard drive the OS is our consciousness.

This week I've been meditating on and teaching about the difference between the brain and the mind. The mind is our knowledge our self identity what we have learned in our life our family traits and heritage. Our Brain is an organ so to speak, tissue and matter controlling and regulating the functions of the body. It keeps the body in balance through chemistry. We need it to be healthy so we can enjoy a well functioning machine. It has to work optimally with the body and other organs. But it's not our ego mind which contains our thoughts learned behavior and intellect. So I've been working on staying out of my mind and focusing on the brains function and relationship with the rest of the body. 

These ideas are why eating disorders are a mental illness. The brain doesn't want the body abused for if there is no body there is no brain. Learning the physical damage caused by starvation, dehydration or over eating is eye opening and sometimes irreversible. If we eat for healthy function of the brain and body we then lose unhealthy habits and learned behavior eating that may cause the body harm. Most all religions and higher practices suggest forms of abstaining from that which in excess can cause the body harm. Intoxicant distractions that potentially numb the mind but destroy the body. Just learning the chemical reaction and destruction drinking alcohol creates in the brain and body through oxygen depletion and the demand on the liver should make one not imbibe. We know we are destroying the bodies health and reducing its function thereby causing our life to become harder and potentially shorter. The act of smoking and the biological pandemonium it creates is a great tool for the difference of the mind and the brain organ. The brain and it's functional responsibility to the body would never ask that harm be done to it. However our learned mind and it's perceived reaction to handling stress makes us go for the easy out of chemical numbing irreguardless of the physical damage it causes. So the mind separate from the body grabs the smoke,  drink or emotionally satisfying junk food. 

Therefore it becomes only logical and the only conclusion that can be drawn is to identify the source of the reaction to stress perception and practice healthful ways to deal with the reaction for the health of our temporary body. The source is always the mind. Never the brain. Of course chemical and biological imbalances through injury and illness can create damage and harm to the very functions itself. Which only makes the case for the healthy individual to choose ways to prevent injury or illness. Yoga is the management of the distractions of the mind. If one becomes aware of the constant state of flux within the mind and it's perception one can practice management of the damage the mind can inflict. Through perception of the brain as separate from the mind we can see the brains innate desire for conditions that preserve its functions and thereby the health of the body we inhabit. When the minds choices are destructive to the brain and body leading to injury or illnesses the body suffers. The hangover hurts because the brain tissue was damaged and needs to shut the other functions of the body down to heal the brain. So what can we do? Try to make better choices both in the minds perception of life's stress and it's reaction to it. Or manage the mind. In doing so we create unity in the functions of the body and harmony with the events of life. However this is not an easy undertaking. 

It is a Practice. So is Yoga. Doctors practice that way. They own a practice. They practice at health and healing. Helping bodies recover from often times self inflicted injury and illness. The body can turn on us and disease can create harm to the body and the Doctor practices helping us heal the body because it is only temporary and if ill will cease to function. We can be the Doctors of our mind and practice administering health to our brain and body within our powers. Practice managing the mind through Yoga, meditation, arts, sports, better choices. Remembering not to blame the mind when the practice becomes hard and we make poor choices is the productive way to practice. Watching or ways of behaving allows us see if we are inhabiting the mind or the body as the brain and body will never choose unhealthy options but the mind will. 
The brain wishes to function optimally and wants the body to live. The mind knows the body will perish eventually. Therefore wouldn't it only make sense to want to create the environment of health and well being if we want to inhabit a healthy body and sustain it's life? Every breath becomes a meditation. Each heartbeat contains the creation of life. The healthy skin allows sensory experience in unique ways. Life becomes a constant gift and we practice taking care of each valuable temporary and fragile moment we are in the body. We practice healthy. Keep practicing.

3 Things to Consider When Improving Your Balance

What is the best way to improve your balance? Learn easy yoga poses you can do anytime, anywhere using props such as folding chairs, a wall or blocks and straps or better yet a partner.  
Learning to balance makes you present, centered, and relaxed in difficult situations.
Balance also means more than standing on one foot. I often comment during Yoga class that we have the opportunity to create balance in every aspect of our lives. If you exercise hard one day you need to do the opposite to relax and be still in order to balance out the hard exercise you did. If you worked hard at work all day you need to find time to create stillness and quiet to balance out the hard work you did. If you run you need to sit still,  if you cycle or spin you need to lie down and relax, if you have an argument you need to create quiet time. If you go on a spending spree you need to spend some time saving money. Life is all about creating a sense of balance.
3 ways to improve your physical balance. Number one: look to the distance. Look away from you off to the horizon. If you are feeling seasick the instructions are to look at the horizon. If you are relearning how to walk the instructions are to not look down. The same applies for balancing on one foot, look to the horizon and not down at the ground. For where you look you will go. If you look to the horizon you will soar if you look to the floor down you will go.
Number 2: your eyes need to relax. If you are distracted by outside sounds, objects moving around then you will focus on the distractions that keep you balancing but if you allow your eyes to go soft focus only on yourself and pointed straight ahead balance will improve. You no longer feel the need to pay attention to distractions and are free to focus only on yourself.
Number 3: Breathe and be okay with what is. If you lose your balance breathe and be okay with where you are at now.  So often I see people fallout of balance curse or laugh louder than normal and joke about how they can't balance. If we fall out of balance the only solution is to take a deep breath and get back right away without comment or judgement. There are plenty of times later to comment but by attempting to create balance in our lives and our bodies we need to move forward right away, commenting and judgment is a backward energy.  If we fall out of balance and focus or create a production about being out of balance we stay out of balance. If we fall out of balance and breathe and get back into balance without commentary judgement or criticism our balance will return.
Happy balancing.
Troy Cox
Sun Salute Yoga

What? ?

Free Yoga

Kunda.. what?

There are all types of Yoga for all reasons and types of people. When I took my first Kundalini class I didn't know what was going in. So many different types of repetitive movement I'd never seen in my then 8 years as a Hatha Yogi and my 16 as a mediator. I was intrigued and intimidated and boy did my arms ache. But since I was at the L.A. headquarters taking a class firm the leading teacher in the country I wasn't abit to give up. I had to overcome my expectations and give it a try to see what it was about. Besides the music wad really pretty and I wasn't being asked to chataranga (Yoga pushup).
So now many years later I love the boost of energy that a Kundalini class gives me. It works a whole set of different muscles than my regular practice and keeps my mind distracted. And did I mention the music? 
Carmen Uma Shakti is classically trained in India and here in the U.S. which gives her teaching an authentic yet modern feel. To top it off she's just plain sweet and caring. Her Kundalini class is one of the easiest to follow and understand.
Whether it becomes your main practice or like me it becomes a great addition to what you already do you should definitely give it a try.
Have fun and sing along.
See you on the mat,
Troy
Http://www.sunsaluteYoga.com/

Sun Salute Yoga Tour

Fridays 5:30 Gentle Yoga with Oils for Cancer Cure at Sun Salute Yoga

Stretch for the Cure, A donation class for cancer research. In honor of a mentor and friend of Troy's on his Yoga path, "Ganga", Diane who inspired and helped many. 
Today, there are over 12 million cancer survivors in the United States, which is almost four times as many as forty years ago. These success stories are largely attributable to advancements in cancer research, to which the National Foundation for Cancer Research has remained committed.

The National Foundation for Cancer Research was co-founded in 1973 by Nobel Prize Laureate Dr. Albert Szent-Györgyi and lawyer and entrepreneur Franklin Salisbury, Sr. Over the past three decades, we have grown into a world-renowned organization driven by our mission to fund leading-edge cancer research through prevention, detection, and treatment. NFCR supports nearly 50 laboratories and numerous scientists that have helped make possible many cancer treatments that are saving lives today. Chances are, you know someone who has benefited from advances made possible by our scientists.

NFCR is proud to guide the charge against cancer by funding accelerated cancer research, providing seed-funding to leading scientists and research centers, and encouraging global collaboration within the scientific community. Our mission is to fund the most promising cancer research in an effort to save lives.

Donation Yoga Fur a Cause

Ever go to donation Yoga and wonder where the donation is going. With this weekly all levels Yoga class at Sun Salute Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. you can rest assured your donation is going to a good cause. The Pet Project Foundation.
www.petprojectfoundation.org
Saving local animals lives. Giving back to the community at Sun Salute Yoga. 24582 Del Prado #G Dana Point Ca. 92629

Not Alone

I'm on the cusp of great success and growth. Or dramatic failure and sadness. I chose to believe the first statement wholeheartedly. Although the other voice creeps in at times. I allow for it to exist as doubt is a part of being human and the voice of fear which we all have. That's doesn't mean it is true.
What we believe we empower. One of my Guru's instructions for Yoga Nidra is to notice how energy follows attention. That which we focus our attention on attracts our energy. Try it now. Focus on the tip of your nose. Let all other thoughts dissolve and only think about the very tip of your nose. Try it now.
I bet before I asked you to you were happily unaware of your nose. Then it became clear that all you could think about was that finite point of your nose as all your energy rushed there.
This principle works the same with thoughts. As the thought of successes comes to mind it is usually shadowed by fear. If we acknowledge the fear and release it, returning all our attention on the feeling of successes our energy will flow in that direction.
Acknowledge,  breathe,  release,  choose to focus on success. No room for anything else. There's one concession to This principle. We can not do it alone. It takes a village. If we isolate there is no power. As a solo act we can only generate a limited amount off power to engineer that belief and bring it into reality. As a solo performer the doubt and fear builds and begins to steal our attention. But by enlisting the help of others,  namely friends and family,  We begin to generate traction for our successes. Insulation to encourage action taken to manifest those successes. Others encourage us and celebrate our victories.
So allow for doubt but believe in your successes and others will too. They only ask that you support theirs in return. I'm so grateful for the love and support of others believing in my successes that I can only see them as successful in return. Watch your attention. Direct it to what you want. See you're energy flow there
Namaste Troy

Guys Suck@Yoga

Oh if I had a dime for everytime I met a dude for the first time who told me all the reasons guys suck at Yoga I'd be a rich son of a $#&*!.
In line at Starbucks this morning I was introduced to a guy visiting from out of town about my age. I had to force myself not to roll my eyes as the convo about yoga and guys started. It usually goes as follows:
"I tried Yoga once and it was so hard and I am just not flexible that I never went back. It kicked my ass dude. I was kinda embarrassed cause I couldn't do anything. I can't even touch my toes man. I hurt so much the next day I couldn't believe it. All the girls were doing like these crazy postures. I thought it was going to be easy but I couldn't do Jack.  So I gave my mat away.  It's just not for me. I'm so not flexible."
To which I politely mutter something along the lines of "Yeah man I couldn't touch my toes when I started either. All I did was lift weights. But now I feel great. You just have to pick the right class. Stay with gentle yoga and work from there. Guys are typically tighter and better at strength poses."
The whole time I'm praying that the pissing contest does not continue and that my facial expression doesn't betray what I'm really thinking. Most guys practically turn red from embarrassment that I dare suggest out loud that they need gentle anything let alone Yoga which is a girls thing anyway.
Really Dude?  These guys crack me up. You're friggin' kidding me?  I always thought I was a teste short or had some record low testosterone production when I hear what most guys do for fun. I've never understood going out and electing to hurt my body like most guys do. Mountain biking,  snow boarding,  surfing,  motor cross, hell even skate boarding. That doesn't even touch on martial arts and hanging off the side of a rock. That shit all scared me as a safety freak and older brother who was often put in charge of my siblings safety.
So really 'bro? Touching your fucking toes and doing a few tricep pushups in a room of girls is so tough that you tried it once and never did it again?  Maybe your little girl shorts rode a little to high that day and you bruised your big guy ego. Please don't now tell me how maybe one day you'll try it again or that you really should do some stretching.
Yep. .. he's going to say it. .."Yea man,  um I'm not sure about Gentle cause I'd probably be bored but one day I'll give it a try again."
Yea,  and that's when I'll go out and get on a piece of fiberglass and throw myself down a rocky cliff covered in powder or slam my head against the reef while a great white chases my wetsuit wearing freezing cold ass. No thanks. I'll take the sweaty Yoga room full of girls touching their toes any day.  After all this body builder went from not touching his toes and shoulders so tight I couldn't hold my arms over my head for:60 seconds without excruciating pain to twelve years later doing the splits and putting my foot behind my head.
Believe me it wasn't easy. I got in there, often the only guy,  and worked my ass off. I took every kind of Yoga out there. I suffered injuries from pushing to far. I had to take time off to heal and go back. Yes I even had to stop lifting so heavy at the gym.  Sometimes I felt like some kind of tall weirdo in the room that couldn't do anything But I did it. And the results are I'm less wired,  my joints move and don't ache,  I can breathe deeply,  people comment on how calm I seem and I feel great. My last check up with a medical professional was eight or so years ago and the Doctor said if it wasn't for what I was doing I would be on blood pressure and cholesterol medication because of my DNA so keep doing what I was doing. I never get sick and have more energy than ever.
Sometimes I get the excuse that it's just to expensive. Really?  How much is a mountain bike,  snow board,  paddle board,  the rack to put it on your giant truck and all the gear and clothing?  I've got a plastic mat and some board shorts and a $12 class and I'm not going to get melanoma.
So ok man,  someday maybe you can make it into my Simply Stretch for the non Yogi. I just hope you don't wait until you're injured like most Yahoos. Good luck 'bro. When your man enough to Cowboy Up,  I'll see you in class. Maybe if you realize how many burly athletes are doing Yoga now our how many money making CEOs are meditating you'll get your mat out of hock. See ya.
Troy Cox
Owner Sun Salute Yoga Center
Dana Point

Head Stand Delight

Head stands have returned into my life. Not that as a busy Yoga studio owner I'm usually left feeling as if standing on my head from the spinning business. But this week I tried actual head stands again for the first time in a year and to my surprise and pleasure,  no pain.
After a neck injury four years ago I was left unable to invert with pressure in my neck. I attribute my recent return to this anti aging and mind clearing posture as a result of monthly massages. And learning the proper use of pelvic muscles.
Every month I weave a theme into my teachings and this month is head stands and arm balances. It's a good lesson about reaction,  fear and what we believe about our abilities, those crazy looking postures. I love encouraging others to reach outside their comfort zone. It is only through falling on our head do we learn to get up and try again or quit. I like to observe how others handle this. Some laugh at their foibles others curse and some cry.
Me,  I jump right in. I need to know the rules of the game or in this case the proper instructions. Then I'm on my way trying it out and learning as much as I can. It's like buzzing down the coast by Big Sur. I can't stand it. Shear cliffs to ocean on side A, rock and boulders and speeding cars toward us on side B. My travel companion doesn't even seem to notice. However just because I'm praying for my life doesn't mean I don't go. I decided a plan that works for me. I look at the yellow line and let everything else wiz by without a never mind.  Then when we get to the destination I enjoy. But I don't let that rough trip or my fear stop me. 
So the next time your Yoga Teacher suggest you try turning upside down on the mat observe your reaction. Find a way to manage. Before you know it you'll be flying down that road to success both on and off the mat.
Yogi Troy
*these are my observations as a Yoga teacher. Any reference to real students are intended as learning tools and not a personal affront.