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Chanting

Chanting is often associated with religion. It has been been used by all forms of religions, from Buddhism to Christianity, throughout history. I think that this is one of reasons why some people feel uncomfortable chanting in a yoga class. That, as well as feeling self-conscious at first. Many chants, especially Kirtan chants, are devotional, and this, once again, can cause some questions to arise. From personal experience, chanting can have a very positive, uplifting effect on you, regardless of your religious beliefs. It allows the mind to be free of any other thoughts that may be distracting or disturbing you. Chanting with others can also bring about a feeling of belonging and energy is shared. When we chant, it is said that we cut through the mind mesh and obtain freedom from delusion. I have included some chants below which I like a lot and which can be interpreted in many ways. I find them very useful for quietening the mind and feeling good about oneself. “ Chanting is t

Quote of the day...

But let there be spaces in your togetherness and let the winds of the heavens dance between you. Love one another but make not a bond of love: let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls. Khalil Gibran

Moon Days

In Ashtanga tradition, both the full and new moon are observed as rest days. It is believed that, as human beings are made up of 70% water, we are affected by the gravitational pull of the moon in a similar way that sea tides are affected. It is said that the energy from the full moon can make us headstrong, while that from the new moon has a more calming effect, but which can also make us more lethargic. Therefore, by connecting with the natural ebb and flow of the moon, we can be more connected not only to ourselves, but also to the natural rhythms of the Earth. Here is a calendar of the new and full moons for 2009: Full moon Sunday 11th January Monday 9th February Wednesday 11th March Thursday 9th April Saturday 9th May Sunday 7th June Tuesday 7th July Thursday 6th August Friday 4th September Sunday 4th October Monday 2nd November Wednesday 2nd December Thursday 31st December New moon Monday 26th January Wednesday 25th February Thursday 26th March Saturday 25th April Sunday 24