gdp's Comments

elephant journal: Yoga, Sustainability, Politics, Spirituality. : Lifelong Practice: 8 Common Yoga Mistakes & How to Fix Them.

Mon, 23 Mar 2015 18:05:38 +0000

there are also many wonderful modifications to these poses that help newbies build strength in the right areas so one day the full expression of chaturanga or urdhva mukha svanasana can be performed; but any great teacher should also recognize that these "full" poses may always be out of reach for some due to old injuries, disabilities, or whatever. We should not become yoga nazis....

elephant journal: Yoga, Sustainability, Politics, Spirituality. : Is it Gluten Intolerance or are We Being Poisoned?

Fri, 13 Mar 2015 15:29:25 +0000

Those of you who say that eating organic is expensive, how expensive is your medical care from complications due to eating pesticides, herbicides, hormones, nutrient depleted conventional/industrially raised/grown food? You can transition away from industrial food by first reducing and eliminating processed foods from your diet and eating more fresh whole minimally processed foods (as in cook it yourself). Include plenty of healthy fats like ghee (butterfat, best sources are Pure Indian Foods and Ancient Organics brands, Organic India also has it now online) which according to Ayurveda help the body pull toxins out of the body's tissues and into the digestive tract for elimination. I used to take multiple meds for asthma, migraine, and menopausal issues; I now take NO meds unless for a serious illness my "natural remedies" aren't helping with (like the acute bronchitis I caught this pass holiday season). I eat organic as much as I can but sometimes I have to take chances, like when I eat at my relatives' or at a restaurant (but I tend to favor better ones that feature local produce). Sometimes I do have a reaction to something and at those times I make kitchari or fast on broth and perhaps take probiotics until the pain passes....

elephant journal: Yoga, Sustainability, Politics, Spirituality. : Donald Arrant Jr. of Glynwood Farm on Sustainable, Mindful Farming & Meat. #walkthetalk

Sat, 21 Dec 2013 21:07:19 +0000

thank you for this interview. I also had a comment from the Ayurvedic perspective: a vegan diet, while it can be a healthy one for some, may not be appropriate for everyone - it IS a very good short term medicinal diet for those of Kapha prakriti with or without Kapha vikruti (nature from birth vs current state) as long as that vegan diet consists of vegetables and fruit and NOT from the highly processed/refined foods that underlie many cases of Kapha imbalance (diabetes, obesity, hearth disease, etc). Those who are Vata (the beanpole types who can't gain weight no matter what they eat or how much) should NOT be vegan long term (this doesn't mean they can't go veggie on a seasonal basis) as it's just too reducing; Vatas need more nourishing and heavy foods and may NEED animal products to keep them healthy. That said, Ayurveda also recommends a natural life for the animals so used - we take on the energy of what we eat so an abused animal gives us that abusive energy back. This would also hold true for plants; a poorly raised plant (mono cropped, doused with herbicides and pesticides, grown in poor soil) yields poor nutrition. Properly raised medicinal herbs are also sung (chanted) to and "worshipped", planted at the right moon phase and harvested at the right moon phase for maximum benefit to us and least harm to these sensitive and sentient life forms. Many tribal societies recognized the life energy of plant, animal, and mineral - calling on their spirits to guide them, recognizing their sacrifice in supporting our lives. As we work together to eliminate the "factory farming" of animals we should also work together to eliminate the "factory farming" of plants and the wholesale destruction of our remaining wildlands in search of minerals, oil, and other things we exploit for profit. We can't change our bad habits overnight but those who have made significant changes show us ways we can reduce our negative impacts on our world. We MUST change and more quickly, as we are destroying our home and ourselves with it. OM Namah Shivaya!

elephant journal: Yoga, Sustainability, Politics, Spirituality. : Babies born, Tic-tocs gone. ~ Mariela Cruz

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 18:07:58 +0000

who was the musician on the video? love the fusion of Indian and flamenco music (I was once a professional flamenco dancer). and the shot of you in dwi pada shirshasana among the bananas is hilarious!

elephant journal: Yoga, Sustainability, Politics, Spirituality. : Babies born, Tic-tocs gone. ~ Mariela Cruz

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 18:02:31 +0000

I studied with Pattabhi Jois several times in NYC during his tours. I've been assisted by him, and some assists might be considered questionable by members of our extremely over-sexed, hyper-victorian society. I've been molested in the past, and I NEVER felt taken advantage of by Sri Jois even when he would place his hand on my buttocks in karnipidasana. I NEVER felt manipulated by him either, unlike the workshop I took with JF when he launched his Anusara "brand" in Maryland (which was populated mainly by out of town groupies who seemed to worship the ground he walked on, I just knew that wouldn't end well and it didn't). I don't "need" a guru to worship, but the role of a true guru is to light the way out of darkness for the seeker, not to lead the seeker by the nose. Pattabhi Jois lit a bright candle, while JF took his seekers for a grand ride but he didn't grab any noses...

elephant journal: Yoga, Sustainability, Politics, Spirituality. : Neil Degrasse Tyson: "We need a Preacher of Science."

Thu, 7 Jun 2012 02:06:09 +0000

guess what Neil, YOU should be that preacher! I've seen you on the Daily Show (hilarious) and Colbert Report (ditto) and your intelligence, wit, humor, and passion make YOU the perfect Preacher of Science. say hallelujah!

elephant journal: Yoga, Sustainability, Politics, Spirituality. : Beautiful "Pots & Pans" Montreal Protest Video goes Viral.

Sat, 26 May 2012 23:29:11 +0000

wonderful to see this peaceful protest - leaders should really learn how to follow their constituents....

elephant journal: Yoga, Sustainability, Politics, Spirituality. : "Grow a brain before you grow your beard."

Thu, 24 May 2012 18:26:56 +0000

love it!

elephant journal: Yoga, Sustainability, Politics, Spirituality. : "John Friend Has Clearly Spoken His Intentions For The Future Of Anusara Yoga."

Fri, 18 May 2012 14:42:52 +0000

everything happening now has happened before - just thinking of my friends and my first real yoga teacher who were once followers of Amrit Desai. His actions destroyed an insular community but enabled the Kripalu Center to arise from the ashes stronger than ever but with an openness and passion for innovation and service that was missing before. May John learn what he needs to learn. May those who choose to stay part of his group keep their eyes open.

elephant journal: Yoga, Sustainability, Politics, Spirituality. : "John Friend Has Clearly Spoken His Intentions For The Future Of Anusara Yoga."

Fri, 18 May 2012 14:37:00 +0000

I find this quite enlightening - I'm just starting to study jyotish, amazing that everything we are to face is written but we have the choice how to relate to our destinies.

elephant journal: Yoga, Sustainability, Politics, Spirituality. : A Nonviolent Way To Deal With The Zombie Apocalypse.

Fri, 18 May 2012 00:34:18 +0000

love this! now, if we could find a way to harness the energy of zombies treadmill walking, we'd be free of fossil fuels forever!

elephant journal: Yoga, Sustainability, Politics, Spirituality. : Never turn anyone away from your yoga class.

Mon, 7 May 2012 18:28:57 +0000

Planet Fitness of course! bwahahaha! I usually play music for my classes (all but the most traditional of Ashtanga classes) because most of the participants (particularly in corporate settings) need a little distraction from the asana kicking that ensues (they have no idea how tough asanas can be when practiced with proper form and with full attention!). I try to take a fun approach while keeping them safe so that they'll feel better afterwards and come back the next week (and one location asked, begged! me to add a second class). Pattabhi Jois once told David Swenson that most people approach the 8 limbs via the physical practice, but all the limbs are contained within the practice; "You do practice! All is coming!". Those who are truly interested in more not only stick to it but begin a deeper inquiry once their pain from old (or new) injuries, past abuse, etc have been dissolved away. This worked for me, it will certainly work for others. But first, we have to get them in the door, hence the silly combos we're seeing (I wouldn't teach a Heavy Metal Yoga class, but I did see one advertised!)

elephant journal: Yoga, Sustainability, Politics, Spirituality. : Never turn anyone away from your yoga class.

Mon, 7 May 2012 14:49:11 +0000

I don't see the point in trashing teachers who did not feel qualified or ready for the tremendous challenge of teaching this man. After all, he had to decide he was determined enough to push on no matter how many obstacles were in his way, and when he was ready his teacher appeared. I had a similar experience last year in my summer university yoga class: the class is geared towards the average reasonably healthy population although I also teach modifications to the Ashtanga Primary Series for those with no upper body strength, previous injuries, etc. A young woman came in using a scooter; she had, I assume, cerebral palsy and she tossed her mat on the floor and transferred from her scooter to it. I told her I would not be able to give her special attention (the class had 35 people in it) but would suggest modifications and give cues as I normally would (and no, I did not "adjust" her in any way though I did keep an eye on her). She never missed a day in the 2x/week for 6 weeks 2 hours/class for credit session. She progressed from barely moving (but used internal visualizations as I had suggested) while doing what she could to being able to press herself up in many positions, including up dog and down dog. By the end of the course, she was more easily transferring from scooter to floor and back and was even able to stand unaided for short periods of time. I hope she's still practicing, because she would be able to walk unaided as hard as she was working! She always had a big smile on her face, as her pain from constant contractures (common in CP individuals) was diminishing every day. This young woman was MY teacher!

elephant journal: Yoga, Sustainability, Politics, Spirituality. : 10 Reasons your Yoga Classes Suck.

Sun, 6 May 2012 23:55:15 +0000

I once had a male student who would go through 2 long sleeve shirts and 2 large bath towels in Primary Series. He still left enough of a puddle at the end of his mat that I (jokingly) threatened to hire a lifeguard. a couple years later, he was down to 1 long sleeve shirt and 1 towel. now he barely sweats at all! plus, he can get into full lotus without his knees hurting (he'd had surgery on both knees, it took him a LOOONNNGGG time to rehab them). it's up to teach to keep a proper attitude and try to educate the students about compassion towards those who violate the "rules" while compassionately educating the violater.... though I must confess to kicking one man out of my class because he REFUSED to change from his trousers into pants he could move in (he wouldn't even take the belt off! he had injured himself that way - took him 6 months to heal - and every class I told him to just buy a pair of sweat pants). Actually, I just told him I would not let him continue to take class if he was not properly attired and I never saw him again. pet peeves of teachers list coming soon

elephant journal: Yoga, Sustainability, Politics, Spirituality. : 10 Reasons your Yoga Classes Suck.

Sun, 6 May 2012 23:45:43 +0000

I once had a woman text on her cellphone for nearly the entire class - even AFTER I asked her to stop and focus on her practice! another time, everybody was just settling into shavasana and somebody's cell went off. and ANOTHER time in my university class, an unannounced fire alarm drill started! had to peel 30 students off the ceiling....

elephant journal: Yoga, Sustainability, Politics, Spirituality. : 10 Reasons your Yoga Classes Suck.

Sun, 6 May 2012 23:41:36 +0000

hey, many studios trade free classes to people to clean up after and do other odd jobs.

elephant journal: Yoga, Sustainability, Politics, Spirituality. : I Am Going to Eat Meat. Deal with It. ~ Alexandra Grace

Fri, 4 May 2012 15:36:33 +0000

elephant journal: Yoga, Sustainability, Politics, Spirituality. : I Am Going to Eat Meat. Deal with It. ~ Alexandra Grace

Fri, 4 May 2012 15:31:17 +0000

as an Ayurvedic practitioner (lifestyle and diet counseling) I have found (by experience and by reading in the Ayurvedic texts that certain body types should favor certain foods and avoid others. I've found that the most successful at being vegetarian or vegan are the Kapha body types who tend to gain weight easily and lose it slowly (if at all). The least successful are the Vata types who gain weight slowly (if at all) - Vatas would and do find a vegan diet destructive and depleting. Pitta types can shift their diet easily (and seasonally) as they can eat anything when in balance. A vegan diet is good for losing weight but may be severely deficient in certain nutrients which are best absorbed from their animal food forms. While there are veggie options, the body must usually convert them to the more usable form, and not everyone is capable of this. Look up the shocking story of a young vegan couple in France who were arrested in the death of their baby, which they were trying to breastfeed (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/29/vegans-trial-death-baby-breast-milk). That baby was found to have died from malnutrition, specifically B-12 and A. Another case is from the US - http://articles.nydailynews.com/2011-09-12/news/3... - and involves a couple who are apparently completely ignorant about what constitutes a proper diet for babies. They weren't even breastfeeding it but giving it soy milk and apple juice despite warnings on the soy milk label that it was not a substitute for baby formula! Anyone who is interested in shifting their diet should first focus on adding more fresh produce into their diets. Next shift would be to eat organic as much as possible, or purchase from local small farmers (farmers markets, CSAs, etc). Begin eliminating highly processed and refined foods, switching from white sugar to raw sugar, from table salt to mineralized salt (like Real Salt or Celtic Sea Salt). Then, once you've become healthier, you can begin eating less meat but still consume fresh, raw dairy if available and eggs from pastured hens. If and when it feels appropriate, then would be the time to go vegan (best during summer when fresh produce is available, or in warmer regions where such fresh produce is available year-round). Don't go vegan unless you are severely overweight, diabetic, or heart disease and need to lose weight quickly.

elephant journal: Yoga, Sustainability, Politics, Spirituality. : I Don't Believe in Astrology, Yet I'm an Astrologer.

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 19:49:15 +0000

I've had two readings done; the first as a bit of a lark, as part of my training at Kripalu School of Ayurveda. Giving the astrologer no more info than my birthdate, time of birth, and location of birth he was able to tell me quite a bit about my early life, my difficulties with certain people and tasks, my talents, the time I began having difficulties with my live-in boyfriend, the onset of a major debilitating illness (and assurance that I would soon begin making great strides in recovery. He then gave me an outline of my future (obviously I have the free choice to do something about that but knowing when I would have an easier of tougher time during certain periods is helpful). The second reading was recent, at the 2012 NAMA conference in Bellevue. This astrologer, given the same info I gave to the first one confirmed everything he had said. If Vedic Astrology (Jyotisha) is not a science, how would two different people come to the same conclusions given the same data? A snake oil salesman tells you what s/he thinks you want to know in order to sell you the snake oil. The scientist gives you an informed reading of his/her observations based on the information obtained. No belief is required. Science is not religion. However, those of you raised in the Christian faith may have read a passage in the Bible mentioning something called "The Book of Life": what would God write this Book in, if not the material world of the created universe we live in? If God has a plan for us, why would S/He keep it a secret from us? If we know how to read the Book, we can better align ourselves with our Divine purpose and avoid the pitfalls (or minimize the dangers) in front of us....

elephant journal: Yoga, Sustainability, Politics, Spirituality. : Sorry Vegan Friends - I am not strict Vegan anymore either.

Sat, 14 Apr 2012 20:23:39 +0000

diet from the Ayurvedic perspective: the most successful vegetarians/vegans are Kapha prakriti and/or vikruti (they are naturally more heavy and prone to weight gain and diabetes and so benefit from a lighter diet) and the least successful are Vata prakriti and/or vikruti (the skinny mini marathoner types and chronically anxious people need heavier food to balance themselves). Plus, it's impossible to follow a locally sourced fresh vegan or vegetarian diet in an area that's often too cold to grow things (think about the Inuit and other northern tribal peoples who eat primarily meat and fat, only gathering plant foods during the short summers). If you live in the tropics where plant life is in abundance you will be more successful but even those traditional peoples supplemented their diets with fish and other sea foods. For more info on traditional diets visit http://www.westonaprice.org and keep an open mind!