Category Archives: Native Yoga

Day 9 – No Shave Yoga Event – #yogabeardsunite – Yoga for Others

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Day 9 – No Shave Yoga Event – #yogabeardsunite – Yoga for Others
The progression of yoga practice leads to compassion. It is wonderful that we can move into a healthy lifestyle and feel amazing. It is not enough to only achieve this for ourselves. Yoga leads us toward wanting to help others that are in need. So the the big question that comes up sometimes in yoga circles is, how can an individual practicing postural yoga be possibly benefitting all of humanity? Isn’t the endeavor of cultivating personal strength and flexibility often overexercised and used as fulfillment of our own ego desire? Often times it is. Yet I do hold the faith and belief that we can direct our own achievements on and off the mat toward benefitting those in need. 
When we really look deeply into how we can help others, coming up with a good answer is challenging. What we often see is that we can only help by just being as positive and calm ourselves so as to reduce the amount of negative emotion and vibes that we throw out at others. In essence truly the only thing we can do is relax and breath and let this grand universe unfold. I like to think though that not only can we work on ourselves, we can also generate goodwill toward others. During this month we encourage you to do the same thing. Go one step beyond your normal routine. Give of yourself to others. Share your enthusiasm for live. Donate some money to help those that are in need. Take some time for yourself to cultivate a positive mood and outlook. Just point your focus toward engendering some compassion and let the rest unfold. Just let it grow! 🙂
No Shave Yoga Event is a group of yoga teachers who have banded together to help spread the word, grow hairy, raise money and inspire health through the practice of yoga. Our fundraising team is called Yoga Beards Unite and we aim to raise at least $1500 by the end of November. Please help us achieve our goal by donating to our team page at https://www.no-shave.org/team/yogabeardsunite. When you post on social media please tag us to show your support and share your story to help us in our endeavor. Together we can make a difference! @adampolhemusyoga @brianmilleryoga @davidmiliotis @gregnardi @juankgalan @nativeyoga @willduprey

No Shave Yoga Event – #yogabeardsunite ~ Ascending the Mountain with David Miliotis

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Day 8 – No Shave Yoga Event – #yogabeardsunite ~ Ascending the Mountain with David Miliotis  
Today David Miliotis taught a workshop at Native Yoga called Ascending the Mountain. In essence we took a detailed exploration of back bending by practicing some of the asana of the Intermediate Series of Ashtanga Yoga combined with sanskrit mantra recitation and pranayama practice.

  
David presents the application of breath, movement and visual attention in a way that you feel like you are not just practicing some random sequence of movement. He encourages you to bring every ounce of your attention into the precision of total awareness. Yet at the same time it felt very fluid and it helped to shake off some of the apprehension that appears when the body struggles with the challenge of the practice. I feel that I noticed how much my mind gets in the way of staying present and that somehow through the practice session I was able to chip away at that agitation and replace it with focussed care.

  
The analogy of Ascending the Mountain feels very apropos for this type of work. Symbolically speaking the mountain we are all ascending is an internal adventure that requires diligence and consistency. I remember the first time I went on a relatively serious mountain climbing expedition with some friends in Northern California. They were all very experienced and I was a novice, being from Florida and all, and I went into not even realizing how demanding it was going to be physically and mentally. What a humbling experience to say the least. When we finally reached the top the view was so spectacular and the senses seemed so clean and clear that the sense of accomplishment overrode the pain my body was feeling from carrying a way to heavy pack high up into thin air. What came as an even greater shock was that coming down seemed more challenging than going up. I came away from that experience thoroughly transformed and quite a bit more careful about agreeing to go mountain climbing without proper preparation.

  
Deep back bending is very much a similar experience. Proper preparation is absolutely necessary to ensure the safety of the practitioner. Through serious work, attention toward the goal, and persistent application over a long period of time we gradually make our way toward the vista of feeling freedom in our body and mind. Like the old adage says, its about the journey, not the destination. 

  
As we make our way into the second week of the No Shave Yoga Event it is important not to loose focus on our goal. Our goal is to help raise awareness about our plight, to help inspire a greater sense of health in the community. An additional application of this goal is to help raise funds for those suffering through cancer now. Please help us achieve our goal and donate today.

  
 No Shave Yoga Event is a group of yoga teachers who have banded together to help spread the word, grow hairy, raise money and inspire health through the practice of yoga. Our fundraising team is called Yoga Beards Unite and we aim to raise at least $1500 by the end of November. Please help us achieve our goal by donating to our team page at https://www.no-shave.org/team/yogabeardsunite. When you post on social media please tag us to show your support and share your story to help us in our endeavor. Together we can make a difference! @adampolhemusyoga @brianmilleryoga @davidmiliotis @gregnardi @juankgalan @nativeyoga @willduprey

Day 7 – No Shave Yoga Event – Yoga with David Miliotis

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Yoga with David Miliotis

This weekend Native Yoga is hosting Ashtanga Yogi, David Miliotis, for a series of workshops and practice sessions. David is originally from coastal Los Angeles and he now resides in Orange County, California. He flew here for a return visit to Native Yoga Center and we feel really lucky to have him here.
  
I originally met David in Mysore, India practicing at the Ashtanga Yoga Research Center in 2004. I was set up next to him one morning and I was so inspired by his practice that I immediately afterward introduced myself to him. I learned then that he was living in Santa Barbara and that he was teaching Mysore practice there. I remember thinking that he seemed really down to earth and I appreciated the time he took to speak with me. 

  
Fast forward 10 years and a friend in South Florida reintroduced us and we invited him to come and teach here at Native last year. It was such a treat to have his perspective and skill at our studio that we are honored to have him return this weekend. 
During last nights class he took us through the Primary Series in a really fun and engaging manner. One thing that is obvious when practicing with David is that he has cultivated an impeccable connection with breath, bandha and drishti. He has the ability to verbally communicate the elements of internal anatomy in a practical fashion which produces a deep sense of connection between the breath and the perception of the mind. He also has a great ability to connect with the students and give pointers for all levels to help the engagement process. I really enjoyed the practice immensely.

  
Today we return for a session at 12-3pm titled Setting the Foundation: Breathing, Bandhas & the Niyamas and tomorrow, Sunday at 12-3pm for a workshop called Ascending the Mountain: Backbends from Primary into Intermediate.
David is a member of our team #yogabeardsunite and we are working together to raise money for https://www.no-shave.org/team/yogabeardsunite during the month of November. Get inspiration from David by checking out website at http://www.ashtangayogaorangecounty.com and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AshtangaYogaOC/?fref=ts. 

How has Yoga Improved your Health?

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Day 6 – No Shave Yoga Event – #yogabeardsunite – How has Yoga Improved your Health?
During this month we are focussing on men’s health. No Shave November is in large part about raising our awareness about health in general with emphasis on early detection of cancer. The money we are raising is with the intention of helping in the research process. In the case of the donations that go to St. Jude Children’s Hospital the support helps children with cancer and to also support the family members taking care of the children. In general the idea is to help those that are in need of it.
Often yoga is perceived as a practice that can help to improve one’s health. The benefits associated with hatha(postural awareness) yoga exercise are numerous. Pranayama(breathing practice) is incredible for strengthening the nervous system and meditation has untold positive effect on our overall health and well being.
How has yoga helped your health? When I reflect on how yoga has helped me I don’t know where to begin. I often feel that the practice of yoga, beyond improving health, has helped my understand of what health is and to see the integration of all the aspects of my being into a unified whole. By opening our perspective to the possibilities of the health we can experience through yoga practice, I feel that practice itself becomes the definition of health. No matter where we are in our state of being, whether we feel healthy or not, yoga can help us to come to terms with reality. Cultivating clear perception can help us make the most of the given situation we find ourselves in. Moment by moment we take steps forward toward peace, health and wellness by cultivating acceptance. 
No Shave Yoga Event is a group of yoga teachers who have banded together to help spread the word, grow hairy, raise money and inspire health through the practice of yoga. Our fundraising team is called Yoga Beards Unite and we aim to raise at least $1500 by the end of November. Please help us achieve our goal by donating to our team page at https://www.no-shave.org/team/yogabeardsunite. When you post on social media please tag us to show your support and share your story to help us in our endeavor. Together we can make a difference! @adampolhemusyoga @brianmilleryoga @davidmiliotis @gregnardi @juankgalan @nativeyoga @willduprey

Day 5 – No Shave Yoga Event – #yogabeardsunite

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Day 5 – No Shave Yoga Event – #yogabeardsunite – My teammate, @adampolhemusyoga posted today, “It is not just about physical health, mental health is equally important. Meditate, read a book (local library!) or learn a new skill, these will all help develop mental plasticity that you will serve you well as you age.” In the spirit of the Niyamas, today seems like a good day to devote to स्वाध्याय or Svādhyāya which means “one’s own reading” and “self-study”. I decided to try to immerse myself in this copy of The Srimad Devi Bhagavatam to flex the ‘ole brain muscle.  
No Shave Yoga Event is a group of yoga teachers who have banded together to help spread the word, grow hairy, raise money and inspire health through the practice of yoga. Our fundraising team is called Yoga Beards Unite and we aim to raise at least $1500 by the end of November. Please help us achieve our goal by donating to our team page at https://www.no-shave.org/team/yogabeardsunite. When you post on social media please tag us to show your support and share your story to help us in our endeavor. Together we can make a difference! @adampolhemusyoga @brianmilleryoga @davidmiliotis @gregnardi @juankgalan @nativeyoga @willduprey

No Shave Yoga Event – #yogabeardsunite – Where?

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Day 4 – No Shave Yoga Event – #yogabeardsunite – Where?  
Today my son, Ethan, jumped in on the challenge. He’s sporting the mustache and busting some Up Dog for the event. Yoga is an excellent way to practice cultivating positive focus and good intentions and can help in the journey of maintaining good health. Sometimes having fun is an essential part of the ride!

  
Where is the No Shave Yoga Event happening? The answer is globally. We are blessed with the fortune of communicating across the globe within a split second. No matter where you are in the world you can take part. Take a pic or share a story and attach the #yogabeardsunite so we can see. Please donate to our team fundraising page at https://www.no-shave.org/team/yogabeardsunite. Every dollar counts!

  
If you live in South Florida there is a No Shave Yoga Event yoga class happening at nativeyogacenter.com on November 22nd at 12:00pm. If you would like to host a donation based yoga class in your area please let us know so we can help share the word. The purpose of this challenge is to raise awareness and get together and have a good time for a good cause.
No Shave Yoga Event is a group of yoga teachers who have banded together to help spread the word, grow hairy, raise money and inspire health through the practice of yoga. Our fundraising team is called Yoga Beards Unite and we aim to raise at least $1500 by the end of November. Please help us achieve our goal by donating to our team page at https://www.no-shave.org/team/yogabeardsunite. When you post on social media please tag us to show your support and share your story to help us in our endeavor. Together we can make a difference! @adampolhemusyoga @brianmilleryoga @davidmiliotis @gregnardi @juankgalan @nativeyoga @willduprey

No Shave Yoga Event – #yogabeardsunite – The Team & You

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Day 3 – No Shave Yoga Event – #yogabeardsunite – The Team & You   
The most integral part of the #yogabeardsunite fundraising team is You. 

Here is how you can help:

Please donate to our team fundraising page at https://www.no-shave.org/team/yogabeardsunite. Every dollar counts! Even if you can donate $1 this will help us achieve our goal.

Help spread the word. Use the #yogabeardsunite hashtag when you post photos on IG , share our posts on your Facebook, or favorite us on Twitter.

This event is open to everyone, regardless of sex, and it is no matter if you choose to grow hairy or not. You can also join our team and help create your own posts to facilitate the fundraising potential. Thank you for your support and we greatly appreciate your help.

  
No Shave Yoga Event is a group of yoga teachers who have banded together to help spread the word, grow hairy, raise money and inspire health through the practice of yoga. Our fundraising team is called Yoga Beards Unite and we aim to raise at least $1500 by the end of November. Please help us achieve our goal by donating to our team page at https://www.no-shave.org/team/yogabeardsunite. When you post on social media please tag us to show your support and share your story to help us in our endeavor. Together we can make a difference! @adampolhemusyoga @brianmilleryoga @davidmiliotis @gregnardi @juankgalan @nativeyoga @willduprey

Why No Shave November? Compassion for Others 

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Day 2 – No Shave Yoga Event – #yogabeardsunite – Why No Shave November? Compassion for Others   
A question that may come to mind is, why would we want to not shave during the month of November? We certainly can come up with a ton of reasons why shaving is a good idea i.e., it’s not as itchy, it feels cleaner and smoother and my grandma likes it better when I shave to name only a few. The reason for the campaign of No Shave November is to make a statement, emanating an expression of compassion for others. In yoga philosophy and practice there is an adage (Loka-Samgraha) that encourages us to offer the fruits of our practice such as, good health, positive frame of mind and improved concentration, to the greater good of humanity. This is why I am practicing not shaving for this campaign. It is my hope that our effort to raise money and awareness for others plight may offer the simplest expression of compassion to someone who needs it. Chances are you have had someone close to you diagnosed with cancer at some point in your life. If so then you know how challenging it is when you would like to be able to help but feel like there is nothing that you can do. We cannot guarantee that this campaign will change the course of our life or someone else. Yet by setting the intention that we would like to help, as humble as an intention may be, perhaps together we can make a difference.

Today Greg Nardi explains what Loka-Samgraha means in the video below. 

 
No Shave Yoga Event is a group of yoga teachers who have banded together to help spread the word, grow hairy, raise money and inspire health through the practice of yoga. Our fundraising team is called Yoga Beards Unite and we aim to raise at least $1500 by the end of November. Please help us achieve our goal by donating to our team page at https://www.no-shave.org/team/yogabeardsunite. When you post on social media please tag us to show your support and share your story to help us in our endeavor. Together we can make a difference! @adampolhemusyoga @brianmilleryoga @davidmiliotis @gregnardi @juankgalan @nativeyoga @willduprey

What is No Shave November? The Goal

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Day 1 – No Shave Yoga Event – #yogabeardsunite – What is No Shave November? The Goal

The goal of No Shave November & Movember is to grow awareness about men’s health and cancer by embracing our hair, which many cancer patients lose, and letting it grow wild and free. We encourage you to donate the money you typically spend on shaving and grooming to aid organizations that help educate about cancer prevention and provide assistance to those diagnosed with cancer. You can help save lives and aid those fighting the battle.

No Shave Yoga Event is a group of yoga teachers who have banded together to help spread the word, grow hairy, raise money and inspire health through the practice of yoga. Our fundraising team is called Yoga Beards Unite and we aim to raise at least $1500 by the end of November. Please help us achieve our goal by donating to our team page at https://www.no-shave.org/team/yogabeardsunite. When you post on social media please tag us to show your support and share our your story to help us in our endeavor. Together we can make a difference! @adampolhemusyoga @brianmilleryoga @davidmiliotis @gregnardi @juankgalan @nativeyoga @willduprey

Mysore, Kirtan and Friends

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Today is one of those days that I can’t help but share my excitement about. I set the alarm for 4am and made my way from home to the shala for an early morning practice. Upon returning to Florida several weeks ago from the 3rd series training with Tim out in Encinitas I have been feeling so inspired. Tim and the attendant trainees infused me with a sense of total of verve that that has motivated me to experiment with parts of 3rd I had not yet before. There is something about the series that is so completely physically challenging and yet altogether invigorating. Also, It is really fun to experiment when I am on my own or just a few friends practicing nearby knowing that there is no judgement based on performance capabilities.   
I was winding things down with the shoulder stand sequence and while balled up in Pindasana (a shoulder stand with the legs in lotus folded down against the chest and the arms wrapped around so that we mimic the fetus in the head down position) our good friend and student Carole came in for a surprise visit. She hit a couple of the wrong switches and the whole room lit up with fluorescent lighting and we had a good laugh at the grand entry. Carole started practicing with us 9 years ago here and we would both get to the shala very early in the morning and practice together regularly since then. She has moved up the D.C. area and I have missed her energy so much. It is really great to develop a friendship through repeated years of practicing silently next to someone. You really get to know the person and you develop a bond that goes beyond words. It felt like my morning started off with the right combination of positive vibes to help me find that zest that comes with stoked practice.

I suppose some momentum was created and to top it off Greg Nardi came to practice Mysore this morning with us which was just such a nice treat. Greg is getting ready to offer some workshops this Friday and Saturday here at Native Yoga Center. When we scheduled this event Greg had the idea of combining forces and offering a Kirtan. We both agreed and then realized that some practice would be a good idea before hand. 🙂 One thing that really inspires the Mysore room is the combined enthusiasm of the practitioners that show up. The teacher just gives a little assistance but really the practice and the sweat that comes from the practice is the real “bread and butter” so to speak. I thoroughly love the Ashtanga routines and all the elements of the “limbs” that make it up.
 

 
Greg and I had a chance to iron out which songs to sing and and get some practice in before this weekend. Enclosed is a short video from our practice session today. If you are in the South Florida area we hope you can make it. Greg enjoys teaching a well rounded approach to Ashtanga Yoga and his insights will encourage you.

Friday, September 25th he is offering a workshops titled:
Forward bends, Hips, and Knees 5:30pm – 7:30pm Paschimattanasana, or west stretching pose, describes forward bending as a means of opening the subtle channels on the posterior surface of the body.  In this workshop, we will look at the three symmetrical forward bends, or paschimattanasana poses in the beginning of primary series to help us understand the fundamentals of hip and spinal flexion.  We will then build on this foundation to look at asymmetrical forward bends and what they teach us about proper use of the hips and knees so that we can safely move towards advanced forward bending asanas.

Kirtan and Mantra with Greg Nardi and Todd McLaughlin 7:30pm – 8:30pm

On Saturday, September 26th he will offer two workshops:

Backbends 12:00pm – 2:30pm Explore the fine art of backbending.  We will work through a progressively challenging series of backbends that will educate you about the finer points of spinal extension.  Learn how to distribute energy through the entire body during your backbends to avoid overloading the lower back. If you are challenged by the process of deepening your backbends, or are just beginning to explore advanced backbending, this workshop is not to be missed.

Yoga Beyond Asana 4:00pm – 6:30pm This workshop will explore concepts from the Upanishads that shape the eastern worldview.  This paradigm is the contextual framework out of which yoga is born.  As a modern yoga practitioner, you will be able to fit contemporary yoga practice into an ancient wisdom tradition.  We will explore yogic theories and concepts such as conditioned living, the causes of suffering, the means of liberation, and the purpose of life.  Come with an open mind, and you will leave inspired.

All details and registration are available at www.nativeyogacenter.com