Beth Shaw photo by David Young-Wolff

Beth Shaw, author of Healing Trauma with Yoga. Photo by David Young-Wolff

Beth Shaw

Beth Shaw C-IAYT is the founder of YogaFit and the author of Healing Trauma with Yoga. Healing Trauma with Yoga combines a discussion of trauma from the perspective of modern neuroscience with empowering teachings from yoga philosophy and yoga practice. In the book,13 people share their inspiring stories of how yoga is an essential component of their own path of learning to heal and thrive. Order the book and learn more at: bethshaw.com.

The post From Surviving to Thriving: Healing Trauma with Yoga appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

“He’s very well behaved for a rescue dog.”  

“Really – you got a purebred dog from a rescue group?”

I have a rescue dog and I get very tired of how often I hear these statements.

What upsets me even more is so-called “conscious” people and yogis who buy dogs. Buying dogs in this day and age is a death sentence for the millions of dogs sitting in shelters waiting to die.

When you buy a dog from a pet store you support puppy mills—manufacturers of puppies with profits in mind. Puppies which come from these mills are kept in horrible conditions and frequently have health issues. These mills are just in business to sell puppies. They will sell just as equally to scientific test facilities as well as pet stores just to keep their bottom line as robust as possible. Nearly all puppies in pet stores come from these types of operations. Not to mention the mothers of puppy mill puppies never see the light of day and endure a torturous life. Making money off a dog’s uterus is one of the most UNCONSCIOUS things you can do.

Facts about rescue dogs

• They are not all timid and not all of them have been abused.

Rescue dogs come in all temperaments and packages. All dogs have so much unconditional love to give. Even abused dogs can make a full emotional recovery in the right home, as long as you provide the consistent care and attention. Plus often abused dogs are so happy to be rescued you’ll find them to be very devoted and loyal to you. You can rescue a dog from a shelter or a breed-specific rescue group. Those in shelters are on death row, so if you can get one from a shelter please do.

• You can get a rescue dog that is a purebred.

There are literally thousands of “breed-specific” rescue groups so you can adopt the dog of your choice without supporting an unethical puppy mill, breeder, or pet store. Visit Pet Finder.com and check out all the PURE BREED dogs available.

• Rescue dogs do not all have behavioral issues and don’t necessarily end up inshelters because of behavioral  issues.

There are many reasons why a dog ends up at a shelter. Many owners die, or lose their apartments or their jobs. Dogs that are strays, born on the streets, or lost are often brought in to shelters. Some owners just don’t have the time or patience to dedicate to a dog. Real behavioral issues usually make up a small portion of rescue dogs in a shelter, and often, these dogs are pre-tested and not even put up for adoption to the public before they are socialized.

Myths about Rescue dogs

• I won’t get “papers” with a rescue dog.

This is a myth: I have “papers” for Bentley; I adopted him from Labradoodle Rescue. He was purchased by a family in Orange County who had a sick child. They thought he would help make the child better, but they did not understand the rigors of raising a puppy; he was so wild they wanted to euthanize him. Instead, Labradoodle rescue took him in. He story is not unique.

•  Rescue dogs are unhealthy and sick.

A veterinarian gives dogs that are taken in by breed-specific groups a complete health exam before they are put up for adoption. If a dog does has  medical issues, you’ll be alerted—unlike a pet store which frequently does not disclose a puppy’s health issues.

• You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.

Older rescue dogs in shelters will impress you with their ability to learn. Dogs are incredibly adaptable. Give them  guidance, patience, love, and leadership and they will learn new habits and tricks.

Go get a rescue dog—it will change your life. It changed mine.

Beth Shaw

Beth Shaw C-IAYT is the founder of YogaFit and the author of Healing Trauma with Yoga. Healing Trauma with Yoga combines a discussion of trauma from the perspective of modern neuroscience with empowering teachings from yoga philosophy and yoga practice. In the book,13 people share their inspiring stories of how yoga is an essential component of their own path of learning to heal and thrive. Order the book and learn more at: bethshaw.com.

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Snatam Kaur and Peter Kater

When I first learned about the Snatam Kaur and Peter Kater release, Heart of the Universe, I couldn’t wait to listen. For years, I’ve long been a fan of both these unique artists. Peter Kater is a multi-platinum Grammy-nominated composer, songwriter, and pianist whose recording Essence is a favorite of mine, along with every massage therapist I know. Snatam Kaur’s sacred chants have rocked the yoga world as well as being instrumental  in my own life.

Heart of the Universe delivers everything you would expect and imagine from these two talents, with some twists. A number of musicians accompany the duo, including beautiful arrangements featuring the Macedonia Radio Symphonic Orchestra. In a departure from much of her catalog, Snatam sings predominantly in English here, with a range reminiscent of early Natalie Merchant (think Ophelia).

The happy and joyous opening track, “Song of Your Heart,” has become my new favorite anthem; it’s one of those songs you’ll savor hearing in your head over and over again. While many of the tracks have a similar energetic quality that provide continuity, by the time the final track “Satigur Prasad” played, I was excited to hear Snatam’s voice complete the cycle with a mantra. Tracks one, two, and eight alone would inspire me to add this beautiful, powerful, and at times haunting selection of sacred music to my go-to playlist.

Beth Shaw is the founder of YogaFit – a company that provides yoga, health and wellness education to the world. She has recently opened YogaFit studios in Toronto and Los Angeles: yogafit.com; yogafitstudio.com 

Beth Shaw

Beth Shaw C-IAYT is the founder of YogaFit and the author of Healing Trauma with Yoga. Healing Trauma with Yoga combines a discussion of trauma from the perspective of modern neuroscience with empowering teachings from yoga philosophy and yoga practice. In the book,13 people share their inspiring stories of how yoga is an essential component of their own path of learning to heal and thrive. Order the book and learn more at: bethshaw.com.

The post Heart of the Universe appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

Snatam Kaur shares her experiences

At the age of 18, few young people dream about a trip to India. But chant artist Snatam Kaur did just that, spending six months as a teaching assistant at Miri Piri Academy, the residential children’s school in India founded on the principles of education taught by Yogi Bhajan. Snatam Kaur has continued to be connected to the school ever since and will be headlining the January Kundalini Rising fundraiser in Los Angeles which supports this innovative nonprofit as well as Sat Nam Festival from April 11-14 in Joshua Tree, CA.

Snatam Kaur spoke to LA YOGA just after the release of her latest album, Heart of the Universe.

LA YOGA: Did being at the school make you wish you had been a student there?

Snatam Kaur: Being 18, I was able to catch some of the wave of what was going on. It was particularly amazing to witness the lifelong core friendships that were being developed. One of the lifelong friendships that I made at the Academy was with Karan Khalsa, who is the president of my record label [Spirit Voyage].

When I was a teaching assistant, I was in charge of putting together the live music for the morning meditation program and the evening prayer. All the kids would wake up and do yoga and meditation on the roof. It was an incredible feeling being up on the roof with 100 children singing at the top of their lungs. There was so much passion in the children’s voices to connect with God and the music. I believe that it created a foundation for my entire musical career.

LA YOGA: How do you think we in the U.S. can bring a greater sense of community in our schools?

SK: One aspect of the school that we can do here in the West is spiritual academics — when children connect with their spirit on a daily basis, when it becomes an achievement to connect with your soul. In the West, we have achievements where you get an A on your social studies paper or you jump 25 feet in the long jump; all these are physical, tangible things.  But to be able to connect with your spirit—that is a huge part of a daily activity at the Academy.

I think western schools can incorporate more of this by teaching meditation and having an opportunity for young people to become certified Kundalini Yoga teachers.

LA YOGA: What inspired you to participate in the upcoming event in LA?

SK: I would do anything for the Academy. In November, I taught a two-hour yoga class with the children. We tuned in, I closed my eyes and I felt this incredible power with the children from all over the world — Germany, Mexico, Malaysia, Canada, Africa, the U.S. — and I could feel how for each of these children it would be a light in their lives to carry them forward in powerful ways as teachers, healers, and leaders.

I felt so humbled that it brought me to tears. It’s an incredible place and training center for the powerful leaders of tomorrow. My spiritual teacher, Yogi Bhajan, prayed for the purity of the teachings to come through and these children are receiving it. I see it in the graduates, including in my brother. I see it in so many ways that I would do anything — physically, mentally, spiritually — to support this effort in the school.

LA YOGA: How did you personally stay in balance with your traveling and touring schedule?

Snatam Kaur: My two foundations are my yoga and meditation practice and keeping a healthy diet. I have removed most processed foods from my diet and I stick to whole vegetables, fruits, grains, and beans. Both of practice and diet keep me clear, focused, and centered. From there, I can make decisions that further promote my balance. I’m blessed that my husband is also passionate about this so we have a practice at home and when I’m traveling we connect with our practice together. This has been key for my health.

Snatam Kaur’s latest album, Heart of the Universe, was created in collaboration with Peter Kater. The collection of songs, many of which are in English, are inspired by writings of Yogi Bhajan and saints from India: snatamkaur.com; spiritvoyage.com.

Kundalini Rising is an all-day yoga and sacred chant event benefitting the Miri Piri Academy. Gurmukh, Guru Singh, GuruPrem and Simran, and Snatam Kaur join forces with a collection of other renowned teachers and sacred musicians for a spiritual festival on Saturday, January 12 at the Art of Living Foundation: kundalinirisingla.com.

Beth Shaw is the founder and president of YogaFit Training Systems and the author of the best-selling YogaFit. She has produced a compilation of her personal favorite chants from Snatam Kaur: yogafit.com.

Beth Shaw

Beth Shaw C-IAYT is the founder of YogaFit and the author of Healing Trauma with Yoga. Healing Trauma with Yoga combines a discussion of trauma from the perspective of modern neuroscience with empowering teachings from yoga philosophy and yoga practice. In the book,13 people share their inspiring stories of how yoga is an essential component of their own path of learning to heal and thrive. Order the book and learn more at: bethshaw.com.

The post Seva: Kundalini Rising for Miri Piri Academy appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

Fitness buffs and everyday gym-goers often work out with the mindset of “more is more.” Many Type-A people who attend yoga classes are often seen leaving before final relaxation (savasana), stripping themselves of the most important part of the overall experience. Savasana is the gold nugget, the eye in the storm, the calm, the unification, the “it” pose. It’s even a natural progression: At the end of practice you have completed your work out and prepared your mind and body for your work in.

Taking time to rest and taking time to breathe can be the most important parts of any routine. Without enjoying the fruits of your labors – you are just laboring.

I frequently recommend relaxing in savasana after a workout. Even better: first practice a brief yoga routine after time on the court, in the gym, on the trail or any intense activity.

Some poses to use in a sequence include a few hamstring stretches and hip openers, a lower spinal twist and perhaps a shoulderstand. At the end, take a savasana and incorporate meditation and visualization to facilitate faster recovery since our bodies gain strength during periods of rest.

We should never confuse activity with productivity, and this is particularly true in final relaxation. This is the one pose in which you are instructed to do nothing, and yet you receive a lot.

Final relaxation allows an opportunity for you to again become aware of your body and mind, mentally and physically integrating the benefits of your practice. Relaxation brings peace, calm and a sense of space to your busy life and often crowded mind. It also provides an important transition back into your daily routine. Finally, this pose helps release muscular tension and stress for improved health and well-being.

Practice
Lie on your back, or in any position that allows you total comfort and relaxation. Turn your palms toward the sky and allow your feet to roll open. Let your breath return to its natural, rhythmical cycle. Continue to release stress and tension, finding peace and calm.

Modify
For lower back discomfort, place your feet flat on the floor and bend your knees allowing them to lean against one another. For added comfort, place a pillow, towel or blanket behind your knees or your head.

Breath is Life
Breath is life, prana, the universal life force energy within all of us. Your pranic body is your vital body, your energy body. Pranayama are practices for controlling the breath and harnessing the prana within and surrounding your body to create a state of inner peace. Your pranic energy corresponds to the right and left sides of your body. Your right side is associated with increased energy, heat and alertness. Your left side is associated with internal awareness, cooling and calm.

Alternate Nostril Breathing
Alternate nostril breathing energetically balances prana, body and mind, through regulation of your breath through each nostril. Whether you are anxious and distracted or lethargic and fatigued (or anywhere in between), this technique helps you feel balanced. It can be valuable for centering yourself at the beginning of a work out or work in, transitioning into final relaxation or preparing for meditation.

Practice the Breath
Find a comfortable standing or seated position. Notice the current flow of your breath and keep your breathing soft and easy throughout your practice. When comfortable, curl your right hand into your palm, keeping your thumb, ring finger and pinkie extended. Move your right thumb to the bridge of your right nostril. Inhale through your left nostril. At the top of your inhalation, close your left nostril with your right ring finger (while releasing your thumb) and exhale through your right nostril. Now inhale through your right nostril. At the top of your inhalation, close your right nostril and exhale through your left nostril. Continue alternating at the top of each inhale. Repeat for five to ten rounds. After your last exhale, unblock your nostrils and take three deep, even breaths through your nose.

Stress and Relaxation
Studies show that chronic stress increases your risk of obesity, depression, heart disease and much more. Many of these conditions are caused by elevated levels of a hormone called cortisol. Though cortisol is useful in circumstances that require immediate energy and action, too much does you more harm than good. Yoga can lower your cortisol levels. Deep breathing, deep relaxing stretches and a focused mind all help to calm the flight or flight response and induce a healing state of relaxation.
Scientific research shows that deep breathing and final relaxation have benefits for stress reduction. Because stress and stress-related conditions and illnesses are so prevalent, and because people often don’t take enough time to rest, this part of your session is critical for restoration and healing. Some people actually find spending time quietly in relaxation more challenging than the poses themselves. If this is true for you, you might benefit more from this phase of the session than any other.

Yoga For Hikers: Stretch To Relax

Hiking, walking and running are great forms of cardiovascular conditioning, yet their repetitive linear movements and long periods of forward flexion can mean that the hamstrings, quadriceps, low back or shoulders can become tight (especially when hiking with a backpack on). While on a long hike or even a backpacking trip, try to keep your shoulders away from your ears and maintain a sense of ease, relaxation and fluidity. Take breaks for yoga and try out a couple of these stretches. Breathe and relax.

Upper Body Stretches:

1. Chest Expansion One: Stretch the muscles around the front of the shoulders and chest by drawing both shoulder heads back and down. While exhaling, squeeze the shoulder blades together and contract the back muscles. Inhale and release the movement to feel a sense of expansion in your upper back. Repeat ten times.
2. Chest Expansion Two: Slide both hands behind your back and interlace your fingers. Draw your shoulders away from your ears and try reaching and extending your arms as far away from your body as possible. If you’re at a normal resting heart rate, you can combine this with a forward fold by hinging forward at the hips and extending the upper body over the lower. Take ten deep breaths.
3. Cobra: This pose featuring spinal flexion counteracts the rolling forward movement we may do while hiking or in other repetitive activities. Lie face down with the hands palms down beneath the shoulders, elbows bent and drawn in toward the body. Gently lengthen the front of the body and lift the shoulders and chest. Keep a slight bend in the elbows while moving toward straightening the arms. Support the low back by maintaining tone in the abdominals. Keep your hips on the earth and engage your legs.
4. Lateral Flexion: If carrying a backpack or leaning over (say over bicycle handlebars), the broad wing-like muscles of the back, the lastissimus dorsi (“lats”) can get tight. Lateral flexions release tension.

Stand with the knees slightly bent and core engaged. Extend both arms overhead. Bring the right arm down the side of the body, rest your hand on your hip. Inhale and extend and lift the side of your body out of your low back. Exhale and reach the left arm overhead and to the right to create a side stretch along. Take five deep breaths then switch sides.

Leg Stretches:

1. Simple Quadriceps Stretch: Begin lying facedown, maintain tone in the core and slowly bend your knee, reaching for the ankle. Gently draw your foot in the direction of your glutes to stretch the front of your thigh. Breathe. Switch sides. Be aware of sensation in the knee and cautious if you have knee problems. Another variation of this pose can be practiced while standing.
2. Standing Forward Fold/Hamstring Stretch: Stand comfortably, with both feet facing forward and together, or slightly apart if the hamstrings or low back tend to be tight. While at a resting heart rate, hinge at your hips to fold forward. Clasp your hands to your elbows or bring your hands to your legs or your ankles based on your flexibility and bend your knees if needed. Relax your head and neck as much as possible. Take ten deep relaxing breaths. Come back to standing slowly by bending the knees, engaging the thighs and the inner core and rolling back up to standing. This pose is not recommended for anyone with a heart condition or if the heart rate is higher than at a resting pace.

Practice these poses at the end of your hike to feel rejuvenated, relaxed and refreshed and to notice immediate differences in your flexibility.

For Suggested Sequences for Sports, visit the LA YOGA website: layogamagazine.com. While online register for the chance to win a free copy of YOGAFIT. Beth Shaw’s YOGAFIT features sport-specific sequences to use after athletic activities such as running, hiking, weightlifting, boxing, golfing, skiing and other sports. It includes more than 70 asana organized into routines for daily use and information on yogic nutrition, philosophy and meditation. (Human Kinetics, 2009). Find it at: yogafit.com

International presenter Beth Shaw is the founder and creator of YOGAFIT Training Systems Inc, the author of bestselling YOGAFIT. She is an animal rights advocate on National Council for the Humane Society of the US (HSUS), Karma Rescue Advisory Board Chairperson and serves on the Board of Directors for the ACLU. Yogafit.com

By Beth Shaw

Beth Shaw

Beth Shaw C-IAYT is the founder of YogaFit and the author of Healing Trauma with Yoga. Healing Trauma with Yoga combines a discussion of trauma from the perspective of modern neuroscience with empowering teachings from yoga philosophy and yoga practice. In the book,13 people share their inspiring stories of how yoga is an essential component of their own path of learning to heal and thrive. Order the book and learn more at: bethshaw.com.

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