May 2021: EXPANSIVE ENERGY:
WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?
VISION BOARDING, TONICS, AWAKEN YOUR KUNDALINI & LETTING GO OF CONTROL
~ May Newsletter ~ Namaste Zogis ~
FOCUS OF THE MONTH
Living inside of expansive energy body.
Discovering what makes you happy.
May is here at last!! The warm weather, the blossoms, the birds, the great outdoors!! This spring provides you with a perfect opportunity to check in with yourself and your goals, and really ask yourself: Does this bring me joy? If not, maybe some spring cleaning could be in order!
Exercise: Noticing ourselves
In this exercise we will notice ourselves, and our different beings, physical, mental and emotional.
What you need:
-A journal
-A safe place
-A comfy seat
PHYSICAL BODY
The first observation is to notice what your physical body feels like. Keep the observation strictly on the physical, the skin, the external, but also the internal physical body, is there a knot in your side? or maybe tummy ache? Notice this, with no opinion.
HOW TO DO IT:
Close eyes-
Deep *inhale * Deep *exhale *
Bring your awareness to your physical body.
Guiding Questions: Do you feel relaxation? Is there tension or soreness anywhere in the body? What is going on with you right now? Use adjectives. Write out your thoughts in your journal.
MENTAL BODY:
The second observation is to notice your mental state of being, or your mental body. We want to notice the mind without judging the quality, quantity or content of the mind.
HOW TO DO IT:
Close your eyes again-
Deep *inhale* and Deep *exhale*
Bring your awareness to your mind or your mental body.
Guiding Questions: Does the mind have a pestering thought demanding attention? Are the thoughts running? Are you able to catch them and make it still? If not, are you able to at least be detached from the presence of these thoughts?
Again, write it down in you journal.
EMOTIONAL BODY:
The third observation is to notice your emotional body. This is the most subtle of the three. There are layers here, surface emotions, and deeper layer emotions. Be unattached to which reveals itself and simply watch.
HOW TO DO IT:
Close your eyes again-
Deep *inhale* and Deep *exhale*
Bring your awareness to your emotional state of being, or your emotional body.
Guiding Questions: What is going on there? Examples high frequency a.k.a. expansive feelings are joy, happiness, serenity, understanding, and forgiveness.Lower frequency, a.k.a. contractive feelings are lower frequencies such as blame, anxiety, guilt, anger, and grief, fear, rage, sorrow, disappointment, unrealistic expectations. Take notes in your journal. This "check-in" exercise may be done periodically, use your notes are reference and note the growth and differences.
When we are balanced is when we experience the most joy flowing through us and feel the most "happy."
I. NEWSWORTHY
VIRTUAL VISION BOARDING with the new moon
May 12th 7p-8:30p
One great way to determine what would make us sublimely happy is to Vision Board. This can be done in several ways depending on which speaks to you the most. There's a very common method of cutting out words and images that speak to us, or contain what we desire, from magazines and pasting onto paper or a poster board. You can use cut out letters to spell words, or just a pencil and paper to draw the things you want (don't worry you don't have to be Davinci, just be able to draw symbols that have meaning to you.) You could journal what you want. describing in great detail what you would like to create for yourself.
If you have never done this before, or even if you're semi-pro join us for the virtual Vision Board -- Wednesday May 12, @ 7:00 pm- The day after the New moon! The new moon helps to bring wishes true and it has power for three days following the new moon (the 11th). Use mediums of your choice, canvas, paper, whiteboard, computer, and join us to harness this new moon to create our best life. Show up for yourself, and your friends. Together our energies unite to create the best wish for the planet <3
Spring Outdoor Group Yoga Classes
Bikram in the Garden
May 15th & 30th 1:30 pm
Participate in 90 min hot yoga outdoors, BYOMat, Water, and Towel, Bug Spray* provided *compliments of Bloomfield Beauty!
AND
BLOOMFIELD BEAUTY TRUNK SHOW at Bikram at the Garden! Don't miss your chance to grab these incredible, hand-made organic & natural products.
Register here
II. TONICS & THINGS...
OUR FAVORITE TEA TONICS
1. DETOX TEA TONIC*
Ingredients
1 cup filtered water
1 inch fresh ginger root (thinly sliced)
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Dash cayenne pepper
OPTIONAL fresh parsley
Instructions:
Heat water just below boiling.
Add sliced ginger and lemon juice to a mug.
Pour hot water into mug and allow to steep for 5 minutes.
Add a dash of cayenne, and parsley, if using.
2. RELAX TEA TONIC*
Drink 30 minutes before bed.
For a latte, blend ingredients and froth milk.
Ingredients:
8 ounces almond milk, unsweetened
1 bag chamomile herbal tea
1 teaspoon honey, to taste
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon culinary lavender buds
Instructions:
Place the almond milk into a small saucepan.
Heat the almond milk until very hot, but not boiling.
Add the chamomile tea and lavender buds, if using.
Allow to steep 5–6 minutes.
Remove tea bag and strain out lavender buds, if needed.
Pour into the teacup or mug.
Sweeten with the honey or maple syrup.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Drink immediately.
*Recipes from Simple Green Smoothies*
3. UPSET TUMMY TONIC
Persian Caramel Tea - A family traditional recipe I learned from my mom.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons White Sugar or Evaporated Cane Juice (no brown sugar)
1 small pot
2 (8oz) cups of Water
Instructions:
Put the sugar in the pot on stove over high heat.
WATCH CLOSELY
As sugar starts to melt move pot around to stir (do not use spoon or any utensil to stir).
Try to maintain a layer of sugar on the bottom to maximize surface area, promote even melting.
Must PREVENT BURNING at all costs. Moving the pot around once the sugar begins to liquify.
Once it is a rich caramel color, add the water (room temp or cold tap).
The pot will steam and sugar will harden immediately. (be careful do not burn yourself or your face)
Replace pot onto stove keep temp high and boil vigorously.
Pour into a mug and drink (Carefully) while still warm or hot. Small sips, no chugs.
Use spoon to take small sips.
**Make more and drink more until discomfort is gone, even if it doesn't stay down right away.
TO ALL THE MOMS OUT THERE
Wishing you a very happy mother's day, from our family to yours. We know how hard you work. We see you. And as a token of our appreciation, we are offering a FREE virtual class for you and your mom!
FREE MOTHERS DAY VIRTUAL CLASS
May 9th - 9:30a-10:30a
Take a free virtual class with your mom, focus is on opening the heart chakra, exploring our emotions, breath, and doing it with our mamas!
New Product! Start your day off right with
Jump start your morning!
Simply mix a spoonful of your Morning Magick Powder (TM) with lemon juice and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Follow with a large cup of warm water to enjoy countless benefits to your digestive, endocrine, vasculature, and nervous systems. (Results may vary). Drink first thing in the morning on empty stomach and wait 20-30 minutes to consume anything.
What you need:
-1/2 teaspoon Morning Magick Blend (TM)
-1 Lemon, juiced
-1/2 oz apple cider vinegar
What to do:
Mix the Morning Magick, with lemon juice, and vinegar (we recommend Braggs, but any organic cider will do.) Start with a dash of cider and work your way up to 1/2-1oz depending on your liking and needs).
Benefits of Fire Cider:
-Detox Liver
-Clarify Skin
-Rebalance Gut Flora
-Aid in Digestion
-Facilitate Movement
-Antiviral and antimicrobial - helps resist communicable disease
-Prevent Yeast Infections
-Prevent UTI's
-Manage symptons of hsv.
-And many more!
Buy your 7 day Morning Magick special spice blend while supplies last!
CLICK HERE
USUALLY A LAST RESORT, YOU WISH YOU TRIED IT FIRST!!
This isn't like your ordinary fire cider brews, that are hard to go down and leave bitter tastes in your mouth, or garlic breath throughout the day. This will keep you balanced, happy and healthy.
Ingredients: Turmeric, Cayenne Pepper, Ginger, Cinnamon, Black pepper, Lavender.
III. AWAKEN THE KUNDALINI &
RELINQUISH CONTROL
SKILL BUILDING WORKSHOP- BACK BENDING: RELEASING THE ENERGY IN THE SPINE
MAY 16th
2 PM - 4 PM
Virtual Class
The theme of the month is expansive energy. What better way to expand your energy body than with back bends!? Time tested, proven true. From foundations of backbending, to big no-no's, to drills on going deeper into your backbend, and skill Register now for this two hour workshop focused on Backs and Bends!
May 16th @ 12p-2p Virtual Class $40 per person.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
MANTRA TO REMOVE BLOCKAGES:
Long version Ganesha Mantra
This mantra is to remove obstacles in your life. While you may be familiar with a short version of it, enjoy this longer version below.
" Om, Shreem, Hreem, Kleem,
Glaum, Gaum, Ganapatayei.
Vara Varada Sarva,
Janame Vishmana Swaha. "
HOW TO DO IT
Sit with a straight spine. you may lean against a wall or piece of furniture.
Keep the focus the back of the forehead third eye, either with eyes closed, or eyes open looking up in shambavi mudra (open eye third eye focus).
Do your best to stay in kechari mudra (tip of tongue to roof of mouth or back of teeth).
Use a 108 mala bead necklace or maybe set time for 11 minutes!
Sit in silence for a few breaths after your chants. Invite fresh opportunity and grace in.
Don't have the time? Squeeze in anything you can, you will still enjoy the benefits as the sanskrit works on your energy body.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are many different variations on this powerful mantra.
Enjoy this youtube video with the Ganesha Mantra
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlNTl8-I5ak.
May Promotion
MAY PROMO: Refer a friend you each get to take class together for free on their first class day.
We are here to support you in your growth.
We love watching the community expand to enrich all of our lives.
Join virtual classes M, T, W, TH and in person events F. S, Su.
Follow us social media!
ig @_zogayoga
tt @zogayoga
fb @zogacorp
www.zoga.yoga
Kundalini Meditation and Kriya
ACTIVATING YOUR FIRE SHOWER MIST
The fire shower mist is your connection to Planet Gaia's energy. It flows from the earth up into the root chakra, through your Sushumna channel (spine) up and out of the crown chakra. It will cascade out and over you like sparklers.
How to do it:
-Start in a comfortable seated position with a straight Spine.
-Begin to focus on your breath, in and our through the nose.
-Slowly start to lengthen inhales and exhales. Each breath getting deeper and longer.
-Begin to allow yourself to sink into the depths of your mind. The conscious, past to the sub conscious, to the subliminal.
-Imagine energy rising from the earth into the base of the spine at your root chakra. Focus on this energy beam, and allow it to travel up the spine.
-Give it time, the first time may take time to connect to your energy source. Each person is different.
-Once you feel the energy shooting up and out the top of your head, assign a secret word. Repeat this word 3 times in your mind and mentally TIE the word to this energy beam. Then test it.
-Allow the fire shower mist to flow for 20 minutes upon first activation. Then close when done.
-To close: Allow the energy to go back to the earth and close the channel.
-Repeat as many times as needed to establish a strong connection.
-Any Time you need the fire shower mist center yourself, and say your secret word to active that energy flow. The flow increases access to energy each time you use it.
-Once activated you are able perform energy healing work on yourself, others, or balance the chakras. Whatever you need!!
TRIGGER WARNING:
DO THIS gradually over time, as doing too much too soon can have some serious mental side effects. While opening gradually has countless benefits.
Alchemical Healing by: Nicki Scully
TRATAKA KRIYA
CANDLE-GAZING MEDITATION
Meditating in this way is believed to energize the Ajna (third eye) chakra, which is associated with intuition and wisdom, as well as psychic abilities. Traditionally, it's said that the practice allows the past, present and future to be perceived with equal clarity.
Turn off any other lights in the room (it's best to do this exercise after sunset so as to get total darkness).
Light a candle and sit at least one meter away from it with the flame at eye level.
Focus the gaze on the flame and keep it there without blinking for as long as possible.
As thoughts arise, acknowledge them then return to focus on the flame.
When the eyes start to water and tears flow, close the eyes and focus on the after-glow of the flame, bringing awareness to the third eye point.
Meditate here until ready to come out of the practice.
*Reference: Yogapedia TUESDAY VARIETY HALF HOUR $7 PER CLASS Sometimes we stretch, sometimes we do face yoga, sometimes we sit silently in meditation or do a pranayama, or maybe even the Trataka exercise listed above someday. You just never know!! This mystery class was free in April, and now is just $7!! Enjoy this class before bikam @ 6:30. These two classes complement each other perfectly! Jump on board for the variety class and stay on for bikram class! Upcoming Events & News: Advanced class: May 7 & 21 @12p [Virtual] Vision Boarding - May 12 @ 7pm Skill Building Workshop: Backbending - May 16 @ 2 pm Mother's Day Free [Virtual] Class May 9 @ 11am Variety Half hour Tuesdays @ 6p Now just $7! Coming down the pipeline next month: June Dates for Outdoor Bikram at the Garden Alchemical Healing (Personal Healing Sessions) Thank you for letting us into your world. <3 We look forward to seeing you virtually (or in-person) for class! ZoGA ~ Find your Zen ~ Change the World Click here to register Arlington, VA, USA Share on social Check out my website Created with Explore Ascend
Comments