Svastha Wellness & Peaceful Poses स्वास्थ्य - Terri McDermott

Start your Holiday weekend with Yoga...
We begin at Wednesday, 11/23 at 5:00 with Gentle Movement and Slow Flow Vinyasa/Yin! We conclude at 6:15 with a beautiful Restorative, Yoga Nidra and special Kriya to "let go" and connect deeply with the soul! Pre-registration is requested, but no one will be turned away. Much love to each of you as we work towards harmony for the holidays.

Love this!

my brain and
heart divorced

a decade ago

over who was
to blame about
how big of a mess
I have become

eventually,
they couldn't be
in the same room
with each other

now my head and heart
share custody of me

I stay with my brain
during the week

and my heart
gets me on weekends

they never speak to one another

- instead, they give me
the same note to pass
to each other every week

and their notes they
send to one another always
says the same thing:

"This is all your fault"

on Sundays
my heart complains
about how my
head has let me down
in the past

and on Wednesday
my head lists all
of the times my
heart has screwed
things up for me
in the future

they blame each
other for the
state of my life

there's been a lot
of yelling - and crying

so,

lately, I've been
spending a lot of
time with my gut

who serves as my
unofficial therapist

most nights, I sneak out of the
window in my ribcage

and slide down my spine
and collapse on my
gut's plush leather chair
that's always open for me

~ and I just sit sit sit sit
until the sun comes up

last evening,
my gut asked me
if I was having a hard
time being caught
between my heart
and my head

I nodded

I said I didn't know
if I could live with
either of them anymore

"my heart is always sad about
something that happened yesterday
while my head is always worried
about something that may happen tomorrow,"
I lamented

my gut squeezed my hand

"I just can't live with
my mistakes of the past
or my anxiety about the future,"
I sighed

my gut smiled and said:

"in that case,
you should
go stay with your
lungs for a while,"

I was confused
- the look on my face gave it away

"if you are exhausted about
your heart's obsession with
the fixed past and your mind's focus
on the uncertain future

your lungs are the perfect place for you

there is no yesterday in your lungs
there is no tomorrow there either

there is only now
there is only inhale
there is only exhale
there is only this moment

there is only breath

and in that breath
you can rest while your
heart and head work
their relationship out."

this morning,
while my brain
was busy reading
tea leaves

and while my
heart was staring
at old photographs

I packed a little
bag and walked
to the door of
my lungs

before I could even knock
she opened the door
with a smile and as
a gust of air embraced me
she said

"what took you so long?"

~ john roedel

Beautiful words to share this evening to provoke thoughts!

“Despite how open, peaceful, and loving you attempt to be, people can only meet you, as deeply as they’ve met themselves."

🌀

"At a certain point, a compliment you receive from another isn’t actually a person reaching out to you, but evidence of a soul reaching into itself.

Equally so, a judgment from another isn’t a projection against you, but a hurting heart pushing away its innocent nature while in your presence.

Just by noticing how another person’s actions is evidence of their own journey, you are freed from being victimized by the mysterious unfolding of personal circumstances.

From this space, another person’s joy or pain can be equally honored and accepted as the blossoming of spiritual evolution.

No matter how anyone experiences the emergence of their soul, it only offers evidence of your own growth by how you respond to them.

This means that despite how open, peaceful, and loving you attempt to be, people can only meet you, as deeply as they’ve met themselves.
✨
This is the heart of clarity."

♥️ Matt Kahn

My heart hurts today!
Have you ever had a day where, no matter what you thought you were doing was the right thing to do...simply wasn't?
Have you ever had a day where the one person who needed you, you just weren't there for?
Have you ever had a day where every choice made, you thought was perfect, was not?
Have you ever had a day where you felt completely helpless knowing there were those who needed help, you just couldn't help?
Have you ever had a day where no matter what came out of your mouth was not what was needed?
Have you ever had a day where you just felt completely unsettled and all the energy around you was awry?
I had that day today and if you happened to be one of those I disappointed along the way or just didn't get what you needed to you, I AM SO SORRY and I LOVE YOU!

Come in from the cold and find yourself in movement connected to the breath this evening at 5:00 PM followed by a very restful practice of Restorative Yoga at 6:15 PM. I will have it nice and toasty for you this evening!

Are you interested in a visit to the Galapagos Islands? Are you ready to spend 8 days exploring the islands by yacht, swimming and on foot, yoga daily, meals and journey's together with like minded individuals? If so, this private trip is for you. We will be traveling as a small (12) private group to stay in an amazing location and all trips, meals and stay will be all-inclusive. If this interests you at all, please message me for further details. Cost can be spread out over the next year as this journey will take place February 3rd through February 10th, 2024!

Level 1 will be full of studies within the book, The Untethered Soul, Asana, Pranayama, Meditation, Kriyas, Vision Board Creation! Are you in?

Feeling so grateful to be able to share these teachings with those seeking wisdom on stress release to share with others 💗

Another amazing graduate of our SOYA 200YTT sharing her talents and teachings with those around her! Beautiful job Lilé!

Photos from The Yoga Well's post

Modern science is often caught up with trying to prove “existence” through empirical studies. This trend has come into Indian traditional circles and we find many asking for “proof” in this regard.

It is vital to understand that the modern scientific research methods are not the only ones to be accepted. The Indian tradition has numerous methodologies and we need to open our minds and hearts to understand that there are more ways to realisation of the truth and reality than just the popular RCTs (Randomised Controlled Trials) of Pharmaceutical driven research studies.

Methods of gathering evidence of the reality were called Pranama and according to Indian traditions; Pramana refers to the obtaining, attaining and experiencing of a valid and appropriate knowledge or wisdom.

In the Yoga Darshan, Maharishi Patanjali provides us with the three fold methodology to attain Pramana.

pratyaksha anumana agamah pramanani-Yoga Sutra (1.7)

He says Pratyaksha (direct perception), Anumaana (inference) and Aagama (reliable testimony) are these methods. Sometimes Shabda is also used instead of Aagama.

Our capacity for direct perception is based on the refinement of both our cognitive and sensory competence and hence in the Yoga tradition great emphasis was placed on Pranayama, Pratyahara and Dharana as methods to refine these tools. Through Pranayama Sadhana one gets clarity of mind and then one can transcend the sensory inputs and perceive the reality from “above” through clear cognition.

Then the one pointed focussed mind will enable the reality to be clearly understood .

This preparation is part of the Sadhana that must be undertaken by a Sadhaka or researcher to understand the next level of evidence which is based on inference. One must have a clear head to make a hypothesis (pratijna), find the core reason behind the manifestation (hetu) and then be experienced enough to create and express clear examples and metaphors (drshtanta).

The hypothesis involves both the idea to be tested and the object on which it is to be tested. If one is able to find continuous positive examples then the hypothesis gets accepted and if not it is negated. Similarly negative examples become counter evidence that then negates the original hypothesis.

Indian traditions have maintained high levels of rigour by demanding that the reason (hetu) must always and independently account for the inference in “all” cases, both in cases of positive as well as negative findings.

Shraddha is an important attribute of true Sadhaka and hence one learns to trust and accept the reliable testimony in the form of Aagama or Shabda. These sources may be Vaidika when one is accepting as a valid source of reference the statements and teachings of the Rishis in the Vedas. It may also be Laukika which is the usage of more common, yet trustworthy human sources.

The Advaita Vedanta and Mimamsa Darshanas often also use other methods such as Upamaana which refers to comparative analysis and Arthapatti that is based on hypothetical postulates of common sense. Nyaya Darshan accepts Upamaana too.

Anupalabdhi or Abhaava which is the cognitive proof using methods of non-perception or non-existence is often used in Advaita Vedanta as seen in many of the compositions of Sri Adi Shankara.

I think that it is time we take another look at these levels of evidence and explore how they can be incorporated in the research studies being done in the Indic systems.

If we can find common ground between them and the modern methods, we may just be able to make the biggest breakthrough in human scientific inquiry.

As we move into the changing of the seasons this month, be ready to fluctuate through the energies it brings. Pause, take notice in the little things and begin your search for wisdom~ Perinati

Pre-register by sending a quick email to me at [email protected]

If you have not pre-registered for this training, please do so ASAP so that materials can be prepared and your spot held for this training. Registration can be done by emailing me at [email protected] and an invoice will be sent at that time. Payment is expected to hold your spot. Looking forward to sharing this information with you. If you cannot make it in person, I will gladly speak to you about an online option.

Excited to bring to you the practice and process of Restorative Yoga!
Anatomy and its importance with regards to the spine, stress levels and sacred space will be taught in this session with more to come.

Whether you are a teacher or a student, join me to learn the elements of Restorative Yoga and earn 5 YACEP credits towards your continuing education practices in person. Cost is $135.00 and will include oils, handouts, specific guidance and experience in the postures, props and the importance of their use and so much more ❤️. Learn to teach or to relax in this sacred space. This will be a Level One training with 2 more levels to come.

Pre-Registration is required by emailing [email protected] to hold space and space will be limited in order to assure clear guidance in all teachings.

Excited to bring to you the practice and process of Restorative Yoga!
Anatomy and its importance with regards to the spine, stress levels and sacred space will be taught in this session with more to come.

Whether you are a teacher or a student, join me to learn the elements of Restorative Yoga and earn 5 YACEP credits towards your continuing education practices in person. Cost is $135.00 and will include oils, handouts, specific guidance and experience in the postures, props and the importance of their use and so much more ❤️. Learn to teach or to relax in this sacred space. This will be a Level One training with 2 more levels to come.

Pre-Registration is required by emailing [email protected] to hold space and space will be limited in order to assure clear guidance in all teachings.

Looking forward to working on our spine tomorrow evening, strengthening, lengthening, and settling into the space created when doing so!

I love these words and they are a beautiful reminder to us all to take time to rest and let life reveal itself to each of us.

Today, Monday, September 5th, the Yoga Alliance offices will be closed in observance of the national U.S. holiday, Labor Day. We look forward to connecting with you when we resume regular office hours on Tuesday, September 6th.

If you have questions while we are away, we encourage you to review our Frequently Asked Questions here: https://buff.ly/3ef1oi4

Have a safe and restful weekend!

So excited to have completed this training through AyurPrana with Dr. Vasant Lad! It was a tremendous learning experience.

November 1st is just around the corner! I hope you choose to join Chloé, of The Fit Pit, and I for this transformational and spiritual way of life. We look forward to hearing from you! Please private message either of us for details. We'd love to share these classical teachings and Costa Rican experience with you.

November 1st is just around the corner! I hope you choose to join Chloé, of The Fit Pit, and I for this transformational and spiritual way of life. We look forward to hearing from you! Please private message either of us for details. We'd love to share these classical teachings and Costa Rican experience with you.

Dreaming of time in Costa Rica? Love yoga? Why not consider the SOYA 200 hour Hybrid yoga teacher training? It begins online Nov 1st, and ends with a beautiful immersion where you will enhance your teaching skills among the tropical birds and waterfalls of the Costa Rican jungle.

Optionally you can come to Refresh your previous training, or have a Yoga Retreat with us! All the details are online here https://www.soyayoga.com/product/200-hour-hybrid-yoga-teacher-training-online-and-costa-rica/

Svastha Wellness & Peaceful Poses स्वास्थ्य - Terri McDermott

Please pre-register by emailing [email protected] Class is offered on a sliding scale of $10-$20; choose your contribution and pay cash on arrival in studio or prepay online at Paypal.me/SvasthaWellness & Peaceful Poses or Venmo Terri @ Svastha Wellness & Peaceful Poses

Hope to see you tomorrow evening!
Please pre-register by emailing [email protected] Class is offered on a sliding scale of $10-$20; choose your contribution and pay cash on arrival in studio or prepay online at Paypal.me/SvasthaWellness & Peaceful Poses or Venmo Terri @ Svastha Wellness & Peaceful Poses

Reminder...when a choice is to be made, choose kindness! Every moment of every day, we have a choice in how we proceed with our day. We have a choice in our interactions with others. We have a choice in our interactions with ourselves.
Mahatma Gandhi said, “To find yourself, lose yourself in the service of others.” Part of that service to others, simply put, is the act of kindness!

Make it a priority to be kind to someone today and each day from this moment forward.

Much love, Terri XOXO

May I remind you today that should you find gratitude, you will most definitely find happiness in this life. In psychology research, the gesture of gratitude towards yourself and others, finding thanks for all that we have, our friends, our health, a place to live, the beauty that surrounds us and yes, even in the most difficult moments, being thankful for what we have. I have been blessed, for slightly more than one year, to have had a beautiful young woman who entered my life, teach me about gratitude. We text each other each day a list of 5 things we are grateful for. It really makes you stop to think about what we've been blessed with. I challenge you to find someone to partner with or grab a journal and share your daily gratitude for the little things in life. May it bring you peace, happiness and amazing health.

Much love, Terri XOXO

Good morning! May you, today, be blessed with a knowledge that resides deeply within 🕉

Today, let you be reminded of your soul, Atman, the unchanging, eternal, innermost radiant Self that is unaffected by personality, unaffected by ego; Atman is that which is ever-free, never-bound, the realized purpose, meaning, liberation in life. Are you listening and following to where your heart calls?
Much love, Terri XOXO

May I remind you of the Grace bestowed upon us each day! What does that look like in your day to day life? Do you recognize Grace in your thoughts and actions? Are you selfless in all that you do?

Much love, Terri. XOXO

“Divine grace is a theological term present in many religions. It has been defined as the divine influence[1] which operates in humans to regenerate and sanctify, to inspire virtuous impulses, and to impart strength to endure trial and resist temptation;[2] and as an individual virtue or excellence of divine origin.[3] Wikipedia

Today's reminder! ,The Niyamas are positive duties or observances. They are recommended activities and habits for healthy living, spiritual enlightenment, and a liberated state of existence. It's how we interact with ourselves!

Take a moment to pause and think about your personal habits.

Much love, Terri XOXO

Today, let me remind you of the Yamas!
The Yamas, and their complement, the Niyamas, represent a series of "right living" or ethical rules within Yoga philosophy. It means "reining in" or "control". The Yamas are the restraints for proper conduct as given in the Vedas and the Yoga Sutras.

How is it you show up and interact with those around you? Something to think about!

Much love, Terri XOXO

Reminder for today! Warning - Lengthy but it is an important one and I hope you actually take the time to read this and it impacts you in ways that will forever change who you are.
I spent today, 3 separate events, with 3 of the most amazing women I've had the honor of having in my life. Each of these amazingly strong women are going through their own, to put it bluntly, s**t storm. Each of these women are losing their husbands and each of these women are in different stages of their life. One way too young to be going through this, one completely tragic and unexpected and the last had some warning, however, not prepared to know loss. Each of these women are losing their husbands in one way or another due to disease that has become the forefront of their life. Their world, as they know it, has completely unraveled. In the midst of this, what I saw before me in each of them today was a strength that I hope to never know. I've thought about how life is just too short and the need for "forgiveness and love" being the utmost important two words I can utter today. As I hugged each of them throughout my day, I felt their heartbeat, their energy, their own underlying fears, but most importantly I felt their love and their strength.

I hope you take time to forgive someone today and see nothing but love in everyone you connect with. Excellent article below if you choose to take the time to read it.

Much love, Terri XOXO

https://chopra.com/articles/why-forgiveness-is-important-for-your-health-and-well-being