Victoria Klein

[Book Review] The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: A New Edition, Translation, and Commentary by Edwin F. Bryant

Tue, 14 May 2013 10:52:25 -0700

The Yoga Sutras is the pulsing core of the practice of Yoga - which is much more in-depth than the mere asana/postures that are so very popular in the West.

Unfortunately, the original sutras are presented in an extremely simplistic fashion, meant to be “unpacked” by a long-time teacher, according to the traditional Indian system.

Because of this, there are countless translations + commentaries of the The Yoga Sutras available in-print today (2 of which I’ve read + reviewed before: here + here).

Edwin Bryant’s interpretation of the Yoga Sutras is nothing short of remarkable. Along with his own intelligent perspective (backed by 30+ years of study), Bryant also includes insights from “traditional” commentators who “unpacked” the Yoga Sutras thousands of years ago. Perhaps even more important, he includes detailed information on the spiritual/religious lineage that Yoga developed from; a background in the metaphysics that underpin all Yogic concepts; + comparisons in how Yoga differs from other spiritual lineages that developed from the same root beliefs, including Buddhism.

There is a lot on conflicting information about what Yoga really is, especially due to the rise of importance to asana over the past few decades. If you’re looking to take your physical practice to a whole other level (it involves a lot less moving), this book will crack open your mind to all that Yoga has to offer, along with challenging your spiritual + scientific beliefs.

If you have never read a translation of the Yoga Sutras, this book may be overwhelming, unless you really love diving deep right off the bat. This book is truly vital reading for Yoga teachers of all “types” of Yoga - it takes us back to “our roots” + reminds us why we practice (spoiler: it doesn’t involved flat abs or tight buns).

[Are you a book geek too? Join me at GoodReads.com!]

Have American Parents Got It All Backwards?

Thu, 09 May 2013 11:56:11 -0700

Have American Parents Got It All Backwards?:

Though parents around the world have the same goals, American parents like me (despite our very best intentions) have gotten it all backwards.

The answer: YES!

[Book Review] Moving Inward: The Journey to Meditation by Rolf Sovik

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 15:34:26 -0700

Thanks to Yoga Teacher Training, I’ve been discovering some of the best books I’ve ever read. Case in point: Rolf Sovik’s Moving Inward: The Journey to Meditation.

Once you get past all the woo-woo aspects of what meditation can be and/or what you may experience, the logistics of getting comfortable + spending time sitting in stillness is enough for most people to skip it all together. Rolf’s book does an impeccable job of breaking down those logistical barriers (read: excuses) that stand in the way of enjoying meditation + all its benefits on a daily basis.

From finding a comfortable seated posture + breathing diaphragmatically (easier than it sounds) to truly relaxing before meditating + using the breath and/or a mantra as a point of focus during meditation, Rolf’s writing style is easy-to-understand + graciously supportive.

If you are interested in some of the more subtle aspects of meditation, Rolf also touches on the 8 limbs of yoga, active + cognitive senses, mulabandha, systematic relaxation, yoga nidra, prana vayus, nadi shodhanam, the 3 main nadis, maya koshas, and chakras. If that list sounds entirely foreign or mildly intimating don’t fret - Rolf explains everything in an easy-to-understand way that you can embrace or set aside.

Whether you are brand new to meditation, have been meditating for decades, or anywhere in between, this book is a must-read to help you step into the practice of meditation or take your practice one step deeper.

[Are you a book geek too? Join me at GoodReads.com!]

The Introvert’s Guide To Succeeding In Business (+ Life!)

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 12:46:00 -0700

The Introvert’s Guide To Succeeding In Business (+ Life!):

Two words: Super Awesome! :)

500 YTT: Module 1 of 7: The Energy Body

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 14:34:41 -0700

March 22nd - 26th, 2013

Topics: Pranayama, Chakras, Bandhas, Vayus

————————————————

It’s been a week since the 1st of 7 modules for 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training ended. It has taken me until now to process everything that we absorbed during the 5-day module … well, I think it is still a work-in-progress. ;)

The major highlight of the module (along with meeting the other 8 wonderful ladies that I’ll be experiencing 500 YTT with) was spending 2 days learning from + practicing with Nischala Joy Devi. After reading both of her books (which I reviewed here + here), it was a joy to meet Nischala in person + delve into the subject of pranayama (breathing practices).

A full post about the weekend with Nischala is coming soon, but until then, here are a few gems directly from her:

Do we need to have all the mystery taken out of everything? Pranayama is a bit mysterious and we can be comfortable with that.

————

Breathing is a lease contract with the universe that is renewed with each inhale - it is a privilege We breathe without thinking because of our arrogance, until something physiological happens to affect our breathing.

————

Our practice not only translates into our daily lives, it transforms our daily lives.

… and so much more! Along with taking a lot of wonderfully useful notes, we also practiced pranayama + meditation, guided by Nischala. Needless to say, the process was immensely eye-opening (no pun intended) + pranayama will now be a larger part of my personal practice and professional teaching.

————————————————

Along with an in-depth 2-day pranayama workshop with Nischala, the 1st module of 500 YTT also included in-depth lectures + discussions on chakras, mudras, bandhas, + the 5 prana vayus. I hope to write introductory posts to each of these subjects, though they may be a bit “woo-woo” for some folks - but nonetheless fascinating.

————————————————

It was an intense, information-rich 5 days that went by quite quickly. In other words, it was an awesome start to the adventure that is 500 YTT! Expect a lot more book reviews + 500 YTT updates in the near future :) <3

20 Ways to Get Sugar Out of Your Life

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 10:04:33 -0700

20 Ways to Get Sugar Out of Your Life:

Sugar is my major weakness, and while I don’t want to rid my life of it completely (hey, treats are fun!), less sugar would be a very good thing. :) <3

Why We Breathe: a very interesting + intriguing FRE*E yoga...

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 14:04:53 -0700

Why We Breathe: a very interesting + intriguing F*R*E*E yoga documentary that it for everyone:

We wanted to ask the question, why do you do yoga? Why keep doing it? Why do you love it? We wanted to ask experienced yogis these questions, and gain an insight into the possibilities that yoga can offer.

I’m very glad that I took the time to watch the entire film. It is a great reminder of why yoga + meditation is important and how it can help in countless way. :) <3

Do Yoga Teachers Have to Be Vegetarians?

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 12:39:52 -0700

Do Yoga Teachers Have to Be Vegetarians?:

Spoiler: NO! Read the entirety of this intelligent post to grasp the reality of eating healthy. :) <3

I’m getting back in the blogging game! Check out my guest...

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 16:56:00 -0700

I’m getting back in the blogging game!

Check out my guest post on photographer Amy Boring’s new blog, Eat Swell. Leave a comment + share the post with your friends :) <3

Just one of 27 amazing photos of inversions featured on...

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 11:04:34 -0700

Just one of 27 amazing photos of inversions featured on MindBodyGreen - great inspiration for taking your yoga practice to the next level or simply being in awe of what the human body is capable of (or both) :) <3

Online Yoga Class Review: Sarah Faircloth’s “Open to Grace: The First Universal Principle of Alignment” on YogaVibes

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 09:00:41 -0700

Online yoga classes are becoming more popular each day + are a great way to practice with teachers you may never have the chance to practice with in-person … but what are online yoga classes really like?

Are they safe?

Are they fun?

Are they engaging?

In this blog post series, “Online Yoga Class Review”, I invest my time + money to take online yoga classes - then I give you the nitty gritty, both from the perspective of a practitioner + a yoga teacher/instructor.

From Kundalini + Vinyasa to Yin + Restorative (+ so much more), I’ll try any yoga style + any teacher at least once - and then give you my honest, constructive feedback + finding those online yoga classes that you just gotta try :)

From YogaVibes.com:

Practice opening to grace in this online Anusara yoga class, the first in a series of classes, taught by Sarah Faircloth, focusing on the Universal Principles of Alignment as outlined by Anusara yoga. In this mixed level class, you will practice a whole spectrum of poses designed to help you attune to this first Principle of Anusara yoga. Opening to grace is how we connect and attune to an energy that is bigger than any one part of ourselves or any one individual being. It is that connection to each other and to the energy that is flowing inside of us already. Tap into that in a more powerful way simply by opening to it. You will create space within your body through this carefully sequenced series of postures, which will allow you to be more receptive to opening to grace. Practice several different backbends and hip opening postures to create this space. (58 mins.)

Level 2 Anusara; Focus: Alignment-Based Flow, Backbending, Chest Opening, Hip Opening

[Right-After-Class Impression]

If you’ve never practiced Anusara-style yoga before, this class isn’t for you. Like every different style of yoga asana, Anusara offers the opportunity for a delightful experience physically, mentally, and spiritually. That being said, there is particular languaging and cues that new-to-yoga or new-to-Anusara students may not understand.

For example, this class began by chanting the “Anusara invocation”, which is in Sanskrit, and isn’t explained, so unless you already know it (I’ve heard it but didn’t have it memorized), you’ll start off this practice feeling a bit lost.

Throughout class, teacher Sarah Faircloth uses a lot of “flowery” language, common to Anusara, which can be confusing and/or distracting if you aren’t used to it (or in the mood for it). For example, Sarah reminds us to “soften your skin” numerous time - a useful cue for some but can be mind-boggling for others.

Due to the languaging and somewhat-confusing alignment cues, this is definitely a level 2 class for a student who has practiced Anusara before. Note: I practiced Anusara regularly with KK Ledford in San Francisco in 2007 and thoroughly enjoyed her teaching.

I took this class first thing in the morning, and while my mind certainly feels awake afterward, my body is only somewhat open - the front of my body feels open, but the back of my body is still tight. Also, the class winds down quickly - it would have been nice to do more seated poses before Savasana.

[Next-Day Impression]

My body is feeling good - including my back body. Interestingly, my back body feels more relaxed than yesterday. Delayed relaxation maybe - is that possible?

As previously mentioned, I would definitely classify this practice as a level 2, but particularly for folks that have done Anusara before. If this is the first yoga class you ever try, you might be a bit overwhelmed/confused/put off. That being said, I am totally open to take another online class from Sarah Faircloth + experiencing her teaching style again.

I have a (not-so-secret) adoration for office and/or...

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 11:08:09 -0700

From the desk of... Rubber Stamps by presentandcorrect

Paper Weaving Card Set by presentandcorrect

Geometry Set Jotters by presentandcorrect

You deserve a medal Thank You Card by presentandcorrect

Letterpress Happiness Print by presentandcorrect

Homework Pencil Box by presentandcorrect

I have a (not-so-secret) adoration for office and/or organizational supplies - and the amazing goods from Present&Correct. With a swank virtual store + attractive newsletter, the graphic designer duo also recently opened a brick-and-mortar store in London … more *swoon*!

(Etsy :: Website :: Blog :: Facebook :: Twitter)

"For those that like the same sex had the characteristics The right-wing conservatives think..."

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 08:41:00 -0800

“For those that like the same sex had the characteristics
The right-wing conservatives think it’s a decision
And you can be cured with some treatment and religion
Man-made, rewiring of a pre-disposition
Playing God
…
America the brave
Still fears what we don’t know
And God loves all his children it’s somehow forgotten
But we paraphrase a book written
3,500 years ago
…
Gay is synonymous with the lesser
It’s the same hate that’s caused wars from religion
Gender to skin color
Complexion of your pigment
The same fight that lead people to walk-outs and sit-ins
Human rights for everybody
There is no difference
…
When I was in church
They taught me something else
If you preach hate at the service
Those words aren’t anointed
And that Holy Water
That you soak in
Is then poisoned
…
When everyone else
Is more comfortable
Remaining voiceless
Rather than fighting for humans
That have had their rights stolen
I might not be the same
But that’s not important
No freedom til we’re equal
Damn right I support it”

- Macklemore + Ryan Lewis feat. Mary Lambert: “Same Love”

Online Yoga Class Review: Annie Carpenter’s “Quickie SmartFLOW with Annie Carpenter (9)” on YogaVibes

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 08:08:46 -0800

Are they safe?

Are they fun?

Are they engaging?

From YogaVibes.com:

A quickie, or mini, SmartFLOW class, working towards urdhva dhanurasana (upward bow or wheel pose). Perfect for those days when you only have an hour for your practice. (63 mins.)

Level 2 Vinyasa Flow; Focus: Alignment-Based Flow, Backbending

[Right-After-Class Impression]

This practice was very much alignment-focused, which means holding poses for longer period of time as you refine various elements of each posture, supported by consistent references to specific bones + muscles. Add in the numerous references to Ujjayi breath and a clear assumption that you know the foundation of each pose + you’ve got yourself a Level 2 class.

Annie Carpenter has a delightful personality, speaking is a firm yet encouraging tone. She had us begin on our backs, which is a nice change-of-pace, guiding us into a supported heart-opener to prepare for the upcoming backbends - not at all what I expected, but a surprisingly enjoyable way to start a practice.

There wasn’t much of an intro at the beginning - we just moved right into the supported heart-opener. Once we came to standing, at the 14-minute mark, we Om-ed. I don’t think I’ve ever Om-ed that far into a practice, but once again, it was surprisingly enjoyable. There was a different energy to the Om than what you usually experience at the very start of a class.

I personally enjoy a class that weaves the physical practice into other elements of yogic philosophy + everyday life - this was not one of those classes. I still enjoyed the class, but it felt more like a strength-training workout for me.

Also, we ended up needing a blanket + a block, which is not listed in the class description. Most folks usually have a blanket lying around, but not everyone has a block. Also, it’s not fun to have to pause class to go run + find props.

Physically, I feel great - relaxed, open, stable. I think I might have enjoyed the class even more if I took it with Annie in-person. There were times that I wasn’t 100% sure that I understood her alignment instructions + it would have been nice to have her reassurance.

[Next-Day Impression]

Once again, this class continues to surprise me. I’m feeling good - my legs + lower back feel solid. Unexpectedly (or perhaps not), the front of my shoulders are quite sore. Of course, the peak pose for this class is Urdhva Dhanurasana (Upward Bow/Wheel), which requires strong + open shoulders … I think mine just needed a good workout, haha.

If you’re looking for a class that is highly focused on alignment, doesn’t blend in yogic philosophy, + opens your shoulders + chest … this is the right class!

BIG NEWS! 500 YTT in 2013!

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 10:41:12 -0800

I can’t believe I’m writing this post. Last year, I blogged extensively about my experience in a 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training program + my teaching career after graduation.

Originally, the plan was to teach for a few years, then probably take the 500-Hour YTT in 2014 … surprise, 2013 is my year!! :)

In less than 3 weeks, I’ll be starting another immense educational journey as I undertake a 500-Hour Yoga Teacher Training program. I am extremely excited + ever-so-slightly intimidated by all there will be covered:

March 22nd - 26th [The Energy Body (Special Guest Teacher: Nischala Joy Devi)]

May 16th - 20th [Relaxation, Healing & Yoga Nidra]

June 21st - 27th [Teaching Skills, Methods & Practice Immersion]

July 18th - 22nd [Philosophy: Sutras, Bhakti & Mantra]

September 13th - 17th [Philosophy: Gita, Karma & Meditation (Special Guest Teacher Rolf Sovik)]

October 11th - 15th [Therapeutic Application of Asana, Breath & Anatomy - Lower Body]

November 15th - 19th [Therapeutic Application of Asana, Breath & Anatomy - Upper Body]

The program covers the following topics in depth (+ more!):

Sanskrit, Mantra & Chanting

Yoga Nidra, Relaxation & Meditation

Yoga for Stress Management

Therapeutic Application of Asana

Bhagavad Gita & Yoga Sutras

Pranayama, Prana Vayus & Maya Koshas

Body Reading & Observation

Karma Yoga

Instruction Refinement

Adjusting & Assisting

How to Design a Workshop

Presented by the same school as the 200 YTT I took, True Nature School of Yoga, you can be sure that I’ll be blogging all about it!! Needless to say, I’ll have enough ideas for blog posts for at least a year (though it may take me longer than that to get it all written, haha).

Before this crazy adventure begins (again!), there is one more thing I need to say to you: THANK YOU! Thank you, each + every reader out there. I hope that my experience + my writings have helped you in some way. I make no $$$ off this blog - I simply love writing + helping people + yoga. Thank you for sharing this journey with me + I hope you’ll stick around :) <3

Still have questions about my Yoga Teacher Training experience and/or Yoga Teacher Training in general? Just ask! :)

Being the first craft that I ever learned (minus finger...

Sat, 02 Mar 2013 09:43:02 -0800

squirrelly love cross-stitch kit (includes pattern and materials) by ChezSucreChez

diy kit - schoolhouse script home-sweet-home cross-stitch by ChezSucreChez

diy x-stitch kit (materials and pattern) - various color options - heart beats by ChezSucreChez

do-it-yourself kit - owl love you always cross stitch - to be framed in the included 6 inch wooden embroidery hoop by ChezSucreChez

diy cross-stitch pattern/kit - king of the roost - to be framed in the 4 inch hoop by ChezSucreChez

borderlines --- diy cross stitch kit border sampler, materials and pattern, to be framed in included 5.25 inch wooden embroidery hoop by ChezSucreChez

Being the first craft that I ever learned (minus finger painting), cross stitching has always had a special place in my heart. The awesome DIY kits from ChezSucreChez spark my passion for this hobby all over again! :) <3

(Etsy :: Website :: Blog :: Facebook :: Twitter)

12 Amazing Life Lessons That You Can Learn Through Science

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 20:09:27 -0800

12 Amazing Life Lessons That You Can Learn Through Science:

My favorite: Asking “why” is more important than asking “what” and “how”

10 Things Science (and Buddhism) Say Will Make Your Happy

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 08:48:18 -0800

10 Things Science (and Buddhism) Say Will Make Your Happy:

Science geekery + Buddhist geekery = <3

Are You a Yoga Thrill Seeker? Are You Bored with Yoga? Congratulations, Now the Real Yoga Begins

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 08:18:39 -0800

Are You a Yoga Thrill Seeker? Are You Bored with Yoga? Congratulations, Now the Real Yoga Begins:

A truly awesome post about the honest difficulty + spectacular benefits of meditation as part of our yoga practice. :) <3

[Book Review] Bhagavad Gita: The Beloved Lord's Secret Love Song by Graham M. Schweig

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 12:29:00 -0800

Let me start by saying this is the first full version of the Bhagavad Gita that I’ve ever read, so I can’t make any comparisons to other translations. I have read many quotes from the text, but this is the first time I’ve read the whole Gita beginning to end.

That being said, this translation + brief commentary by Graham Schweig is phenomenal!

I liken reading the Bhagavad Gita to reading Shakespeare - the text is rich with meaning, though it may be tough to grasp without extra insight. Schweig does a great job of providing a little bit of guidance while you let the text speak for itself. The final appendix, titled “On This Translation”, explains Schweig’s means of translating the ancient text + I highly appreciate how he did everything he could to maintain the text’s integrity + complexity when presenting it in English.

Having studied + practiced many of yoga’s core concepts, reading the Gita is a natural extension of delving deeper into the world of yoga. The Gita adds a much richer concept of what yoga is, compared to just reading the Yoga Sutras (which I’ve reviewed here + here).

Whether you’ve had an introduction to yoga or not, Schweig does a wonderful job making the Gita understandable - and you’ll likely be even more curious about yoga afterward! I can easily see myself reading + referring to this translation for many decades

Note: The Gita is a beautiful book for folks of all faiths to read, whether they consider themselves yogis or not. If you have devoted yourself to a particular religion or faith, keep an open mind when you read this book. Krishna, who is the highest God in the Hindu religion, can easily be seen as the God you have chosen to worship. Each religion has their own version of “the highest power”, but more often than not, they are preaching the same message: love one another + leave the Earth better than you found it.

What is your favorite translation of the Bhagavad Gita?

[Are you a book geek too? Join me at GoodReads.com!]

Victoria Klein

[Book Review] The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: A New Edition, Translation, and Commentary by Edwin F. Bryant

Have American Parents Got It All Backwards?

[Book Review] Moving Inward: The Journey to Meditation by Rolf Sovik

The Introvert’s Guide To Succeeding In Business (+ Life!)

500 YTT: Module 1 of 7: The Energy Body

20 Ways to Get Sugar Out of Your Life

Why We Breathe: a very interesting + intriguing F*R*E*E yoga...

Do Yoga Teachers Have to Be Vegetarians?

I’m getting back in the blogging game! Check out my guest...

Just one of 27 amazing photos of inversions featured on...

Online Yoga Class Review: Sarah Faircloth’s “Open to Grace: The First Universal Principle of Alignment” on YogaVibes

I have a (not-so-secret) adoration for office and/or...

"For those that like the same sex had the characteristics The right-wing conservatives think..."

Online Yoga Class Review: Annie Carpenter’s “Quickie SmartFLOW with Annie Carpenter (9)” on YogaVibes

BIG NEWS! 500 YTT in 2013!

Being the first craft that I ever learned (minus finger...

12 Amazing Life Lessons That You Can Learn Through Science

10 Things Science (and Buddhism) Say Will Make Your Happy

Are You a Yoga Thrill Seeker? Are You Bored with Yoga? Congratulations, Now the Real Yoga Begins

[Book Review] Bhagavad Gita: The Beloved Lord's Secret Love Song by Graham M. Schweig

Why We Breathe: a very interesting + intriguing FRE*E yoga...