So I've been working hard to update the site and I've added a whole new batch of standing poses to the "Poses" section:

Footage of the great man practicing in Pune. He's in his 70's in this video. I've heard from people who have been there that he's a huge show-off . He's very aware of who is watching him, and apparently gets cranky if there's no-one around paying attention when he's done something impressive.

He does some amazing poses here that I've never seen before anywhere else, and wouldn't even know what to call them.

This interview is from the Leonard Lopate Show on WNYC.

Last summer, a study found that for some patients, a belief that they had taken a painkiller was enough to make their brains release natural painkilling endorphins. On today's Please Explain, Dr. Herbert Benson, the founding president of the Mind/Body Medical Institute, and Dr. John Sarno discuss the mind/body connection on Please Explain.

In the discussion, the two doctors talk about the difference between "psychosomatics" of times past and modern Mind/Body medicine. The two doctors come firmly down on the side of such practices as prayer, meditation and yoga as they trigger what they refer to as the "relaxation response" which works against the deleterious effects of stress on the body's immune system.

Fascinating stuff and worth checking out.

Click here to download an mp3 of the show.

"The Root of All Evil" is a fascinating documentary in which scientist and author, Richard Dawkins explores what he refers to as "the process of non-thinking caled faith." (The whole thing lasts about an hour in total.)

I love it how the religious people cannot conceive that atheists are capable of any form of morality.



Part 1.2

Part 1.3

Part 2.1

Part 2.2

Part 2.3

Part 2.4

Part 2.5

Part 2.6

It's been a fun Summer, and I've just got back from a trip to San Francisco where I was lucky enough to study again with the fabulous Donald Moyer. Check back soon for some of the practice points we were working on. Until then, here's a thought about my favorite Summer show...

I've become obsessed with Cesar Millan, star of the National Geographic Channel's show, The Dog Whisperer. I grew up with dogs, Great Danes, so initially I was enjoying the show on that level, but there was one episode which made me begin to think about his techniques in terms of yoga. In this particular segment, he brought in one of his own pack to educate a small, overly yappy dog, probably a pomeranian. Cesar's dog walked in completely casually and the pom went into overdrive, yapping up a storm. Despite the noise and aggressive behavior, Cesar's dog remained absolutely calm and unaffected by the whole display. It struck me, then, that this was the canine equivalent of enlightenment. The dog was calm, serene, engaged and yet not disturbed by its environment. If only human psychology were as simple as dog psychology. It would make it that much easier to reach a state of emancipation. (And I'd be out of a job!)

Cesar has three principles that he says all dogs need every day, in this order:

Exercise
Discipline
Affection

If a dog gets enough of these in that sequence, Millan says, the dog will be in balance in a calm, submissive state. I thought that sounded pretty good. If I get all of those in a given day, I consider that a good day. I'd like to propose that these three principles might work for humans to bring us into our own calm, balanced state.

Exercise

Posture in yoga is used as a vehicle for inquiry into the self. Especially in Iyengar yoga, it becomes an intellectually rigorous practice of mental conditioning. But there is nothing wrong with using the physical postures as a vehicle for physical conditioning as well. A practice of the body may not get you any closer to emancipation (kaivalya), but it will keep you healthy, your muscles strong and elongated, your joints flexible and your physiology healthy. Getting yourself good and tired burns off stress and anxiety and frees the mind for healthy digestion, elimination and recuperation. Though you wouldn't necessarily want to practice vigourously every day, it is an important thing to work into your routine.

Discipline

This really applies to your whole life, not just your asana practice. Have the discipline to focus intensely in at least one pose, to sit and meditate, or even to do any of the little chores around the house that you might slack off on. Have the discipline to behave well towards others, even those you might not like. Have the discipline to see to the needs of those you love or of who depend on you. Have the discipline to do your job well. Have the discipline to treat yourself well. (Moderation in all things, including moderation itself.)

Affection

Affection is food for the soul. Take the time to be with, or at least communicate in some way, with those you love. Interact with the world around you, especially with like-minded individuals that will love you back.

Fit each of these things into your day, every day, and I'll wager that your life will be rich and balanced.