Rita Carreon’s Blog
Kundalini Yoga – March 6th, 2010
Because of my compact physique and lack of movement due to a current desk job, I have been told by my massage therapists, physical therapist and chiropractor, that I need to engage in forms of physical exercise to relieve my body tension. And since I am not into typical routines of exercise, my favorite methods of relieving stress is either swimming or yoga. And while being a Pisces, swimming does happen to be one of my favorite forms of exercise that does work all muscle groups at once. But since I
am not fond of swimming on cold days usually in winter, my other favorite method of stress relief during all times of the year is Kundalini Yoga – The Yoga of Awareness. I have tried other forms of yoga as well such as Hatha which does tend to strengthen and sculpt me, however this Pisces Soul enjoys the warm and inviting retreat at the Ashram at Yoga West in West L.A. http://www.yogawestla.com/
Both the Gurus and Teachers at Yoga West have the all around package of what a great teacher is to me. Not only are they so gentle and friendly at this Ashram, this is a very warm and welcoming safe haven for the students and practitioners alike that come here. Much of Kundalini Yoga centers around the breathing while going through the poses, exercises also called kriyas. Kriya is an orchestrated pattern of movement, sound, pranayam, mudras, concentration and meditation that automatically guide the energies of the body and the mind to a specific result or change of consciousness. This form of yoga works on so many levels. It not only helps the body physically but this form of yoga helps me get back in touch with my spirit center and mental clarity. But do not get me wrong, Kundalini Yoga is not just breathing and meditating with no action. Days following the start up of Kundalini and quite a few muscle groups have a slight burn if I overachieve. AND, Kundalini can work several muscle groups at once. Depending on the mudras (exercise routine or pose) the yogi will have us work on different muscle and spiritual groups on different days, sometimes in accordance to the planetary alignments. Some mudras are harder than others, but all done at our individual given strength and pace. No exercise or pose is ever forced upon us. One of my current favorite teachers goes by her spiritual name Guru Jagat Kaur, but she also goes by her online name Kundalini Katie. http://www.kundalinikatie.com
Katie is a very warm and knowledgeable soul. She is a gentle practitioner with a firm grip on the practice of Kundalini Yoga. She is attuned to the planets and trained on all of Yogi Bhajan teachings http://www.yogibhajan.com/. Yogi Bhajan was the person responsible for bringing Kundalini Yoga to the United States back in 1969. At the end of our kriyas, we finalize the routine with a very nice and needed slow down by going into relax pose, palms up, the yogi or practitioner playing slow chanting music to unwind. He or she may then play the singing bowls or warm up the beautiful deep rich tones of a gong lulling us into a deep meditative trance or if fully relaxed – deep sleep. After our trance we will sit back into easy pose and sing or chant to ourselves, our loved ones and the universe at large. Now what other form of exercise gives back this way?! Sat Nam.
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Chi Nei Tsang
from Vaishali’s assistant Aime, who told me Vaishali was offering for a price, one-on-one treatment of Chi Nei Tsang with anyone attending this seminar. I decided to purchase a half hour gift for my partner Jo.
area of the body to, as Vaishali put it, putrefy. Vaishali spent about an hour with Jo, I believe she knew the severity of Jo’s condition. This was not only a gift to my partner, but a bigger gift to both of us, in helping us understand the Mind, Body, Spirit connection. Following Jo’s evaluation and treatment of Chi Nei Tsang, it was time to do it all over again, this time in a group setting. As Vaishali explained the way a healthy belly and belly button should look, we all took turns in our 15+ numbered group, jumping up on a table with mirror in hand and seeing such a diverse group of navels and learning the technique of Chi Nei Tsang. It kind of reminded me of the vagina parties women had in the 70’s except we were all gazing at navels instead of vaginas and learning a new technique. I use this technique now in my morning routine. And being the Warrior Woman that I am, I believe I will not only eliminate all of my negative thoughts and past experiences residing in my navel, I will possibly lose weight in the process! Now that’s a gift!
My First Blog
On this 5th or 6th consecutive day of rain here in Los Angeles, I believe that I have had enough. My shoulder hurts (previous sports injury, recent computer repetitive pain) and my back and spine ache from the cold, dampness and pressure in the air. I try not to let the rain get to me though. I know we need it here in L.A. but it can truly depress me. Still, I stay positive, stretch my muscles as much as I can, drink water to give homage to the rain and keep my spirits up about it.
My girl Cassie is the one who truly appears depressed about the rain. This little compacted finely tuned bundle of white haired muscle and vigor is my West Highland terrier. She’s actually quite affected both physically and emotionally by this on-going rain and appears quite depressed about it. She has been more tired, curling up and sleeping more than ever – not like her usual spirited self – barking at the window or chasing the occasional neighbor through the house and out to the fenced backyard, which happen to be walking their dog or strolling their child down the street. But then I think, “Oh yeah, those distractions are not out there for her to chase right now.” It’s funny but even on the TV Show “30 Rock” last night, one of the comedic lines was regarding SAD, or rather Seasonal Affective Disorder. Yes, it truly does exist. And although I experience it at least once a winter season, I truly allow for the fact that this is only temporary. This rain is needed. Our water is such a commodity. Besides, here in LA, our winter season IS the rainy season. We don’t experience snow or true change of seasonal weather, like leaves changing color, temperatures dropping dramatically or being caged in our homes while the snow piles up outside. We experience rain, and LOTS of it. I do pray that we continue to have the natural occurrence of rain, but now I’m ready to see, feel and experience the sun again… so at least Cassie can enjoy it and return to her normal cantankerous self. And I can hear her bark at the window and watch her chase the neighbor, dog or child through the house and out to the fenced backyard, scold her for a second then giggle to myself that she’s back to her normal self again and be ever grateful for the warm sun and beautiful blue skies.
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Tags: alternative health, complementary medicine, healing, Rita Carreon, wellness









February 1st, 2010 at 6:23 pm
Thanks for the read! And yes, we are indeed spoiled…terrific, isn’t it?
Looking forward to your future installments…hang in there
Huggs,
Janet
February 9th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
Wonderful read Rita……….thank you for sharing AND…..give my precious Cassie a big, warm hug! :heart:
Big hug!
February 10th, 2010 at 3:09 pm
Ritaaaaaaaaa, love your stories!
Looking forward to many more.
Peace and Blog on!!!
February 11th, 2010 at 12:12 pm
Love it hun!
February 19th, 2010 at 11:51 am
Your blogs are great, thank you very much for inviting me to read them, they are very lovely and I want more and more of them. Thank you.
Love and Light. ‘-D where did I learn that?! hmn…I wonder.
Thank you.
March 1st, 2010 at 2:01 am
Your blog is fantastic and I especially loved your story of dear Cassie. Yes Pouchette too can’t wait to get out to all the smells after being cooped up inside after a hard rain.
Thanks for sharing your love, great info and stories.