6 Overall Benefits of Chair Yoga

By: “AJ” Amy Jo Crowell, Publisher Dallas Yoga Magazine, Co-Founder Cosmic Yogi Movement & Festivals

When most of us hear “Chair Yoga” we immediately think of a class filled with long timers. That may be the perception of most, but it’s not reality. Chair yoga is a great option for anyone first experiencing yoga. It gets them more comfortable with yoga postures, stretches and subsides their fear of doing balancing poses. It’s one of the safest ways to learn yoga for all ages and especially for someone who may have some sort of physical disability. Let’s face facts, most people in yoga can’t do the poses you see on the cover of magazines.

I first experienced Chair Yoga with my yoga and meditation mentor, Suzanne Schultz. I had practiced yoga for years but had never ventured into a Chair Yoga class. Suzanne offered small private sessions and I jumped at the opportunity to attend. I quickly learned Chair Yoga was extremely beneficial to my practice. I was able to do a posture and stretch further than I normally would have been able to without the chair. (I had to be careful not to over-stretch.) It was easier to hold the postures longer with the chair which in turn helped strengthen my muscles. After a few of Suzanne’s Chair Yoga classes, I found my flexibility and strength had improved significantly. I admit it…I was as surprised! It was well worth the time and I highly recommend adding a “Chair Yoga” class into your routines.

Chair Yoga is also the perfect practice to assist in recovering from an illness, after surgery, broken bones, chronic pain or anything that may be causing a person restricted movement. Even those recovering from a variety of cancers or are in chemotherapy will find a refreshing healing benefit from Chair Yoga.

Nowadays, most are sitting in front of their computer for hours during the day. Even if we don’t have a desk job, there are emails to be answered, social media posts and surfing the web. According to L’Atelier the average American spends 8.5 hours a day in front of a screen. That includes our phones, televisions and computers. While we are staring at our screens, we are usually immobile and not moving our bodies sufficiently. Often, we are in work environments, class rooms or places where we are unable to get up and move around. This is when Chair Yoga comes in handy. Learning Chair Yoga postures will keep your body active, help alleviate back pain from long hours of sitting on your spine, assists in reducing neck pain/tension from using your keyboard endlessly, helps relieve joint pain and will keep your joints moving.

Let’s talk more about the overall benefits of practicing Chair Yoga:

Many of the Yoga Centers in the DFW area practice Chair Yoga. Go to Dallas Yoga Magazine’s listing of centers in your area by clicking here. You can also search the Internet to find easily accessible Chair Yoga poses and classes. Of course, learning by a certified teacher is a definite plus, but if you want to get a few easy postures, before you find one to attend in person, you can always find them online.

The post Chair Yoga: It’s Not Just for Seniors appeared first on Dallas Yoga Magazine.

Real Peace is Unshakable…Bliss is Unchanged by Gain or Loss

Introduction by:

“AJ” Amy Jo Crowell, Publisher Dallas Yoga Magazine &

 Co-Founder Cosmic Yogi Festivals

Welcome Ceremony Yoga Teacher training May 2018 |Samadhi Yoga Ashram from Samadhi Yoga Ashram on Vimeo.

 This summer I went to India for over 3 weeks. I went there to be trained in traditional Kundalini Yoga at Samadhi ashram on the Ganges River in Rishikesh. I traveled by myself not exactly knowing what to expect. I knew India was considered a “third world country” so I knew the amenities would be completely different from what I was accustomed. However, I found the traveling fun and fascinating meeting new people, trying new foods. Once arriving in India, everyone was helpful and kind. I was so excited to arrive at Samadhi ashram and meet Vishnu. You could feel his loving presence before he even walked in the door and once he walked into the room he seemed to glow a warm bright light all around him. His energy was refreshing. My heart immediately opened when his big smile stretched across his face and his eyes twinkled with age old wisdom. I knew right then, I was exactly where I was supposed to be and learning from him was going to change my life forever. I was right.

For the next few weeks, I was honored to have Vishnu Panigrahi teach me meditation, yoga and life lessons. I could sit and listen to him for hours. He had so much to share and guidance to offer everyone. He was not the kind of person who did his class and lessons then disappear for the rest of the day. Vishnu and his family dined with us and laughed with us. He advised us on important life matters and then would tell us the best restaurants in town, what to eat there and how to shop. His light-heartedness made me feel closer to him and the ashram. Vishnu does not put on any airs and his personality is sweet, happy and endearing. I loved his laughter…it was full of energy and true happiness.

I want to share Vishnu’s background and his current happenings with the Dallas Yoga Magazine’s readers. I know you will find his life experiences as fascinating as I have.

Biography:

Yogi Vishnu Panigrahi has been steeped in spiritual endeavors since his childhood and even before his birth his great grandfather told his granddaughter (Vishnu’s mother-to-be) that there is a necessity of a boy from your home to be a spiritual devotee. The granddaughter prayed deeply over many months for a baby boy to come as her son and fulfill her great grandfather’s wish. After his birth, his mother would sing to the children songs and tell stories from the Ramayana (the famous epic on Rama Incarnation) and Puranas (the Indian versified Sanskrit encyclopedias of stories and narratives of divinities). As a young child his grandfather advised him to meditate for salvation and moksha and not indulge in prayers or rituals for lesser material or mundane purposes. A Radhe-Krishna Temple was constructed by the grandfather in their village in Orissa, India where Vishnu would frequently serve food and water to wandering sadhus who would come to rest for the night on the house verandah or temple verandah.

Many of these sadhus were “kum-phatia babas” (they wear the bark of kum trees) a special sect of knowledge-bearing hatha-yogis and shunyavadi whose founder was Alekh mahima, (formless god himself), who had a great impression on young Vishnu. These are the famous tree bark adorned babas that freely roam around parts of Orissa. They had no clothing or blankets while sleeping, winter or summer, only wearing a covering made of tree bark and carrying no extraneous possessions.

There were occasional discourses and satsang by visiting Swamis, counting among them was Swami Avdheshanand Giri of Haridwar. On these occasions Vishnu would skip school and attend the satsang (spiritual company and discourse of the saintly), resting under the trees after the satsang and he would reach home by riding his bicycle 6 kms. in the evening.

He found a kalyana-mitra (friend on the noble path) in a boyhood friend who would arrange to meet together at 3 a.m. morning in secluded places away from the village. Here they would join for meditation and chant all day “Mohamudgaram” (a famous hymn titled Mace to Beat Delusion with) by Adi Shankaracharya to dispel their fears and gain vairagya (intense inclination to renunciation). On Sundays and holidays Vishnu would serve the impoverished people at the nearby hospital by washing them and other chores of taking care of those waiting and recovering.

There was always a lack of nurses to care for the patients who had to lay on the cement floor with bare facilities. Once there was an old man with a horrible odor and small worms attached to his legs who was neglected. While he laid there, Vishnu cleaned the old man and shaved his head and beard for a few days. Eventually, the neglected man’s legs were treated and bandaged.  The man was so grateful and driven to happiness and blessed young Vishnu. On a following day Vishnu returned to be with visit him, but the man was not there. He inquired to where he was, but no one remembered him or could say he had been there! Vishnu was surprised and felt it was God Himself who had come in the form of the old man then completely vanished!

Another time, an aged man was found debilitated with health problems. People turned away him because he was of low caste. Vishnu noticed him and at first took him to a hidden place as being an orthodox Brahmin he should not mix closely with the lower caste. But while beginning to help him with food he asked himself why should he hide? He brought him then to an open place and people observed Vishnu bathing the aged man and the comments came from the people that Vishnu has become mad and crazy! Vishnu did not relent and became a strong leader in his village and surrounding area against the caste differences.

At the young age of 15 years he became a member of Muni Samaj, a school of meditation and yoga founded by Shiva Muni, a saint devoted to long periods of silence. He sought out knowledge as best to his means and at age 18 met Vedanta Keshari Swami Niranjanji, popularly known as the “Lion of Vedanta”. Vishnu studied under him for two years and acquired a B.A. degree in arts at Jyoti Vihar University. By age 20 he delved into a path full of devotion focusing on cultivating universal love and sankirtan (singing and chanting for long hours as part of bhakti… the yoga of devotion and intense sentiment of surrender). His days and nights passed in prayer, japa (mental mantra-recitations) and chanting holy names in kirtan. This was a Bhakti tradition originating with Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a great saint who lived in the 15th century, and popularized the path of bhakti, especially to Incarnation Krishna.

It was during this time that Vishnu faced his greatest challenge so far. He was tested with a congenital heart defect and the doctor said the only way to survive was to have open heart surgery. There was no money at home for this type of surgery. They advised him to seek free care at the far-off hospital at Sai Baba’s Ashram in Andhra Pradesh. Vishnu’s friend collected some traveling money for him and told him to go and either come back after the treatment or perish. Vishnu left home alone traveling by general section and changing trains several times to reach the hospital. There they confirmed the severity of the condition and the requirement of surgery. The person in charge asked “Who is with you?”, for family permission of the operation and to sign the documents. Vishnu replied, “God is with me!” The operation was on August 12, 1994 and he was unconscious until Aug. 15th when he awakened. This is India’s Independence Day and Vishnu felt like he has come back from death’s door. Feeling like he was reborn a new person he made a sankalpa (vow) to passionately serve humanity.

He started this vow by organizing many camps, spiritual discourses and bhajan programs in the villages, serving mostly the poor and underprivileged in the Orissa state of India. During this time, he even started a grocery business to counter one man who was cheating the people by doing unscrupulous business. He borrowed 5000 rupees and turned it into profit over profit, eventually cultivating 25 acres of land for agriculture. His business maxims were “Love is the only thing to grow in business” and “Love & Faith, being very honest in business”. These were his slogans for success, but a tragic turning point came one year.

Suddenly at the same time there was a flood and the crops were ruined, cows that had been purchased for milking had died or became barren and the shop was robbed. All the money evaporated. The business failed but deep down Vishnu was relieved this was the cusp of a new landmark in his life. Giridhar Gopal Shastri came from Brindavan soon after to conduct satsang and lectures. On his last day lecturing he gave an invitation to the whole crowd that any brahmacharis (celibate novices to be initiated) can come with him to Brindavan and receive training. Though there were thousands in attendance in the crowd it was like he was speaking directly to Vishnu. Vishnu went home, packed a small bag and left for Brindavan without gathering any money. Reaching there was his greatest pilgrimage so far because it was the birthplace of Krishna. He was thrilled and so inspired that sleep was hardly a distraction for him. In four months, he read 18,000 verses of the Srimad Bhagavatam (one of the 18 puranas) was trained in kathas and was a member of Hari Katha Yojana. Katha is a beautiful way of delivering highly inspiring discourses of intense godly sentiment with songs and musical verses.

In Brindavan, he saw a picture of Swami Veda Bharati in a pamphlet and immediately felt that this is the teacher for him. He went to Rishikesh and the ashram but Swami Veda was not there, so he ventured to caves high in the Himalayas. There he met a sadhu baba (a yogi) who prepared Vishnu for stepping into the teachings of Swami Rama. Vishnu still carried one bag of nice clothes and shawls used in Katha and articles of worship with fancy pictures of deities. Vishnu had to carry this around carefully looking to see where his footsteps would go while the yogi would stride quickly through the forest in the night. The sadhu kept admonishing and scolding him to not be so fearful and attached if he was to really tread the path of Himalayan yoga.

Once the sadhu announced that these possessions are to be thrown into the Ganga river and declared, “if you want these attachments and fears then go back to your village and get married and take a life of comfort!” Vishnu asked, “How can I throw the pictures of Gods?”, the yogi replied, “If you throw them you will get the real God!” The next day the two of them went to the river to throw Vishnu’s things. Vishnu looked over each piece evaluating its’ value and thinking whether to keep it or throw it as he tossed a few things into the Ganga. At that point, the yogi gathered Vishnu’s remaining possessions into a bundle and heaved it in the water. “Throw money”, he said next and Vishnu was left with only one set of clothes, the one he was wearing. The yogi provided a cave for Vishnu to meditate and while sitting inside he heard a movement above and behind him. There was a cobra on an upper ledge of the cave, Vishnu could only close his eyes and do his best to compose his mind. Then he heard an inner voice, “I’ve come to release your fear, not increase your fear.”

After some time, Vishnu had to leave the yogi, ready to join the Gurukulam and be under the close guidance of Swami Veda Bharati. He had been teaching and guiding the students at the Swami Rama Institute of Meditation and Inter-faith Studies for 9 years. He obtained a Masters in Sanskrit and a Masters in Yoga.

He was guiding the Gurukulam students in all the practices and disciplines along with teaching philosophy, yoga and meditation to long-term guests and visitors.He was blessed and learned from other great Masters such as Swami Hari, Shri Mauni, Swami Shankarananda ji (Kriya Yoga Master), Swami Anand Bes (Founder of Viswa Shanti Mission).

Yogi Vishnu has been travelling and teaching outside and inside India. Now he is running and teaching at several ashrams in Laxmanjhula, Rishikesh. You can find him at Samadhi Ashram and World Peace School teaching students in the variety of programs the ashrams offer.

If you are interested in attending one of Vishnu’s Ashrams, please reach out to “AJ” Amy Jo Crowell, and she will share with you about the facilities and programs. Email her at aj@. or call her 214-624-9896 X700.

Many of yoga and holistic programs these ashrams offer are certified by Yoga Alliance.

Samadhi Ashram: https://samadhiyogaashram.com/

World Peace Yoga School: https://www.worldpeaceyogaschool.com/

The post Samadhi’s Guru Vishnu appeared first on Dallas Yoga Magazine.

By: “AJ” Amy Jo Crowell, Publisher Dallas Yoga Magazine & Co-Founder Cosmic Yogi Movement

Guru Vishnu on the Ashram’s balcony

I recently returned from a month in Rishikesh, India. It’s difficult for me to put into words the incredible experience I have been blessed with including meeting the kindest Indian people, swimming in the Ganges, petting the roaming street cows, traveling up through the Himalayas, dodging the mango throwing monkeys, the delicious food, my yoga teachers, my fellow yoga students, the ashram, the guru…it all seems like a sweet wonderful dream.

I traveled alone to Rishikesh and it took over 24 hours stopping in Amsterdam and in New Delhi’s airports before finally arriving at a small airport in Rishikesh. I was happy to meet two ladies going to the same ashram at the airport, so it made the trip to our “home away from home” much more pleasant. The taxi driver got lost and couldn’t find the ashram but after stopping to ask the locals where it was he finally maneuvered his way past the cows and monkeys and behind the Police Station to the Samadhi Yoga School.

Rishikesh, India on the Ganges River

My heart warmed when we arrived…this was where I was going to be spending the next month learning Kundalini yoga and meditation. I knew this experience would change my life in ways I couldn’t fathom. We were welcomed with smiles and hugs and were shown to our rooms. After an entire day of travel, I was exhausted and happy I came a day before classes began so I could rest and get acquainted with my surroundings. I was not sure what to expect from a room at an ashram in a 3rd world country, but I was pleasantly surprised by the accommodations. I had a private room with a large bed, a Western style bathroom with hot water, and plenty of drawer space to empty my over packed suitcase. There was Internet, plenty of lighting and an air conditioning unit in my room with a large ceiling fan. Even though I was coming from summer in Dallas, Texas, I was concerned about being overheated because I am used to depending on air conditioning. But my concern turned out to be a non-issue and I kept myself properly hydrated and took time out to sit under fans or in a cool room during my stay.

The beautiful women of India at the Ganges River

Summer time in India is Monsoon season not only includes extremely hot temperatures but also a lot of rain. Since Rishikesh sits at the bottom of the lush Himalaya mountains, the rain isn’t exactly surprising and really wasn’t an issue. The only factor that developed because of the rain was the electricity went out nearly every day. On the bright side, it was only for short periods of time and the ashram had a generator, so we weren’t completely without. It gave me a wonderful opportunity to sit on the balcony with the most breath-taking view of the city, Himalayas and the Ganges. The evening views were gorgeous with the mountains turning purple and the buildings in the distance glowing with lights. To add to the calmness was the chanting started in the early evening. One of the temples had their chanting on loud speakers and it echoed through the entire valley through the businesses, homes and up the mountain side. It was mesmerizing, and you could hear it everywhere. This was one my favorite traditions of the culture. They were spreading love and peace with their vibrations to everyone in the world.

Classes started the day after arriving with a demanding schedule starting at 4:30am in the morning. Meditation started at 5am with Vishnu, the Ashram’s Guru. He was the most endearing person I have ever met. When Vishnu would smile at you, you could feel the love from him flowing to you. His presence warmed my heart. He sincerely wanted to teach each one of us the proper way to meditate. Vishnu spent time with everyone adjusting our backs, our shoulders, our chins and showing us how to fold blankets to get just the right amount of lift for our butts so we had the proper posture. Everyone had different adjustments and he made sure we understood and continued with the correct posture in the following days. When Vishnu’s mother was there, he would bring her for meditation before we began early in the morning. He would sit with her while they both meditated together. I realized what a special connection to have between a mother and son…the gift of meditating together and just being.

Samadhi Ashram with Guru Vishnu

I was so happy to be at the Samadhi Ashram. Vishnu has other sister-Ashrams like the World Peace Yoga School where he is the Guru, but Samadhi is where he lives with his wife and children. It’s where his brother, other family members and the volunteers for the Ashrams lived. Staying with these beautiful Indian people in their home was a rare experience and I am truly blessed they welcomed me.

After morning meditation, we began a day packed with lectures, classes, pranayama and meditations.  There were 21 students at the Ashram with 6 of us working on our Kundalini Yoga Certification. I was surprised to find that only a couple of us were living in the United States. Our group was comprised of yogis from all over the world with backgrounds and religious beliefs just as diverse. There were people from Japan, England, Mexico, Canada, India, Norway, Switzerland, Cambodia, Germany and Dominican Republic.  The group was energizing with all of us supporting and encouraging each other on the days when we were completely exhausted.

My schedule included Anatomy, Yoga History, Kundalini History, Kundalini (Yogi Bajan Style), Pranayama Class, Adjustment and Alignment class, Meditation Techniques, Asana Class along with our yoga and meditation practice classes. The Kundalini yoga certification program was just created and it was called the “Warrior Program.” I quickly found out it was because we were completing our 200 hour certification in 18 days. That meant most days we were attending class, lectures etc. 12 hours or more a day. Like I said, we started our first meditation at 5am. We had approximately 2 hours off during the day and we had class sometimes until after 8pm at night. It was one of the most difficult things I have ever done but it was also one of the most rewarding. I’m 54 years old…the oldest at the Ashram…but that didn’t stop me! I kept up with everyone and my classes and did everything the other students did.  Even when we were all ready to collapse, we encouraged each other, pushed each other and were there for each other. I will always treasure the bonds and friendships I made there.

AJ with teacher Rohit Kumar at Samadhi Ashram

Two of my favorite teachers were my Kundalini teachers. The most wonderful part of Samadhi’s Kundalini teachings were the different perspectives both teachers offered. Rohit Kumar was one of these teachers, we nick named him the “Silver Fox” because he was so handsome and adorable. His laugh filled the room every day with a relaxing light heartedness. Rohit’s class entailed lessons from the book “Kundalini Tantra” written by his Guru, Swami Satyananda Saraswati. It was beautiful when he talked about his Guru, he glowed with excitement when he shared lessons he had learned from him. Rohit wanted us to understand the basics of Kundalini, the meaning, the awakenings, in-depth knowledge of the chakras and the symbolism in Sanskrit pictures and words. We practiced ancient pranayama practices associated with Kundalini and how to have a solid personal Sadhana program when we left the Ashram. He explained it was important for us to start by focusing on one chakra a month (maybe longer) and then moving on to the next. Usually the Sadhana would continue for eight months to give each chakra special attention. There were Kriyas to learn, very precise pranayamas, mudras and so much more. Rohit was filled with so much information and he wanted to enlighten as much as possible to help us grow spiritually. We talked greatly about the chakras and he commented, “In our various incarnations we have developed different chakras. If when you practice concentration on the chakras, you feel one chakra more than the others, it means that from that point your evolution is to begin.” Rohit also stated he did not believe in calling “Kundalini” a yoga. He explained technically the yoga of Kundalini was a combination of a variety of yogas including Hatha, so he believed you shouldn’t separate Kundalini from the other forms of yoga. He believes Kundalini should be presented as a “teaching” not a yoga.

Selfie! AJ with teacher Amarjit Singh

Another favorite Kundalini teacher was Amarjit Singh. He was an American whose journey lead him to becoming a Sikh, teaching Kundalini, and traveling the world. Amarjit taught the Yogi Bhajan style of Kundalini yoga. It’s the style Yogi Bhajan brought to the United States in the late 1960’s and most of the Western world practices this style of Kundalini to this day. His story of letting go of his materialistic life in America and leaving it behind to seek more was inspiring. He challenged us to ask ourselves “What is the most complete way to express my true nature?” His classes consisted of practicing the kriyas, chanting sacred mantras, seemingly non-stop breath of fire and postures. Even when my arms felt like they were going to fall off, his words of encouragement kept me going. Kundalini is known as the yoga of awareness, as a result, the students often find themselves bursting out in tears or laughing uncontrollably. It all happened…everyone had their moments of release leading to a new level of “awareness.” Amarjit was very accepting of where each of us was with our practice. He would say, “Don’t listen to the mind when it tells you not to do it. Just go do it. The more you repeat this to yourself the more fear goes away.” He explained the importance of the Eight Limbs of Yoga given to us by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. The Ten Bodies were also presented to us with Yogi Bahajan explaining it best as, “If you understand that you are Ten Bodies, and you are aware of those Ten Bodies, and you keep them in balance, the whole Universe will be in balance with you.”

An array of students from all over the world.

One of the most difficult classes was Pranayama class. The class was scheduled after an hour of Kundalini yoga, I was worn out and feeling that “Kundalini High” when I went. The teacher was very knowledgeable, but it was challenging keeping up with all the breath work.  I learned many variations and styles of pranayama it was well worth the effort. I was amazed when I learned breathing exercises in the heat of India that sent cooling breaths throughout my body and made me forget the outside temperature. Learning how to balance feminine and masculine energies through intense pranayama was a huge gift to my practice. I have continued to practice more pranayama in my daily sadhana and it continues to bring a calmness to my inner self.

During the Alignment and Adjustment class, I realized I was not doing my Warrior Poses correctly. I had been doing these poses for years and had never been corrected. My hip was not in alignment with my body. I was pushing my hip to one side and I was completely out of alignment. What a difference that small adjustment made to my practice! Learning to focus more on proportionately distributing the pressure on my feet and hands also improved my balance and posture significantly.

One of my favorite meditations was the single-pointed meditation using a lit candle. I had heard about this type of meditation before, but I had never experienced it or learned the techniques to get the most out of it. I realize staring at a candle flame for a long period of time seems a little odd to most of the Western world, but it was a mind-blowing experience. The calm, peaceful, relaxation that ensued was so amazing I knew this meditation would be a practice I would share with others.

Vishnu preparing for closing ceremony at Samadhi

After 18 days, cramming to study, taking 4 tests, going to countless classes, pushing my body to an extreme, practicing new techniques to calm my body and mind it all came to an end. I had made it through the course and became a certified 200 hour Kundalini instructor. Something I never thought I would ever have accomplished….let alone at 54 years old! My heart could not be filled with more gratitude for my new friends, the teachers, the ashram, Vishnu and Swing. I was not ready to leave but I reminded myself there is always a next time.

My adventure to Rishikesh, India and Samadhi Ashram was extraordinary. Everything about the trip was special and exciting. I ponder how the people of India are so friendly and welcoming when many are living in extreme poverty. They seem to be much happier than many who are living in first world countries with every luxury imaginable.  Many in India don’t often have electricity or clean water, yet they would stop to lend a hand or offer you what they had. I experienced this first hand. A foreign female in a very strange land just didn’t feel strange at all. I felt the flow of love everywhere from the Great Ganges to the gurus, sages, temples, ashrams and shop owners…there was a continuous unforgettable out pour of love.

I love India.

If you are interested in Samadhi Ashram:

Contact “AJ” Amy Jo Crowell by emailing aj@.

Click here to view Samadhi’s website.

Picture of AJ dotted goes here

About the Author:

Publisher of Dallas Yoga Magazine and Co-Founder of Cosmic Yogi Movement and Festivals, “AJ” Amy Jo Crowell, has been in advertising, marketing, publishing and large-scale event planning for over 20 years. AJ printed a weekly entertainment guide throughout Texas for many years. For the last decade, AJ has been teaching inner city Dallas high school students. She implemented Peace Makers classes and taught the importance of acceptance, diversity and giving back to the community. She is also the “Best Selling Author” of Loved Back to Life, a book focusing on recovery from addictions. AJ is a certified Kundalini yoga instructor and leads sound meditations with crystal singing bowls.

More fun pictures!

The post India: My Experiences appeared first on Dallas Yoga Magazine.

By: “AJ” Amy Jo Crowell, Publisher of Dallas Yoga Magazine & Co-Founder Cosmic Yogi Festivals

www.CosmicYogiMovement.com

Get in Touch with AJ:

aj@.

The post You Know You’re a Yogi When…. appeared first on Dallas Yoga Magazine.

Part 1: Learning About Sound & Vibrations

By: “AJ” Amy Jo Crowell, Publisher Dallas Yoga Magazine & Co-Founder Cosmic Yogi Movement

Photo: My personal set of Crystal Singing Bowls glowing and ready to be played.

FYI:  I am a novice at understanding sound being used for healing and I am excited to start my new journey of learning, practicing, experiencing and understanding this little by little.  I have had crystal bowls for some time and have been practicing randomly at home and with friends. But now I’m ready to dive deeper into learning more about sound healing, so I am beginning a 3 month class focusing on sound healing with crystal bowls. I will share my experience with you during the next 3 months and hope we learn together.

When I first encountered sound healing and meditation, it was at a “Gong Bath” of Kenny Kolters. It was an amazing experience where I felt as if my body had been lifted into another dimension of peace and serenity. Kenny’s hour-long class seemed to go by in minutes and when I came back into my body I felt revitalized and completely destressed. I was immediately hooked on the practice and wanted to learn more about sound therapy and healing.

Since then, I have been to many of Kenny’s classes as well as others including Denae Richards’ gong baths.  Each of these sound healers use not only their gong but other instruments including Tibetan bowls, ocean drums, crystal bowls, chimes, bells and many others. As Kenny says, “There are no two sessions alike and every experience is different.” I have found this to be very true. The sounds and vibrations are never the same and each session affects my body and mind differently. Once I felt my entire belly vibrating as if water was flowing in waves like the ocean through me. It was exhilarating, calming and surprising at the same time.

People are becoming more open about sound healing and therapy. There are sound healers throughout the country and their popularity has increased tremendously.  For example, Kenny often brings his gong and assortment of instruments to hospitals for patients to receive the vibrational healing. This was very unlikely to happen just a decade before but new information and benefits of sound healing have become known and accepted.

As part of my new crystal singing bowl journey, I researched have sound healing and was astonished at some of the benefits.  Here are just a few of the many I found:

“Up to 90% of doctor visits are stress related” according to the American Institute of Stress. Once you try sound healing either with a gong bath, Tibetan bowls, crystal bowls or whatever you choose you will realize why sound healing is recommended for stress reduction and you will understand why it is exploding across the country. I can only go from my experience and my friends experience…sound healing works on many different levels.

Bio:

“AJ” Amy Jo Crowell holds a Masters in Business Administration and is a Best Selling Author of the book Loved Back to Life. She is the Publisher/Owner of Dallas Yoga Magazine and is a yoga enthusiast who has practiced yoga for decades. AJ is also the Co-Founder of Cosmic Yogi Movement hoping to unite all yogis by bringing yoga festivals to Texas.

Email: aj@.

www.DallasYogaMagazine.com

www.CosmicYogiMovement.com

For information on Kenny Kolter: www.gongmeditation.com

For information on Denae Richards: www.denaerichards.com

The post My New Journey with Crystal Singing Bowls appeared first on Dallas Yoga Magazine.

The Benefits of Partner Yoga

Partner yoga, couple’s yoga, buddy yoga…whatever you want to call it or whoever you want to do it with the practice will bring you closer. Isn’t that the ultimate idea of yoga? The word “yoga” means to unite and with partner yoga you are uniting yourself with someone else not just physically but you’re your body, mind and soul.  It’s a level of intimacy that most couples will never experience.

My suggestion is to start off with easy poses, stretching and breathing exercises together.  There are always those daredevils who can do incredible feats of posing in pairs and even in threes but let’s keep it simple and not over extend ourselves at first. A trip to the hospital is not our objective.

With today’s busy schedules you may have to plan ahead to find a time when both of you can spend at least 30 minutes, preferably an hour together to rejuvenate and share energy. It’s easiest if you have the same set times every week to dedicate to your practices. This way it becomes a habit and you can look forward to spending the time together automatically. For example, even though my boyfriend and I practice yoga at home throughout the week, we have a set time for Sunday morning yoga we try our best to adhere to. No matter what our weekly schedules entail, we know we have “OUR TIME” on Sunday mornings.

The benefits of couple’s yoga are endless. But here are a few that I would like to mention.

You must learn to listen to your partner while practicing together. This not only includes verbal communication but also nonverbal. Learning to read your partners body movements takes practice but it doesn’t take long to become in sync with each other. When you listen to your partners body flow into different movements you can learn to become in tune both on and off the mat.

When you are twisting, turning, leaning and relying on each other to do a pose you are in vulnerable positions. It takes trust to rely on your partner to be there for you. But once you are able to let go and believe in your partner then the practice and poses flow easier and so does your trust. This kind of trust allows you to bond and rely on each other and this commitment flows into your everyday life.

Yoga is not at all sexual in nature. But when you engage in partner yoga and your sense of communication and trust increases then your intimacy level often increases.  Yoga connects you and your partner on a deeper level and you can find study after study on the Internet showing yoga improves a couple’s intimacy and sex life. So, get on your mat listen and watch each other’s movements and let that transfer into the bedroom or where ever your desires take you.

When you are working with a partner on a specific pose that may take practice to achieve, it’s a lot of fun! Catching each other, holding each other, balancing each other and breathing together…it’s a blast! It’s almost impossible not to laugh, smile and enjoy yourselves. Even if it’s just as simple as holding a tree pose together takes practice. Encouragement and emotional support go along way when having fun and laughing together.

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By: “AJ” Amy Jo Crowell, Publisher of Dallas Yoga Magazine & Co-Founder Cosmic Yogi Movement

Try it with your friend, buddy, husband, wife, or lover. These poses are always fun and worth trying. Pay attention to their verbal and nonverbal body communication. Be encouraging and if needed, modify the poses so they fit your style and level. Couples practicing yoga are found to have increased communication, trust levels and intimacy. Yoga uses your body, mind and soul and when practicing with a partner will bring positive energy to the relationship.

The following are 7 Popular Partner Poses for you to try.

Double Tree Pose

Tree pose is one of the first poses most of us learn in yoga, even though it may seem basic to some, the art of doing it with a partner can be beautiful. It takes leg strength to hold this pose. I like the pose when the couple faces each other with your hands touching forming a heart at your heart center. No leaning on each other….hold yourself steady. I know…it’s cheezy, but it’s Valentine’s Day so go with the flow for the ladies!

Heart Opener

What’s more important in couple’s yoga than to open your heart up to the universe and each other? This pose is designed to do just that and more. Kneel facing each other and then bend backwards. You can touch and use both of your thighs for support to get back as far as you can. Push your chest up and out to open your heart chakra. You can modify this pose by standing up, facing each other and leaning back. Again, shoulders back and chest out to share your heart with the world.

Alternate Breathing

Rest your back gently on your partners, sit up straight and relax your shoulders. Start by taking deep breaths in unison. Do this until you are ready to start alternate breathing, meaning you take a breath and then your partner takes a breath. Repeat this for as long as you desire keeping in mind this is a relaxation exercise to increase your inner connection with each other.

Double Downward Dog

This pose looks much more intimidating than it actually is, but it does require balance and strength. One person starts off in a downward dog position and when they are ready and relaxed, the next person starts their downward dog pose in front of them and slowly places one foot at a time on the top angle of their partner’s butt and positions themselves, so their upper body is vertical, and their legs are horizontal with the floor.

Play Like a Table

It’s a partner table top pose and it results in an incredible stretch. Stand several feet apart with your legs open and face each other. Bend over and intertwine arms with each other.  Place one person’s arms on the inside and one on the outside while continuing to face down. This is a wonderful stretch for the back of

your legs and lower back. Hold the pose for as long as you desire and then slowly return upright. Practice this a few times and focus on the energy flowing between you’re and your partner.

SAIL AWAY

Let’s do the Boat Pose! This takes core muscles and is a wonderful way to build more core strength. Sitting up, with your legs together bring them up as far as you can off the mat and find your partners feet. Put both pairs of your feet together while clasping hands on the outside of your legs. Look at each other in the eyes and hold the position. Don’t forget to smile and make it a happy moment.

Partner Twist

You will get the most out of your side stretches when you use a partner. It’s so much easier to twist further when you have your partners leg to rely on. Begin by sitting back to back. Place your right hand on your left knee and while rotating toward your partner. Take your left hand and place it on your partner’s right knee and twist. Together you will be twisting in a 360-degree circle. Then reverse sides and twist again. I love this twist…especially with a partner!

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Commit to Myself: Expand My Yoga Practice

By: “AJ” Amy Jo Crowell, Publisher Dallas Yoga Magazine & Co-Founder Cosmic Yogi Movement

Today yogis forget that the practice of yoga not only includes the physical well being of the body, but improvement of the mind and soul as well. We all have been in class and we see a pose we can’t do or hold for long and we strive to be able to be more limber with a stronger core. That’s all wonderful but without the entire body in sync together: our body, our mind and our soul then we will be out of balance. Feeling out of balance is like having a splinter in your foot, you may not be able to see it, but you certainly can feel it.

Most of us have that one pose that we really want to be able to do. Then go for it! As the saying goes, “Practice makes perfect.” As our yoga practice grows and changes so does our confidence and ability to expand our practice with new poses, stretches and breath work. For example, my head stand is not straight. I’m in pike position and I want to get my legs and hips up higher. I also do my headstand one leg at a time and would like to go straight up with my pike. I like doing it against the wall because I’m afraid I’m going to fall. Ricky Tran, Yoga Instructor, told me, “Divorce the wall.” That’s a subtle way of telling me to stop being a wimp and go for it.  Debbi Levy, Yoga Instructor, told me to, “Keep practicing… it took me an entire summer of practice to finally be able to do a pose I wanted. You never know how long it will take but it comes easy now.”

I have heard people say to learn or master one new yoga pose per week or per month is a good goal. That’s not my reality. Everyone of us is going to learn in our own time. Some poses will be easier and come quicker and some will take a long time to master, but remember yoga is about your own practice at your own pace…not someone else’s.

I always say, “The longer I’m around the less I know.” I am an avid reader the more I read on yoga, meditation, breathing, chakras etc. the more I learn and the more the world and universe becomes inspiring. Some of my favorite books to read every year is The Autobiography of Yogananda, The Eight Human Talents by Gurmukh, and The Art of Happiness by The Dalai Lama. Dallas Yoga Magazine always features new articles and topics every month. www.DallasYogaMagazine.com

Whatever your yoga passion is find a book and don’t just read it…study it, absorb it, enjoy it, discuss it and practice it.

“Meditation will not carry you to another world, but it will reveal the most profound and awesome dimensions of the world in which you already live. Calmly contemplating these dimensions and bringing them into the service of compassion and kindness is the right way to make rapid gains in meditation as well as in life.” ~Zen Master Hsing Yun

“Quiet the mind, and the soul will speak.” ~Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati

“Meditation is meeting eternity in the present moment. It is resolving every problem as it comes. It is resolving every tension as it creeps in. It is facing the challenges of life in a non-fearful way.” ~Vimala Thakar

Meditation can be frustrating at times. Instead of enjoying the present moment, our minds wonder off and we don’t find our inner peace and connection. Taking meditation classes helped me learn to focus on the NOW. I was taught how to turn my thoughts inward and upward to the universal spiritual connection. Groups with guided meditations are always useful and full of energy and peace. The sense of being in a group of like-minded individuals create an energy that is like no other.

There are many meditation classes offered online with meditation music and offer a great guide. Meditation is a process that becomes easier the more we do it.

Expand your yoga practice by making a commitment to yourself to meditate every day. Start with a few minutes and build up to a longer time frame. Meditation relieves stress and will enhance your physical yoga practice and potential.

There are so many varieties of yoga classes to experience. It’s wonderful to have your favorite class and instructor, but venture out sometimes and try a class that’s completely different. You will find something you like and something you will learn in every yoga class. I am always amazed and grateful when I leave a class and my muscles are a tad sore. Often this means I used muscles I hadn’t been using or stretched them differently than usual and that is exactly what I need to be doing. A variety of yoga classes will make me stronger and well rounded. It’s also a wonderful way to meet new people in the yoga community and experience new studios.

If you are not familiar with the “Yoga Sutra” or “Eight Limbs of Yoga” by Patanjali and you are practicing yoga, then it is essential you take the time and read them. The eight-fold path is a way that offers us a life of purpose. It provides direction for a life with morals, ethics and self-discipline. I’m not going into detail on the topic because this is something that each yogi has to do on their own for their own personal practice. The picture above should give you an overview. Please take the time to research and study the “Eight Limbs of Yoga” and let’s strive to do our best to live our lives accordingly.

If we make a commitment to ourselves to expand our yoga practices, we will all be doing it together and making this world an incredible place to live.

AJ Crowell is the Publisher of Dallas Yoga Magazine and Co-Founder of Cosmic Yogi Movement & Festivals. You can reach her at aj@. and read more articles by her at www... You can find more about Cosmic Yogi events at www.cosmicyogimovement.com

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YOGA & ADDICTION RECOVERY

By: “AJ” Amy Jo Crowell, Publisher Dallas Yoga Magazine & Co-Founder Cosmic Yogi Movement

Best Selling Author, Loved Back to Life

In 1988, I was 25 years old and laying in the hospital for alcoholism, drug addiction and severe depression. I thought there was no hope and wished I would die in my sleep.

The hospital took me to a recovery support group meeting that utilized a 12 Step Program. I saw “Higher Power” was mentioned in the second step and I was terrified. Being raised in a strict religious household I had been taught to fear God. I do not blame the church for my distorted perceptions because it did teach God forgives us … but somehow in my warped dysfunctional mind I never “heard” that concept. As a result, I believed in a “Higher Power” that was vengeful, unloving and punishing. I believed there was no hope for me that I was a bad person and God hated me. As a result, I immediately knew the program would never work for me. The problem was I had no where else to go. I had hit a bottom in my alcoholism and drug addiction. I was emotionally dead and physically damaged forever. Recovery in a 12 Step Program was my last desperate grasp at finding a life worth living.

I probably would have stood on my hands and walked through broken glass if that would have stopped me from craving and obsessing over alcohol and drugs. When it came down to my choices, it was death or the program. So, I decided to try what the program suggested.

By desperately listening, I learned that a person does not have to believe in God to be a part of the 12 Step Program. Anyone seeking recovery who have no understanding of a God can simply find something greater than themselves to believe in. Often, using the recovery group is a simple way for a person struggling with the God concept to find hope.

Most have to admit that a group of people in recovery has more power together than one lone alcoholic floundering through life. This very basic concept of a Higher Power often leads the person in recovery to expanding their vision and belief in a much greater “Higher Power “… whatever that may be.

After many years in recovery, I was introduced to yoga and meditation. In the 12 Step Program, step eleven says, “Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.” Unfortunately, my meditation consisted of racing thoughts and frustration with the inability to clear my head and connect with the Universe. I was aware of my friends finding peace in meditation, but I was not enjoying the same satisfaction. However, I knew if I was going to stay sober and grow spiritually I had to learn a better way to meditate. This is when yoga and meditation became a part of my life.

I immediately loved the practice of yoga but the ability to meditate was a very slow process for me. I listened to guided meditation, visited meditation centers and practiced.  I started to feel a calmness in my mind and body that I had never experienced in my life. My inner spirit started to morph in a positive direction and I could feel the energy moving through me during meditation. I noticed my perception of the world began to change and I started caring less about myself and more about others. Through continued yoga practice and not giving up on meditation, I was able to connect with my Higher Power, the Universe. Now meditating is part of my routine and taking the time to sit and relax allows my mind, spirit and body to be inspired and energized. I have heard it said, “Praying is talking to your Higher Power and meditating is listening.”

I do not believe it matters what a person decides to name their “Higher Power”. It can be God, The Universe, Buddha, Mother Nature, Jesus, Krishna or whatever name you desire. What matters is how the person perceives their “Higher Power” and the belief and faith that their “Higher Power” will guide them, loves and protects them. We are all connected through the Universal Energy.

As I described, yoga and meditation guided me to become closer to my Higher Power. But when I was first in recovery, I listened to my recovery support group and this is where my concept of my “Higher Power” began to change resulting in a loving, kind and forgiving Power. As time progressed, the energy and connection filled my soul. I began to rely on the Universe more and more and the black pit of desperation I had in my gut when I was in my addiction began to fill with love, kindness and hope.

Looking back at the person I was and who I have become is like looking back on someone else’s life. I am not the same person emotionally, physically or spiritually. I believe I am one of the millions of miracles of 12 Step Recovery Groups and with practicing yoga and meditation I have become closer and more connected to my “Higher Power.”

It may have taken near death with alcoholism and drug addiction to find my “Higher Power,” but out of my desperation a glorious new relationship was created with a Universal Power and Energy that has changed my life forever.

AJ Crowell is the Publisher of Dallas Yoga Magazine and Co-Founder of the Cosmic Yogi Movement organizing yoga festivals to unite communities. Her book, Loved Back to Life, was an Amazon Mover and Shaker and Best Seller.  To connect with AJ email her at aj@. and find more on her book on Amazon by clicking here:  https://www.amazon.com/Loved-Back-Life-AJ-Crowell/dp/141965604X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1512485587&sr=8-1&keywords=aj+crowell

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‘Singing Teacher’ Tops the Charts

The newest sound in Dallas’ live music scene isn’t being played in clubs and there isn’t a guitar in sight. The sound is kirtan – an unlikely stew of ancient Hindu music with pop/folk influences.

And at the top of Dallas’ kirtan scene is yoga instructor/vocalist Stefanie Tovar. She has a nationally-released EP, “Shine A Light” recently released on Nov. 3 on I-Tunes, Amazon & Spotify. The release opened at #1 for New Age pre-orders on Amazon in late October.

At the heart of the release is “Shine A Light,” a kirtan approach to the traditional gospel song, “This Little Light is Going to Shine.” A few seconds into the tune it takes a left turn with sitars and temple bells mixing with church organ and Tovar’s soulful voice.

Midway through the song Tovar switches from English to Vedic – an ancient Indian language used in kirtan music, which is being popularized even by mainstream performers like Belinda Carlise, formerly of The Go-Go’s.

Tovar has been using her voice as a “perk” for her legion of yoga students for the past several years throughout the DFW area. Her singing comes as a treat at the end of her class – savasana. While the class is flat on its back Tovar unhooks the bellows on her harmonium, a small pump organ, and delves into a rich repertoire that weaves traditional kirtan with songs like “Over the Rainbow.”

Tovar’s EP was released Nov. 3rd by the Deep Ellum-based Primitive/Modern label. It is distributed by Sony Music’s the Orchard. The six-year old label has over 60 yoga and meditation titles in its catalogue.

The label’s manager, Ben Tavera King, heard Tovar at Uptown Yoga in Lakewood – flat on his back during savasana.

“You would have to be dead not to be moved by Stefani’s voice,” says King. “She has tremendous range and feeling – even in a humid, sweat-drenched room. She’s definitely a singular talent. A lot people are doing kirtan, but Stefanie has a unique take on the style.”

Tovar started blessing her classes with a taste of kirtan several years ago – on a whim. “I didn’t ask the owner of the studio or anything –I thought I might get fired. But I sang at the end of the class and it was magic,” says Tovar. “Fortunately for me it keeps happening.”

Tovar started teaching yoga more than 10 years ago after an intense career in drama including the touring troupe for “Sesame Street Live.”

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