Tread Earth Lightly

Music & Yoga, Together

To get more info and to purchase tickets click photo above.

What is your Practice?

When it comes to discussing Yoga with others it can sometimes be a heated, difficult conversation. For most, Yoga is an exercise. A series of movements that help to tone the body and relax the mind, which is 100% true. However, it's not just that; it's a practice. A mental, physical, emotional, and for many, a spiritual practice. And when I say spiritual I do not mean religious or Hindu. Though, Yoga is rooted in Hinduism, it can be adapted to any religious/spiritual practice.

No, Yoga is more than touching toes and saying "OM." Yet, this post is not about what Yoga is, or is not, it's about what your Yoga is. What your "practice" is. Something you do almost everyday, or on a pretty steady basis. Something that you go deeply into and give your all. It can be anything, from sports to art.

What is it that you practice? 

Think hard about this one because you may have more than one, and they may not always be the best for you. For instance, you could practice art, which can be a very spiritual and self reflective process, just like Yoga. Or you could put lots of energy into partying. Always thinking about what bar to go to, or how wasted you got last weekend. For some this is just a phase, but for others it becomes an addictive practice.

Take a moment now and think about your everyday practices, your life patterns. Maybe even write them down and see which ones you would be better off without. And find ones that you need to do more. Just by doing this process of finding these patterns is part of Yoga, so now you can add Yoga to your list.

Click on images for photographer info.

Yogaglo Review

These days being a parent and a Yoga teacher I give more than take, both in general and with Yoga classes. Most instructors, especially in the beginning, find that they spend a majority of their time teaching. Most parents find that they spend all of their time being parents. Put being a parent and instructor together, getting to a Yoga class rarely happens.

But never fear, the internet is hear! Though, a curse to some and a boon to others, the internet has created a an opportunity for busy people who want to take a Yoga class. Not a Yoga DVD, but an actual class. It's called Yogaglo. They offer a wide variety of classes and styles.  Levels from beginner to advanced; different length video lessons from  5 minutes to two hours. Yogaglo also offers meditation, Yoga for work, and pre natal Yoga, so now there is no reason why you can't get to a class.

The best thing is it's cheap. It's only $18 per month for unlimited classes, which get updated regularly. You can now get to class without worrying about speeding through traffic, or getting someone to watch the kids.

I recently took a couple of classes and fell in love. My two year old actually liked it too. He started following the video along with me one afternoon. Also, my husband and I can even take a class after the kids have gone to bed and don't have to worry if we can make it to class on time, or find a sitter. Though, I still think that a real live class in a studio, or with a private instructor, is key to any Yoga practice, Yogaglo is definitely a great way to add to your practice when you can't get to a class.

For more info and to sign up visit Yogaglo.com

Namaste!

An Awesome Review!!

One of our Yoga students wrote us an awesome review. Check it out!

"I enjoy working out a lot, and have always toyed with the idea of taking yoga. After a few unsuccessful classes in my local gym, I was too self conscious to continue any further. I felt that I needed an instructor that gave more personalized attention to the class. I was having trouble with the poses and the breathing, so I stopped going. Commuting 3 hours a day to my job was really beginning  to take its toll on my mind and body. (3 hours on a bus will do that to anyone!) My fiance suggested trying yoga again. This time I hit the internet looking for something more personalized. This is how I found Megan. I signed up for the beginner package of 8 hour and a half lessons and I instantly loved it. I have now signed on for an additional 8 lessons. Megan is friendly, professional and really works you out. She is extremely knowledgeable about many different facets of yoga and the way it betters the condition of your body and your quality of life. I would strongly recommend the lessons to anyone at any level, because Megan works with you and your skill level. She allows you to pick when and where you will meet, and is always on time with a smile! After a few lessons with Megan, it is like having a great work out with a good friend."

- Regina D.
                                                                                           

Thanks so much Regina!!

For more info on our Yoga services visit: http://www.treadearthlightly.com.

You Are Never Too Old for Yoga!!

This is just down right amazing!! Wow!! She is my new hero!!

Her name is Bette Calman (notice the word "calm" already in her name) is an 83 year old grandmother who has been teaching Yoga for over 40 years now. And she still teaches 11 classes per week! Amazing!

Click on this pic to read the full article & more pics.

John Kabat-Zinn on Mindfulness

Favorite Asana of the Week

"In my picture I am doing a headstand.  It is my favorite pose because it makes me feel strong and grounded. Not to mention it's a lot of fun and one of the first trickier poses I was able to accomplish!"

 

Kristine is our first Yogi, or Yogini, to send us her favorite Yoga Asana/Pose. You can visit her blog at The Adventures of Kristine. She writes about her life in a way that takes the ordinary and makes it extraordinary. Her posts are full of wit and humor. Be sure to check it out.

We want to know what your favorite pose is too. Email a picture of you in your favorite pose, the name of your pose, and why it's your fave. Plus, any info about you if you are a Yoga teacher.  We will post your faves weekly.
Email it to us at info@treadearthlightly.com.

Your Favorite Yoga Pose

What's your favorite Yoga pose?

Share it with us and we will post it in a weekly post highlighting everyone who has contacted us for that week.

Just email us a picture of you doing your favorite pose, the name of the pose, and why it's your fave. You may include your name, but do not have to. Also, if you are a Yoga teacher, here is a chance to get your info out there. Tell us where you teach and any contact/website information. We will post it along with your picture and info.

We look forward to seeing all of you awesome Yogis and Yoginis!

Send your photos and info to: info@treadearthlightly.com

Namaste!

Photo by: Nickolette22

Guruji's 59th Jayanthi!!

Rev. Jaganath Carrera wearing the maha garland we made him. It was one of the many things he had to wear during the ceremony as you can see.

Saturday January 24th we celebrated Rev. Jaganath Carrera's (Guruji) 59th jayanthi (birthday). It was a beautiful and auspicious event. During this celebration a puja was performed, guests gave gifts, and food was shared. However, because it had been a long day for the kids, we had to leave early and did not get to partake in the food.

For many the word puja is confusing, as well as the actions of a puja itself, so let me explain. A puja is performed in order to honor, praise, give thanks to God, Gods, or guru. (A guru is a person who is regarded as having great knowledge and wisdom, which he/she uses to help others on their spiritual paths. It literally translates GU: darkness and RU: light - one who helps another out of darkness and into the light.)

 It is an event in which you treat the deity or guru as your most esteemed guest. During a puja prayers are recited, chants or songs are performed, and offerings of flowers, incense, food, and candle light are made. To many this may sound strange, but it is just a way to show respect and humility towards God and remove the ego. It also a way to show love to the God or guru. The ceremony itself reminds me allot of going to Catholic Mass and listening to the priest say the prayers and bless the holy Eucharist. Though, a puja is a bit more lively than Sunday Mass. Below are some more pictures of Guruji's Jayanthi celebration. Click on images for larger versions. Enjoy!!


Chanting before Guruji's arrival.


Guruji has just arrived and the puja is about to begin.


Bathing of feet.


Bathing feet with honey.




The garland was beautiful, but very big. I had to hold it like I was holding a snake.


Placing the maha garland around Guruji's neck.




Aarti




Jai and Daddy (Gopal) going up to Guruji.


Bharatan and Mommy (Sumati) going up to see Guruji.






Keeping Jai occupied.




Still keeping Jai busy.


End of ceremony. Some share songs, skits, and poems as gifts.
All were beautiful.

The celebration took place at Naturally Yoga in Glen Rock NJ.
For more info on Rev. Jaganath Carrera click here.

Happy 59th Jayanthi to our beloved Guruji!!

Making the Maha (flower) Garland

My husband and I had the task of making the maha (flower) garland for Guruji's Jayanthi celebration. (Jayanthi is the birthday celebration for your guru) Our beloved Guruji, aka Rev. Jaganath Carrera, is turning 59. Yay!! Now really I did not make this garland. My hubby did all of the work. I just took the pictures. Honestly, he's the florist, not me, so he was better off doing the whole thing anyway. And I must say he did an excellant job!! So here are the pics of him making the maha garland. How the garland was used in the celebration will be in a future post. Enjoy!!

Yellow and white carnations. We used about 100 of them.

Threading some of the first flowers.

I love this pic.


Gettin' there.


They look like dancers.


More threading. Yes, those are what his hands look like on a normal basis. See being a florist isn't so pretty. You get landscaper hands.


Getting longer.


It's getting late and the silliness has started.

 
Almost finished. I stood on a chair to get this shot.


All done!! What a beauty!!