#initforallthelove

This Valentine’s, I’m in it for ALL the love!

Starting February first, I’m celebrating with a 14 day creative meditation, origami photo project. You yogis and yoginis will quickly recognize  that it’s inspired by the classic Buddhist Loving Kindness Meditation.

It is an opportunity for me to share my passion for paperfolding, a timeless art of transformation and mindfulness.  It’s also a chance to reflect on and offer appreciation for all the forms of love in my life.

I hope it will inspire you too, to reflect on the presence of love in your life and express and celebrate it your way.

Hop over to oneloveorigami.blogspot.ca or to my Facebook page, tarawoltjen, to see the whole series.

Please also feel free to share your reflections.  Together we can make this a practice in “Unity in Diversity” and a loving tribute to the most nourishing relationships in our lives.

PAC 156, Yoga and the Chakras

I'm honored to be a guest in your Yoga class today to introduce an asana practice which focuses on the pranamayakosha.

It is adapted from the "Yoga of Lady Niguma" which was taught to me directly by Geshe Michael Roach.  Through postures and meditation, we will concentrate on the movement of prana through the nadis and chakras.

According to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, there are 72 000 channels in the body through which life energy flows.  They intersect at hubs referred to as chakras, meaning "wheels".  These chakras are knots which prevent the rising of Kundalini.

Tibetan Buddhist practitioners of Yoga have their own unique interpretation of this system of subtle channels which you can read about here, here and here.

Geshe Michael describes the history of this series and the life of Lady Niguma here.

And teaches the first series in full here.

I hope you learn something today which is of help to you in your studies and in your daily life.

I look forward to seeing you next month for an Introduction to the Language and Literature of Yoga.

Saturday, December 8: Yoga and Origami

Origami Lotus Candle Holder

I'm excited to be co-teaching at Yoga Within with Kundalini Yogini, Satwinder Sran of Yoga of Self Mastery just in time for Christmas!  It's the first time we've presented Yoga and Origami together and I'm confident that you will enjoy the experience.

We will be folding an easy Cup/treat pocket, the Lotus Candle Holder above and a pretty Jewel Box/ornament.  Hail to the Jewel in the Lotus!  Om Mani Padme Hum!

Please contact Yoga Within to register.

Yoga & Origami with Satwinder Sran & Tara Woltjen

Saturday, December 8 2:00pm - 3:30pm

$20/Adult $10/Child *Children must be accompanied by an adult

Yoga and Origami are peaceful, meditative arts of alignment and transformation.  Both enhance functional fitness at any age and encourage creativity and joy in the process.  In the folding of our bodies or a simple piece of paper, limitless possibilities unfold.

• Relax with soothing live music and sound
• Practice Kundalini Yoga for "Folding and Unfolding the Energy"
• Learn mudras that bring the heart into the hands
• Create your own origami treasures for holiday decorating and gift giving

 You do not need previous experience in Yoga or Origami to attend this family-friendly workshop.  All are welcome.  Supplies are included.  Additional paper and giftable items available for purchase.

Mantra Sangha with Sparrow

*Please note the change of venues below!

If you had a chance to attend a screening of the movie Mantra - Sounds into Silence recently, you may be as excited as I am to participate in a sangha or community of healing sound lovers.

Luckily, if you live in the Edmonton area, here is your opportunity!

Along with local music therapist, yogini and songwriter Sparrow (Tiffany Brulotte), I'm thrilled to be participating in a new project we call Mantra Sangha.

Weaving various forms of Japa, Kirtan, Meditation and Chanting into a tapestry of sound, silence, and spirit, Sparrow and I welcome you to experience for yourself the healing benefits of Mantra.

Currently, the dates are as follows:  October 19, November 2, November 30 and December 14, all at Shanti Yoga (10459 145 St) starting at 7 pm

Please note* We are adding and updating events so to confirm accurate dates, times and venues, you can check back here at Kali's Kitchen or visit Sparrow's Facebook page.

If you would like to book an event in your space, please contact either of us.  We will be happy to discuss it with you.

In the spirit of inclusivity and cultivating generosity, the fee for the events is based on Daana or "pay what you can".  We hope this will inspire you to come and bring your friends to share in the resonance of unity and harmony.

You do not need to be a singer or experienced meditator to join in.

"Come, come, whoever you are... Come, yet again, come." - Rumi

Turn up the Volume of Love

Image Source:  NDTV

Its been 50 years since The Beatles made their world famous trip to an ashram in Rishikesh, India.

Here are two short-but-sweet videos from UPLIFT TV highlighting the power of Love and the influence The Beatles had on Yoga in the west.

All You Need is Love

The Beatles and Mantra with Miten

Stories of King Janaka: Saving Attention

Narada bows to Vishnu, Image Source

According to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the goal and practice of Yoga both have to do with Chitta Vritti Nirodh, or stopping the waves of the mind.

This is accomplished through an eight-fold set of practices known as Ashtanga Yoga.

In Patanjali's Ashtanga Yoga, withdrawal of the senses (pratyahara) facilitates concentration (dharana) which leads to meditation (dhyana) which in turn leads to oneness (samadhi).

Narada Muni is a joyful, mischievous storyteller who wanders the worlds sharing news and wisdom.

Here is a story of King Janaka's visit from Narada Muni:

“You know King Janaka was called ‘Vidheha’ (means also ‘dead’ or ‘liberated from the body’). 

Great sage Narada asked him one day, 
‘ Revered Sir, how are you called as Vidheha, you live in this world, how can you be a Vidheha?’ 

Raja Janaka said,’this is very simple. I will tell you about it in the evening. 

Now, please do this little job for me. There is milk in this bowl. You take this bowl & come along with me. Please see that not a single drop of milk is spilled on the Earth. 

Then only I will tell you why I am called Vidheha’. 

Narada took the bowl & followed Janaka everywhere. He had to be very careful because the bowl was such that by the slightest movement the milk might have spilled. He got very tired. 

When they returned in the evening, Narada asked ‘Please tell me now, 

I am quite fed up with carrying this bowl & following you everywhere at the same time.`

Raja Janaka said, `First of all tell me what you have seen?’

Narada, `Nothing except this bowl of milk so that it won’t spill.`

Raja Janaka, “Didn’t you see, there was a big procession in my honour, then there was a court wherein, there was programme of dancing? Didn’t you see anything?

Narada said, “No sir, I have not seen anything”.

Raja Janaka, `My child, likewise with Me, I also see nothing. 
All the time, I just watch my attention. Where is it going? 
Making sure that it won’t spill away like the milk.`

“This sort of attention one has to develop: chitta nirod’.  
Nirod means the saving of your attention, so your attention should not be on saving money & worldly things and all that, but attention itself must be saved. 
As you watch your money, as you watch your road when you drive, as you watch your child, when it is growing, as you watch the beauty of your wife, or the care of your husband, 
all put together you watch your Self – your attention.” 
(Shri Mataji)

Last Minute Holiday Gift Ideas

Ganesha trying to get some rest!

Depression is at the top of the WHO's list of stuff most likely to negatively affect your health.   And let's face it, this is a tough time of year for many people financially, and emotionally.

If you're still shopping for Christmas gifts, you might like to check out this article.  It could be the inspiration for a caring gift for someone on your list, or a practice for yourself.

Last Minute Gifts for People Who Need to De-Stress

International Day of Peace, September 21, 2016

Image Source: Wikipedia

Did you know that this Wednesday, September 21st is World Peace Day?

How will you participate?

Click here for events around the world including an Inner Peace Guided Meditation, access to the new film UPLIFT, and a Global Synchronised Meditation!

In Edmonton, please join me at Providence Renewal Centre from 7-8pm for their annual Labyrinth Walk for Peace.

Tibetan Bazaar September 24/25 2016

Mantra Music and Meditation, Friday September 18, 2015

Friday, September 18 from 7-8:30pm please join me to launch a monthly satsang at Yoga Within!

Let's share yoga songs and silence promoting peace, unity and serenity.

Next date: October 23, 2015

Twelve Minutes a Day Keeps the Stress at Bay

According to new studies, just twelve minutes is the answer to the question:

How much meditation do we need daily to combat stress? 

Isn't that awesome?!?

The Benefits of Group Meditation

Windsor Castle

"Group meditation is a castle that protects the new spiritual aspirants as well as the veteran meditators.  

Meditating together increases the degree of Self-Realization of each member of the group by the law of invisible vibratory exchange of group magnetism."  

- Paramahansa Yogananda

Click here for more quotes from Yogananda on the Benefits of Group Meditation.

Introduction to Meditation at Yoga Within

This Sunday, May 31, 2015

10:00 - 11:30 am

Please join me for an Introduction to Meditation at Yoga Within.

- Find the style of meditation that works best for you.

- Transform what captivates you into your personal practice.

- Open to anyone who wants to reduce stress, focus intention and quiet mental chatter.

Feel free to bring your meditation cushion, a blanket or bolster.

Meditation in 12 Steps with Sivananda Yoga

Image Source

10 Science-Based Reasons to Start Meditating Today

Image Source

Prayers for Nepal and Tibet

I continue to offer my loving prayers to all of the monks, nuns, residents, visitors and pilgrims in Nepal and Tibet, and their loved ones abroad shaken and un-grounded by the massive earthquake in April.

May they have faith, courage, and comfort in their suffering.

May all those who have left their bodies navigate bravely through the bardo and attain noble rebirths.

There seems to be a lot of confusion about how best to help financially, but you can certainly send positive prayers and energy right now with the meditation known as "Taking and Giving" or Tonglen.

If you're not familiar with the Tonglen meditation, please join Pema Chodron in this short video filmed in 2009 at the Omega Institute in New York.

Relieving Anxiety with Yoga

Cat Pose (upward facing)

People of all ages can suffer from anxiety.  Even very young children and people who seem to "have-it-all".

If you're feeling like you could use a breather today, take it!

Find a quiet spot and practice your favorite breathing exercise, meditation, or yoga asanas.  Listen to your favorite music or spend time with a good friend.  Pick up your paintbrush, or your guitar or your walking shoes and take some time for you!

Cat Pose (downward facing)

Not sure where to begin?

Check out these tips, postures and meditations for managing anxiety from Yoga Journal.

Or these 9 tips from the Art of Living Foundation.

Or these 10 poses from care2.

Relax.  And let yourself enjoy it.  You deserve it.

I Missed Stress Awareness Day?!?

Stormy Seas and the Waves of the Mind...

OMG!  Yesterday was National Stress Awareness Day in the States, and I am currently FREAKING out because I missed it and I feel like it was my responsibility as a dedicated yoga teacher and blogger to inform and assist you in dealing with your stress and I missed it and I feel like a failure and I don't know what I could possibly do to help you anyway and my stomach is twisting and my jaw is clenching and my fingers are typing out of control and...

Ok, I'm exaggerating... a bit... but you know the feeling, right?

Studies show that millions and millions of North American adults describe themselves as "stressed", in fact, more than 40 million in the United States alone!

We've all gotten so used to "being stressed out", I'm afraid its become the new "normal".

Ironically, it seems like if you don't answer, "Busy, tired, stressed..." when someone asks you how you are, they think there's something wrong.

But you yogis and yoginis know how detrimental both acute and chronic stress are to our lives and well-being, and how important it is to relax.

So, no procrastinating!  (Cuz that's bad for your health too!  See:  Why You Shouldn't Procrastinate Reading This Post)

Instead of worrying about whether or not this post is "on-time" or "perfect", I'm just going to pass on a few links (like this one: Latin Times: 10 Best Ways to Fight Stress), post it as-is and head over to the Free People Blog to make some of this Essential Oil Blend to Relieve Stress and Anxiety!

Update*

I didn't have the Ylang Ylang Essential Oil called for in the recipe above, so in the yogic spirit of "Adapt, Adjust, Accomodate" (thanks Swami Sivananda) I substituted Thai Jasmine.

Jasmine calms the mind and the nervous system, balances the emotions and hormones.  It is said to be uplifting, intoxicating, soothing, revitalizing and even aphrodisiac!

The resulting blend is meditative, exotic and a slightly heady but I bet it would be great in a relaxing before-bed bath or massage.

What do you think?  Do you use essential oils?  What are your favorite ways to de-stress?

Feel free to share your most effective strategies in the comments below.

Wanna Go See a Movie?

Weather-wise, during March in Alberta anything can happen!

One day you are basking in the sunshine, snow melting merrily off the roof, and the next you're shivering, wondering how much longer 'til spring?!?  Sigh...

If you need something to do on one of those days, or if you're just excited to be able to get out of the house again, consider checking out one of these movies:

The Canadian premier of Gurukulam is playing at the Metro, March 29, 2015.  To celebrate, the event will also feature live music before the movie, and snacks and dialogue with the filmmakers and Andrew Gow, the director of the University of Alberta's Religious Studies Program afterwards.

The Metro also plays a ton of retro, foreign and independent films.  Check them out!

Christian Marclay's "The Clock" is playing at the Art Gallery of Alberta until April 12, 2015.  

I saw several hours of "The Clock" when it played in Toronto, and let me tell you, it is not your typical movie experience!  The exhibit features couch seating for your viewing comfort, but no snacks are permitted. (It is a gallery after all, and this, my friends, is art!)  

I know it seems weird to watch hours and hours of movie clips of clocks, but trust me, this is anything but boring!  Actually, I found it to be a riveting meditation on time, and a fun pop-culture puzzle.  I can't wait to see it again!  Super hard-core viewers, you can catch the last 24-hour screening on April 11.

And in case you didn't know, Cinema City Movies 12 plays Bollywood movies on a regular basis!

Is There Anybody Out There?

Wow!  I can't believe its already March!  So where have I been since December?

Oh, mostly snowed in as per usual, but its been productive!

I've been making lots of all-natural, earth-friendly beauty products and cleansers, jams, jellies and bowls full of stove-top popcorn.

I've been studying the works of great Yoga Masters like Paramahansa Yogananda, Sri Ramakrishna and the classic Upanishads. (More on all that coming soon!)

And I've been busy teaching yoga to some wonderful private clients and the awesome kids and staff of the Children's Psychiatric Units at the Glenrose and Royal Alexandra Hospitals.

Its been a great winter and now that the sun is shining and things are brightening up, I'm excited to share it all with you!  So stay tuned for recipes, events, tips, classes, workshops and more!

Namaste and Happy 2015!