Gordon Ramsay Goes to an Ashram

Paper Dosa, Savoy South Indian Kitchen, Edmonton

Have you seen this? 

It's from 2013 but I only encountered it a short while ago. 

If you can tune out the swearing it's hilarious and educational, and refreshing to see Gordon Ramsay a tiny bit calmer and perhaps even slightly humbled...

Gordon's Great Escape India - Part 1

Gordon Ramsay's Great Escape India - Part 2

Gordon Ramsay's Great Escape India - Part 3

The "Proper Guru" Gordon meets in Part Three is Sadhguru, founder of Isha whom I featured in the previous post.

If you don't have time for the whole series, here are some choice highlights:

Highlights: Gordon Ramsay Meets Sadhguru

Anybody feel like going for dosas?

The Birth of the Pandavas and the Kauravas

TV Serial Mahabharat, Image Source

I love stories.  Especially Yoga stories.  Especially when they're told by really good storytellers.

Here are a couple of videos if you like Yoga stories too.  They come from the Mahabharat, or the Story of India which is the setting for the jewel-like 18th chapter, the Bhagavad Gita, or Song of God.

Many people bristle at the setting of the Bhagavad Gita, a tense battleground where God Himself (Krishna) urges a young Prince (Arjuna) to fight against family, friends, and teachers.  I did too until I actually read the Mahabharat.

Learning more about the two sets of warring cousins, the Pandavas, and the Kauravas, their exploits and their ancestors helped me relate to the "inevitability" and "righteousness" of the war.  It illuminated the need for action, even when there was no positive outcome in sight.

Sadhguru, founder of Isha is a gifted storyteller.  In these two videos, he really brings the background of the Bhagavad Gita to life. 

I hope they will help you in your study of Yoga, the Bhagavad Gita, and your Self. 

Sadhguru Reveals the Mystery Behind the Birth of the Pandavas

Sadhguru Reveals the Mystery Behind the Birth of the Kauravas

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.

Give Me Love, George Harrison

George Harrison, Give Me Love is my mantra today.  Hope it lifts your spirits too. 

Seven Practices for Peacemakers

Image Source: Wikipedia

Are you on the lookout for practical ways to embody peace?

Psychological peace, or peace of mind, is widely considered to be a necessary precursor to peace in the world.

That was one of the main reasons Swami Vishnudevananda began the Sivananda Yoga Teacher Training Program.

Even if you're not currently taking a Yoga Teacher Training course, here is a link to seven practices, one for each day of the week, to encourage and support you starting now:

Seven Practices for Peace

Lest We Forget

Image Source: Canadian War Museum

It's time once again, to salute all the men and women worldwide, who have given, and are giving their hearts, minds, and bodies for peace.

May peace be their respite, may peace be their legacy, may peace be our purpose, for all beings in all worlds, always.

Om Shanti

Here's a true story of Canadian Indigenous Veterans you may not have heard before:

The Cree Code Talkers