Meditation Series: The "Love Hormone"

This is the first of many, short blogs focusing on easy-to-do meditations.  Often, meditation or mindfulness practice, seems only for the elite or seasoned yoga practitioner, when really anyone can do it.  Hopefully this series will support you in your meditation practice.

The Heart

Often we dwell in and focus on the mind.  The brain’s electromagnetic frequency is smaller than that of the heart.  The heart is contained within a fluid-filled sac called the pericardium, attached to the diaphragm.  The heart travels up and down as we exhale and inhale, riding the movement of the diaphragm.

The “Love Hormone”

Feelings of love, kindness, and connection come from the release of the hormone oxytocin.  This hormone is released during childbirth, breastfeeding and orgasm.  If none of those are accessible to you, then simply meditating on the emotions of love and connection can trigger the release of this hormone.

The Meditation 

Sit in a comfortable position, upright in a chair or cross-legged or kneeling on the floor.

Place the hands, palms on the chest, one on top of the other.  Place the hands anywhere on the chest, wherever makes sense to you.

Close the eyes.  Imagine the movement of the heart moving up and down on the waves of the diaphragm as you exhale and inhale.

Mentally repeat words of kindness, love, and joy as you imagine the heart inhaling and exhaling.  Whatever that means to you, imagine the heart can breathe, inhale and exhale. 

Do this for 1-3 minutes to increase feelings of love, kindness, and compassion.  If a person or a situation comes up as you are doing this mediation, include them in your meditation.

Yoga in the World

Studies show that Oxytocin is also released in response to positive social cues and so, to get more love, give more!  Offer a hug to your friends, offer encouragement to those around you, give a random thank you card, smile at a stranger!  All of these promote feelings of connectedness.

Strengthfinder 2013: Building on Your Strengths

As I prepare to release another album of chants, I’ve reflected on the numerous roles necessary to make this project happen:  I’ve been the fundraiser, visionary, songwriter, art director, writer, marketer, and business manager.  On top of that, I teach yoga which also includes the role of “....mentor, priest, and healer” as Donna Farhi says in her book Teaching Yoga.  Some of these roles come naturally to me.  I feel most comfortable sitting in front of a class or a guitar.  I feel less comfortable in front of a spreadsheet, calculating expenses; or even worse -- Adobe Photoshop! 

As I was trying to do everything WELL, I remembered Strengthfinder 2.0.  Strengthfinder is the project of a psychology student who posited the following: Focus your attention on your strengths rather than your weaknesses; and surround yourself with people whose strengths are your weaknesses.  There is a book attached to this system and a series of online tests that help you identify your strengths if you are not aware of them already.

But what does that mean for a small business owner who has to do it all?  Well, it means easing up on yourself for not being good at some things.  It means embracing that you are strong at some things and weak in other areas, and that’s okay.  For me, I know that I love to teach and sing; but when it comes to social marketing, planning, and scheduling, my brain cringes!  And that’s okay because I recognize my resistance to do things that I’m not so good at and give myself more time to do them (because it really does take longer). 

Sometimes it’s hard to admit in our culture, in which certain attributes are coveted over others, that we are weak in some areas and stronger in others.  But the idea that we have strengths and weaknesses reveals that we each have our own unique experience of life and things that we are just good at.  That fact encourages us to build on the stuff we do well, instead of focusing on the deficiencies.  For a long time I thought that if a task wasn’t challenging, then it wouldn’t produce any worthwhile fruit.  But quite the opposite, if something is second nature to you, build on it, express it, and show the world your inherent strength!


Click here to explore the Strengthfinder website!

Living Sa-Ta-Na-Ma

“Sa Ta Na Ma” is a mantra that describes the cycle of the soul: The expansive spirit or Infinity, the experience of life, death or transformation, and rebirth. I like to imagine the energy of Sa-Ta-Na-Ma occurring in smaller cycles throughout life. We imagine, then we move forward and experience what we imagined, then that experience dies and we are born into another experience.
In 2002, I began practicing Kundalini Yoga and imagined life as a teacher. And here it is, nearly 2013, and I’ve experienced teaching small and large groups alike. The joy I feel as a teacher is incomparable to any other.
Now is the time to allow this cycle to end and see another emerge. I am releasing the Tuesday/Thursday classes at Yoga Yoga and teaching one class a week. I intend to focus more on music and deepening my experience of the teachings. I do not know what lies ahead, but I do know that time and space are needed to reflect and project to create a sustainable future.
I will be in touch with all the new projects as they manifest. I am grateful for all of your love and support!

Singer Songwriter Contest

In classes, I like to put the teachings of yoga in my own words in order to explain them with authenticity. Likewise, I write songs in english to further express and communicate from a place of authenticity. To share these songs, I have entered a singer-songwriter contest to win recording time with producer John Shanks for five of my english songs!
To ‘vote’ for me, go onto youtube and ‘like’ my videos. You can show your support by ‘liking’ or following my music at the following social media outlets listed under the name Robin Dharampal: 

Facebook
Twitter
Soundcloud
Vimeo
YouTube

The contest is decided by how many new social media supporters I generate by December 23rd. There is no cost to you, just a few moments of time!  Here is my video submission for the contest.  This will be one of the two english songs on the album that you funded!  Thank you!
View the video here:  http://youtu.be/ArCQFyjSlO4

 

Summer Tour 2013

The new album is coming out in May and I am beginning to put together a tour schedule for Summer 2013. I would like start small and begin playing house concerts and small music festivals.
If you have a home large enough to fit 10-15 lovely souls within, then send me an email at dharampalmusic@gmail.com and we may be able to plan a house concert! I am also open to playing in a small neighborhood community center or church. I'm looking forward to sharing music in your city!

 

Maya Tulum June 1-8, 2013

This summer I will be hosting a yoga vacation along with Siri Bahadur, Libby Cox, Vedya Boikess, Joe Hauger, and Laura Forsyth!
The yoga styles offered will be hatha, vinyasa, deep relaxation, kundalini, and also kirtan!
This trip is all-inclusive, including 3 meals a day and lodging! Prices start at $1495, but if you register before Dec. 15th you will receive your cabana for only $1395. Contact Laura Forsyth for questions and to book your trip at yogalaura@gmail.com. More details available at oneyogacollective.com

 

Kirtan in Austin, TX

Friday, December 21st, 7-9pm
Sunday, December 23rd, 10:30am
The Center for Spiritual Living, 4402 Merle Dr. Austin, TX 78745
Thank you all for being a part of this creative journey!  I will be in touch with photos from the studio and snippets of our musical play!
LOVE,
~Robin Dharampal

Wave of Prosperity

Prosperity

Prosperity is, according to Raymond Charles Barker, “The ability to do what you want to do at the instant you want to do it”. Michelle and I played at the Center for Spiritual Living today and the topic of the weekly talk focused on prosperity. I found it to be serendipitous that I attended this particular talk the week I launched my Kickstarter campaign. Hmmm......

Flashback to two nights ago when my friend said, “If I was running a kickstarter campaign, I would check my page like every five minutes.” “Yah!” I replied.
The first week I checked my page waaaay too often, averaging numbers and scenarios in my head, planning my next update, announcement, email, and facebook post. And in the midst of all that, I remember that there’s music.

Playing in the church today, in a room with twenty people, looking into everyone’s eyes, and sharing my voice, is why I am doing all this side work. My real interest is in the music and the kickstarter project is the actualization of true prosperity: being able to do what I want (record a new album) at the instant I want to do it.

Bigger Dreams

And thus, in the spirit of prosperity and abundance, I added an extra reward for an exclusive house concert at the 2,000 dollar level. I had thought to include that initially as a reward, but removed it not thinking of it as realistic. But, I am opening to the possibility that a reward like that might appeal to someone!

I also added music samples to the Kickstarter page. The first track, ‘Sat Siri’, is from my first album, ‘Blissful Sadhana’. The second track is ‘Humee Hum Brahm Hum’ from my second release, ‘Power in Peace’. I did this to provide samples for those not familiar with my music. Funny how EVERYTHING else was poured over meticulously before this release EXCEPT music samples! This has been remedied :)

 

Let the Momentum Flow!

We have raised 3,375 dollars, 33% to our goal with 22 days left! That may seem like a long time, but kickstarter days are short and before we know it, we’ll have 3 days left! We’re doing great, let’s keep it going!

I’ve been thinking of ways to more creatively share this project with my friends and friends of friends. If you have a blog, I would love to be in an interview like this one that Melissa Joulwan posted on her blog, theclothesmakethegirl.com. I also have a string of shows coming up in the month of October where I mention the project:

October 13th -10:30am @ San Marcos Farmers Market
October 27th - 3:00pm @ Austin Yoga Festival

ANY suggestions about how to spread the word is much appreciated! Thank you all for your support, shares, hugs, love, encouragement, and enthusiasm! I am overwhelmed by your response! Onward and upward!


LOVE,
~Robin Dharampal

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/robinbruce/robin-dharampals-new-record-2012

Yoga Song: Yoga & Music for Wellness

What do yoga and singing have in common?

Well, nothing intellectually speaking, but they are related when you take a closer look.  Yoga is a physical practice that enhances well being.  When practiced regularly, yoga offers overall balance, clarity, and awareness.  Likewise, singing is a physical practice that enhances well being and when the vocal instrument goes unused, it becomes blocked.  In yoga, physical postures are used to enhance the flow of energy through our body; and often this is done in conjunction with sound to stimulate the vocal energy center -- ever chanted an Om before?  In my experience, yoga asana (physical postures), pranayama (breath practice) and meditation all work together to increase the flow of energy throughout the body including the vocal center.  This open flow translates to the ability to sing and speak with ease.

How does yoga affect the voice?

Yoga works in a multifaceted manner.  Firstly, through the practice of asana, energy and tension is released through the neck and shoulders to provide space and openness for the vocal chords.  Secondly, pranayama helps with breath control, so that the voice is supported by the exhale, leading to less tension and strain in the neck and vocal chords.  Finally, a regular mantra practice familiarizes the practitioner with the sound of her voice, increasing speaking and listening skills.  Often the sound of the voice is associated with communicating with the world at large, but when chanting mantra, the practitioner is both speaking and listening to themselves.

What is Kirtan?

Kirtan is a public group practice where mantras are chanted and accompanied by musical instruments.  Kirtan is also an effective practice and a great way to become familiar with different mantras in a social setting.

What is the benefit of yoga and mantra?

Singing and chanting gives one the experience of the spirit.  With this comes satisfaction that comes from within.  The tendency is to look outside of oneself for fulfillment.  One of the cornerstones of wellness is to feel good about oneself from within, not due to outside sources of validation or gratification.  So, the main benefit of yoga and mantra is wellness.  The ability to go within, knowing just what to do for yourself, and opening to spirit is empowering and one of the first steps to physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness.  

To experience this combination of Yoga & Mantra, join me on November 17th, at Yoga Yoga South from 2-4:30 for a special workshop.  Looking forward to seeing you there!

Failure is not a Bad Word

“The courageous person goes into the unknown in spite of all fears.” -Osho

“If you’re not failing, you’re not trying hard enough.  Redefine what you think failure means.” -Jillian Michaels

“5, 4, 3........get up, Robin” said the personal trainer

“I can’t” I said in the midst of exercise fatigue

“Don’t say that, you just pushed your body to failure.  You can do it.  Failure is not a bad thing.  Take a break and we’ll start again.  5, 4....come on 5, 4......”

Who the hell does he think he is, calling me a failure.  “I don’t like that word”, I said.  

“It’s not a bad word.  It just means you’ve pushed yourself to the limit and your body failed, it gave up, which is what we are trying to do.  The next time, you will be stronger because of it.” he replied.

That gave me something to think about.  Being a thinker, analyzer and yogi, I look at what triggers me.  It could be a word, an attitude, or situation.  Then I break it down to see why it bothers me so much.Well, that day, I was convinced that the trainer was wrong, out of line, and ideologically base.  How could it be as simple as embracing failure?  

Later on that day I was watching The Biggest Loser reality show.  Yeah, I like it. Don’t judge me.  My favorite part is when the female trainer, Jillian, pushes her clients physically and then digs around for the emotional source of their weight gain.  Think exercise psychotherapy.  She pokes, provokes, confronts their issues and then elevates them so they can separate from the issue.  In this particular episode she ran her client on the treadmill so long, the client was pushed to tears and Jillian asked her, “what are you so afraid of?”.  And the client replied, “I’m afraid of failing.”  To which Jillian replied, “We all have failed at some point.  It’s okay to fail as long as you’re trying.  If you’re not failing, you’re not trying hard enough.  Redefine what you think failure means.”

Whoa...failure twice in one day?  I knew it was more than a coincidence.  So I delved deeper into it.  What does failure mean to me?  It means public embarrassment, making mistakes, stumbling around in the dark, and well, you know, FAILING!  Nobody wants to fail.  But the aforementioned personal meanings of failure are all centered in fear and simply protect my precious ego.  The result is a risk-less life filled with ‘what-ifs’ and ‘I should ofs’. 

So, the next time I am fumbling around in the dark, teaching a class differently, or simply doing stomach crunches, I will embrace failure; and know, that it is a necessary part of pushing past blocks to create room for a new way of being to flow.  

Looking in the Mirror: A Year of Teacher Training

I'm back!  It's been a while since I've authored a blog post....about 9 months.  We all have finite amounts of time and much of mine was occupied as a pre-applicant in Yoga Yoga's 200-hour Kundalini Teacher Training Program.

The last time I was in teacher training, I was the student.  I watched my teachers intensely, trying to identify what made them so...well, cool.  And now, with the tables turned I am sitting on the other side of the room, among my teachers.  I saw the reflection of who I was when a student in teacher training - intense, inquisitive, and at times, overwhelmed.  


As an intern this year I felt, well, intense, inquisitive and at times overwhelmed!  Each weekend I learned a lesson and watched my teachers share the same information I received when training to be a teacher.  Yet now, there is an added depth.  It's funny how the same message can affect you differently depending on where you are in life.

The students themselves showed me where I was four years ago, and themes that I can work on now.  

So, in many ways they acted as a mirror, showed me my true colors. And in that way, they were my teachers.  At the end of it all I learned two very important things:

1.  The "cool factor" that my teachers posses comes from their personal practice.  So, it is attainable through practice.

2.  No matter what side of the classroom you are on -- we are all teachers and students, learning and supporting each other. 

Kundalini Teacher Training Class 2011-2012