Yoga Phoenix

Coloring your life with Bliss with Sevak Singh

2011-03-27T12:01:00.004-07:00

Relax and be painted in the colors of your soul… Keeping your energy flowing in the direction of blessings… A Kundalini Yoga and Meditation Special Event for uplifting and transforming your life through applied imagination.
Tuesday, March 29
7:00-8:30 pm
$15

Reserve your spot early! These events fill up!

Register online

Sat Kartar in Concert

2011-03-14T11:55:00.005-07:00

In less than 2 weeks, Sat Kartar Kaur returns to Phoenix for a kirtan concert to kick off her Southern US tour. There is just nothing like experiencing kirtan live and in person. It is beautiful, blissful, high!

Experience the vibration and share from your spirit for an enlightened time & space. We are happy to welcome her bright light back for this special concert .

Saturday, March 26
7:00 - 9:00 pm
Tickets: $20 advance purchases; $25 day of concert
Purchase tickets online

An Evening of Meditation For Women and with Women

2011-03-14T11:49:00.002-07:00

Whatever “woman” means to you, you are one, and this makes you unique.

Everyone has a projection. Yogis call this an “arc line.” Women have two arc lines, one over the head, from ear to ear, just like men, and another, shoulder to shoulder, across the heart. As women, our emotional experiences project out from this arc line across the heart and greatly influence present and future emotional experiences.

Yoga and meditation can be used to clear the emotional history stored and projected out through this feminine arc line, so that you may live from the true essence of your heart and SHARE YOUR FEMININE EMOTIONALITY AS YOUR STRENGTH, in this present moment.

Join Harpal for an evening of breathing, gentle yoga, and deep mediation with others like you: WOMEN.
Tuesday, March 15
7:00-8:30 pm
Register Online
$15

Free Community Events & Kirtan Artist, Dev Suroop, is in town!

2011-03-11T12:41:00.005-07:00

Friday, March 11, 7:00pm
31-minutes Guru Ram Das Chanting at Seva Sadan (Home of Meher K & Soul S)
2325 N 9th St
Music by Kirtan Artist, Dev Suroop Kaur from New Mexico
Birthday Goodies for and by Paramliv Kaur

Saturday, March 12, 3:40-6:15am
Live Music Meditations at Sadhana w/Guru Gian Singh
at Yoga Phoenix
Yogi Tea and Potluck Breakfast, 6:15 to 7

Sunday, Special Sadhana, March 13, 4:30-6:30am
Live Music Meditations at Sadhana w/Dev Suroop Kaur
at Yoga Phoenix

Becoming Diamonds, a letter from Sevak Singh

2011-03-10T11:12:00.006-07:00

Dear Friends,

It is undeniably true that pressure applied to coal with sufficient force and duration will create a diamond. These diamonds look a lot like other rocks, however inside them lies one of the most precious and durable substances on our planet. We are carbon-based beings under a tremendous pressure that will not let up or decrease any time soon.

So the question is do we become diamonds or dust? Humanity needs bright shining beings capable of reflecting brilliant light onto others, especially under the pressure of these times. Do you have the nerves of steel and clarity of emotions to shed this light of love and compassion onto others regardless of the circumstance? Yes, you have that potential inside.

You have the divine right to be happy, which comes from your ability to be stable and clear in the face of these times. Please take some time today and reflect upon the blessings in your life and acknowledge your path to becoming a diamond; a light of hope; a precious being to all. Remembering beyond all else that: The Divine breathes in you, walks in you and can speak through you.

Use words of kindness and caring, and move with the compassion and deep affection that flows from understanding that each and every being on this planet is your relative. Remember they are almost universally in some sort of pain. Let your gratitude and strength of character uplift and inspire those you meet. Use the force of these times to direct your mind towards understanding and neutrality. Let the pressure of global changes create in you a precious diamond of strength and light, supporting everyone in your orbit.

Many of you have not been to class in a long time. Kundalini Yoga and Meditation can be the ingredient that moves pressure into personal power. Do a practice, take care of your self, and share the light of your gifts with everyone. I believe in you. You are the Divine. Be Great.

I look forward to seeing you soon.

Blessings and Joy to all,
Sevak Singh Khalsa

Join Sevak Singh for a powerful Kundalini Yoga experience in his upcoming Special Event, Coloring your life with Bliss on Tuesday, March 29 at 7:00 pm or his weekly yoga classes Wednesdays at 7:00 pm.

Celebrating Women

2011-03-08T12:53:00.003-07:00

Happy International Women's Day!

Woman is the most powerful channel of God. You do not have an experience of what a woman is. To be very honest with you, woman is the entire "prakirtee." (creativity). Whatever is the bounty, the beauty and the blissfulness, whatever is God's grace, can be summed up by one word, which is "woman." - Yogi Bhajan

And remember, a great opportunity for women to come together in meditation is coming up: An Evening of Meditation for Women and with Women with Harpal on Tuesday, March 15.

Chakra Balancing Special Event - 5th and 6th Chakras

2011-03-07T11:08:00.004-07:00

The Chakra Series continues! Join us! Awaken and balance these vortices of energy, the chakras. Work on each of the individual Chakras with specific yoga sets and/or meditation that enable you to experience the energy of each center and bring it into alignment. We will focus on the fifth and sixth chakras, to develop the ability to speak your truth and trust you inner wisdom (intuition.)
$15
Register Online

"Reconciling the conscious and subconscious emotions in the specific arena of each chakra will create a flow of energy and personality in which the human is consistent and not defeated, and has conscious goals.” – Yogi Bhajan

Good Stuff Coming in March: Special Events & Concerts!

2011-02-28T12:50:00.010-07:00

Bring on the Spring! Bring on the joy! Take a look at all this good stuff coming to Yoga Phoenix in March:

Double Gong Special Event with Sangeet & Hari Nam: Tuesday, March 1

Chakra Balancing Special Event with Adi Singh - 5th and 6th Chakras: Tuesday, March 8

An Evening of Meditation For Women and with Women with Harpal Kaur Meaghan: Tuesday, March 15

Free (by donation) Community Meditation: Saturday, March 19

Full Hour of Chakra Gong Healing with Jaap Kaur: Saturday, March 19

Food As Medicine Series--Cooking with Dr. Khalsa with Dr. Siri Chand Khalsa: Tuesday, March 22

Kirtan/Chant Meditations Concert with Sat Kartar Kaur: Saturday, March 26

Coloring your life with Bliss Special Event with Sevak Singh: Tuesday, March 28

Double Gong Event with S.S. Sangeet Kaur and Hari Nam Singh

2011-02-28T11:38:00.001-07:00

Revitalize and strengthen your nervous system by relaxing to the sound of two gongs! Experience the play of Shiva & Shakti energies with the husband & wife teaching team of Sangeet Kaur & Hari Nam Singh. Sangeet will play Jupiter Gong and Hari Nam clears and releases blocks with Symphonic Gong.

Tuesday, March 1st @ 7pm
$15
Register Online

Food as Medicine: Cooking with Dr. SiriChand Khalsa

2011-02-19T12:12:00.001-07:00

Food as Medicine: Cooking with Dr. SiriChand Khalsa
Macronutrients: Foundations for Vitality
Tuesday, February 22 at 6:00 p.m. (in the kitchen)

Cooking classes feature macronutrients building blocks for the body & are structured for all culinary levels. Taste these fresh seasonal whole food treats and learn more about your body uses food.

Visit her food blog, Luminous Foods to learn more and see a preview for the upcoming classes.
Cost: $20 (includes class and prepared meal)
Register Online

Yogic Lifestyle--Celestial Communications, Movement and Mantra

2011-02-18T12:40:00.002-07:00

Join Guru Simran Singh for an experience of sound, movement, and joyful expression! The essence of bhakti yoga is mantra; the practice of chanting. When we chant we experience an opening of the heart that translates in feelings of joy, bliss and happiness. We will focus in this class on correct pronunciation and the restoring of the original voice, opening up our voices and our hearts.

Tuesday, February 22
7:00 - 8:30 pm
$15
Register Online

White Tantric Yoga : Ram Das' Experience

2011-02-17T12:33:00.009-07:00

Local Teacher, Ram Das Kaur, shares about her first White Tantric experience:

Adventurous by nature and captured by the novelty of something new, White Tantric
Yoga attracted my curious side. I had just completed my first month of yoga teacher’s training and been hearing about the upcoming White Tantric Yoga Course from yoga teachers and other community members. Various explanations loomed conversations for weeks prior to the event. A common response was “you won’t be the same person”. I thought to myself “well, that couldn’t hurt” and looked forward to the transformation.

The morning arrived and I wondered who the new person would be to walk out of the room at the end of course. My partner and I settled into our cozy temporary home for the day and looked at one another with anticipation. At that point, I noticed an amazing sense of beautiful lightness and graceful ease in the room that quickly settled me. We reached a 62 minute exercise with the arms up at 60 degrees, a sometimes challenging exercise. With the aid of keeping the eye contact with my encouraging partner and the support of the people diagonal in my line I moved through the exercise and remembered to my breath during the times when I felt like giving up.

In the end, part of me changed indeed. My mind felt light, my worries few and I felt great. The day marked the beginning of years of transformation aided by the clearing effects of the Mahan Tantric and I am forever grateful. Wahe Guru!

Full Hour Chakra Gong Healing

2011-02-17T12:09:00.008-07:00

Want to relax? Have some stuff you need to let go of? Full Hour Chakra Gong Healing with Jaap Kaur is coming right up! This special event has been known to create deep, restorative relaxation and better sleep that can last for days. Plus, there's pie afterward!

Saturday, February 19
7:00 - 8:30 pm
$15
Register Online

More about this month's event:
Gong to Clear the Chakras, Mind, and the Path to Infinity
February Focus -- Sixth energy body, stronger arc line, connection to inner truth & intuition. Feel protected, covered, self-trust, self-reliance, & self-reverence. Allow the gong to open, clear, and balance all the chakras, aura and radiant energy body. Let stress go, and leave only vast inner space for healing, prosperity and infinity.

Afterwards share healing pies and conversation in a state of higher consciousness with like-minded people.

Bring thick comforting padding for a full hour layout on the floor.

White Tantric Yoga : Guru Ardas' Experience

2011-02-07T12:38:00.006-07:00

Local Teacher, Guru Ardas Kaur, shares her experience with White Tantric Yoga:

My first White Tantric experience was at Yoga Phoenix. I was really amazed at how many people could sit in the sadhana room AND everyone was dressed in white clothing! I never knew you could find all that white in February! My partner was really a good partner. She gave me good tips and support. The first exercise was holding your arms in the air, braced against your partners. This was for 62 minutes. I'll never forget that one! Just being around people that participated many times, and listening and sharing was a great experience for me.

Other experiences for me were in New Mexico. When I prepare for Solstice mentally as well as physically, I consider this a complete experience. This includes my driving time over, my arrival and my tent set up. I've got great stories about my tent set up! Being at White Tantric and connecting with other like minded people is awesome. You could be sitting in an area with folks from Tennessee on one side, and folks from Ontario on the other side. Much learning is involved. I also enjoy listening to stories about the old days from folks who started doing tantric 30 to 35 years ago.

For the past few years, I have had the privilege of being a monitor for White Tantric at Yoga Phoenix. Not only am I in service, but I'm still participating as well and still feeling the effects.

Sat Nam, Guru Ardas Kaur

Archer Pose for Strength, Determination, & Focus

2011-02-02T16:48:00.003-07:00

Archer Pose is a great posture for building the strength of the body and for increasing personal focus and will. As you hold this position, like a skillful archer, imagine your target on the horizon (a life goal, a dream, or a change you wish to make), set your focus, and aim!

Try this:

Stand with the legs spread two to three feet apart. Turn the left foot 90 degrees toward the left. Turn the right foot in 45 degrees to the left.
Bend the left knee to the point that you cannot see the toes. You will feel a stretch in your thighs and hips when in proper position.
Keeping your torso facing the same direction as you started in, raise your arms as if aiming a bow and arrow.
Extend the left arm straight out towards the left leg, parallel to the ground. Make the left hand into a fist.
Pull the right arm back and parallel to the floor, bending at the elbow as if pulling the bowstring back to the shoulder. Bring the right hand into a fist. The right fist will be near your right shoulder and you should feel a stretch across the chest.
Turn your head to face the left fist and focus the eyes towards the horizon, looking over the left fist.
Hold for 1- 3 minutes, breathing long & deep. Then repeat on the other side.

White Tantric Yoga is Coming to Phoenix!

2011-01-20T17:10:00.005-07:00

There's just nothing quite like the experience of White Tantric Yoga. Kundalini Yoga provides amazing releases and mental/emotional clearing - it is like cleaning house but on a personal level. White Tantric Yoga takes cleaning & clearing to the next level - it can be likened to the deep cleaning of pulling out your stove and scrubbing the crusty bits that have been there for years. It goes deep and powerful.

This amazing meditation course happens just once a year here in Phoenix and the big day is coming up. Students of all levels of experience are welcome. Prior experience with Kundalini Yoga is helpful but not required.

Mark you calendar & register early! Space fills up fast!

February 26, 2011
7:00 am - 6:00 pm

More info & to register: White Tantric Yoga in Phoenix

Rai Singh's "No Bones About It" Recipe for the week, July 29th, 2010

2010-07-29T23:43:00.005-07:00

Sat Nam everyone. I hope you've all had a great week. If you didn't make it to my cooking class at YP on Tuesday, which was a blast, I'm doing another one on August 24th.

This week's recipe is, and it's a fun one!!

"Southwest" Spring Rolls filled with Cabbage, Onions, and Sprouted Quinoa, with a Tomatillo Avocado Dipping Sauce
(Vegan, Almost Raw, Gluten Free, Nut Free)

I'm going to utilize another one of my weekly recipes. If you look back at my first post for July 1st, the Tomatillo Avocado Salsa. This week we are going to use that as our "sauce" for our Spring Rolls. That will be used as a "marinade" for the filling and as a dipping sauce.

Ingredients:
1/2 head green cabbage
1 medium red onion
2 ears of corn
1 bunch of cilantro
2 each serrano chiles
1 English cucumber
2 cups sprouted quinoa, (need to do about 24 hours prior to use)
1 package rice paper wraps
Salt and Pepper

Directions:
-Sprouting quinoa you say? EASY. Quinoa is a very small grain, so it sprouts very quickly. First, you put 2 cups of dry quinoa into a large enough bowl to fully immerse them. Run cold water over the quinoa for about 3-4 minutes, stirring to make sure none of them are sticking together. Heard someone say that if they float, they're witches, so pour those off with the water as your drain them. Then you strain the quinoa, shake off excess water, put in a glass jar with, and cover it with a cloth. (Needs to breathe) About 8-10 hours later, you repeat the rinsing, straining and jarring process. Again, at the 8-10 hour mark, your quinoa should be sprouted, slightly crunchy, and good, good, good. If not repeat once more. Rinse, strain well, and store them in a container, in the fridge, with a damp cloth in the bottom to help keep them moist, but not wet.
-About an hour before you are going to serve the spring rolls, julienne, (thin strips,) the onions, cucumber, and green cabbage, chop the cilantro, cut the corn off of the ear, dice the chiles into small pieces, and put into a bowl. Add about 1/2 cup of the tomatillo salsa, salt and pepper to taste and mix well. Put in the fridge to keep cool.
-When you're ready to serve, get a plate/bowl/pie pan that is large enough to dip the rice paper into with water. Dip one wrap at a time into the water for a few seconds, and place about 1/2 cup of the cabbage mixture into the middle of the wrap. The paper is a little stiff still, so be firmly gentle, fold the sides towards the middle and over the mix, roll into the burrito shape we, as Arizonans know and love. It may take a few practice rolls, but it is pretty straight forward.
-Serve chilled the Tomatillo Avocado Salsa as the dipping sauce.

Tips and Comments about this recipe:
-These are very fun to make, especially if you're having friends over and you make it an interactive experience.
-You can substitute cooked black beans for the quinoa.
-Sprouting is EASY. Check out youtube, or google for tips and techniques for other grains. You won't understand why you've never done it before.
-You can literally choose anything to fill the wraps with.
-Almost raw because I'm not sure about how the spring roll paper is made. I'm assuming it's cooked to some extent.

That's it. Pretty simple. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about this post, please contact me at raisingh108@gmail.com. Any requests?? Send those as well.

Until next week, Sat Nam, and remember nurture your creativity and your belly by making your own food.

Rai Singh

Ayurveda to Beat the Heat

2010-07-29T18:01:00.004-07:00

We are truly blessed to have this special post by Paramliv Kaur. Paramliv recently came to our community from Santa Cruz. She has so willingly offered to share some of her knowledge with us. Maybe, this will become a regular thing. Thank you Paramliv Kaur!!! AND please, if you appreciate this post, let her know. Her contact info is at the bottom.

Ayurveda to Beat the Heat

Just moving from Santa Cruz, California I am having to adjust my own diet to balance the abundance of the fire element effecting Pitta dosha {fire + water elements} here in Arizona. I am called to eat more cooling foods… my taste buds crave sweet, bitter and astringent, all balancing to Pitta dosha.

Since Ayurveda balances through the application of opposites, we should be aware of the qualities of Pitta - hot, sharp, light, oily, liquid, and mobile (or spreading). We can then logically see that by bringing the qualities of cool, slow, heavy, dry, dense and stable into our diet and lifestyle we can counteract the environmental influences. Below are some ideas for balancing Pitta:

Tastes to Balance Pitta

Sweet {Earth + Water - oily, cooling, heavy}: Rice, wheat, milk, dates, maple syrup, seasonal fruits (especially watermelon)

Bitter {Air + Space - cool, light and dry}: Leafy greens, bitter melon, aloe vera, fenugreek, tumeric, dandelion, rhubarb

Astringent {Air +Earth - cooling, drying, heavy}: Tumeric, green tea, pomegranate, chickpeas, green beans

Diet: Favor leafy greens, watermelon, cucumber, cilantro and whole grains. Avoid excess oil and salt, pungent – spicy, sour – citrus and fermented foods (alcohol, vinegar) and cheese.

Summer Lassi: A good Pitta pacifying drink. Try blending ¼ cup yogurt to 1 cup water and ¼ t. roasted cumin seed. Or for a sweet variation replace cumin with 2 T. sucanat or other sweetener and 1 drop rose water.

Summer Kitcharee: ½ cup basmati rice, ½ cup split mung dahl, ¼ cup grated coconut, 1 T. chopped ginger, 2 t. cumin seed, 1 T. ghee, 1 t. tumeric, ¼ cup chopped cilantro and 1 t. salt. Wash rice and dahl and combine with 3-4 cups water, ginger and coconut. Bring to a boil and lower heat to medium-low and cook partially covered until done. Heat ghee and add cumin seed. When seeds pop add tumeric briefly and remove from heat. Add to kitcharee with cilantro and salt to taste. May serve with lime wedges.

Lifestyle: Limit exposure to sun and wear sunglasses, daily self-massage with coconut or sunflower oil before shower, listen to calming music, moderate exercise during the coolest part of the day.

Yoga: Sitali pranayama, left nostril breathing, forward bends, twists, quiet meditation

Signs of Excess Pitta: Acid indigestion, burning sensations including heartburn, irritability, anger or cynicism, headaches, inflammation, skin eruptions or rashes, fever, profuse sweating, excessive hunger, nausea and vomiting.

Throughout your day bring your awareness to your diet and lifestyle choices and how certain foods or activities affect you and begin to play with balancing through opposites. I find that it’s helpful to keep a journal to notate the effects.

May we live and eat in harmony with Mother Nature and may we be healed through our conscious choices!

Sat Nam,
Paramliv Kaur

Paramliv Kaur can be reached at paramlivkaur@gmail.com. She welcomes any comments or questions you may have about this post or other ayurvedic questions.

Meditation Post---- "Keeping Up with Yoga: Get to Class!"

2010-07-29T17:51:00.008-07:00

This post is gifted to us by Kewal Kaur Khalsa. She is a busy, Mom, wife, teacher, and writer of her own blog, and has written for others, including Spirit Voyage. This is more about "how do we get to class to have that experience?"
Thank you Kewal Kaur!!

Keeping Up with Yoga: Get to Class!

There are plenty of yoga poses and meditations that are challenging (stretch pose gets just about anybody if it's done long enough!) but the part of attending yoga class that is the hardest for me is actually getting myself in the door. It takes schedule planning, child care negotiations, skilled timing, overcoming the end-of-day exhaustion...and even then, something unexpected pops up at the last minute. Every single time. But if I can just get my body in the yoga room then the moment always comes. We've tuned in, I'm moving and breathing and letting go of tension, and then suddenly....ahhhh. I can't help but think, "Thank God I managed to get here."

Whether the challenges are related to work, family, or just "things to do" or as simple as a distracting bag of chips ("Well, NOW I can't go to class – I have a full belly!"), yoga is still so very worth the effort (where else can you tune up your body, mind, and spirit and bliss out in just over an hour?). Luckily, there are some helpful habits that can help integrate yoga class into life.

Put it On the Calendar
Don't just hope to make it to class. Schedule it. Put in on your calendar. Plan around it as an important appointment in your day – because it is.

Make it Known
Tell the people in your life what your yoga plans are. Give advance notice, as much as possible, so they are prepared for you to be unavailable during class times. Tell them why yoga is important to you. If possible, invite their support, which can come in handy when you need some encouragement.

Practice Little Bits Throughout the Day
Take five minutes to breath deeply. Listen to mantra in your car. Do some spinal flexing in your chair. Little experiences can be great for re-centering and reminding us of the benefits of yoga. Have a little taste and you'll be more motivated to enjoy more.

Get a Yoga Buddy
Committing to attending yoga class with another person often will provide enough push to make it happen. If the other person has arranged their life and you know they are counting on you, it is a lot harder to bail out. Plus, it is nice to have someone to talk to after class, who shares the bliss and is right there with you. You can inspire each other to keep up.

These are just a few suggestions for keeping up with yoga classes. It is easy to feel motivated after yoga class, when we are enjoying the benefits. Setting up a few methods of encouragement ensures that we make it there and can get to the enjoyment part. See you at class!

Now that you know some of her tips, contact her on FB and make a date to come to class together. I expect to see you YP. No more excuses.

We here at YP are always looking for anyone to contribute to the meditation post. If you have an experience that you want to share, or any questions or comments, please feel free to email me at raisingh108@gmail.com.

Sat Nam and Keep Up!

Rai Singh's "No Bones About It" Recipe for the Week, July 22, 2010

2010-07-23T12:06:00.006-07:00

Goodness, my week got away from me, and I'm just getting this posted. If you've been patiently, I thank you.

First, I want to invite you all to Yoga Phoenix next Tuesday the 27th at 7pm for a cooking class. The cost is $20, and it we will go over some basic knife skills, saute, and blanching veggies. The menu is a Roasted Tomato Salsa, The Carrot Beet Salad from last week's recipe and for dinner we will have A Veggie Stir Fry w/Pressed Tofu in a Coconut Curry Cream Sauce Served with Brown Rice/Lentils.

This week's recipe is:

Spaghetti Squash with Sauteed Zucchini, Mushrooms, Onions and Fresh Herbs, Served with a Tomato Sauce
(Vegan, Gluten Free, Nut Free)

Ingredients:
1 each-spaghetti squash
2 cups-zucchini, diced
2 cups-mushrooms, sliced
1 each-medium red onion, diced
1Tbl-garlic, chopped
1 quart jar of your favorite pasta sauce. (the recipe I have would be a blog post)
Salt and Pepper
fresh herbs of your choice
olive oil

Directions:
-Very, very carefully, cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, and take out the seeds. Pour olive oil, salt and pepper on a sheet pan, and place the squash flesh down on the pan, and bake in a 350 degree oven for about 30-45 minutes. Time varies on the size of the squash, so start with 30 minutes. What you're looking for is the peel to seperate from the flesh. You can tap on it with your fingernail to determine when it is done, or turn it over and test the flesh with a fork. You want the squash to be just barely done. Set squash aside to cool.
-When squash is cool enough to handle, take off the peel and seperate the flesh into the spaghetti like strands. A fork works well, or jsut use your hands.
-Prep and cut the mushroom, zucchini, onion, garlic, and herbs. In a saute pan, add 2 tbl olive oil to heat. When oil is hot add garlic first, for just a few seconds, then onions, for a few more, and then add remaining veggies, season with salt and pepper to taste. When the mushrooms and zucchini are about half way done, add the squash to the mix. Add the herbs at the very end of the saute process, and set aside.
-Heat up pasta sauce in a sauce pan.

To serve:
-Whether you're using it as the vegetable portion of a meal, or as the meal itself, you add the tomato sauce on top of the squash.

Tips and Comments about this recipe:

-Be careful when cutting the raw squash!!!
-If you're not vegan, you can reduce 1 cup of cream by about half, in a sauce and spoon it right in the middle of the tomato sauce. It adds a great color contrast to the plate.
-You can also serve the squash mixture cold, and the tomato sauce hot.

I try to make my recipes simple and approachable, at the same time, unique, delicious and fun. As always, your comments, concerns, and questions are much appreciated. You can reach me directly at raisingh108@gmail.com for anything related to this blog.

Sat Nam, and remember, nurture your creativity, and your belly by making your own food.

See you next week,
Rai Singh

Rai Singh’s “No Bones About It” Recipe for the Week, July 15, 2010

2010-07-14T22:14:00.002-07:00

Sat Nam, Hope you all had a great week. This week I’m bringing you a ttreat that I’ve made at the Level 1 Teacher Training retreats the last two years. And on Tuesday, July 27th, I will be doing a special cooking event at Yoga Phoenix and this will be one of the recipes I make. The cost for the event is $20, and you can register on-line at www.yogaphoenix.com and follow the link to special events.

Carrot, Beet Salad with Balsamic Vinegar, Caramelized Onions, Dried Cranberries and Fresh Thyme
(Vegan, Gluten Free, Nut Free)

I know, I know. BEETS, YUCK!! THEY TASTE LIKE DIRT!!! Yes, they do, yummy earthy, grounding goodness. And believe me, those students needed lead boots to keep their feet on the ground.

Here you go:
1# Peeled and diced carrots, 1/2” cubes
1# Peeled and diced beets, 1/2” cubes
3/4cup Dried cranberries
1Tbl Fresh thyme
1ea Red onion, julienne
4Tbl Olive oil
2Tbl Brown sugar
2Tbl Balsamic vinegar
Salt and Pepper

-Blanche carrots and beets, separately, (http://www.ehow.com/how_13887_blanch-vegetables.html is a good link to explain blanching). Blanching is simply putting the veggies in boiling water long enough to just barely cook them, and immediately putting them in iced water to stop the cooking process. After the carrots and beets are blanched and cooled, drain them and let them sit to dry.
-In a heated sauté pan add 2Tbl olive oil and the julienned red onion. Saute onion until dark brown, add brown sugar, and sauté another 2-3 minutes. Set aside and let cool.
-In a large bowl add the cooled beets, carrots, onions, cranberries, thyme and mix together. At this point you will simply mix, (mix with a fork is fine) the remaining 2Tbl olive oil and the 2Tbl balsamic vinegar in a bowl. Add this dressing to the mixture, salt and pepper to taste, making sure to mix well.

Tips and comments about this recipe:

-Beets are a little tricky to chop, so be careful
-You can substitute any herb, or you can add goat cheese, feta, or any other cheese. The white cheeses give a good color contrast.

Once again, your comments, suggestions, and concerns, are much appreciated. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly at raisingh108@gmail.com.

Sat Nam and enjoy your food, it tastes better when you make it yourself.

Rai Singh

Chotay Pad Mantra Full Moon Meditation - One Teacher's Experience

2010-07-14T00:01:00.002-07:00

My commitment to this path and the experience of joyful opening, the pulling apart of old neurosis, the firm feeling of my feet on the ground and my crown in the heavens have supported me through many experiences in past years. Yet for everyone, and that includes experienced teachers, there comes bumps in the road, obstacles that one must flow around, climb over or blast out of the way. So when, a few months ago, I found myself stumbling on my path I searched for the quickest, most certain way to find stable footing again.

All that was required was an openness within and the right way back to my practice was passed to me with a woman’s wisdom. A message from the respected crone who had learned the practice from her teacher who had learned the practice from Yogi Bhajan himself. This meditation is not in any book that I am aware of and it is a real gem. It is a simple and powerful practice involving chanting, the full moon, and a short 8 day practice. Perfect!

This meditation holds the ability to remove lifetimes of darkness and negativity, and I mean lifetimes. As I sat during the second night of this meditation, I began to sense this darkness and negativity as beings with form fleeing from the brightness and vibration that I was cultivating within my energy field. One of the few requirements of this mediation is that you may not open your eyes during the process, so I cannot tell you if there was anything physical to see, but in the subtle realms these things existed. I could feel them shivering, hesitating, lurking and then leaving. With each passing night, this energetic activity would wax and wane in waves of exodus. As intimidating as that may sound, I was thrilled with the power and tangible effects of this meditation. All I needed do was chant and sit with my eyes closed.

I enjoyed the process of this meditation, and all of the auric housecleaning involved. I am honored to pass it on and willbe repeating it beginning this Sunday, July 18th; perhaps you should join me. ;)

Chotay Pad Mantra Full Moon Meditation

Location & Time Specified - Outdoors on the earth, after sunset and when the waxing moon is in the sky. It is only done for the 7 days preceding the full moon and for the night of the full moon. As this time of year, in Phoenix the moon is visible from about 8pm-12am, but the time will change according to season and location.

Preparation – Be ready to sit in a safe place outdoors. It is always nice to precede any meditation with some stretching or Kundalini yoga set so that you can relax the body. Also, consider your yoga mat or sheepskin, any pillows you need to prop your body into a comfy position, and a meditation shawl or blanket to keep warm. Begin with a prayer for protection.

Position and Mudra – none specified. Simply that you sit on the earth and stay on your mat chanting no matter what. Here is the trick, if you get up you have to start all over again! So that means come bugs, rain, wind, heat, neighbors asking what the heck you are up to in the front yard, you just stay put.

Dhrist (eye focus) – none specified, but the eyes must remain closed the entire time no matter what, so it is nice to have a trusted person nearby to be your watcher. If you open your eyes, you must begin again.

Length - Unlike many other meditations, this meditation requires that the times not be adjusted. This is an 8 day meditation, begun a full week prior to the full moon. For the first 7 nights, the length is 31 minutes. For the 8th night, the night of the full moon, the length is 2 ½ hours.

Mantra - SAT NARAYAN
(CHOTAY PAD MANTRA)

Sat naarayan wha-hay guroo, haree naaraayan sat naam.
(this mantra is on many great CDs if you are unsure about chanting it solo)

From the Level 1 Teacher Training manual page 87, “Chanting this mantra gives inner peace, happiness, and good fortune. It makes you intuitively clear and pure in your consciousness. Even a person with low self-esteem can become majestic by chanting it. The words invoke the various names of God to help bring prosperity, peace of mind, and the capacity to look beyond this world to realize the Infinite.”

That is it. Sit and chant with your eyes closed, outdoors with the growing moon, and don’t budge. 31 minutes a day leading up to the full moon and 2 ½ hours on the night of the full moon. Enjoy this simple and powerful meditation experience.

Sarah Nirmal Kaur Butterfly
Kundalini Yoga Teacher, Midwife, Mother and Spouse

Weekly Meditation Post

2010-07-11T23:19:00.002-07:00

After much delibration and much cantankerous, hovering on badgering, requests from friends, I have decided to make the "weekly" meditation post a twice monthly post. That is, unless people start knocking down my door. The next posting will be on Wednesday, July 14th.

For those who are wondering about or interested in posting in the future, my goal with this is for it to be teacher's resource as well as a forum to share your Kundalini experiences with others. Whether it's a 1000 day or a first time experience and you had an experience that you want to share, others may benefit from what you have to offer.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns about any part of this blog, or if you're interested in sharing a post, feel free to email me directly at raisingh108@gmail.com. And don't forget to comment on, share with friends, or link this blog. We appreciate the support.

Sat Nam and remember to breath and smile,
Rai Singh

Oh yeah, if you live in the valley of the sun, don't forget to COME TO CLASS!!!

Rai Singh's "No Bones About It" Recipe for the Week, July 8, 2010

2010-07-06T20:08:00.009-07:00

Sat Nam everyone. I hope you all had a great 4th. This week's recipe is another cool treat for these hot Phoenix summers.

Cold Cantaloupe Soup with Sweet Basil (Raw, Vegan, Gluten Free, Nut Free)

1- Cantaloupe, peeled and seeded

1/2- Medium Carrot

1/2- Celery Stalk

1/2- English Cucumber, peeled, cut in half lengthwise and seeded

1/4- Yellow Onion

1/2- Baby Bok Choy, (if you can't find baby, you can use one big hearty leaf of regular) You can also use green cabbage

1-2Tbl- Basil

1/2cup-2cups- Water, depends on the consistency you want and the ripeness of the melon and cucumber.

Salt and Pepper to taste

This is another recipe where I use my Vitamix, but you can use whatever blender you have. Dice all of the ingredients into medium sized chunks, (basically small enough to be managable in the blender.) Put everything except for the basil in the blender and turn on to low. At this point, you add water, but give it a few seconds to see how much you will need. It takes a bit for the melon and cucumber to liquefy. ***Note:If you are going to serve the soup right away, you will substitute ice for water. This will keep the soup from getting warm.*** Blend the soup until it is almost smooth, add basil and season with salt and pepper. Smooth out and either serve right away, or refrigerate and serve.

Tips and Comments about this recipe:

-If this is your first time with blended soups, add the water in stages. The melon and cucumber can add quite a bit of liquid and the soup can end up too watery if you're not careful. It's better to blend it thicker and then add a little extra water to finish the consistency. Make it ahead of time, if you can, to make sure it cools completely.

-If you're experimenting with the ingredients, (and please experiment!!) the carrot, cabbage, and cucumber are what give this soup its body.

-When seasoning a cold dish, it usually requires more salt than expected. And remember, it's a soup and not a juice, you want to taste the salt and pepper.

-Watermelon is a great substitution for this recipe. Use mint instead of basil and garnish with goat cheese.

-Cantaloupe, cucumber and the bok choy are high in Vitamin C, so this "soup" is extremely nutritious as well as yummy and refreshing.

One thing you won't find here is exact measurements, especially salt and pepper. I'm not withholding information. Fresh ingredients vary too much, and salt and pepper is based on personal preferences. Also, making your own food is all about exploration and discovery, and that is where you'll find the beauty. So as always, it is my pleasure to answer any questions or concerns you have about this or any recipe, so please don't hesitate to ask. You can contact me at raisingh108@gmail.com

Sat Nam and enjoy your food. It tastes better when you make it yourself.

Rai Singh

Weekly Meditation Experience

2010-06-30T19:33:00.007-07:00

Sat Nam all,
This week's experience is given by Akal Dev Kaur. This one is a whole class experience. Thank you Akal Dev Kaur

Kriya for New Lungs and Circulation ~
Wahe Guru Kriya ~
Kirtan Kriya ~
Amazing gong layout ~

These are the treats I was rewarded with this evening. Although my heart sank a little when I realized we were doing the same kriya as last night, I committed myself to pushing my way through it. It's a great kriya, New Lungs and Circulation, albeit a strenuous one and my body was not ready for it so soon. The teacher was kind by shortening the times. Next came Wahe Guru Kriya which was a blessing because just this morning I was thinking my Fifth Chakra needed some work. The Universe has a way of providing what one needs and with this kriya it took care of me.

During Kirtan Kriya a vision began to formulate. At first a mass of brilliant red and orange, circular and inviting. I focused my mind sharply to make out the blurry shape and to my delight it was a Peony bloom. These are one of my favorite flowers and normally they are a softer color, however in this vision it was a flaming mass of red and orange. A quick Google search upon my return home turned up a Chinese painting of a red peony.

Deeper into the meditation the vision became sharper and now I could make out a small figure perched on one of the Peony petals. This tiny figure turned out to be a single Mandarin Duck. I could feel my spirit in this tiny duck, it was me in the form of this tiny duck. It was smiling and happy. From the right corner another figure emerged...slowly, tentatively making it's way towards the little Mandarin Duck. It was a male Mandarin Duck, strong and virile. I could not tell by looking at it that it's male, but I could sense it in the vision. He came right up to the "me" Mandarin Duck and sat down next to me, nuzzling my neck, smiling. I felt an overwhelming sense of being loved, protected and cherished.

The image begins to fade out as we enter the silent portion of Kirtan Kriya. It's Ok, I am smiling in meditation, content and peaceful with the lovely image I just witnessed. I could feel my body completely relaxed, like a willow branch, bending gently in the wind. No pressure, no conflict, just peace.

Back to whispering Sa Ta Na Ma and here comes the vision once again. Slowly fading back into my consciousness. A bigger smiles emerges on my face as I recognize the comforting image of a pair of Mandarin Ducks perched on the Peony bloom. They are still sitting there, nuzzling, happy, loving.

Louder now, Sa Ta Na Ma..pressing the pads of my fingers in synchronicity with the sound. Firmly cementing the image in my mind...it's brilliant again....fiery red petals sprinkled with an earthy orange and still those two little Mandarin ducks are enveloped within.

Corpse pose....the amazing gong...a soft smile covers my face as my body melts into the floor. The vision is still brilliant and etched forever in my mind. Waves of sound wash over my body, pushing it deeper into relaxation....the image begins to change. Ever so slightly the pair of ducks glide towards the center of the Peony..side by side...they enter the center, peeking their little faces out, smiling. As the gong reaches its crescendo the Peony blooms begin to fold in, enveloping the pair of Mandarin ducks. Those blooms form a safe, protective circle around them.

The image fades away as the gong reaches its end. I am told to move my hands, feet, stretch but my mind cannot comprehend the words. Slowly my consciousness returns, circling my wrists, cat stretch, spinal rolls. I have returned from my peaceful slumber...refreshed and excited at the possibilities presented in my vision.

Sat Nam and Blessings
Akal Dev Kaur
(Akal Dev Kaur teaches at Yoga Phoenix on Monday nights at 7pm)

Remember, this is available for anyone to post. Whether it's a blissful experience like this one, or it's the full realm of emotions that makes up a 40, 90, or 120 day sadhana. The goal is to share your experience.

If you're interested in posting, please email raisingh108@gmail.com
Sat Nam

Rai Singh's "No Bones About It" Recipe for the week, July 1st, 2010

2010-06-30T17:17:00.000-07:00

This is my first installment of my "No Bones About It" Recipe of the Week. I encourage everyone to experiment, taste your food along the way, and for goodness sakes HAVE FUN.

This is one of my favorites and it is a simple, tasty recipe that goes well with just about anything from chips to grilled veggies.

Tomatillo Salsa w/Avocado
(Raw, Vegan, Gluten Free, Nut Free)

12-15ea Medium Tomatillos, husked and cleaned
1/2 Yellow Onion, cut into chunks
1 bunch Cilantro, rinsed
1-3ea Serrano Chiles, cut into 1/2, depending on how spicy you like it,
1ea Avocado, peeled and seeded
1-2cups Water
Salt and Pepper to taste
Makes about 2 quarts.

Start by removing the husk from the tomatillos and rinsing them well. (They have a sticky coating on them that you want to get off.) Next, rinse the cilantro in cold water and shake off the excess water, then find the point on the cilantro bunch where the majority of the leaves start and cut off the stems. In a blender, I use a Vitamix*, add all the ingredients and start with about 1-cup of water. You may need to add the other cup of water and sometimes more, depending on how ripe the tomatillos are. You are looking for a smooth salsa consistency. At this point, you can add more serranos if you like, and season it with salt and pepper. It will require more salt than you think because of the avocado and the tomatillos.

Tips and Comments about this recipe:

-I like to make it extra spicy, because the avocado will provide a counter-balance to the spiceyness.

-If you have the opportunity to make this a day ahead, DO IT. It will get amazingly better and hotter, so be careful.

-Vitamix is the bomb!! I use mine all the time. Whether it's for pureed soups, salsas, juices, or ice-cream. http://www.vitamix.com/ or call Costco and find out when the next demo is coming to town. They can tell you which store and when if you call any of them. It is a little expensive, but worth the money.

-You can omit the avocado and use this recipe as a marinade for tofu or veggies, use it as a sauce for green chile tofu tacos or burritos.

-Don't be afraid to adjust the seasonings if you feel they need it. Tomatillos and chiles can be a little inconsistent throughout the year, so let your tongue to guide you.

Lastly, please, please, please, don't hesitate to post a comment or concern, refer your friends here, link this page or email me directly, raisingh108@gmail.com for anything related to food or to this posting.

Sat Nam and enjoy your food, it always tastes better when you make it yourself.
Rai Singh

Weekly Meditation Starting in July

2010-06-25T17:39:00.000-07:00

July is a busy month here at YP. We are starting a weekly recipe post, and now a meditation post.

This will be designed as a teachers resource as well as a students opportunity to find new meditations to practice at home as a personal sadhana.

We are strongly encouraging anyone who is willing to contribute to this blog and offer their personal experience with a particular meditation and we will post it here. This opportunity to share helps to affirm and confirm the experience of others. It can also add insight for others who have already practiced the meditation as a sadhana.

Sat Nam!!

All Teacher Training Graduates of Any Level

2010-06-25T15:48:00.000-07:00

To all past Kundalini Yoga Teacher Trainer graduates-

Our job is to replace ourselves in the classroom, not just the following year, but for years to come. As teachers, we have a responsibility to recognize and encourage those students that are looking for that next step in their growth as yogic practitioners, students, and/or potential teachers of Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan.

You can point them to the YP website http://www.yogaphoenix.com/, and we will also have brochures soon. Our teaching team is one of the finest, and we are fortunate to have such a tight knit community to draw our resources from.

Yogi Bhajan came, to create teachers, not to gain students. Let's be an active part in continuing the legacy.

Sat Nam

Rai Singh's "No Bones About It" Recipe for the week.

2010-06-25T15:22:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to announce that I, Rai Singh, will start posting a new recipe each week starting in July 2010. These tasty treats will always be vegetarian, most times vegan and gluten free, and many times raw. I encourage you all to check back each week for a new installment of my yummy, healthy, and practical recipes that will surely liven things up.

Week one--
Raw Tomatillo Salsa with Avocado
This is the BOMB at parties or home on the couch.

See you in July!!

Sat Nam!!
Rai Singh

Aquarian Times: Free Kundalini Yoga Magazine

2009-06-03T17:06:00.000-07:00

Aquarian Times is dedicated to providing its readers with information and practical tools based on the Teachings of Yogi Bhajan, to manifest health and happiness in their lives now and in the coming times:

Kundalini Yoga Sets and Meditations

Stories and news from our Global Community Recipes, Mantras, Music, Books that contribute to the 3HO lifestyle

Updates about new developments in Teacher Training, Events, Services, and Products

Excerpts of lectures by Yogi Bhajan

Prosperity Technology and the Art of Giving

Visit http://www.aquariantimes.com/ to subscribe for the free online magazine.

Yogi Bhajan's May Clove Recipe

2009-05-05T10:19:00.000-07:00

From www.KRITeachings.org:

You may have heard that it's flu season - okay, that's an understatement given the news this week. Spring is often a time of cleansing and processing, which in turn makes one more vulnerable to colds and flu. Here's a reminder from Gurusahay Singh Khalsa, D.C., about a remedy Yogi Bhajan taught exclusively for the month of May.

Take a handful of cloves and soak them in room temperature water overnight-no need to boil. First thing in the morning, when you brush your teeth, take 3-4 tablespoons of the clove water (not more then 5-don't overdo it.), swish it around in your mouth and then swallow.

For convenience, you can make enough for three of four days and keep it in the refrigerator. For best results, take some every day throughout the month of May.

"It will save you from a lot of viral diseases. The month of May breeds viruses. Your ears, nose and throat will all be all right. Symptoms will almost not appear. If you do it every year, you will never fall apart" -Yogi Bhajan

Medical Disclaimer: This information comes from ancient yogic traditions. Nothing should be construed as medical advice. Any recipes mentioned herein may contain potent herbs, botanicals and naturally occurring ingredients which have traditionally been used to support the structure and function of the human body. Always check with your personal physician or licensed health care practitioner before making any significant modification in your diet or lifestyle, to insure that the ingredients or lifestyle changes are appropriate for your personal health condition and consistant with any medication you may be taking.
For more information about the teachings of Yogi Bhajan, please visit: www.kundaliniresearchinstitute.org, Thank You.

Will Chant for Cookies!!!

2009-03-17T10:19:00.000-07:00

Will you chant for cookies? Then you might as well announce it...
And now announce it for only $5.

These lovely shirts are made of organic cotton and are screen printed with a hand drawn design by Kewal, inspired by Guru Simran Singh (the true cookie monster), and manifested by Livtar and Emily.

Sizes for men, women, and children! (Women sizes are flatteringly fitted - foxy, not boxy.)

Yogi Tea: A Nurturing Tonic

2008-05-27T13:07:00.000-07:00

If you've enjoyed a cup of Yogi Tea after yoga class then you already know it is yummy! But were you also aware of its amazing healing benefits? The ingredients that make up Yogi Tea have been used in natural healing for hundreds of years. Ginger, cloves and cardamom are nervous system restoratives and cold and flu preventatives. Black pepper stimulates digestion and cinnamon fuels the internal fires and has been found to help control blood sugar and cholesterol. Cinnamon is also known to improve memory and information processing so it makes perfect sense that this delicious combination is served after Kundalini Yoga. It is said to integrate the energy changes the kriyas bring about.

Drink Yogi Tea often at Yoga Phoenix and brew your own to drink at home whenever you want that warm, hug-like feeling that is truly good for you!

Here's the recipe for two quarts:

2 quarts water
15 whole cloves
20 black peppercorns
3 sticks of cinnamon
20 whole cardamom pods (split or crush the pods first)
8 ginger slices (1/4" thick, no need to peel)
1 bag of black tea (we use decaf or none at all)
Milk and Honey to taste

Bring water to a boil in a 3-4 quart pot. Add cloves and boil for one minute. Next, add cardamom, peppercorns, cinnamon, and fresh ginger root. Cover and boil lightly for at least 1 hour. For best flavor, cover and simmer for 2 to 3 hours! When ready, remove from heat, add black tea and let cool. Strain tea. When ready to drink, add soy or dairy milk and sweeten to taste with honey or maple syrup. (Store extra tea in the fridge – enjoy tea hot or cold.)

Peace,
Liz (Amrit Bani)
Kundalini Yoga Teacher in LA and friend of Yoga Phoenix

Butterfly Pose: to Open the Hips & Release Tension

2008-05-21T22:22:00.000-07:00

Butterfly Pose (also known as Baddha Konasana) is especially good for women (but great for men too!) It opens the hips, adjusts the pelvis, and gently releases tension from the foundation of the body.

Try this:
Sit on the floor. Bring the soles of your feet together and draw the feet as close in towards your body as is comfortable.

Release your knees towards the floor. Some people like to place pillows under the knees to give added support.

Lengthen through the spine so that you are sitting tall.

Raise and lower the knees in a gentle but rapid bouncing motion. This does not need to be a large movement. It is just enough that you feel it in your hips and legs.

Continue for 1-3 minutes.

Note: This is a great practice during pregnancy!

Also, children love this movement - in Children's Yoga classes, we often sing a little song as we do this posture:
"Fly like a butterfly, fly like a butterfly, fly like a butterfly, in the sky."