What is happiness, and how can we find it?

For many of us, happiness would be ours if only we:

• lost some weight;
• were taller;
• were prettier or more handsome;
• made more money;
• were married or divorced;
• had a different spouse or significant other;
• had a better family life;
• had a better job or a different job;
• drove a really nice car;
• owned a bigger home;
• owned a second home; or
• owned a boat.

However, the path to true happiness is to find contentment inside your Self and not through attachment to physical objects.  The rich are no happier than the poor, and the beautiful people are no happier than the plain of face.  And that is because happiness lies within us. 

By acknowledging that we are perfect just as we are (with all our warts, flaws and defects) and by letting go of our desire for physical objects, or our attachment to the future or to the past, we become free to live in the present moment.  It is our wanting for more that creates unhappiness with what we already have.  I’m not saying you can’t work toward a better existence or better relationships — but I am saying that by dwelling on the desire to “get more” or to change who we are or our circumstances, then we are constantly living in unhappiness.  If we simply open to the perfection that already exists inside, then the past, future, and present will take care of themselves and contentment will become our way of life.

Blessings,

Barbara

The first thought that came to my mind, when someone suggested I use a neti pot for my allergies was: You want me to do what? And let’s face it, it’s not something we think of in regards to “fun” at first - after all, you have to shove a spout up your nostril and run water through your nasal passages!

But especially after my bout with this year’s flu (sinus gremlins), which I must have picked up in Tucson a few weeks back, I feel even more strongly about using it. Except for one round of Tylenol to lessen the initial sinus pressure headache, I was able to stay away from any medications. My daily routine included the following: get up, hot shower to loosen up the “stuff”, then a round of neti, some gargling, another gargle and if necessary a round of neti after lunch, a hot epsom salt bath at night, and another round of neti and gargling. (The salt I prefer, just because it smells like lavender, is the Aromatic Salt you can find in Desert Song’s Yotique)

When I’m not sick I use my neti pot every morning, it’s just a nice way to wake up. Even if you’re not ready to commit to a daily routine yet, you’ll still feel wonderful benefits if you neti once a week, or whenever you can. For me the first time was the hardest, just because it meant trying something new. So give it a try - your nose wants a bath too!

If you have any questions about using a neti pot (such as: How do I breathe while rinsing?), ask any of the Desert Song teachers or staff, or come find me before or after my Thursday 7pm class.
I have yet to try the gauze down the nasal breathing passage…but I guess that would deserve another post.

Happy rinsing!
Stefanie

Note: If you have a the flu and would like to try my routine, but you are running a fever, please stay away from the hot showers/baths, as that would only increase your fever. At that point you may want to consult your physician.

“Knowing that ‘inspiration’ arises from the innate wisdom within each of us: Create a yoga practice which is a living, breathing expression and experience that nourishes and supports your life in countless ways both on and off your mat.”

Blessings, Meg

While our yoga postures provide many of the same benefits to us all, because we are also each unique in our own ways, we will have a personal response to the postures as well. In every pose, turn your attention inward and listen to the language of the pose. What does it whisper to you? Do you have a pose that speaks to you in a particularly meaningful way? If so, please share your experience with our Desert Song community.

Namaste, Brenda

Happy New Year! January is an exciting month for us at Desert Song Yoga & Massage, as it marks our 25th anniversary, International Yoga Day, the start of our new themed workshops and community events and the launch of our new website! It is my joy to be able to lead the Center every day – even on the supremely busy ones!With everything there is to do in January at Desert Song, I will be looking for a boost of energy. It has become a tradition in the Markus home at the beginning of every year to do a cleansing fast to rid us of the holiday festivities. Instead of fasting on juices and such, we make large pots of organic vegetable soup and eat it over brown rice three or more times per day for up to a week. It cleanses our bodies from all the sugar and high cholesterol meals we enjoyed and gives us increased energy and clarity. Vince and I highly recommend it, and we hope that it helps you, too. To make the soup, start by browning some onions. Then add organic vegetable broth from Trader Joe’s, purified water and all the veggies that you love (start with the veggies that need longer-cooking, then add the softer ones). Add a few spices that you like, including cayenne to help you cleanse. Voila! You have many healthy meals and heightened energy for an exciting new year.