MyLifeYoga

I remember clearly the philosophical debates we used to have in college. One hot topic was about free will and fate. The argument for fate was that since every particle is governed by the laws of physics, its behavior is pre-determined and predictable. The laws of physics can be expressed neatly in mathematical equations, and hence the future of any given particle can be computed for any time in the future. Since we are nothing more than a collection of particles there was no role for free-will. Everything is pre-determined and the universe operated like a machine.

The first chink in the argument for a pre-determined destiny was that the laws of physics are not in fact deterministic in nature. These laws are expressed in terms of probabilities, which means that the future state of any given particle cannot be computed with any degree of certainty. Though the laws of physics provide a fair degree of certainty in determining the future state of a large aggregation of particles, it still provides enough wiggle room to make the notion of a universe that works like a giant machine untenable.

The second chink was that the phenomenon of consciousness is not well understood by science and cannot be condensed into a neat mathematical equation. Biology considers consciousness as some kind of an “emergent behavior” of the brain. It is almost as if consciousness is some sort of un-interesting side-effect of the brain that is best ignored. But on the other hand, physics needs consciousness at a much more fundamental level. The equations of physics do not “resolve” until a conscious observer is injected into the mix. This tantalizing role of consciousness at such a fundamental level opens the door for free-will as consciousness seems to be much more than a biological after-effect.

Even after debating long and hard, neither side was able to close the deal, and our arguments remained unresolved. Personally, I leaned towards the free-will team. I believed deep in my core that my destiny was in my hand and that the choices I made would determine how things would turn out for me. Continue reading →

“Some of the most important lessons kids learn happen at a desk… some happen on a yoga mat” ~ Bent On Learning

When I began practicing yoga over 10 years ago – it was in a small studio located in a quaint neighborhood called Virginia Highlands in Atlanta, GA. The studio fast became my personal reprieve from the hecticness of life and at the time my “time-out”, so to speak, from years of really active athletic practices. Fast forward to 2013 and my yoga practice is still as special as it was then, yet even more intimate. Yoga has helped me to grow as an individual –the calm, peace and centeredness it brings to my life is almost unmatched to anything other than my meditation practice.

In writing this I pause to think, if yoga can help me achieve such sweetness and balance in life…what could it do for a young, impressionable mind? A mind aching to connect in a world that most feel, as adults, has grown increasingly disconnected? How can the ancient practice of yoga inspire and affect our new world children, can yoga be for kids?

In speaking with friends of mine who are mommies and have enrolled their children in yoga, the answer is overwhelmingly clear; yoga can move mountains for children. Children desperately (and I don’t say this lightly) need emotional nourishment and activity in life. Yoga has shown to bring a level of centeredness, respect, strength and compassion to the hearts and minds of kids. Kids of all ages. Moms have mentioned to me that their children have a better sense of awareness of who they are as individuals, exhibit more confidence, and more appreciation of themselves which in turn affects how they relate to others around them. Doesn’t matter your age, when we KNOW better, we DO better! Right?!

Recently I sat down with a dear friend and NYC yoga instructor, Michelle Barge, to get the full view on how the practice of yoga can truly benefit children. Certified since 2005, Michelle is a renowned teacher and some years ago began bringing her craft of instruction to the mat at Bent OnLearning – teaching children the joys and discipline of yoga. To me, who better to really help us grasp the importance of yoga for kids then Michelle? Imparting an age old wisdom blended with joy and fun, Michelle shares more on her approach and a look into the children she teaches … I hope it inspires you as much as it did me. Continue reading →

Here is a story of overcoming incredible odds. Shweta Katti had all the odds stacked against her. Being a female, growing up in a third world country, and coming from a poor family can be enough of an insurmountable challenge to condemn you to a life of poverty and insignificance. But Shweta had even more going against her. She was sexually abused by her step-father when young and she grew up in the red-light area of Mumbai. This is one of the many “hell hole” spots of the world where human behavior is at its most depraved, and where hope and light are the most distant. But Shweta has managed to overcome all this and has been accepted in Bard College in the US and has been given full tuition scholarship! Shweta dreams of becoming a psychologist so that she can work with the girls from the area she grew up in, to help them overcome the odds as she did.

Related:
Global Giving’s page on Shweta Katti where you can donate funds for her living expenses.
Kranti’s Web Site. This is one of the organization that helped Shweta break the odds.

Fruits have been a casualty of our obsession with Carbs. Now we are being told that Sugar is the real culprit, and this puts a big question on the wisdom of eating fruits. This article seeks to answer this question. Here are five things you may want to consider:

1. Eating whole fruits is healthy

Fruits contain antioxidants, vitamins, nutrients, and fiber. Increased fruit consumption has been tied to lower body weight and a lower risk of metabolic diseases. Most experts recommend eating multiple fruits of different colors. The portion size should be no more than a medium size bowl of fruit per person. As a second choice if eating whole fruits is not possible then dried fruits may be consumed instead (But the portion size should be no more than a small bowl).

2. Eating fruits in their season is a good idea

Like everything else fruits are best consumed fresh. While some fruits grow year round most are seasonal. Eating fruits in season will help you avoid high cost and will allow you to avoid artificially seasoned fruits. (Here is a chart of fruit seasonality: Fruit Seasonality Chart)

3. Fruits may help with sugar craving
Continue reading →