"Truth cannot be interpreted – it can only be experienced." - Sadhguru  The Yamas [a series of "right living" or ethical rules within Yoga philosophy - "reining in" or "control" - restraints for proper conduct that can be understood as ways in which we interact with the world around us.] Essentially, things we must observe to be good, solid people. There's no surprise that telling the truth makes the list & it is called SATYA; the second of the Yamas. It literally translates to honesty and is about being truthful to the world and to yourself, but without forgetting our other goals of being kind and compassionate that we looked at in Ahimsa [non injury/harm]. Sometimes being truthful is not about what you say, but how you say it & how we live it. In order to check if what we want to express is following Satya, we can ask ourselves these four questions: Is it true? Is it REALLY true? Is it necessary? Is it kind/can you say it in a kind way? In our yoga practice, we must be honest with our students when we are teaching and we must be honest to ourselves as practitioners. We can't let our ego take over and tell us we can do a pose when we can't or shouldn't. In the same way, we can't let fear tell us we can't do something if truthfully we can. These are all things to consider when practicing - decide what is the version of the practice that is truthfully right for you. The benefits of SATYA? Healthier relationships with others and yourself. A clear conscience. Trust in yourself. Inspires others. The benefits of continuously choosing the truth and bringing satya into your yoga practice will benefit so many aspects of your life it will be truly worth it! MENTORSHIP WITH VICYASA™... Yoga with Victor's mentorship program... for teachers looking to sharpen their tools and hone in on varying skills that will make you more proficient at sequencing, teaching anatomy, or widening their skill set to become a successful instructor and craft your own business model. What if you're not a teacher and would like to prepare for training or enhance your ever-hungry-desire to absorb all things yoga? Holla' at me. Feel like your 200 hour training ended with you needing more questions answered? Want to expand on those teachings? Do you feel like there are areas of your teaching repertoire that need enhancing? Contact me for more info and enrollment. PRIVATES: ONE-TO-ONE WORK! If you want to set up any private sessions or events, please contact me through email. You can learn more about privates: CLICK HERE! SINGLE CLASSES We've added single class purchases to our on-demand offerings. How does it work? A $17 payment will give you access to a single pre-recorded class with Victor or anyone on his staff. The private link with unique access code will give you entry to that class, which you can load anytime you want. You'll have 24-hours of unlimited access to that class. No refunds, returns and you must use that class within 24-hours of receiving it before it expires. You can request a teacher on our on-demand options... featuring Demetra Kentrotas (@d_meetch), Leanne McDermott (@leannerays), Elinor Cohen (@elinorraerigby) and others. YOGA AT OHHHMMM LIVE VIRTUAL SCHEDULE: MONDAY: 10/14/2024 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 10/15/2024 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 10/16/2024 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 10/17/2024 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 10/18/2024 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 10/19/2024 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 10/20/2024 NO CLASSES *ALL CLASSES EST *SESSIONS 45/60 MINUTES *WAIVER STATEMENT: I understand that I must be in good physical health to participate in these classes, that my participation may cause an injury and that I should consult with my physician before I take a class. I am taking these classes at my own risk. I waive any claim for personal injury and any other damages that I may have against the school, studio and/or the teachers who are offering these classes. *NEW REGULAR RATES:
PAYMENT: VENMO -- @Vicyasa Paypal -- [email protected] NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™
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ONE POSE AT A TIME “Do one thing at a time, and while doing it put your whole soul into it to the exclusion of all else.”— Swami Vivekananda  (This week's newsletter was composed by our dynamic on-demand teacher and full time writer Elinor Cohen. Check out her Instagram HERE and her amazingly empowering advanced & intermediate sessions on our on-demand archives.)
Several weeks ago, I taught a class before which a student came up to me and warned, “Elinor, I may leave early. It’s not because I have to but I just might get overheated or overwhelmed and feel like I have to leave. I’m just telling you now because I want you to know it’s not you.” I said, “Okay. That’s perfectly fine. I feel like that sometimes too - like committing to the whole class is just too much. But what if you don’t decide to leave early now. I’m not saying you can’t; you absolutely can if you feel you need or want to. But if you feel like that, I’m going challenge you to stay. How about this: how about you take it one pose at a time? You don’t have to commit to it all. Just one pose at a time.” She said that seemed like a good idea and agreed to do just that. I’ve known this student for years. I’ve seen her practice grow tremendously. She’s an advanced practitioner and she knows her limits. And I know she wanted to be in class, but the idea of committing to 60 minutes of strenuous, powerful movement is intimidating whether it’s your first or five hundredth class. Sometimes the idea of committing to anything for more than a few minutes feels insurmountable. But what if we step back and take it one pose at a time? Kali mudra, the inspiration for that class’s sequence, comes from the goddess Kali, who teaches us to remove negative blockages and step into our power. The way we do that is one pose at a time. One breath at a time. The student stayed for the entirety of the practice and walked out with a smiling face of accomplishment. She said ,”I’m glad I spoke to you before class. And I’m glad I stayed.” It’s not about finishing the class, which this student knew… which we all know. It’s about trusting yourself to step into your power, one pose at a time. MENTORSHIP WITH VICYASA™... Yoga with Victor's mentorship program... for teachers looking to sharpen their tools and hone in on varying skills that will make you more proficient at sequencing, teaching anatomy, or widening their skill set to become a successful instructor and craft your own business model. What if you're not a teacher and would like to prepare for training or enhance your ever-hungry-desire to absorb all things yoga? Holla' at me. Feel like your 200 hour training ended with you needing more questions answered? Want to expand on those teachings? Do you feel like there are areas of your teaching repertoire that need enhancing? Contact me for more info and enrollment. PRIVATES: ONE-TO-ONE WORK! If you want to set up any private sessions or events, please contact me through email. You can learn more about privates: CLICK HERE! SINGLE CLASSES We've added single class purchases to our on-demand offerings. How does it work? A $17 payment will give you access to a single pre-recorded class with Victor or anyone on his staff. The private link with unique access code will give you entry to that class, which you can load anytime you want. You'll have 24-hours of unlimited access to that class. No refunds, returns and you must use that class within 24-hours of receiving it before it expires. You can request a teacher on our on-demand options... featuring Demetra Kentrotas (@d_meetch), Leanne McDermott (@leannerays), Elinor Cohen (@elinorraerigby) and others. YOGA AT OHHHMMM LIVE VIRTUAL SCHEDULE: MONDAY: 10/7/2024 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 10/8/2024 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 10/9/2024 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 10/10/2024 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 10/11/2024 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 10/12/2024 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 10/13/2024 NO CLASSES *ALL CLASSES EST *SESSIONS 45/60 MINUTES *WAIVER STATEMENT: I understand that I must be in good physical health to participate in these classes, that my participation may cause an injury and that I should consult with my physician before I take a class. I am taking these classes at my own risk. I waive any claim for personal injury and any other damages that I may have against the school, studio and/or the teachers who are offering these classes. *NEW REGULAR RATES:
PAYMENT: VENMO -- @Vicyasa Paypal -- [email protected] NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ WHOOSH AWAY EXPECTATIONS: ENTERING VATA SEASON  (This week's newsletter was composed by our dynamic on-demand teacher and full time writer Elinor Cohen. Check out her Instagram HERE and her amazingly empowering advanced & intermediate sessions on our on-demand archives.) Time seems to blow by quicker and quicker each year and with it we invite the dry, windy, somewhat erratic energy that characterizes Vata Season in Ayurveda. This season brings us into Autumn and eventually Winter. Composed of air and ether, the Vata Dosha is all about action, transportation, and movement. It’s therefore the perfect time to take inventory of how you operate in terms of expectations for yourself and others and to do a little exercise: whoosh those expectations away.
The word “whoosh” is fun to say and even more enjoyable to embody. Sweeping and energetic, the word is somewhat of an incarnation of Vata Season in and of itself. When you “whoosh” something away, you forcefully push it out. It’s an intentional movement. There’s vigor and purpose behind a whoosh. Yoga doesn’t often encourage whooshing types of asana. Smooth, blended movements tend to be more in line with the yoga flow, especially in vinyasa. Still, there are ways to bring the element of “whoosh” into the practice and in doing so, you may be surprised at how certain expectations about what you thought the practice should look or feel like may dissipate. By doing so, you make room for new opportunities that are meant for you. How can we whoosh away expectations and bring that concept onto the mat?
What will you whoosh away in the upcoming season? What will you make space for? MENTORSHIP WITH VICYASA™... Yoga with Victor's mentorship program... for teachers looking to sharpen their tools and hone in on varying skills that will make you more proficient at sequencing, teaching anatomy, or widening their skill set to become a successful instructor and craft your own business model. What if you're not a teacher and would like to prepare for training or enhance your ever-hungry-desire to absorb all things yoga? Holla' at me. Feel like your 200 hour training ended with you needing more questions answered? Want to expand on those teachings? Do you feel like there are areas of your teaching repertoire that need enhancing? Contact me for more info and enrollment. PRIVATES: ONE-TO-ONE WORK! If you want to set up any private sessions or events, please contact me through email. You can learn more about privates: CLICK HERE! SINGLE CLASSES We've added single class purchases to our on-demand offerings. How does it work? A $17 payment will give you access to a single pre-recorded class with Victor or anyone on his staff. The private link with unique access code will give you entry to that class, which you can load anytime you want. You'll have 24-hours of unlimited access to that class. No refunds, returns and you must use that class within 24-hours of receiving it before it expires. You can request a teacher on our on-demand options... featuring Demetra Kentrotas (@d_meetch), Leanne McDermott (@leannerays), Elinor Cohen (@elinorraerigby) and others. YOGA AT OHHHMMM LIVE VIRTUAL SCHEDULE: MONDAY: 9/30/2024 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 10/1/2024 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 10/2/2024 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 10/3/2024 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 10/4/2024 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 10/5/2024 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 10/6/2024 NO CLASSES *ALL CLASSES EST *SESSIONS 45/60 MINUTES *WAIVER STATEMENT: I understand that I must be in good physical health to participate in these classes, that my participation may cause an injury and that I should consult with my physician before I take a class. I am taking these classes at my own risk. I waive any claim for personal injury and any other damages that I may have against the school, studio and/or the teachers who are offering these classes. *NEW REGULAR RATES:
PAYMENT: VENMO -- @Vicyasa Paypal -- [email protected] NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ Yoga at OHM Schedule w/ Victor 9/23 - 9/29/2024: Same Poses/Perfection? ; NYC YOGA Mentorship9/19/2024 "Comparison is the thief of joy." —Theodore Roosevelt  The quote above is very relevant in association with our yoga practice. I'd like to add that "Perfectionism" is also the thief of joy. Neither comparing nor the word "perfect" have any place in any meditation or yoga practice.
Too often, students feel self-imposed or outwardly pressured to advance in their poses; social media & studio culture, our upbringing, all influence and can sabotage our healthy yoga lifestyle. These pressures can lead to burnout, injury, and competitiveness—which is not the part of the construct of yoga. Nor is that a feature of any ancient scriptures or texts. That mode of practice creates suffering and can stunt our imagination and excitement for the practice as yoga practitioners. Of course, progressing in the practice of asana is beautiful too - but only healthy when that progress includes peace, mindfulness, awareness and inner knowing. This practice is one of joy. It’s meant to teach us to live up to our full potential. Not to be "perfect" or compare yourself to someone else, or to unhealthy standards not fitting your present. It’s a journey that we choose to embark on. Life is already a wild ride... so arrive on your mat this Fall and allow your breath, your practice, and the deep roots of yoga support you to feel more grounded and connected to the beauty that is you. WHY DO PRACTICE THE SAME SHAPES...? Asana is the practice of physical postures. This is what we typically first get introduced to when starting a yoga practice. Most of us start by taking a single yoga class in which we do a lot of stretching, bending, and strengthening of the body. While our bodies are amazing tools and we should definitely use them as much as we can, moving the body into different postures may not be the ultimate goal of a yoga practice, especially for many who dive deeper into a yoga lifestyle. The postures are just a tool to calm the mind and to move into the inner essence of being. Keeping it real..., yoga is more than just a physical practice. By opening up your body, you can eventually open up your mind, and the most fundamental goal of yoga is to quiet the mind. By constantly challenging yourself with different physical postures, you get the opportunity to explore and control all of your emotions. Asana has widespread benefits: improved health, strength, balance, and flexibility. But the deeper benefit that comes from a regular, daily practice is what keeps many doing this, day after day. By working with your body, you become more aware of your surroundings as well as yourself. You will probably start to pay more attention to details and notice how you react in different situations. Practicing asanas becomes both a preparation for meditation, and a meditation in and of itself. The postures become a tool to expand the consciousness, and the key to fostering this expansion begins with the control of breath: pranayama. It is not uncommon to get attached to the asanas in your practice. The mind often gets competitive and the urge to advance and do more postures has hit many yoga practitioners at one time in their lives. I have been there myself, eager to go into more advanced postures. I have compared myself to others and lost sight of why I do this practice, and almost every time this has happened, I injure myself, the practice just isnt meditative and leaves me feeling discouraged or not accepting. When I am moving too fast, without my body or my mind being ready for it, the body just says stop. It is a reminder of why I shouldn’t push myself, why I should accept that my body is different from others’, and that I have my own limitations. Most importantly, a reminder of why I do this practice. When I compare myself to others, I lose the essence of my yoga practice. So if you ever feel frustrated by not “mastering” a posture and you might have thoughts like, “Why can she do that and I can’t?” or “Why does he get more postures and I don’t?”, try to remember how far you have come and how the practice has transformed your body, mind, and soul. Just give that an extra thought and be grateful to be able to do this practice, regardless of which postures you are doing. MENTORSHIP WITH VICYASA™... Yoga with Victor's mentorship program... for teachers looking to sharpen their tools and hone in on varying skills that will make you more proficient at sequencing, teaching anatomy, or widening their skill set to become a successful instructor and craft your own business model. What if you're not a teacher and would like to prepare for training or enhance your ever-hungry-desire to absorb all things yoga? Holla' at me. Feel like your 200 hour training ended with you needing more questions answered? Want to expand on those teachings? Do you feel like there are areas of your teaching repertoire that need enhancing? Contact me for more info and enrollment. PRIVATES: ONE-TO-ONE WORK! If you want to set up any private sessions or events, please contact me through email. You can learn more about privates: CLICK HERE! SINGLE CLASSES We've added single class purchases to our on-demand offerings. How does it work? A $17 payment will give you access to a single pre-recorded class with Victor or anyone on his staff. The private link with unique access code will give you entry to that class, which you can load anytime you want. You'll have 24-hours of unlimited access to that class. No refunds, returns and you must use that class within 24-hours of receiving it before it expires. You can request a teacher on our on-demand options... featuring Demetra Kentrotas (@d_meetch), Leanne McDermott (@leannerays), Elinor Cohen (@elinorraerigby) and others. YOGA AT OHHHMMM LIVE VIRTUAL SCHEDULE: MONDAY: 9/23/2024 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 9/24/2024 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 9/25/2024 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 9/26/2024 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 9/27/2024 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 9/28/2024 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 9/29/2024 NO CLASSES *ALL CLASSES EST *SESSIONS 45/60 MINUTES *WAIVER STATEMENT: I understand that I must be in good physical health to participate in these classes, that my participation may cause an injury and that I should consult with my physician before I take a class. I am taking these classes at my own risk. I waive any claim for personal injury and any other damages that I may have against the school, studio and/or the teachers who are offering these classes. *NEW REGULAR RATES:
PAYMENT: VENMO -- @Vicyasa Paypal -- [email protected] NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ "There is something so special in the early leaves drifting from the trees–as if we are all to be allowed a chance to peel, to refresh, to start again." – Ruth Ahmed  There's something about the Fall season that feels refreshing and renewing, a time to completely reinvent yourself and create healthier habits. Many use the onset of Fall as a way to buckle down, get organized, and increase productivity in a means to prepare for what can be a hectic holiday season.
Especially with the holidays right around the corner, it becomes much more difficult to maintain the healthy habits you may have set, whether they are related to health, productivity, or organization. Preparing a more balanced schedule as 'we yoga into fall season’ -- the practice is essential than ever before as we try to harmonize our body with the season’s natural rhythm and the physiological effects of the shorter days and longer nights. Your personal living space is very important this time of year. You want your home environment to be a supportive space so think about having a clearout of unwanted items around the home. I like to think along the lines of clutter in the home means clutter in the mind and vice versa; so, maybe it is time for a clearout. This can also help you to create a safe and clear space for a meditation practice. Sure, it is comforting to huddle under the blanket and grab a cup of tea but surely, we all need some energizing and uplifting postures to help us get out of our sluggishness and fatigue and sustain a productive and healthy lifestyle. MENTORSHIP WITH VICYASA™... Yoga with Victor's mentorship program... for teachers looking to sharpen their tools and hone in on varying skills that will make you more proficient at sequencing, teaching anatomy, or widening their skill set to become a successful instructor and craft your own business model. What if you're not a teacher and would like to prepare for training or enhance your ever-hungry-desire to absorb all things yoga? Holla' at me. Feel like your 200 hour training ended with you needing more questions answered? Want to expand on those teachings? Do you feel like there are areas of your teaching repertoire that need enhancing? Contact me for more info and enrollment. PRIVATES: ONE-TO-ONE WORK! If you want to set up any private sessions or events, please contact me through email. You can learn more about privates: CLICK HERE! SINGLE CLASSES We've added single class purchases to our on-demand offerings. How does it work? A $17 payment will give you access to a single pre-recorded class with Victor or anyone on his staff. The private link with unique access code will give you entry to that class, which you can load anytime you want. You'll have 24-hours of unlimited access to that class. No refunds, returns and you must use that class within 24-hours of receiving it before it expires. You can request a teacher on our on-demand options... featuring Demetra Kentrotas (@d_meetch), Leanne McDermott (@leannerays), Elinor Cohen (@elinorraerigby) and others. YOGA AT OHHHMMM LIVE VIRTUAL SCHEDULE: MONDAY: 9/16/2024 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 9/17/2024 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 9/18/2024 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 9/19/2024 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 9/20/2024 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 9/21/2024 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 9/22/2024 NO CLASSES *ALL CLASSES EST *SESSIONS 45/60 MINUTES *WAIVER STATEMENT: I understand that I must be in good physical health to participate in these classes, that my participation may cause an injury and that I should consult with my physician before I take a class. I am taking these classes at my own risk. I waive any claim for personal injury and any other damages that I may have against the school, studio and/or the teachers who are offering these classes. *NEW REGULAR RATES:
PAYMENT: VENMO -- @Vicyasa Paypal -- [email protected] NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ "Change is not only inevitable, but always happening. When you truly embrace this concept of change being constant, the only thing left to do is grow, detach, venture inwards, touch the spirit and find your source — the one responsible for keeping you grounded through the ever—changing seasons of life." -- Julie Weiland  Fall is the season of transition & change... If we observe & spend time with nature during this beautiful season, it can teach us life-transforming lessons of acceptance, balance, letting go, surrender & reset. If we can adopt these in times of change, the change will be enjoyable.
Yoga is the journey of the self. If we connect our heart and soul to our practice, it can help us to learn these life lessons and to embrace changes with a lot more ease. ACCEPT CHANGE AND IMPERMANENCE: The changing fall foliage leaves us wonderstruck, reminding us that change is the nature of life and change is beautiful. Admiring the changing leaves helps us be open to the surprises of nature and the inevitable twists and turns in our life. It also means having faith that some supreme power always protects us in all the transitions of life. LET GO AND SURRENDER: The equal division of day and night also reflects autumn’s lesson to relinquish and to harvest. Autumn is a season that invites us to consider releasing and surrendering what no longer serves us or what gets in the way of being present to the sacredness of each moment. It is the time to reflect and surrender our masks and become more truly who we already are. As the leaves change their shades to unfold their true colors, let us consider changing the things, habits, beliefs, and attitudes that cover our true nature. MENTORSHIP WITH VICYASA™... Yoga with Victor's mentorship program... for teachers looking to sharpen their tools and hone in on varying skills that will make you more proficient at sequencing, teaching anatomy, or widening their skill set to become a successful instructor and craft your own business model. What if you're not a teacher and would like to prepare for training or enhance your ever-hungry-desire to absorb all things yoga? Holla' at me. Feel like your 200 hour training ended with you needing more questions answered? Want to expand on those teachings? Do you feel like there are areas of your teaching repertoire that need enhancing? Contact me for more info and enrollment. PRIVATES: ONE-TO-ONE WORK! If you want to set up any private sessions or events, please contact me through email. You can learn more about privates: CLICK HERE! SINGLE CLASSES We've added single class purchases to our on-demand offerings. How does it work? A $17 payment will give you access to a single pre-recorded class with Victor or anyone on his staff. The private link with unique access code will give you entry to that class, which you can load anytime you want. You'll have 24-hours of unlimited access to that class. No refunds, returns and you must use that class within 24-hours of receiving it before it expires. You can request a teacher on our on-demand options... featuring Demetra Kentrotas (@d_meetch), Leanne McDermott (@leannerays), Elinor Cohen (@elinorraerigby) and others. YOGA AT OHHHMMM LIVE VIRTUAL SCHEDULE: MONDAY: 9/9/2024 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 9/10/2024 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 9/11/2024 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 9/12/2024 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 9/13/2024 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 9/14/2024 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 9/152024 NO CLASSES *ALL CLASSES EST *SESSIONS 45/60 MINUTES *WAIVER STATEMENT: I understand that I must be in good physical health to participate in these classes, that my participation may cause an injury and that I should consult with my physician before I take a class. I am taking these classes at my own risk. I waive any claim for personal injury and any other damages that I may have against the school, studio and/or the teachers who are offering these classes. *NEW REGULAR RATES:
PAYMENT: VENMO -- @Vicyasa Paypal -- [email protected] NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ "Namaste means that whatever is precious and beautiful in me honors whatever is precious and beautiful in you.” — Debasish Mridha  #Namaste!
We hear it in class, we say it post-class, but do we know what it means? Namaste is an ancient Sanskrit word with Hindu roots that dates all the way back to the Vedic period. It’s an expression that has been used for thousands of years and while Namaste has many different translations and uses, it is above all an expression of respect. Namaste is a declaration of appreciation, a non-contact expression and respect towards another person, entity or deity. It can be used as a hello greeting and even as a goodbye, so you might say Namaste upon meeting someone, or before parting ways. It is derived from two key Sanskrit words: Namah: bow, adoration, salutation Te: to you Are you ready to honor yourself and others with a Namaste greeting, but you’re not sure how to express it correctly? The good news: there is no ‘right’ way to say Namaste, as long as it is being used as an expression of reverence, respect and gratitude. It is a three-syllable word that is pronounced naah – muh – stay. Just like chanting Om, you may or may not feel comfortable bowing and saying Namaste at the end of a yoga class. Only you can decide if incorporating Namaste into your practice and interactions with others makes sense. You can most certainly convey the intention behind Namaste without ever speaking the word, if you so choose. Just like your asana practice, honor yourself, and meet yourself where you are. If and when you’re ready to say Namaste, you’ll know. MENTORSHIP WITH VICYASA™... Yoga with Victor's mentorship program... for teachers looking to sharpen their tools and hone in on varying skills that will make you more proficient at sequencing, teaching anatomy, or widening their skill set to become a successful instructor and craft your own business model. What if you're not a teacher and would like to prepare for training or enhance your ever-hungry-desire to absorb all things yoga? Holla' at me. Feel like your 200 hour training ended with you needing more questions answered? Want to expand on those teachings? Do you feel like there are areas of your teaching repertoire that need enhancing? Contact me for more info and enrollment. PRIVATES: ONE-TO-ONE WORK! If you want to set up any private sessions or events, please contact me through email. You can learn more about privates: CLICK HERE! SINGLE CLASSES We've added single class purchases to our on-demand offerings. How does it work? A $17 payment will give you access to a single pre-recorded class with Victor or anyone on his staff. The private link with unique access code will give you entry to that class, which you can load anytime you want. You'll have 24-hours of unlimited access to that class. No refunds, returns and you must use that class within 24-hours of receiving it before it expires. You can request a teacher on our on-demand options... featuring Demetra Kentrotas (@d_meetch), Leanne McDermott (@leannerays), Elinor Cohen (@elinorraerigby) and others. YOGA AT OHHHMMM LIVE VIRTUAL SCHEDULE: MONDAY: 9/2/2024 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 9/3/2024 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 9/4/2024 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 9/5/2024 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 9/6/2024 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 9/7/2024 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 9/8/2024 NO CLASSES *ALL CLASSES EST *SESSIONS 45/60 MINUTES *WAIVER STATEMENT: I understand that I must be in good physical health to participate in these classes, that my participation may cause an injury and that I should consult with my physician before I take a class. I am taking these classes at my own risk. I waive any claim for personal injury and any other damages that I may have against the school, studio and/or the teachers who are offering these classes. *NEW REGULAR RATES:
PAYMENT: VENMO -- @Vicyasa Paypal -- [email protected] NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ "Do not measure success by today's harvest. Measure success by the seeds you plant today." - Robert Louis Stevenson  Abundance... This time of year is the time of first harvest; apples are ripening and corn is being brought in from the field. During the season of gathering, we take time to enjoy the cornucopian feast that nature has laid out before us.
Whether we live in a concrete jungle or the country, we can mindfully redirect our senses to appreciate the bountifulness and abundance of the season. During this period it is imperative we remember to say thank you to Mother Earth for providing and not just with consumption of the goods we have received, but giving unto others who may know what the environment has to offer... acts of kindness. Our yoga practice during this transition can focus on cultivating contentment, gratitude, and happiness. Yoga Sutra 2.42 can translate to, “Happiness is attained through contentment.” When we cultivate gratitude as a spiritual practice, contentment [Santosha] naturally follows, and from contentment happiness blooms. Whereas happiness can be elusive, the path of gratitude and contentment is always available to us. Ask yourself this season:
MENTORSHIP WITH VICYASA™... Yoga with Victor's mentorship program... for teachers looking to sharpen their tools and hone in on varying skills that will make you more proficient at sequencing, teaching anatomy, or widening their skill set to become a successful instructor and craft your own business model. What if you're not a teacher and would like to prepare for training or enhance your ever-hungry-desire to absorb all things yoga? Holla' at me. Feel like your 200 hour training ended with you needing more questions answered? Want to expand on those teachings? Do you feel like there are areas of your teaching repertoire that need enhancing? Contact me for more info and enrollment. PRIVATES: ONE-TO-ONE WORK! If you want to set up any private sessions or events, please contact me through email. You can learn more about privates: CLICK HERE! SINGLE CLASSES We've added single class purchases to our on-demand offerings. How does it work? A $17 payment will give you access to a single pre-recorded class with Victor or anyone on his staff. The private link with unique access code will give you entry to that class, which you can load anytime you want. You'll have 24-hours of unlimited access to that class. No refunds, returns and you must use that class within 24-hours of receiving it before it expires. You can request a teacher on our on-demand options... featuring Demetra Kentrotas (@d_meetch), Leanne McDermott (@leannerays), Elinor Cohen (@elinorraerigby) and others. YOGA AT OHHHMMM LIVE VIRTUAL SCHEDULE: MONDAY: 8/26/2024 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 8/27/2024 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 8/28/2024 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 8/29/2024 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 8/30/2024 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 8/31/2024 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 9/1/2024 NO CLASSES *ALL CLASSES EST *SESSIONS 45/60 MINUTES *WAIVER STATEMENT: I understand that I must be in good physical health to participate in these classes, that my participation may cause an injury and that I should consult with my physician before I take a class. I am taking these classes at my own risk. I waive any claim for personal injury and any other damages that I may have against the school, studio and/or the teachers who are offering these classes. *NEW REGULAR RATES:
PAYMENT: VENMO -- @Vicyasa Paypal -- [email protected] NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ “August is like the Sunday of summer.” -- unknown  As we countdown the Summer, be mindful of the cooling and calming approach of our practice, especially with the potential frenzied entrance into the September season where change can be abundant and the shift can be a drastic one.
To balance the heat-waves and energy harnessed by the summer season, aim to cultivate the opposite environment on the inside of the body — cool and calm. During this time of year, a good counter for high energy would be to create a lunar current within the body by focusing on activities and foods that are cooling. This approach will nourish your system and help increase your energy levels. Moon Salutations, Sun salutations (with walk forwards), supported backbends, legs up a wall to close practice, wide legged forward folds and floor twists all send a calming wave through the nervous system and serve the body’s attempts to self-regulate. Hint: a lil' mint essential oil sprinkled on the mat provides a exhiliating cooling effect too. MENTORSHIP WITH VICYASA™... Yoga with Victor's mentorship program... for teachers looking to sharpen their tools and hone in on varying skills that will make you more proficient at sequencing, teaching anatomy, or widening their skill set to become a successful instructor and craft your own business model. What if you're not a teacher and would like to prepare for training or enhance your ever-hungry-desire to absorb all things yoga? Holla' at me. Feel like your 200 hour training ended with you needing more questions answered? Want to expand on those teachings? Do you feel like there are areas of your teaching repertoire that need enhancing? Contact me for more info and enrollment. PRIVATES: ONE-TO-ONE WORK! If you want to set up any private sessions or events, please contact me through email. You can learn more about privates: CLICK HERE! SINGLE CLASSES We've added single class purchases to our on-demand offerings. How does it work? A $17 payment will give you access to a single pre-recorded class with Victor or anyone on his staff. The private link with unique access code will give you entry to that class, which you can load anytime you want. You'll have 24-hours of unlimited access to that class. No refunds, returns and you must use that class within 24-hours of receiving it before it expires. You can request a teacher on our on-demand options... featuring Demetra Kentrotas (@d_meetch), Leanne McDermott (@leannerays), Elinor Cohen (@elinorraerigby) and others. YOGA AT OHHHMMM LIVE VIRTUAL SCHEDULE: MONDAY: 8/19/2024 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 8/20/2024 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 8/21/2024 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 8/22/2024 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 8/23/2024 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 8/24/2024 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 8/25/2024 NO CLASSES *ALL CLASSES EST *SESSIONS 45/60 MINUTES *WAIVER STATEMENT: I understand that I must be in good physical health to participate in these classes, that my participation may cause an injury and that I should consult with my physician before I take a class. I am taking these classes at my own risk. I waive any claim for personal injury and any other damages that I may have against the school, studio and/or the teachers who are offering these classes. *NEW REGULAR RATES:
PAYMENT: VENMO -- @Vicyasa Paypal -- [email protected] NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ "You can only lose something that you have, but you cannot lose something that you are." -- Eckhart Tolle  If Yoga just means physical postures [asana] to you... you are depreciating and diminishing the meaning of yoga. It isn't sun salutations [surya namaskar], vinyasa flow, or chaturanga [four-limbed staff pose].
Advanced yoga does not mean difficult body positions that require strength and super-bendy flexibility. Yet, this is how Yoga is portrayed in modern times. Going with this definition disparages the profound spiritual path Yoga really is. I was introduced to yoga the way most people are today — through physical practice, a vinyasa class that quickly hooked me. When I first started practicing asana, I was immediately drawn to the technical exploration of the postures. I would research each one and figure out which muscles I needed to stretch and strengthen, release and what to stabilize or move to move forward. Then there's a time in your practice when you find yourself thinking, “now what?” It’s that moment when you realize the physical practice is just one teaching -- you start scratching the surface. Initially the asana practice put me in a mindset where we believe, like in many aspects in life "I’ll be happier once I have [more money / that dream job / fancier clothes / a partner / my own house / a car, etc…]" In relation to my journey with Yoga, it was the next yoga pose. I thought it would not only bring me happiness, but validation and success. “Once I’m able to do an arm balance, back bend or invert, more people will respect and admire me, I’ll feel fulfilled and I’ll be a better yoga teacher.” Spoiler alert: that doesn’t happen. As my practice evolved over the years, I began to recognize my mental patterns and observe them more closely. I slowly started to realize that my old belief system had failed; mastering yoga postures didn’t necessarily make me a better, or even more enlightened person. It's not to say that the postures aren't an important part of the yoga experience, they definitely are! But yoga is about what the postures teach you — compassion, patience, cultivating self-awareness. And maybe along the way of achieving Dhanurasana you learn something deeper than how to backbend — how to be in an uncomfortable situation and still be able to breathe and find some ease in your body, mind and spirit. That inner awareness on the mat starts to help us cultivate inner awareness in our daily lives so that we can start reconnecting to that quiet inner voice and make conscious choices on how we interact with the world. Most of us are walking through life with very little self-awareness. So many people have never been aware of their breath, aware of body sensations, aware of thoughts. Most of us are on autopilot, doing what we were taught to do and never questioning anything. The yoga practice is a lifelong voyage of self-discovery — one that occurs off and on the mat. Ultimately, yoga as a tool or technique is a physical practice with a spiritual intention. Everything we do physically has a deeper, spiritual lesson. We can use physical practice to learn about ourselves and to make peace with ourselves; to open up a channel into the divine, into grace; and in that space of grace there is healing and freedom. As a parting ‘gift’, I invite you to challenge your current definition of Yoga. And beyond poses; meditation, journaling, acts of compassion, listening, reading, singing, taking a walk, ... become more connected with yourself, to nature, to the world, to a partner... moment to moment without needing to strike a pose. VUORI CLOTHING GIVEAWAY! Thanks to Vuori for the goodies as we wrap-up our Summer of swag. We'll do in person giveaways at New York Yoga and Sui Yoga for attendees at those studios. MENTORSHIP WITH VICYASA™... Yoga with Victor's mentorship program... for teachers looking to sharpen their tools and hone in on varying skills that will make you more proficient at sequencing, teaching anatomy, or widening their skill set to become a successful instructor and craft your own business model. What if you're not a teacher and would like to prepare for training or enhance your ever-hungry-desire to absorb all things yoga? Holla' at me. Feel like your 200 hour training ended with you needing more questions answered? Want to expand on those teachings? Do you feel like there are areas of your teaching repertoire that need enhancing? Contact me for more info and enrollment. PRIVATES: ONE-TO-ONE WORK! If you want to set up any private sessions or events, please contact me through email. You can learn more about privates: CLICK HERE! SINGLE CLASSES We've added single class purchases to our on-demand offerings. How does it work? A $17 payment will give you access to a single pre-recorded class with Victor or anyone on his staff. The private link with unique access code will give you entry to that class, which you can load anytime you want. You'll have 24-hours of unlimited access to that class. No refunds, returns and you must use that class within 24-hours of receiving it before it expires. You can request a teacher on our on-demand options... featuring Demetra Kentrotas (@d_meetch), Leanne McDermott (@leannerays), Elinor Cohen (@elinorraerigby) and others. YOGA AT OHHHMMM LIVE VIRTUAL SCHEDULE: MONDAY: 8/12/2024 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 8/13/2024 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 8/14/2024 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 8/15/2024 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 8/16/2024 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 8/17/2024 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 8/18/2024 NO CLASSES *ALL CLASSES EST *SESSIONS 45/60 MINUTES *WAIVER STATEMENT: I understand that I must be in good physical health to participate in these classes, that my participation may cause an injury and that I should consult with my physician before I take a class. I am taking these classes at my own risk. I waive any claim for personal injury and any other damages that I may have against the school, studio and/or the teachers who are offering these classes. *NEW REGULAR RATES:
PAYMENT: VENMO -- @Vicyasa Paypal -- [email protected] NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ |
AuthorVicyasa™, your full-time dopamine dealer ... don't allow my confidence to offend your insecurity. Archives
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