“Our bodies are intuitively attuned with the earth’s natural rhythm—our inner universe is inherently harmonized with the universe that surrounds us,” -- Michelle Dalbec  We all look forward to Daylight Savings, with its promise of long summer evenings and basking in the sun. But does the “spring forward” leave you feeling tired, groggy, and out of sorts? While a one hour shift might seem benign, it actually has quite an impact on the human system. Yoga, from mid-March to mid-May, is the time for cleansing, throwing, flushing, detoxifying, clearing the body waste and so on, in order to feel new, fresh, energetic, beautiful, healthy and light. Spring is all about working on the Agni (Manipura Chakra) to induce the fire in the belly to keep the digestive tract active and healthy. To reawaken and re-energize your body and mind in Spring, try more twisting postures such as Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes pose), reclined twists, and Parivritta Anjaneyasana (Twisted lunge). Core-focused asanas like Navasana (Boat pose) can boost circulation to the digestive system, and a few rounds of Surya Namaskar (sun salutations) each morning, is a great way to stimulate physical and subtle channels, raising your mood and energy. If the beginning of Spring is also the beginning of allergy season for you, then Kapalabhati breath is a great way to cleanse the sinus passages, as well as giving a boost of energy and clarity. If these tips have inspired you to start reconnecting with yourself and thus nature, the simplest way to begin to expand your warm months horizon is by heading outside. Which plants are growing around you? How does the sun feel on your skin? Which scents can you smell? Which colours can you see? How does Spring make you feel? 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: 3/17/2025 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 3/18/2025 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 3/19/2025 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 3/20/2025 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 3/21/2025 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 3/22/2025 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 3/23/2025 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. 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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Walk the Walk  (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.) As the weather finally starts to show signs of Spring, we find that we’re able to start to poke our heads out of hibernation and emerge. 50-60 degree days call for a little extra time spent outside and perhaps a nice walk around your neighborhood. With that newfound spring in your step and vigor to be around friends, you’ll likely see many others walking around and enjoying the fresh air. So let’s talk about it: the walk.
When we think of the word “walk,” we typically think of it in a literal sense, as in moving forward.While forward motion is a great way to approach this word, there are so many other associations that come along with it when you consider modern day vernacular:
Now for the yoga. If you think about how we move around the mat, you could consider that a walk as well. We walk our hands and feet and bodies forward, backward, side to side in unique variations that allow us to explore different elements of ourselves. We “walk our dog” by pedaling our feet, eventually making our way from down dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) to forward fold (Uttanasana). Yoga challenges us to evaluate how we walk around the mat and at the same time, think about how we walk through life. This life thing – it’s seldom a walk in the park. Life throws you twists and turns like you wouldn’t believe, but it’s your job to say “onward” and keep walking. That doesn’t mean you always have to go forward – sometimes the walk will be lateral, and that’s okay as well. As the weather continues to calm and the days become longer, think about how you walk through life. Think about how you move around your mat. Think about how the two can mimic one another. A PEEK INTO MENTORSHIP WITH VICYASA™... Many prospective teachers, graduates of teacher training(s) and a handful of you that have a desire just to dive deeper into the many aspects of a yoga practice and teaching yoga regularly have been impacted greatly by our bespoke mentoring program. Here are some of the key topics I have programmed into varying syllabuses:
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: 3/10/2025 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 3/11/2025 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 3/12/2025 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 3/13/2025 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 3/14/2025 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 3/15/2025 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 3/16/2025 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. REGULAR RATES:
PAYMENT: VENMO -- @Vicyasa Paypal -- [email protected] NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ "Clean the body, yes, we take a bath one, two, three times a day. How many times do you meditate to clean the mind? You take a bath to clean the body; you meditate to clean the mind. There is nothing more to it." -- Yogi Bhajan  Let's talk again about the Yamas and Niyamas.... our ethical and moral guidelines outlined in classical Yoga philosophy, particularly in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. This foundational Yoga text provides a comprehensive approach to practicing and embodying all the limbs of Yoga. The Yamas and Niyamas are the first two limbs and aim to help us cultivate a balanced and harmonious life. Saucha is the first niyama, or yogic observance, in yogic teachings. Sauchacan be translated from Sanskrit to mean “purity” or “cleanliness.” This extends beyond just physical cleanliness, but also includes cleanliness in your environment, your mental state, and your daily approach to life. The theme for March is Saucha, or purity. When we heat the body through breathwork and intentional movement, we purify the body from the inside out. When we create a daily ritual of yoga (whether it’s an hour long hot class or 10 minutes of Sun Salutations at home) the body gets used to this method of detoxification. The sweat released from the body during a fiery practice will cleanse the body. The practice of Saucha also translates to the environment around you; as you prepare your space for practice, take a few moments to be mindful of your setup. Perhaps you begin by cleaning your mat. Place props such as yoga blocks in a space where they are accessible, and not causing haphazard clutter around you. Your personal hygiene pre-and-post class as well we practice Saucha. Likely, you’ve heard some iteration of the dictum “Your body is a temple” and taking care of your hygienic needs is a small, but important way to honor your physical vessel. Ultimately, staying present: an essential teaching that recognizes that each moment is pure, just as it is. Instead of trying to rush through a pose, derailing a teacher's sequence, avoidance towards whatever lies ahead, or remaining stuck in the past, finding a bit of acceptance in the “right now” is how we can keep the mind clean, clear and calm. By staying away from the “unclean” thoughts (fear, anxiety, ego, possessions) we open up space for authentic, kind and pure mind space. Maintaining cleanliness in our bodies, minds, and surroundings, we create an environment that supports our overall well-being and spiritual growth. This inner and outer cleanliness allows us to live more freely and joyfully, aligned with our true purpose. VUORI CLOTHING x VICYASA™ On Wednesday February 26th, we had a filled store for an AMAZING meet/greet and flow at the Vuori flagship store in SOHO. Shout-out to all that showed, made it a fun evening and got some goodies. BIG THANKS TO VUORI CLOTHING!!! A PEEK INTO MENTORSHIP WITH VICYASA™... Many prospective teachers, graduates of teacher training(s) and a handful of you that have a desire just to dive deeper into the many aspects of a yoga practice and teaching yoga regularly have been impacted greatly by our bespoke mentoring program. Here are some of the key topics I have programmed into varying syllabuses:
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: 3/3/2025 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 3/4/2025 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 3/5/2025 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 3/6/2025 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 3/7/2025 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 3/8/2025 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 3/9/2025 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. REGULAR RATES:
PAYMENT: VENMO -- @Vicyasa Paypal -- [email protected] NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ Stop Seeking So You Can Start Seeing  (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.) It’s so easy to see what others have and want it… or think you want it. Living in a seeking mindset is something that’s been ingrained into many of us as both contributors to and consumers of society. After all, the world only keeps going round if we keep searching, seeking, and consuming, right? Maybe, but maybe not.
It’s natural to want more, both for yourself and for others. You see what you have and for a while that brings you contentment but after some time, it fades. There’s a “what’s next?” element that takes over and that leads us to ask for more than what we currently have. In some instances, wanting more can be beneficial. It can stoke the fire of ambition and keep you hungry, always improving. But in other cases, constantly living in a seeking mentality may prevent you from truly seeing what you already have. This may lead to a state of constant dissatisfaction. If you’re always seeking, always looking at how things could be better, you’ll never be happy with what is. And sometimes what is is pretty darn great. This idea of seeing, not seeking, can apply to any and every aspect of our lives, including yoga. If you’re always on the hunt for a romantic relationship, you may blind yourself to the fantastic friendships and connections that are present in your life. If you’re always trying to do the next fancy arm balance or inversion, you may not realize just how impressive your yoga practice already is. Perhaps you weren’t always able to touch your toes and now you can. Or maybe you struggled with quieting your mind, and now that’s a little bit easier. Don’t let living in a seeking mentality prevent you from seeing all the good you have in front of you. When we stop constantly seeking, we open ourselves up to see the abundance that already exists. A PEEK INTO MENTORSHIP WITH VICYASA™... Many prospective teachers, graduates of teacher training(s) and a handful of you that have a desire just to dive deeper into the many aspects of a yoga practice and teaching yoga regularly have been impacted greatly by our bespoke mentoring program. Here are some of the key topics I have programmed into varying syllabuses:
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: 2/24/2025 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 2/25/2025 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 2/26/2025 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 2/27/2025 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 2/28/2025 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 3/1/2025 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 3/2/2025 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. REGULAR RATES:
PAYMENT: VENMO -- @Vicyasa Paypal -- [email protected] NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ “I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.” ― Maya Angelou  Resilience is about our ability to successfully adapt to stress and adversity. Of course we all face challenges in our life. Some we may handle with grace, and other times... not as much.
It is a life skill that each new curve ball presents us with an opportunity to practice. Building resilience on our mat is a safe place to flex the resilience muscle so it’s strong enough to get us through the next life upheaval. Taking care of our bodies is a legitimate practice for mental health and building resilience. This is because stress is just as much physical as it is emotional. Implementing positive lifestyle factors like proper nutrition, ample sleep, hydration, and regular exercise can strengthen your body to adapt to stress and reduce the toll of emotions like anxiety or depression. Yoga is a wonderful physical practice that can help us connect with our physical bodies through asanas (poses), flows and challenging sequences. The poses and sequences taught in yoga can have innumerable benefits, from back pain relief to anti-aging effects. The combination of physical postures, breath control, and concentration helps to build your resilience. Pushing ourselves during yoga practice to hold a pose when it seems we have reached our limit helps develop emotional resilience over time, and we become more confident and bold in our decisions. Yoga is the perfect tool to teach us how our minds respond in the face of adversity. It’s easy to be happy when we enjoy a nice and easy yoga practice, but what happens when we face a pose we struggle with or lose balance and stumble on our mat? Do you laugh it off or do you get frustrated? Your response can teach you a lot about how you would respond to other similar (stressful) events and it may just give insight into whether or not you experience the ups and downs in life as more stressful. That’s useful information! By becoming more self-aware, we learn to observe without judgement, to change our perspective rather than trying to change the situation, and to be more introspective, all of which help develop resilience over time. A PEEK INTO MENTORSHIP WITH VICYASA™... Many prospective teachers, graduates of teacher training(s) and a handful of you that have a desire just to dive deeper into the many aspects of a yoga practice and teaching yoga regularly have been impacted greatly by our bespoke mentoring program. Here are some of the key topics I have programmed into varying syllabuses:
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: 2/17/2025 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 2/18/2025 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 2/19/2025 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 2/20/2025 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 2/21/2025 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 2/22/2025 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 2/23/2025 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. REGULAR RATES:
PAYMENT: VENMO -- @Vicyasa Paypal -- [email protected] NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ Combatting Kapha 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.) Well we’re in the thick of it; winter, that is. There’s no way of getting around it. The air is cold, the days are short, and darkness seems to creep in earlier and earlier. Winter can be magical, a wonderland of sorts, but as we exit February and proceed into March, the thick, moist, damp air feels heavy rather than hopeful. What’s a yogi to do?
This period of time, from mid January to March, is known as Kapha season in Ayurveda (yoga’s sister’s science). Characterized by a coolness in the air combined with lots of moisture, the Kapha dosha is most dominant. You may feel a sense of sluggishness or brain fog; perhaps you’re resistant to movement, feeling that it would be easier to stay under the covers for longer. That’s all quite normal during this time but it doesn’t mean you should lean into it. Kapha season is the perfect opportunity to start looking ahead toward change. There’s a hint of newness in the air. The frigid ground slowly starts to thaw, allowing space for new buds to poke through and eventually become fragrant flowers. The Kapha dosha has so many wonderful qualities, including groundedness, steadiness, compassion, and stability. If this is your primary dosha, lucky you! You’re probably the level-headed one in your group of friends. Perhaps you’re the one everyone turns to when they need a loving hug. Sometimes, however, too much softness can cause us to get stuck. We don’t want to get stuck in the mud of Kapha season. Instead, we need to implement tools to re-energize and prepare ourselves more fully for spring. During Kapha season, it is advised to commit to a routine so you don’t let poor habits or tendencies build up. It’s also recommended to move! More vigorous vinyasa classes are great during this time. Not only will that type of asana revitalize you, but the increased focus on your breath may break up some of the nasal congestion you may be experiencing with the changing of the weather. Abhyanga (a warm oil self-massage ) is also a good idea during this time, as it can keep your skin nice and moisturized. Within the home, consider doing some early spring cleaning. This could give you just the reset you need to enter the warmer months with a clearer mindset. As always, remember that yoga and Ayurveda are practices. They’re ongoing, never meant to be fully mastered. Act in ways that nourish your brain, body, and soul, both on and off the mat and you can. A PEEK INTO MENTORSHIP WITH VICYASA™... Many prospective teachers, graduates of teacher training(s) and a handful of you that have a desire just to dive deeper into the many aspects of a yoga practice and teaching yoga regularly have been impacted greatly by our bespoke mentoring program. Here are some of the key topics I have programmed into varying syllabuses:
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: 2/10/2025 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 2/11/2025 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 2/12/2025 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 2/13/2025 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 2/14/2025 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 2/15/2025 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 2/16/2025 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. REGULAR RATES:
PAYMENT: VENMO -- @Vicyasa Paypal -- [email protected] NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ “The more the heart is sated with joy, the more it becomes insatiable.” — Gabrielle Roy  Certain core teachings of Yoga can forever shift the way you see the world in an acute way. “Joy is within you” is one of them. In the Yoga Sutra’s Chapter 1.33, Pantanjali gives us a 4-part process to help us clear our hearts of negative energies as a means for quieting our minds.
Four keys to nurture joy within... Maitri [friendliness]: Kindness and friendliness to those who are happy, instead of being jealous and resentful of their mode. Rather than living with mental scarcity thinking one person’s happiness will cause us to run out of happiness we must appreciate their joy, realizing the potential for all of us to be happy at the same time. Karuna [compassion]: Compassion for those who are in pain, those that are suffering including yourself. The practice means no longer self-sabotaging oneself nor catastrophizing but instead learning how to self-comfort. It implies you see yourself as deserving of compassion. This applies outwardly as well, that we cannot choose towards whom we have compassion but it is universal and unconditional. Mudita [joy]: Respect, admiration and honor for those who embody noble qualities. In practice this means eliminating envy towards those that are living honorable lives. We must genuinely celebrate achievements. This reminds us that we can be inspired by others' greatness to then be inspiring. We all have innate greatness. Upeksanam [equanimity]: towards those who hurt us. Peacefulness towards those whose actions oppose our values. Instead of choosing the “like” button or even the “dislike” button choosing neutral. There will be some people that purposefully will try to harm you or people you love. Your choice is not to engage them in a fight. You can simply stop struggling. This is where the idea of “would you rather be right or be happy” comes from. We encounter many people in life; Happy people (sukha), Unhappy people (dukha), Honorable people (punya), Malicious people (apunya)... Our approach, the way we cultivate and navigate through relationships, choosing to constitute a path that leads us to happiness cannot be shaken if we nurture ourselves with the above 4 keys. A PEEK INTO MENTORSHIP WITH VICYASA™... Many prospective teachers, graduates of teacher training(s) and a handful of you that have a desire just to dive deeper into the many aspects of a yoga practice and teaching yoga regularly have been impacted greatly by our bespoke mentoring program. Here are some of the key topics I have programmed into varying syllabuses:
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: 2/3/2025 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 2/4/2025 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 2/5/2025 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 2/6/2025 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 2/7/2025 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 2/8/2025 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 2/9/2025 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. REGULAR RATES:
PAYMENT: VENMO -- @Vicyasa Paypal -- [email protected] NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ February Yoga: A Practice of Self-Love  (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.) Valentines are cool but have you ever tried yoga? You may develop a crush…on yourself.
The most meaningful relationship you will ever have is to yourself. We could talk about the heart chakra and heart opening poses til the cows come home but if you’re focused on your relationship to yourself, you have to be willing to open your mind. That means a willingness to get uncomfortable and vulnerable. To ask yourself the hard questions and confront the not-so-glamorous answers. It’s a willingness to ask yourself what’s holding you back and to be authentic with the response. How does this factor into yoga? Somehow, it always does. Let’s say you tend to avoid inversions or arm balances. Whenever there’s an opportunity for them, or even if the instructor takes time to teach them, you hang back. They look so fun and there’s a part of you that wishes you could, but you refrain. Why? Are you afraid of falling? Of hurting yourself? Of embarrassing yourself? Now what if the script was flipped? What if you saw someone you loved holding themselves back? You’d encourage them to try. This is about loving yourself enough to try. Throughout this season of love, think about how you can act, move, and breathe in a way that promotes self-love. What are the poses you can bring into your practice that will be the most loving to both your body and your mind? Off the mat, what actions can you take and what mindsets can you adopt that will be the most loving to your mind and your spirit? Prioritize YOU. You can be a not-so-secret admirer of yoga but most importantly, be your own Valentine. A PEEK INTO MENTORSHIP WITH VICYASA™... Many prospective teachers, graduates of teacher training(s) and a handful of you that have a desire just to dive deeper into the many aspects of a yoga practice and teaching yoga regularly have been impacted greatly by our bespoke mentoring program. Here are some of the key topics I have programmed into varying syllabuses:
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: 1/27/2025 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 1/28/2025 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 1/29/2025 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 1/30/2025 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 1/31/2025 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 2/1/2025 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 2/2/2025 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. REGULAR RATES:
PAYMENT: VENMO -- @Vicyasa Paypal -- [email protected] NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ “How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!” —Thomas Wentworth Higginson  As the days get darker earlier and stay frigid, many of us get moody and tired. Half of Americans suffer from seasonal affective disorder; many not officially diagnosed, more suffer from a lesser form known as the winter blues. Symptoms can start as early as September, but January is the peak month. Fortunately, there are ways to keep spirits high, from eating better to redoing your living space. Putting together a coalition of treatments in order to beat the doldrums of Winter will keep you upbeat and combating the cold months. MEDITATE TO BEAT STRESS Setting aside a few minutes each day to meditate reduceS stress levels. Focus on your breath or use guided meditation apps to help calm your mind. Practice deep breathing exercises to center yourself. Inhale deeply for a count of four, hold for four, and exhale for four. This simple technique can alleviate anxiety and tension. EXERCISE/YOGA IN THE MORNING The benefits of exercise are plentiful, but the time of day you work out also matters. Studies show that morning exercisers report better sleep, burn more calories throughout the day, and have lower blood pressure. GRATITUDE JOURNALING Keep a gratitude journal to remind yourself of the positive aspects of Winter. Write down things you appreciate about the season, no matter how small, to foster a sense of gratitude. FILL UP YOUR SOCIAL CALENDAR When it’s already dark and freezing by 5 pm, most people want to head home from work. But holing up is one of the worst things you can do for your mood. Research published in the Journal of Counseling Psychology showed that people who suffered from depression reported higher levels of well-being and satisfaction after positive social interactions. It’s likely that feeling a sense of belonging reduced depressive symptoms, the authors wrote. SEEK HELP If you find that the winter blues are severely affecting your daily life and well-being, consider seeking professional help. A mental health therapist or counselor can provide strategies tailored to your specific needs and may recommend therapies such as light therapy, which can be effective for SAD. Winter doesn’t have to be a season of gloom and low spirits. By incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily routine, you can enhance your mental well-being, alleviate the winter blues, and embrace the season with a sense of tranquility and inner peace. Mindfulness reminds us that even during the coldest months, the warmth of self-awareness can light our path to mental health and happiness. A PEEK INTO MENTORSHIP WITH VICYASA™... Many prospective teachers, graduates of teacher training(s) and a handful of you that have a desire just to dive deeper into the many aspects of a yoga practice and teaching yoga regularly have been impacted greatly by our bespoke mentoring program. Here are some of the key topics I have programmed into varying syllabuses: Inspiration, narratives and focused areas for classes/workshops
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: 1/20/2025 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 1/21/2025 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 1/22/2025 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 1/23/2025 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 1/24/2025 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 1/25/2025 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 1/26/2025 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. REGULAR RATES:
PAYMENT: VENMO -- @Vicyasa Paypal -- [email protected] NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ "Breathe deeply, until sweet air extinguishes the burn of fear in your lungs and every breath is a beautiful refusal to become anything less than infinite."  Want to build heat in your practice? I got'yah! The practice of yoga, when given true care and awareness can help you build heat and it ignites a rise in heat to the body, invigorates your internal organs, activates muscles and gets your cardiovascular system excited. Step 1: True attention to the Breath: keep the breathing consistent, control your prana (upward rising energy) and apana (outward flow). Are you really focused on your breathing or are you more worried about the posture, aesthetic of the pose and the next pose rather than staying in tune with the inhale and exhale? When we don’t connect with our breathing, the joints and muscles will be rigid and then you cannot align physically on the mat to meet your needs. Step 2: Focus on your alignment: It is imperative for muscular development and advancement into structured poses to practice proper alignment that serves your body's needs. Instead of over-stretching, practicing the same variations without taking note of your spatial positioning and not being self-aware of mechanics, allow the muscles to engage around our skeletal structure and allow your alignment to help you create heat through fitting positioning in poses. Step 3: What are we eating or drinking pre-class, doing pre-class? Select your foods carefully, drink hot drinks, warm foods and avoid inflammatory foods and alcohol. A hot shower or warm bath prior to the practice is also recommended. When we don’t build enough heat, the joints and muscles will be rigid, and the progression of poses will seem disconnected. Internal heat is essential for preventing injuries and it helps create more ease in the deeper poses. Getting some of the cardio component with repetitions and standing flows also targets our most important muscle... the heart. As teachers & students we have to remember that in order for us to get into the middle and end postures safely, it requires effectively warming up the spine, shoulders, hips, and hamstrings from various angles. A PEEK INTO MENTORSHIP WITH VICYASA™... Many prospective teachers, graduates of teacher training(s) and a handful of you that have a desire just to dive deeper into the many aspects of a yoga practice and teaching yoga regularly have been impacted greatly by our bespoke mentoring program. Here are some of the key topics I have programmed into varying syllabuses:
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: 1/13/2025 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 1/14/2025 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 1/15/2025 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 1/16/2025 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 1/17/2025 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 1/18/2025 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 1/19/2025 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. 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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