I’ll Meet You Where You’re At  (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.) Don’t try to fit a square peg into a round hole. That common expression couldn’t ring more relevant in this current climate. We live in a world where many people try to force situations. They think that if they just try hard enough, if they just muscle their way through, if they just push a little further, they’ll get what they want. Unfortunately, or not, that just isn’t the case.
The better thing to do is to accept, but oh how hard that is! Acceptance is the key to so much of our struggles but getting there is a journey that takes time, practice, and constant repetition. I had an interaction with a dear friend recently. It was a seemingly “nothing” interaction but it spurred something pretty cool. As I approached him and put my hand up to wave “hello,” he thought I was going in for a high-five. So I did. I met him where he was at. He laughed and said, “I wasn’t sure what we were doing!” and I responded, “Neither was I – so I met you where you were at.” “Damn!” he said. “I like that.” “Me too,” I responded. “We should do more of that,” he said. I nodded in agreement. Meeting someone where they are isn’t about acting inauthentically or changing yourself. It’s about seeing a situation for what it is. It’s about acceptance. It’s about adjusting and adapting without losing what makes you you. We can (and should) do this in yoga. We can use this mindset as a framework for how we approach our bodies and our yoga practices. To your body, you can set an intention: I will meet you where you’re at today, in this moment, in this space. I’ll not only accept but celebrate your condition as it stands here and now. Every day on the mat will be different and it’s on you to meet yourself where you are without judgment or expectations. It’s not your job to force a pose or a pace that doesn’t work for you. It’s not necessary to try to be zen and peaceful when you’re feeling fiery and agitated. Feel that way; let it show up but breathe through it. See how you can meet yourself in that condition without trying to change it. Interestingly enough, it will probably change on its own, but it won’t be because you forced it. It will be because you allowed for it to exist. In the world off the mat, this concept is not about making someone into a version you think they should be. It’s about accepting the version they are. Meet yourself where you’re at. Yoga teaches us to do that again and again and again and again. 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: 3/31/2025 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 4/1/2025 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 4/2/2025 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 4/3/2025 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 4/4/2025 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 4/5/2025 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 4/6/2025 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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Yoga at OHM Newsletter Victor Cotto Vicyasa™ 3/24-3/30/2025: Lies We Tell Ourselves About Yoga3/21/2025 The Lies We Tell Ourselves About Yoga  (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.) When you were first introduced to yoga, it’s likely that you came into it with a slew of preconceived notions. Myths ready to be debunked, they eventually were (hopefully). Slowly, perhaps, and others more quickly, but with time, you learned that a lot of what you thought to be true about yoga and being a yogi held little merit.
Over time, you may have forgotten about these so-called lies. That is, until you meet someone who’s never practiced yoga before and has no sense of all that it actually entails. It’s not their fault; you were once like them, naive and unaware of what this practice truly is. But now, as a more seasoned yogi, you can look back and reflect on the falsehoods that still surround this beautiful practice. Take these “lies” lightly – they’re only meant to shine a light on how far you’ve come now that you know just how expansive yoga can make your life. Lie: Yoga is about the poses Truth: One limb of yoga (asana) is about the physical postures. There are 7 others (8 limbs in total) that cover so much more. The 8 limbs of yoga are:
2. Lie: All yogis are cool, calm, and collected. Truth: That’s seldom the case. The thing about yogis is that we can challenge the external distractions that prevent us from exuding chaos (most of the time). Yoga teaches us to turn inward, focus on the breath, and channel our energy into a single point. 3. Lie: Yogis don’t drink, smoke, drink coffee, do drugs, or eat meat. Truth: Many yogis do all of the above. One of the yamas is Ahimsa, which translates to “non-harming.” Some people interpret that to mean cessation of drinking, smoking, doing drugs, eating meat, using disposable plastics, and more. Others see Ahimsa as how they approach their fellow yogis; the words they speak; the actions they take on a daily basis. For the record, you can drink, smoke, drink coffee, and do many non traditional “yogic” things and still call yourself a yogi. 4. Lie: You need to wear an expensive yoga outfit to practice yoga (Asana). Truth: You can practice yoga in any clothing (or lack thereof) that makes you feel comfortable. Just check with the studio’s dress code policy before you decide to make a class clothing optional. 5. Lie: Practicing yoga automatically means you must abandon your religion. Truth: Not at all. You can love, practice, and fully integrate yourself in yoga without switching religions or adopting one at all. While yoga originated in India and is associated with Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, it is not a religion in and of itself. So worry not; you can be Catholic, Jewish, Christian, Agnostic, Atheist, or anything else and still be a yogi. 6. Lie: You can’t do yoga if you’re not flexible. Truth: Absolutely not. You wouldn’t refrain from taking a shower because you’re dirty, would you? No, in fact, the very reason you’d take a shower would be because you’re dirty. The same is true with yoga. You can practice it to become flexible, strong, or achieve whatever other goals are present for you. Pro tip: the next time someone says, “I can’t do yoga because I’m not flexible,” ask them “Mentally or physically?” What other misconceptions about yoga come to mind? What were some you once believed and now know not to be true? 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: 3/24/2025 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 3/25/2025 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 3/26/2025 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 3/27/2025 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 3/28/2025 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 3/29/2025 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 3/30/2025 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™ “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™ 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™ |
AuthorVicyasa™, your full-time dopamine dealer ... don't allow my confidence to offend your insecurity. Archives
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