“We need much less than we think we need.”  What does Thanksgiving mean to an aspiring yogi? We can refer to the Sutras of Patanjali and focus on the Niyamas, specifically Santosa.
Santosa, (pronounced often as “san-toh-sha"), means contentment & the practice of this Niyama involves finding inner peace by accepting the present moment without being consumed by external circumstances, desires, or the need for what others have. It is not about stagnation, but about appreciating what is, while still being able to work toward goals from a place of abundance rather than lack. The Sutra we can look at 2.42; santosha anuttamah sukha-labhah, states that from contentment, unsurpassed happiness is gained. This Sutra emphasizes that true joy comes from inner satisfaction and gratitude for what you have, rather than from pursuing external desires or possessions. In a culture of excess, we seldom stop to just be content. We are always searching for the next best thing, the newer gadget, the "better" job, the bigger paycheck. One thing we can practice as yogis, and pass along to our family is the practice of mindfulness and awareness; slowing down to observe and recognize the beauty of provision. To distinguish the difference between a need and a desire. Practicing contentment will bring joy. Joy will awaken one’s heart to love. This love creates and reminds us of the unity we can experience with our fellow humans. Unity and togetherness ... that's called Yoga. COMING SOON... Weekend intensives!!! Want to practice sequence building? Want to learn functional anatomy and how to apply it to your yoga practice? Want a small intimate group to get feedback on how to teach clearly, concisely and with command? I'll be hosting small groups of 2-3 students for weekend intensives with lectures, and workshop style exercises for you to sharpen your practice and teachings. EMAIL or contact me directly for involvement and tuition/enrollment info. 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. 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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“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.” ― John Lubbock  It's hot. It's humid. I'm overheated. How can I practice in this oppressive Summer climate? Heat can stimulate stress responses and irritability, so when you think about your yoga practice for hot weather, don’t forget to include calming practices like left nostril breathing and more meditation. A yoga practice for hot weather may also include gentler asanas, lots of resting poses (how about child’s pose and longer downward facing dogs), and a more restorative practice (take a yin or yoga nidra session). Yoga students are usually more familiar with the Surya Namaskar (or sun salutations) practice. However, sun salutations may tend to be too stimulating for some people during the summer. Chandra Namaskar or moon salutations on the other hand are cooling and calming as they incorporate sideways movements as opposed to the more invigorating forward-backward movements of the Surya Namaskar. Also, a few of these poses: Easy Pose, or Sukhasana; the perfect pose to practice a cooling meditation or guided imagery, helping you dive deeper into a relaxing, cool state. Keep in mind that you will ideally sit here for some time so make sure to support your spine by sitting on a bolster or resting against a wall. Inhale to lengthen your spine skyward and keep your shoulders stacked above your hips, relaxing your hands on your knees or in your lap. Supported Fish; a fantastic chest opener as it relaxes the shoulders and neck and stretches your entire front body. This cooling yoga pose also calms the nervous system. Lay on your back and place a pillow, bolster, block, or rolled up yoga mat under your shoulder blades (behind your heart). Recline over your prop so that your chest is lifted toward the sky. You can place your arms wherever they are comfortable – alongside your hips, to the side in a “T” shape, or extend them overhead, resting the back of your hands on the floor. Completely surrender your legs. Legs Up the Wall; one of the best cooling asanas you can practice for your body. This pose can alleviate stress and headaches, improve digestion, and reduce swelling at your lower extremities, which is a common problem in the summer months. Lay down on your back on your mat or bed. Bring your glutes as close as you can to the wall. Option to use a pillow or bolster to help support your lower back. Lift your legs upward on the wall. You want to stack your ankles over your knees, and your knees over your hips. Relax your legs should with the soles of your feet facing toward the sky. We don’t have to avoid movement entirely in the sweltering days of summer. But we can learn about smart, energy-saving ways to create a summer yoga practice -- practice in the cool of the day, slow down as needed and move with mindful intentions. 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: 7/7/2025 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 7/8/2025 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 7/9/2025 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 7/10/2025 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 7/11/2025 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 7/12/2025 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 7/13/2025 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 wanted movement and not a calm course of existence. I wanted excitement and danger and the chance to sacrifice myself for my love.”  Summer is the time when we put plans into action. This is the season we are invigorated, feeling motivated and full of energy. The height of Summer is also the height of extroversion, and the time to embrace all that life has to offer. This is the time to say ‘yes’ to invitations, engage in projects at full capacity and dive into passions; travel and explore, and infuse as much fun into your day as possible.
Take a moment to reflect upon how much ‘fun’ you incorporate into your life – when was the last time you did something purely for the joy of it? When was the last time froliking and flirtations were on the forefront of your day-to-day life? If it’s been a while, journal ten things that you consider fun, that you inherently enjoy, then commit to engaging with at least one of these activities each week throughout the Summer. Summer is linked to the ‘pleasure’ hormone dopamine. That boost happens with an early dose of morning sunlight, as it triggers a dopamine release into the body, giving us a natural mood boost to start the day. Dopamine isn’t just about pleasure however,it stimulates neurotransmitters responsible for motivation too. With a morning dose of dopamine, we’re more motivated to approach the day with energy, vibrancy, and enthusiasm. Ancient yogis knew the power of morning sunlight, and some of the earliest forms of Surya Namaskar [Sun Salutations] didn’t involve movement, but focused instead on meditation with sun-gazing – looking towards the sky at sunrise and sunset. It's time to live this Summer -- start by aligning your personal rhythms with the tempo of nature. Get outside in the morning, add a little more fun to your day, and perhaps say ‘yes’ to life a little more this season. 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. Mentorship sessions can include sharing the exact experience lived, the practical wisdom I and other teachers have gained from our journey in their domain. We are highly skilled at directing strategies and processes that can sometimes transfer across different contexts. Yoga is a journey as much as a practice. In fact, it's a journey that should never end. Those of us on that journey should be open to learning new things. We should be open to new experiences. That is what mentorship offers. It's an opportunity for a more experienced yoga teacher to share their experiences with you. I am willing to work with anyone on a 1:1 basis or mini-group. There will be suggestions for your practice/teachings, you get a catered to you manual with loads of vital information and to take notes and record your questions or concerns. I will curate a personalized practice for you, based on your interest, needs, questions and situation. You then take this practice into your own life. What you discovered, felt, experienced, or learned through the lens of our personal practice will then create the context for potential offerings or paths you take whether in your personal or business life. The practices may be adapted, changed, modified, or added to. This relationship is important for professionalized yoga teachers. It’s important because as we dive into the industry we often muddy the waters between ‘teaching’ and ‘personal path.' Furthermore the environment of the yoga industry can be difficult to navigate. No one should try to do it on their own. 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: 6/23/2025 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 6/24/2025 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 6/25/2025 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 6/26/2025 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 6/27/2025 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 6/28/2025 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 6/29/2025 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™ Yoga at OHM Newsletter Victor Cotto Vicyasa™ 6/16 - 6/22/2025: Etiquette; Don't be that person!6/13/2025 "Life is not so short but that there is always time enough for courtesy." —Ralph Waldo Emerson  Yoga studios are a safe space first and foremost... a location for growth, exploration and connection. But many times, habits that we cultivate in our own lives can trickle into a yoga class that can be disruptive to the community, potentially hazardous to the practitioners around you and ego driven in a place where we congregate for mindfulness.
This week we look at how we can be an aware neighbor on our yoga mat, and uplift the community instead of being "that person" in a yoga class. Respect boundaries: Have you ever been on an airplane with someone who couldn’t take the hint that you don’t feel like chatting for the entire four-hour flight? Not fun. Some people don’t want to sit and chat at yoga class either. It’s not personal. Pay attention to the cues people give and if they’re not feeling chatty, respect their space. Sometimes being a good yoga neighbor means knowing when to back off. Savasana: People feel uncomfortable sitting in stillness... especially those who only practice hot yoga and are always looking to move. So sometimes students roll up their mat to head out of the door during this final pose, or do abdominal work [yeah... we know those psychos] or inversions instead. But this habit means you’re not only missing out on Savasana’s benefits yourself, you’re also ruining this powerful meditative moment for the people around you. Your phone: "Oh don't worry, it's on silent...", "I have to keep track of time...", "My kids... ", "I need to leave early ... ", all excuses. Phones go off in class and become a distraction, ... you commit to your time to practice, you don't need to keep track of time... You're worried about the kids, then be there for them instead of a yoga class you can take later or earlier... you need to leave early? Take an earlier class or a later class. Leaving early... especially when it's habit: I get it, sometimes life happenings can reroute us. But then there are the habitual disruptors that leave class early just because. That is incredibly rude and disruptive. It is one in the long list of attention seeking behaviors that is anti-mindfulness. When it's a trend and continual, said person who always leaves early should take an earlier class, a later class... or just rent a gym space; and as a studio, tell them their disruptiveness and rudeness is not welcomed. #goodbye Slamming your mat: Take an extra 5 seconds to roll it out quietly. It's just rude to be noisy when everyone else is getting into yoga mode. Don't be a bull in a china shop. My own thing... not now: If you're just going to do variations of poses the teacher is teaching... stay home and do your own practice. There could be newer practitioners around you and you could be steering them into asana shapes that are not guided by the teacher and could lead to hazardous exploration. When you are noisily kicking up to a handstand while the entire class is in child's pose, why did you even come to class? If you want to practice what you like, do it on your own. Alone. Or at the very least, at the back of the room. It is distracting to the teacher and the other students. A major component of being an aspiring yogi and partaking in community classes is following tapas, self-discipline and self-restraint. Let's commit to following the yamas and niyamas for the good of all. Part 2 of this series will be posted in the coming months... 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. Mentorship sessions can include sharing the exact experience lived, the practical wisdom I and other teachers have gained from our journey in their domain. We are highly skilled at directing strategies and processes that can sometimes transfer across different contexts. Yoga is a journey as much as a practice. In fact, it's a journey that should never end. Those of us on that journey should be open to learning new things. We should be open to new experiences. That is what mentorship offers. It's an opportunity for a more experienced yoga teacher to share their experiences with you. I am willing to work with anyone on a 1:1 basis or mini-group. There will be suggestions for your practice/teachings, you get a catered to you manual with loads of vital information and to take notes and record your questions or concerns. I will curate a personalized practice for you, based on your interest, needs, questions and situation. You then take this practice into your own life. What you discovered, felt, experienced, or learned through the lens of our personal practice will then create the context for potential offerings or paths you take whether in your personal or business life. The practices may be adapted, changed, modified, or added to. This relationship is important for professionalized yoga teachers. It’s important because as we dive into the industry we often muddy the waters between ‘teaching’ and ‘personal path.' Furthermore the environment of the yoga industry can be difficult to navigate. No one should try to do it on their own. 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: 6/16/2025 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 6/17/2025 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 6/18/2025 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 6/19/2025 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 6/20/2025 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 6/21/2025 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 6/22/2025 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™ Yoga at OHM Newsletter Victor Cotto Vicyasa™ 6/9 - 6/15/2025: CALMING THE FIRE IN PITTA SEASON6/6/2025 CALMING THE FIRE IN PITTA 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.) Seasons, Equinoxes, Solstices… whatever you want to call them, the times of the year come and go. Weather changes, days become longer and shorter, and energies shift. This happens in all elements of life, yoga included.
Yoga’s sister science, Ayurveda, is broken up into doshas. Doshas explain energies and bio-energies. As such, they live within us and around us. We all have a unique constitution, a combination of the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. We tend to be dominant in one dosha with a secondary dosha trailing closely behind. There are still elements of the third within us, but they tend to be less prominent. Doshas aren’t just associated with the body and mind; they’re also interlinked with the seasons. Late fall/ winter is known as Vata Season; late winter into spring is Kapha Season; late spring into summer is Pitta Season, which brings us to the here and now. What is Pitta Season? This time of late spring into summer is characterized by heat. As we welcome the warmer weather and the sunnier days, there’s a tendency to spend more time outside. The Pitta dosha consists of Fire and Water elements. The hottest and longest days of the year occur during this time. It’s energetic and fiery, which can be fun and lively but also draining if you overdo it. What is the Pitta Dosha? People who are Pitta dominant tend to be quick and sharp. They may have tendencies toward aggravation, which could manifest in a hot temper. These people also generally enjoy cardio intensive, muscle building, heart pumping routines. If you’re not sure of your constitution, there are several online quizzes you can take to determine yours. Pro tip: take a few so you can cross-reference the results. What to Do if You’re Pitta Dominant If you’re Pitta dominant, this is your season, baby! You may feel like you’re high on life during this time; however, you may also feel a little extra testy. The hot, humid weather could be getting to you. If you love fast-paced vinyasa flows, you may find yourself going to them multiple times a week but never feeling satisfied; when is it enough? In Ayurveda, just like in all elements of life, there can be too much of a good thing. You like these spicy flows but overdoing them could be just that – overkill. There needs to be balance or you’ll burn yourself out, quite literally, in this season of fire. Some tips for finding balance:
For you, it ‘s even more important to be intentional about taming the fiery spice. As for the energetic vinyasa flows, you don’t have to take them out entirely. Just keep an eye on how they make you feel and notice if they tend to cause aggravation. That could be your sign to back off for a little while. What if You’re Not a Pitta? These tips still matter even if you’re not Pitta dominant. We’re all living in this world and the changing of the seasons affects us, whether a little or a lot. As we enter this energetic shift, use it as an opportunity to become more inquisitive about how you can calm your fire without dampening your flame. 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. Mentorship sessions can include sharing the exact experience lived, the practical wisdom I and other teachers have gained from our journey in their domain. We are highly skilled at directing strategies and processes that can sometimes transfer across different contexts. Yoga is a journey as much as a practice. In fact, it's a journey that should never end. Those of us on that journey should be open to learning new things. We should be open to new experiences. That is what mentorship offers. It's an opportunity for a more experienced yoga teacher to share their experiences with you. I am willing to work with anyone on a 1:1 basis or mini-group. There will be suggestions for your practice/teachings, you get a catered to you manual with loads of vital information and to take notes and record your questions or concerns. I will curate a personalized practice for you, based on your interest, needs, questions and situation. You then take this practice into your own life. What you discovered, felt, experienced, or learned through the lens of our personal practice will then create the context for potential offerings or paths you take whether in your personal or business life. The practices may be adapted, changed, modified, or added to. This relationship is important for professionalized yoga teachers. It’s important because as we dive into the industry we often muddy the waters between ‘teaching’ and ‘personal path.' Furthermore the environment of the yoga industry can be difficult to navigate. No one should try to do it on their own. 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: 6/9/2025 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 6/10/2025 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 6/11/2025 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 6/12/2025 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 6/13/2025 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 6/14/2025 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 6/15/2025 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™ “Stretching your body and mind is essential to avoid rigidity.”  Yes... it is possible to overstretch and "over do it" when practicing asana. At the end of a practice session are you feeling relaxed and invigorated or overly exhausted?
Some people can take to yoga easily, while others may struggle for an entire lifetime to achieve the same. What's important to remember is when we force our body into positions that it isn’t ready for, chances for injury increase. It doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t attempt poses that are challenging or complex. This is when body awareness, mindfulness and self love has to be integrated into yoga. Make sure to practice with care and awareness, listening to any signs from your body. Remember, you’re the only one who can really judge whether or not you’re overexerting, so better pay attention to any nudging sensations that may arise. Even the most experienced gurus will tell you that they are still learning and are struggling in one way or another. Yoga is a lifelong learning process. Those who claim they are already enlightened may be fooling themselves and others. A truly enlightened master will never make such claims. Am I just stretching or practicing yoga? Both may have the same aims, it is also possible that they have very different goals. For instance, stretching can help you recover from an injury, become more flexible, improve your athletic performance, or target a particular problem area. In contrast, whereas yoga is often for flexibility and focus, it can also be for strength, posture, and balance among many other mental and spiritual benefits. Whether you are just starting out in your practice or wish to master advanced postures, the best advice would be: practice yoga & stretch to your heart’s content, while keeping in mind that you want to feel good at the end of your practice – not exhausted. And most importantly, knowing that the work you put into yoga or stretching has added to your day and not undermined the quality of your life. 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. Mentorship sessions can include sharing the exact experience lived, the practical wisdom I and other teachers have gained from our journey in their domain. We are highly skilled at directing strategies and processes that can sometimes transfer across different contexts. Yoga is a journey as much as a practice. In fact, it's a journey that should never end. Those of us on that journey should be open to learning new things. We should be open to new experiences. That is what mentorship offers. It's an opportunity for a more experienced yoga teacher to share their experiences with you. I am willing to work with anyone on a 1:1 basis or mini-group. There will be suggestions for your practice/teachings, you get a catered to you manual with loads of vital information and to take notes and record your questions or concerns. I will curate a personalized practice for you, based on your interest, needs, questions and situation. You then take this practice into your own life. What you discovered, felt, experienced, or learned through the lens of our personal practice will then create the context for potential offerings or paths you take whether in your personal or business life. The practices may be adapted, changed, modified, or added to. This relationship is important for professionalized yoga teachers. It’s important because as we dive into the industry we often muddy the waters between ‘teaching’ and ‘personal path.' Furthermore the environment of the yoga industry can be difficult to navigate. No one should try to do it on their own. 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: 5/26/2025 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 5/27/2025 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 5/28/2025 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 5/29/2025 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 5/30/2025 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 5/31/2025 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 6/1/2025 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™ PERFECTION IS EXHAUSTING & IT'S NOT EVEN FUN  (This week's newsletter was written a student, an aspiring yoga teacher in training and a definition of divinity, Jillian Oddo) Perfect. It’s something we all strive to be because society tells us to be. I’ve always wanted to be perfect, constantly looking up to people and things. Well, if I could just look like this or have this to wear or talk like this then I’ll be perfect. I’ve had this word on my mind for the past month. It’s been a common theme in my practice and a casual synchronicity within my personal life. Many of us have an idea of what “perfect” looks like whether it’s on or off our mats. Looking at our neighbors; lengthy leg extension, advanced pose variation or stellar balance, it’s difficult to not watch, but it puts an unrealistic pressure on ourselves. When I can do that pose, when I can balance for that long or when my body looks like that, I’ll be the PERFECT yogi. This has been my whole practice. And I JUST realized! I was trying so hard to be something on my mat that I forgot it’s MY MAT. It’s MINE. It’s MY PRACTICE. Vic says: It’s YOUR YOGA. I never allowed myself to do what I wanted and what my body needed. And damn it, I want to play. It took me two months to write this because I was so focused on making it perfect. I challenge you to forget the P word (I’m trying to) and do what you want on and off the mat. You deserve to let go of the expectations and just be YOU…cause you’re pretty great. P ~ play E ~ eager R ~ reach F ~ fuck it E ~ enjoy C ~ certain T ~ thrilling  Jillian Oddo
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. Mentorship sessions can include sharing the exact experience lived, the practical wisdom I and other teachers have gained from our journey in their domain. We are highly skilled at directing strategies and processes that can sometimes transfer across different contexts. Yoga is a journey as much as a practice. In fact, it's a journey that should never end. Those of us on that journey should be open to learning new things. We should be open to new experiences. That is what mentorship offers. It's an opportunity for a more experienced yoga teacher to share their experiences with you. I am willing to work with anyone on a 1:1 basis or mini-group. There will be suggestions for your practice/teachings, you get a catered to you manual with loads of vital information and to take notes and record your questions or concerns. I will curate a personalized practice for you, based on your interest, needs, questions and situation. You then take this practice into your own life. What you discovered, felt, experienced, or learned through the lens of our personal practice will then create the context for potential offerings or paths you take whether in your personal or business life. The practices may be adapted, changed, modified, or added to. This relationship is important for professionalized yoga teachers. It’s important because as we dive into the industry we often muddy the waters between ‘teaching’ and ‘personal path.' Furthermore the environment of the yoga industry can be difficult to navigate. No one should try to do it on their own. 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: 5/19/2025 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 5/20/2025 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 5/21/2025 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 5/22/2025 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 5/23/2025 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 5/24/2025 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 5/25/2025 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™ “Your beliefs become your thoughts,  Who is ready to manifest their best life? We’re slaying into 2025 -- being present and savoring our moments, basking in our glory & illuminating and uplifting others with our state of being. Whatever your goals and desires to live your best life are, a consistent yoga and meditation practice will help you set clear intentions and help you identify your personal life vision.
Give yourself time and space to contemplate your desires. Connect with your heart. Get into a state of flow with heart-brain coherence. Allow yourself to think big. And most importantly … Set an intention! The power of your intention and your consistent diligence cannot be underestimated. Setting an intention for yourself each day as a part of your morning routine will raise your vibrations to attract more love and positivity and inspire you to channel that positive energy into action. Intention setting is a loving commitment to oneself that joins the heart and mind on a journey to one’s highest calling. Simply put, it is to clearly state what you want to experience and achieve through your actions. Setting an intention can be done in all aspects of your life, from relationships and personal life to your work life. Spend some quiet time and reflect on the experiences, relationships, the feelings, the things that you wish to experience in your life. Take some time to feel the emotions you may feel when you experience your intentions in your life. From there, write down the intentions you want to set. Then, spend time thinking about how having these intentions come into your reality will feel, what does it look like, feel like, what will you be doing? Get as vivid and clear as you can in these steps as feeling the emotions will activate the intentions and allow for them to flow easily to you. Your thoughts that turn into emotions, which inspire actions, are all used to manifest your intentions. Intention Setting Examples:
At Vicyasa™, we support our community in harnessing the power of intention to infuse the mind, body, and spirit with confidence, positivity, and a boost of well-being. 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: 12/30/2024 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 12/31/2024 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 1/1/2025 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 1/2/2025 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 1/3/2025 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 1/4/2025 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 1/5/2025 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 entire team wants to wish everyone a healthy holiday season and best wishes as we quickly approach the close of 2023 and enter 2024 with blessings in our hearts and brilliance in our eyes.
Whether it's Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Bodhi Day or any other festival that honors this season, they all recognize the importance of LIGHT and the divinity within all of us and how we all can spread the light of love, joy and inspiration. When we illuminate our light, we can safely be guides, shine hope on all and drive out any darkness or despair. Supporters, subscribers and friends... you've been the luminosity in our life. May we all continue to radiate and manifest what's in our hearts into the new year. #Namaste 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: 12/23/2024 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 12/24/2024 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 12/25/2024 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 12/26/2024 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 12/27/2024 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 12/28/2024 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 12/29/2024 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™ |
AuthorVicyasa™, your full-time dopamine dealer ... don't allow my confidence to offend your insecurity. Archives
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