CREATING YOUR OWN LUCK  (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 a lucky time of year, or so they say. After all, with St. Patrick’s Day in our midst, who wouldn’t want to indulge in a little lucky energy. But how does that work? Do lucky situations just happen upon us… or is there something more to it?
Let’s explore. Have you ever been in a yoga class, looked at another practitioner and thought, Wow, she’s so lucky she can do handstand! Or maybe He’s so lucky to be that flexible. I’ve been that person more times than I’d like to admit. Comparison is the thief of joy, but we all do it. Oftentimes, when we compare, there’s at least a hint of jealousy baked into it. But there’s something else too. There’s a feeling of insecurity and maybe a sense of injustice. It’s not fair! We might say. I want to be able to float up effortlessly into handstand, too! I want to be able to get through a class without huffing and puffing. I want my lotus pose to look like a lotus and not a cracked pretzel. Here’s the thing: luck is just one piece of the very complicated, intricate puzzle that is life…and that is yoga. We can’t pretend luck has nothing to do with good things happening. In fact, it plays a significant role in how things shake out in the world. To be in the right place at the right time is luck, and there’s validity to that. But that’s not where it ends. You have to set your life up so you can be in the right place at the right time. Doing that requires effort, strategy, commitment, and perseverance. Let’s use an example unrelated to yoga, but one that many New Yorkers can probably appreciate: apartment hunting. Every New Yorker knows the agony that goes into finding a new apartment. It’s stressful and often very last minute. But when we visit a friend and see the seemingly fantastic apartment they somehow managed to snag, we immediately exclaim, You’re so lucky to live here! And they are. But… Here’s what we’re not considering. We’re not thinking about the hours they probably spent scouring Streeteasy, or the hundreds of emails they may have sent to set up apartment viewings. We’re not factoring in the money they may have spent on a broker to do that work for them, or the extra two months’ rent they had to pay for both places because they’d lose the apartment if they waited. We’re not thinking about the fact that yes, this apartment went for $500/month less than expected but it’s a 5th floor walkup. We’re only looking at the present moment instead of considering the bigger picture. Yoga teaches us to live in the present moment but not at the exclusion of the rest of life. Zooming out gives us perspective and helps us humble ourselves when the comparison monster starts to rear its ugly head. Now let’s go back to yoga. In our previous scenario, you see a student float up into a handstand two rows ahead of you. As you gaze on with admiration, perhaps you’re inspired, but maybe you’re also thinking about how lucky they are that they can do that. Are you considering…
Probably not. We see the end result but seldom do we see the underpinnings of what it takes to get there. Yes, that student is “lucky” that today, gravity was on their side; that their hand, wrist, core, and leg strength were up to the task; that they didn’t drink too much water in the seconds before handstand was cued. But their skill, ability, and attitude are not luck. We are all very lucky – and we are all not. We are lucky to be able to practice yoga with healthy, strong, capable bodies. And we are not lucky because those bodies didn’t just happen to be the way they are, and we didn’t just happen to find ourselves seated on a yoga mat. We had to make intentional choices for those things to happen. We had to commit to treating ourselves well. We had to seek out a yoga studio or an instructor and then we had to get ourselves to the class. The handstanders, the lotus posers, and the 5th floor walkup tenants are all as lucky as they set themselves up to be. Yes, some of it is chance but more of it is in our control than we know. Never underestimate the power of creating the luck and the life you want. 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, Leanne McDermott, Elinor Cohen 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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 So what is Sanskrit ?
Sanskrit is the ancient language the first yogis spoke and the language in which many historic yoga texts are written ("Sanskrit" is itself an English word -- how Sanskrit of "Sanskrit" looks like saṃskṛta). Originating in ancient India and considered to be one of the oldest languages on Earth, Sanskrit is, quite literally, the language of yoga. Many of the mantras you may silently repeat in meditation, and the terms you hear in yoga class are ancient Sanskrit words. Why are yoga students trainee teachers taught the use of this language (as minimal or in depth as that may be) is it to give us a feeling of connecting with the ancient practice of yoga? Using Sanskrit in yoga is essential for honoring the practice's ancient Indian roots, maintaining cultural authenticity, and accessing the precise, vibrational energy of the language. It provides a universal vocabulary for postures (asanas) and philosophy, deepening the connection between mind, body, and tradition beyond physical exercise. Key reasons for using Sanskrit in yoga include:
While some may consider the use of Sanskrit to be a form of cultural appropriation, for many it is an essential part of maintaining the authenticity of the practice - Sanskrit does connect to the heart chakra of this ancient practice and can enrich your yoga journey. 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, Leanne McDermott, Elinor Cohen and others. REGULAR RATES:
PAYMENT: VENMO -- @Vicyasa Paypal -- [email protected] NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ "Love the giver more than the gift." – Brigham Young  In Christian faith, the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" details tenets of the faith and is a reflection of love and giving. Why not adapt the rhyme, make it your own with a pinch of Yoga and Asana and adopt the teachings of our beloved practice during this Holiday season?
We continue in our paths as aspiring yogis by closing 2025 by giving thanks, choosing to acknowledge our blessings and practicing one of these 12 observances of yoga inspiration each day to give yourself more love this season. Start and end the day with gratitude: Wake up everyday acknowledging the blessing of life and close reviewing what in the day you can be grateful about. Look into the mirror and state your joy for the day: You can integrate that wake up with a deep gaze into your eyes and recognize the true beauty that lives inside and out. GIVE... : There is nothing better than returning the blessings you have been given to those who need it more. As simple as going through your closet and other belongings & donating to charity. There is always something we can do to help others. Pamper yourself: One day... one massage. One day of manicure and pedicure. Looking to get a facial to ease tension? DO IT! Light a candle... and just watch it flicker during your meditation: This can sharpen your concentration, ease your racing thoughts & ignite the flame inside your mind’s eye and awakening your inner intuition. Mantra, Sing... dance: Your meditation one day could be just repeating inspiring words [mantra] or your favorite lyrics to songs that uplift you. Turn up the music in your home and just dance. Slow down with your asana: A yin class... a breathework or ceremony where the focus is to ground. Instead of seeking high impact movement... root! Create a vision board for 2026: Yeah yeah yea... I know. The whole resolution thing. But seriously... a literal board, or journaling through pictures, writing and or voice memos as reminders of what you want and how you will achieve it. Treat yourself to an amazing breakfast, lunch or dinner: A day or night to go out, put on the outfit you love the most and indulge. Make plans to go out with a friend, a loved one: A Holiday show? A stroll in the park and a catch-up day with a person you havent seen or talked to in a while? Reinvigorate a relationship or continue to add fire to one and take the initiative to make it happen. Journal... a love letter to yourself: Begin by addressing yourself warmly, and write as though it is a close friend or your beloved you are writing to. Write about the qualities you admire in yourself, the challenges you’ve overcome, and the things that make you unique.By writing down what’s circling through your mind, you can gain a clearer understanding of where your thoughts aren’t serving you. And when you journal to replace your harsh judgment of yourself with kindness and understanding, it can profoundly shift the way you treat yourself. Try something new: So, is there something that interests you to try out? Maybe dancing, cooking, illustrations, gardening, or any other hobby. Try it out! You might find a soothing companion for your soul. Un-PLUG: ONE FULL DAY! No screens. No emails. No constant scrolling. No walking down the street with your head buried in your device. Not one subway ride with your head curled into your phone. Create a boundary from the dependency. It may not rhyme like the song "The Twelve Days of..." but it has the same spirit. Embracing joy, generosity, love, and compassion, focusing on giving, kindness, and selflessness. Fostering this goodness now in an effort to ideally it becoming a year-round lifestyle. 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™ “Your beliefs become your thoughts,  Who is ready to manifest their best life? Let's do everything the heart desires in 2026 -- 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. 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™ "You can only lose something that you have, but you cannot lose something that you are." -- Eckhart Tolle  If Yoga just means physical postures [asana] to you... you are depreciating and diminishing the meaning of yoga. It isn't sun salutations [surya namaskar], vinyasa flow, or chaturanga [four-limbed staff pose]. Advanced yoga does not mean difficult body positions that require strength and super-bendy flexibility. Yet, this is how Yoga is portrayed in modern times. Going with this definition disparages the profound spiritual path Yoga really is. I was introduced to yoga the way most people are today — through physical practice, a vinyasa class that quickly hooked me. When I first started practicing asana, I was immediately drawn to the technical exploration of the postures. I would research each one and figure out which muscles I needed to stretch and strengthen, release and what to stabilize or move to move forward. Then there's a time in your practice when you find yourself thinking, “now what?” It’s that moment when you realize the physical practice is just one teaching -- you start scratching the surface. Initially the asana practice put me in a mindset where we believe, like in many aspects in life "I’ll be happier once I have [more money / that dream job / fancier clothes / a partner / my own house / a car, etc…]" In relation to my journey with Yoga, it was the next yoga pose. I thought it would not only bring me happiness, but validation and success. “Once I’m able to do an arm balance, back bend or invert, more people will respect and admire me, I’ll feel fulfilled and I’ll be a better yoga teacher.” Spoiler alert: that doesn’t happen. As my practice evolved over the years, I began to recognize my mental patterns and observe them more closely. I slowly started to realize that my old belief system had failed; mastering yoga postures didn’t necessarily make me a better, or even more enlightened person. It's not to say that the postures aren't an important part of the yoga experience, they definitely are! But yoga is about what the postures teach you — compassion, patience, cultivating self-awareness. And maybe along the way of achieving Dhanurasana you learn something deeper than how to backbend — how to be in an uncomfortable situation and still be able to breathe and find some ease in your body, mind and spirit. That inner awareness on the mat starts to help us cultivate inner awareness in our daily lives so that we can start reconnecting to that quiet inner voice and make conscious choices on how we interact with the world. Most of us are walking through life with very little self-awareness. So many people have never been aware of their breath, aware of body sensations, aware of thoughts. Most of us are on autopilot, doing what we were taught to do and never questioning anything. The yoga practice is a lifelong voyage of self-discovery — one that occurs off and on the mat. Ultimately, yoga as a tool or technique is a physical practice with a spiritual intention. Everything we do physically has a deeper, spiritual lesson. We can use physical practice to learn about ourselves and to make peace with ourselves; to open up a channel into the divine, into grace; and in that space of grace there is healing and freedom. As a parting ‘gift’, I invite you to challenge your current definition of Yoga. And beyond poses; meditation, journaling, acts of compassion, listening, reading, singing, taking a walk, ... become more connected with yourself, to nature, to the world, to a partner... moment to moment without needing to strike a pose. 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! 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. SINGLE CLASSES We've added single class purchases to our on-demand offerings. How does it work? A $17 payment will give you access to a single pre-recorded class with Victor or anyone on his staff. The private link with unique access code will give you entry to that class, which you can load anytime you want. You'll have 24-hours of unlimited access to that class. No refunds, returns and you must use that class within 24-hours of receiving it before it expires. You can request a teacher on our on-demand options... featuring Demetra Kentrotas (@d_meetch), Leanne McDermott (@leannerays), Elinor Cohen (@elinorraerigby) and others. YOGA AT OHHHMMM LIVE VIRTUAL SCHEDULE: MONDAY: 8/11/2025 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 8/12/2025 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 8/13/2025 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 8/14/2025 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 8/15/2025 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 8/16/2025 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 8/17/2025 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™ “If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.” – Jack Kornfield  Should I do Yoga privates/mentoring? Whether you are a beginner to any yoga practice or an experienced aspiring yogi, there is always the option to explore private yoga instruction rather than joining public group classes.
In a private yoga session and during mentoring training, the client can have complete control over what they want to work on, whatever your goals; headstand, general flexibility, clearer mind etc. Focused guidance and feedback help you achieve more in a few sessions than months, even years, of regular group classes. As a client, you can also voice your desires at any time during the relationship with your teacher -- feeling particularly low in energy on a day, you could request to have a gentler practice. Or if your goals change, you can let your teacher know. A private yoga relationship constantly evolves and adapts to your needs and wants. Scheduling is to your advantage with privates; as you create a sense of accountability with structured appointments. Private yoga classes can fit into your busy schedule. Private yoga classes provide a comfortable, safe, and pressure-free environment to learn and explore at your own pace. A private yoga teacher will tailor the class for your body and your individual needs, and break down each movement for you, ensuring you do the poses safely and correctly. With each class, your confidence and understanding will grow. If you feel like you want to join a group class, you will feel so much more empowered. One-on-one yoga coaching can help you cultivate a deeper connection with yourself. The sole focus of the class is you. Whatever is on your mind, whatever is going through your body, a private yoga teacher is there to guide you, through personalized attention and a tailored practice. Private yoga can, at times, feel like a form of therapy. Loosening muscles in your body, and dislodging negative thoughts from your mind can be a cathartic experience. 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! 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. 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: 7/28/2025 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 7/29/2025 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 7/30/2025 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 7/31/2025 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 8/1/2025 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 8/2/2025 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 8/3/2025 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™ 5/12-5/18/2025: YOU DON'T OWE YOUR PRACTICE TO ANYONE5/9/2025 WHEN REDDIT YOGA GETS REAL: YOU DON'T OWE YOUR PRACTICE TO ANYONE  (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.) Recently I was on Reddit, one of the grittier social media forums, and I came across a thread on the /yoga subreddit. The topic was Class Energy and the OP (original poster) was asking if it would be acceptable for her to go to yoga classes even when she was in a bad mood. She said was in a “fitness burnout” and was dreading doing physical movement. Still, she felt like going to yoga could help her find some bliss. The issue was that she was worried “if it will disturb the vibe of the class too much if I go and smile even though I want to flip out internally.” She acknowledged that the yoga room is meant to be a sacred space and she didn’t want to disrupt the energy of the studio and of the other practitioners by bringing her less than yogic aura into the mix. On the other hand, she had paid for an unlimited membership and wanted to get what she could out of the classes. So she felt torn: to go or not to go?
I don’t often reply to people on Reddit because a) I’m not typically in search of an argument and b) I’m not sure my contributions would be all that helpful. In this instance, however, I felt like I had something valuable to say. Here was my response: "Hi OP. Here's my take: you don't owe your practice to anyone. Your yoga practice is your own. You're allowed to show up in a bad mood, speak to no one, not do half the class, and leave without ever having interacted with anyone. And honestly, that's not rude. You're also allowed to come in with a happy demeanor, be cheery and say hi to everyone, remain chipper and optimistic, and smile the whole way through. But the thing is that no matter how you are, you don't owe your practice to anyone; not to the teacher, not to the other students, not to the front desk...as long as you're respectful of the space and getting what YOU need, you're good. Yoga isn't meant to be performative. It's not a show; it's not about who can be the most "into it" or spiritual. Take the pressure off yourself. If you want to go to a class and see what shows up for you, go for it. If you think that will end up making you more frustrated, maybe opt out. It's totally up to you. Hope this helped!" I thought about that Reddit thread for a while, a long while, and it inspired me to expand upon my initial response a bit further. You don't owe your yoga practice to anyone. There's no need to force a smile because the teacher is looking at you or "perform" because you think it'll impress the other yogis in the room. Here’s a secret: it won't. You also don't need to be in a good mood or a spiritual state to go to yoga. Come as you are; bad mood, good mood, heck, let your mood ring decide for you. Your job is to show up for your practice, not for anyone else's. As a student, your job is to get what YOU need out of the practice. Yes, be respectful of the others in the room and the sacred space that is the yoga room, but don't feel pressure to act, move, or breathe a certain way. Feeling like being a little extra and really going for it? Good, do that. Feeling like dialing it back and being low key, doing the absolute minimum? Or even lying in savasana for 45 out of the 60 minutes? Go for it. You don't owe the teacher or the other practitioners exuberance, smiles, or praise. You owe them respect and consideration and as long as you're giving that, you're doing exactly what you're supposed to. 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: 5/12/2025 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 5/13/2025 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 5/14/2025 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 5/15/2025 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 5/16/2025 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 5/17/2025 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 5/18/2025 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™ 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™  Here is part 2 of our Teacher Feature with my colleague and co-host of ‘The Wild Heart’ Yoga retreat -which is right around the corner - the amazing Luna Castilho. Get to know her a tad more... and come meet her March 31 - April 6 at Villa Pescadores in Tulum Mexico during our yoga getaway.
QUESTION: What are challenging poses for you? What pose are you looking to advance in? LUNA: Surprisingly backbends have always been challenging for me. But the pose I'd like to truly master is the handstand. QUESTION: How would you describe your classes? LUNA: My classes are weird, playful and grounding! You can expect powerful flows combined by mindful contemplations and grounding experiences, as well as somatic release, working the body, mind, soul and spirit. On vinyasa I love giving space for people to play and have fun (arm balances, handstands) and tons of pranayama. On Yin yoga classes, meditation, restorative or sound baths, my goal is to help you release, reflect, quiet the mind and heal. QUESTION: Do you like working out at night, or during the day? Time you like to practice? LUNA: I don’t like early mornings, you will see me rarely working out at that time. I feel the most alive and energetic from 11-6pm, so usually that’s the time I practice power vinyasa or other modalities of strength training, cardio or martial arts. QUESTION: Standing one-legged poses or arm balances? Why? LUNA: I don’t even need to think about it too much to answer this question. (Laughing) Although I appreciate a full rounded practice and I learn to appreciate so many different layers of yoga, I absolutely looooove arm balances. I can safely admit they were the reason that I got into yoga in the first place. And that’s the reason you see me teaching them so much and giving plenty of opportunities for my students to play. Arm balances make me feel like a kid again. I was never a flexible person, but I have always been strong, so arm balances were my doorway to yoga. As my practice evolved I started to appreciate so many other aspects of yoga, meditation, stillness, etc. But I still love the surprise look at someone’s face when they realize how strong a woman can actually be! QUESTION: What are you looking forward to on our "The Wild Heart" Retreat? LUNA: Every single thing!! (laughs) The Wild Heart Retreat will be special!! I’m excited about every single thing we are planning, from the crafted yoga classes and workshops, to the mayan jungle, pyramid, cenotes, hikes and experiences. Plus the incredible community that is joining us!! Looking forward to connecting with like-minded people, the stunning beaches, the Mexican sun, the blue water, the daily yoga classes, meditation, journaling and breathwork. The Retreat is a true opportunity to reset, reconnect and set new goals, release, re-start, re-center. Yoga retreats have always been a true healing experience for me! I can't wait to hold space and connect with all of you! QUESTION: What do you love about Sui Yoga? LUNA: I’ve been at Sui since day one. I saw Sui grow from one studio with 2 students attending, two with a full day full schedule, 2 simultaneous studios with 45 people each. We’ve grown! And I think what is special at Sui besides the well crafted teachers and space, is that Sui provides us a place to be ourselves! We don’t ask the teachers to fit a certain box, every single one of us is so different and yet we have so much to offer. As we allow the teachers to be themselves and share their craft, we allow the students to connect with teachers on a deeper level. Sui is not meant to be a workout place, Sui is meant to be a holistic healing space, that among many things allow us to move. We aim to incorporate the true meaning of yoga, union of the body, mind and spirit. Follow Luna on Instagram HERE and check out her official website: HERE. To secure your spot to our wonderful retreat, go here: https://suiyoga.com/retreats/ Tulum Mexico… from March 31 - April 6, 2024. Villa Pescadores will be our venue… lock in NOW! |
AuthorVicyasa™, your full-time dopamine dealer ... don't allow my confidence to offend your insecurity. Archives
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