The four parts also symbolize the four states of consciousness. The A is the waking state, the U is the dream state and the M is the deep sleep. The silence afterwards is the fourth state, the turiya state (literally "the forth") and it's that transcendental ground of being out of which everything arises and recedes back into. Turiya is the state beyond waking, dreaming and deep sleep that simultaneously pervades and transcends all these states: Who is the part that knows you are awake? How do you know you are dreaming? How do you know you were in the deep sleep? Because there is a part of us that is always present, always awake and aware; the turiya state.

So Mircea Eliade reminded me in his book how even the breath itself is the Om. The inhale is the A sound, the beginning the opening. The pause after the inhale is that U part, the sustenance, the maintenance. The exhale is of course the M part, the letting go, dissolving, releasing. And the silence afterwards is that pause after the sounds, after the movements of the breath.

So yesterday in my restorative class I taught about this. I reminded the students how everything has a beginning, a middle and an end. I was inspired to teach this because one of my most beloved students, Mary L. -who has been so devotedly coming to my restorative class every Thursday- is leaving for Washington. I spoke how one chapter of her life is ending, and yet another beautiful chapter is beginning.

I spoke briefly about the Om and every single student in the room seemed to be quite enthralled by the history of this ancient, primeval mantra. Then we sang three very conscious Om's together and proceeded into the first pose.

We did Mountain Brook first, and as I guided them both verbally and physically towards deeper relaxation, I invited them to think of all that is beginning in their lives right now.

Then we went into a side stretch and on the first side of this pose, as I verbally adjusted them, I reminded them to honor all that is sustaining their lives presently. Then when we went into the second side, I asked them to think of, and honor all that is ending in their lives...

Lastly as we went into our last pose, savasana, I invited them to tap in and connect with that fourth state, with that transcendental state that is who we really are and rest in that awareness.

Class went really well and I was able to adjust everyone at some point, which I love. I have been getting really good compliments about my shoulder adjustments and my leg and pelvis adjustments. It's funny I always wanted to "touch people" which is why I became a yoga teacher and here I am, doing exactly that. Furthermore, more and more private clients are asking me to do more restorative yoga and for me to adjust them. 

Speaking of touch and healing touch, I've been fortunate enough to have seen three very gifted bodyworkers in the last few months.

They are students that I've met at Still Yoga and all three quite similar in some ways, and quite different in others, and  all so gifted.

I would like to honor them here so if you live in LA check these wonderfully talented healers out:

*Joshua Kartsch (626) 297-1374

Josh is my buddy and he is so funny and engaging you almost miss how incredibly intuitive he is.

He does something called the Grinberg method which involves using touch, breath, movement and exercises to help one's ability to pay attention. I know whenever I finish one of Josh's sessions I feel vibrant, pulsating and open.

Please contact him at:

josh@jnkarts.com

*Sally Kleinbart (323) 578-4068

Dr. Sally is so smart and engaging and so deep. She will adjust not only your bones, but your organs- I swear you will feel a massage from the inside out, she is not your regular kind of chiropractor. In fact, although she is a doctor of Chiropractic Medicine, she describes herself as a restorative bodyworker.

Check out her site: 

www.drsallyk.com

*Johan Valverde (323) 539-7330

Johan reminds me of his own main teacher, Saul David Raye. He is kind, introspective, and powerful. He leads about a  two-hour massage session which included a mixture of thai, deep tissue and swedish. I can attest that these sessions are Incredibly deep and intuitive. 

To contact Johan:

johanvalverde@live.com

I think for us yoga teachers it is imperative that we take care of ourselves not only physically but energetically.

Our work is in many ways a transmission of energy and we have to keep our vitality strong!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!