Newsletter December 2024
In this issue:
Samskaras: deep subconscious level imprints that shape our lives
What are samskaras
Have you ever wondered why we behave in a certain predetermined way in a given situation? For example if someone cuts you across while driving, you may end up shouting and cursing at the other person. Or, if someone screams at you using harsh words, you are likely to shout back with even harsher and unpleasant words. These so-called "knee-jerk" reactions are a result of deep-seated impressions that have been left in the deep subconscious levels of the mind not only during this life but over multiple lifetimes. These deep-seated impressions in the mind are called samskaras.
The Sanskrit word 'saṁskāra' (संस्कार) is a composite of two words - sam and kāra. The word kāra is derived from the root kṛ (कृ) which means "to do". The literal meaning of the word samskara is purification, refinement etc.
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Weekly ongoing classes
As many of you are aware, I teach weekly ongoing yoga classes as per the schedule given below. These classes are offered both online via Zoom as well as in-person at my home studio.
Home studio address (for in-person participation on Mon, Tue and Sat): 206 Redwood Park Drive, Morrisville, NC 27560. Please note: in-person participation for the Wednesday class is at the Hindu Temple (HSNC) cultural hall.
Schedule:
- Monday: 6:30 - 8 PM (level 1)
- Tuesday: 6:30 - 8 PM (level 1)
free
- Wednesday: 6:30 - 8 PM (level 1)
- Saturday; 10:15 AM - 12:00 noon (level 1/2)
Instructor: Subhash Mittal
Registration: Fill out the registration form, providing information in all the fields, and submit it online.
Zoom Access: Login info for Zoom access will be provided upon receipt of registration.
Schedule and Fee: Please visit my website here for the current schedule and available payment plans. If you are a new student, the fee for the first month is $40.
How to pay: check, Zelle (use subhashmittal@gmail.com), Venmo (use 9199269717) or paypal (go to bottom of page)
My book on Pranayama
Pranayama
I recently published my book, “Pranayama for energy, vigor and vitality”. This book contains detailed instructions on all the Pranayama practices that I cover in the various yoga courses that I offer. You are welcome to get a printed version of the book from me ($10). You can also buy the book on Amazon – both kindle version and printed version are available.
As you are aware, buyers depend on product reviews on Amazon to make their buying decision. Once you obtain a copy of the book, I'd truly appreciate your writing a review on Amazon. That will help promote the book further so more people can get the book and derive benefits from their pranayama practices.
Upcoming Programs
Samkhya Karika study group, 2nd and 4th Saturday
FREE yoga class, focus: pranayama and meditation
Padmasana (Lotus Pose)
Energize, revitalize and recharge your body, mind and intellect. Learn how to handle stressful situations, how to relax and calm your mind. I invite you to join me for a FREE yoga class as given below. In this class, we'll focus on Pranayama and Meditation.
No prior asana, pranayama or meditation experience is required.
Flyer: You can download the flyer here. Feel free to share it with your own distribution lists.
- What: FREE morning yoga class; focus on Pranayama and Meditation
- When: Sunday, December 8, 2024
- Time: 8:00 AM - 9:15 AM (US East Coast time, EST)
- Participation: Online via zoom only
- Zoom Access: Login info will be provided upon receipt of registration
- Instructor: Subhash Mittal
- Register here
The class will consist of:
- Light stretching
- Pranayama (six breathing practices)
- Yoga Nidra (deep relaxation)
- Guided meditation
podcast channel
As you may be aware, I have been offering monthly workshops wherein I discuss various aspects of yoga philosophy. The main focus in these workshops is to discuss the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali in some depth. In addition, from time to time, I also discuss concepts from the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads and other related ancient scriptures. In order to preserve these talks for future reference, I have been making an audio recording of these discussions and sharing them with the participants. These audio recordings are now available on the podcast channel on my blog. You are welcome to download these audio recordings for your use. In addition, you can listen to these podcasts as well as subscribe to them on itunes as well.
youtube channel
As you would have noticed from many of the recent posts on my blog, I have been adding short videos of many of the commonly practiced asana and pranayama sequences. I strongly urge you to subscribe to my youtube channel and visit the channel frequently to get instructions for your own asana and pranayama practices. Please share the link to the channel with your friends who might benefit from these detailed video instructions.
I would love to hear your feedback and, of course, would welcome suggestions for future videos that you would like to see on the channel.
Yoga in the News
Yoga and Telomeres: A Path to Cellular Longevity?
Telomeres, which protect the chromosomal ends, are vital for cellular senescence and health. Telomere shortening, often due to stress, inflammation, and oxidative damage, is linked to age-related diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular issues, and neurodegeneration. Evidence suggests that meditation may affect telomere dynamics by reducing stress and inflammation and improving emotional regulation. Clinical trials have demonstrated that the effectiveness of these practices in increasing telomerase activity and maintaining telomere length varies by type, intensity, and duration of the practice.
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A ‘yoga pill’ to end anxiety? Neuroscientists discover a brain circuit that instantly deflates stress
Neuroscientists at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla have identified a brain pathway that instantly deflates anxiety. The new study, which published earlier this week in the scientific journal Nature Neuroscience, lays out how the aforementioned brain circuit regulates voluntary breathing — meaning conscious breathing as opposed to automatic breathing that happens without your having to think about it — allowing us to slow our breath and calm our mind.
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Yoga helps women deal with the mental stress of cancer, research shows
"A wellness intervention that integrates yoga and psychological tools may strengthen the connections among the mind, body and spirit, leading to a better and more meaningful quality of life," said study senior author Deidre Pereira. She's an associate professor of clinical and health psychology at the University of Florida (UF) in Gainesville.
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Just 20 minutes of yoga can boost sleep and memory: study
Just 20 minutes of yoga can lead to better sleep and improved memory, according to new research.
Practicing yoga nidra — a kind of mindfulness training — might improve sleep, cognition, learning, and memory - even in beginners, say scientists.
Unlike more active forms of yoga, which focus on physical postures, breathing, and muscle control, yoga nidra guides people into a state of conscious relaxation while they are lying down.
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Yoga can improve long-term health of heart failure patients
Yoga can help improve the long-term health of people with heart failure, a new study has found.
"Patients who practiced yoga on top of taking their medications felt better, were able to do more, and had stronger hearts than those who only took drugs for their heart failure," lead researcher Dr. Ajit Singh of the Indian Council of Medical Research and Manipal Academy of Higher Education in India, said in a news release.
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Development and Validation of a Yoga-Based Intervention for Speech Dysfunction and Speech Difficulties Among Patients With Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson's disease (PD) is primarily thought to be brought on by the death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta of the basal ganglia. Communication difficulties are a common symptom of PD, affecting both motor speech and language systems. These challenges significantly impact the quality of life by reducing participation in communication, leading to social withdrawal, and increasing the risk of social isolation and stigma among individuals with PD. There are no established yoga protocols specifically addressing speech problems in PD. Hence, the research team aimed to develop and validate the yoga program targeting speech dysfunction and speech difficulties among patients with PD.
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Have a question/suggestion?
If you have a yoga-related question, please write to me and I would do my best to provide an answer in a timely manner. I would love to hear your suggestions for future newsletter articles.
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