Mantra Monday: Om Ritam Namah and feeling validated in your wishes

As this crazy year wraps up, I can only imagine that kids are more eager than ever to write their letters to Santa Claus now more than ever. In fact, I can imagine every single one of us would love to write a letter and get some wishes granted: for stability, comfort, normalcy, the list goes on.

We are hard-wired to push back against our wishes and to try and “just roll with it.” And, in many cases, that’s fair. For instance, I really want an espresso machine, but I know that is not in the cards for me this year, and I am totally cool with that. That’s not what I’m talking about. What I’m speaking about are our deep rooted desires, ones we cannot leave beneath the tree.

This week’s mantra reminds us that these wishes are not only valid, they are natural:

Om Ritam Namah (pronounced om rih-tahm na-mah)

The translation of this mantra is my intentions and desires are directly connected and supported by universal intelligence.

In essence, this means that, since we are all connected and all synchronized, whether or not we realize it, what our hearts crave is tuned into what the world at large needs. This means, for instance, if you feel selfish for missing connection in this isolated time, thinking about how so many people have it worse, there is no need to feel guilt. You can miss more profoundly feeling linked in to those around you, since that desire is your slice of sharing that which the greater world around us desires.

By all means, stay humble and stay responsible, but remember this week’s mantra, and never feel the need to hit your internal mute button when your desires make their way into your stream of consciouness.

Namaste awesome!

Ryan

PS: Unrelated note, if any of you want to buy me and espresso machine, shoot me a DM! 😉

Did you know that YBD offers over 40+ Virtual classes per week?  Our LIVEstream classes are designed for members who would like to add to their instudio practice or are not able to return to the studio, but want to stay connected to their yoga and YBD community.  You may use your regular membership, classes on your class packs, or purchase an auto renewing unlimited virtual membership for just $49/month to access our virtual offerings.  Click HERE to view our schedule.

**All members get access to workshops for FREE!

Pose of the Month: Virabhadrasana 2 (Warrior 2)

Happy November, Yogis!

As we welcome the holiday season, we are often reminded of family traditions and stories, dating back years and years. I thought that, in this spirit, November would be a great opportunity for us to look into the mythology and traditions of our Yoga postures.

This month’s featured pose, Virabhadrasana 2 (Warrior 2), derives from the story of the warrior Virabhadra (the litteral translation from Sanskrit is “Virabhadra’s pose”).

Virabhadra is a creation of Shiva, the destroyer. His mission, as depicted in the warrior asana sequences, is to slay Daksha, father of Sati. Sati was married to Shiva, but took her own life after being unable to reconcile a disagreement with her father. And so, Shiva created Virabhadra to go to a party being thrown by Daksha, and behead him in front of all of his guests.

The Warrior 1 posture represents Virabhadra arriving to the party and bearing his swords, Warrior 2 represents his locating his foe and preparing to strike, and Warrior 3 represents the beheading. What a happy Christmastime story!

Let’s take a look at how to safely and strongly get yourself into Warrior 2:

1. Begin in tadasana (neutral standing)
2. Rotate 90 degrees so you are now facing one of the long sides of your mat
3. Step your feet out wide, 3ish feet apart (this will vary depending on your body)
4. Extend your arms out long so that your torso is making a lower case letter T shape
5. Rotate your front foot perpendicular to the top side of your mat
6. Bend your front knee 90 degrees – stack your knee over your ankle joint
7. Gaze out over your front hand

As with every posture, modify according to what your body needs!

Next time you strike this pose, think of its namesake and the focus he must have had as he spotted his target. What is it that you are approaching with this ferocity in your own life? See it, gaze intently at it, and conquer it.

Namaste Awesome!

Ryan

Family Friday: Kristin Brindle

The YBD family needs your help to ensure we are here to continue serving Chicago’s Western Suburbs for years to come. Every Friday for the next few weeks, we will be highlighting some of the remarkable people who comprise our beloved community.

“I have been a Yoga by Degrees Student since before it was YBD South Naperville and a teacher  since July 2019. I love this job because I am able to share my passion for the Original Hot series with others. When I am at YBD I feel empowered, supported, and healthy. Your support of YBD would mean a lot to me because I know the power of this community and the importance it has in my daily life.” -Kristin Brindle, Traditional Hot Yoga Instructor, YBD South Naperville

Kristin’s ability to see her classes from a student’s perspective makes her a particularly gifted teacher. When you leave Kristin’s class, you leave feeling inspired, enlightened, and, of course, sweaty!

Show your support for Kristin, and the rest of our YBD family, by taking class in one of our six locations or by purchasing a virtual membership for over 40 live-streamed classes per week.

If YBD has positively impacted your life, share your story on social media using the hashtag #WeAreYBD.

We have no doubt that, with the love and support of you, our amazing community, YBD will move forward stronger than ever!

Mantra Monday: Say Neti Neti and Let it Go

What is it about nagging thoughts that makes them feel the need to infiltrate your mind when you most need it to be clear? Whether its on your yoga mat, while you’re trying to sleep, or when you just need to pay attention, these unwelcome disturbances can derail your peace and swing your mental state to one of frustration.

But, it doesn’t have to be that way. Yoga, as it always does, pulls through for us, and gives us this useful mantra:

Neti Neti (pronounced the way you think it is)

The translation is simple: it means: not this, not this. Say it in Sanskrit or English, whatever floats your boat.

Its use could not be more simple, just utter this expression the next time a stray thought enters your consciousness. Notice that with this, there is no judgement. There is no kicking yourself that you are experiencing these thoughts, just a gentle “not this.” This adherence to ahimsa (non-violence, including to the self) is what makes this mantra especially yogic.

So, the next time you lie awake, unable to quiet your mind, do not fret. Just say “not this, not this.”

Namaste Awesome!

Ryan

Did you know that YBD offers over 40+ Virtual classes per week?  Our LIVEstream classes are designed for members who would like to add to their instudio practice or are not able to return to the studio, but want to stay connected to their yoga and YBD community.  You may use your regular membership, classes on your class packs, or purchase an auto renewing unlimited virtual membership for just $49/month to access our virtual offerings.  Click HERE to view our schedule.

**All members get access to workshops for FREE!

Family Friday: Sara Hoshell

The YBD family needs your help to ensure we are here to continue serving Chicago’s Western Suburbs for years to come. Every Friday for the next few weeks, we will be highlighting some of the remarkable people who comprise our beloved community.

“I have been a Yoga by Degrees Studio Attendant since September 2018 and a teacher since January 2020. I love this job because I feel a sense of community with my fellow yogis and love the opportunity to help empower one another! When I am at YBD I feel that I’m at my second home and love catching up other Teachers and Students and sharing our practice with one another. Your support of YBD would mean a lot to me because I’ve been coming here for almost 10 years and there is no other yoga studio that makes you feel like you’re at home and at peace like YBD does and I would the opportunity to continue to bring that feeling to other people who need it!” -Sara Hoshell, YBD Instructor and Studio Attendant

Whether she is leading one of her energetic and creative classes, or meticulously helping with the day to day operations of our studios, Sara absolutely lights up our community!

Show your support for Sara, and the rest of our YBD family, by taking class in one of our six locations or by purchasing a virtual membership for over 40 live-streamed classes per week.

If YBD has positively impacted your life, share your story on social media using the hashtag #WeAreYBD.

We have no doubt that, with the love and support of you, our amazing community, YBD will move forward stronger than ever!

Mantra Monday: Finding Your Place in the Universe with So Hum

Myriad events dominating the news cycle are reminding us of the enormity of the human population. In the coming days we will all be hearing of gargantuan numbers describing quantities of people. A startling realization hits when you consider that that massive chunk of humanity that was just mentioned only accounts for a small sliver of the total amount of humans there are in total.

There are an estimated 7.8 billion humans walking 7.8 billion individual paths on this planet. Congratulations, you are one of them! Now consider all of the non-human life that exists on Earth, and of all of the potential for life heretofore unknown in our vast universe. And you are… one human.

But that’s not all that you are…

YOU, my friend, are, in fact, the Universe. At lease, according to this week’s mantra you are!

So Hum (pronounce it exactly like you see it) is translated from Sanskrit as “I am That.” However, Vedic scholars, along with many of the Yogis of today, understand the “that” to mean “The Universe and all of its Creation.”

No, this does not mean that the world revolves around you, nor does it revolve around the person you so desperately want to grab by the collar and inform that the world does not revolve around them. What it does mean, however, is that you and I are connected, you and the fellow a few towns over reading this now are connected, and, indeed, you and that individual who you’re shaking back and forth right now are connected.

This also means that you are important. It means that, if you start to feel very small when your news reader of choice reminds you that you are one of an unimaginably large amount of living beings and you start to feel like a mere grain of sand on the beach, you can remind yourself that you are the entirety of the coastline, the ocean, the continents, and the sky above.

This mantra can be easily integrated into your asana practice through you breath. As you inhale think “so” (I am) and as you exhale think “hum” (the universe). Try it out next time you are on your mat, on a walk, or sitting on your meditation cushion.

A lot is happening right now. A lot is about to happen. A lot has happened. You’re doing a great job, and you are important.

Namaste Awesome!

Ryan

Family Friday: Laura Lopez

The YBD family needs your help to ensure we are here to continue serving Chicago’s Western Suburbs for years to come. Every Friday for the next few weeks, we will be highlighting some of the remarkable people who comprise our beloved community.

“I have been a Yoga by Degrees Studio Attendant since September 2019.  
I love this job because starting with the managers, then to the teachers everyone truly takes pride and ownership of their yoga Sutras.  Each yogi is as diverse and as eclectic as the next but this holds especially true in their different teaching styles.  YBD has a class for anybody-if you enjoy a slower flow there’s Restorative/YBD1 classes or if you prefer yoga on speed there’s Sculpt/ HITT flows.  And everything in between – it’s wide spectrum! 

When I am at YBD I feel as if I am literally lighter and can walk through life with ease.  The studio spaces themselves are so neatly detailed that they physically welcome you in.  But what really lights my soul on fire are the teachers and their unique personalities and flows. 

Your financial support of YBD would mean a lot to me because YBD is one of the oldest yoga establishments in the Western Suburbs.  YBD brought invaluable yoga to the Western Suburbs when there was none and they have continued to provide not just a studio packed with great amenities but a lifetime of priceless flows.” -Laura Lopez, Studio Attendant- YBD Western Springs

In addition to her hard work assisting with the operations of our Western Springs Studio, Laura’s passion for Yoga led her to partake in our 2020 Virtual Teacher Training. Laura’s kind soul and unabashed desire to make YBD the best that it can be make her a truly indispensable member of our family.

Show your support for Laura, and the rest of our YBD family, by taking class in one of our six locations, purchasing a virtual membership for over 40 live-streamed classes per week, or by making a donation to our GoFundMe Campaign.

If YBD has positively impacted your life, share your story on social media using the hashtag #WeAreYBD.

We have no doubt that, with the love and support of you, our amazing community, YBD will move forward stronger than ever!

Mantra Monday: Wishing Happiness Upon ALL Beings (even the ones who you find frustrating) with Lokah Samasta Sukino Bhavantu

It’s 5:37 in the evening. As you get whacked in the face with the stale, cold air that greets you as you get into your car, you curse your having to turn on your headlights when its not even six o’clock. You turn to merge onto route 88 (folks outside of the Chicagoland area, insert whichever artery links the city to the ‘burbs in your metro of choice), still distracted by the fact that you’ve decided to keep your mask on because your car can’t heat up fast enough, and VVVRRRMMMM, some JERK has the AUDACITY to cut you off!

“The NERVE of that person in that F150 (no offense to Ford Truck aficionados, that is simply the vehicle that, in my own lived experience, has cut me off in traffic most frequently),” you scowl under your breath, “they just ruined my day and dang-flabbit I hope they (get pulled over/lock themself out of their house/have their DoorDash delivered to their ex – girlfriend’s address… pick your poison!)”

All of the angst from the various facets of your life that’s been accumulating like yarn into a ball has suddenly unspooled into a tangled mess and you are all in knots over this injustice. Heck, you’re so angry that you don’t even remember where you’re supposed to be driving! Wait, where are you driving?

You’re on your way to Yoga, of course! As your ire gives way to wistful anticipation for your practice, you remember a mantra you chanted last time you were on your mat:

Lokah Samasta Sukino Bhavantu

You recall the chant’s (pronounced loh-kah sah-mah-stah soo-kee-noh bah-vahn-too) simple meaning: May all beings be happy and free, and may our choices, thoughts, and actions contribute to peace and well-being for all. “Ahhh, what a nice sentiment,” you think, “but that part about this meaning peace and well-being for ALL is tough,” especially with Dale Earnhardt Jr. up there making you slam on the breaks you just had serviced.

But that, my weary commuter, is the Yoga. Just as in our asana practice – we show up and stay on our mats even when its hard. For the parts of Yoga when we’re off our mats and out in the world, we remember to wish peace and well-being unto all, even when doing so is difficult.

This does not mean that you’re not allowed to be frustrated by this incident, in fact, it is perfectly normal to do so. However, if you live by this week’s mantra, you simply allow yourself to own your frustration and release Captain Kangaroo (who is now several miles down the road) from the process, and wish him well on his path, no matter which one he may be walking.

And, never forget, ALL BEINGS also includes YOU! Are are entitled to happiness and freedom as well. If I may make a leap, I can’t help but think that wishing happiness and well-being upon all will help you feel it towards yourself.

And, would you look at that! This thought practice has landed you at your local YBD studio! Now go and have a great class!

Namaste Awesome!

Ryan

Please visit our page on GoFundMe and consider contributing if you are able: https://gf.me/u/y395xy

Did you know that YBD offers over 40+ Virtual classes per week?  Our LIVEstream classes are designed for members who would like to add to their instudio practice or are not able to return to the studio, but want to stay connected to their yoga and YBD community.  You may use your regular membership, classes on your class packs, or purchase an auto renewing unlimited virtual membership for just $49/month to access our virtual offerings.  Click HERE to view our schedule.

**All members get access to workshops for FREE!

Family Friday: Daphne McKee

The YBD family needs your help to ensure we are here to continue serving Chicago’s Western Suburbs for years to come. Every Friday for the next few weeks, we will be highlighting some of the remarkable people who comprise our beloved community.

“I have been a Yoga by Degrees Studio Attendant since 2018. I love this job because I get to be with kind, interesting, people who practice yoga to improve their lives. When I am at YBD I feel I feel loved and appreciated. Your financial support of YBD would mean a lot to me because we could stay open to offer our wonderful, safe classes during this stressful time, and beyond!” – Daphne McKee, Studio Attendant, YBD South Naperville

Daphne is a beloved member of our family who, along with our management team, teachers, and her fellow studio attendants, have been working tirelessly to ensure our studios are safe, clean, and welcoming.

Anyone who has visited our South Naperville location knows that Daphne is a living embodiment of the spirit of YBD. The moment you walk through the door, she welcomes you as if you were family, and ensures that your time in the studio is positively memorable.

Show your support for Daphne, and the rest of our YBD family, by taking class in one of our six locations, purchasing a virtual membership for over 40 live-streamed classes per week, or by making a donation to our GoFundMe Campaign.

If YBD has positively impacted your life, share your story on social media using the hashtag #WeAreYBD.

We have no doubt that, with the love and support of you, our amazing community, YBD will move forward stronger than ever!

Mantra Monday: Honor the Practice and Yourself with Om Namah Shiviyah

How many times a day do you disparage yourself? Really, think about it. How often do you catch yourself saying “I’m the worst” or “Sorry, I suck?” Modern parlance demands an alarming amount of self-deprecation, and it takes a toll on us.

While humility is an admirable quality, there is a fine line between keeping your ego in check and cruelty to yourself. Imagine you have a thick piece of rope. Now imagine that a few times every day, you take a fiber of the rope and unspool it from its braiding. Very quickly what you have is no longer a rope, just a frayed mess. Likewise, with every jab you take at yourself, your self esteem devolves into non existence.

Regard for your self worth is not vanity, it is essential. This is the case not only for your own mental and physical health, but for that of those who love you and depend on you. For the sake of yourself and those around you, you must endeavor to not have your spirit descend to a ragged state.

Good News: There’s a mantra for that!

Next time you feel downtrodden and start spewing harshness at yourself, whether or not you are on your yoga mat, try saying this:

Om Namah Shiviyah (pronounced ohm nah – mah she-viy- ah)

The literal Sanskrit to English translation is “Adoration to Lord Shiva.” However, in practice, it is more often translated as “Universal Consciousness is One.”

Lord Shiva, the Destroyer, according to some schools of thought within Hinduism, is responsible for creating, protecting, and transforming the universe. This chant calls upon us all to recognize that this divine power rests not only with Lord Shiva, but also within ourselves. In other words, each of us can create, protect, and transform ourselves, and, by so doing, also contribute to doing these things for our universe!

We all falter. We all fall. We all fail. We are inherently imperfect and that is okay. Next time you do your solemn duty as a human and screw up, don’t tatter your rope and curse yourself, fortify that beauty and say “Om Namah Shiviyah!”

Namaste Awesome!

Ryan

PS:

Take a listen to this moving and powerful musical adaptation of this chant.

Please visit our page on GoFundMe and consider contributing if you are able: https://gf.me/u/y395xy

Did you know that YBD offers over 40+ Virtual classes per week?  Our LIVEstream classes are designed for members who would like to add to their instudio practice or are not able to return to the studio, but want to stay connected to their yoga and YBD community.  You may use your regular membership, classes on your class packs, or purchase an auto renewing unlimited virtual membership for just $49/month to access our virtual offerings.  Click HERE to view our schedule.

**All members get access to workshops for FREE!