Can two opposite forms of Ashtanga Yoga Coexist? Rocket Yoga and Jois Yoga

It's a fair question, whether you like to practice Iyengar and Ashtanga or Vinyasa Flow and Yin Yoga on the side.  By working with multiple styles we become more in tune with our changing bodies and moods, right?  So why not mix it up:)

In fact, many of us love to mix the Traditional form of Ashtanga Yoga with non-traditional forms of Ashtanga Yoga. Like Mysore in the morning and Rocket at night!

At my studio we offer mostly Ashtanga Yoga, but we host and support teachers form all styles.  I have had Iyengar, Kudalini, Power Yoga, Forest Yoga, AcroYoga, Anusara Yoga, Prana Vinyasa, Trance Dance, meditation, and even Sufi Mysticism!  Any and all methods allowed if they follow a path based on experience.

For over 10 years we have successfully ran a set schedule of Traditional Primary Series classes along side the Modified and Rocket derivatives through out the week!  Its a slower process for students to progress but allows more accessibility to work through weaknesses.

The student response to this method of combination is excellent!

Are we being unfaithful to our teachers or the lineage by seeing other teachers?

Not at all!  We are not marrying our teachers are we? and if you are married to your teacher you should ask for an open relationship! (just with yoga of course)

Can we practice 2 different styles and maintain a sense of clarity and progress with efficiency towards the goals that are set for our practice? 

Yes!  and I know I'm not alone.  Many styles but only one practice! We are all practicing YOGA no matter what style!

As a student who appreciates the teachings from Pattabhi Jois as well as from Larry Schultz and the numerous teachers who share his views on a less ridged Ashtanga format - I say, YES!

So this being said I would like to talk about the amazingly good benefits that both systems offer to the student who is willing to take on the rigorous training of these artistic and scientific practices called Ashtanga Yoga.





Traditional Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is the name that has been attached to Pattabhi Jois yoga sequencing which is one of the longest running modern yoga forms.  With a focus on maintaining an unbroken chain or a fixed set of yoga asana sequences designed for all students to work with in a set method referred to as vinyasa.

I have listed 10 of my favorite benefits below:

• Encourages daily practice to work directly with the weakness of the body and mind to heal and strengthen 
• Mysore practice brings the teacher/student relationship into a more authentic 1on1 process
• No faking it.. no hiding or avoiding the problem.
• No matter where you go in the world-any language will give you the same practice the same experience
• By learning the sequence you can let go and drop deeper into the meditative process
• There are hundreds of studios and thousands of teachers who can give insight and access to the practice

• It involves and requires exercising the mind as much if not more than the body.
• It encourages therapeutic adjustments from a teacher to help release the tension in the bodies joint.
• Internal heat is an ingredient of this practice that produces sweat and a deep detox
• By surrendering and giving in to a teacher you can practice humility

Rocket Yoga: a Non-Traditional Ashtanga Yoga derivative is the name that has been attached to Larry Schultzs' yoga sequencing when he re-arranged the primary and secondary series of Ashtanga Yoga.  Postures were either modified or remove to keep the flow of the class easy for beginners.  This makes the Rocket classes more of a modified form of the Ashtanga Yoga Practice.

Creativity being an obvious ingredient in the Rocket sequences, it is possible to see many different forms of the Rocket 1, 2, and 3, but there is a fixed foundation that is followed by all certified teachers. This also allows the practice to be made more advanced/ or physically challenging by adding in transitional techniques often referred to as "floating and flying" or adding in variations to the traditional postures. 

Listed below is 10 of my favorite benefits below:

• All levels are welcome in any of the classes 
• Students may add in advanced variations to poses
• Each day of the week students work with a different sequence give a more westernized approach to working with the body.
• Individuality, and inquisitive attitudes are encouraged and celebrated
• Students are taught about the distinct benefits of each series and are give the responsibility to choose the class they want to take in accordance to how they want to feel each day
• Daily practice is encouraged with an emphasis on morning practice after student wakes.  No set time besides less than 1 hour after you wake up. 
• Postures can be modified to keep the flow steady
• Takes a feminine approach to the Ashtanga Yoga practice.
• Handstand may substitute the seated vinyasa!
• Increases the sympathetic nervous system stimulation and revitalizes the body with feel good chemicals and an uplifting energy.  This class can shift and detox out a lot of              stresses from the body!

I'm standing on 10+ years of a combined practice in Rocket Yoga and Jois yoga and would like to submit myself as an example of what the combination of both of these amazing systems can do if you combine them right.

To combine them right then you should have more than 1 teacher in order to receive insight from both perspectives.  We all need an Angle and a Devil on our shoulders.  This is not meant to represent the classical idea of right or wrong, instead we want it to represent the role of opposite choices.  The choice to go one way or the other and make your own decision on whether it served your positively.

Always listen to your inner teacher and the truth will come out and speak loud and clear to you. 

Hope you enjoy!  If have any questions please ask and we can use the comments section below to address any confusion or simply tell us what you need and how we can help.

Namaste

David Kyle

Whats is 2 qualities that makes the Rocket System unique?

I was recently asked to compare and give specific reasons why Rocket Yoga should be considered a specific form of Hatha Yoga comparable to more popular styles of Hatha like Anusara, Jivamukti or Dharma Yoga.

I decided to keep it simple and work with 2 qualities in specific that I feel sets the Rocket System up as a practice that all Hatha Yoga practitioners should try at some point.

1: The Rocket Yoga system is a form of Ashtanga Yoga that allows the hierarchy to be destroyed!

Yep.  This practice is all about focusing on your strengths and capabilities vs. focusing on your weaknesses and the poses you can't do.  Each person is different in the abilities and the Rocket System aims to find out what each individual is good at and encourage the student to work with their strengths and build confidence by going with the flow of their natural talents.  This resonates with the student not only on the mat but off the mat as well.  In our daily lives we have to recognize what we are good at and move in that direction.

2: Gives a practice that allows students to learn how to stimulate both the Parasympathetic and Sympathetic nervous systems evenly.

Wow! A lot of people are not even thinking about this when they practice, but everything we experience comes from the nervous system.  This is how we feel the external world.  Our basic functions of relaxation and energizing is stimulated by the two parts of the autonomic nervous system: Parasympathetic and Sympathetic.

Parasympathetic is for relaxation.  It slows down the heart, mind, cools the body, and increases the digestion.

Sympathetic is for energizing.  It speeds up the heart, mind, heats the body and decreases the digestive system.

Primary Series is mainly the parasympathetic stimulation and the 2nd series is the sympathetic stimulation.  I have made this deduction based on the fact that Primary is mainly forward folds vs. the 2nd series which is back bends, twists and inversions.

The Rocket 1 and Rocket 2 are based on the 1st and 2nd series of Ashtanga Yoga.  The exception is people in their first month of yoga are allowed to practice both of the series in the Rocket System.  In traditional practice now a days it could take years to access the 2nd series postures for the average person.

Rocket Yoga  "It gets you there faster!"


These are just two of the many reasons why Rocket Yoga stand out as a Hatha Yoga system.  There is direct intention in the stimulation of the nervous system and this allows the student to choose what practice they want that day depending on how they feel.

Jai!  Thank you Larry 'ji

What is Rocket Yoga?

Rocket Yoga, Rocket Vinyasa Yoga, The Rocket, Rocket 1,2,3?  With this style running up the popularity ladder that are a lot of people who are left asking simply... What is this Rocket Yoga!?

Whether you have just heard about it or noticed the buzz building over the past 10+ years its only a matter of time before it is in your neighborhood!  Maybe you have practiced the class before and you know what you think about it or maybe you have never even done a class but still have an opinion on the name itself.  If you have done a few classes and "think" you have it figured out then guess again!

This practice can be deeper and more illusive than the traditional Ashtanga Yoga practice itself!  And yes!  Rocket Yoga is an Ashtanga Yoga System ;) Let the process begin.

Rocket Yoga is an Ashtanga Yoga System created by Larry Schultz from San Francisco who was a dedicated student of Pattabhi Jois and always mentioned to me teachers like Danny Paradise and David Williams as his teachers along with Pattabhi.  Larry spent many years practicing the mysore method and with my time with him it seemed to stick.  He was always awake around 4am...kicking me out of bed early to practice silent morning prayer through our asana.  Early practice was important to Larry and integral to the practice.  We also had slamming classes at 4:30pm everyday so we usually did 2 practices a day. Once in the morning and once in the afternoon.  We never really worked until after noon and always used the morning to practice and take walks in the park to talk about what we were going to do the for day and chat about the yoga world and what it was becoming.

I could use this blog to copy paste what you would find on any web page about how the Rocket is a derivative of the 1st, 2nd, and Advanced series of traditional Asthanga Yoga and its know as a invigorating; feel good series that bring vitality and health to the practitioner.  It was a practice Larry created while on tour with the Grateful Dead, but I think it would be best to stick to directly what the Rocket Sequences provide and how they effect the mind/body.

for general information you should visit the It's Yoga International site @ www.itsyoga.net


Also how does the Rocket Yoga practice draw us into a state of inspiration. A place where we can breath in our spirit and cause the rapture of life to be present within us at all times.  How can the Rocket do this!? its simple science really.

Larry teaching David in Puerto Rico for a demo

First of all its good to make sure people know that the Rocket System is split into almost 6 different Routines which is placed in a manor to allow access to the super beginner and those who feel as though they are not flexible enough or strong enough to begin a vinyasa practice.  The first sequence of postures is nothing new at all in practice. Simply referred to as "MDR" or "minimum daily requirements" students are encouraged to take on a daily practice that consists of Sun Salutation A and B followed by a short seated meditation and rest.

Another series in the Rocket System created by Larry Schultz is the Rocket 1 series which is an all level series that rearranges the Standing Primary Series asana into a very clever flow of postures that keeps the transitions all on one side before shifting to the left side.  Very different from the traditional right/left practice, but those who have studied will recognize this as a method taught by Krishnamacharya himself.  So there is nothing really new about it at all:)  But it sure is a jolt to the bodies vital energies and it creates a spike in the nervous system that is good for people who are feeling drained from work or stress from family or social responsibilities. This is a short series that is mainly standing series asana with only a few seated poses depending on the students capability.  All levels enjoy this practice and flow.

Another series is the Mixed Levels class that is often referred to Rocket I as well.  Its is the revision of the standing series of traditional ashtanga with a "Modified Primary Series" placed onto the end of the standing asana.  This is a beginners version of primary series where students are allow to remove postures of difficulty like half lotus postures and intense flexibility postures like supta Kurmasana:  Binds are also modified with straps and blocks can be used as well.  There is no strict attitude or restrictions on what a student needs to find comfort within themselves.

Another series is the Rocket 2.  This is the sequence that follow a modified 2nd series with Advanced A & B Postures added in as transitions between the base line of postures that any Ashtangi would recognize as a half 2nd series.  The typical postures that are chosen from the Advance series are the inversions and deeper hip openers.  There is also a ton of specific transitions that students may choose from to make the practice more challenging or more modified.  This gives the teacher a special place where they can led large group classes but still allow mixed level students to participate.  Unlike traditional Ashtanga where students can only do poses that are given by their external guru.  Although I do like their rigidness and exclusiveness ... I still favor the all inclusive vibe that is celebrated in the Rocket Vinyasa Yoga System.

If there was ever the idea of advanced place to the Rocket practice it comes from here, but all in all.. Rocket Yoga is designed to be a modification of the Traditional Ashtanga Yoga series that is a little more difficult to climb so to speak.  Everything is relative.  But to place this series against regular popular power yoga and vinyasa yoga practices and there is no doubt that the Rocket Yoga sequence literally is way more physically advance and intelligently sequenced by far.  These series are already almost 20-30 years old.  For modern/western yoga there is very few solid and set sequences of postures that has made it that long without shifting into something that is totally different.  like Traditional Ashtanaga... Rocket Yoga is here to stay!

 Another series is called the Rocket 3 and it is a longer variation of the Rocket 1 and 2 series.  This class can be seen as a higher pace, but ofter people feel like its easier on the body and nervous system since the stimulation of the primary and 2nd series asana are put into the same class.  This is Rocket style therapeutics and all the postures from though out the week are accumulated into series that puts everything together.  Typically this practice is done on Friday afternoons which is the last class of the weekly schedule.


Another series in the Rocket system comes back around to the source... Full Primary traditional count as taught by my teachers:)  We always practice the traditional series at least 1 or two times a week.  Usually on Sunday to start the week off right.  People who are more involved in the traditional series like myself also offer mysore and work to climb the amazing Ashtanga Yoga mountain!  To honor the tradition is part of our practice, but we do not wait for anyone to give us our poses.  That's for followers and we practice to be leaders in our communities.  No hierarchy in this system.  And for people who need rules and people to tell them what to do next.  For the western mind that needs to be told "NO" at 6am in the morning... well that's your thing and this is ours... We love this world.  We really do have freedom to do as we choose.  \

Rocket Yoga is the "YES" Yoga of the Ashtanga Yoga world.  Yes you may take ownership of your yoga practice.

I will be able to break down more details about the series as people ask or feel free to search out a qualified Rocket Yoga teacher in your area!  let me know where you are and I can help you find one.



More to come time to sleep and wake up early for the sun!

Thank You Larry!

namaste

*an uneducated point of view

Below is the oldest form of Rocket Yoga Cheat SheetS!!

Ashtanga Yoga Immersion thoughts....week 1

Father to Traditional Ashtanga
Pattabhi Jois

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga follows a strict (but flexible;)  set of guidelines that brings the student into a very particular experience called yoga.  This practice is a preparatory practice that is aimed to soften the hard shell, so to speak, and allow the individual to uncover the veil of confusion that is draped between them and the truth.

This strict requirement towards the correct method can scare away some students.  It is simple in description but not easy in practice.   Some students may mistakenly take the teachers suggestions as part of the guidelines instead of viewing them as they are... suggestions.

Others are "turned on" by the detailed attention to every aspect of the practice and feels this really helps resonate the truth that this practice creates deep forms of awareness of yourself.  Physically, emotionally and spiritually.

What should be seen as "correct method" is simple.  This is referring to the tristana method (3 points of focus) and the proper number of vinyasas used to perform any given asana.

Again.. Simple really.

So what are the three points of focus that must be maintain during the yoga asana practice?

1. Pranayama       -(breath)
2. Asana               -(Postures)
3. Drishti              -(gazing points)

These three simple points of attention can help create deep concentration (Dharana) and eventually will bring the student towards a state of meditation and absorption.  These Ashtanga Yoga techniques train you in how to observe the self.

Every vinyasa is laid out for the individual to connect these three points of attention to complete each action. The student then flows from one vinyasa to the next maintaining a constant attention to the 3 points... .Breath, Posture, Drishti!

Easy.

well..... maybe not.

We can look at the breath first.  How many times do we find ourselves holding our breath throughout our yoga practice.  Do you hold your breath in classic spots like jumping back or jumping through?

If your holding your breath then you probably look this as you practice...

dont hold your breath till you turn blue!

We have to breath a every moment and with consciousness at every action.  This is part of the definition of Vinyasa - to place in a special way.

Thanks for that one wiki!

well.. for now when you jump through just think of this image instead

At least thats what your inner child will look like after you learn to jump through with your breath! To move with your breath is to experience what we like to refer to as "flowing"

Its a lot like floating down a lazy river.. going with the current and enjoying the show as it slides past you.  Dont worry if you missed anything because you know you will simply float around again.

Its also good to see the breath as fuel!  We need to keep filling up our tanks as we move through the practice.  If you stop breathing then the tank will run dry and the muscles will give out.

Pattabhi always said "no breathing, then pain coming soon!"  Pain is a result of losing prana... losing that inner connection with movement.

We can keep ourselves connected to the breath.  Its a promise we should all commit to.

namaste

dk

First Day of the Ashtanga Yoga Immersion

I have decided to offer a small glimpse into the process of helping a student immerse themselves into the Ashtanga Yoga practice.

This will be great for teachers because i plan to bring to light the fundamentals in a building process for students to become full fledged dedicated practitioners and enthusiastic facilitators of this practice we all love so much.

For students you will find this stream of blogs as a nice surface test to whether or not you would enjoy participating in an Ashtanga Yoga training. The deeper you get into the studies o Ashtanga Yoga the more blurred the line becomes between the student and the teacher.

Introduction is always the beginning. Introducing the intention of the training itself. This process has a life of its own. Its like climbing on the back of a wild horse and working to tame the Juggernaut of a practice that has lasted the test of time. Over 5000 years to throw a ball park figure out. What is the Philosophy that passes from teacher to student? That seed of curiosity that keeps spreading through the Fields, rooting and sprouting?

Now is time to fill in all that empty space with this practice. We often feel like theres no time to add in anything new, but on the contrary we are all here because there is a hole that needs to be filled. Yoga will complete the individual.. Or should we say it will burn away the crowd within us until only 1 is left.. Your true self.

Circles are always opened by introducing yourself.  But this is not just for the purpose of joining together the people.  Each individual has to question themselves and choose how to describe themselves to the group.  This is the true beginning of becoming who you want to be!

Stay in touch and I will be giving weekly updates on the process of this 200 hour training!

namaste

32 Life Lessons

So thirty two trips around the sun is supposed to put me right around middle age I guess.  I believe its still 65 that would be considered a nice long life.  If someone sticks around past their 70's then they are doing great to hang in for the long run!   The little peter pan inside me still doesn't ever want to die, but I'm not going to waist the time I have hoping I will gain more time than those who came before me.

We all have to do what we can with what we have.

This is 32 life lessons I decided to challenge myself to write down as part of celebrating my 32nd birthday this year.  32 years should give me some kind of insight on how to live... at least how to live like David.  Some are hopefully funny and some I take very seriously... I will try to make each lesson relevant to the age I was ;)

1.  Momma and Poppa is always there to comfort you and guide you.  Whether this by blood or some other means of connection our parents are like the first representation of God.  They hover over us when we sleep and make sure everything is right.  They catch us and help divert danger that we would have never seen coming and they give us the first feelings of love.  They are our creators and sustain life in the beginning.

2.  I am me.  This is my world and my creation.  My ego is what helps me be who I am.  To experience everything as an individual process of communication with my surroundings.  I love... I hate.... I'm happy.... I'm sad.  I is the point in the middle of the mandala and once I realized this I was free to explore all the mystery around me without feeling lost or disconnected with my center.. with who "I" am.

3.  The world is an open book and full of new things to see everyday.  Read the lines and read in between the lines to get the full experience.  Jump and deal with the response later... whatever the response maybe its new... and new is good.

4.  Routine is comforting as some new things create fear.

5.  Putting books under your pillow doesn't always cause it to come true... but it may certainly give you some good dreams about it.

6.  There is great logic in the children's story Hansel and Gretel.  Leaving a trail of bread crumbs might be a good idea when exploring alone in the woods.  But... if you forget you can always climb the biggest tree to the top and find the trail over the tree tops.

7.  Its better to simply open the gate vs jump over it.  It seems fun to jump over it but you run the risks when you go against the grain.

8.  Almost everything of importance that my parents gave me has been lost.  Grandparents heirlooms like rings and other items of interest.  Don't let your kids play with these things.  I will not let my little girl have her mommas or grandmothers rings until she is older.

9.  No one ever wins in a physical fight.  Even the victor of a physical fight has to deal with pain that is unnecessary.  The one who is smart enough to avoid physical confrontation is the greatest warrior of all... and taunting will not help this cause.

10.  When you go to bed let the dreams begin before you fall asleep

11.  When someone tells you a dream will never work... its worth trying.

12.  Honesty is best... Tell the truth and let it go.  It will disappear.   secrets follow you forever and turn you into a heavy load and still there are cases when silence is the better option.

13.  Most people are not your friends.  They are acquaintances.  Even the ones you will know your entire life.  By the time we die you will be able to count your true friends with your hands.  Hopefully your life partner, brothers and sisters are part of that list, which only leaves room for a few more.

14.  Everyone is out for themselves.  and this is ok... because you should only be concerned about yourself too.

15.  Accept rejections, you will not always get what you want the way you want it.  So be creative and go to the source of your desire.  This secret gives you the ability to always be victorious.

16.  As much as we sometimes don't want it to be... this is real.  Everything is Everything.

17.  There is no need to change yourself to fit in to another ideal form.  Be yourself.  Be clear with who you are.

18.  What you do is how people know you.  Not by what you say.

19.  Crime does pay... but punishment sucks. Be smart about everything you do.  Think it through.

20.  When you want to do something then just do it.  see #11 and #15 again.  Go for it!

21.  The best things in life have no age limit.

22.  Nothing is for free.

23.  Experience is key to true knowledge which is fundamental to honest opinion.  even the bad and unwanted experiences.  An educated opinion without experience weighs less than a fools opinion with experience,  but nothing is heavier than an educated one with the experience.

24.  Only waste your time on things that bring you joy and happiness... then the time is not wasted at all.

25.  Don't be around people that do not share similar interests.  For me all my friends are yogis.

26.  Sometimes you have to let someone take advantage of you to really see who they are.  To truly know if they could be of benefit or destruction.

27.  Everyone with a soul appreciates arts and diversity.  Many on this planet are without souls.

28.  There is no such thing as sin.  Stop the inner critic.

29.  Business is business... yoga has nothing to do with it.

30.  If you pay to go to a class/lecture and the teacher starts talking about god...ask for your money back.  Money should have no place in spiritual transactions. Churches should not have admission fees or monthly dues.  Religions and material gain should be kept separate.

31.  The most beautiful places tend to be the hardest to get to.

32.  The best kept secret is the joy of having children.   As long as you're willing to sacrifice then the experience is pure and full of love.  This is a lesson for all adventures and quests.  "Sacrifice" is key for all practices.

Well this could be simply written off as a lot of bullshit or maybe some of these realizations I have had over the past 32 years may help you along your way.  This took me a few days to write.  1 day to write the first 2... day two I wrote the next 5...and then on day 3 I wrote the remaining 27 lessons.

You think 1 life lesson a year would be simple enough... I have really learn much more than that and half of what I think is probably wrong.  Misconceptions possibly, but for now totally in line with my personal experience of life.

Boom for real!

Hope you enjoyed.

David Kyle
*un-educated point of view

Meditation is formless... there is no method

Pardon me for not spending time putting down exact quotes here and more than like I will greatly discredit much of the people I quote by paraphrasing it to pieces but with that being said this is a blog honoring those who follow an unrestricted form of practice/meditation. No rules here.

Terrence Mckenna once said that culture is not your friend.  Culture restricts the individuals ability to flourish. Religions/Cults and other forms of organization and rules cause most of us to be demonized.  Art is our only form of defense.  We create our own expression to maximize our humanity. Yoga is my art.

Krishnamurti also spoke against providing methods of attainment. He refused religions and ideologies.  

The famous ideal of something not being "correct method" ultimately takes away the individuals experience.  Who are we to expect our experience to be the only way for another. Doubt is a practice in which Krishnamurti spoke highly.  The practice of questioning the information that you receive.  Why trust?  Why have faith?  When all of our great teachers have told us to experience it ourselves.  Experience is the key.  Once you experience it you do not trust... you know.

In fact the most important step of all is to "doubt yourself".  Question the very existence of who you are. Why you are here and what is your beliefs? 

Osho is another radical in the world of spirituality, yoga, and other forms of religion.  To Osho in the honest practice of yoga, one must not be subject to faith or belief.  "Beliefs are like cloths... they can be changed"  But the man stays  the same.  One day a man can carry a Bible and profess his passion for Christ and then the very same man can change his faith and start carrying a Koran. But the man stays the same. 

Yoga is a practice of getting to the core of it all.  All beliefs must be given up.  All identity must be removed.  What you think your are... what you believe your are is not real.  Larry Schultz said  "Everything you see with your eyes open or closed is make believe"  What you feel is real.

Its good to start from a point of not knowing what meditation is...  It's a "marvelous" place to begin.  So all previous beliefs must be released. 

Questioning the act and paying attention to see the experience as a response to the act.  Are they separable.  There are many methods/paths to the same end.  Can we attribute one as right and one as wrong?  One as good and one as sin? 

There is no "Correct Method" because there is no incorrect method either.  This is the practice of non-dualism.  Being conscious seeing everything as an expression of everything.  As my good friend Paul always says "Everything is Everything"


Boom!

Cycle of Life: Announcing birth and death at the same time.

(1950-2011)

(2011-     )

I decided to write about both of these topics at the same time today.  Most of my friends and readers are expecting me to write and post photos of my new baby girl!  This I will discuss.  Many of my piers and students are expecting me to write something about Larry Schultz; my guru, my friend, my inspiration and the greatest lose I have ever had in my life.  At 30 years old I found myself lucky to have not lost many friends.  This one came way too soon and on the same day my daughter was born.  This is the cycle of life.

The birth of my baby girl "Lua Nox Kyle-Sallaberry" was @ 7:58pm on February 26th, 2011.  She weighed 8lbs and 15oz, but the feeling of weight lifted off my shoulders was like the world disappeared completely.  I had been informed of Larry's condition a few days before.  My heart and hope was strong that Larry would recover.  I knew he would recover for sure.  I could feel that he would be fine.  Around 7:00pm on the same night my daughter was born, I received a call from the cell phone of Larry's wife... I declined the call at that moment...I knew what the call was for and could not shift my attention from the crown of my child's head as my wife pushed through the final phase of birth.  I wanted Larry to be the Godfather of Baby Lua.  I had purchased this outfit for her to share with Larry... I know he is loving it right now!

The "Rocket Baby" It was a surprise for you Larry!

I want to see this as a day of birth and celebration for rest of my life.  Larry must have know this.  This must be why this day was chosen.  This day marked a re-birth of my guru Larry Schultz.  "Maha Samadhi" as some would say.

Two very special things happened on 02/26/2011.  In the past I would never hold any of my friends babies.  Because of this I was 30 years old before holding a baby and it was my baby girl.  I cried at that moment. I feel deeply in love with her immediately.

I was also told on that day that my worst fear had manifested itself.  My beloved teacher was being released from life support and would be left to smoothly and naturally transition into his next stage.  I have never had anyone extremely close to me die before.  30 years old and I cried again for the first time over the death of a loved one.

Larry taught me many lessons that run so much deeper than how to touch my toes... who can really teach someone that anyway.  We learn asana through our own efforts.  But lessons on life and how to react to things that leave you confused; how to reach for things you don't even know exisist... this is the job of the guru.  This is what Larry Schultz taught me.  He told me to write.  Many things I write will never go further than my mind and a hidden page.  He told me to share.  For now on I promise you Larry.... this I will share.  All that I write.   

Lawrence Schultz (1950 -2011) was a great teacher to who refused to let anyone look further than themselves to find all the right questions.. .answers come and go...  Answers change.  But the core questions in life stay the same.  These questions will lead us in the right direction.  Like a true Great Master he has encourage a revolution in the yoga world.  Everyone knows him unless they are blind or clearly lack knowledge of the modern yoga world.  Vinyasa was Larry's canvas and as a masterful artist he established many of the foundations of the practice as it is viewed by the westerner today.   His practice merged the traditional and Neo-yoga worlds causing many students to be turned on to both at the same time.  He was a gateway to the individuals sense of self discovery.

Larry created the system and philosophy of It's Yoga.  This is a clear guidance to a particular lifestyle that is supported by the practice and sharing of Ashtanga Yoga.  Those of us that are deeply emerged into this lifestyle run It's Yoga studios around the world.  Larry facilitated the opening of 15+ yoga studios in the last 20 years.  Many are still open today.  This would definitely cut him short to stop there.   Many more studios are considered associates to the It's Yoga system  this means they use the It's Yoga system for their classes or sometimes they use the It's Yoga teacher training system for developing effective and professional yoga teachers in the Ashtanga Yoga lineage.  Larry has easily influence the opening of over 100 yoga studios either directly or indirectly.  Hes has trained 1000's of yoga teachers and it would be impossible to count how many students/teachers have passed through his classes in San Francisco.  Larry was a teacher like no other.  He did not travel the world to gain popularity... he stayed in his studio and taught and practiced everyday for over 17 years!  I personally was there to witness this amazing show of strength and determination that does not come around to just any one.  This was a special man.  If you wanted what he had to offer; you had to be willing to search for it.

Over the past 9 years I have been assisting Larry to spread his vision.  One quote he loved to say was  "One Million Yoga Teachers To Cure The World!"  He really wanted this.  Larry wanted to cure the world by spreading the message and practice of yoga.  This is also something I promise to Larry.  I will help to spread this message of yoga.  I will continue to spread his lessons that have so deeply impacted my life like so many others.  People will not be able to deny the purity and empowerment that is created by Larry Schultz Yoga.  Purity and empowerment for both the students who practice and the teachers who use it to facilitate their inner being.  Thank you Larry... I could not say those three words enough.

The eyes are the gateway to the soul

The amount of inspiration that poured from this fountain of youth was enough to stir movement in the souls of thousands of us when we heard the news of Larry's passing..transition .. re-birth.   As I'm sure many of us have cried... we have also laughed in the past few days... and when all is said and done.. Laughter will be the thought that stands out the most.  Those of us who know Larry... know Larry had a very particular laugh.  You can hear it now.  He had nicknames for us all.  He knew how to enjoy a good class of wine and always had San Francisco's finest medical marijuana.  Whether it was from his own garden or a gift of sacred herbal sacrament.

Larry in a "sea of green"

 We all love Larry.  Because he allowed us to be who we are.  We could all see ourselves in Larry.  I know I should keep my thoughts more to what I have gained from my days with Larry... i cant help but cry because of what I have lost.

My daughter is going to be influence by this man as well.  Again, I feel the closeness of these two events are too much for me to ignore.  There is a strong lesson in this.  Larry love children.  Larry will be my baby girls protector.  There are many more to teach on the other side.  Larry will become the "Guru of the Dead" Not just because he taught the Grateful Dead, but because he will continue to be the guru in this new realm of existence.  I feel good with this image in my head.  Seems like a new job has been given to the soul we call Larry Schultz.  He must have completed his mission here earlier than we ready.  But will any of us ever truly be ready for death?  With the practice of yoga.. we will.  We will be ready to surrender and accept the transition to a higher place.  I know Larry was ready.  I know he assisted my wife and baby girl into their transition.  A mother and father was born on that day as well.  Inside Elizabeth and myself a new life began.  I will never forget the sight of her taking her first few breaths.  The beauty and desperation.  Must be the same way for death.

Larry knew how to live life and this is what he taught.

This is a process that will take time.  Even as a yogi who searches for the ever present moment.  Time has me confined to its one-way linear pattern.  I wonder what kind of ticket you would get for driving the wrong way on this road?  Just real quick so I could say a few things... but not right now.

As Larry once said with his famous lines on yoga practice that really reflects the meaning of life....

"Everybody is trying to take the bind and hold on.... just let go..."

with love and gratitude

David Kyle
"Baby Bull"

                                




    

Bow Down To the Yoga Teacher - Newsweek

Bow Down To the Yoga Teacher - Newsweek

Thought I might share this one! Thought it makes some people think a little about whats going on in the yoga world. I think anything is a step in the right direction. Everyone finds their nitch...and in the long run, most people who truely disagree with these types of teachers tend to find themselves in a Ashtanga Yoga room moving towards Mysore practice. Thats where all the cream and fluff is removed and we have to drink that straight up and black and no sugar!

....It's A Rocket! What is this rebel yogi style that is sweeping across the world

For every different type of person, there is a type of yoga that will fit them perfectly.  Anyone who says yoga is not for them is someone who has either given up looking or simply is afraid to start because they know the ultimate result of yoga is to transform and change.  To leave behind the old and shift into the a higher state.

So lets say your like me... You like to work with your body and enjoy the empowerment that unfolds as you challenge yourself to do things that some call impossible.  You like to dance, rock climb,  and enjoy playing just about any sport with your friends.

Then I promise your going to Love the Rocket!!!  This is the only style of yoga that really encourages the individual student to reach for the stars!  How else would your reach the moon and stars in anything but a Rocket!

The Rocket is a particular vinyasa sequence that has between 1-3 levels of advancement.  Like most vinyasa practices having some knowledge of the moving a breathing system of Ashtanga yoga is important but any teacher trained specifically in the Rocket style can easily introduce you to the style.

Larry Schultz coined the Rocket style when he took his teachings from Pattabhi Jois and modified the practice for westerners, then gave freedom to the students, which had been taken away from us by the elitist traditionalists of the practice.  This is how the It's Yoga lotus flower began to unfold.

His first shift to the sequence was an old tradition started by Krishnamacharya, the Father of modern yoga.  This shift allowed Larry to string the traditional Ashtanga standing series by putting all the postures on one side first.  Then repeating the postures on the 2nd side... instead of doing right side followed immediately by the left side.  This was done to increase they sympathetic nervous system stimulation and wake up a "nation of zombies".  Thats what most people in the US are.

Starting the standing sequence with Utkatasana and shifting into a Bakasana and handstand right in the beginning is a true statement to the style Rocket yoga upholds.  People who love to stand on their hands and push the body to the limit love the advance Rocket classes.

Larry's Rocket yoga classes have probably inspired more vinyasa classes out there than you could imagine.  Bikram was once quoted in Yoga Journal saying that "Larry Schultz is the creator of Power Yoga."  Larry was mixing up the vinyasa series before anyone even thought about it... thats why hes known as "The Bad Man" of Ashtanga Yoga.

The seated series is what distinguishes the level of the practice.  Primary series is used for beginners and 2nd series along with the 3,4, and 5th series are for the advanced students.  This is what is what is so attractive to this system!!!  Larry gives it all!!!

You can find Rocket Teachers now all over the world... just start asking.  Any if you can't find any then check out It's Yoga Puerto Rico or Larry Schultz to sign up for the next teacher training and share your love of the practice!

Namaste

Yogi D

The Best Place to Stay in Rincon, Puerto Rico

Tres Sirenas Beach Front Inn

This is all you need to know for your next Caribbean vacation!  The sound of the waves will defiantly slide you right into sleep and encourage you to stay in bed a little longer than usual.

I also have to call attention to Lisa and Harry the owners for keeping absolutely amazing grounds!  I tend to wake up early being the yogi around town, but Harry gives so much love to his space that hes awake before everyone personally preparing the grounds and watering the plants so the fresh smell of Puerto Rico is sent into ultimate morning freshness every day!

The breakfast will blow your mind... Its fresh made for the guest with dishes like banana french toast with fresh fruit and juice!  Just the right amount of sense stimulation to go with your ocean view breakfast.

There is a private pool and space to roll out your mat with a few friends for all you yogis, but the 1-2 mile strip of white sand beach to walk is of course the major attraction.  Goes well with the easy attitude of Rincon. 

Stand-up paddle boarding is good for the beach... much smaller waves in comparison to the other well know big wave sure beaches that are close by.

Hope to get to make it... .Tell Lisa and Harry that Elizabeth and David say "Hello"

Namaste

Yoga D

David's Introduction to Yoga!

I found this page I wrote for someone who wanted me to explain my introduction to yoga.  I always answer these a little different each time even though its always really the same.

What yoga means to me will always change as I become more comfortable with who I am, but how I was introduced to yoga will forever be the same.  This means its a good thing to think about as much as you can.  How did you get to the things you love.  What was the path and how are you going to continue to expand upon that original goal!

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Davids’ Introduction to Yoga

To really pin point the moment when the seed of yoga was planted into my consciousness almost seems impossible.  Over time the meaning and experience of yoga has been becoming larger and more expansive than I could have ever imagined.  As for right now I can not even see the horizon. 

We know yoga both as “Union” as well as “Separation”.  Union with what most of us could say is the unknown.  Union with the godhead, Atma and Brahma, or joining the lower self with the higher self.  In order for this to take place we must also separate or detach from our conditioned minds.  Turn off or remove the thinking mind.  This is yoga at its core, but not how yoga was introduced to most of us or myself.

Although since a very young age I became interested in philosophical writings and mystical experiences, the idea and term yoga did not present itself to me until I was already in my early 20’s.  I was lucky enough to be asked to join my girlfriend at the time to take a yoga class with her.  I had never really understood what happened in yoga rooms.  I figured it was a room of old people practicing headstands.  From an early age I had become fascinated with Break Dancing and the acrobatic skills they used in their style of dance.  Due to this my ego around physical activities like head standing was very large and I felt it was ridicules for me to join a class full of people who were learning how to stretch and balance.  Luckily my love for my girlfriend was greater than my ego and I happily joined a Yoga class that was called “The Rocket”.  I was told it would be exciting and challenge me.  The name seemed to follow this idea and made me curious to see what would happen next.  Long story short… My ego was broken on that first class as I melted onto my mat and dripped away all of my insecurities that were filling my life as I sweated and prayed with my first Ashtanga Yoga class! 

Addiction could be a term that follows the excitement that grips someone who has found yoga.  Also for me a sense of confirmation that I was not alone in the world of curiosity and wonder about this life we live.  I immediately immersed myself into the yoga world and signed up for the first intensive training I could find.  I not only wanted to learn this amazing practice…I wanted to share it with everyone I knew!!!  This practice has moved me through an experience of life that can only be viewed by me as yoga teaches everyone to follow their own paths and see the world through their own eyes.  This practice is a gift that has been given down from generation to generation.  I want to help continue this receiving and giving process as long as I can. 

Living a certain lifestyle is what yoga has given me in response to continuous practice and service to the self.  Enjoying the smells of nature as we walk through life.  Never spending more time going versus just being where you need to be.  Staying warm and full of vitality to keep yourself inspired and to keep inspiring those around you. 

Yoga has given me a strong base to bring a beautiful baby girl into this world and share with her all the wonderful things I have seen and done in my life.  So one day she can tell me what the meaning of life is.  My family is now my yoga.  Im sure the meaning of yoga will grow and change over time, but that first introduction of yoga will remain the same.  Yoga is not what you think it is…. Yoga is only what you feel. 

Enjoy your Day!

Yogi D

Meditation Vs. Hallucination Vs. Over Active Imagination...or Sleep

That's right...going for the battle of 'tion' words today.  I decided to write a little about my opinion on "meditation" and the vast misunderstanding that surrounds its definition as a practice versus a result or response to a practice.

First I would like to share my definition of meditation and its source. Mediation or Dhyana is the effortless and "continuous flow" of consciousness between the meditator and the object of meditation.       (the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali translated by Swami Satchidnanada)

For a little personal opinion this means there is no presence of mind in meditation.  Mind is a term we use for the action of the brain like thoughts, memory, emotion, will, and imagination.  The brain is the organ.. the mind is the idea of an individual information processing center that is exclusive to the person.  The brain is what takes in the information from the external world and the mind makes sense of it.  By saying it makes sense; we are saying that we can experience and agree upon something especially if we are talking about external experiences that can easily be shared.

All of this jazz about the mind is to show that the true experience of meditation goes against the normal definition of what the mind does.  We can not experience complete absorption with an object or idea when the mind is continuously engaged with what is going on around us and inside of us.  Most people need to focus on "Concentration" or Dharna.  For most of us this is the limb that is being practiced when people say they are meditating.  This is a good place to be for a long time and it will lead the individual towards the state of release of the mind and allow meditation to set in.

In meditation everything you view as the world both external and internal become null and void.  Neti Neti.  Not this not that.  Because of this definition I ask why would someone even pretend to be able to describe this experience within the context and language of the ego and mind.  Some are poetic interpretations of what they experienced, but this leads the individual more towards either Hallucination or Over Active Imagination.  Unless there are other substances present I would lean towards OAI (over active imagination).  Most people would be very direct if there was a substance based hallucination going on, but it is possible to have hallucinations with out the influence of substance.  In fact we call this a dream :)  So is this color description we have all be told by our friends or teachers a reality that is accessible to all or is it just like a dream that is exclusive the ego who inhabits that particular mind?

The truth is that most of us practice concentration and meditation becomes a response to the practice meditation.  If someone says they practice meditation and begins to describe a list of visualization, breathing, or asana techniques then I have to argue that they are not doing or practicing meditation, but only doing the practice (concentration) that will help them find this meditation.  Include the Buddhists who sit in silence as well...if they are only practicing the concentration techniques.  Meditation is the result not the practice and the goal is to accomplish the absorption experience.  Not one practice is better or worse.  They all have their science with yoga asana, silent concentration, mantra repetition, breath control, serious dancing, psychedelic drugs, or even athletes or warriors where the individual  is completely mentally invested in a specific action or goal.  We all will understand and feel the lose of time and space.

 If people want to really educate individuals then all the steps should be discussed.  It seems to me that people are trying to describe their action by their intended result.  The practice of yoga should not be described by the experience of yoga and the experience of yoga should not be described as the practice.  The are directly related but easily confused as the same but distinctly different.  Students should start with the practice so the experience is more easily assimilated into their lives. Practice allows the student to experience these things.  We are moving directly towards the experience with no practice is similar to simple minded faith. 

What would be the best route for people to begin this journey... Are the students not suppose to climb the mountain to get answers to there questions or would it be ok to take a helicopter tour up to the top for $9.99?

What is meditation to you friends?  Is it nothing or deep revelation?  Is it Hallucination or Over Active Imagination.. or are we all just asleep... like walking zombies dreaming whatever we want?

Namaste

Yogi D

Going Home: What this means for the external world and internal world.

As a traveler..small scale, but I did clear the platinum status with American Airlines last year;  I find that no matter how much I love the place that im in... Im ready to go home after a few weeks.  Some people are able to travel for months on end with their lives on their backs and in their bags, but I prefer to have a home to store my things.  A quiet place that is only for me and my closest family and friends.   When I return home there is a calm that washes over me as I reside in the one place that is truly my domain.  Soon to be a place that I can come home to a full family.

Often times we refer to our bodies in the yoga practice as a temple.  The asana is a cleansing practice to keep our bodies pure. Pure enough to be attractive to the gods themselves.  Strong, supple, and capable.

Meditation is the process of coming back to the original home.  Moving deeper into the same calm and quite space that is always inside us.  This is a space where you are truly a master of your domain.  Like a mobile home your mind is a place that you can use as refuge from the chaos that surrounds us.  Yoga will make you mind orderly and set a tone to keep yourself steady and easy at all time.

We can use the practice to get us into our bodies, then we have to deal with the body.  Once the body is prepared... once the body and mind have been made a hospitable place, then your true self can move in!  We can let the ego be a roommate for a little while, but eventually he will have to move out with the rest of the toxins!



Home sweet Home


namaste

Yogi D

Are we celebrating the beginning or the end? Happy New Years Post 2011

Does it really matter?

One of the most beautiful memory I have is my wedding day.  As I stood poised with a glow of success and the sun shining in my face there was definitely a glare that caused my eyes to tear.  The glare was from the beauty of my soon to be wife, Elizabeth.  The sun was truly pale in the background to her.  I remember the priest speaking of the symbolize of the ring that was being used to secure our vows.  The ring was made of pure metals that were forged from human will and shaped into the form of a circle. After the ring has been caste there is no beginning and no end.  It becomes absolute and perfect in form.  What better way to begin a journey together.  We see ourselves as two forged into one through our will and commitment.  Purity is found through the release of all the bad qualities we don't need to be closer together in this relationship that is longer than time itself.  It is beyond all and part of a perfect folding and unfolding of lifes cycles.  This new year will bring my first child!  Lua will be my baby girl.  Yoga has been kind to me.   My life is full of love.

Lets look at the new year in this way.  We can acknowledge this repetitious nature of life and become aware of its predictability and prepare ourselves for everything that is going to come.  "Know your history or be doomed to repeat it"  Not sure who was 1st quoted with that phrase, but it speaks supreme truth.  We find ourselves every year saying good bye to the end on one piece of time and hello to new possibilities and opportunities.  We make resolutions that promise change for the better.  This is the beauty of our human nature to evolve and become more than we are.  Take a firm grip this year and move into the drivers seat!

As we move into this new year, think of the feeling that was present during your most cherished experiences throughout your life and let them continue to happen again.  Instead of driving blindly into the unknown, let the known be felt over and over again with their natural cycle of life.  Revisit places the places that stimulate you the most.  No need to find new places...they will find you.

You are everything at this present moment.  There is no beginning or end.  This is the yogic perspective.  To quote Terrence McKenna " You are the center of the Mandala."  We can access this power of happiness at any moment... or chose to put it to the side. 


Be good to your family and friends.  Support those around you in any way that you can.

Namaste


Yogi D