The Mad Hatter: Have I gone mad?

Alice: I’m afraid so. You’re entirely bonkers. But I’ll tell you a secret. All the best people are.

Namaste Friends,

Remember when Alice fell down the rabbit hole into the [...]]]>

Namaste Friends,

Remember when Alice fell down the rabbit hole into the unknown world of Wonderland?  Well 2012 is the year to jump down the rabbit hole.  Strap on bravery, give fear the shove off, and seek the unknown until you come to realize that you are  magically Divine as well. 2012 is the year that the ancients from many cultures, faiths, and philosophies have earmarked as a turing point toward spiritual awakening and collective consciousness. I certainly have felt my own heightened awareness in these areas.   I get strong “dings” or intuitive hits.   I have always felt my inner knowing wrestling around, but now the “hits” are very clear and more frequent.  I am drawn toward events and teachings that speak to the metaphysical plane, outer space, subtle body energies, shamanism, reiki, Wonderland, or anything that is associated with Divine Intelligence.

Conversely, at this time of deep awakening,  I have  noticed how easy it is for people to ignore their intuition.  They get that gut feeling, that hunch, that inner knowing screaming in their third eye center, and they reach for the off button, like they hit the snooze on their alarm.  And, I really think they know its their INsight that they are ignoring. They know they aren’t denying the overcritical chatter of the mind, but rather they are shushing the deepest connection to Source, God, or Divine Intelligence.  Or perhaps it is an unconscious choice to disregard the nudges and winks from the Universe, but nonetheless, there are many who are closing their two external eyes to that third eye which is wide open.

The rabbit hole is right before them but they are too scared to jump down.  What if they find out that there is more to life than driving expensive cars, finding the perfect mate, going on exotic vacations, and downloading the coolest apps.  What if they discover they have a deep inner knowing and a vast awareness of what it is to be connected to the Universe, Creation, God, and Bliss?  Will this knowledge mess up their  Match.com date on Friday night?  Will they have to quit drinking wine, having the occasional smoke, and start practicing celibacy?  Most people don’t want to trade these aspects of their life in for spiritual enlightment…whatever that is.

My guess is it is due to the fact that few people know how to be with their spiritual energy.  We are taught from the day we are born how to eat, sleep, socialize, talk, work, read, write, exercise; all the things that make 2 out of the 3 aspects of our being, Mind and Body,  flourish.  But very few of us are taught how to nurture and develop our Spiritual side. Some of us grew up with religion that was handed to us from our parents, therefore we really didn’t discover our spiritual practice on our own.  Some of us had religion shoved down our throats and it put a bad taste in our mouth regarding anything to do with spirit.  Some of us were never exposed to exploring the intangible soul energy, therefore it is a really foreign concept to us; so much so we even question if it exists.

As sure as the sun has risen for 5000 plus years without fail, there is most certainly a Divine Intelligence that flows through all things.  It is the same Source that makes the trees bear fruit in the summer, and the leaves to fall in the autumn.  It drives the salmon to swim up river returning to their place of origin and spawn new life.  It is as real as our breath that breathes life into our body.  Now is the time to put skepticism and doubt aside, take a gigantic leap of faith, and jump down the rabbit hole.  Take the journey into the unknown.  Seek the Truth of this life experience and the Truth of who you are.  Get to know your Higher Self.  You’ll still be able to go on the date, sip the vino, and enjoy the tangible life. It doesn’t have to be mutually exclusive. We are still our Ego Self, but we can grow our Higher Self simultaneously.

So when you feel that nudge or Divine wink, follow your intuition and see where it leads you.  Don’t ignore it.  Don’t be afraid.  Take a leap of faith.  The journey inward will show you all that you Wonder about.  This is the time for answers to be revealed, for deep spiritual inroads to be made, and for all of us to come together for the Higher Good.

As the mystic poet Kabir said,

“Are you looking for me? I am in the next seat.

My shoulder is against yours.

You will not find me in the stupas, not in Indian shrine rooms,

Nor in synagogues, nor in cathedrals:

Not in masses, nor kirtans, not in legs winding around your own neck,

Nor in eating nothing but vegetables.

When you really look for me, you will see me instantly –

You will find me in the tiniest house of time.

Kabir says: Tell me, what is God?

God is the breath inside the breath.

~Kabir

Karma has many upcoming events to help us tap into our Higher Self.

Lots of Rabbit Hole options:

Relax and Rejuvenate: An Evening of Mantra Meditation with Dev Darshan

Using the power of naad, or sound current, we’ll do a mantra meditation from the Kundalini tradition (as taught by Yogi Bhajan) to help clear the mind and allow the soothing vibrations of the gong to then carry us into a deep state of relaxation—a great way to end your busy week.

Friday February 10^th 7-8pm                                    $10 per person

Urban Tantra: Building Bonds Beyond Sex

This workshop is designed to help us understand the differences in viewpoints and desires to meet on common ground and move beyond sex for something much more liberating. Bring your partner and learn simple tools that can deepen your relationship. Check up front for more information.

Saturday February 11^th 5-7pm                                    $30 in advance/$35 day of* *Price per couple

Prenatal Yoga Workshop

Pregnancy is such a special time in a woman’s life and yoga can do so much to support you during this time.  Join prenatal teacher Kristen Boyle for this workshop to help develop or deepen your practice during pregnancy.

Sunday February 12^th 1-2:30pm $20 in advance/$25 day of

Kirtan with Leraine

Join us for an evening of soulful kirtan with special guest Leraine Hortsmannshoff, who combines her Australian roots with her love and devotion to kirtan.  This is not to be missed!

Friday February 17^th 7-9pm                             $10 in advance/$15 at the door

Inversions Workshop

If you love being upside down, are curious about it, or fearful of it, this is the workshop for you.  Lisa Schlelein will help you understand the mechanics of inversions, how to do them safely, and give ample time to play and explore the world from a new perspective.

Saturday February 18^th 2-4pm                        $15 in advance/$20 day of

Drum Circle

Celebrate the earth, rebirth, and life itself by allowing your body to feel and hear the primordial vibrations and sounds of the rhythmic drum beats. Drums are provided! The evening will be guided by master percussionist Damon, the Zen Drummer.

Sunday February 19^th 7-9pm                                    $10 per person

And! Coming in March…. Saul David Raye  returns  March 8-11

Yoga Teacher Training begins  March 17

I went to dinner with a friend the other evening to catch up on life, and noticed how completely downtrodden he was. [...]]]>

“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has. “~Epictetus

Namaste friends,

I went to dinner with a friend the other evening to catch up on life, and noticed how completely downtrodden he was.  I was so surprised by this because his usual demeanor is upbeat and happy.  I didn’t have to pry into why he had so much heavy, negative energy,  I just had to listen as he proceeded to outline all the things he was dissatisfied with in his life.  He mentioned that he didn’t have enough money, that he wanted to progress to the next level in his relationship, but his partner was wanting to move along with caution, that his mother was smothering him with dotting attention, and he was feeling unstimulated at work.

So when he was done listing all of the many setbacks in his life, I smiled, and said, “I’m so glad that everything is well in your life.”

He gave me quizzical look, and said, “What are you talking about?  Everything is going poorly.”

“I heard your words, but I see all that is well.” And then I proceeded to point out all that I see.

He has a comfortable home that he can keep at 70 degrees.

He has a person who loves him laying his bed every night.

He has wholesome, organic food in his refrigerator.

He works for a conscientious company doing something he loves.

His family is supporting and loving toward all that he does.

His health is top notch.

He works part time and is able to pay the bills, shop at Wholefoods, eat out three times a week, drinks expensive beer every evening, periodically goes on retreats through work, grabs a Starbucks in the morning, has amazing friends, wears Lululemon yoga clothes, has a full tank of gas, enjoys live music shows once a month, and owns an smart phone, ipod, and a nice computer.  Jai ma!

He is living well.  He just forgot because he was too busy thinking about the things he didn’t like in his life.

“He” is “We”.  Most of us complain about all that is NOT.  But in reality, there is a whole lot of goodness in our life if we choose to see it.

As we approach this season of celebration, take stock of all that is good in your life.  Look to the stars and send waves of gratitude from your heart to the Divine.  Count your blessings.  And then, share your abundance with those less fortunate.  Hold each other up.  Be a good friend and listener.  Help each other to see all the beauty that is around us all the time.

From all the staff at Karma, and from the depths of my heart, we wish you a blessed season of celebration.

Maha love,

Katrina Gustafson

P.S. To help celebrate the Season of Giving I am offering a package deal of 10 classes for $108 or a month unlimited for $99.  Offer is good til Dec. 20th.

Lots of upcoming events

Free Community Classes

These free classes are offered to highlight our most recent graduates of the Yoga Teacher Training here at Karma.  This was an exceptional class of students and we are sure you will love what they have to offer.  Check around the studio for the schedule.

Sundays in December & January (dates tba)        1:15, 2:30, & 3:45pm            Free

Next scheduled class is Jan 8th:   1:15pm  Natalia Umansky  &   2:30pm  Jenny Kosin & 3:45 Shaina Ferguson

New Year’s Day Flowing with Intention: Flow Class & 2012 Vision Board Creation with Katrina Gustafson

Sun Date: 1/1/2012From: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM $15 ( or can use current package)

This is a special class designed to set our intention and visions for the New Year through movement and creative energy. The first hour will be a mindful vinyasa flow class where we will energetically call in our sankalpas or intentions. Then the next two hours will be spent laying out a vision board to help manifest those sankalpas. When you have an intended focus or concentration on something it can increase the chances of bringing the idea to fruition. Come empty handed. All supplies will be provided. If time is of the essence, you can stay for the class only. If you have particular pictures or graphics that you would like to use on your vision board be sure to bring those along.

Resolve to Evolve: The Practice of Sankalpa with Dave Porter, Katrina Gustafson & Lauren Pech

Fri Date: 1/6/2012From: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM    Suggested Donation $25

Please join us as we set our most heartfelt intentions for the year through the practice of Sankalpa. Rather than focusing on what we haven’t done or become, let’s celebrate who we are now by connecting with our highest values. Suggested donation: $25 per person

Drum Circle with Damon The Zen Drummer

Sun Date: 1/8/2012From: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM  $10 per person

Celebrate the earth, rebirth, and life itself by allowing your body to feel and hear the primordial vibrations and sounds of the rhythmic drum beats. It is another way into enter into a meditative state. Drumming is very grounding for the nervous system as well. Drums are provided! The evening will be guided by master percussionist Damon, the Zen Drummer.

Relax and Rejuvenate: An Evening of Mantra Meditation and the Gong with Dev Darshan

Fri Date: 1/13/2012From: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM  $10 per person

Reconnect to the infinite part of you that is calm, spacious, and divine in this rejuvenating evening session. Using the power of naad, or sound current, we’ll do a mantra meditation from the Kundalini tradition (as taught by Yogi Bhajan) to help clear the mind and allow the soothing vibrations of the gong to then carry us into a deep state of relaxation—a great way to end your busy week.

Healing the Heart, Clearing the Aura
with special  guest Akiva Boker

Fri Sat Sun Date: 1/20/2012 – 1/22/2012From: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Friday night session: 7-9pm  Saturday session: 12:30-2:30  Sunday session: 12:30-2:30 Check back for more information as this date approaches.

Kirtan with Jayanti

Sat Date: 1/28/2012From: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM  $10 in advance, $15 the night of.

Kirtan is a call and response Bhakti practice in which one develops an intimate connection between himself or herself and love. Jayanti has been playing kirtan for years and truly embodies the essence of bhakti, love and devotion. Join us for an evening of sweet songs to the divine and opening of your heart.

Free Power Flow Class

Power Flow teacher China Carll is offering her class on the 3^rd Friday of this month free of charge!  This is a great way to release the stress of the week and try your hand at Power Flow Yoga.

Friday December 16^th 5:45-7pm                                          Free!

Tigress comes to Karma

Certified Anusara teacher, Julieta Claire, brings this advanced practice to Karma Yoga Center every Wednesday from 2-4:30pm.  A great way for the intermediate practioner to be challenged to the next level and the advanced practioner to practice their skills.  Come let your inner Tiger/ess prowl!

Wednesdays  2-4:30pm                            Intermediate/Advanced Practioners only, please

Cappellos Pasta

Karma Yoga Center is now selling Cappello’s Pasta, a wonderfully tasty collection of gluten-free and grain-free pasta that cooks in seconds!  We have gnocchi and fettuccini available.

Inquire at the front desk, or give us a call!

Cappellos Pasta                                        9oz. packages                                            $8.50

I am so glad we live in a place that has four full seasons.  It creates opportunity to switch up the lifestyle patterns and habits we easily fall into.  My daily routine no longer includes watering the outside plants, garden, and lawn.  I switched out [...]]]>

Namaste Friends,

I am so glad we live in a place that has four full seasons.  It creates opportunity to switch up the lifestyle patterns and habits we easily fall into.  My daily routine no longer includes watering the outside plants, garden, and lawn.  I switched out the flip flops and sandals for my Danskos and boots.  I harvested my garden, which created a need to spend Sunday afternoons stewing up culinary wonders in the kitchen. Warmer coats and sweaters don the hall hooks, and the thicker blanket on the bed gave the room a new feel. Its a good thing to embrace and welcome change. It keeps us from becoming stagnant and stalled out in our life.

Many people fear, and even resist change.  It takes them out of their comfort zone.  It makes them have to interact with new ideas and people, think creatively, experience things that are unfamiliar.  And then there are some of us wouldn’t have it any other way.  We welcome other view points, engage in conversation with new people, and jump at the chance to try something different.  Each time we exert energy in expanding our awareness and consciousness, we grow in our understanding of this life experience and our roll we play in it.  Avoiding change is equivalent to sticking your head in the sand.  You may as well be dead.

Carpe Diem as they say. Head out today and see what new and interesting things you can discover. Encourage your creative side (and yes you have one) to come out. Move things around in your house. Switch up the route you take to walk the dog. Start at the other end of the grocery store. Ask the barista to surprise you. Wear a color you think you hate (watch how many people tell you that you look good in it). Order something you can’t pronounce. Google an interesting fact and share it with someone. Listen to an unfamiliar genre of music on Pandora (for more than one song).  Get all dressed up and take yourself out to dinner; its good practice to be comfortably alone in public. It promotes self confidence. Shake things up a bit.

Nature is one of our best teachers. She cycles through life welcoming change at each quarter post. And like I mentioned earlier, we are fortunate enough to live in a place that has very tangible and clear reminders of these seasonal changes.  As our weather turns us inward, let our spirit join in the evolution as well. Fall in/out of new patterns, routines, and habits.  And be grateful that we have the great gift of adaptability, flexibility, and mobility. No matter what phase or age we are at in this life, it is ever-flowing.  Life does not stop moving. Its that great river we have all stood at the bank of and watched the never-ceasing current rush by.  Its good to occasionally row our boat to shore and take in the surroundings; to breath in the moment and get grounded.  But we have to be careful not to get too attached to that moment because it too shall pass.  Its best to take it in for all that it was worth, then shove off and see what is around the bend.  That is the ritam or the natural flow of life.  I look forward to seeing you around the bend.

Much love,

Katrina Gustafson

Things to encourage creativity, energy, and flow:

Yoga and Art Workshop with Una Viggiani and Katrina Gustafson

Sunday October 9th 1-4pm.  $20.

Flow the creative juices with an hour yoga class, then follow it up with art class.  Just bring something to funkify.  We have all the art supplies

Kundalini Workshop with Shannon Earthtree

Fri-Sun Oct. 21-23rd.  (take all three classes or individual sessions) prices vary

Discover how to move your own creative energy through the practice of Kundalini yoga

Music and Song: A Kirtan with Dakini Ma and Kate Drazner!

Saturday Nov. 12th 7-9pm $10 early/$15 day of

Mala Making Workshop with Christina Valastro.

Sunday Oct. 30th 1-3:30pm $40 (includes bead kit)

Learn the significance of 108 beads, the art of making a mala, and how to bring in the art of sacred mantra to your meditation practice

As I do every morning, I woke up and grabbed my iphone/appendage  to see the time and was delighted to see September 23 in the date line. The Autumn Equinox.  Summer is officially over. I felt a bit of relief come over my soul in [...]]]>

Namaste Friends,

As I do every morning, I woke up and grabbed my iphone/appendage  to see the time and was delighted to see September 23 in the date line. The Autumn Equinox.  Summer is officially over. I felt a bit of relief come over my soul in that I can begin the journey back toward balance.

Summer is like magic.  Its showy and bright and full and playful.  Her warm, lingering days are a seductress to our routine. We pack the long lit hours with adventure and fun.  But it is so full, that by the time September rolls in I am exhausted from all the glory of summer.  In fact, the intensity of summer is felt not only in its heat, but in its Muchness.

Now our days will begin their journey toward the dark extreme.  But we have a few sweet weeks where balance is the the energy of Nature.  We are given two seasons of balance, and two seasons of extremities.  The Universe is guiding us in our ebb and flow so that we don’t burn out, or become stagnant.  The guide posts are there for us, it is our job to follow them.  As the great 2nd century Roman poet Juvenal said, “Never does nature say one thing and wisdom another.”

So, if we look to the Great Mother for wisdom right now, she is saying come to your Center.  Reel in the extremes.  Find Harmony and Balance in your mind, body, and spirit.   In yoga, we often refer to bringing our muscular energy to the midline of our being.  We encourage our muscles, fascia, ligaments, and bones to “hug” toward our spine, our core, our center.  In this way we safely come into the postures, and bring about more physical strength, balance, and stability.  This is a particularly potent time to hug to the mid-line, but not just in our yoga poses.  We should pull into our Center or mid-line because it is where all the answers lie.  At the mid-line of our soul is our Heart, and our heart is the where the source of our breath lives…our Divine Spark…our Higher Self.

The Universe is full of powerful energy right now.  Coming to our inner knowing is where we should put our energy so that we may use our wisdom and equanimity to navigate through these challenging times that lie ahead of us.  Due to the solar flares; approaching comets; spacial debris; gravitational forces from celestial bodies; and our own heighten spiritual awakening as a collective, we are coming into a time of transformation and metamorphosis, as a planet, and as a species.  It is of utmost importance that we as individuals come into awareness of all that is happening in the Cosmos.  Most of us feel some element of change in our energies, both in our self and in the collective.  If you are a seeker, the information is out there…all you have to do is look.  There are big, impacting things happening and its time to make yourself aware and prepared.  Of course the internet makes information available at a click of a tab, but you have to be sure of your source.  That is one way to find more information.  But our own Mother speaks to us as well.  I refer to Albert Einstein, “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.“

Once you come into awareness of the shifts that are taking shape in our lifetime, then you understand the value in “hugging to the midline” of our soul.  Maybe another way to look at it is to follow your Heart.  At the core of all of us is a desire for peace, love, and happiness.  If we live from our heart, then we will begin to experience these aspects of existence.  And when we are living a peaceful, loving, happy life we will be co-existing in the same way.  All of the inhabitants of the Mother need to be living in Harmony with one another.  ”We” can’t wait for “Them” to stop fighting, harming, hurting, stealing, raping, killing, lying, bitching, moaning, cheating, hiding, sucking.  We are Them.  As long as one of us is struggling, we will all struggle to some degree. We have to hold each other up. We have to “be the change we wish to see.”  We have to teach each other by our words and our actions.  Its not enough to just tend to yourself anymore.  The Ma is mad.  She is quaking, typhooning, spewing lava, drying up, flooding over, more than the normal share of natural disaster.  She is talking to us.  But we are too busy killing each other, fighting over land, money, religion, and pride.  And our brothers and sisters all over the planet are in need of water, food, medicine, and love. We are so completely out of balance right now.  We need to come to center; look to our hearts and listen.

Deepak Chopra says so beautifully, “Just as light brightens darkness, discovering inner fulfillment can eliminate any disorder or discomfort. This is truly the key to creating balance and harmony in everything you do.”   Inner fulfillment requires us to listen to our heart’s yearnings and and satisfy it;  To bring to our soul a sense of balance and equanimity.  How we bring this will look different for everyone.  For some it might mean letting go of old patterns that hold us back.  For some it might mean bringing in a more healthy diet and exercise regime.  For some it might mean we need to remove negative influences from our lives.  For some it might mean finding our creative gene (that we all have).  For some it might mean we bring in new energy to our live.  If you give yourself the opportunity to listen in to your heart, you will hear the answers.  They are already inside of you.  They always have been, and they always will be.  It’s the part of us that has never changed, and will never change.  Drag your Intuition out of the closet and clean her off.  Give her an altar.  And bow to her.

Speaking of Goddesses, this the the time to invoke Durga.  She is the Divine Mother energy.  Her season is Autumn and Spring or the Equinoxes.  She is fiece compassion.  She rides a Tiger! The energy of this archetype is the most powerful of all.  She embodies the fierce power of Kali, the sweet love of Lakshmi, and the creative wisdom of Saraswati.  She is all aspects of our being.  She is the Ma. Men and women have Durga power.  Here is an excerpt from the amazing book Goddess Durga and Sacred Female Power written by my new friend and goddess herself Laura Amazonne, “She (Durga)will come every fall and spring and give Her blessing of balance between the forces of light and dark, day and night. She will come calmly, with composure, and battle any demons with Her fierce gaze of measured intent.  She will take action with unyielding ferocity, tenderness, and grace(9)”. I love that she uses ferocity, tenderness, and grace. She balances her light and dark side to bring about harmony.

September 28-October 5th is the high holiday in India called Navrati.  Its a nine day festival that celebrates the 9 aspects of Durga.  The first three days of Navratri are dedicated to Goddess Durga (Warrior Goddess) dressed in red and mounted on a Tiger (or Lion). Her various incarnations – Kumari, Parvati and Kali – are worshipped during these days. They represent the three different classes of womanhood that include the child, the young girl and the mature woman. Next three days are dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity), dressed in gold and mounted on an owl and finally, last three are dedicated to Goddess Saraswati (Goddess Of Knowledge), dressed in milky white and mounted on a pure white swan. Sweetmeats are prepared for the celebrations. Children and adults dress up in new bright-colored dresses for the night performances.  The festival culminates on Mahanavami. On this day, nine young girls representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshiped through a puja (ceremony). In older times, Navratri was associated with the fertility of Mother Earth who feed us as her children. Blessings and thanks were given for the harvest and the seeds were gathered for the spring sow.

Since the beginning of time the ancients have known the value and power of this energy known as the Divine Mother.  We all came from the womb, and we will all return to the womb But we have gotten away from this knowledge in our pursuits for material gain and superficiality.  We need to come back to the Center, the Heart of our existence, to the Earth and her Energy.  She is the Higher Power.  As Frank Lloyd Wright so simply stated, “I believe in God, only I spell it Nature.”

So get on your Tiger my friends, ride it to your Center, and with Fierce Compassion slay the demons in your path; bring balance to your soul, trust your intuition, seek inner fulfillment, and hold each other up.  Cuz if Mama hate happy, ain’t nobody happy.

I have Big Fat Tiger-Like Love for you ALL,

Aum Shanti (peace),

Katrina

Some Karmic Offerings to Herald in the Fall.

Oct 2nd  7pm-sunset $10 Drum Circle with Damon the Zen Drummer (moved from Sept. 25th)

Oct 9th 1-4pm  $20 Yoga and Art!  With Katrina and Una...Create a mosaic of your soul and do yoga…this is a preliminary look into what we will be doing in our Costa Rica retreat in February.  We will begin with an hour of asana, and then turn into an art studio. Its for all students, but if you are thinking about joining us in Costa Rica this will give you an idea of what to expect. Bring in a picture, tray, piece of art that you want to funktify…we’ll supply the rest.

Oct. 21st-23rd  Shannon Earthtree returns for a 3 day Kundalini Workshop! Take all three days or individual sessions.  More information coming.  Save the date.

Oct 30th 1-3:30pm Mala Making Workhsop with Christina Valastro.  Make your own meditation mala and learn how to charge it with mantra.  Price TBA. We will also be starting a new class called Malas and Meditation on Friday evenings at 5:30.  First Fridays we will always be dedicated to mala making, with a meditation practice, and the other Fridays will be a meditation class using our malas.

Our Fall Schedule begins Monday September 26th.  See website for updates.

It has taken a couple of days to land on planet Earth again after an OMazing weekend with Saul David Raye.  Those of you who had the opportunity to practice with him know how powerfully transformational his teachings are upon our soul.  (If you missed [...]]]>

Namaste Friends!

It has taken a couple of days to land on planet Earth again after an OMazing weekend with Saul David Raye.  Those of you who had the opportunity to practice with him know how powerfully transformational his teachings are upon our soul.  (If you missed him this time, he will be back to Karma in late spring!) There are many things I took away from the immersion, but one of the premises that Saul touched on is weighing heavy on my mind and in my heart.  He made a strong point illustrating the importance of tapping into our heart energy, our inner knowing, our truth center.  And then once we find it, live from that place.

Of course we have all heard this before.  Great souls have been spouting this since the dawn of man.

“Everyone who wills can hear the inner voice. It is within everyone.”- Gandhi

“We live by faith, not by sight”-Jesus

“Only from the heart can you touch the sky”-Rumi

“The way is not in the sky. The way is in the heart.”-Buddha

“Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” -Confucius

“Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure.”-Paulo Coehlo

“Our ancient experience confirms at every point that everything is linked together, everything is inseparable.”-Dalai Lama

“The amount of happiness that you have depends on the amount of freedom you have in your heart.”-Thich Nhat Hanh

“Faith is a knowledge within the heart, beyond the reach of proof.”-Khalil Gibran

“The first peace, which is the most important, is that which comes within the souls of people when they realize their relationship, their oneness with the universe and all its powers, and when they realize at the center of the universe dwells the Great Spirit, and that its center is really everywhere, it is within each of us.”
— Black Elk

This idea that we should live a heart-felt life is certainly not revolutionary.  With that said, look how far away most of us are from incorporating “living from the heart” into our daily practice.  We are surrounded by sorrow, loneliness, grief, despair, cruelty, anger, resentment, war, hatred.  And that is just your neighbor.  Or maybe that is you.  And you are not alone. The whole world is loaded with these people.  As long as one person suffers, we all suffer on some level. We are connected through the energy of life.

I certainly feel blessed in my life.  But I live in a bubble for sure.  I am surrounded by like-minded yogis who are, generally speaking, open-hearted and on the path toward enlightenment.  So I see more people  ”tapping into their heart energy, their inner knowing, their truth center”  in my community.  But even within my beautiful bubble of well-intending people, I still see many of my brothers and sisters unable to surrender to the power of their own Divine Energy.  Making life decisions based upon what your heart is telling you is not easy when we aren’t use to living that way.  Letting go of fear and the ego are critical to living from the heart.  Trusting that the Divine will guide us is a huge leap of faith and the rational, logical mind struggles with this concept.  Even when our intuition and heart are screaming at us to surrender to the Flow of Life.

The average citizen would read this and say “What the bleep is she talking about?” “Divine Energy?”  The lion share of humanity is not only unwilling to surrender to that which is greater than themselves or Divine Energy, but they don’t even recognize that there is such a Power.  And, it is within themselves, it is in their heart. They don’t know how to tap in to their own divine juice.  A good friend of mine, just coming onto the path, recently laughed at me when I told him I needed to pray to Lakshmi, the Goddess of Abundance, to pay my bills.  He said I need more than prayer to pay the bills.  But I have faith in the Universal current that there is enough abundance for everyone, and that we just need to whole-HEARTedly believe.   Divine Energy is in every atom, including the idol.  So when I pray to Lakshmi, I am praying to the Divine Energy that is in everything.  It doesn’t matter if I am on my hands and knees, palms together looking to the heavens or if I am riding my bike along the beach watching the sunset.  If my heart energy is efforting to connect with the Spirit of All Creation, the method I use is not relevant, its the energy or intention behind it that matters.

“And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”-Mathew 21:22

I paid my bills, as I always do.  Even when the bank account seems to have $0.00. Thank you God.

We are coming to a juncture in this human experience where it is of utmost importance that we the people come into awareness of  this energetic plane that connects us all.  As Saul so poignantly said this weekend, we know in our Hearts that we do not want to hurt our Earth; we know in our Hearts that we do not want to War with each other.  We know we do not want to live an empty life.  But yet many of us do.  We can Evolve. We can tap into our Divine Energy by connecting with Nature, sitting Silently with our Heart and Listening.  Calling in the Intention to Trust our Inner Knowing.  Being True to what we Feel in our heart.  Following our Bliss.  Seeing the Divine in all Things.  Holding each other up high.  Leaving no One behind to suffer.  All of these ways are the cosmic flow of energy or the Ritam.  It is time to swim with the current, not against it.  Not watching it from the outer banks.  But rather diving in and  living in concordance with the flow of Life, Nature, God, Yourself. Same-same.

The following suggestions are things I have found to be helpful for me to stay in the Flow of my Divine Heart Energy…I humbly put these out for you to consider.

• Meditate daily even if just for a little bit.
• Bless your meals with gratitude.
• Love yourself, faults and all.
• Be grateful for each moment.
• Have awareness of all that is around you.
• Send energetic love to all beings.
• Greet everyone with a smile.
• Give big bear hugs.
• Lay naked on the Earth every now and then.
• Cry when you feel it. Tears are words the heart can’t say.
• Sing songs to the Divine.
• Dance without thinking
• Forgive those who have wronged you.
• Make friends with your enemies.
• Grow something from seed.
• Drink good water.
• Eat to nourish your body, not to fill it.
• Create art of any kind.
• Talk to animals like they understand.
• Play with children at their level.
• Seek the wisdom of your elders
• Read and write daily.
• Donate your time and energy without pay when you can.
• Be open to change.
• Be Earth friendly
• Dismantle your worry button.
• Practice Yoga…in all its forms

Live from your heart.  Trust your inner knowing.  The Universe is flowing through us all.

“The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.” -Joseph Campbell.  You are Love.

Thank you Saul David Raye for sharing your wisdom and heart with us this past weekend.  Humble Namaskars.

Much love to you all,

Katrina Gustafson

There are a few spots left for Enchanted Tadasana Retreat over Labor Day Weekend!

Join Lisa and I (And Michael Franti!) for an extended weekend of yoga, meditation, nature and music with greats like The Neville Brothers, Michael Franti, and George Clinton.  Its going to be out of this world.  See the special events page for details! Visit Snowy Range Music Festival to learn more about the festival and the music line up

Interested in learning how to “cook” raw foods?  Our chef Starla Mercer is offering a workshop on the 27th.  Again see the special events page for more details.  Visit Taste Health to learn more about Starla Mercer

Raise Love!  Is a workshop hosted by California based yoga teacher Andrea Briggs.  She will be here on the 27th speaking on the subject of living and supporting heart centered lifestyle.  Watch videos, discussion, asana, pranayama, meditation, receive resources to help facilitate these ideas in your everyday life.  Manifest the visions of unity and oneness in this fully embodied workshop.  Visit Inside Thread to learn more about Andrea Briggs and Raise Love!

Our Fall Yoga Teacher Training kicks off at the Estes Park Yoga Journal Conference. (Sept. 25th) Its filling fast so if a training is calling to you.  Now is the time to apply!  See the Teacher Training page for more details.

About five years ago I randomly took a class at the Estes Park Yoga Journal Conference and stumbled upon one of the most amazing human beings I have ever met.  Since that day, I have been taking as many trainings and workshops from him [...]]]>

Namaste Friends!

About five years ago I randomly took a class at the Estes Park Yoga Journal Conference and stumbled upon one of the most amazing human beings I have ever met.  Since that day, I have been taking as many trainings and workshops from him as I can.  I did his heart opening teacher training two years ago, Lisa and I took a trip out to Joshua Tree to see him for four splendid days at Bhakti Fest last fall, and every time I make my way to Santa Monica I drop into his class at Exhale Studio.  Saul David Raye is not only an exceptional teacher of yoga, but a teacher of the deep mysteries of life as well.   Since I met him, my life has changed dramatically, and all for the better.  It isn’t any one thing he did or said, but rather the inspirational light that he emits from his being.  I am deeply moved by his compassion and love for all beings and his understanding of our interconnection.  I am very blessed to have crossed his path, and I am so honored that he has agreed to come for a weekend immersion at Karma Yoga Center.  I can finally show you all who I have been talking about all this time.  This is the one who’s chants I chant, who’s words I repeat, who’s spirit I try to invoke.  Come see for yourself why I, and so many others, have had their souls turbo charged!

There isn’t one piece of these menu options that you would want to miss.  So, if you can, carve out the whole weekend and come to all of his uniquely gifted offerings.  The whole weekend is only $155.  Are you kidding me?  Otherwise, pick and choose a few of his shree-licious classes. Each are individually priced out and super affordable.
See the flyer below for more information.

Aug. 12-14th…did I say that yet?   Its August 12-14th.  Three days of bliss!

And Om My Goodness!  Did you see the workshop on The Power of Om?  Yes, Friday night we will learn about the sacred sound of Om…and then we will Om to our hearts content.

And a kirtan?  Yes, a kirtan!  He sings too…and so sweetly. The kirtan is Saturday night the 13th from 7:30-10pm.

Two of our own hometown musical geniuses are joining in with him on  Saturday night as well.  Jim Beckwith and Damon the Zen Drummer will be playing along with Saul.  Om Namah Shivah!

And for those of you who have been curious about partner yoga, Saul is the master of that too.  He does trainings all over the world on Thai Yoga and Partner Thai Yoga.  So those of you who have that reluctant partner who sort of wants to try yoga but isn’t sure…this will definitely hook them.  Take the class on Partner Thai Yoga on Saturday from 2:30-5.
He will be teaching  Master Classes too.  Bring a net cuz he throws down nuggets of knowledge left and right.  I can’t right them down fast enough and I try to absorb them on a cellular level…but bring a net just in case the cellular level  hits overload…seriously, its like a hail storm of insight.  Not to mention an amazing yoga (asana) class too.
Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.  I anticipate this to fill up.  You can click here to book your classes now.  If you are planning on doing the whole weekend (seriously good idea) then you will need to pre-register on the phone (720)-379-3627,  or at Karma Yoga Center the next time you are in for class…which will be soon right?
Om my goodness!  See below for more information.

Everyone is so busy.  I am hearing this a lot lately, “Sorry I didn’t get by earlier, but I am so busy with ____________.” Or, “I wish I could, but I have to _______________”.  And my favorite one, “As soon as my life slows down [...]]]>

Namaste Friends,

“Come mothers and fathers
Throughout the land
And don’t criticize
What you can’t understand
Your sons and your daughters
Are beyond your command
Your old road is
Rapidly agin’.
Please get out of the new one
If you can’t lend your hand
For the times they are a-changin.” -Bob Dylan 1964

Namaste Friends,

Perhaps you feel the heaviness in the air.  Partially due to the fires in Arizona, and partially due to the heat of summer, and partially due to the Universal shift that is happening in the cosmos.  Most of us are aware that we have three eclipses happening between June 1st and July 1st.  A solar eclipse, and lunar eclipse, and another solar eclipse coordinating with the new and full moons.  That alone is attributing to some of the heaviness you might be feeling.  As yogis, and most who read this blog wear that identification, are more apt to sense the shifts that are amongst us because we are, whether we are aware of it or not, working with subtle body energies every time we roll out our mat. Through pranayama (breathwork), through asana (poses), through meditation we are stirring our kundalini energy or our shakti that sits at the base of our spine.  If you haven’t read Sally Kempton’s article this month in Yoga Journal, I strongly encourage you to do so, she is a tantric scholar and one of the most insightful women in the yoga industry that I have had the pleasure to meet.  She explains that our kundalini energy is a  combination of masculine and feminine energy or shiva/shakti; perhaps for a more familiar way to look at it one could say yin/yang.  She says shakti energy (female) is LOVE, and shiva energy (masculine) is AWARENESS.   In our yoga practice we are invoking  these two potent energies: love and awareness.  We want to keep them  in fullness and in balance of each other as well. 

So, because we are more aware and heartfelt, we are more apt to feel the immense shift that is occurring energetically all around us. Bob Dylan wrote the song The Times They Are A Changin’ in 1964 at a time when we were experiencing great cultural shifts in our country and the lyrics resonated with the people.  But in a later interview, Dylan said he didn’t only write the song to reflect the politcal or cultural climate of the day, but rather the feeling of a bigger shift that is taking place Universally.  I am not trying to get all “Rapture” here.  I am more speaking to the literal energetic shifts amongst the stars and planets that have a strong governing force on our human existence.  Laws of physics come into play with this theory.  Gravity  tugs on our energetic body as well as our physical body.   The “tuggin” can feel heavy and sometimes disorienting.   But this shift is transformational and can often bring about new beginings. 

The times are a changin.  And it is the best time to come to your mat.  When we do so, we bring energy and balance to our body: physical and subtle.  We open our heart and a deeper state of consciousness.  We begin to align with these deeper transformational shifts happening everywhere.  Our emotions are full.  Our intuition is strong.  And an awakening begins to happen in our soulful self.  What an amazing time we are in.  Ride the wave.  Live fully in every moment.  Allow yourself to experience this life from a place of Love and Awareness.  Settle for nothing less. 

Much love, 

Katrina Gustafson

We Have a Lot Happening in June. 

Check out the Special Events Page  to get the complete line up.

• Lakshmi Puja with Dr. Katyayani Poole on the 19th

• Yin-Mersion with Denise Cook June18-19, July 23-24

• Awakening through Meditation with Sri Jeff Poole on the 24th, 25th, 26th

• Drum Circle with Damon the Zen Drummer on the 26th

• Surfing with the Stars with Dr. Katyayani Poole begins on July 6th

• Check out our new community tab and leave us a message!

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Finally it is beginning to feel more like summer and many of us have headed out to our gardens to dig in the earth and plant our bounty.  Its one of my most favorite things about summer; digging in the earth and feeling the warmth [...]]]>

Namaste Friends,

Finally it is beginning to feel more like summer and many of us have headed out to our gardens to dig in the earth and plant our bounty.  Its one of my most favorite things about summer; digging in the earth and feeling the warmth of her soil.  It is very literally grounding.  As I was selecting the different varieties of lettuce, tomotoes, basil, and other wonderful vegetables and herbs I had to stop and ponder about what it was that I really wanted to cultivate.  My garden is only so big, so I have to be selective.  Do I want Butter Lettuce or Arugula?  Do I want Roma or Big Boys?  What we sow, so shall we reap. 

This is also the case for the seeds of thought that we plant in the garden of our soul.  Our mind is the fertile terrain that produces our life experiences.  We become our thoughts.  Thoughts are like seeds.  They bloom into our actions.  If we continually hold the thought pattern that we “can’t”, it is a sure bet that we won’t.  If we tell ourselves that we are notgood enough, we will walk around like a shadow, instead of being our light.  If we think we are inadequate, we will fulfill that thinking by underachieving.  But, if we hold the thought pattern that we can, we will.  If we tell ourselves that we are fabulous, we will shine.  If we believe in our power, we will be strong.  Spend time weeding out the negative thought patterns, and then watch the abundance of goodness blossom around you.  Be your light, not your shadow. 

In Sanskrit the word for seed is bija.  All of the energy centers in our body have a seed sound or bija or mantra.  For example, the seed sound for third eye center is aum or om. So every time we aum, we are activating our intuition, our insight, our inner knowing.   When we use these seed sounds as a mantra or repitition of thought, we begin to cultivate that which we are invoking.    If our mantra is Peace, and we repeat Peace, Peace, Peace in our mind.  Peace will begin to manifest in your life.  Sound is vibration, even our thoughts are vibrations.  Everything is vibration.  We interact through vibration.  So whats your vibe?  Are you vibrating Self Doubt and Worry?  Jealousy and Insecurity?  Resentment and Bitterness?  If you are, you are polluting the Universe with negative energy.  So not only are you hurting yourself, but your vibe is effecting the collective.   Yes, you are one person amongst 6.5 billion people.  So you might think your “energy” is insignificant to the whole.  But according to MIT meteorologist Edward Lorenz who coined the idea of ” The Butterfly Effect”,  a small change at one place in a nonlinear system can result in large differences to a later state. For example, the presence of a butterfly flapping its wings over a flower in China could lead to the creation of a hurricane in the Caribbean.  You are significant, impacting and important.  Therefore vibrate as such!  Plant thoughts of joy, love, and happiness. Just as we would take the time to select the seeds for our garden in the yard, make the effort to select seeds that nuture your soul. 

Happy planting!

Much Love,

Katrina Gustafson

Upcoming Events

We are Open for Memorial Day!  All classes are on our regular schedule with the exception of the 6:15 am class.  Sleep in!

Tibetan Singing Bowl Concert on June 5th from 7-8 with Alicia Lochary $15

Kids Bucket Drum Lessons with Damon the Zen Drummer.  Mondays from 2-3 in June and one Monday in July.  Begins June 6th. 

New Schedule starts June 20th

Awakening through Meditation Series with Sri Jeff Poole.  June 24th, 25th, and 26th.  Learn to meditate with a seasoned master.  $147

And wait to you see the whats coming in July…like design your own Sanskrit tattoo workshop with Dr. Poole!

Lakshmi Puja for the summer soltice.      

We are honoring the upcoming Summer Soltice with a Lakshmi Puja that my beloved teacher and friend Dr. Katyayani Poole and her husband Sri Jeff Poole are officiating.  This sacreed ceremony is a way to honor and cultivate beauty and abundance in our lives.  There is no charge for the beautiful occasion, but we are accepting donations to be gifted to Urban Peak, Denvers homeless shelter for teens.  This is a great opportunity to create a strong and positive vibration for the collective as well as for yourself.  We chant the Lakshmi mantra 108 times and this is done after we witness such a beautiful ceremony that honors and glorifies Lakshmi, the goddess of Love, Beauty, and Abundance.  Bring any of your sacred alter items that you would like to have blessed along side of our beautiful Lakshmi.

 It will be held on Sunday June 19th from 7:00-8:30. 

Namaste Friends,

I am constantly amazed at how time slips by. Seriously, Father Time isn’t the slow old man with the [...]]]>

“There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.” The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Namaste Friends,

I am constantly amazed at how time slips by. Seriously, Father Time isn’t the slow old man with the long white beard anymore; he is a super-fly fast youngster spinning out the days like a Vegas card dealer .  The day is dawned, and then it is gone.  And then you close your eyes for a few winks and a new one is handed to you.  Some days you are dealt a good hand, some days you just fold.  But one thing is for sure.  Time is flying by.  

One year ago on May 22nd, I opened Karma Yoga Center.  It seems like just yesterday.  But we have actually taken a 365 day journey around the sun, and as the rotation comes full circle I can’t help but reflect upon all that transpired during the course of a year.  I have met so many amazing yogis; we have hosted excellent musicians and kirtans, workshops,  guest teachers, gurus, and swamis . We have offered two ayurvedic cleanses.  We have trained and certified two teacher trainings which included two Hindu Deity Dinner Theatres.  The Dharma Cafe is underway, with a sweet remodel in the workings.  The Prana room has expanded its services to include acupuncture, yoga therapy, and cranial sacral therapy.  We have over 52 employees, every single one bringing their light and love to the place.  And we were able to assist several charitable programs throughout the year.  I can’t help but sit with humble gratitude and joy in my heart for all that has transpired.  Truly I thank you from the bottom of my hear to everyone for your patronage and support in this first year.

In effort to show my gratitude and return some of the love

we are lowering our prices. 

 We have had a good year and would like to pass on some of the savings to you as well. 

 To kick off our birthday weekend we will be offering our new rates on Friday the 20th. 

Beginning with the sweet deal of a month of unlimited yoga for $108 if you set up autopay,

and $129 if you go month to month. 

$99 month unlimited if you are a new student to our studio.   

Birthday Drum Circle On May 22nd

To celebrate this milestone, my dear friend Damon the Zen Drummer is going to host a drum circle on May 22nd! 

 It will begin at 6:30 and go til sunset. 

We will then continue the celebration with food and drink. 

Please join us. 

The cost for the drum circle is $10. 

 Damon brings many drums from all over the world.  He gives us a brief tutorial at the beginning to show us how to play each of the drums.  And then we just go for it.  No experience is necessary and all between the ages of 2-200 are welcome to attend.  Its a great way to celebrate and bless this sacred space.

There is one last bit I would like to say on this subject.  One of the biggest lessons I learned from this experience of taking a risk and following your heart is that no matter how challenging, scary, stressful, or daunting the task my be, it is absolutely worth every bit of it in exchange to be true to your heart; to live your soul’s purpose; and to fully step into your potential. You can’t put a price on living a life with a soul on fire. Its invaluable and essential. Joy becomes more accessible.  Peace is always at the base of your existence.  And creativity oozes from the deep recesses of your being.  If you are at that crossroads in your life, wondering if you should follow your passion.  The answer is Absolutely.  Hell to the Yes.  Go for it.  Even if you were to fail, and you won’t, it is better to have had the satisfaction of attempting to live your dharma, then to have missed it altogether while living a life of longing and complacency. 

 As Jack London so simply stated, “The purpose of life is to live, not to exist.“ 

 Follow your heart. 

Much love,

Katrina Gustafson