South Tahoe Yoga: Learn about Yoga from the shores of Lake Tahoe
  • Yoga Blog
  • Lake Tahoe Yoga
  • FAQ
    • What Makes LTY Unique
    • Rajahatha Yoga
    • Testimonials
  • Media/Press

Mantra vs Motto

5/24/2018

0 Comments

 

Misunderstanding the Language of Yoga

When I first began practicing Yoga I could have cared less about the use of Sanskrit and struggled to understand the words being used to describe the names of postures or philosophies within the practice. I had struggled enough to understand Spanish and, as a college student, wasn't interested in adding another item to study to my list.

Now, almost two decades later, I have found myself correcting my practitioners and guiding new instructors in the proper application of Sanskrit words as they apply to the practice. I have become increasingly aware of the value of using the proper word while teaching. I spend hours practicing proper pronouciation and seeking out the most correct word to describe what I want to say (both in English and Sanskrit). I have become a language nerd. This doesn't surprise me; one of my favorite classes in college was Psycholinguistics. I probably would have continued studying had I not been drawn toward counseling.
Picture

Mantra

Mantra comes from the root words "Man" meaning "mind" and "tra" or "trana" meaning "to train."   The word Mantra is often translated to mean a tool for training, or driving, the mind. 

Motto  is defined as:  a short sentence or phrase chosen as encapsulating the beliefs or ideals guiding an individual, family, or institution.  

The two are very different things.    Mantra requires  that the mind become focused, directed and, often there is a desire to change the quality of energy and intention.  Whereas a motto is a summary or explanation of a belief or idea.

The two have come to be interchanged in  our culture.  It is our task to change this.

Speak Clearly to be Understood

Language is a truly valuable form of communication. Accurate expression can encourage connection and understanding. As a Yoga Teacher I use language to explain postures, concepts, philosophy and more. I state and restate until it appears as though my practitioners understand. As a counselor I reflect and restate to encourage understanding, accuracy and awareness. To speak clearly is to be understood and does not require a lot of words.

Yoga was originally taught in Sanskrit. This ancient language is no longer used in conversation, but the words that live on are those that continue to be studies, taught and heard in many Yoga studios. There is a reason Sanskrit has survived; the words mean more than we can translate. There is energy within the sounds and the words have more meaning than we could ever describe. For example; the word Prana is translated to mean breath, life force, energy and more.
Picture

Let's Work Together to Remove Ignorance

As practitioners, instructors, teachers and guides of Yoga it is our duty to retain the goodness (Su) that exists within the traditions of the practice.   

Become an observer of the world around you and do what you can to correct the wrongs, to encourage righteousness by  educating those who have ignorance (Avidya) to the value of proper application of the practice of Yoga and language of Sanskrit.

Listen for the moments when you can truly be a teacher and help to spread the knowledge (Jnana) of the language of Yoga so that the roots of this ancient practice can remain solid.

​Let's not lose sight of what Yoga is: both the practice and the result.
0 Comments

Vinyasa, THEN, Vino

12/5/2017

0 Comments

 

Yoga vs yoga

During a recent video stream, the difference between capital "Y" Yoga and lowercase "y" yoga was described. The first being the traditional practice as described by the Yoga Sutra and Hatha Yoga Pradipika. The latter, being the practices commonly engaged in by modern Americans. What is the difference? INTENTION: Yoga practitioners are seeking betterment, contentment, enlightenment, while yoga practitioners are seeking a better body, group affiliation and fun. The traditional practice of Yoga has been copied, cut, split, divided and sectioned out. There are hundreds of styles that focus on just a few of the aspects of the practice. As a yoga practitioner, you are only getting a tiny taste of a very big pie.

Be Willing to Listen

To truly practice Yoga you have to be able to honor the traditions outlined in texts from over 5000 years ago while still existing and functioning as a human living in today's society. This is not easy. Many Yogis are perceived as weirdos who are out of touch with the rest of the world. Look at Jim Carey; he understands Yoga, but his words are falling upon deaf ears. Many of those with whom he speaks are not practicing Yoga. What he has to say is difficult to grasp, therefore, it can sound as though he has lost his mind. Yoga practitioners are willing to listen, even if we don't quite understand. We are ready to learn, to experience, to gain wisdom.

Be Willing to Compromise

You perceive the world based upon your upbringing and experiences. You see the world through your own eyes. You will never be able to see it as your brother, best friend, grandfather, or aunt does. At all times, we must do our best to attempt to see the world in another way, even though it will always be shaded by our own perspective. We can compromise. We can reach out to others and meet them where they are. At Lake Tahoe Yoga we do this by offering our weekly Vinyasa & Vino practice.

We are seeking yoga practitioners who are willing to attempt to see the world differently. We want to meet you and hear about how you see the world. We have opened our door to invite you in to learn about the traditional practice of Yoga and to encourage you to try it out.

We want you to feel good, to look good and to have fun as well as to listen, learn and discover your Self.

Join us on Friday evenings for Vinyasa; a sequence of interconnected movements that encourage grace. Then stay for a glass of wine and Satsang; a conversation among like-minded people.
Picture
0 Comments

Yoga on the Slopes

11/2/2017

0 Comments

 
We all know that the only way to truly prepare for Winter sports is to get out there and do them. Whether you are heading to Heavenly or Kirkwood, Squaw or Sierra at Tahoe, Yoga Asana and Pranayama as well as mindful practices can help you to feel strong, safe and aware while out on the snow. Try out these simple practices to help you enjoy this year's season. You won't regret it.
Yoga at Fallen Leaf Lake
Backcountry Poser

1) Asana (Poses)

There are many Yoga asana (poses) that can help you to strengthen as well as recover from your day out on the slopes. An experienced and knowledgeable instructor will be able to guide you through theses poses and teach you how to use them in a way that helps you prepare for your day out, then release afterward.

To Prepare:

Yudrasana (Lunge) - raising and lowering between high and low lunges.

Deviasana (Goddess) - holding, and also shifting your upper body from side-to-side.

Virabhadrasana Dvi (Warrior Two) - holding, as well as rotating.


To Recover:

Parsvottanasana - intense side stretch.

Supta Virasana - reclined hero

Svastikasana - auspicious pose/reclined twist variation
Skiing with SOS.org
Ski Day with SOS Outreach

2) Pranayama (Conscious Breath)

If you’re heading out to the resort you are unlikely to be the only one doing so.  You can prepare for and remain relaxed while sharing the mountain by applying a simple breathing techniques.  Not only will they help you to remain calm and patient in lift lines.  Pranayama practices can also help you to reduce stress levels while you are out and about traveling and visiting the area.

Victorious/Powerful Breathing (Ujjayi):

Breathe in and out of your nose only.  

Constrict the back of your throat slightly so that your breath is audible to you, only.

Feel your breath as it moves in and out of your throat.

Slow your breathing down so that each inhale and exhale is as long as you can make it.
Costumes on Heavenly Ski Restort
Costumed Fools

3) Dharana (Mindful Practice)

We can easily become caught up in the cycle of activity and buzz around us while we are out on the slopes.  There are people moving everywhere and in every direction.  It’s a good idea to step out of the way, look around, and observe our circumstances every once in a while.

Be sure to follow these simple mountain rules to keep yourself and others safe:

-Move to the side of the trail if you need to stop for any reason.  While waiting for friends, fixing your gear or taking a break, move out of the way of those who are riding.

-Be considerate of others by keeping your backpack, poles and gear close to your body while moving around or riding the lift.  Wear headphones if you like to listen to music and keep the volume at a level that still allows you to hear the liftee and those around you in the case that someone is trying to get your attention.

-Stay in control of yourself, even if your friends are bombing down the slope ahead of you.  Most of us don’t get to ski every day.  Honor your abilities and be honest about how much control you really have over your board or skis.  Everyone, including that 5-year-old grom crushing it on the bumps will have more fun when staying in control.

On-Mountain Mindfulness:

Find a spot on the side of the trail, pull up a chair, or head into the lodge and relax for a few minutes.  Close your eyes and listen to the sounds around you.  Enjoy the crisp air and the swish of others sliding by.
To learn more about the poses, breath work and mindfulness practices that keep Jenay peaceful during Tahoe Winter visit LakeTahoeYoga.com.
0 Comments

Be Vulnerable and Ask for Feedback

10/28/2017

0 Comments

 
On October 27th, my pitch for Lake Tahoe Yoga was shown on the Vistaprint Facebook page as part of a live feed during which they provided feedback to business owners.
As I watched the feed with one of my practitioners she commented; "Talk about being vulnerable."  I was more overcome with excitement to have Lake Tahoe Yoga reach thousands of people rather than concerned about the fact that I was putting myself out to be critiqued.

I have always seen LTY as a reflection of who I am and what I want for our community.  When the studio doesn't do well, I feel like I am failing.  When it succeeds, I am encouraged.  Regardless of success or failure, I will continue to strive for change and growth both for myself and LTY.

The feedback I received was valuable and will guide me as I move forward in promoting what we offer.  I should note that this is not the only feedback I have ever received and certainly not the only contest I have entered.  I belong to multiple business groups both locally and online and am often asking for guidance and honest feedback from others.  In fact, when we remodeled in 2015, the funding came partially from a contest that I won through a business group created by Quickbooks.

As a business owner, I know that the best guidance comes from those who are in the same boat; people who own or have owned businesses in a variety of locations and fields.  Their guidance helps me to learn lessons without going through the struggle and to take consideration of things that may have never occurred to me.

As a yoga practitioner and instructor, I know that there is much to be learned from teachers outside of my local area.  I strive to bring traditional, new, and unique practices and ideas to our studio and hope to spread them throughout the basin.  My husband often comments that Lake Tahoe Yoga is "where good ideas come from" and that we "populate Tahoe with high quality teachers."  I would never assume that I am the only one who is drawing from outside of the area, or that I am the best in Tahoe, but I hope that which I am teaching is having an influence on the yoga community in Tahoe.
0 Comments

What do you bring to the battlefield?

1/5/2016

0 Comments

 
In the story of the Bhagavad Gita the main character, Arjuna, faces his family and friends upon a battlefield.  The reason for the battle is ignorance; they are blind of the Truth.  

Humans are often limited in their ability to view the world truthfully.  We are limited in our capacity to see things without the shade of our own perspective.  Everything we experience is based upon our past experiences, expectations and desires.  We struggle to shift our perspectives and to accept other viewpoints.

We practice yoga in order to shift the dynamic; to invert our perspectives.  Every movement, breath and focused practice gives us new tools for seeing the Truth.
Picture

We live our lives on shifting battlefields.  We may be fighting for our job, our family, our beliefs, our morals.  Every day we choose the battles to fight and the ones from which we must walk away.  Every day the world is changing around us.  Even the Earth is shifting at every moment and through every season.

Look around you.  Things are never the same as they were.  Every snowflake and raindrop causes change.  The sun, the wind, rivers and lakes mold the Earth around you.  What is molding you?

When you head out onto your battlefields you can choose what to bring.  Do you carry with you anger, aggression and violence?  Do you approach each battle defensively?

Practice yoga.  Learn to carry different tools with you when you head out to battle.  Use knowledge, wisdom, patience, devotion and love.  Approach these battles differently.  Shift your perspective.

Picture

Next time you come to your mat, consider the battle you are about to face.  Consider the approach you usually take.  Breathe, pause and shift your focus.  Take a different approach.  Perhaps you will be the one who begins the change.
0 Comments

    Jenay, E-RYT, Director

    Jenay, a 500 hour Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher, directs and teaches at Lake Tahoe Yoga Studio.

    Link Placement Subscriptions

    Archives

    February 2023
    December 2022
    June 2022
    December 2021
    July 2021
    April 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    January 2016
    May 2015
    January 2015
    September 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    December 2013
    September 2013
    June 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    January 2013
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    June 2012
    March 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    July 2011
    May 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    September 2010
    August 2010
    July 2010

    Categories

    All
    2010
    8 Limbs
    Abhyasa
    Accessible Yoga
    Active Lifestyle
    Addiction
    Affordable Fitness
    Agni
    Ahimsa
    Airbnb
    Ancestry
    Ankylosing Spondylitis
    Anxiety
    Asana
    Asana Vs Yoga
    Asana Yoga
    Asking Questions
    Athleta
    Autumn
    Awareness
    Ayruveda
    Baby And Me Yoga
    Back Bending
    Balance
    Bandha
    Basics
    Battlefields
    Beach Yoga
    Beach Yoga Tahoe
    Beginner
    Best Beach Yoga
    Best Paddle Yoga
    Best Yoga Studio
    Best Yoga Tahoe
    Beyond Fitness
    Bhagavad Gita
    Birthday Yoga
    Body
    Body Work
    Book Yoga Classes
    Breath
    Budget
    Burnout
    Cakras
    Caldor Fire
    Caregivers
    Change
    Christmas
    Cleansing
    Clean Tahoe
    Cold
    Commercialization
    Communication
    Communing With The Divine
    Concentration
    Connecting With Our Community
    Connection
    Consistent Practice
    Corporate Yoga
    Cost Of Yoga
    Covid 19
    Covid-19
    Daily Routine
    Depression
    Dharana
    Dharma
    Dhyana
    Diet
    Discipline
    Discussion
    Divine Consciousness
    Divinity
    Dyhana
    Eco
    Effective Fitness
    Effort
    Ego
    Emotions
    Energy Body
    Energy Plexus
    Event Yoga
    Exercise
    Extension
    Finding A Yoga Teacher
    Fire
    Fire Evacuation
    First Yoga Studio
    Fitness
    Flexibility
    Flow
    Food
    Frustration
    Ftiness
    Getaway
    Google
    Granthi
    Growth
    Guided Focus
    Guru
    Happy Thoughts
    Hatha
    Hatha Vs Raja
    Headstand
    Healing
    Health
    Healthy Lifestyle
    Heartfelt Desire
    Heart Openers
    Holidays
    Hot Yoga
    Illness
    Indoor Yoga
    Inspiration
    Intention
    Iyengar
    Jivanmukti
    June
    Karma
    Kleshas
    Knowledge
    Kriya
    Kriya Yoga
    Lake Tahoe
    Lake Tahoe Yoga
    Letting Go
    Liberation
    Life
    Listening
    Looking Within
    Lose Weight
    Love
    Lululemon
    Managing Trauma
    Manomayakosha
    Mantra
    Materials
    Meditation
    Men
    Mental Health
    Mind
    Mindbody
    Mindfulness
    Mindful Walking
    Misperceptions
    Moksha
    Motto
    Music
    National Yoga Month
    New Years
    Non Attachment
    Non-Attachment
    On-Demand Yoga
    Paddle Yoga
    Paddle Yoga Tahoe
    Pain
    Pain Management
    Party Yoga
    Patanjali
    Peace
    Perspective
    Philosophy
    Physical Activity
    Plank
    Practice
    Prana
    Pranayama
    Pratyahara
    Prenatal Yoga
    Preservation
    Private Yoga Sessions
    Products
    Ptsd
    Purification
    Quieting The Mind
    Realignment Coaching
    Real Yoga
    Recovery
    Relaxation
    Release
    Religion
    Research
    Resolution
    Retreat
    Risk Taking
    Saccidananda
    Sadhana
    Sadhana Pada
    Safe Practices
    Samdhi
    Sankalpa
    Sanskrit
    Santosha
    Satsang
    Satya
    Self Care
    Self-care
    Self Love
    Self Study
    Senior Yoga
    Shatkarma
    Siddhis
    Silence
    Ski
    Sleep
    Slow Down
    Slow Travel
    Small Business
    Snow
    Snowboard
    Soul
    Sound
    Spiritual Path
    Stillness
    Stress
    Stress Reduction
    Stretching
    Styles Of Yoga
    Suffering
    Super Powers
    Sustainability
    Svadhyaya
    Tahoe South
    Tahoe Travel
    Tapas
    Teacher
    Tension
    Thanksgiving
    Things To Do In Tahoe In The Fall
    Tour
    Transition
    Trauma Recovery
    Trust
    Various Practices And Approaches.
    Viaragya
    Vibhutti Pada
    Vinyasa
    Virtual Yoga
    Visit Tahoe
    Wedding Yoga
    Weight Loss
    Wellbeing
    Wellness
    What Can Yoga Do For You?
    Winter
    Wisdom
    Withdrawing Inward
    Women
    Work
    Work-life
    Yoga
    Yoga America
    Yoga At Home
    Yoga At Work
    Yoga Benefits
    Yoga Brands
    Yoga Business
    Yoga Classes
    Yoga Community
    Yoga For Kids
    Yoga History
    Yoga Is Everywhere
    Yoga Lifestyle
    Yoga Practice
    Yoga Props
    Yoga Relaxation
    Yoga Science
    Yoga Sutra
    Yoga Sutra Book Ii
    Yoga Teacher
    Yoga Therapy
    Yoga Tools

    RSS Feed

© Lake Tahoe Yoga LTD 2020
Lake Tahoe Yoga Studio, School & Retreats
​
​Discover Your Self ™
Zephyr Cove, NV, 89448
​(775)580-7224


Design, Graphics and Photos by Jenay

Except as permitted by the copyright law applicable to you, you may not reproduce or communicate any of the content on this website, including files downloadable from this website, without the permission of the copyright owner.
The US Copyright Act allows certain uses of content from the internet without the copyright owner’s permission. This includes uses by educational institutions and by Commonwealth and State governments, provided fair compensation is paid. For more information, see https://www.copyright.gov/title17/title17.pdf.
The owners of copyright in the content on this website may receive compensation for the use of their content by educational institutions and governments, including from licensing schemes managed by Copyright Agency.
We may change these terms of use from time to time. Check before re-using any content from this website.
Lake Tahoe Yoga. Tahoe's premier Yoga studio offering classes, private sessions, paddle yoga. beach yoga, baby and me, prenatal, alignment, vinyasa, athletic, workout, fitness, stillwater, Mindbody, teacher training, Yoga alliance, yoga therapy, bachelorette party, yoga instruction, om, aum, classes, fitness, wellness, active, exercise, athlete, stretch, flexibility, balance, mindful, meditation, restoration, yin, nidra, relaxation, breathing, pranayama, yoga sutra, yamas, niyamas, satya, ahimsa, brahmacharya, ishvara pranidhana, avidya, asteya, tapas, svadhyaya, jnana, aparigraha, wellness, outdoor yoga, corporate yoga, mountain pose, downward dog, asana, practice, tantra, hatha, raja, rajahatha, workshop, yoga workshop, vacation, ayurveda, pitta, vata, kapha, yoga om, omni, yoga shala, yoga for health, accessible yoga, partner yoga, yoga for athletes, yoga for fitness, flexibility, health, wellness, mindfulness, private yoga teacher, private yoga classes, private yoga instruction, downward dog, yoga streches, yoga for kids, yoga Tahoe, south lake Tahoe  yoga, south Tahoe yoga, yoga south Tahoe, class pass, wedding yoga, senior yoga, healing, healthcare, yoga near me
  • Yoga Blog
  • Lake Tahoe Yoga
  • FAQ
    • What Makes LTY Unique
    • Rajahatha Yoga
    • Testimonials
  • Media/Press