Jewels of Saraswati

The Handmade Yogini - Yoga With Heart

2012-01-24T20:30:00.009-05:00

February is almost here and although I believe love should be celebrated each and every day, I am surely not against a little extra on Valentine's Day!

Here are some lovingly handmade items to open, inspire and warm your heart.

Shop: DesertMoonlight, GoddessEarthJewels, Storeyshop, KarenFincannon, LycheeGrove, ktothebdotcom

Choosing A Mala... A not really "How-To"

2012-01-21T10:29:00.000-05:00

I feel honored that so many have asked me to create malas tailored to their practice. Some have a clear vision of what they would like in a mala, and just as many ask me for suggestions on exactly how to choose or how to use their mala properly. With so many traditions, materials and styles, it is easy to see why.

So how do you choose?

Questions I like to begin with are: What is calling to you? Do you study and work with chakras or energy points? Are you inspired by a particular color? Have you always been drawn to a specific gemstone? This is the perfect place to begin....within in your heart.

This post may initially sound like a "how to" but it is mostly a reminder that your decision on how your mala is created will be your choice, from your unique practice and your beautiful spirit! There are those who enjoy the guidelines of traditions and books, which is wonderful too! However, I am of the belief that if you work from a sincere and deep place within, your meditation will be just as sweet and just as fruitful.

Questions I get asked often:

What gemstones should I use? Which will bring me peace, ground me, open the heart chakra....etc.?

I have learned a great deal about gemstones since I began creating malas and many have asked me for information on the very specific qualities of stones. I love to research and look into this, but again, I actually don't believe you need to take some one's word for it! If you find that a certain gemstone feels good for you, or grounds you, or brings you peace even by its very color, then that is what the stone will manifest for you.

Can I wear my mala? Some say to keep it hidden and use only for japa and leave on an altar or in a pouch?

Yes to all of the above! No one can tell you how to keep your mala. I always like to look at it as an old friend that you treat with kindness, love and respect. If you enjoy wearing your mala and it reminds you to do good, then wonderful! If you like to keep it hidden and quietly kept just for your practice, then you should also feel great about doing so. Treating and using it well is all that matters.

Should it be strung on wire or hand-knotted?

Malas can be any size, of any material and strung on anything you like. If you can get your hands on both types of malas to feel them, that is optimal. If you like the feel of the knots between the beads rather than moving the beads along wire, then that is for you.

Can I have a mala of different gemstones?

I love to keep malas generally of one or two gemstones, but in this case, it is also up to you. Sometimes a combination of gemstones feels right. Then go with it! Even if it feels like it is coming from an aesthetic place. I think what you need finds you and admiring something for its beauty can be beneficial and inspiring to your practice too!

So a summary of this post would be- go with what resonates with you! Use your mala in a way that feels organic and beautiful. Don't take anyone's word for it or feel you need to follow any rules unless you wish to.

As Swami Satchidananda said: "Truth is one, paths are many."

Peace and Light,
Saraswati

In The Spirit of Collaboration

2012-01-15T21:28:00.006-05:00

The beauty of living on this Earth is knowing that we are all connected, that with many minds and many hearts the are a plethora of paths to reach our goals. In my opinion, it is even more fun when you have friends to inspire you along the way!

An idea was running through my mind for a while......Wouldn't it be wonderful to ask others to be involved with some of my mala or jewelry designs? Wouldn't it be beautiful to see where they found inspiration whether it was through color, through feel, or through material? And so I put the question out into the Twitterverse!

Yogini Christina Sell

I was lucky enough to have a quick response from the amazing yogini, Christina Sell. Christina is an extremely active and revered yogini based in Texas. She is the director and co-founder of the School of Yoga, presents workshops all over the nation, has two renowned books to her name, and is the 2012 Art of Asana columnist for Yoga International Magazine. I am honored she had the time to send me the emails she did about this little mala!

This is the design we came up with. She mentioned the School of Yoga being sun-oriented and inspired by the Gayattri Mantra so sunny yellow calcite seemed perfect to use in this case. We added rudraksha guru and a copper Om charm and I strung it on stretch cord so that it will be versatile to fit most wrists.

Christina recommended the Gayatri Mantra for this sun-inspired mala:

AUM BHOOR BHUWAH SWAHA,
TAT SAVITUR VARENYAM
BHARGO DEVASAYA DHEEMAHI
DHIYO YO NAHA PRACHODAYAT.

Summary of the Gayatri Mantra

Gayatri Mantra (the mother of the vedas), the foremost mantra in hinduism and hindu beliefs, inspires wisdom. Its meaning is that "May the Almighty God illuminate our intellect to lead us along the righteous path". The mantra is also a prayer to the "giver of light and life" - the sun (savitur).

Oh God! Thou art the Giver of Life,
Remover of pain and sorrow,
The Bestower of happiness,
Oh! Creator of the Universe,
May we receive thy supreme sin-destroying light,
May Thou guide our intellect in the right direction.

School of Yoga Mala Bracelet

I hope you enjoy it!

What stones inspire you? If you were to create a mala, how would you design it? And who knows? Maybe we will come up with a design together. :)

There are more collaborations to come.....

Transformation

2012-01-08T20:49:00.000-05:00

Original Artwork by: bluecicada

I am a believer that transformation can happen at any place in time, not just at the beginning of each year. We are filled with infinite potential......unlimited........always.

So as one who appears staunchly against "resolutions", I seem to have a good many intentions whirling through my mind for the coming year! All of you have been so awesome to share with me your plans for the future in the latest giveaway post and I am now very inspired to share with you some of mine. This year already feels quite significant to me in terms of transformation and I am wholeheartedly working towards these small, but important goals. I am not worried about being successful or not. I am endeavoring to be kind to myself and do the very best I can. I know with each intention, if offered with sincerity and an open heart, will move me forward.

My intentions:

1. More lovingkindess. I am going to look more strangers in the eye when I am interacting with them. I am going to find beauty and humanity in each person I come across. It is easy to overlook people at the checkout, on the street, at the bank, in so many daily situations.

2. Journal writing. I used to write profusely in a journal everyday for many years. It has been some time since then, but having the goal of writing everyday, or at least a few times a week will give me needed time to reflect and to articulate my goals both physical and spiritual.

3. Simplify. Simplify every aspect of my life. If I have it and don't need it -give it away. (If I think I need it- remind myself I don't!) Organize. See what is truly essential and surround myself with the uplifting and inspiring. Endeavor to do one task at a time and give it my fullest attention.

4. Use my words carefully. Understanding that each word can manifest. Each word sends an energy into the world whether positive or negative. I would like to cultivate more awareness for this and see how many things will change!

5. One spiritual reading a day. Anything for the soul, once a day. It can be as brief as a poem by Rumi or as full as a book about the Saints of India. I want to keep inspiring myself to remain on a joyful and loving path even for a few minutes each day.

What are your intentions for the new year?

Beautiful Intentions - Zafu Giveaway

2012-01-01T12:12:00.000-05:00

This is my favorite time of year! We consciously make an effort to take more time for reflection, to spend more time with loved ones and create positive intentions for the upcoming year. To start it off with a little inspiration towards our goals, I thought it would be lovely to have a giveaway!

It all started with an elephant....

My dear facebook yogini friend Angela of Inner Space Yoga had inquired about creating a custom elephant necklace recently, which then sparked the idea to ask her if she would like to participate in a giveaway. I was thrilled when she agreed that she would! You see, I have been adoring her zafus, eye pillows and bolsters for many many months now. So with elephants on the brain, she diligently went to work to create this gorgeous handmade zafu just for this event. If you missed the last blog post all about Angela and Inner Space Yoga, you can read it here.

For those who are not familiar with what a zafu is, it is a cushion designed specifically for seated meditation. Angela told me a bit about the fabric (called "Karavan") and design. It was created by a designer named Valori Wells, for Free Spirit Fabrics. Angela tells me she chose this fabric because it reminded her of the brightly decorated buses, delivery trucks, and autorickshaws in India. And they sometimes decorate elephants there, as well. It's a very happy fabric! The base fabric is a very soft deep navy blue brushed twill. The zafu is filled with buckwheat hulls, and there's a zipper under the carrying strap so the buckwheat hulls can be emptied out to adjust the height for sitting.

To enter to win this unique zafu (make sure to do all three!):

1. Head over to Inner Space Yoga on Facebook and click like. Angela is a beautiful and colorful yogini with so much to share!

2. If you aren't connected with me on facebook, I would love to meet you! Click like on the Jewels Of Saraswati page.

3. Leave a comment on this blog post about what your beautiful intentions (or resolutions) are for the coming year. It can be to sit for more formal meditation or simply to practice more lovingkindess.....no intention is too big or too small. Just make sure to leave an email or info so that I can contact you.

*The winner will be announced on the Jewels Of Saraswati facebook page and will be contacted via email. If there is no response within three days, then another winner will be chosen. This giveaway will end 1/16/12. (Sorry, this giveaway is only for those residing in the U.S.!)

Good luck everyone!

Giving Props! Yoga Props, That Is.....

2011-12-28T10:11:00.000-05:00

Meet Angela of Inner Space Yoga. She is one of the most vibrant and interesting yoginis with a passion for creating yoga props. To my utter joy and excitement we will be collaborating on a giveaway for the new year and I asked her to tell us a little more about herself, her journey into creating yoga props and what yogini she would love to hang with if she were stranded on a desert island. :)

Angela says:

"I came to yoga several years ago, as a way to de-stress from my job in healthcare. I fell in love with the practice, and had the good fortune to connect with some excellent teachers here in Asheville - Cindy Dollar, Stephanie Keach, and Shala Worsley. Cindy and Stephanie planted the seeds that would eventually grow into my bolster making business. Stephanie, upon learning that I liked to sew (I'm a quilter), asked if I'd like to offset the cost of my teacher training by re-covering her studio bolsters. She had 35 bolsters at that time, from several different sources. While making the covers, I had a chance to dissect the bolsters to see how they were made and which materials and methods held up the best. She and Cindy then suggested I try my hand at making my own bolsters. So I sourced my own materials, made many prototypes, and eventually came up with the three main designs I offer now. I got into zafu making a bit later, when I had lots of requests for colorful zafus to match the bolsters. I am fortunate that I live in the South, which has made sourcing batting and fabric a bit easier, due to the number of textile mills here.

I do what I do because it gives me great joy. And, I think, makes others happy as well. People these days are all stressed out, and don't know how to relax properly - I admit to being one of them. I like to think I'm doing my part to de-stress America. And put a smile on people's faces while they're relaxing. Because, as you may know, it's more relaxing to smile than it is to frown. LOL!

And how did I come to yoga? I feel I was called to it. I just had the urge to start doing it, and was delayed in actually starting it because I worked so much. But I finally showed up, connected with some wonderful teachers and members of the local Asheville yoga community, and the rest is history. It has become my passion and the primary focus of my life.

Hmmm... the desert island thing. That's a tough one. I'd have to say my friend/mentor Stephanie Keach, of Asheville Yoga Center here in town. We're both total yoga geeks - love to read about yoga and talk about its nuances and debate which style has more to offer. Our styles of practice are complementary. We like music to practice by, and have the same taste in tunes. She knows how to make practice fun, yet remains serious about alignment (which is something I'm a stickler for as well) and, when we're done with yoga, we could hang out on the beach and read and drink umbrella drinks. I'm convinced that she and I fought together in Durga's army, many many lifetimes ago. "

You can find Angela's beautiful selection of yoga props including bolsters, eye pillows and zafus here. Stay tuned as we will be giving away a specially made zafu for the new year!

Enlightenment...So Easy A Baby Can Do It.

2011-12-20T10:32:00.011-05:00

As many of you know I love to call my daughter my little guru. She has taught me more about my path than anything else in the world.

As I was watching her play the other day I realized I was witnessing something I have been seeking myself for a long while... pure bliss. Her pure bliss. She danced playfully in the sun in our living room one morning. Every movement seemed to be an exploration of her joy. Every muscle was working yet fully relaxed. She was giggling only in a way that she can giggle....part laugh, part cackle. She kept bending over to peek her head through her legs upside down. That was when I realized I was witnessing something totally magical. I realized what she was showing me all along.

I thought to myself- What if I were to look at everything as if it were new, or a game, or something pleasurable to explore? What if I smiled at inanimate objects and touched everything that looked interesting? What if I smiled at strangers more? Laughed at everything I could? What if I fell a lot and didn't think twice about it? Or danced any way my soul felt like it needed to? What if I gave kisses whenever the mood struck me? What if I took the greatest pride in the tiniest things I had done? What if I got closer to people? What if I hugged more? What if I had no concept of time? What if I took the time to pick up the little things on the ground? What if.....

This Mantra is Stale. Do You Offer Exchanges?

2011-12-11T21:00:00.001-05:00

I call the it the plateau. It happens to the best of us, especially in the beginning.When I began meditating I ran into this plateau and thought- I can't be the only one!

Does this sound familiar?

First, you gently ease into our meditation space, light the incense, and comfortably seat yourself. Taking great care, you take our mala from its pouch, remind yourself of beautiful intentions and begin your japa and nothing. This old friend that first inspired you, called to you, even walked around with you all day while you did our dishes, brushed your teeth, focused you on stillness and awareness somehow feels....dare I say it?.....stale.

We can often struggle as our minds wander into the abyss of swirling thoughts. This mantra feels off, it must be this mantra. Maybe, just maybe I should be working with a new one. Maybe if I tried Ganesh instead he would aid me in overcoming certain obstacles. Maybe "On Namah Shivaya" will bring the transformation I need. Or....

Maybe it needs to be worked through. Maybe that is the lesson. Maybe the very expectation of clarity needs to be let go, tossed in with the before-mentioned swirling abyss and simply witnessed. Meditating isn't the clarity, it is the journey to the clarity. The mantra is your vehicle. Watch the scenery as you drive through, stay in the car and keep riding towards your destination. You may or may not reach it in this life, but isn't the landscape just lovely?

The remedy? Don't exchange it!!!

Be kind to yourself. Let the thoughts come and let the thoughts go. Let them tease. Smile kindly as you would to a naughty child. Stick to your mantra. Don't give in! Say it with all the love in your heart. Very often we give up just before we are about to succeed. Soon you will find the plateau crumbling, your are free falling, soaring.....free.

Original Artwork by Bevin Valentine Photography

The Handamde Yogini - Earth Mama

2011-12-08T09:58:00.012-05:00

This little collection is for all of you Earth Mamas out there! People have a terrible habit of convincing new moms that they need all kinds of things when they have a baby. I think you just need a nice set of bangles and something for your babe to wear. :) Ok, maybe a few more things.......but wouldn't it be nice.....

Places to visit: Cinnamonia, evolvinghabitat, yogababybuddha , SmilingTreeToys ,moop, LEFTright , averyrayne

The Handmade Yogini - Gifts of the Heart

2011-12-04T21:34:00.001-05:00

It can be challenging during the holidays to keep focused on what really matters. There are tons of sales encouraging you to spend, advertisements to increase your sense of urgency, flashing words that suggest you need something...some...thing. This thing, That thing. Anything!

It can also be challenging running a shop during these times and still feel genuine. I have to say I love to give. I do giveaways for that reason. My hope is that some one who might not be able to afford one of my malas will win one. My goal is to meet other like-minded people, hear their ideas, thoughts, and passions. One of the things I never expected when I opened my accounts on social networking sites is how many amazing, sincere, inspiring people I would befriend. I love to create and I love to share. I feel blessed to be able to make malas and know that that are going to extraordinary people. It is a privilege!

So I thought I would share some gifts ideas created by some of those folks who I am proud and honored to be friends with as well as share ideas that are not necessarily bought in a store. Maybe you have thought of them, maybe you haven't, but my goal is to remind you (and myself!) that a gift does not need to come in a box. The thought is truly what counts, and to know some one thought of you, can sometimes be the most heartwarming and delightful!

Just a few ideas:

What about a long letter to a close friend about how special they are? It is easy to forget to say how much all those little things mean to you each day. Write it by hand on beautiful stationery.....better yet, a small journal that spans a few weeks/months with a note about something you appreciated each day.

What about the busy roomate, or lover that just doesn't seem to make time for themselves? Perhaps clearing a special place for them to sit and meditate or read. Find items that are inspiring to place nearby, a comfortable zafu, blanket or even tea.

For your spouse or lover....there is nothing more lovely than coming home one day to the unepxected. Run a bath, lay out candles or their favorite incense. Have a new soap nearby and a favorite book. Tell them you'll watch the kids while they soak.

What about a friend or relative who may be interested in taking better care of themselves and thinks they don't have time to do it? Tell them they can and they deserve to. If they are interested, offer them a mini instruction on how to meditate or simply focus on the breath for a few minutes. At the end of the discussion hand them a mala just for them.

I would love to know the best "gift" you have ever received as well as your own creative ideas for giving.

Wishing all a beautiful holiday season!

Peace,

Lauren

People to visit (tell them I said hi!): http://innerspaceyoga.net, SabbioCinnamonTree , sacredsuds , ShantiPresence

Inspiration

2011-12-01T15:46:00.000-05:00

Time and time again I look to this video for inspiration. Instead of focusing on the negative, I realize all that my body and soul can do each time I watch it. There is so much potential in each of us!

Many of you have seen this video but I just had to share it. For those who have not, enjoy!!

Sometimes My Mantra Is More Dr. Seuss than Durga

2011-11-22T21:27:00.000-05:00

I was thinking a good deal about the yoga culture in the West, about travel, about illusion, about Self. Do we need to travel to far off places and exotic climes to find our true Self? As Hollywood as it was, the film Eat Pray Love did make me consider this question seriously. Ok so I do admit it was also a bit of joyous eye candy for me as I sat there in my pj's nursing my newborn daughter during my first viewing. But it made me question just the same. I was once a world traveler...South America, Europe, Mexico. I was once very active in the Integral Yoga Community nearby. My pace of life changed dramatically. I was more in my robe than my jeans. I was far less apt to brush my hair. I hardly had a minute to myself to shower, let alone consciously set my mat out or my meditation rug to fully concentrate on spiritual endeavors. So what then was my practice? Could I claim to be a practicing Yogini?

This got me thinking. Perhaps thinking isn't the word, but feeling...trusting. It took a little time. It took a little forgiveness. But it came. Back to this in a moment.

No matter how rich one's spiritual life may be or how deep one may understand the little intricacies of the Self and it's illusions, there is often in human nature the inherent quality of questioning and comparison. It may be small, it may be fleeting, but it remains still in the mind. Oh our little chattering monkey mind! We look at the person next to us on the mat and know that yes, it is their personal and very unique journey that put them there in that time in space....but oh.....look at her crow pose! Or wow, he traveled far and wide, lived blissfully on the beach for two months and ate organic fruits and other raw delectables. Should I be doing something different? Maybe that brownie I had last night is affecting my practice, my mood, my very progress. Did I even check to see what was in the brownie before I ate it?

So that little voice came to me one day as I browsed the web catching up on some of my favorite yoga blogs. That voice came to me- the questioning one which seemed to prompt this post and a full articulation of my thoughts.

I am not attending any far away retreats. I have not traveled far and wide to study with a famous yogi or yogini although I consider those I have studied with (loving disciples of Swami Satchidananda and Shree Ma) some of the most amazing practitioners and yogis I have ever met. I don't purchase special yoga clothes or mats or props. (Although I loooove to look at them.) I have not attended a yoga class since I gave birth to my daughter a year ago. Sometimes my mantra is more Dr. Seuss than Durga.

Instead, I pose when I can. I create malas in the precious time my daughter sleeps. I bless them and smile knowing that they will reach loving hands. Heck, I even get to meditate if my daughter remains sleeping! I kiss my babe's foot like the foot of a guru. I watch how she takes joy in the simplest tiniest of things and I make sure to learn from each precious moment. I teach her a mudra and how to say Om. I tweet and blog about Yoga and have met more great souls than I ever could have imagined out in cyber space. I chant and sing kirtan. I try and stay present. I breathe. I cultivate gratitude.

There will be a time where I will venture out again into the Yoga community. But I am left with the questions still.... and now an answer alongside it. Could I claim to be truly practicing, truly evolving in a rather insulated environment? Could I make these malas and spiritual items and be for real, be a representation of my true Self. Be contributing to the greater Consciousness?

Yes!

And so my thoughts go out to the yogis and yoginis on the fringe, to the mommas who don't have much time to do their hatha, to the students who don't have the money for classes or retreats. Yoga is everyday. Yoga is life. Yoga is the way you smile at a stranger. Yoga is the way you talk to your spouse, or your mom, or your dog. Yoga is how you prepare a meal, how you bathe, how you breathe. You practice everywhere, with everything.

Yoga is now. You are Yoga. And yes, you can claim it as your own.

Peace, Love and Light-

Malas 101 - Part 2 - How to Use Your Mala

2011-11-20T21:01:00.000-05:00

If you have not meditated with a mala before and you would like to try, here are a few brief instructions on how to use your mala.

Hold your mala in your most comfortable or dominant hand. The mala should be held resting on your third finger and the beads "counted" with your thumb. The index finger should not touch the mala as it represents the "ego". And who wants that interfering with our practice! :) (If you would like to see some wonderfully detailed pictures illustrating this click here to visit one of my favorite yoga blogs.)

As you begin your mantra, draw the beads inward with your thumb for each recitation. Keep bringing the beads inward, thus bringing your concentration inward. When you have gone completely around the mala you will come to the center bead or "guru" bead. If you wish to continue and do another full mala, do not cross over the guru, but respectfully flip the mala around and begin again. (If you have a smaller mala such as a 54 or 27 bead mala, also make sure not to cross over the guru.)

Malas are very personal items and may be used as you wish. The instructions above are the way I was introduced to meditating with a mala. I am very grateful to my teacher who has inspired me to work with these wonderful tools!

Some like to wear their malas as sacred jewelry to remind them of their intentions, others keep their mala tucked safely away in a pouch and only use it during their meditation practice. However you use your mala, I hope you enjoy it's benefits!

Malas 101 - Part 1 - Origin, Use and Variations

2011-11-17T11:00:00.002-05:00

Recently, I have been asked many questions concerning the nature of the mala. What are they used for? How many beads are there and why? How exactly do I use it during my meditation practice? These are all wonderful questions that I thought I might address here.

Malas are believed to originate in India around 500 B.C, or perhaps earlier. They are a set of a particular number of beads used to count repetitions of a mantra during meditation. They have been called many names such as worry beads, prayer beads or rosaries and have various traditions in many cultures. The malas I enjoy creating are of the Hindu tradition and are comprised of 108, 54, or 27 beads (54 and 27 being divisions of 108). A full mala is considered 108 beads and can be a wonderful tool to keep track of your mantra during meditation and aid you in focusing. Many believe it can enhance your meditation if your mala is created from certain gemstones, seeds, or wood.

There are many theories as to why malas have the specific number of 108, some of which are fascinating! One of my favorites is that 1 stands for the Higher Power, 0 symbolizes emptiness and 8 represents infinity. Another explanation is that 108 is a harshad number, or number meaning "great joy". A harshad number is divisible by the sum of it's digits.

Here are some examples of malas that I have created with a varying number of beads.

108 Bead Mala

Each mala will have a "guru" bead or center bead(s). This bead actually makes the mala 109 beads and it not technically "meditated on". It signals the end of the mala and can be used as a kind of marker, or stop for the finger to feel when you have reached the end.

54 Bead Mala

This 54 bead mala will give you a compete mala after going around twice.

27 Bead Mala

This 27 bead mala, or pocket mala is easy to carry with you anywhere. Pocket malas fit exactly there, in your pocket or bag! Four times around this mala will give you a full mala.

There are as many options for malas as there are individuals! Each mala is very special to the one who uses it and it can feel like an old friend after diligent meditation. One should treat it will love, care and reverence as well enjoy it's beautiful effects!

I hope you will join me on my next post which will be a short introduction for beginners on how to use your mala.

Jai Ganesha! -The Handmade Yogini - Style Guide

2011-11-16T15:31:00.000-05:00

Ganesh has been understandably a favorite deity of many. His body is represented as half elephant, half human. Why the mix? Long story short it was cut off by Shiva (oops!) and replaced with the nearest sleeping elephant's. Thankfully he is in one peace ready to offer the removal of obstacles, be Lord of beginnings, as well as patron of the arts and sciences. Enjoy this little handmade tribute!

Shops: celentanowoodworks, showcase66, avecjasmine, divineplanet, blissfulturtle, ElanButik

Style Guide - Pure

2011-11-13T10:00:00.004-05:00

Shops: sacredsuds, Kalpanajewelry, TimjanDesign , coryellclayworks , Turkishtowel , mbartstudios, sjengraving

Give Me Hand - An Introduction to Mudras by Meredith LeBlanc

2011-11-09T20:35:00.002-05:00

One of the biggest dilemmas for me when I started my meditation practice was what to do with my hands. Should I fold them? Hold them? wave them? Should I scratch my ankle? Having a job for the hands keeps them from getting fidgety: enter the mudra.

Mudras are yoga asana, postures, for the hands and the aid us in fine tuning the energy in the body. Connecting with certain spots of the hands help to access specific areas of the physical body and the different energy centers.

The most common mudra is jnana mudra; jnana means knowledge. The tips of the index finger and thumbs touch, middle, ring & pinkie extend, with the palms facing up. (The same position with the palms facing down is chin mudra.) Commonly depicted in yoga media, it is familiar and this the mudra I introduce first to students.

The thumb is the boss; it represents our big “S” self (divinity/higher power) and the macrocosm (external world). The index finger is the little ”s” self (the ego) and our microcosm (our internal world). By joining them we’re creating a circuit to balance that which is greater than ourselves with our material self, much like syncing your computer with your cell phone or iPod.

To help newer meditation students to get to know their breath and get in touch with their hands I came up with simple 10 minute practice with jnana mudra and a knuckle breath count.

Breaths per minute (BPM): using a timer set for one minute, count the breaths you take during a minute. The breaths should be natural not forced. Take an inhale and count on the exhale. (I like to repeat the process a total of 3 times and take an average of the 3 outcomes.)
Find a comfortable seat. Place the right hand on the right thigh in jnana mudra, tips of index finger and thumbs touching, remaining fingers extended. Take a few cleansing breaths: deep inhale, exhale through the mouth.
Place the left hand on the thigh palm up. Bring the tip of the thumb to the first knuckle on the index finger closest to the palm (see knuckle marked #1 in the picture). Take your breathe per minute, BPM, on #1. Move the tip of the thumb to #2 knuckle (see picture!) and repeat your BPM. Continue to move the tip of the thumb around the knuckles clockwise as numbered up to #10.
Take a nice deep inhale in gratitude. Shake out the arms and legs. Stretch any way that feels natural.

This practice helps to train the mind to focus on the breath through counting and following the left hand knuckles, while the right hand in mudra brings balance into the body, mind, and spirit. It helps to remove the time pressure since you are acting as the timer rather than a clock you want to look at. If 10 minutes seems too much at first, try 5 ~ a few minutes is better than none.

Enjoy and breathe!

Meredith LeBlanc has been a yoga & meditation practioner since 1996. She expresses herself through The Pondering Yogini (http://www.ponderingyogini.org/) and The Scarlet Sutras (http://www.scarletssutras.org/). She works as yoga teacher and also in an office keeping things running smoothly. She shares her life with her husband Mike and her pug Scarlet. She enjoys reading, beading, and gardening. Recently Meredith started taking Kundalini yoga classes and is thoroughly enjoying being a student of something new.

The Handmade Yogini - Style Guide

2011-11-06T10:00:00.021-05:00

Welcome to the style guide portion of the blog where I share some of my favorite handmade shops and items that inspire, uplift, soothe and sanctify. Each style guide will be handpicked items creatively themed for your enjoyment. Have a handmade/local shop or just one that you love? Do share!

Today's theme....

A Yogini in Autumn.

A crisp wind. Colors of the Earth. A perfect time to dive deep within.

Shops (in order): gaiaconceptions , HappyGoLicky, clpstudio, blackrockdesign, Gratefulthreads

Meet My Guru. She is Two and Half Feet Tall

2011-11-02T10:00:00.001-04:00

I have never traveled to India. I have never intentionally saught the wisdom of a great sage. I was told that when the student is truly ready, the teacher will arrive. I waited patiently.....and she did. Mine arrived in the form of a tiny little Buddha not even three feet tall. That little Buddha is my daughter.

The word guru can be translated as "the one who removes darkness".

She has taught me:

To impart wisdom, one does does need the use of words.

To lose all attachment to things.

How to discard expectation, and that just about anything may happen in a day.

That each lesson is presented at exactly the right time, even if I don't consider it so.

Compassion for all beings, no matter how small.

That wisdom has little to do with your time on this earth.

The meaning of true love through selfless devotion.

That wonder can be found anywhere and in anything.

The joy of giving all for the safety, happiness and health of another being.

The beauty of offering my complete Self to each task I endeavor.

That the past should be immediately forgotten.

That the present is the most blissful place to be.

That each day is filled with the potential of sparkling miracles, if only I choose to truly look.

Welcome Back, Welcome Back

2011-10-29T22:59:00.000-04:00

At the encouragement of some wonderful fans, I have decided to restart this meandering little blog in the hopes of inspiring, uplifting, and perhaps entertaining you dear readers.

My last post was in the Summer of 2010 and only now do I endeavor to write again. Why, you ask? Fast forward to Oct 2010. See photo below and notice I am assisting her, only slightly of course, in the formation of her first mudra!

After giving birth to an amazing little yogini last year, (my guru as I refer to her) I have been attempting to figure out how to sustain this little being, continue my practice and create custom malas, yoga jewelry, clean my home, dress myself, brush my teeth and perform other normal human tasks that used to be quite simple. And so here I am again after an odd late night calling that told me blogging would be enjoyable and possible. And thanks to all who encouraged it!

What is in store? Interviews with some of my favorite yoginis and yogis, finding new and interesting organic fashion, yoga gift guides, updates on some of my most dear projects, giveaways and hopefully some surprises! Who is still with me?!

Peace and Light,
Lauren

Om is In!!

2010-05-20T11:52:00.000-04:00

For those of you who meditate, the sound of Om (often spelled Aum or Ohm) should be a familiar one! Om is said represent the Universe, even it's very vibration. Chanting Om can instantly draw one inward and create a space of peace.....

I am endlessly browsing Etsy for handmade goods for this most ancient and mysterious symbol. I hope you find these images as inspiring as I do!

Silver Om And Copper Heart Necklace by Tah's Jewelry Shop

Organic Henna Om Candle by All About Henna

Forest Nymph Earrings by The Tattered Gypsy

Om Ecofriendly Gift Set by This Is It

Sweet Mantra Rings by Teri Lee Jewelry

OM IZ OM - hand painted one of a kind recycled cotton sleeveless shirt by Xusah

Meditating Woman Hand Carved Rubber Stamp Set by Sugarskull7

Mantra Mom - Uplifting Mantras For The Modern Mom

2010-05-14T10:05:00.000-04:00

Mantra Mom (aka. Nina Patel) is a special recording artist that I am so excited to introduce you to! She is a unique and vibrant kirtan artist who has been practicing mantra yoga since she was a young child. Now with two children of her own, she seeks to create music for on-the-go woman/mother that will both invigorate and educate.

For those who may not be familiar with mantras, they are vibratory sounds that exist in all languages and religions. As Nina explains "Our minds can find healing and empowerment through meditation and recitation of mantras. If repeatedly constantly during meditation...mantras have the power to change our consciousness." And who wouldn't want a little change of consciousness on our way to or from work to help us ease out of a stressful day?!

Nina says, "My music won't get you into alpha mode. It's not meant to mediate with. My music is meant to teach you the correct pronunciation and enunciation of the mantra with the help of catchy beats so one can learn them faster and accurately. Hence, the tracks are only 3 minutes long and the CD is only 30 minutes long which is perfect for someone to play during their morning commute or before bed."

Her newest album I am.. is a balanced mix of her Indian heritage and Westernized life. She presents lyrical mantras over Indian instruments and layers them with Western beats, creating a fun and easy to learn presentations of some of the most ancient and powerful mantras. "My new album offers a simple and practical way for people of all religious backgrounds to experience the ancient healing powers of mantra music while driving, cooking, exercising, and simply living their daily, modern life..." Nina explains.

Moms are extremely busy these days...I just hope you aren't doing all of those things at once! And if you are, perhaps listening to Nina's work will keep you focused and joyful.

And what is even better is that her music is not only accessible to adults, but to children as well. Nina noticed the calming effects of chanting mantras with her own children and was inspired to create and album geared towards kids of all ages and backgrounds. The children's cd, called Mantras for my children..and yours as well as I am... is available on her website, iTunes and cdbaby. (I am will be released in three weeks on iTunes.) 10% of the CD profits will go towards Vibha, a non-profit organization helping kids in India.

To listen to samples, view videos or purchase her albums please visit her website http://www.mantramom.com.

Treat Your Yoga Mom Right!

2010-04-23T09:42:00.000-04:00

As the most important holiday of the year approaches, (Mother's day of course!) I thought I would collect some perfect gifts for the yoga Mom to aid in her practice, help her unwind, and remember her true beautiful self.

Do you have a yoga mom? Are you a yoga mom? Tell me about it! What are some of the things that she would use? Admittedly, I got way too carried away compiling this list. I hope you enjoy browsing these gorgeous shops as much as I did!

Patchouli Orange Soap by Orchard Farm

Lotus -10 inch Bowl by Yoga Goat

The Goa Pant (organic hemp/cotton blend) by Gaia Conceptions

The Urban Yogi - Charcoal Burst and Fire by Sundara Studio

iPhone iTouch iPod Case Cozy Embroidered Om Upcycled by Virtuosew

Rare Little Rudraksha Seed and Pearl Earrings by Misobel

White Flowers - Lavender Eye Pillow by Small City Styles

Emerald Green Silk Ribbon with 24k Gold Dipped Lotus Charm bracelet

or necklace by Om Designs

Sacred Suds - Soaps With Divine Intent

2010-02-18T12:54:00.000-05:00

I am truly excited to share with you Sacred Suds, a unique shop filled with the dazzling aromas of handmade soaps made with the finest natural ingredients and essential oils. And I can personally recommend her soaps after purchasing some last week. Oh the lather, oh the fragrance!! And she sent me some lovely samples to go along with my original purchase. I have to admit it is sometimes difficult for me to leave the shower.

Shop owner, Andrea, shares her story with us in this feature:

"I started making soap several years ago after receiving a bar of handmade soap as a wedding favor. We were living in Maine at the time, and it was winter, so my skin was a scaly, papery wreck. Before I even used the soap, I was in love with it. I loved the way it looked (chunky with bits of oats and cinnamon bark), I loved the way it smelled (real! no fakey synthetic smells), I loved the smooth texture, I loved the weight of the bar in my hands.

Astarte, Goddess of the Evening Star, handmade soap - Spiced Milk and Honey

And then I tried it, and I was blown away. The soap was rich and creamy, and my skin soaked it up like milk. Standing in that hot, steaming shower, inhaling cinnamon essence, knowing someone had lovingly crafted this bar of soap for our friends, I could feel the soul in it. I began researching soapmaking as soon as we finished that bar. I don't think we've bought a commercial bar of soap since.

I'm a pretty spiritual person, and I practice all sorts of faiths, or practices, or whatever you want to call them. My biggest spiritual awakening happened when I was introduced to the feminine face of God (which is commonly called Goddess ;-) by a good friend of mine. As a woman, who is a mother, a daughter, a wife, a sister, and a girlfriend, this was HUGE to me. I could never really relate to God, to be honest. I'm not masculine. I am not a father. I have not lived a male experience. I have a father and
a mother, and it was my mother who gave birth to me, who brought me into the world. So it makes sense to me, since life is created by the union of male and female, and is actually birthed through the female, that the creative force would include the feminine. That we would have a divine Mother in addition to a divine Father.

Once I was introduced to the idea of the sacred feminine, I began to explore all sorts of faces of the divine. Not just feminine and masculine, but strength, compassion, love, sexuality, and so on. And I was delighted to find that throughout history, cultures have honored deities that "embody" these energies. These energies, these essences of being human, are what inspire me.

More recently, as my Yoga practice has deepened, I have added Yoga inspired soaps to my collection. These soaps, like Prana and Om, bring our attention to the energy of being alive (Prana), or with the Om (Aum) bar, to our connection to each other and to the Source, the All, God/Goddess, or whatever you choose to call your higher power.

Om (or Aum), Universal bliss handmade soap - Orange, Mandarin, and Cedar

I am a big believer that by giving something our attention, either through prayer, meditation, or the simple ritual of mindful bathing, we give it power to grow and manifest in our lives. My mission with Sacred Suds is to provide soulful soaps that help channel the energies represented by these different faces of the Divine – love, strength, joy, etc. - and each soap is mindfully created with that goal in mind. I craft the soaps with intention every step of the way, from the spiritual entity that inspires it, to blending scents to stir those energies, to writing labels and descriptions that best capture the intent of the soap.

My favorite part of the process is probably blending the scents. I work mainly with essential oils instead of synthetics because essential oils feel like they carry the spirit of something alive. They feel real, like they have soul. When I first started crafting these spiritual blends, I did a lot of research on aromatherapy, on skin-care benefits, and on the magickal properties of plants and essences. I am by no means a trained aromatherapist, herbalist, or perfumer, though, and after working with essential oils for a while, I began to just blend by how the oils made me feel, and what energies they seemed to raise in me. For example, citrus oils make me happy. Florals feel feminine. Spices are exotic and sexy, woodsy scents are earthy and grounding, and evergreens feel vital and prosperous."

Cernunnos, Celtic Nature God, handmade soap - Pine, Fir, Rosewood, Musk, and Clove

You can find Sacred Suds on Etsy and on Andrea's website.

You can also find Andrea on twitter, Facebook, or MySpace.

Many Malas For Many Hands

2010-02-12T22:00:00.000-05:00

Recently I was asked to do a very special wholesale order that I would just love to share!

I was asked to create several malas from stones that correspond to the seven chakras (or energy points). Each chakra has associations to colors, gemstones as well as specific qualities and are said to connect to our being on many different levels. Admittedly, I had not done much work with chakras before and found the research aspect of this project so much fun!

This was such a rewarding and enjoyable endeavor for me, I just had to share a few pictures of them with you. I created a 108 bead aragonite mala, 27 bead fluorite mala, 108 bead sodalite mala, and a 27 bead red jasper mala...to name only a few!

My favorite part is shipping them out and wondering who will be meditating with them in the future!

The Short Story Of Frankencake- And How to Make Your Own

2010-02-07T09:19:00.000-05:00

As many of you may know, I have a penchant for baking.....

A kind hearted tweeting friend @skipthezip reminded me that "Baking is like Buddhism. Stay true to the recipe, and it'll turn out perfectly."

Well, I didn't stick to the recipe....not on purpose, but through my distraction I mistakenly used baking powder instead of the require baking soda. I was terribly aware of this baking no no just as I put it into the oven. This may seem trivial, however, this was my very first attempt at making a vegan chocolate cake and my intention was to bring it with me on a very important visit to a yogini. 30 nail biting minutes later, out came something I affectionately called Frankencake. It was an odd consistency and a little flat, yet surprisingly edible!

The lesson here. Awareness.

I ended up mixing all the correct ingredients again and finally arrived at something truer to the vegan chocolate cake I was searching for. It looks fabulous and it was really quite simple. It has been praised as "the best chocolate cake that just happens to be vegan"!

This recipe was sent to me in reply to a call for good vegan dessert recipes. Thank you @richtayl!
You can find the recipe he recommended here. I think it is going to be a winner! It is soft, moist and heavenly sweet.

Until my next baking adventure.....

Hearts For Haiti - Handmade For a Cause

2010-01-21T21:27:00.000-05:00

After watching so much of the devastation on TV, it is great to know you CAN do something!

Hundreds of amazing Etsy shops have donated items to the shop Hearts For Haiti. 100% proceeds go directly to Doctors Without Borders to aid Haiti in their time of need. They have already raised over $10,000 for this cause! Visit the links above for more information about buying or selling in this wonderful shop!

Rustic Copper Heart Ring in Hearts For Haiti Shop

Please consider purchasing or donating items! So many talented Etsians have offered there work from art prints, to jewelry, vintage, clothing and more.....

I am off to donate now!

Organic meets Glam!

2010-01-20T11:26:00.000-05:00

Meet Cheri of Orglamix, a fantastic shop that sells stunning mineral makeup in a plethora of colors for eco-conscious women. Her makeup contains no nano particles, bismuth oxychloride, synthetic dyes, parabens, synthetic fragrances, petrochemicals, or parabens. Orglamix is a also proud member of PETA!

In her own words......

"Our Mission:
Our mission is to provide affordable, excellent-quality natural cosmetics to eco-conscious women.

Our Vision:
We strive to create 100% pure, simple and effective products that are reasonably priced and suitable for everyday use."

Mission accomplished!

Once you enter Orglamix shop you will find lustrous eyes glittering with all colors of the rainbow, from neutral to vibrant, glittering to glistening, eye shadows, blushes, foundations and eco friendly brushes. I love her three piece collections (most under $15!) to help create multi-dimensional looks, but I think the starter kits get the prize! The mix of coordinated foundation, shadows, and blush are truly a steal! And some are even inspired by the worlds favorite teenage vamps in her "Glampire" collections. (Not that I, a grown woman, have read any of those books. )

I hardly ever go gaga when it comes to makeup but as soon as I gather the cash and pay my bills from my bead addiction, I am heading to this shop! Oooh look....a weekly special.....

Become a fan on facebook and get first dibs, deluxe samples and giveaways:
http://www.facebook.com/orglamix

Bon Bons in Your Garden- Sweet Looking Compost!

2010-01-10T13:00:00.000-05:00

Garden Bon Bons on Etsy has a sweet take on compost that I would like to share with you. Read all about Anne and you will see what I mean. I know you are tempted but please please don't eat these!

"My Etsy shop opened last March. I panicked and named it after my creation, Garden Bon Bons. The Garden Bon Bons are a twist on traditional seed balls which are made of clay, compost and seed. Garden Bon Bons take that concept but tweak the recipe with specially chosen quality seed, organic compost, various colors of clay and ornamental additions of natural pesticides like coffee, cinnamon and pepper. And then the gourmet seed balls are handcrafted to look like chocolates, popped into candy cups in a truffle box, accompanied with a chocolate road map and tied with a bow.

Garden Bon Bons - Italian Herb Selection

They are liberally labeled with the slogan “This candy is for planting, not for eating!” and are deliberately rustic enough that anyone picking them up should know that they either aren’t real chocolates – or if they once were they are far beyond an expiration date. Still, I hear from people that they have been tempted. They’d get a mouthful of dirt if they did.

Garden Bon Bons - Herbal Tea Selection

So far I’ve rolled out a couple of lines of culinary herbs and herbal teas but ideas for new pairings keep flowing. I do like the name of my etsy shop but the name may not have been smart long-term since there a lot of other concepts I want to explore, concepts that tie in to the garden as a staging ground for play and imagination. I envision making limited edition artisan Bon Bons until I am a very old lady. The grandkids, neighbors and postal carrier will all know what to expect from me each year when they receive their boxes.

I’ve been a landscape architect and a designer all my adult life but this is the first thing I’ve created that no one has ever done before – seed balls are an old tradition but this interpretation is my own. It’s a very satisfying feeling. I like to troll around Etsy and meet other like-minded creative people doing completely incredible art or craft. Its incredibly inspirational."

Get your own Bon Bons here:
www.gardenbonbons.etsy.com
You can also find Garden Bon Bons on Facebook.

Elephant Journal!

2009-12-16T10:36:00.000-05:00

I was thrilled to hear the other day that a good twitter friend had written a little article on Elephant Journal about gift suggestions for the meditation lover.... including my mahogany obsidian mala!

You can a take a peek at the article here. I highly recommend browsing the site for some interesting articles on yoga, politics, conscious consumerism, organics and much more!

This Must Be Bliss......Pecans and Whiskey

2009-11-24T14:56:00.000-05:00

Perhaps I am committing some awful act of blasphemy but my home presently has the sweet aroma of pecan pie and I am inclined to feel this could be true bliss. Now I know the senses tend to be illusory on our quest for the ultimate truth.... but it just smells so very good! This must be where pecans go when they die.

As long as the fragrance does not bind me, does not cause "attachment", this can be a moment of true bliss....right? :)

Well, I just tried a new recipe a friend recommended for Pecan Whiskey Pie and by the smell of it, I think it will be outstanding. It is incredibly simple to make and if you need a little something extra on the table this holiday I highly recommend it.

All you will need are eggs, maple syrup, sugar, butter, and pecans ( and whiskey, bourbon or other alcohol, if desired.) I am going to direct you to a really lovely blog for the sweet details. Click here for the recipe I used.

Wishing you all a beautiful holiday filled with peace, love, light and bliss!!!

The finished product!

A Peaceful Gift Guide for Yoga Lovers!

2009-11-23T08:53:00.000-05:00

Cinnamon chai tea box by Sabbio

Taj Mahal Pendant by ChickaDeesigns

Om Charm Necklace by Jewels Of Saraswati

Yoga Workout Bag by XcessRize

Peace Earrings by Seeds and Beeds

Original painting - Le pouvoir de Calliandra by Sabbio

Hand Carved Om Rubber Stamp by Winemakerssister

Om Embroidered Mini Tote by Gleeza

Gifts for the Free Spirit!

2009-11-11T10:22:00.000-05:00

A collection of bohemian items for the free spirit on your holiday shopping list!

Layered Snakeskin, Copper and Metal Chain Necklace by Capricious Adornments

Sandalwood Round Handmade Soaps By Bella Fresca

Granada - Set of 3 Wooden Bangles by Terrabella

Bounty Earrings by Jewels Of Saraswati

Whimsical Gypsy Vintage Lace and Applique Blouse by Greighday Vintage

Bronzed Turquoise Filigree Necklace by Lunar Belle

Why wait?

2009-11-10T10:52:00.001-05:00

Each month I attend a wonderful Raja Yoga satasang at The Integral Yoga Institute. (For those unfamiliar with the word satasang- in sanskrit sat = true, sanga = company. A satsang is generally a gathering of people who get together to discuss truth, yogic teachings etc., and work to assimilate them into their daily lives.)

This last satsang was so much fun and I wanted to share our "homework" with you and a beautiful lesson.

It began with a well known story of Swami Kriyananda and a few of his devotees. They had saved and saved to buy a new van for their ashram. When they had finally saved enough money and bought the van, the very day they were driving back they had a minor collision and the new van got terribly scratched.

All the devotees were extremely upset. Swami Kriyananda, however, was just sitting there with a big grin on his face. When the devotees asked him why he was smiling, he said "Will you cry about this forever?", to which they agreed they would not. His response, "So why wait!"

I think this lesson is so beautiful and I have been thinking on this all month. Our "homework", so to speak, was to see if we could let go of all those things that bother us just a little quicker. There will be trial and sadness but will we be affected by it forever? Will we hold onto these things? Why wait to let them go? Why wait for your happiness! Get it now!

So don't wait another second!

A beautiful trade...

2009-10-30T17:45:00.000-04:00

I had the pleasure of my very first trade last week!

Laura of Compassion Malas and I decided to trade malas from our shops. Her work has been featured on this blog already, but I can't say enough about it! I chose the the picture jasper pocket mala......

And she chose the Black Agate Mala......

The mala I received was beautiful and warm. I admit I have yet to meditate with it yet due to my schedule this week, but I plan to tonight! I will let you know how it goes.

Peace to all! And a special hello to my new followers!

Why Saraswati?

2009-10-20T10:56:00.000-04:00

Many have inquired about the name of my shop and I would love to share with you its origins.

Saraswati was a name given to me by my yoga teacher and dear friend. Saraswati is a very special name derived from the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music and the creative arts. In Hindu mythology, she is represented as the divine consort of Brahma , the creator of the universe and is said to assist her worshippers in the gaining of knowledge, wisdom and learning.

Images of Saraswati usually depict her wearing white, riding a swan or a peacock while playing the music of love and life on an instrument called the veena. Her four hands are a representation of the four aspects of the human personality in learning- mind, intellect, ego and alertness.

A beautiful and fitting name for any creative spirit. I endeavor to deserve it!

Heart Of Compassion..........

2009-10-05T11:08:00.000-04:00

I am so excited to introduce you to one of my favorite shops, Heart of Compassion Malas. Laura does extraordinary work with malas of all kinds. I have be admiring them for sometime and thought she would make a wonderful blog feature. I am sure you will enjoy her work as much as I do!

About Heart of Compassion Malas, "compassionmalas" on Etsy:

"I live in Encinitas, California with my family, a calico cat named Gidget, and a border collie named Penny Lane. I have an art degree and was a painter before I started my Etsy shop. I've studied meditation for over 25 years and I'm just starting to get it a little bit.

I started selling malas (traditionally Buddhist or Hindu prayer beads) online over a year ago. I kept hearing how great Etsy was and finally gave it a try. I started making malas because malas I'd buy always broke after I used them for a while, so each year when I went to meditation retreat I'd have a broken mala in a bag and I'd hand it over to my favorite mala repair person. After years of this I learned how to string them the same way and started making and repairing my own. Then I decided I wanted to share them with others. I didn't learn mala-making and repair by apprenticing in a small village in the Himalayas, but after making hundreds for people, I hope and pray I've got the technique down. I love what I do. It's a way to combine three of my favorite things: art, serving people, and meditation/prayer. I work a lot with the ideas of crystal healing.

My favorite way to work is to fall in love with a material, like bodhiseed or lilac stone, and then figure out what marker beads, guru bead, and tassel would tie it all together. I consider a beautiful mala to be an offering. When you use them in practice it opens your heart because of how beautiful they are.

When you wear them you feel connected to the earth, sky, and higher power. This can be very centering and enriching.

I’m not sure if enough people know about malas. They are Buddhist and Hindu rosaries. But they shouldn’t just be for Buddhists. Many faiths have prayer beads, even Protestants are starting to use them. You can find "Anglican Rosaries" on Etsy, and I make some too.

They're very good companions for yoga practitioners. For mantra recitation, a mantra such as Om Mani Padme Hum is repeated for each bead. In Tibetan tradition the mala is held in the left hand and the bead is pulled towards the heart with the thumb. No mantra is said on the three-holed guru bead by the tassel. One tries to do this for the benefit of all beings, as well as for oneself. It can be a wonderful practice in meditation if you relax while you say mantras.

My background is in Tibetan Buddhism, but I respect and honor all spiritual traditions. We have more in common than we are different.

About Etsy:

I love being on Etsy because it really is a community and I meet buyers and sellers from all over the world. My shoppers are beautiful people. I enjoy watching Etsy grow and seeing all the effort the company is putting into developing it. Etsy makes it so easy. It's been incredible to have an online store and I'm truly grateful.

I also have a blog: http://www.heartofcompassionmalas.blogspot.com/.

May you be well and happy,
Laura"

Mini People In The Heart Of France.....

2009-09-23T09:46:00.000-04:00

I want to introduce you to one of the most unique shops I have seen on Etsy recently, Les Minis de Dongedy. If you have yet to visit this shop, you are in for a treat!

Dongedy creates and photographs tiny scenes from everyday items with mini people. She painstakingly creates an enticing little world where mini men scale nutella bottles, couples ice skate over linzer tarts and little arrangements of sweets become bustling construction areas! I invite you to enter her surreal and beautiful world......

I asked her to write a little about herself:

"I'm Dongedy. I'm 37 years old, a woman with a husband and 2 cute daughters. I'm french and living in France, 50km away from Paris (close enough to benefit from its cultural lights, and far enough to live in an old house made of stone, near the forest).

I come from the marketing and communication world (I've been working for French Luxury brands for 10 years), and decided to work independantly when I became a mother.

I am a photographer of tiny worlds and a story teller. I love to shoot mini people (Ho scale) and to create new micro-stories. Part of my job consists in having a new look to items all around me. On my desk, in my kitchen, in shops : I'm always wondering whether this USB key, this teapot or that fork could match minipeoples to create new photos.

I'm having fun doing this, and I hope you that have fun looking at these photos too..."

My shop : http://dongedyframe.etsy.com
My blog : http://dongedymini.blogspot.com

Meet Leo......He Meditates Too

2009-08-28T11:49:00.001-04:00

OK. So I admit he doesn't really do very much......hours laying under the craft table, an occasional snarfle, inspecting newly arrived packages, alerting me to the mailman- but he is damn cute! I would like to introduce you to Leo. He sits quietly at my feet while I practice for gigs, when I create and even when I meditate. He finds a little place for himself (often after some intense digging, a pleasurable groan, then plop!) He joins me in the moment, whatever it may be. What wisdom we can learn from animals. For them, the present is merely that. The present.

They live simply and fully in the moment, every moment.

An outing in the Spring.

It is difficult- he sometimes steals my clothes.

Dancing for Jagannath....

2009-08-17T14:22:00.000-04:00

I had the sublime pleasure of attending a performance of Rahul Acharya last night at the Integral Yoga Institute Princeton.

Rahul is an extremely gifted and renowned Odissi dancer from India. Although difficult to bring such an intricate performance to life through a description, I really wanted to share this experience with you and tell you a little about the extremely fascinating history of this dance.

Odissi dance is a sacred Indian classical dance from the eastern state of Odissa. The origins are linked with the culture of Devadasis (or dancing girls) and can be traced back for more than 2,000 years. Following this tradition these dances were performed by Maharis, virgin women dedicating their lives to Lord Jagannath, and only danced for him within the Jagannath temple in Odissi. (Boys dressed as girls or "Gotipua" could perform these story-telling dances outside the temple for the public at festivals.) Unfortunately, during colonial period Odissi dance was banned, the Maharis labeled as prostitutes, and this sacred dance form nearly lost. Modern Odissi dances are now reconstructions.

There is so much to the rich history of this dance, I am sure I would need more than a blog, and more than my unreliable memory to do it justice! If you would like to dig deeper, I would recommend searching online on the numerous cultural Indian sites.

As to the performance last night, it was amazing. I am not even going attempt a description. Rahul is deeply devoted to the diety Jagannath and while he dances it is a kind of transcendental experience for both performer and audience. He truly lives his art in each pose, gesture, and facial expression. Here is a video I found on youtube of Rahul. One of many! My only complaint is that you cannot see the intricate mudras (hand gestures) and his facial expressions which are tied deeply into the poetic and story-telling aspect of the dance. For those who have the time to watch the full video, I recommend you do so ! He does this amazingly difficult pose at the end (around the 8 minute mark) which is stunning! You will know it when you see it!

I hope you enjoy his performance as much as I did.