Yogarosa Blog

Here I am in India. I am not dreaming. It's real. With its sights and smells, this enchanted land rich with history as well as mystery. Where there is a marked difference between opulence and misery. Land of extremes, with mountain tops covered with snow, and steamy beaches all in one. There are mystic and sacred sites, as well as fancy shopping centers. Ultra spicy food, as well as the sweetest of sweets. Palaces with gold trim, and beggars sleeping with dogs in the street. The latest model BMW driving on the same street that a woman and her children call home. But India is real. With all its shocking problems, India is authentic. It doesn't try to please anyone. Perhaps that is the allure that attracts visitors from all over the world. It's dirty, but it has a soul. Noisy, because it has a lot to say. Complicated, because it has so much to teach us about the human condition. Some escape to India to run away from their reality. Some come to fill themselves with ancien...

I Just finished a yoga class taught by a master. I could say taught by the granddaughter of a master, but in her own right, she shines on her own. I am talking about Abhijata, grand daughter of legendary yoga master, BKS Iyengar. After 6 weeks in Pune, I have taken many classes, with different teachers, and have been inspired and have learned and deepened my practice with all of them. Each and every teacher has something to offer. But it is not so much about what they give, it is really more about what I have received, as Prashant Iyengar says. My eyes, ears, and mind pay attention. But I offer myself as a student full of samskaras, or imprints from past lives. In addition, I have the imprints and the scars of this life. So I come with some knowledge, or my own perceived knowledge. As a student, I am not fortunate to have the opportunity of taking classes with a regular teacher in my hometown. Perhaps this has been a blessing in disguise, as well as a curse, as I am forced to figure...

In the ancient treatise, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the Sage Patanjali states an eight fold path of yoga, known as astanga yoga. This path begins with social and personal responsibilities. The first limb along the path of yoga is called Yama. Yama in Sanskrit means “taking a vow”. These 5 ethical principles are the basis for living a yogic lifestyle.   They are: Ahimsa, Non violence Satya, Truthfulness Asteya, Non-stealing Bramacharya, self restraint, or celibacy Aparigrahah, Non-hoarding, non attachment Ahimsa is the basis for all other yamas. If we think, act, and behave in such a way that doesn’t harm others, we will tell the truth, we won’t steal, we will not be promiscuous, and we will let go of attachments. Ghandi chose to only practice Ahimsa and Satya, and everything else fell into place.  Practicing Ahimsa can be challenging, because the world around us is a breeding ground for violence. For example, driving during rush hour, everyone is i...

So now even our holidays are practicing yoga. The word yoga, means to unite. So this year, Thanksgiving and Hannukah have come together on the same day. "Thanksgivukkah." As we continue to evolve as a human race, it seems we are having to reinvent our old paradigms. The beauty of our existence, is that we have an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to shed that which no longer serves us.  Two beautiful holidays merge, giving us the opportunity to have a different perspective. A new outlook. To gain a new understanding on two holidays that deep down represent freedom. As we gather around the table with our loved ones, let's all come together with the understanding that even though we may have different religions and beliefs, varied tastes and schooling, deep down we are all one. We all have mind chatter. We all cry at the loss of a loved one. We can all agree on the wonder of a new life. We all have a being of light that radiates inside of us. We all have th...

I am sorry. I will not wear a pink ribbon. I do not want to have anything to do with Breast Cancer. I refuse to pollute my consciousness with Breast Cancer Awareness. I believe we are not helping to "Save the Tatas" by posting ads everywhere with huge letters that highlight Breast Cancer. We are told there is no cure. I do admit it is a devastating disease. And many courageous women do survive it. I have seen women who have had one breast removed, and were left disfigured, because they did not have the resources to get implants. I also have friends who survived, and reluctantly hold up their new "shields", which protect their emotional scars. My big problem with the whole Breast Cancer Awareness proposition is that the main sponsors behind it all is the medical establishment. The medical establishment which has, for the most part, focused its efforts on its bottom line. Unfortunately, medicine is now a big business in treating symptoms. Mammograms are also big bu...

Patanjali: Do I Invoke or Do I Not Invoke? A the beginning of most Iyengar Yoga classes, there is a chant that is done in a call and response fashion. What is the purpose of this? I will share with you my thoughts on this subject.  When I was in India, and had the privilege of being in classes taught by BKS Iyengar, his daughter, Geeta, and his son Prashant. All the classes always began with this chant. At the time, I had no idea what the chant meant and what the purpose of it was. All I knew is that I was in India, being taught by the most knowledgeable authorities on  yoga, and I participated in the experience, even though for the most part I was inventing the words. After a few days of chanting the invocation, it became an essential part of my focal direction. My mind knew it was time for yoga, and it was almost like the cells of my body received the announcement that it was time to be in yoga mode. My body and my mind became accustomed to the foreshadowing of ...

PRESS RELEASE April 1, 2013 For Immediate Release Contact: Yogarosa (954) 456-6077 Want to own a Yoga Studio?       Yogarosa is for Sale! Hallandale Beach, FL Since 2002, Founder and Director of Yogarosa, Inc, Rosa Santana has been planting the seeds of Iyengar Yoga. It has grown into an amazing community of yogis and yoginis. After so many years of dedicating herself into this endeavor, Rosa has decided to relocate and spend some time writing, reflecting, practicing, studying, and pursuing other complementary modalities.    Before sharing the news with others, Rosa has decided to give her students first choice in carrying on her legacy. Please contact us at  yogarosa@msn.com  for details of this wonderful opportunity to own an established Iyengar Yoga Studio with a very positive international and of course, local reputation.   This was the email I sent out on  April Fool's Day. It was an...