I’m flying back to the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat in the Bahamas as I write this blog.  

Time has flown by since last July, when I started summer with a brief visit to Chicago area and then traveled to New York for a week of Ayurveda lectures by Dr. Vasant Lad. There was an incredible amount of material covered, and Dr. Lad inspired all of us.

Next stop was Pune, India to continue my journey with Dr Lad at the Vasant Institute of Ayurveda (VIOA).  I had the good fortune to participate in a pancha karma experience as part of a course that Dr Lad taught for Ayurveda practitioners learning to administer the powerful cleansing program for their own clients.  Pancha karma was new for me, and so was India!  I enjoyed the trip and found the travel to be quite an adventure. India is very unique and cities are very loud!  The people and cuisine of India are wonderful.  Luckily I stayed in India after the pancha karma course and was able to try some of their delicious foods.
The detoxification of pancha karma goes deep into the tissues and cells, cleansing and removing toxins, in order to allow the body to then regain vitality throughout the the body.  
In India, those who follow Ayurveda often do the treatments seasonally.  It might be equated a bit to an ‘oil change’ in the upkeep of a car - the car will continue to run for a long time without changing the oil, but eventually damage will be done.  Regular oil changes help to prevent damage to the systems of the car.

Similarly, regular pancha karma is good for optimal health.  Pancha means five, and there are five procedures that can be used, depending on the client.  I had daily abyhanga (oil body massage), nasya (nasal oil), Shirodhara (hot oil streamed on forehead, relaxing the nervous system) and swedhana (sweating with steam) treatments.  I also had 5 or 6 basti treatments, a bit like enemas but using tea-like mixtures with herbs and warm water that flow into the rectum from a soft tube that is attached to a hanging bag for the fluid.  It sounds much worse than it actually was.  After the first one, I felt quite comfortable with this process.  I especially liked the eye, liver and stomach bastis - same word but not enemas.  I show a picture and explain them in another blog post. 

Additionally, Dr Lad prescribed various herbs and tinctures customized for each person. The cleanse consisted of a mono diet of 3 meals daily of kitchari.  Kitchari is made from Basmati rice, mung dal beans, ghee and spices.  Sometimes, it was soupy and others it was a thicker rice consistency.  I liked the taste and had no problem staying on the diet - though two weeks of eating the same thing is a bit boring.  The third week, other foods were slowly added to the kitchari diet.  We also had ginger tea and electrolyte fluids throughout the day.  I did not feel hungry, but a couple of the other people on the program did.

I've noticed positive results from the cleanse and was told I'd continue to note changes for two to three months after - I ended on August 29.  There are different lengths of time for cleanses too, depending on what an individual needs.

I’m happy that Dr. Lad and others continue to train Ayurveda practitioners in this procedure. Many of them are from and living in the U.S.  While I likely won’t be doing the full program seasonally, perhaps once or twice a year will become part of my health maintenance. 

I found it interesting to learn that Prince Charles of England undergoes pancha karma each season and is an avid fan of the process.

KP Khalsa, my Ayurveda doctor, is now working with me to rebuild after the cleanse.
I am so grateful for his expertise and loving spirit.  Continuing to improve my health and sharing about What is Possible? is the journey I am on.
Namaste
Loving Life and Living Love,
Mary

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Thank You to Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat for this recipe published in their blog.

Autumn Apple Crisp
Serves 8-12
Filling
7-9 medium-large apples
Lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
2/3 cup sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
3 Tbsp arrowroot starch
1/4 cup water (you can also use apple juice)
Toppings
1 cup rolled oats or quick oats
1/2 cup almond meal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup sugar (cane sugar or coconut sugar recommended)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup pecans (roughly chopped)
1/2 cup melted coconut oil
1/4 tsp sea salt
Recipe

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176 degrees Celsius)
2. Remove cores and cut apples into quarters. Then thinly slice each quarter lengthwise.
3. Mix apples in a large bowl along with the rest of the filling ingredients.
4. Empty mixing bowl into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Clean mixing bowl and then mix all topping ingredients in the bowl
6. Pour toppings evenly over the apples.
7. Bake for 45 minutes or until until the filling bubbles. (Apples should be tender and topping should be golden.)

Namaste
Loving Life and Living Love,
Mary

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​Back in the States and watching some television, I've noticed the incredible number of commercials for meds to cure serious illnesses. I am saddened by the prevalence of these illnesses.  Yet, I now realize that the path leading to these serious afflictions is a long, albeit rather covert one.  

We do not walk through a door labeled "Experience Addiction" or "Experience Depression" or "Experience Cancer" or "Experience Rage".  These conditions sneak up on us, little by little, over periods of prolonged use and abuse.  
 
We don't choose to cross the line into disease and addiction; it happens quite unknowingly.  We ignore the many small signs pointing to problems, that our bodies give us.  Along the path, with each and every sign we ignore, we think "No worries, I've got this, or I'll deal with it later."

While we are busy deluding ourselves about the situation, the body continues to degenerate.  Our lifestyles do matter.  Simple things have strong impact - our food and drink choices - whether we allow time for relaxation after stressing our mind and bodies - the way we breathe - even what movies and music we select.  

Often we ignore the signs, as I did, with a seemingly small annoyance. I didn't think it was a big deal that my toenail wouldn't heal after an initial running injury that eventually resulted in the presence of fungus - I've had this 'sign' for many years. I tried every over the counter product there was and some unconventional suggestions from friends, like Vicks vap-o-rub and rubbing alcohol.

The nail was easily covered up with weekly coats of nail polish, showing myself and the world a false 'healthy toe'.  Couple that with cracked skin on my feet, joint cracking and difficulty sleeping, plus a host of other "annoyances", as I called them - "typical problems we all have to deal with as we get older" - I thought!

I learned when I was young that older people wouldn't heal well and with age we should expect to have signs of degeneration.  While it is true that our bodies age and change over time, I have experienced a different truth since I began my journey of yoga and Ayurveda.

Changing a lifetime of habits and effects on the body does not happen overnight.  And I continue to daily work on some of my issues. BUT I am proof that degeneration is NOT a given with aging.  I've had elimination of issues and regrowth of healthy tissues and skin.  Strength, vitality and a high quality of life is possible at any age.  I truly believe that and have proved to myself What's Possible? after consistent lifestyle changes in food, drink and relaxation and a dedicated yoga practice that involved spirituality in my daily life. 

I share before and after photos and the many stories from a year long study I undertook.  I lived at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat in the Bahamas, incorporating a yogic lifestyle and following principles of Ayurveda, while guided by a doctor of Ayurveda and expert in herbalism, KP Khalsa.  

Together, KP and I authored a book titled What's Possible? that I hope you will read and share with others.  My often humorous situations, complicated by my typical American response to life, may provide you with food for thought and a glimpse into a completely foreign approach to life.  At least it was once foreign to me.

I invite you to read the reviews on Amazon and check out What's Possible? 
My entire journey began with a single email from a friend, and life will never be the same again - in a very good way! 

Namaste
Loving Life and Living Love,
Mary

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“A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence.”
— Jim Watkins

Namaste
Loving Life and Living Love,
Mary

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I read this while eating breakfast in India this week.  I hope you get a kick out of it, as I did.  I laughed out loud and found it fascinating at the same time - especially in this culture.  When I shared the article with a friend, she said it wasn't far fetched, as a doctor friend of hers has a W/C with all the amenities mentioned.  Go Figure! 
​
​​Sharing my latest life experiences with you and hoping they are interesting and helpful.
​Namaste
Loving Life and Living Love,
Mary

                                                                                                                   Thank you to Poppy and Someday for the great photo of this treatment.
In India at the Vasant Institute of Ayurveda, I am experiencing panchakarma (pancha means five, and there are five  procedures used).  This 12 day detoxifying and purification has been very interesting and at times intense - generally in a good way.

One of the most unusual treatments for me was yesterday's Netra Basti.  I found the treatment very pleasant, calming and intriguing.  

The wheat dough ring that surrounds the eye is soft, light weight and comfortable.  It is gently moulded around the eye and holds the warm medicated ghee (clarified butter) which is slowly poured into the dough dam and bathes the eyes, which are at first closed.  The therapists then asked me to open my eyes slowly, which was quite easy to do.  Next came some eye exercises - up and down, left and right, corner to corner and then circles one way and then the other - all with eyes opened.  Then the eyes were rested in a closed position.  Another measured amount of warm ghee was administered while eyes were closed.  The dough ring and ghee were carefully and easily removed.  Each eye took about 30 minutes.

Once the ghee was removed the therapist massaged specific marma points (like acupressure points) around the eye area.  It all felt quite nice.

The eyes are a bit foggy after the treatment and sunglasses are worn for a couple hours while the eyes are sensitive to light.  Also it was recommended to not use technology for the remainder of the day.  It was a good tech break for me:)

Netra Basti treatment helps to reduce stress and eye strain - particularly good for these days of heavy computer and smart phone usage.  It also helps with dark circles, dryness of eyes (which I have), conjunctivitis, watering of eyes, painful or swollen eyes.

​Sharing my latest life experiences with you and hoping they are interesting and helpful.
​Namaste
Loving Life and Living Love,
Mary

Now Available at Amazon Books and check out KP Khalsa excerpt from book below

A Little About Me from What's Possible?
I am Mary Roberts (Padmavati). Discovering a different path at the age of 61, after a lifetime of traditional living was completely unexpected. My rather ordinary life journey became an unlikely adventure. 

My story begins in the same way that many of our stories do - schooling then career path, in my case as a teacher, then marriage...children...divorce...a new, work-hard-play-hard career path in marketing and eventually international trade…all part of the respected, acceptable and typical treadmill of life in our Western culture. The faster we run, the better - or so I thought.

On the surface, before this adventure began, I had it all - lovely condo in one of the nicest parts of Chicago, a loving family and a wide circle of friends. I had attained work success with a nicely titled and high-paying job, had nice clothes and a nice place to live. Yet, I couldn't help but feel that something indefinable was missing.

I began my exploration of the ancient sciences of Yoga and Ayurveda at my local yoga studio in downtown Chicago, and was introduced to new ways of life that fascinated me. I felt compelled to learn more. That interest led me to a week-long Ayurveda conference at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat in the Bahamas. 

From that one week vacation, I became a "guinea pig" for a year-long Ayurvedic - Yogic lifestyle study at the Ashram. No caffeine, no alcohol, no meat, eggs, seafood - all vegetarian diet, and I’d be living in a tent!

Somehow, I created the proposal and presented it to KP Khalsa, renowned herbalist and Ayurveda specialist. He is the co author of this book and a well respected author of numerous books on Ayurveda.

I wanted to see what was possible.
As a typical American woman, raised on an abundance of fast, convenience foods, meats, seafood, sugary desserts, and who enjoyed strong coffee, alcohol, constant activity and late nights out with friends; this was a huge leap.  Sleeping in a tent, using communal bathrooms and living a simple, yogic lifestyle seemed inconceivable. Yet I chose to have this experience. 

This book takes you on the year-long journey, with before and after photos, actual journal entries, milestone reports and final results. I’d be honored to share my story with you.
​
Excerpt from the Foreword of What's Possible? 
by Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa

“Living Ayurveda and using Ayurvedic herbalism can keep you well. With this knowledge, you can achieve balanced health, a priceless gift. Imagine a time in the near future when you’re free from sickness, when you haven’t been bothered by even a painful joint or uncomfortable bloating for a long, long time. That future can become your reality.

I’ve seen thousands of patients regain vibrant health, and for my entire adult life I’ve been involved in the revolution that is transforming the health care system in America. Ayurveda and yoga play a big part in that. I am sure you, like other Americans, want to know what you can do to protect yourself from the degeneration, aging and daily irritations that undermine the quality of our lives.

If you have relied on conventional treatments and they are failing you, learn yoga and incorporate Ayurveda in your life, starting today. In this book, you will read about the success story of an admittedly typical American woman who did just that. Committing to the historically potent herbal traditions of India, fused with a modern slant, she found transformation. This could be you. I hope you take to heart what she says about her experience. Admittedly, she spent the year in a concentrated yoga and Ayurveda environment, but there is so much you could do in your own kitchen.”

My evolution of self was life changing in a very positive way, but that transformation did not come without many challenges, lessons and a few humorous experiences that served to humble me throughout the year.
​Read more....

​Namaste
Loving Life and Living Love,
Mary

Check it out at https://www.lotuspress.com/what-s-possible.html
3 1/2 years in the making, this story sheds light on one mainstream American woman's experience as layers of life are peeled away and truths exposed.  

Many of you have followed along since the beginning of this unlikely journey.  I hope you will do me the honor of reading the book that KP Khalsa and I have written about the yearlong study of me as a 'guinea pig', living an Ayurvedic-Yogic lifestyle at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat in the Bahamas.  There are before and after photos, milestone reports, journal entries and many lessons learned along the way.

I welcome your feedback and hope that you will find the book informative, interesting and helpful.
​
Namaste
Loving Life and Living Love,
Mary

What an amazing experience I have to share with you!  
​Two years in the making, this press release announces the book about my year long study of Ayurveda and Yoga at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat in the Bahamas.  
Online ordering information will be available soon. 

In the Bahamas, at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat, where I currently am, we celebrated the International Day of Yoga with a special puja (ceremony) conducted by the Ashram priest and also had a special advanced yoga class.  Our sister Sivananda ashram and center in New York, as well as Sivananda centers around the world also had celebrations.

This photo from New York and the largess of it all was pretty amazing.  I thought it was worth sharing with all of you.  It's also fascinating to me that prior to three years ago, I had never heard of Sivananda yoga.  It's a wonderful practice, and I'm happy that it is upfront and center for the International Day of Yoga celebrations.

In New York, the celebration began at ​the United Nations Headquarters in Manhattan for "Yoga Sessions with Yoga Masters" program sponsored by the Permanent Mission of India. Swami Paramananda, from the Sivananda Yoga Ranch led a 20-minute asana class, and Sivananda teachers and TTCs (teacher training course students) acted as demonstrators and assistants for the class, which was attended by close to 1000 participants who filled the North Lawn of the United Nations Headquarters.

At the UN, the "Yoga for Peace" panel discussion held on Thursday afternoon included Sivananda NY Ashram director, Srinivasan among six panelists for the discussion, which was attended by 200-300 people. The panel was moderated by Mitchell Rabin, who has been a long-time friend of the ashram, and Lila Lolling was also among the panelists.

On Thursday evening in Times Square, Swami Paramananda led a 75-minute asana class as part of the Times Square Alliance's Summer Solstice celebration. Again Sivananda teachers and TTCs acted as demonstrators and assistants for the class, which was attended by 1500 people. (photo above)
​
Namaste
Loving Life and Living Love,
Mary

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Sharing your thoughts is a gift to all of us!

As I look back over the past three years, I marvel at the experiences I've had since I took 'the leap' to stay at the Sivananda Bahamas Ashram and Yoga Retreat. Starting with a year long study of living an Ayurvedic-Yogic lifestyle, under the guidance of Ayurveda doctor and expert herbalist, KP Khalsa, my life has changed radically.  
KP and I co-authored a book about the year long study that will soon be published and available for purchase. 

Together, we wanted to find out what is possible for an American born woman, raised in Western culture on the work hard/play hard treadmill of life path.  Was there anything other than the usual 'take a pill' quick solution to our health issues? Would the rest of my life be a downward struggle of decreased health and mobility?

The book takes you on a year long journey with before and after photos, actual journal entries, milestone reports and final results.

Stay Tuned for more about the book and details of how to order.
It is a story I'd be honored to share with you.

Namaste
Loving Life and Living Love,
Mary

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                                                                                                                                           Photo courtesy of medicalxpress.com
Qualia and Kirtan - Talk about Diversity!

Last week the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat, where I am currently residing, has provided some really unique and diverse presenters.  The beginning of the week was all about kirtan (call and response chanting/singing).  

Gaura Vani is renown in the yogi world and has been singing kirtan since the age of 6.  He and his ensemble are Bhaktis - devotional kirtan singers.  Gaura Vani brings his entire family, and they are all musically talented - from his children to his mother and extended family.  Each night was filled with joyous devotional music.

I think back to my first night at the Ashram and how freaked out I was with the chants mentioning Hari Krishna.  Now, chants of all kinds are second nature to me, and I really enjoy chanting.

The remainder of the week was all about Qualia and the Science of Consciousness.
Menas Kafatos PhD, Neil Theise MD, Debashish Banerjee PhD, and Swami Brahmananda dialogued during a smposium about the qualities of consciousness, or qualia. 

The symposium expanded the conversation that began last year at the ashram with Deepak Chopra and Menas Kafatos presenting “You are the Universe: Discovering Your Cosmic Self and Why it Matters.”   They co-authored a book by the same title.  

In the description of the symposium, “These qualities of consciousness, or qualia, when closely observed, allow us to be “alchemists” who create both our internal and external worlds. For thousands of years, our spiritual traditions have taught that the path to health and enlightenment lies in our perceptions. Now science is validating and deepening this assertion.” 

I really enjoyed Neil Theise's and Debashish Banerjee's talks. These two presenters were new to me, and I found them each to be fascinating. It is quite amazing, the level of presenters that the ashram provides and the vast diversity.  I have been enriched and am grateful for the nightly satsang experiences.

Namaste
Loving Life and Living Love,
Mary

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​

I have the blessings of meeting many people while teaching yoga at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat in the Bahamas.  After most of my classes, at least one and often more of the attendees will come up to ask questions about soreness in their muscles that is causing them pain and inability to move with ease.

​Besides some guidance on their movements in the yoga postures, I often recommend Mahanarayan Oil (my preferred brand is Banyan Botanicals). It is a highly effective oil, especially used at night, for relieving muscle and joint pain.  I have used it quite a bit and found it to really work.  A word of caution - this oil can stain if not rubbed in well. 

The questions about muscles have had me thinking quite a bit about the Yin Yoga training I did last summer with Swara Yoga teachers, Sofia and Emily. Emily enthusiastically shared her vast knowledge of anatomy and provided us with much information to help us better understand what was going on when we have tightened and sore muscles.  Two quotes that I found particularly interesting follow:

“A tight muscle will resist the circulation of these vital fluids - picture a fist gripping a hose and how that would effect the flow of water running through that hose.  Put another way, tight muscles work against the flow of your cardiovascular system (blood) and your immune system (which your lymphatic system supports).  The result is increased blood pressure, decreased metabolism, waste accumulation in your tissues, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.  If optimal health in our body is important to us, bringing suppleness and circulation back to our tight muscles must be a priority .  Had you ever thought about your muscles from this bigger picture, whole body health perspective?”

“Muscles don’t lengthen beyond the stabilizers ability to support them, or the strength and flexibility of the antagonists involved (antagonist muscles are those that oppose the action of another - biceps and triceps are antagonists).  If they are forced to stretch, they are damaged at a microscopic level and weakened, and always feel tight and sore.”

Ahimsa is major principle of yoga.  It means ‘do no harm’ or non violence.  This includes doing no harm to ourselves too.  Taking care to rest and relax muscles when they are sore, rather than further stressing them with too much activity, is important for us all to remember.  Be kind to yourself.

Namaste
Loving Life and Living Love,
Mary

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