Yoga, True Nature: 108 Inspirations - excerpt

T R U E N AT U R E

1 0 8 I N S P I RAT I O N S Lori Myles-Carullo PHOT O GRAPHER: George Fischer AU THO R:

SANGHA Spiritual Community

“Sangha” is a Sanskrit term used in both Buddhism and yoga to describe a community of like-minded and like-hearted practitioners, a fellowship of those following a common spiritual pursuit. We create a great power when we practice yoga on our own, and that power increases and multiplies when we are blessed with the synergistic dynamic of a group. Whether each yogi or yogini is practicing at their own rhythm or pace, or whether all are practicing the same postures and sequences in harmony, the essence of the Sangha is present and the group of devotees lives, moves, and breathes as one. May this book inspire you to enjoy the practice in all its forms.

Copyright © 2020 George Fischer and Lori Myles-Carullo. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission from the photographer, George Fischer.

Design and captions by Catharine Barker, National Graphics, Toronto, ON Canada Copy Editor: Selina Barker

Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication Title: Yoga : true nature : 108 inspirations /

author: Lori Myles-Carullo ; photographer: George Fischer.

Names: Myles-Carullo, Lori, 1973- author. | Fischer, George, 1954- photographer.

Nimbus Publishing Limited 3660 Strawberry Hill, Halifax, NS Canada B3K 5A9 Tel.: 902 455-4286

Identifiers: Canadiana 20190222956 | ISBN 9781771088718 (hardcover)

Printed in China

Classification: LCC B132.Y6 M95 2020 | DDC 181/.450222—dc23

Subjects: LCSH: Yoga—Pictorial works. | LCGFT: Photobooks.

Movement is the song of the body.

VANDA SCARAVELLI

Y

our true nat

ture

is purity, peace, and joy.

SATHYA SAI BABA

Y

oga, the sacred practice that originated thousands of years ago in India, has become a modern lifestyle trend on a global scale. You can find many books with “how to” guidelines, books exploring different styles and expressions of the practice, books based on yogic psychology, philosophy, and spirituality, and so much more.

I personally fell in love with yoga over 25 years ago when I set foot in a beautiful hall in the McGill University gym and entered my

first formal series of Integral Yoga classes led by the amazing Susan Bouthillier. Nurturing a passion for dance ever since I could crawl, and being very drawn to movement arts in general, yoga offered something new that has stayed with me as my practice has grown and evolved dramatically over the years. Yoga helped me remember that it wasn’t so much about how my body looked as it was about how my whole being felt. It encouraged me to feel the posture from within instead of being focused on, and distracted by, externals. Yoga invited me, breath by conscious breath, to listen to the wisdom of my body, to relax and clear my uber-busy mind, and to drop again and again into my heart and soul. It was an instant love that has only strengthened and deepened over time.

A few years ago, when I met photographer George Fischer and we shared our mutual appreciation for yoga, a seed was planted in my dream-world about one day having the incredible chance to create

5

6

a yoga book with him. George has an extraordinary talent and has developed incredible skills in capturing the great beauty of the natural world. He has travelled the globe capturing the wonderful heights and depths of creation and has published over sixty books during the course of his career. The thought of collaborating with him on a book that expressed something of the great love I feel for yoga felt like a far-off, amazing dream.

As the years passed and our friendship grew, and as he witnessed various yoga photos my husband took of me on our travels, George would joke with me about doing a yoga book. That is, until he got serious. And so did I. And then it became time to draw the dream into the realm of manifestation.

Patanjali, the great yogic sage who wrote the sacred scriptures of yoga, the Yoga Sūtras, in the second

century BCE, had this to say about the power of realizing a dream with a specific intention: “When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds; your mind transcends limitations; your conscious expands in every direction; and you find yourself in a great, new and wonderful world.”

7

It is this great, new, and wonderful yogic world we welcome you into through our creative and inspired project, Yoga: True Nature. Soon after I got a sense of the title for the book I envisioned sharing 108 inspirations, since 108 in yoga tradition symbolizes spiritual completion and carries the energy of helping bring us back to our true spiritual nature. With this subtitle, my direction was clear.

Reverend Helen Avery, in her article entitled 108: Yoga’s Sacred Number, reminds us that the famous mathematician and physicist Galileo Galilei stated that the universe is written in mathematical language, and “the mysteries of creation itself could be unravelled through numbers and equations.”

For the ancient mystics, there were codes of awakening and codes that were said to bring us back to our nature, and for the yogis, “that

code is 108.” Rev. Avery also refers to the fact that the japa malas used in yogic meditation have 108 beads, that pranayama (breathing exercises) and sun salutations are often practiced in cycles of 108. And here, in Yoga: True Nature, the 108 inspirations are expressed within a mix of beautiful images aligned with evocative words, powerful quotes, and original, inspired text to illuminate the essence of various key yogic poses. My greatest wish

8

and raw beauty of nature surrounding is that each inspiration, merging the majestic beauty of Mother and enfolding us.

Earth with the sacred and Huge gratitude to France Miousse, universal beauty of the practice of yoga, transmits something of Chantal Cormier, Serge LaPierre, the healing essence of yoga to Nicole Richard, and Noemie Bourque, you. The goal of yoga, if yoga were who, courageously and with great said to have a goal, is to bring each devotion, participated in the photo being back to their original self, their shoots to bring the practice to true nature, which is one with the True Nature. divine. And how better to express that journey than through My deepest thanks to our practicing yoga in magical location, the It is this the heart of the ĂŽles de la Madeleine, natural world, where great, new, and a small archipelago Prana (the vital wonderful yogic in the Gulf of the life force energy) originates and is Saint Lawrence. world we welcome most powerful?

These islands you into through were the perfect May the inspiration our creative and combination of of each Asana, or inspired project, purity, beauty, and pose, be a blessing to you on all levels energy as we sought of your being. May all to express the essence of that you see and read in this yoga and of Mother Earth. book lead you closer to the light and beauty of your own true nature. And Finally, thank you YOGA for always may you share that light with encouraging me to be the highest everyone and all that surrounds and truest version of myself, and to you to make the world more happy, make my life a radical gift of LOVE in peaceful, and free. this world.

From the very depths of my heart and soul I thank George for having the courage and vision to make this inspired dream a living, published reality and for trusting me to guide the yogic elements while he took photographic care of the power

Namaste o rull a C s e l y M i r o L

9

TADASANA Mountain Pose

14

Tadasana is the posture of the mountain, standing stable, steady, strong, and majestic.

It is also called Samasthiti, which literally translates to “equal standing.” Standing on one’s own two feet seems simple and unassuming but there is so much going on in terms of alignment, posture, breath, and form. It is not just about grounding, even though being grounded is very important. It is not just about being centred, even though it is vital to center oneself. The affirmative essence of this posture, once we relax into it and allow ourselves to simply be, is “yes.” Yes, beloved universe, I accept myself and my life exactly as I am and exactly as it is. I am open to whatever life has for me, whether it has come in the form of a blessing or challenge. I choose to open my heart and say yes to life, yes to love, yes to this present, perfect moment in time and space.

15

Yoga is not just repetition of few postures – it is more about the exploration and discovery of the subtle energies of life.

AMIT RAY

32

Namaste literally translates to “I bow to you,” which has been extrapolated within the yoga community to variations of “the divine light within me bows to the divine light within you.” Whether the connected palms are engaged in front or behind the heart, the core meaning remains the same: “I bow to you.”

I bow to you, knowing that even when I forget that you are my brother or sister on this planet, and I fall prey to the illusion that we are separate, I can always choose to remember our unity. Just as I bow to my light and yours, I also bow to the shadows we cast. I bow with forgiveness.

I bow with grace.

33

PASHCHIMA NAMASKARASANA Reverse Namaste

AWAKEN

46

VASISTHASANA Side Plank

This arm and wrist strengthening posture was named after various well known sages in the yoga tradition. Vasistha is Sanskrit for “most excellent, best, and/or richest.� Side Plank Pose is said to offer a great wealth of power to those who practice it. The great yoga master B.K.S. Iyengar taught the full version of this posture, which calls for the raised leg to stretch out perpendicular to the ground.

You can also raise the bent upper leg towards the sky, shown here in this beautiful version of Side Plank Pose. For beginners it is best to rest the upper foot on the edge of the lower foot, grounding down to the earth as you create a long diagonal line of energy from your heels to your crown.

Feel the strength increasing in your arms, abdomen, and legs and as you play with the ever challenging dynamic of a onearmed balance.

47

92

BHUJANGASANA Cobra Pose

Traditional yogic texts state that this powerful rising backbend and heart opener awakens Kundalini energy, increases body heat, and destroys disease. We must listen very closely to our bodies and our spines when rising into the noble Cobra Pose, allowing for the elevating curve of the spine to stay supported by the grounded hips out through the toes, and by the shoulders rolling around and back down the back. Keep your face very soft, your jaw relaxed, and your awakening heart prepared for some amazing expansion.

93

UTTANA SHISHOSANA Puppy Pose

In the Yin tradition, a version of the Puppy Pose is called the Melting Heart Pose, and for good reason. With our arms deeply outstretched in front of us, and our hips leaning backwards and arching skyward, there is nothing left for the heart to do but to sweetly and tenderly surrender towards Mother Earth.

Puppy Pose is not quite the more mature Downward Dog Pose, as it is more supported through the knees being grounded while you relax yourself into and all the way through this delicious stretch of an Asana.

99

122

TRIKONASANA Triangle Pose

The triangle is said to be the strongest shape due to the fact that when force is applied it spreads evenly through all sides. In Trikonasana, we are balancing out the beneficial elements of strengthening, stretching, stimulating and opening. The three core points of the triangle embodied through the posture are the two grounding feet and the raised hand that is ever reaching towards the sky.

As we anchor our lower bodies through both legs, keeping the pelvis neutralized, we are able to greatly extend the spine and twist the torso, elevating the upper arm to make the highest point of this strong and stable shape. Breathing deeply through Triangle Pose we are ready to take on any force that comes our way.

123

Live quietly in the moment and see the beauty of all before you.

The future will take care of itself… PARAMAHANSA YOGANANDA

154

It seems a paradox to bind oneself to become free. And yet life, along with yoga, is full of mystery. To bind oneself in this posture, taking hold of fingers or hands, is actually to feel held, connected, and more stable.

Instead of being limiting, this kind of bind allows for a greater opening, a greater sense of expansion, a more powerful possibility for liberation.

UTTHITA PARSVOKANASANA Extended Side Angle Pose

155

Yoga is a light, which once lit will never dim.

The better your practice, the brighter your flame.

B.K.S. IYENGAR

CHALLENGE

210

PURVOTTANASANA Upward Plank Pose

Purvottanasana is an exquisite and ecstatic posture. Grounding down through the heels and toes and rising up with the hips and the heart, one can powerfully open up the front body towards the limitless sky. Alignment is key; making sure to stack the shoulders just above the wrist joints in order to avoid excess strain.

The Upward Plank Pose is a delicious counterposture to the Seated Forward Fold, or Paschimottanasana.

After we contract inwards and conserve energy in our core it feels incredible to open up and elevate our energies, surrendering the head back in the pure sweetness of letting go.

Breathing capacity increases through the expanding lungs and rib cage.

New possibilities are birthed as the heart opens up into infinity. We can become as serene and vast as the sky above.

211

214

ARDHA MATSYENDRASANA Seated Twist Pose

One of the very best ways to strengthen and nourish the spinal column is to twist it.

With any twisting posture it is best to lengthen your spine on the in-breath, expanding spaciousness between the sacrum and the crown, and spiraling back, perhaps a little deeper, in the direction of the rotation on the out-breath. Settle into an organic flow, staying grounded through your sitting bones and keeping both shoulders very, very relaxed. We wring out the spine and cleanse the core internal organs of any toxic energies that have built up in our tissues and cells. Exhale out all that is old and stale, and inhale fresh, new revitalizing “Prana.� The circle of life, with a twist.

215

In stages, the impossible becomes possible.

T.K.V. DESIKACHAR

URDHVA DHANURASANA Wheel Pose

228

The Wheel Pose, also known as “Chakrasana,” is one of the most intense and ecstatic backbends we can engage in. With palms and soles firmly planted on the earth the rest of us reaches, arches, and rises towards the sky. The term chakra literally means “wheel,” and in this particular posture we are able to open up and expand each of our spinning energy wheels from our root (Muladhara) to our crown (Sahasrara). The wheels of life are turning, the windows of the radiant heart swing wide open, and through our back bending and front extension yogic efforts, we become more awake, more alive, and more exuberant.

Yes!

229

France, Chantal, Serge, Nicole and Noemie – you have my gratitude and admiration for stamina and patience as you held poses so I could capture many angles. To Claude Richard, Franco Mirabelli and Sean Fischer, thank you for your support and assistance in making this book happen. As always I am deeply indebted to my designer and art director Catharine Barker who consistently manages to pull everything together and exceed expectations. To Selina Barker, your sharp eye and edits keep us all looking good – thank you. And finally, to Lori Myles-Carullo, I would like to say thanks for your friendship and enthusiasm as we took a conversation about possibilities to a collaboration and this reality.

– George

238

CHANTAL CORMIER NOEMIE BOURQUE

AUTHOR: LORI MYLES-CARULLO

NICOLE RICHARD LORI MYLESCARULLO FRANCE MIOUSSE

Lori’s greatest passion is sharing her gifts of healing and personal evolution with others through the realms of yoga and wellness therapies such as Reiki and Transformational Counselling.

She created a Yoga Alliance registered yoga school called the Mystic Yoga Academy, and authored the book Beauty’s Way: Inspiration on the Path of Awakening which was published in 2011. Lori spends part of each year in Costa Rica where she and her husband Francesco are co-owners of a beautiful retreat centre called Mystica (www.mysticacostarica.com). Find out more about Lori and her yoga and healing services at: www.lorimylescarullo.com.

PHOTOGRAPHER: GEORGE FISCHER

SERGE LAPIERRE Landscape photographer George Fischer has produced over sixty-five books in addition to prints commissioned by international companies, publishers and private collectors around the globe. He has also worked with tourist boards and international tour operators. In November 2017, George received the Ontario Tourism Award of Excellence in Photography. His book Unforgettable Canada was on the Globe and Mail’s bestseller list and sold over 75,000 copies. George Fischer resides in Toronto.

239

24 quotes 19 words 65 poses 108 inspirations It was our immense pleasure to photograph all the yoga images on the ĂŽles de la Madeleine, QuĂŠbec Canada