The Streets Paved in Gold – Poem by Bob Almodovar

“The Streets Paved in Gold”
By Bob Almodovar
___________

The little girl hugged her mother warmly, one last time.
They had to hurry to catch the flight, and they had bags
to carry. “Goodbye Janna. I will write often.” Yuri said
to his wife, pulling away. “Why can’t Mama come too”, Luda
asked, tears streaming. “She will, but later”, Yuri assured.

America was the place to go to find a good life. The Soviet
Union had finally opened its doors, and streams of Russian
citizens would walk through them, leaving loved ones
behind, in some cases, forever. Yuri, a carpenter by trade,
was sure he would make a new beginning for his family here.

What a sight when the plane finally touched down. They had
reached the promised land, as spontaneous cheers filled the
aircraft. It was a dream come true for all of them. It took a good
portion of his savings to find a place for them to stay for awhile.
“Tomorrow I must find work”, Yuri thought.

Employment was tough coming, and the language was a problem
for Yuri, who didn’t know anyone in this new land. Life was faster
and less forgiving here. Yuri did some odd jobs, mostly janitorial,
but money was scarce and services were not available. “When is
Mama coming?” Luda would ask often.

After a while, Yuri had no answer for his seven year old. The
months passed as things worsened. Though willing to work, Yuri
could not find a job. When the money ran out, he and Luda were
forced into shelters. “How will Mama know where we are?” Luda
asked. “It will be alright”, Yuri replied.

The shelter offered no protection for its inhabitants. Yuri was
beaten up several times and robbed of their few belongings.
Complaints to caretakers brought no results. There was a full
moon out that night. Yuri awoke Luda and took her up to the
roof to “see the full moon”, he said, the little girl’s eyes wide.

“Come here my daughter and we will fly together”, Yuri said
to Luda, standing on the ledge. “Oh papa, I’m afraid”, she replied.
With those words, the two launched themselves landing six stories
down to the cold sidewalk. The lights of emergency vehicles
shone across the blood filled street, giving it a gold-like shimmer.

*Photo Credits: Photo by TalkingTree (Steven Erat) on flickr

This poem is brought to you by YogacaraShop.com – your source for special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing, comfort clothing clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality and comfortable  Fitness Apparel do visit YogacaraShop.com

The Healing Properties Of Colors And What They Say About You -2

If you missed Part 1 of this post- Click Here

Blue

Blue is helpful in cooling, calming, reconstructing and protecting. It healing properties include cooling of inflammations, fever, high blood pressure, stops bleeding, relieves headaches, calms strong emotions like anger, aggression or hysteria, brings tranquility, anti-itching and anti-stress. Linked to the throat chakra (Vishuddha) blue influences expression and communication, through speech.

What the hue says about you-
Love it- Preference for blue displays a cool and soothing personality and is associated with a dreamy or magical nature. People that keep a certain distance, but give calm and practical help, are faithful and loyal, have a sense for order, logic and rational thinking tend to choose this color. Dark blue is more severe and can be melancholic. Blue is also the color of truth.

Hate it- A person who dislikes blue, may be very disciplined, strong career worker, with an aversion of commentary or restriction. He may have charted out a clear direction for his life and wants to follow that to the ‘T’ .

Violet/Purple

Purple is a sensitive, intuitive and spiritual color. It enhances receptivity and introspection of mind. They promote divine growth, awareness and expands divine understanding. It is good for mental and nervous problems. Violet is said to calm melancholy, hysteria, delusions and alcohol addiction and bring spiritual insights and renewal. It can even be used to slow down an over-active heart.

What the hue says about you-
Love it- Soft, sensitive people with tend to have an affinity to purple. The shades represent meditation, contemplation, mysticism, spirituality and religion power. People associated with the color are deeply mysterious, religious and reserved.

Hate it- A person who has an aversion for violet / purple may have very serious attitude towards life and may find it difficult to give dreams, fantasies, vague fears or memories a place in it. They may have tendency to reject everything he regards as unnatural or unrealistic.

Brown

Brown is the color of basic security and stability. It’s what keeps us rooted to the ground. It prevents fear and stress and tunes you in to nature. Brown also projects a mood of despair and despondency but most of all, loss.

What the hue says about you-
Love it- Brown is an earthly color for practical people with a preference for nature, tribal and primitive things with solidity and simplicity. Brown can be warm and cozy but also depressing. Brown is the color of stable people and loyal friends.

Hate it- A person who has an aversion to brown may feel an aversion against normal, boring, trivial life; may not feel connected with his roots (home-land, family, etc); may experience instability in health and attitude.

White

White is the perfect color for it is a combination of all colors, in perfect balance and harmony. It is the color of the awakened Spirit, the light of perfection, all that is pure, the light of the Cosmic Consciousness, the Divine Light. White light raises the vibration of one’s consciousness and the body, bringing harmony in all aspects of one’s life.

What the hue says about you-
Love it- White signifies innocence, purity, virginity, cleanliness, freshness, simplicity, nothingness, oneness and completion, truth. In certain cultures though white is the color of death and mourning.

Hate it- A person who has an aversion to white color is foremost or solely interested in ‘realistic’ and tangible things, not in illusions or things that are beyond seeing or understanding. They tend to know and accepts the own imperfection and do not wish to achieve perfection.

Black

Just as white as always symbolizes the positive, black has always accentuated the negative, reflecting an unhappy state of mind, sorrow or ill omen.

What the hue says about you-
Love it- Preference for black symbolizes seriousness, darkness, depression, death, mourning, mystery, secrecy, occultism, a standing apart from or revolting against triviality, provocation, underground, underworld, things that have to remain hidden, nothingness as the great source of all creation, the need to keep your energy with you. Black is a color for extremes, everything and nothing. People who foremost trust themselves associate themselves with this strong color.

Hate it- A person who has an aversion to black may have fear for the unknown, or fear for the abuse of power. Desires to become free from all kinds of dependency, blockages, hindrances; to throw off shackles.

References: http://www.deeptrancenow.com,
http://health.learninginfo.org/chromotherapy.htm
http://altered-states.net/barry/newsletter178/index.htm

ALL the clothes featured in this article are available at YogacaraShop.com- An online store for special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing, comfort clothing clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality and comfortable  Fitness Apparel do visit YogacaraShop.com

The Healing Properties Of Colors And What They Say About You

The healing properties different colors and the effect they can have on you!

In our last post we saw how color plays a part in setting up a particular mood or state of mind and can be used to heal physical and mental ailments. Just as the proportions of the colors within sunlight that changes according to the season can cause our body to function differently and influence our moods (For eg- in summer we are full of energy and life and very active, while in the winter months we feel sluggish, depressed and inactive) we can purposely manipulate our body into receiving a balance of this light by wearing different colors and introducing them more in our day to day life through our surroundings. Here’s a look at the different colors and how they can affect us and help stimulate our chakras for an all round balance.

A preference or aversion to certain colors can also say a lot about your personality and temperament, so see what your hues are saying about you…

Red

Wearing red increases physical energy and can be used if you are feeling tired. Red said to correspond at the same frequency of the Root chakra (Muladhara) located at the base of the spine, linked to the functioning of the adrenal glands which releases adrenalin. Red therefore brings warmth, high energy, vitality, power and stimulation which is good to battle fatigue, colds, chilly and passive people. It is also said to increase sexual desire and activity and stimulate ovulation and menstruation.

What the hue says about you-
Love it- Red strengthens one’s ability to be more courageous in life. People who prefer red are known to be passionate lovers, high energy, impulsive, action- oriented, assertive and sometimes aggressive. They don’t lack courage, strength and power, adventure or danger in their lives. They are temperamental and ambitious people with a need for personal freedom who aren’t afraid to take risks.

Hate it- A person who has an aversion to red may be over-active, too impulsive, hot-tempered, aggressive and egocentric, or have difficulties with people with such characteristics. It can also symbolize deeply hidden fears and rejection of his own assertiveness.

Orange

Yet another energy color, bearing a lot of healing properties. It’s warm nurturing, non-constricting, cheerful and comforting. Linked to the Sacral chakra (Swadhisthana) near the lower abdomen, it affects and stimulates the lungs, the respiration and digestion. It is said to be able to increases the activity of the thyroid, relieve muscle cramps and spasms as well as increase the amount of a mothers milk. On other levels, orange is the color of creativity as it stimulates creative thinking, enthusiasm and helps assimilate new ideas.

What the hue says about you-
Love it- People who prefer orange tend to be warm, comforting, dynamic and sociable people. It is also associated with independent people who dedicate themselves to whatever they do.

Hate it- person who has an aversion to orange may have suppressed sexual feelings or other difficulties with sensual enjoyment of life. The attitude can also be over-sensual, indulgent, or too materialistic.

Yellow

Yellow is said to be mentally stimulating. It strengthens the nervous system and the mind. Helps cure nervous disorders or nerve related ailments. Yellow can also be used for conditions of the stomach, liver, and intestines as it is associated with the Solar Plexis Chakra (Manipura) located in the stomach area. It is also good for balancing an overly active mind.

What the hue says about you-
Love it- Yellow is the color of cheerful, vibrant, curious and progressive personalities. People who like yellow usually have a tendency for writing and speaking.they love contact through traveling and communication, learning and practical knowledge.
Hate it- Aversion to yellow indicate persons who may be emotionally disappointed and bitter. They may have a tendency to rationalize feelings, or to avoid the depth of life by often changing relationships, many superficial relationships and/or constant changing activities.

Green

Always associated with nature and the earth, green possess a soothing influence upon both mind and body. It helps to relax the mind, emotions and physical body. Green provides balance and stimulates the natural magnetic healing abilities latent in all of Humanity and Animals.The ancient Egyptians and Chinese used green as the primary color of healing and can be used for just about any condition in need of healing. Linked with the heart chakra, green affects blood pressure and all conditions of the heart.

What the hue says about you-
Love it- A preference for green shows peace, rest, hope, comfort and nurturing, calmness and harmony. People who associate themselves with green often show a keen interest in nature, plants, fellowmen, children and animals, health and healing, natural and plain life. They tend to longing for a safe home and family-life and dislike conflicts.

Hate it- A person who has an aversion to green may be more interested in independence and self-development than in a warm family-life. They may prefer to keep a certain distance in relationships.

Continued in- The Healing Properties Of Colors And What They Say About You -2

References: http://www.deeptrancenow.com,
http://health.learninginfo.org/chromotherapy.htm
http://altered-states.net/barry/newsletter178/index.htm

ALL the clothes featured in this article are available at YogacaraShop.com-an online store – your source for special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing, comfort clothing clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality and comfortable  Fitness Apparel do visit YogacaraShop.com

Color Healing – The Power Color In Our Lives

Color Energy & The Effect It Can Have On Your Health

It’s well known that color plays a part in setting up a particular mood or state of mind, but the powers and properties of colors run a lot deeper than just that.  Sight and what we see is more than light reaching our eyes and an  interpretation of our surroundings. Our visual system although ruled by our sensory organ – the eyes, includes various other physiological components collectively to interpret the information received resulting in perception. Light, like sound is a form of energy and our visual system assimilates light and color in the form of wave-lengths of electro-magnetic energy seen through our eyes.

Every color resonates at different frequencies or wave-lengths and is said to affect our human system in various ways. Vibrations of electromagnetic energy penetrate our bodies through our eyes and skin-sending instant signals to our brain. Our brain responds to each vibratory  electron of color, accepting or rejecting each sensation. Some of our organs are particularly sensitive to light and the quality, amount and type of light absorbed can affect their functioning. Similarly colors and light are believed to stimulate our Chakras or energy sources that resonate at the same frequency. And since our chakras are responsible for the power, energy and activity of various parts and organs of the human body, which are associated with different mental and emotional interactions – Colors can have a big impact on not just our lives but also our health.

Color Healing
Color healing or the use of colors to address health and psychological problems is known as Chromotherapy and can be implemented in a number of ways. Despite shortcomings, researchers have been able to pinpoint some specific behavior responses to color. For example – those who sat under red lights were studied to have gambled more and selected ‘riskier’ bets than those who sat under the blue light. Often, the color used is inspired by the super-conscious. Color also affects us in the following ways

• They influence our mood and emotions.
• They have an impact on our sense of well-being or un-easiness.
• Using and avoiding certain colors is a way of self-expression; it sheds light on our personality.
• Colors affect our way of perception in interior designing for example- light colors are used to make a space look big, a high ceiling looks less high when painted in a dark color.
• Colors have a symbolic meaning in different cultures and is  associated with different things, which is immediately recognized by our subconsciousness. It must be said that not all colors mean the same to all persons and all cultures.
• Colors influence the flow and amount of energy in our bodies.

Color healing is a form of supportive healing and is often used complimentary with other forms of healing. According to practitioners, a persons illness or decline in any body functions can be traced to a lack of a particular color in the human system. Many New Age health practitioners prescribe colors as energy treatments for spiritual and physical alignment and balance. By applying colored light according to the need of the patient, the imbalance can be resolved. By introducing more of that color in our lives by wearing them or the use of that color in our lives we can maintain the stimulation of our chakras or life force energies.

Here’s a closer look at the properties of various colors and the effect they can have on us.- The Healing Properties of Different Colors

Also Read:
Heal Yourself Through Color

*Image credits: photos by Marco Braun and jvc on flickr

Iyengar Yoga – Props and Postures

Iyengar Yoga gets its name from its creator B. K. S. Iyengar referred to as Guruji. It is a form of yoga known for its use of props explained in our article A Beginners Guide to Yoga Props, such as belts and blocks, as aids in performing asanas (postures).

In other yoga forms, practitioners are encouraged to find their own way to the asanas by following and imitating their instructor. However in Iyengar Yoga, Guruji lays great emphasis on precision and alignment which is followed by his students to achieve perfection in any asana. B.K.S Iyengar reports that it is ‘research based experience’ and ‘experience based research’ that has helped him in evolving this technique which is now known as Iyengar Yoga. Iyengar still practises today at the age of 91, and sometimes still teaches today, assisted by his son Prashant and daughter Geeta, at his Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune, India. Like other forms of yoga, Iyengar yoga is a way of life and can be practised by anybody.

Iyengar yoga is based on the traditional eight limbs of yoga as expounded by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras, emphasizing the development of strength, stamina, flexibility and balance, as well as concentration (dharana) and meditation (dhyana). Regular practice integrates the body, mind and emotions by experiencing the wisdom of these sutras.

It is renowned for being extremely beneficial to those suffering from illness, elderly people and those with weight issues. Iyengar also developed extensively ways of applying his practice to various ailments, diseases, and disorders. The use of props such as wooden gadgets, blankets, bolsters, belts, foam blocks, straps and ropes helps the practitioner achieve the correct posture in any asana, as Iyengar gives importance to the physical alignment of the body in the asanas. The belief is that if the body is aligned with precision, then the breath is also aligned with the same precision. If the breath is balanced then the mind, emotions and senses become balanced.

The props are used to move into postures that a practitioner cannot fully access on his or her own, thus helping them deepen their explorations of an asana before they are supply enough to manage it without the aid of a prop. However, one must use the body’s signals as cues to devise new and effective ways of using props to enhance your practice.

Iyengar is a non-fluid yoga form which is lacking in vinyasa flow or the fluid transition between poses, instead poses are held for longer durations while the alignment is perfected. For this reason, Iyengar is not a great cardiovascular exercise, but great for building strength and flexibility. This makes it a great yoga form to begin with for the unfit and unable to do a flowing style practice.

There are Iyengar teachers and institutes worldwide, and and many yoga centers offer Iyengar classes. However, if you can’t find one at easy reach, Iyengar’s techniques are now prevalent in the way yoga is taught worldwide regardless of type, as its alignment fundamentals are so strong. The utilisation of props comes directly from Iyengar.

This article is brought to you by YogacaraShop.com – your source for special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing, comfort clothing clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality and comfortable  Fitness Apparel do visit YogacaraShop.com

Photo credits: MZagid, dynamon2001, domestictimes, Andy Polaine, on flickr