We are now LIVE STREAMING ALL CLASSES!

We kicked off the LIVE streaming of classes today, via streaming platform ZOOM.

In light of recent government announcements, we have temporarily closed our studio for yoga classes effective immediately until further notice.

We will be Live Streaming the classes on Zoom so you can practice yoga in the safety of your own home. The live streamed classes start today Tuesday 24th March - check out our timetable here! 

To access our live streams of classes:

• Please register via Mind Body Online or the Golden Yogi App as you would a regular class - at least 30 minutes before the start time of the class.

• Please set up an account with Zoom (zoom.com). You can set up your personalised account here for free. It would be best to create a username similar to your name, so we can sync with the class roster. Once your account is set up, you are set. Zoom can be accessed via your web browser, and also downloaded to your device.

• 30 minutes prior to every class you are signed up for, you will receive a link with the "Meeting ID" to your live stream. Please join the live stream 5 minutes before the start time of the class.

• The cost of Online Live Stream Casual Classes will be $5 per class through your Mind Body account on our website or Golden Yogi App. All active monthly or annual memberships will have access to these classes at no extra changes.

Golden Yogi is grateful to all of our students and look forward to spending time together in the comfort and safety of our own homes to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Thank you for your support and we hope to get through this all together one breath at a time.

Love and light,

Erin & the Golden Yogi Team

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Numerology Forecast for 2020: Happy New Year!

Here we are, can you even believe it! The start of a New Year and a new decade on planet Earth. We have shifted from the number 1 to the number 2 decade in our calendar lineup, and the results could not be more dramatic.

Humanity is now at a critical point of evolution, and the numbers have much to say as to how we may best navigate this transition. There is no middle ground anymore, it is literally a “sink or swim” paradigm, so let’s take a look at how to stay elevated and enjoy the journey.

The number 1 of the previous decade has leaned into the themes of independence, opportunity, and a tendency to overly focus on one’s own self as the priority. This will no longer work on any level. The degree of isolation, depression, drug and alcohol abuse, and relationship dysfunction has now reached pandemic proportions.

When the number 1 is imbalanced, it can be tyrannical in nature. I have witnessed an increasing trend where one family member will exert their will to the point that they are now the Captain of an empty ship. Everyone else grabbed a life raft and is madly paddling away.

Sometimes we need to get back to basics, and the most basic element of any relationship is communication. A brilliant and understandable approach can be found in the field of “NonViolent Communication” training. You can easily get the book on this and begin the journey towards healing the relationships in your life.

Number 2 in the Positive polarity represents the themes of harmony, balance, devotion, mutual support and divine alliance. In the Negative polarity it represents conflict, duality, and an immature, if not even childish, reaction to not getting one’s own way.

This emotional reactivity is the biggest problem on a social level throughout 2020. “You’re either with me or against me!” will be a very common stance. The ability to find or create a middle ground will be the tipping point between harmony or total breakdown and chaos.

And yet, there is actually another challenge that can outweigh the external duality. That problem is mental breakdown and imbalance. We are seeing a sharp increase in mental health issues in our society, and this is not good. The number 2 represents the balance of our two brain hemispheres working together in harmony. When we abuse or mentally pressurize the brain, trouble is just around the corner.

Keep a balance in your life between your responsibilities and what is now popularly called self-care. Self-care is the new prescription for well-being, and there is no way around this.

Get back to basics with your food, exercise, meditation, and social gatherings. You can’t get through this year flying solo, so reach out as best you can and participate with others. Try a class in rock climbing, pottery spinning, creative writing, improv theater, ethnic cooking, pastry baking, anything to get you out of the house and get involved!

“Don’t isolate and insulate yourself,” is a quote of Yogi Bhajan’s, and he was speaking specifically of the transition time we are now in on the planet. Another tip he gave is to include turmeric in your diet. It helps to balance the pressures in the brain and it can help people keep their mental equilibrium.

Equilibrium is the name of the game in 2020, and as number 2 also represents boundaries, don’t lose yours! The ability to say “No!” to that which is inappropriate can be the tipping point between taking the time to regenerate yourself or, having a nervous breakdown.

Developing intuition is the way to protect ourselves in the world, yet it can be difficult to be intuitive if we are ruthlessly addicted to fear, insecurity, anger, or substances. The meditation for healing addictions is a good one to practice this year. We are all addicted to something, and 2020 highlights these tendencies so they can be resolved.

The beauty of this practice is that it is easy to do, and also easy to teach beginners. You could be the saving grace of sanity and stability by sharing this meditation with a friend or family member.

Number 2 embodies the Negative Mind and a field of high sensitivity. We will find ourselves more sensitive to what is occurring in our environments, and decisions will need to be made as to whether or not it is healthy to remain there.

Lastly the number 2 is all about the cozy connectivity we feel with others and the Angelic realm. One of my all-time favorite songs is “I’ll Stand by You,” by The Pretenders. Sometimes I listen to this song and imagine an Angel sitting by me on the sofa and handing me a cup of tea. Then another Angel comes over and puts a cozy blanket over me, smiles, and says, “Nothing you confess would make me love you less.” It’s a good moment.

Let us all stand by each other at this time, holding hands and holding faith in the goodness and creative flow of Universe. Let us reach out to each other with a smile and a kind word, knowing it is just the right medicine to dispel the illusion of separation.

We are the Ones we have been waiting for; right here, right now, right on time in the Divine. Sat Nam and Happy New Year.

By Nam Hari Kaur

Vinyasa Demystified by Joan Hyman

Yoga is everywhere these days—in gyms, in parks, on streets, and, of course, in studios. One of the more common types of classes offered in any of these places is a plain old Vinyasa Flow. Regardless of how ubiquitous the style may be, it can be difficult to truly understand its subtleties.

The Basics

The definition of yoga is “to yoke,” to join together. The linking of the breath and movement was developed in the Ashtanga system taught by Krishnamacharya who taught the grandfather of Ashtanga Yoga, Pattabhi Jois. Ashtanga yoga is a set series of postures linked together that purify the system by creating heat or “tapas” in the body, which literally translates as “to burn.”

Vinyasa means “step by step” or “to place in a special way.” In a vinyasa flow practice, movement is linked with breath. The sequence and postures, however, may change from class to class, incorporating a more creative combination of postures. This process anchors the mind and creates a moving meditation known as flow.

Starting with Surya Namaskar A, a class will usually include nine postures linked together with breath. The point of this process is to help warm up the joints and spine, increase blood flow, and create a connection to breath and body.

From here, a series of standing postures are intertwined while Surya Namaskar is repeated in between. The postures are held for several breaths in order to warm up the legs and the deeper muscles close to the spine for postures like backbends and inversions. At the top of the class, often called the “peak,” you’ll experience more intensity. If the sequence is taught well, a teacher can lead students to this point in a fluid way, creating a profound shift in the way one feels. The sequence can also lead you into poses you never thought you could do—the heat that is created helps you peel away tension and helps to connect you to that blissful place inside.

The Landing

At the end of a typical vinyasa flow class there will be some type of cool down, to help students prepare to rest in corpse pose: savasana. This is when the body rests and the mind gets still, prepping us for meditation. This is also when the exquisite release is experienced in the body, mind, and spirit, and bliss can radiate through your being.

Vinyasa flow can be fun, invigorating, creative, and a journey into the unknown. I love teaching this type of class because of the creative element, and the unlimited postures that there are to explore. These practices are meant to be repeated so our minds don’t have to think and we can focus on how our bodies feel as we move from pose to pose.  Vinyasa flow can connect you to your spirit because of its meditative quality and the connection to the breath.

Pattabhi Jois often said, “step by step and all is coming.” Step by step we teach ourselves to stay in the moment, and experience change from a place of introspection that the breath guides us to. Only when we get out of our heads and into our bodies are we able to learn to flow with what the moment offers. This practice allows us to burn away the layers and congestion that block us from feeling our highest potential of love—including a deep self-love.

And that, ultimately, is what vinyasa yoga is all about.

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Joan’s grounded teaching style creates space for students to deepen their personal journey while aligning with teachings of true yogic traditions. Joan frequently shares her insight on the subject of health and wellness in national magazines and blogs, including Elephant Journal, Mind Body & Green, Yoga Journal, ORIGIN Magazine and Women’s Health. She currently has a thriving career as a Wanderlust Senior Teacher (E-RYT500) and leads yoga retreats, workshops, and teacher trainings all over the world, while maintaining a full yoga class schedule in Los Angeles.

If you are interested in learning more about Joan’s Yoga Teacher Training here at Golden Yogi check it out here.

The Power Of Mantra

The Power of Mantra

Mantras are sound projections that alter the thought patterns of the mind and the chemistry of the brain. The word mantra means “man” = mind, and “trang” = wave or projection. The power of the sound has a definite predictable effect on the chakras and the human psyche.

One of the most powerful tools we have for meditation is the power of using mantra whether it’s internal (silent) mantra in the mind or chanting aloud to create the sound vibration. Mantras are used to elevate and modify consciousness through the meaning and rhythmical repetition. The rhythm of the mantra allows the mind to come into the neutral meditative mind to change the thought patterns and break repetitive or negative thought cycles.

The use of mantra is known as Naad Yoga. It is based on the experience of how sound vibrations affect the body, mind, and spirit. Mantra works through the movement of the tongue on the meridian points. There are 84 meridian points located on the hard palate of the roof of the mouth - 32 pairs (64 points) on the hard palate surface directly behind and along the inside of the teeth and 20 points located in the curve on the central part of the palate. As we move the tongue to chant mantra we create a code that helps to change the thoughts and the mind. It is no different than a phone number - if you want to ring a friend you dial their number but if you ring any random number you will not be able to get hold of your friend. Mantra works in a similar way. The mantra that you chant works like a code on the upper palate of the mouth to stimulate the meridians to affect the energy flow in a particular way through the body and mind.

There is no system of nerve connections between sections of the brain but instead there is a neurotransmission of fluid. Different chemical liquids are excreted into different parts of the brain and messages are transmitted to different parts of the brain through fluids.

We can project the authentic self through the use of our word. Chanting mantras either silently or aloud is a conscious method of controlling and directing the mind. We create every word we speak and even every word we think. When we chant a mantra we choose to evoke the positive power in the particular syllables, rhythm, and frequent of that particular mantra. Simply by chanting mantra we are sending vibrations into motion that shall have the effect. For mantra, it does not matter whether we understand the meaning of the sound or not, as the mantra is the frequency of the sound vibration. By vibrating a particular combination of sounds you tune into various levels of intelligence or consciousness. We have the power to choose what we project and what we think. Through the use of mantra, the words, and the rhythm have an effect on our consciousness. 

“A person can tune his or her own consciousness into the awareness of that totality with the use of a mantra. By vibrating in rhythm with the breath to a particular sound that is proportional to the creative sound, or sound current, one can expand one’s sensitivity to the entire spectrum of vibration. It is similar to striking a note on a stringed instrument. In other words, as you vibrate, the universe vibrates with you.” ~ Yogi Bhajan

The down low on Kundalini

KUNDALINI YOGA ~ The Yoga of Awareness

How does Kundalini differ to other more known/popular forms of yoga?

Kundalini Yoga is an ancient style of yoga but is relatively new to the Western culture.  Kundalini Yoga is known as "the yoga of awareness," to opens your heart, builds strength and releases the energy located at the base of your spine. Kundalini is without a doubt one of the more spiritual styles of yoga. Kundalini Yoga focuses on breath and movement and challenges it students both physically and mentally.

Vinyasa is still undeniably the king of western yoga, but Kundalini tends to appeal to people who want to delve into a deep meditative practice to raise consciousness.  In Kundalini Yoga, you won’t flow through sun salutations. Instead, it combines movement, breathing exercises, chanting (yes, actual singing), meditation, and physical sequences called kriyas. Teachers sit at the front of the room throughout, wearing white to expand their auras, and with their heads covered to protect the crown chakra at the head to harness the Kundalini energy.

Kundalini yoga is a quick and powerful system to cause changes you want in your life to happen much quicker than other styles of yoga. In Kundalini Yoga, there is no need to take oneself away from the distractions of the world – it is designed for the active householder with family, school and work responsibilities.  It is a safe way to stimulate the body’s natural resources and energy to bring the body, mind and spirit into alignment.  It is a proven path to connect with the Self and the Soul to experience your highest destiny.

Where did Kundalini Yoga originate from? 

Kundalini is one of the oldest forms of yoga – it has been practiced by the Upanishads in India since 500 B.C. Mastering the practice at sixteen, Yogi Bhajan brought Kundalini to the West in 1969.  Initially, Kundalini Yoga was carefully handed down from master to disciple for centuries and was kept very secret. It was never taught publicly until Yogi Bhajan challenged its secrecy and taught Kundalini openly to the public in 1969. Through his knowledge, wisdom and service he left us a timeless legacy of teachings to live healthy and happily, and consequently established the 3HO, which stands for "Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization."

What is Kundalini?

Kundalini is the creative energy within all of us, the energy of consciousness in each person and beyond.  The Kundalini energy is “coiled” at the bottom of the spine, and practicing Kundalini yoga, is said to bring that energy to life in the body.

What to expect in a Kundalini Yoga class?

Kundalini yoga varies from practice to practice. All classes will begin with an opening chant “Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo” to connect with your inner self, a yoga kriya (set), and expect to finish with deep meditation, and a closing chant. During the class you can expect to focus on your breath (specifically "breath of fire", a rapid rhythmical breath through the nose) and to move your body. Within a class or practice, you will find asana (body postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), mudra (hand positions), bandha (body locks), drishti (eye focus) and mantra (sound currents).  They are combined together in sequences called kriya (complete actions).  Kundalini Yoga has the power to unleash your true potential, and unlock barriers within ourselves.

What are the benefits of Kundalini? 

KUNDALINI YOGA is a sacred science. The comprehensive technology is thousands of years old and ideally suited to people who lead active lives in today's world.  The focus is on balancing the glandular system, strengthening the 72,000 nerves of the body, and bringing the body, mind and soul into balance.

• Balance nervous, glandular, and immune systems

• Develop the neutral mind to cope with stress and change

• Self-awareness to enhance peace of mind, concentration, and self-confidence

• Rejuvenation and healing

• Improve flexibility, stamina, and strength

• Experience your highest consciousness

• Remain calm, centered, and clear through life’s challenges

• Energising your magnetic field

Kundalini Yoga is highly transformative and releases deeply held issues whether body or mind.  It cannot really be practiced as a purely physical exercise, although it is physically challenging in quite a different way focusing on mental endurance and stamina.

Erin O’Hara