How are they defined?

According to the Yoga Sutras, freedom, or samadhi (absorption) can be attained through yoga’s “twin pillars” of abhyasa and vairagya. In the words of BKS Iyengar, “Abhyasa is the art of learning through the cultivation of disciplined action.” It is effort sustained over time to attain a steady state of mind and body, encompassing the intense efforts of the ashtanga (eight-limbs) model of yoga, including the practice of asana and pranayama.

Vairagya is defined as detachment from desire, or renunciation, called by Iyengar, “the art of avoiding that which should be avoided.” Learning to control the (desires of) the senses and eventually withdrawing them toward introspection is the path to self-realization.

How can a yoga practitioner integrate these to enhance daily practice?

Bob demonstrates Uttitha Parsvakonasana

These principles are the elements, or the “stuff,” of all yoga practices, a steady effort balanced with a cultivation of detachment from the expectations and outcomes of our actions. Steady effort includes the disciplines of asana and pranayama, and the observation of the ethical precepts of the yamas and niyamas. Our regular practices should strive within and toward the evolution of abyhasa and the involution of vairagya.

Can you choose an asana and demonstrate the relevance of abhyasa and vairagya within the context of the pose?

These two principles, and their practices, are in evidence within the context of one’s asana practice on many levels. For example, abhyasa should guide and inform one’s approach of the poses which require application of tapas, or zeal–like the standing postures.

Savasana in Supta Swastikasana

The regular practice of savasana is the cultivation of vairagya,which is pursued and refined further in the recuperative poses and the practice of pranayama.

Jimi Hendrix

Do you ever feel like you’re out of touch when it comes to the wide array of techno-toys that exist? I mean, who can keep up with the myriad changes? Not that I aspire to acquire the latest and greatest digital fare. Au contraire!

Janis Joplin

This morning I received an email from a close friend in another city, ending: “Sent from my iPod.” Now, for me, this was a first. I thought iPods were for music.

Considering that my notion of nouveau technology consists of having just recently purchased a new Sony turntable, speakers, and FM/AM stereo receiver, it’s no surprise that the aforementioned newfangled iPod was foreign to moi.

Santana

Simply stated: In my world vinyl rules! I love music. I love to listen to my albums: all 300+ of them. With anecdotes commemorating the 40th Anniversary of Woodstock flooding the airwaves and blogosphere of late, I am amazed at how many of the artists who performed at Woodstock reside in my vast yet humble collection. (Too many to photograph for this wee post.) I say, “humble,” because last month my son, Dylan, downloaded some 500 “albums” onto my grandson Matthew’s iTunes while 10-year old Matt was away at summer camp…

The Band

Sly and the Family Stone

With  images and sounds of the Woodstock generation resonating front row and center this 40th Anniversary weekend, I actually feel au courant!

Harold Washington Library Center

As an avid reader, the object of my adoration the past year or so has been the Chicago Public Library. Its Web site has made the retrieval of books, as well as movies and music, accessible in a way I never dreamed possible. From the comfort of my laptop I can peruse the library’s catalog, renew a book, place an item on hold, and select my preferred location for pick up. All at the click of a button and at no cost. A valid Chicago Public Library card is required. When an item has reached its destination I receive an email notification.

Of course, one still has to visit the library to pick up the item…

John Merlo Branch

I frequently walk or ride my bicycle to the Merlo branch on Belmont, my intimate, Lakeview neighborhood library; and I commute easily to the flagship Harold Washington Library Center on State Street between Van Buren and Congress, a couple blocks from my South Loop realty office.

Needless to say, with such a convenient and efficient system, I find myself forever flush with literary companions, contributing to a rich and fulfilling commuter lifestyle. Whether it’s a 10-minute ride to show one of my listings or a 40-minute commute to the office, both translate into chapters read, my mind stimulated—and often inspired! In short: reading makes for a relaxed, content CTA customer. And I have the Chicago Public Library to thank.

But, you may ask, does said satisfaction rise to the level of salvation? The answer: Yes.

But don’t believe me. Try it for yourself! And let me know what you think…

Matthew on right

Victory is sweet. Especially when attending my grandson’s AYSO soccer game at 8:00 on a Saturday morning!

As a realtor, I favor early morning games that allow me to be present without having to juggle my showings. Even today’s eager buyers are not looking to get started before 9:00. In fact, with games at various times I only missed one this spring; I was successful in scheduling my appointments, for the most part, to suit my soccer commitment. Just one of the challenges facing a full-time realtor/soccer grandma…

Go Green Hornets!

And what a beautiful morning it was! With a spectacular 2-1 win in the final game of the regular season the Green Hornets (8-0) remain undefeated.

The upcoming June 6-7 tournament promises to highlight the remarkable team effort demonstrated all season long by the Green Hornets. I’ll try my best to be there—at whatever hour!

Jill's Fuji "hybrid"

I took his email as a reminder that it’s time to dust off my bicycle for the season and feel the wind against my face…

I bought this 12-speed in 1983 right after selling my car. A couple years later I had the racing handlebars switched out for the touring variety; and got larger wheels, far more practical for city cycling!

In my view, nothing says springtime in the city more than tulips. In fact, one of the rarely mentioned, tangible benefits of car-free living includes tulips. It’s true!

Strolling most anywhere in downtown Chicago during the month of May, well, what can I say? Tulips rule!

This time of year many of the high-rises along Lake Shore Drive conspire to create a floral feast for those of us who favor our daily constitutionals along the Inner Drive.

As a Lakeview resident, my lakefront tulip domain ranges between Belmont and Addison. Ever since my grandson learned to walk we’ve played a fun game of challenging each other to recognize our neighborhood tulips: calling out our favorite colors; pretending that the abundance has come to an end, only to cross yet another street and—surprise surprise—discover even more tulips! All the while singing the quirky tune “Tiptoe Through the Tulips“ made famous by the late Tiny Tim. 

When showing property in the city I’ve noticed that tulips provide a certain curb appeal duly noted by prospective buyers. It’s no coincidence that tulips tend to thrive at the peak of the spring real estate market. Forget about baking cookies to conjure up the comforts of home. Plant tulips!

With their vibrant colors, standing proud and tall, tulips seem to signal a season of promise; sentries ushering in a welcome time for change. And, like autumn leaves in all their glory, tulips herald an exquisite new season like no other force of nature.

Bob, responsive and articulate as ever, was pleased to answer my questions:

What is a guna?

According to Hindu philosophy, the entire cosmos, including man and consciousness, are emanations of cosmic matter, called prakrti. These emanations manifest through the predominance of or combination between three different qualities or attributes, called the gunas. The gunas are:

1) Sattva: the quality of luminosity, clarity, serenity

2) Rajas: the attribute of mobility, activity

3) Tamas: the characteristic of inertia, gravity, stability

I find Parivrtta Trikonasa, Revolved Triangle, to be one of the more challenging standing asanas. Can you point out how/where in the pose each of the three gunas should prevail?

Bob demonstrates Parivrtta Trikonasana

As with all of the standing poses, one’s legs should provide a stable and steady base, firm with the earth element and the gravity of tamas. Passion, the fire element, should prevail in the revolving movements of the torso, reflecting the constructive qualities, the mobility of rajas. The face, eyes, tongue and brain emanate the clarity, ease, nobility of sattva.

Often, a beginning student will be light in the legs and heavy in the head. Regular practice of the asanas should cultivate the reversal of this tendency, and others like it, so that the gunas can be properly expressed within the asanas.

How does a yoga practitioner learn to balance the three gunas?

Through the rigors of self-study and practice, the yoga practitioner learns which thoughts and actions are prompted by tamas, and which by rajas, and works with unceasing effort to achieve a sattvic frame of mind. Within the context of asana practice, the yogi should observe that the qualities of tamas and rajas find appropriate expression.

While the attribute of tamas, or gravity, can lead to physical inertia or mental torpor, it can and should be expressed constructively as a firm foundation, or gravity, in the asanas; for example, steadiness and stability in the legs when practicing standing poses, as illustrated in the photo.

Similarly, rajas, unchecked and unbalanced, can promote greed, pride, ambition in the ego—but has a rightful place in the practice of postures. Constructively, rajas can fuel the fires and efforts to maintain a zealous pursuit of yogic practices. As well, the mobility provided by this second guna allows for correct and appropriate movement within the poses.

The ultimate goal of the yogi is to be free from the pull of the gunas, transcending these qualities through the rigorous discipline of practice and self-study.

Armed with an inordinate amount of high expections I attended my first-ever Chicago Bulls playoff game Thursday night at the United Center. I even wore red. In fact, I have never in my entire life seen so much red!

Despite the Bulls’ blow-out 107-86 loss to the Celtics that night, my son, grandson, and I had a lot of fun! In fact, my optimism remained in tact.

Always able to salvage something positive in what otherwise would have been a totally bleak situation… I reminded myself after the game that we had watched Derrick Rose receive his Rookie of the Year award and felt pride in the fact that he had grown up in Chicago.

Plus, an evening out with Dylan and Matt is something to cherish. My busy life as a realtor doesn’t often lend itself to going out-on-the-town with the boys.

In fact, today I had to opt for the DVR to capture the Bulls  in all their glory while I was conscientiously doing a “second showing” of a very cool condo in West Bucktown. I arrived home just in time to witness this afternoon’s dramatic double-overtime finish in real time. 

And if I didn’t know better, I’d swear that Matthew and I, while obviously enjoying a light-hearted moment at Thursday night’s otherwise dreary game, were secretly sharing a premonition of an upcoming, joyful basketball memory together.

The best-of-seven series, presently tied 2-2, resumes Tuesday night with Game 5 in Boston, returning to Chicago for Game 6 on Thursday. Wear red! Go Bulls!!

With the Cubs home opener upon us, residents of Wrigleyville and beyond brace ourselves for the annual uptick of automobile traffic. While I enjoy an unobstructed view of the ballpark from my Lakeview high-rise, I’m astounded and yes, disconcerted each year, as I witness the never-ending queue of cars along Addison Street in the hours surrounding a home game.

This is also the time of year that real estate agents are sure to feature, as appropriate, ”Walk to Wrigley!” in their listing remarks. Of course, one person’s walk is another person’s cab ride…

When I list a property, I insist on accurate representation of amenities, including proximity to parks, lakefront paths, etc. Prime example: I’m presently listing a gorgeous 2 bed/2 bath condo in North Center. While my sellers tell me they enjoy their walk to the ballpark and I can totally relate, I cannot assume that their healthy two-mile hike would necessarily translate to all prospective buyers. Therefore I do not include Wrigley in my written listing remarks but am certain to mention it at showings.

Other car-free options to the Friendly Confines include riding a bike. Or taking the CTA. Hey, the Addison stop of the Red Line couldn’t be more convenient @Sheffield. For night and weekend games there’s even a special 154 Wrigley Field Express bus from the DeVry University parking lot on Rockwell just south of Addison where baseball fans can leave their car for a nominal fee that includes a round-trip fare.

Go Cubbies!

Did you ever meet someone who demonstrated an extraordinary ability that was difficult to fathom? Sort of otherworldly yet at the same time totally grounded in reality. No? Then you’ve probably never met

In these challenging times, people from all walks of life seek relief from the stress and uncertainty of day-to-day life. In keeping with my focus on balance–environmental and beyond–meet Bill Farber, a gifted man who personifies sustainable energy!

What is an energy healer?

It is a very broad term that can refer to any number of different modalities. It will usually pertain to more holistic and even Eastern systems, ranging from acupuncture and acupressure, which redirect energy in a very physical way; to Chi Gong and Reiki, which use energy in a more subtle way. Over the last decade especially, literally hundreds of different energy modalities have been created, many of which are outgrowths of existing systems and many of which claim to be entirely new and unique. Because of the wide variety of techniques available, one may have to experiment and/or rely on personal referrals to find the most useful technique and practitioner.

My definition of an energy healer is someone who has a degree of natural ability to conduct healing energy to another, either in person or remotely, and who has had sufficient training and experience in one or more modalities. With some, as in my case, one’s own unique style can evolve over time.

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a combination of two Japanese words: “Rei,” which means something like divinely guided; and “Ki,” which is life force energy. Combined they mean “divinely guided life force energy.” I like to use the words “inherently intuitive” instead of divinely guided because the latter could imply that some religious belief is necessary to give or receive Reiki, which is not at all true.

Having practiced and taught Reiki for almost 20 years, I am still in awe of its simple, effortless power to uplift and heal in nearly all situations. It is equally as effective at long distance as it is in person. A Reiki session produces a deep restful state in the nervous system and brain. The deep restfulness allows for the maximum flow of healing and balancing energy that spontanteously replenishes the energy of the client in those areas where it is most needed.

What areas of a person’s life can benefit from Reiki?

All areas are addressed: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Reiki can be done alone or in conjunction with other modalities, both holistic and allopathic. For example, Reiki is a great benefit for chemotherapy patients in that it will dramatically reduce side effects and keep the energy of the patient at high functional levels. Dr. Mehmet Oz has used Reiki as a pre-op, during-op, and post-op modality for open-heart surgery for the past decade or more. He has documented dramatic improvements in the recovery time and reduction of pain, fear and anxiety in his patients.

What about reducing day-to-day stress?

Reiki is one of the most powerful and fast-acting stress-reduction techniques available. It has profound effects similar to deep meditation but the recipient does not even have to meditate because the energy automatically produces the effects with no “doing” whatsoever!

I can take a stressed out businessperson to a state of profound peace and stillness in just a few minutes, and this does not involve hypnosis or suggestion in any way. It can be done on the phone as well as in person. After Reiki training, a person can administer the treatment to herself. Doing the self-treatment regularly creates a strong immune system and a clear, balanced state of mind.

Beyond treating the individual, how does your Corporate Alignment Program work?

I custom design a Corporate Alignment Program for an organization to fit its specific needs. Corporate Alignment comes from a core group of aligned individuals within an organization. They are aligned first within themselves, then with each other; the alignment then spreads quite naturally throughout the organization.

After working for some time with a group of individuals within an organization, I then train them in energy alignment techniques; they utilize these techniques as a group. The energy applied in a specific way will reduce stress and improve the flow of creativity and positivity within a department or in relationships with clients.

Dramatic reduction of stress, along with increased vitality experienced by more and more people within a company will inevitably result in more productivity and reduced absenteeism. The benefits are obvious especially in the area of wellness.

Corporate Alignment can also be used to empower individual, departmental, and organizational goals. The atmosphere will be markedly improved creating a much better work environment.