The Various Yoga Disciplines XIII
We may not be world-class athletes, but we do share the same human potential. Achievement depends largely on how determined you are and whether you find the right method for tapping into your own inner wisdom. Yoga makes good use of the mind, which is an incredible resource. The mind is the mental attitudes that shape your behavior.
I thought a bio on the creators of Jivamukti Yoga would be in order. Yogini Sharon Gannon was born in Washington D.C. on July 4th which explains her quest for independence. Her Catholic upbringing nourished her interest in mysticism. She is a fellow dancer and holds a BA in Dance. She studied ballet, modern, cla assical and various forms of Indian Dance; as well as music and Eastern Philosophy. Sharon has studied Yoga since 1976 with many teachers around the world. She brings a rare blend of scholarly study, artistic pursuits and a highly disciplined asanas (exercises) and meditation practice to her offerings as a teacher.
Sharon is a renowned teacher across the globe. Since 1993 she has appeared annually at various national Yoga conferences. Along with David Life, she teaches a one-month intensive Jivamukti Yoga Teacher Training course offered at the Omega Institute. She is a featured Yogini in several Yoga books.
As a musician, dancer and producer she views art as a means for uplifting the soul. Her artistic pursuits seek to enrich the community by being both inspirational and educational. First in Seattle and then NYC in the 70s and 80s she was the vocalist and violinist for the jazz/rock band Audio Letter. She also directed and choreographed for the dance company Moon-Food. Her choreography is featured in the Video: Asana Sacred Dance of the Yogi. In 2003 she produced the album Neti-Neti, a remix of the 1987 Audio Letter album of the same name and received rave reviews and critical acclaim from Billboard Magazine, Rolling Stone, Rocker Girl, Yoga Journal, and others. In 2004 she co-produced with White Swan Music, the CD Jai Ma, a collection of divine women singers. She also appears as a guest vocalist on several albums for various musicians.
Sharon is an animal-rights activist and outspoken advocate of ethical vegetarianism. Jane Magazine nominated her for "Gutsiest Woman of the Year 1999". She is the author of Cats and Dogs are People Too, an investigation of the corporations that profit from insensitive pet food and the health risks to the animals that eat it. In 1999 with David Life and Janet Rienstra they established the Animal Mukti Free Spray and Neuter Clinic at the Humane Society of NYC. In 2004 she was recognized as "Friend of Ferals" by the Humane Society of New York and Neighborhood Cats. She is a long time member of PETA and very active in various projects and campaigns to make the world a kinder place. In 2003 she appeared on a billboard in Times Square behind the New Years Ball advocating Yoga and Vegetarianism as a step toward world peace. She and Life have established a 76-acre Wildlife Forest Sanctuary in upstate New York.
Sharon and Life co-authored two books on Yoga, Jivamukti Yoga: Practices for Liberating Body and Soul and The Art of Yoga. She contributes to a monthly essay, Focus of the Month, focusing on Yogic topics. She is the compiler and translator of the Jivamukti Chant Book . Her life is devoted to her Yoga. Here's To Your Dancing Health!
Crisscross
Crisscross is an excellent stretching exercise that targets the LEGS, HIPS, ARMS, SHOULDERS, and SPINE. It increases flexibility and BLOOD CIRCULATION in the LOWER SPINE and PELVIS, while strengthening the HIP JOINTS. It also invigorates ABDOMINAL VISCERA and DIAPHRAGM. The CHEST and NECK are strengthened and the BACK receives a nice twist. Depending on your flexibility, you will grasp the calf, ankle, or foot. Make sure you look up at your hand in your hold. Dancer and I disclaim any liabilities or loss in connection with the exercise and advice herein.
1. Stand with legs opened in a comfortable distance with arms stretched out to the sides shoulder level.
2. Bend from the hip, tilting pelvis forward rather than leading with your head. As you bend, twist your torso downward. Grasp the outside of your right leg or foot with your left hand and pull slightly as you twist even more, raising your right arm straight up. Keep your eyes open as you look up at your right hand. Hold 10-20 counts and then return to your standing position.
3. Perform identical movements bending to your left leg and grasping with your right hand, while looking up at your left arm. Hold 10-20 counts and return to the standing position. Repeat on both sides.