2012 - Keep an open mind & a canoe handy

I watched 2012 at the weekend. My advice to you? Don’t bother.

Not unless you want to lose two precious hours off your life to an unabashed, egotistical romp through humanities least redeeming features, lead by – you guessed it – the Good Ol’ United States of America. Trust them to come and save the day.

I may not have had exceptionally high hopes, but I was expecting a half descent popcorn movie. What I got instead was a doomsday spectacle that only left me wondering if civilisation as we know is even worth saving. Based on the cataclysmic disappointment that 2012 inevitably is I would have to conclude no. In typical Hollywood fashion the darlings of the Silver Screen completely and utterly missed the point and failed miserably to pick out anything that is good and true about society at large and the human race. It did however serve as a reminder that in a majority of the western world, we have got our priorities so atrociously wrong it wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing if we were all wiped out by a giant Tsunami.

Aside from the factual inaccuracy of the portrayal of the 2012 prophecy, the part of the story that was told was weak at best and watered down for the dim-witted masses to such a degree that you’re left with nothing but absolute twaddle. Like most of our media today, it paints a picture that is black and bleak and scare-mongers us into anticipating the worst.

There is no real explanation about the intriguing complexity of the theory, the various, fascinating factors taken from science, maths, history, geology, religion, astrology and astronomy that are masterfully woven together to make what sounds implausible, plausible. The truth is no-one knows what this ancient prediction means for life as we know it. And there are certain camps which insist that the end of the Mayan Long Count calendar signifies the expiration date of the world. However, there is another school of thought that believes 2012 has greater implications for the future of mankind than extinction.

Before I go on, I would like to make it clear that I am not an authority on the subject, nor am I remotely qualified in this field. All I have is my own vague opinion and Wikipedia, but I would like to share an alternative explanation for the significance of 2012, that doesn’t necessarily end in disaster, so you can make up your own mind and not take Hollywood’s word for it.

First, allow me to list key contributing factors to the 2012 theory. Be aware though, that this is not a full or especially good description of events, so if you’re interested in a proper explanation you might want to Google them for yourself.

• The Mayan Long Count Calendar ends, as do those of many other ancient and completely unconnected civilizations. These calendars are based on a 26,000 cycle known as the Great Year or Great Cycle.

• This cycle is based on an celestial event known as Galactic Alignment

• During this time Earth also passes through the 12 zodiac signs

• 21st December 2012 is the next known date when this Great Cycle will complete

• Galactic Alignments means that Earth will be in perfect linear configuration with the centre of our very own Milky Way galaxy (damn it, now I want a chocolate bar) and all other members of our solar neighbourhood

• We are in or about to commence the transition from the age of Pieces to Aquarius (also known as the Golden Age).

• It is said that whilst the Earths rotation is currently stable, Polar reversal is (over) due. It has happened before, and it will happen again. No one really knows why though

• Planet X or Nibiru – There are some that say a mystical planet called Nibiru sweeps through our solar system every 3600 years and its gravitational pull causes devastation (and could also be responsible for the Polar shift)

Whilst the occurrence of one or more of the above could undoubtedly cause unimaginable destruction on a massive scale there is a less heavily publicised interpretation of the theory that suggests 2012 could indicate brand new beginnings and a phase of positive change when spiritual awareness mounts, reaching a tipping point, that leads to the collective awakening of mankind. Signified by the dawn of the Aquarian Age, even now experts claim, we are en-route to developing a higher state of consciousness that will result in the ultimate evolution of the human race. Whether this new era will be ushered in under the shadow of catastrophe is unclear, but no one can deny we do seem to be heading for something.

I think if we’re honest, we’ve all felt it. It’s that intangible thing that has left us feeling restless and unfulfilled. Think about it, have you ever felt that you’ve lost something? That something is missing?

If we look around almost every system within society, that we have come to rely on, is indeed beginning to struggle: healthcare, the environment, the economy, etc, etc., and it’s causing us to question ourselves and re-evaluate our values. I refuse to believe that this is a coincidence. It’s true too that paranormal activity, incidences of Dejavu and everyday people developing psychic tendencies are on the increase. Plus, no-one can deny there is a distinct movement towards the ‘alternative’ and interest in things like yoga and meditation has exploded off the charts in recent years. We're all seeking answers.

Many of us, like me, are finding ourselves in an unexpected place in our life that has come as quite a surprise. And I confess that I have personally noticed my own awareness grow, my perceptions change and my intuition become increasingly astute. And it was only when I acknowledged this side of myself and learned to trust my gut that opportunities seemed to open up and I was propelled down a completely new path; one that feels so right, it cannot be wrong.

2012 is a scary prospect, but it is also an opportunity. But we have to accept that for a brave new world to emerge Earth will first have to shed its old skin and shake off the current controlling mechanisms based on personal gain, greed and material wealth, in favour of those with a more compassionate agenda. This may not be an easy concept to grasp, for most will live in fear, clinging to what they know. For this reason, perhaps the only way to move on is to witness an event of some kind or have personal experiences which will challenge our perceptions and cause a paradigm shift in how we think and how we see ourselves.

To relate this to yoga (after all, this is a yoga blog) I can’t help but wonder, what if Galactic alignment mirrors what happens in our bodies when our energy channels (the nadis) and intersections (the chakras) become clear, aligned, balanced?. What if, when the Earth lines up with the centre of the galaxy it activates a path for the cosmic energy within the universe to come flooding in? Could the presence or release of this new energy have an awakening affect on a mass scale? As a species, we could be on the brink of a spiritual revolution that sees us evolving in ways we never thought possible and fulfilling our highest potential. The potential we are all born with; the potential that is intended for us.

Ok, so it may sound a little far fetched and like I’ve been taking hallucinogenic drugs again, but as far as 2012 in concerned if we believe in just a little of what the Maya prophesised the key to our survival will be in our acceptance of events and experiences as they occur. It is just as likely that we’re about to witness the ultimate advancement of man, as we’re not. So keep an open mind and a canoe handy.

Jivamukti - Sex, drugs and backward rolls

Ok, lets get one thing straight. Jivamukti is for nutters. With absolutely no disrespect for David Life or Sharon Gannon, you can just tell that this style was developed by ex-heroin addicts.

Performed at double quick time, with rounds and rounds and rounds and rounds of Vinyasa’s to rave music (yes, that’s right actual happy hardcore trance), I don’t even have time to catch my breath let alone think about what I’m doing as I try to stay in rhythm with the pounding bass. After 30 minutes of nothing but Sun Salutation it feels like my arms are going to fall off, my heart is going to burst out of my chest and all I want to do it lay face first on my mat and die.

It’s intense in the kind of way that appeals to people who are intense and those that need extreme stimulation. It seems that the attraction comes from the specific kind of high you get from inducing a higher state of consciousness, either through drugs or more natural means. In theory, for me – the self confessed adrenaline junky – it should be right up my street…

Although it is officially recognised in the west, this is another one of those slightly controversial styles which doesn’t exist in India, isn’t taught by a Guru and won’t be found in the Vedic texts. It is based on Guruji’s Ashtanga method, but personally I struggle to find a true distinction between traditional Ashtanga/Vinyasa and Jivamukti. According to the pioneers of the practice itself (and I quote) “Jivamukti yoga offers vigorously physical and intellectually stimulating yoga classes. It combines Vinyasa, hands-on adjustments, Pranayama, meditation, Sanskrit chanting, Yogic philosophical teachings and deep relaxation. To keep the practice inspiring, asana sequences are ever-changing. with music playing an integral role in the class. Classes are 60-90 minutes and open to all levels.”

If I’m honest I would expect much of this for most proper classes. Although I like the idea of formally bringing them together I don’t think that it makes Jivamukti unique. The only real differentiating factor I can identify is that it has certain heart attack inducing qualities, bordering on the masochistic, for people who derive pleasure from pain.

My teacher is yelling at me now. He reminds me of Daffy from The Beach, only he has dreadlocks and a long grey beard that could rival any Saddhu, and his Scottish accent is thicker. He’s like an army drill instructor and I can imagine him in ‘Nam. I try to pretend that a) I can’t hear him and b) I don’t understand, but he keeps on shouting. So I get up, I let go, keep going and just go with it. Afterall, this is only 90 minutes of my life and I want to see what the fuss is about and what others get out of it.

A lot it seems. The room begins erupting in moans and groans; noises better reserved for the bedroom. It is rather off putting and slightly disturbing, but appears to be generally accepted and even expected in Jivamukti circles. Whatever happened to Ujyi breathing?

Finally, after what feels like an infinite amount of time, I am laying down in relaxation and am so grateful it’s over I could almost cry. Although I managed to keep up (just), I don’t feel like I had enough time to contemplate my postures properly or even check if I was doing them right – I had no choice but to surrender and simply accept whatever happened. Maybe part of the point is to stop thinking so hard about what you’re doing and just get on with it. But, how can you ever get better if you’re body is moving at the speed of light and merges into one massive motion blur?

Despite my reservations, I do feel pretty good. Through the towering inferno of heat I generated I was able to mould my body into some pretty serious backbends, which felt good because they were so bad. I am pulsating with the heat now, so much so I can feel my spine glowing white hot. That’s never happened before and I wonder if it could be the beginnings of Kundalini Shaki rising through Sushumna nadi. Either that or I actually have caused myself serious injury.

To conclude, this practice is not for the faint hearted. It is hardcore. And, if you’ve never done yoga before you would be completely and utterly out of your depth or dead. But it has taught me that sometimes you don’t have to get all hung up on getting things perfect and like so many things in life, you get out what you put in. There is a lot to be said from surrendering to the moment and allowing yourself to just be.

Om Namah Shivaya – The mantra that makes you cry

We were introduced to a new mantra on Saturday, and I was startled by the affect it had on me. I was only chanting it for a few moments, before my whole body began vibrating from the inside out, starting at the heart chakra (Anahata) and it felt as though I was lifting off the ground.

I’ve tried out mantras before, once I’d overcome my prejudice towards chanting (that’s just something hippies do, right?), and quite frankly some leave me cold. But this was something else. It left me feeling completely serene and sedated and even made my friend cry over sausages. It really is beautiful and 4 days later I still haven’t come back down to earth. Something unquantifiable feels different within me.

Weird.

The translation is a little vague. Taken literally Om Namah Shivaya just means “I bow to Shiva." For those who don’t know, in ancient Indian philosophy and the Vedic texts Shiva is the supreme reality; the inner Self, the name of our true identity and the consciousness that dwells within all of us. So a more accurate interpretation of this mantra is “I salute to all that I am capable of becoming. I salute to the potential that resides within myself.”

It is also interesting to note that within the realms of primordial sound when this mantra is recited the tones created directly relate to the principles which govern the first six chakras on the spine (which differs to addressing the chakras directly) and therefore has a direct impact on our psychic energy channels. For this reason, Om Namah Shivaya is deemed to be extremely powerful in propelling you down the path of spiritual attainment and self relalisation.

Ignore the trippy graphics and try it for yourself here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y20Q444I9QU.
Minimise distractions, close your eyes, listen and observe any gross or subtle sensations that arise in the body.

Alternatively, sit comfortably in a quite place. Quieten the mind by taking 10 deep breaths, concentrating on each slow inhalation and exhalation. Begin by saying Om Namah Sivaya outloud, at a speed that feels natural. It is pronounced Aum Num-ha Shi-why. Keep reciting it, with full awareness of its meaning, getting quieter and quieter with each repartition, until you are just saying it to yourself.

Enjoy.