Yogi's First Books

By Rachel Lubich

Lead Teacher for Trilogy's Spring 200 Hour Teacher Training

A dear friend of mine from Austin requested that I compile a reading list for Yogi’s who are interested in enriching their yogic understanding outside of the studio setting. I LOVE when students ask me for yoga text recommendations! When a student approaches me for book recommendations, my energy soars and my eyes sparkle with delight! It’s such a joy to know that the practice has inspired a quest for more breadth and depth of knowledge in another Yogi. So, here is my carefully selected “Yogi’s First Books” reading list complete with short descriptions as to why I chose each of them.

Yoga Beyond Belief by Ganga White (Amazon)

This book was gifted to me as I left the country for my Yoga Teacher Training 7 years ago. It was the first yoga book I ever read and truly shaped my approach to the practice and philosophy as a teacher all these years later. It’s a great introduction, written in accessible language for the modern reader and briefly touches upon a breadth of information regarding yoga philosophy and yoga in practice. This book is my top pick to get a Yogi started on their journey and has been recommended and loaned to many people within my community.

Living with the Himalayan Masters by Swami Rama (Amazon)

This book was also gifted to me (I’m noticing a trend…) by my friend and yoga studio owner when I was leaving Philadelphia to move across the country. This book contains short stories of experiences and lessons Swami Rama noted from his time studying with the Master Teachers of yoga in India. I love the way the stories bring the teachings to life and offer insights into the hidden teachers of the ancient science and art of yoga.

The Heart of Yoga by T. K. V. Desikachar (Amazon)

This book resonates with me because of the material included and the conversational language with which it is written. It offers a wonderful foundation of yoga philosophy with great clarity and encourages the adaptation of the practice to suit the individual. Written by T. K. V. Desikachar, he includes insights into the life of his father, Sri T. Krishnamacharya, the “father of modern yoga”, who was the Guru to Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois, Indra Devi and B. K. S. Iyengar, among others.

Happy reading, yogis!

Interested in joining Rachel in our Yoga Teacher Training this Spring? You can find more information HERE

Bliss in the Air - The Extreme of Grounding and Flying

By Hannahsita Smyth,

a Trilogy Sanctuary aerial yoga teacher 

The greatness of who you are, is directly related to how you tell your story. In order to tell your story, you have to know who you are. To know who you are, you have serve in society.

Mental : overcoming narratives and barrier limitations

Physical : working strength, stretching and body awareness

Spiritual : creating, surrendering, supporting, trusting, believing in yourself. (Being who you are, is the person you were, when you stopped being you).  To be a kid again understanding open space is needed.

I don’t believe in balance. I believe in counterbalance. Living life at the edges, so you have more range of motion for growth and discovery. Play with opposites. If you sit all day, then your movement practice must meet the opposite of your sitting practice. Find the edges of each extreme. Inactive to active. If you are stimulated and very busy on the computers all day, the body will be still and not wasting energy. So switch to the other extreme. Still the mind and get motion and movement into the body. The physical body and mental mind love the extremes.

We are all movement makers. Rediscover this edge. Live bigger through life with movement.

Hannahsita is a leader of our aerial yoga teacher training and our aerial kids program. She also teaches aerial yoga classes of all levels.

Infrared Yoga in the Moon Room

We are all three dimensional beings; mind, body and spirit. Here at Trilogy we are highly focused and passionate about strengthening that connection. We believe that “true happiness can only be achieved by balancing all three.” Trilogy is the only studio in San Diego that offers infrared yoga - a heat therapy that greatly assists in the healing process of these dimensions.

Infrared Heat Therapy

Rooted from ancient Chinese healing called “Palm Healing.” The palms radiate infrared energy through the skin, aiding in healing.
In essence, infrared heat radiates energy into the human body, without causing the surrounding air to warm. The sun is the primary source of infrared heat and 80% of the light on Earth is infrared, causing this light to be easily processed by our bodies.  

Rejuvenation

As a beauty treatment, the penetration of infrared heat, reduces the appearance of wrinkles, scars, as well as smoothes skin’s texture.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. Collagen is the main structural protein found in skin and other connective tissues. Infrared heat invigorates the production of collagen, which helps improve healthy skin and hair, reduces joint pains and degeneration, helps heal gut issues, and other health ailments.

Clean Air

Infrared heat does not recirculate air, which reduces the circulation of dirty air and bacteria - thereby creating a very pure environment to breathe and practice in. As our body absorbs infrared waves, molecules begin to vibrate, causing an incredible cleansing effect at a cellular level. This heat therapy has proven to heal health-related disorders of the immune system, the cardiovascular system, soft tissue injuries, aches and pains from arthritis and fibromyalgia. It also helps increase blood circulation without suppressing your heart, as well as increases the levels of white blood cells and oxygen in your body.

Detoxify

Heavy metal toxicity is a very prevalent health issue as we are exposed to pollutants every day in our environment. Contamination from these heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic can be cleansed by detoxification from infrared heat therapy, by generating perspiration.

Join us at Trilogy Sanctuary for a warming, comforting and healing experience as you let the infrared rays heat your body from the inside out. Sign up for an Infrared yoga class HERE

Theena Thao - Trilogy Sanctuary Yoga Teacher Highlight

Theena has been teaching at Trilogy since the beginning! We asked her a few questions to explore what makes her such a gem of a yoga and aerial yoga teacher...

What quote inspires your life and practice?

"Everywhere you go, there you are." -  I love this quote. It's a reminder for me to be where I am, that everything is where it should be, and that I am where I should be. In life or while practicing on my mat, this quote reminds me to stay present, breathe, and worry less. You can't have too many of these reminders as it's not an easy thing to do. And yet it is easy at the same time! When I read or say to myself, "Theena, everywhere you go, there you are", I feel a big rush of relief take over my body and I know for that moment I am okay. And so I repeat.

Who inspires you and why?

My mom is my number one inspiration. To me, she is the definition of a mother's love and sacrifice. I live a grateful life because of her. 

What has been one of your greatest experiences?

I was born in a small village in Vietnam and moved to California at the age of 6.  After graduating university, I worked for a year and was able to save up money to visit my far away family for the first time in 16 years. It was indescribable and similar to the feeling of connecting that last piece of puzzle. Home can be anywhere, but the motherland is a particularly special place because it's always in your heart. I hope to visit again very soon!

What words do you have to offer new yogis and aerial students?

I think it's important to keep it simple because often times less is more. Start small, take humble steps, and be kind to your body. When we are new to yoga, we tend to be critical of ourselves, and we focus on the "doing" rather than the "feeling". Which, to me, is completely normal because yoga can be intimidating in the west, sometimes even competitive. It's good to remember that yoga teachers can tell you how to align in a particular pose, but what you're "being" or "feeling", that's all up to you.

What is your biggest dream or aspiration?

I aspire to make this world a better place for all people. And also to inspire people to want to make this world a better place. I love the zero waste movement and although it's been challenging for me and progress has been slow, I continue to work at it and hope one day my choices align closer to this lifestyle.

Theena's Schedule:

Sunday 10:30am: Strength and Serenity 

Sunday 12pm: Aerial Restore Low Fabric

Thursday 7:30pm: Vinyasa

Friday 6pm: Vinyasa

Lessons from my Yoga Teacher Training Immersion

By Rachel Lubich

Lead teacher for Trilogy's spring 200 hour teacher training.

Every student I’ve mentored through a yoga teacher training program has expressed their own unique story of the pivotal transformation they experienced through their journey. Not only does a YTT prepare you to share the science and art of yoga with your community, it presents tools to help open your mind, body and spirit to a deeper awakening of your true nature. The decision to embark upwards upon the rungs of the ladder of your spiritual journey is a personal one. If you are open, then you will learn, you will grow and you will experience a transformation that is uniquely your own. Let me share a piece of my yoga teacher training transformation with you...

Learning to live my yoga
A few days into studying for my yoga teacher training program our teacher assigned each of us with the task of giving up something for the duration of the program in order to help us focus. Many of my peers chose to forgo various vices and indulgences to keep their minds clear. I immediately knew what sacrifice would serve me best: letting go of negative thoughts.
This task required me to pay attention to each passing thought as it arose and truly listen to the sentiment and tone it conveyed. If I noticed negative speech bubbling up in my mind from leftover personal struggles, I recognized my thought, chose to rewrite it into an increasingly more positive one, repeat the more positive speech and move on without judgement. This process of self-awareness continued for weeks; eventually I was able to transcend my former thought patterns and elevate my attitude to one filled with unlimited potential and contentment.
 

This is an example of the power of actively listening to your thoughts and making the choice to reshape the quality of your internal self-speech. It has the power to transform your life. This is what the practice of yoga asks of us; to show up, observe ourselves and put in the effort. Once we learn how to tune in, we are able to shed the layers obstructing the Self and embody our true nature within.

Ready to start your journey as a yoga teacher? More information on our Spring YTT with Rachel is HERE

Why we shouldn't be calling it "aerial yoga"

By Hannahsita Smyth, an aerial teacher at Trilogy Sanctuary

WHY would I say this, when I am a certified yoga and an aerial yoga teacher of 10 years in the community and a lover of both practices?

AERIAL has developed into something completely different to me that separates itself from YOGA.  

Let me explain.

By calling it AERIAL YOGA, you are using the fabric as a prop for YOGA. Fundamentally, using the fabric to deepen traditional yoga stretching, poses and postures.To give due credit, this is a beautiful flow and style all of its own. It is how most AERIAL YOGA classes are taught and instructed today, and in no way, is this wrong.

AERIAL is not a prop. It is a movement practice all on its own. AERIAL MOVEMENT is where we expand and explore.   Where flow is your goal.

The key factor about AERIAL is that once you are in the fabric, you are in motion, flowing in an open flight pattern. It is literally open space. That is WHY it should not be controlled by a grounded, structured practice. If you come to my classes, you will not be disappointed, because this is how I flow. AERIAL stands for MOTION IN FLIGHT.

In order to FLY, you must release, let go mentally, in order to let yourself find AERIAL movement gains.

Beyond learning new skills of position and posture, AERIAL teaches you to fly into a open space where you have to explore, becoming creative again, laugh and giggle, and ultimately expand into something new. AERIAL itself is therapeutic, healing and transforms you at a cellular level.

SO what should we call it ?

I say DON’T LABEL IT.  IT should be a practice so creative that your expression is the movement. FREE MOVEMENT TO BE YOU.

Want to practice aerial with Hannahsita? Find her class on our schedule 

Bryan Heil - Trilogy Sanctuary Yoga Teacher Highlight

Bryan is a Vinyasa Teacher at Trilogy Sanctuary, we asked him some questions so we can get to know him better:

What quote inspires your life and practice?

The best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own. No apologies or excuses. No one to lean on, rely on, or blame. The gift is yours - it is an amazing journey - and you alone are responsible for the quality of it. This is the day your life really begins.

-Bob Moawad

Apart from yoga, what are some of your passions?

I am a huge music enthusiast, love playing guitar, taking photographs, writing poetry, and attending local art and music shows.

Who inspires you and why?

I find inspiration in so many different forms. People inspire me. Nature inspires me. Sounds inspired. They all inspire me because they are always changing.

What words do you have to offer for new yogis?

Every time you walk onto a yoga mat, let your practice space be a canvas to express your life. Your entire body is the brush, and your imagination the colors. The picture you paint within that space is like no other. Strive to create a different work of art every time. Do not be afraid to go outside the lines.

What is your biggest dream or aspiration?

To be a songwriter.

Bryan's Yoga Bio

Bryan fell in love with yoga in 2013 and has since fully committed to developing his practice. For him it is the ultimate form of individual expression. A journey inwards where physical awareness and spiritual enlightenment come together. Complete balance achieved through patience, discipline, focused breathing, concentration, and mindful movement. “The most important part of my practice is not the postures, but the intention I approach each one with. I want to give back to my students what my instructors have given to me; a safe environment to challenge themselves and to take their practice to the edge.

Practice with Bryan Friday mornings at 7am in our Infrared studio

See more of Trilogy Sanctuary's teachers HERE

Benefits of Inversion Therapy

What Is Inversion Therapy?

Inversion is the pose in which you hold your heart higher than your head. Inversion therapy helps your body to recover from the compressive effects of gravity and daily activities. Scientifically, it has been proven to be quite advantageous for cardiovascular, lymphatic, endocrine and nervous systems. In fact, inversion is a perfect exercise for the body as a whole.

What Are The Health Benefits of Inversion Therapy?

Inversions are so effective that the US Army is planning to include it in its physical training. You can achieve a lot of benefits by inverting 3-5 mins every day. One of the most shocking facts about inversion is that bats and sloths are the only creatures on earth who will never suffer from osteoarthritis. This is because inversion is in their natural habitat. So, if you have a family history of osteoarthritis, then make sure you start inverting from today.

Relieves Spinal Pain

One of the basic advantages of inversions is that it relieves spinal pain to a great extent. It enables a person to have a better posture. Since the spinal cord is the most important part of the body, which affects how the person sits and stands; inversion can help improve the outlook of a person.

Improves Blood Circulation

Inversions increase the blood flow to the brain, giving it more oxygen and nutrients and making the brain function faster and better. This improves concentration, memory, observation and boosts clear thinking. Standing inverted actually makes the brain work better. According to Dr. Robert Martin, the author of ‘The Gravity Guiding System, Turning the Aging Process Upside Down,’ the brain operates 14% more accurately when the brain is operating on an inverted, inclined plane. Inversion also helps move the stagnant blood in the body because you are standing against gravity when you are inverting. It forces the blood to move which would not do so standing in a straight position.

Controlling Indigestion

Inversions are the yogic approach to control indigestion. Indigestion, which may cause anxiety and skin disorders, is considerably improved when one practices inversions.

Decreasing Mood Swings

Standing upside down can actually make you feel better! When blood circulation gets fine, this releases neurotransmitters, balances the hormones which make a person feel light hearted and more happy than usual. So, if you are really sad, try doing inversions! It might make you feel a lot better! This is said to control depression, premenstrual symptoms and mood swings.

Enhancing Immunity

Inversions increase the ability of a person’s body to fight with diseases. Since it cleans the blood, an overall healthy feeling is maintained.

Countering Insomnia

Inversions also help to decrease insomnia. When your mind is all relaxed and in high spirits because of the healthy blood flow, a person will be able to sleep better. When inverting, muscle tension decreases by 35%. This is one of the reasons why a person can sleep better after inverting.

Look Beautiful and Feel Beautiful

This is an amazing benefit of inversions. Inversions can actually make you beautiful. When a person’s posture is improved through inversion, it shows grace, poise and sophistication. Good circulation will automatically bring brightness to the skin making the person look younger than he/she originally is. Acne and other skin conditions will also tend to decrease with performing inversions.

Flexibility

Inversion makes the body flexible and adaptable to changes. A flexible body remains healthy and strong even when it reaches old age.

Maintaining Proper Posture

For athletes or workers who perform lots of physical work, inversion is the best to keep the spine in proper posture. It will also reduce tardiness and will gain back your strength after a workout. Inversion therapy works wonders for the lower back pain caused by this physical work. It also helps reduce muscle pain.

Stress Therapy

Inversion is an amazing therapy to counter stress. When a person is under a lot of stress, his body tends to revolt by back pains, headaches and joint muscle pains. Physiotherapist LJ Nosse did a study titled ‘Inverted Spinal Traction’ published in Arch Phys. Medical Rehab 59: 367-370, Aug 78. The study confirmed that inverting decreased muscle tension by over 35% within the first 10 sec! When muscle pain is gone, stress reduces. As a result, the person feels lighter and happier, ready to face the challenges in life. Inversions carry immense benefits. Even when you do it the first time, the psychological feeling of turning your body against its natural position will be enough to lift you up both physically and mentally.

Maintaining Height

A lot of people will shrink over time as their old age approaches. Inversion can help stop that and retain your original height.

Strengthening Bones

Inversion helps to make ligaments strong which are one of the basic elements of your bones. Ligaments hold your bones together. When they’re strong, you will often be saved from a bone breaking accident.

Join us at Trilogy Sanctuary for our Aerial Yoga classes - plenty of opportunities to practice your inversion therapy!!!