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Malala Yousafzai, a 14 year old girl in Swat, Pakistan, was speaking up for her rights and was shot in the neck and face by the Taliban on October 8, 2012. She is in a hospital right now, fighting for her life. It must be every parent’s worst nightmare.

At first, meditation brings calm to a restless mind. It gives moments of stillness, silence and peace in the midst of an active life. It brings understanding and clarity to minds that are touched by anxiety, stress, sadness or confusion. The moment we sit down and pay attention to the sweet rhythm of our breath, and allow the mind and body to be still and silent, peace becomes a reality. Peace becomes something that we can experience directly.

Please meditate today 12/12/12. You will be joined by many.

Start meditating today for at least 12 minutes per day to prepare for "Ascension Day" on Dec 21st, 2012. On this day, the earth will enter a 4th dimension, which simply means the earth will begin to vibrate on a higher frequency.

1. Sri Krishna Sharanamama : I come under your protection, Krishna, surrendering to you.
Radha Sham : Radha is Krishna’s consort and Divine love.
Sham is another name for Krishna.

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Yoga is Not a Religion!!!

On November 22nd 2008, Malaysia’s top Islamic body banned Muslims from practicing yoga, saying that elements of Hinduism in this “ancient Indian exercise” could corrupt them. In 2004, yoga was banned in Egypt by its highest theological body. In the US, Christian fundamentalists have argued that yoga’s “Hindu roots” conflict with Christian teachings.

The ban in Malaysia has been lifted, but such sentiments against yoga make it clear that it is more important now than ever before to understand that yoga is not a religion!

Did you have the courage today to look inwards?

The Upanisads say, "Only few have the courage to turn their gaze inwards..."

Did you take the time today to step away from everything, and ask "Does my every action and my every expression stem from the core of my being, from a place of truth?"

As you observed yourself today, notice what parts of yourself you need to let go of, and what parts of yourself you are meant to embrace.

For an artist, for a yogi, for anyone...what is more precious than time? silence? space to allow our creative energy to rise and express itself?

Well, I don't know what will happen. This is my first retreat of this kind, guided by one of my teachers. It's not exactly a vacation of free time and relaxation...but, it is structured in a way that yogis have been retreating for thousands of years. Here's the schedule. I have been training for months :)

4am Wake Up!

4:30-5:30am Meditation (specific type)

6-8am Sleep/Shower/Rest

8:30-9:30am Study

Dear Friends,

I will still be writing on this blog about all things yoga and music.

For the parents out there, I have started a blog called "The Yoga of Motherhood," in which I specifically write about how motherhood is bringing some of yoga's most profound teachings to life for me.

Please check it out at:

www.reemadatta.wordpress.com

Thank you!

Well, the ten day silent, solitary retreat is over. It was amazing.

Ten days alone with my mind...oooohhhhh....I have to say I learned so much.

Music has been the love of my life since I can remember. It started with the piano, then clarinet, flute (Western and Indian), tabla...and throughout an exploration of the voice. For me, vocals are the most intimate bridge between my heart and everything divine and true that I experience.

Much of my life has been a balance between my spiritual practice and my music practice. How much time do I give to my spiritual practice vs how much time do I give to my music -- it has often been a bit of a struggle to figure out.