The sound of healing, the sound of the universe entering the inner world of my ears.  This is what surrounds me as I set out to work on my blog.  I am gaga over this new app discovery of www.mynoise.net.  I am not 100% sure of how to work the tones, drones, sounds, overlapping, etc. quite yet but the Tibetan throat singing and the digideridoo combination is amazing.  Check it out, either downloading on your phone or on your home computer.

Speaking of Tibetan monks, the buzz at Moyo all this week, is monks, monks, monks.  These kind, compassionate, down to earth individuals have been at Moyo since Monday and are creating an Interfaith Mandala.  I will include some recent photos but if you have the chance to stop by and see it for yourself, it is so worth it.  We’ve had numerous visitors both old and young come to the studio between 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and then again in the evening.  Sunday is the Dissolution ceremony,
not to be missed.

Mandalas
https://www.asia.si.edu/exhibitions/online/mandala/mandala.htm

The Sand Mandala
Mandalas constructed from sand are unique to Tibetan Buddhism and are believed to effect purification and healing. Typically, a great teacher chooses the specific mandala to be created. Monks then begin construction of the sand mandala by consecrating the site with sacred chants and music. Next, they make a detailed drawing from memory. Over a number of days, they fill in the design with millions of grains of colored sand. At its completion, the mandala is consecrated. The monks then enact the impermanent nature of existence by sweeping up the colored grains and dispersing them in flowing water.
How Mandalas Heal
According to Buddhist scripture, sand mandalas transmit positive energies to the environment and to the people who view them. While constructing a mandala, Buddhist monks chant and meditate to invoke the divine energies of the deities residing within the mandala. The monks then ask for the deities’ healing blessings. A mandala’s healing power extends to the whole world even before it is swept up and dispersed into flowing water—a further expression of sharing the mandala’s blessings with all.
Tibetan Buddhism
The historical Buddha, founder of Buddhism in India during the fifth century B.C.E., taught the impermanence of existence. Tibetan Buddhism, which developed in the seventh century, draws its main tenets from Indian Buddhism: individual enlightenment, the liberation of all beings, and the development of compassion and insight into the nature of reality.
Find out more about the Art of Buddhism

Drepung Loseling Monastery
In 1416, the Drepung Monastery was established in Lhasa. Its largest department, Loseling, or the Hermitage of the Radiant Mind, housed more than thrDrepung Loseling Monastery

The Poses
Surfboard


Props: blankets, including one for warmth, stuffed animals or eye bags for hands
Benefits: gently stretches the lumbar spine and para spinal muscles, and gives a release in the diaphragm, quiets the mind and comforting. Gives a sense of security.  

2 bolster fold blanket placed lengthwise on mat on top of each other. One blanket at end of mat for ankle support. Make roll for ankle support. Rest of that blanket fills in gap where shin does not meet the floor. Make sure no blanket is on knee. This supports the knee in the pose.  Top bolster folded blanket roll towards you in a wider roll to fit in chest and shoulder area. One more blanket folded so that its height is the same as the two bolster folded blankets. Come to all fours straddling the props, release to forearms and then fully recline on props.  Ankles rest on small roll at end of mat, shins supported by the rest of that blanket. Rest the rest of your body at hip crease on the bolster fold blankets and lay chest on wider roll of top blanket. Head rests on additional blanket at top, turned to the side. Arms come out to the sides, releasing shoulders down the back and away from the ears. Placing an eye pillow or stuffed animal in palms as they face floor is very grounding and comfortable. Additional blankets for pillows tucked in as needed with student to create boundaries or make more comfortable.


Supported Twist

Props: bolster, 2-4 blocks, 4 blankets, neck roll, eye pillow

Extras: blanket for warmth
Benefits: Allows breath to come in to the rib cage and belly more freely. Detoxifying. Can reduce high blood pressure. Relieves fatigue and insomnia.  Safe for a Prenatal twist.

This can be a very prop intensive pose but once you are in it, it is worth it.  Begin with right side of body, place the bottom of your right foot against the wall with leg extended. Left leg is bent at a 90 deg. angle and propped up with two blocks and a bolster with maybe a blanket on top. at least two blankets, S-fold blankets, and/or pillows placed along spine for support, lengthwise.  Extend your left arm out to the left side and lay it on a smaller stack of blankets either s-fold or triple-fold out to your side.  Right arm extends out to the right.  This means the left arm is at a higher elevation than right. Head can remain neutral to ceiling or turn to one side.   Extra blankets can be placed in spaces that need more support.  Neck roll for cervical spine and eye pillow.
*we are digging placing the arms in Goddess pose (not pictured) so try that one out as well. Place blanket support under arms. 

Cocoon Savasana
Sorry no pic but imagine the most swaddled, warm savasana where you can feel safe, supported and where you can invite your limbs, your entire body to rest in this cocoon-like environment.

Props: 1 or more blanket, neck roll, eye pillow and any other supportive props.
Standing up if you can, wrap one completely unfolded blanket around you like a toga. Come down
to your mat and set your legs straight out on the mat with support under knees if needed. Add your neck pillow and eye pillow and any  other weight, warmth that you need.  Stay for as long as is comfortable with conscious breathing.