Below is a short video from today’s live sitar and yoga seminar. Together we ventured deep into a meditative flow and engaged in basic movements as well. We had a solid turnout – and more than that – those who came fully invested themselves in the program. That made it an extra special afternoon. And indeed thanks so much to Anthony for his absolutely wonderful playing. More about the program is noted below.
The above scene is from the opening segment of the program wherein we were all attuning our minds to a more subtle and tranquil flow. It was a time of transition: A time to leave behind the rigors of worldly life, relax the body, soak up the sweet sounds, and introvert the mind.
(As the “videographer” was also the lead instructor, it was only really possible to film a scene with no movement and no speech – though there was plenty of both during the program.)
Thereafter we gently came to a seated position where did gentle neck stretches and explored aspects of the yogic breath. A few gentle seated poses got us loosened up and then again we returned to a seated meditative stance where we took our samkalpa (firm determination) embarked on our ideative journey using mantra.
With everyone’s deep involvement & Anthony’s seamless playing, the program only soared upwards from there. We went through some standing sequences accompanied by a narrative to keep us focused on the meditative journey. And indeed time and again we returned to that point of stillness within – in various ways and forms.
There is much more to tell – balance poses, relaxation, pranayama, guided meditation, reflection, story and more.
I certainly hope those who participated will share their tales and experiences.That will certainly help fill in the gaps.
As a co-presenter, all I can say is that I did not even look at Anthony once the entire afternoon. There was no need for even the slightest of gestures. The whole program flowed from an inner feeling and understanding the entire way through.
Thanks everyone for coming out and creating such a sentient atmosphere where the mind was easily able to slip into that peaceful, meditative state.
Thanks to all who came out for our Live Sitar & Yoga program. We all had a wonderful satsaunga (uplifting company) together. Anthony’s melodious sitar, the slowness of breath, and the stillness of mind all contributed to a wonderful program. It enabled many to reassess their place and touch that deep sense of peace within. While much can be written – words fail to capture the beauty and serenity that filled the air at the program’s culmination. It was truly a collective effort and wonderful satsaunga.
On July 11, 2010 we held a Live Sitar and Yogaprogram at Galesville Memorial Hall. The Chesapeake Current was on hand and they wrote this wonderful article about the program that appeared in today’s edition.
Be sure to pick-up your own free copy of the Chesapeake Current at your local library, rec center, community hall, or shopping center like the Safeway in Dunkirk, among other places – plus we have some on hand in class.
As the article states, our next Live Sitar & Yoga program will be held on Sun Oct 24 from 2p – 4p.
Yesterday was our Live Sitar and Yoga program – we had a full house (23 participants) – thanks to all who came!
Anthony Malatesta played the sitar beautifully and via those soothing & mystical sounds, we ventured into yoga’s more meditative side. Yes we did a range of physical poses, but more than that we explored sadhana practices like yoga nidra (deep relaxation), svarshastra (science of breath control), pranayama (specific breathing techniques), and more.
Sometimes all were lying down with their pillows and eye pillows gazing within, and other moments striking a pose of challenge. Mostly though it was about the meditative approach.
As a teacher, it was a sweet joy to be part of this collective as everyone delved deep into the introversial flow – i.e. exploring within.
Diane Burr of the Chesapeake Current was also on hand and she plans to do an article in the near future about the program. Please watch for it.
All in all, the program went well and everyone reached a state of peace and realization. All got what they wanted – except for one. A faithful & long-standing member of the Tuesday morning abs class asked if from now on the 20 min abs intensive could incorporate the relaxation elements of the yoga-sitar program – the answer was a firm “no”. We have our standards after all!!
The live sitar and yoga is a special gathering and we certainly hope you will consider coming out for the next one!!
In the above video, the world famous sitar player Ravi Shankar (born 7 April 1920 in Varanasi, India) performs on the Dick Cavett show a few decades ago.
He is accompanied by tabla player Alla Rakha (left). By the way, that is George Harrison of the Beatles sitting on the couch at the beginning of the clip.
On Sunday July 11, we will have our own live sitar & yoga seminar at Galesville Hall. Click here to register.
We were blessed to have a wonderful gathering last Sunday, July 26, for our Yoga-Sitar program.
Anthony began by showing us some highly remarkable musical demos of drums like the mrdangam of South India and Sitar from North India. First he would voice the instrument and then he would play the same via the drum and sitar. It was quite special – a unique presentation.
Thereafter, we all collectively delved into our yoga meditative flow.
From a focus on breath then to contemplation and then to movement, we made our journey, the whole while surrounded by the mystical aura of the sitar.
When mantra was introduced the meditative flow surged deeper within.
Every one of the 19 participants contributed to the magical flow that allowed us to reach a deeper calm and sense of communion.
In the end, our practice culminated with a meditation that could have gone on and on. We were all that immersed. Only the marching of time stopped us.
When our program finally concluded – albeit 20 minutes late – one person noted, “How did the time go by.”
That just about told the story: in a sweet mystical flow the time went by….
Please do see some of the comments below (I have combined a whole bunch into the first comment box).
We will have our next Live Sitar & Yoga program on Sunday, October 18th, 2p- 4p in Galesville!!!
On July 11, 2010 we held a Live Sitar and Yoga 
