empowering Archives - Custom Calm

Depend on theTeachings, not the Teacher

Posted by Ellen Sichel on March 1, 2012

The recent NY Times article featuring the sexual indiscretions of John Friend, Anusara Yoga’s originator and leader, have caused many to leave the tradition. This is not the first spiritual leader to fall from grace.

This situation brings to mind this quote:

Buddha left a road map, Jesus left a road map, Krishna left a road map, Rand McNally left a road map. But you still have to travel the road yourself… Stephin Levine

We tend to put our spiritual leaders up on pedestals, assuming and expecting them to live up to what they teach. This is not unreasonable, but we forget they are humans and even if they are spiritually evolved, they still can fail us with sometimes shocking behavior.

Disappointment and hurt results when we become dependent, wanting someone else to give us our answers.

When a teacher gives us the tools and teachings to look within, then they are truly teaching and empowering.

I tell my students to get dependent on the practices, not the teacher. The practices will not fail you, but as a human being, the teacher can. Remember, if the teachings have worked for you keep them, even if you don’t keep the teacher.

Let me know in the comments below if you have had teachers who inspired and empowered you. Have you had teachers that have disappointed you? Were you able to keep the teachings?

Tags: dependent, disappointment, empowering, spiritual teachers, yoga

Posted in: A Calm Perspective

Leukemia Survivor Improves her Life

Posted by Ellen Sichel on March 9, 2011

Jan is a Leukemia Survivor

Jan’s Challenges

I was diagnosed with leukemia in May of 2008 and not given very high odds to continue to live. After many chemo treatments, many transfusions, surgery, radiation and a stem cell transplant, I was mentally and physically exhausted. Medications that I had taken caused my muscles to be weak and my bones to be stiff. Before all of this happened to me, I considered myself to be physically fit. Now, I couldn't even touch my toes.

What Jan Tried

At that time I was still taking medication to suppress my immune system. This meant I could not be in a class, or go to public places. I called Custom Calm and began private basic yoga lessons with Ellen. During these lessons I learned moves that I could later do on my own. I was so excited because at the time I started the classes I had already been very isolated for 2 years.

What Worked for Jan

The yoga made me feel stronger and I immediately noticed that I started sleeping better at night. The practices helped me with my right shoulder stiffness. The yoga was a wonderful practice to do before preparing to center myself and pray. I love the stretches that yoga gives my war torn body. Finally, the yoga is known for strengthening the immune system and that is important to keep me alive.

I especially like the warrior pose because it brings to mind past, present and future. It gives me hope that I have come this far, focusing on the present moment, and hoping for better times in the future.

I wish I had tried yoga before I got sick. It is a wonderful way to center and calm myself down. I could have used it so much as a de-stressor before. I definitely plan to use it to de-stress myself in the future. 🙂

The "Loving Kindness Meditation" that Ellen also taught me seemed to open the gates of tears that I had held back over the course of my treatments.

What you can learn from Jan’s Experiences

Even in very challenging circumstances, there are always practices you can do to help yourself. Custom Calm tools for the mind are as important to our overall well-being as tools for the body. Jan embraced the practices and has empowered herself to live in the moment, feeling better and with hope for the future.

*Last name has been left off for anonymity

Tags: challenges, chemo, de-stress, empowering, exhaustion, focusing, leukemia, loving kindness meditation, sleep, stem cell transplant, stiffness, suppressed immune system, surgery, yoga

Posted in: This Stuff Works

Goldie’s Chronic Back Pain Alleviated

Posted by Ellen Sichel on March 2, 2011

Goldie is a Senior with back pain.

Goldie’s Challenges

While I was undergoing treatment for breast cancer, I also suffered from sciatica and back pain. I was diagnosed with spinal stenosis and instability in my back. Surgery was suggested. I was determined not to have surgery only as a last resort.

I was often incapacitated, unable to sit or walk for long distances. I was constantly in a great deal of pain and my life seemed to stop. This affected me both physically and emotionally.

What Goldie Tried

I constantly carried an ice pack with me. I tried acupuncture and massage. I also had spinal epidurals.

What Worked

After months and months of suffering, I started taking Custom Calm Yoga with Ellen and eventually I found that the gentle yoga, stretching and supported poses were very beneficial to my back.

I still have spinal stenosis but I can function well enough to go about daily living with a minimal amount of pain. I know I can’t overdo.

I have learned many poses that I can do on my own, but I enjoy the classes where I have benefit of total mind-body connection and a sense of camaraderie with others. I have come a long way and I hope to stay that way and avoid surgery. Thank you, Ellen, for all you have taught me.

What you can learn from Goldie’s Experiences

When we are looking for ways to help ourselves when facing pain, we try may avenues. Custom Calm techniques are most appealing because they are non-evasive, empowering and cost effective. Goldie experienced a reduction in pain and an increase in her strength as she worked with Custom Calm, which made a huge difference in her day to day living.

*Last name has been left off for anonymity

Tags: back pain, cancer, empowering, gentle yoga, incapacitated, mind-body, non-evasive, sciatica, senior, spinal stenosis

Posted in: This Stuff Works