I’ve gotten a lot of questions from people recently remembering the following post, originally released in April, 2010. Then, a friend sent this youtube video (warning: funny) and couldn’t resist reposting.

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Last week, I went to a party and this guy and I got into a lively conversation about…neti. You know, the yogic practice where you run a mild, warm saline solution into one nostril and out the other using a little neti pot?

Yes, at a party. It’s Berkeley, people.

Anyway, somehow I started to wax on about my newly acquired giant neti pot which I got about 6 months ago and how much the larger size neti pot has changed my life. I mean it. Changed. My. Life. I swear by this thing. The wild part is, he responded with equal enthusiasm! He had recently gotten the big kind, too, and couldn’t believe the difference. I’m not alone on this one.

Again, it’s Berkeley, people.

I’ve been using neti pots for years. I mostly used what I had access to: cute little ceramic numbers from the generic yoga studio or health food store that hold maybe a cup or two of water. This small amount of water, split between both nostrils, makes for a paltry jala neti experience. Still, even with the tiny pot, I was pretty excited about jala neti when first discovered it and I practiced it regularly for a time. I was impressed with the results. I even gave my family members little hand-thrown ceramic neti pots one Christmas. Poor guys.

Enter the new giant neti pot. I got it about 6 months ago for my birthday and it has been an amazingly different experience. The big neti is where it’s at. I even took a picture. That’s big neti across the table from me at a candlelight dinner. As you can see, it’s getting pretty serious.

It’s made by healthandyoga.com and I even tried to get a discount code for y’all, but I have been reticent about making this forum commercial in any way, even if it saves YOU money. So, just submit a comment here or on fb if you want me to do it to save you 15% or something. (UPDATE: DUE TO READER RESPONSE, THERE IS A DISCOUNT CODE HERE.)

Anyway, this pot. I feel like I want to tell you guys about this pot the way I used to want to tell a girlfriend about a new guy. This neti? I mean wow. Shiny and nice and new, but what it comes down to is that…it’s big.

Size matters.

And it can go again and again and again. I usually fill it twice in a session–once for each side. It’s incredible.

What more could any girl ask for?

[Note: it's a great idea to talk to a qualified yoga instructor if you are interested in starting a jala neti practice. Despite what you'll read on the internet, it *is* a practice, not something to take up now and then when you're feeling congested. It does so much more than 'clean the sinuses' or whatever they say. And, if you're a renegade and are gonna watch youtube and try it anyway, please please PLEASE use good, filtered and boiled water and dry your nasal passages gently and thoroughly afterward. Your head will thank you.]

This just in! I’ve got a discount code! Go to HealthandYoga’s website and use the discount code: sri2580!

Thanks to those of you who responded to the last post, now you’ll all be able to get in on the big neti action. Maybe once you beef up your neti practice, you will appreciate my obscure humor in the last post. (Yes, that *is* a picture of a candlelit dinner with Big Neti. And yes, the other picture shows the two of us snuggled up in bed. You and your Big Neti will fall in love all too soon and you’ll know just what I’m talking about!)

Good news and bad news: the discount wasn’t as high as I hoped–only 5%, but it applies to your ENTIRE PURCHASE! Yay! At least I think that’s how it works. Y’all let me know if there is a problem, ok?

Have fun!

Our yoga studio has a really great deal going on now where you can bring in a friend for free all this month. Consequently, we’ve met lots of new people. It has been a really fun opportunity to teach more than just the usual suspects at Yoga Mandala in Berkeley.

In response to the newcomer energy in class, I’ve had to contextualize a few of the things we do at our studio that are unique–er, “unique” in the sense that they are *so* traditional and rootsy yogic they feel radical to us in comparison to the contemporary, commercial American yoga scene.

Take, for instance, our mandala chanting. Yes, we make it short and sweet. Yes, we provide a pithy explanation every time. But for me, it is one of the most important aspects of practice. Chanting orients the entire session, setting the tone for whatever practice follows.

To me, it’s serious stuff. Here’s a (sadly) not uncommon scenario: it’s morning and I’m all shined up and ready to rock it on the yoga mat, only to find myself–COMPLETELY UNINSPIRED! You know the feeling: uh-ok-i-guess-i’ll-do-some-(sigh)-Pawanmuktasana-and-then-see-what-happens sort of thing.

It is tamas central, folks. Closed channels. Animal realm station on the BART train of the 6 realms. I mean, obviously, I know I’m going to pull myself out of it and will be stoked by the time breath is in full swing or later when it’s time to sit and yet, I’m thinking, “but how (oh HOW?!) am I going to get there this time, again, today?!” Essence nature is in there and I’ve gotta smuggle Her a file so she can break out of jail or something before limited ahankara notices.

Enter chanting.

Hands in supplication, there I am with no choice but to actually contemplate the innate mystery of Nature with my mind, voice and body (Oms): its totally Unbound, Flexible and Limitless Variegation (Ganesh chant), the Truth of its Wisdom (Sarasvati), and the Graceful Force and Power of Gratitude and Auspicious for Unbroken Living Wisdom (Guru Stotram). Oh yeah, and how could I forget the Teacher-Student Prayer which harmonizes me with everyone else I’m practicing with in this Fortunate Community of all practitioners throughout time? What a family. How many others have sat in this pose and opened their voices just like me today? How could I *not* open up?!

Boom: instant gratitude! With that, it is easy to practice.

So, yes. At Yoga Mandala–and every day–we chant with heart. It’s either that or fake it, folks, and I’m not that kind of girl.

Sri Lalita’s Hatha Yoga class is at 4:30 at Yoga Mandala.

Lovers of yoga,

This is just a quick one to let you know I’ve got a great sub for my usual 4:30 Sunday class at Yoga Mandala for a brief period. I’ll be out for May through the first part of June.

Kamesh, the studio manager, really went out of her way to find a nice sub. Isaac is a really sincere yogi who studied in Bihar. Check out his class. I would if I could, but if I could…well, then I’d be teaching, right?

Anyway, come June 21st you can count on me to be back in the temple for rich, Sunday afternoon helpings of nutritious hatha yoga asana, pranayama and meditation suitable for summer. Please join me then.

Postpartum Health: Preparing for the Postpartum Period with Ayurveda at Yoga Mandala

During pregnancy, emphasis is given to being ready for the “big day” when a woman gives birth to her child. Books guide parents in creating birth plans, classes offer methods to cope with the labor and delivery process and doulas can be hired to lend a helping hand. But what happens next?

In this workshop, Sri Lalita will discuss the common features of this time and guide new parents through a list of essentials every mom will want to make the postpartum period an easier, healthy transition. Healing teas, recipes, herbs and sitz bath teas will be discussed. Strategies for promoting optimal recovery for the postpartum mom will be offered. In addition, information about teas and salves to support milk production will be covered.

New Moms, Moms-to-be, partners and birth professionals are encouraged to attend. Contact Yoga Mandala at 510. 486.1989 to pre-register.

Location: Yoga Mandala
2807 Telegraph Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94705
Date: Sunday, February 15, 2009
Time:  10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (with a break for lunch)
Contact: 510.486.1989