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.

Check out the letter I submitted to the Health Commission urging them to advise the SF Board of Supes to stop CPMC (Sutter) from this action. The address is there, if you feel compelled to weigh in on the issue. If you’re in the city today, the Health Commission hearing is today and there is another one coming June 16 at 2:00 pm. Speak up!

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May 19, 2009

Department of Public Health
Health Commission
101 Grove Street, room 308
San Francisco, CA 94102

RE: Sutter/CPMC Charity Service Cancellations

To the Health Commission:

I am shocked and saddened to hear that charity service programs such as Touro University’s osteopathic clinic and student training are being canceled. There has been a justifiably angry outcry against this move from the doctors offering these services as well as from the students who have an unparalleled opportunity to learn in the hospital setting, not to mention patients benefiting from these free services.

It is for services like these that Sutter/CPMC has been granted non-profit status. As such, they have a responsibility to answer the real needs of the community. How can they hope to expand and create big, new hospitals such as that proposed for Cathedral Hill without protecting charity programs for facilities already in existence? If Sutter/CPMC wishes to function like a for-profit company, then they should be stripped of their non-profit status.

My child has been a patient of the osteopathic training program with Drs. Cislo and McCombs, DO, through Touro University at St. Luke’s, one of the Sutter/CPMC hospitals. My son’s health has improved dramatically from his care there over the past two years. He was successfully treated through natural, hands-on osteopathic methods from symptoms that his pediatrician claimed couldn’t be helped. At each visit, a room full of students got to share the joy of my boy’s improved health and comfort. Real learning happened and real confidence in natural osteopathic care was instilled in each of us. It is a beautiful program–not only for us, but for many other families who may not be able to find the same quality services due to financial constraints.

Ours was a simple story of good health turning great, but I know that for other patients participating in that program, it has been a story life or death. That is, I am told that some patients are literally kept alive through Touro’s free program. What happens to these patients if the care is stripped?

This is yet another insult in a long line of charity service cancellations. Guided by Sutter/CPMC, the “new” St. Luke’s has already cut many badly needed services in favor of more profitable programs. Consider the impact our community has suffered already: the loss of the entire psychiatric care unit, the loss of neo-natal intensive care, the loss of much-needed SNF beds, the loss of the heart of the maternity ward which was once famous for its commitment to women-centered, safe, demedicalized birth. Now, charity osteopathic medicine has had its final day.

Please listen to the opinions of the hospital doctors and nurses. Let people who took the Hippocratic Oath guide the hospital’s direction. They know what is best for their patients, not the money guys.  Please advise the San Francisco Board of Supervisors to keep Touro’s and other charity programs alive, otherwise they must revoke Sutter/CPMC’s non-profit status.

Sincerely,
Sri Lalita