If the warm weather makes you feel anything like it makes me feel, you might be looking for the next fun thing to do every weekend… There is so many great events happening this weekend around the bay! I just felt like I have to share…

First, I would like to introduce to you the beautiful art of Siobhan O’Hara, www.siobhanohara.com Some of her divine-feminine-inspired art graces my dance studio, and she was chosen as one of select artists to receive recognition at Unite Women.org.

Now, for this weekend artsie fun events:

~ Himalayan Fair ~

30th Annual Himalayan Fair at Live Oak Park in Berkeley, California.
Himalayan Fair 2013 will be on May 18th, 10am-7pm and May 19th, 10am-5:30 pm

~ Festival of the Silk Road ~

The greatest show of Silk Road arts in the Bay Area
A Celebration of the Silk Road – Cultures in Collaboration
Fun for the whole family! May 18, 2013 , Mexican Heritage Theater, 1700 Alum Rock Road, San Jose CA

If you are a women, and you are into natural community based living, you might want to check out the herbal symposium one of these days… a perfect blend of easy camping in a beautiful northern California private land with a creek , great classes, yummy healthy food, profound healing, ritual, music,  and community of women of all ages… This year I’m attending both Session I & II.

Wishing you a beautiful week, letting the magic of every moment unfold,

Revital

Finally, some energy is moving. As my wise counsel (in the form of my husband:) always reminds me, every thing in its’ own time. There is a season for every thing to rise and fall. An impossible little piece of wisdom for an Aries to fully integrate. My impulsive self wants it, whatever it is, now. A month or two ago the sprouts of spring appeared around and within me, and the dormant winter creative serpent raised her head, got me all revved up for doing it all – and then, it felt like a long stall. It was like all of my creative projects pushing to see the light of day, jammed the channels of cosmic allowance. And nothing was getting done. Naturally, I calmed down. Got a little help form my left (logical) brain and the organizations masters in my life, and walla – despite all the creaters who nibble at my creative impetus to grow, manifest, and deliver, I have a few intact sprouts to show for.

Drum roll… proudly presenting:

Shakti Bhakti Ensemble has many performances planned for  this summer; a  special collaboration retreat of Taoflow Yoga (with Cain) and Indian dance (with Revital) planned for winter time; new students and clients are showing up; and several guest teachings in festivals, gathering, and events worldwide are forming. A couple new products being delivered from the publishing house of Singing Dragon:

Mduras of India – Paperback is complete and will be freshly pressed out of the publishing house this month!
This version is not only cheaper than the hardcover, it also includes lots of little edits and improvements of the original text, and a all new chapter listing the health benefits of hand mudras. You can order it now! Please send me a note if you would like a personal dedication, and let us know the name you would like us to include. Click here to read praises for Mudras of India.
Or here if you would like to read more praises Do you know anyone who had received enough praises, and they want no more?… If you read the book, we would love your review! You could include it on Amazon, or email us.

Coming up this October… Mudras of Indian Dance – 52 Hand Gestures for Creatvie Expression.

Drawn from two of the most important ancient texts on the subject, the Natya Shastra and the Abhinaya Darpana, this attractive set of user-friendly cards shows the 52 fundamental hand mudras used in Indian dance and theatre. These gestures provide the basis for an entire language of hand articulation . Each card presents a full-colour image of the mudra with Sanskrit name, transliteration and English translation, as well as concise information on origins and applications. The cards are arranged in the traditional order with 28 single-hand and 24 joined-hand gestures, as described in the Abhinaya Darpana. From storytelling to representations of human emotion to spiritual symbolism, hand mudras are one of the most potent and expressive features of Classical Indian Dance.This card set will enrich the practice of students and teachers of Classical Indian Dance and theatre, and will be invaluable to anyone interested in Indian mudras.

With my blessings to always follow your passions – Revital

I join my hands together, palm to palm in front of my heart, meet your eyes with mine, and offer my deep appreciation to you for exploring the path of creative expression with me!

It is this time of the year, transition into summer. Far enough form any type of Xmas shopping and past tax time… we are making room for the new, and we hope you are too . All of our shop items are 40% off! Only until April 28. And I mean ALL of them, including our hard cover Mudras of India book, while supplies last. We only have a few books left. For real. As I said, we are making room for the new…. more exciting Mudra products are in the making. Will share details soon. Mudras of India was nominated as a finalist at the 2012 ForeWord Book of the Year Award! 

If you are a teacher or a healer yourself, or a store /studio / business / practice owner, and you would like to offer any of our DVDs or posters to your clients, send me a note, and I can “unlock” event better rates for wholesale orders.

Temple Goddess Workout might ignite your passion for a life time of dance… I know you can dance. even if you don’t yet.

In joy,
Revital

With Revtial & Cain Carroll
December 7 – 14, 2013

2 tracks to choose from: Yoga or dance.

Enjoy two daily Yoga classes with Cain, two daily Indian Dance classes with Revital, or all four…

Relax, revitalize and have fun while practicing Taoflow Yoga and/or Odissi Dance in paradise! Treat yourself to a transformative week of movement, meditation and self-rejuvenation.

Nestled in a secluded spot on the pacific coast of Mexico where the jungle meets the sea, Xinalani Resort offers beachfront eco-chic cabanas, healthy organic meals made with fresh and local ingredients, and stunning views the Pacific Ocean from your terrace. When you are not practicing yoga or dance, there will be many opportunities for jungle hikes, rappelling down waterfalls, swimming with wild dolphins, surfing, zip lining, or simply relaxing on the beach, or in your hammock, with a glass of fresh fruit juice or a margarita.

*Daily Schedule:

7:30 – 8:30 am Taoflow Yoga
8:30 – Breakfast
9:30 – 11:30 am – Dance fundamentals and conditioning w/ Revital
1:00 – 4 pm – Lunch and Free Time
4:00 – 5:30 pm –  Dance choreography, expression and mudras w/ Revital
5:30 – 7:00 pm – Taoflow Yoga
7:00 pm – Dinner

*All classes are optional
Several evening programs, such as bonfire, tamazcal (native sauna), and dance party will also be offered. On Wednesday we will have only one early morning class to allow one free day for excursions.

Rates per person* (includes 7 nights lodging with 3 meals per day and all classes and group activities):
Small Palapa – $1350
Deluxe Rooms – Double $1745 | Single – $2,200
Petite Suites – Double $1850 | Single $2450
Eco-Chic Suites – Double $1950 | Single $2750

*Room choices are based on availability. Sign up early to reserve your preferred accommodation. For accommodation details visit: Xinalani, Yoga Retreat in Mexico

Spouse / Partner Special: Bring your beloved and he or she gets $500 off their retreat!
To register or for more information click here

Taoflow Yoga is a unique fusion of yoga and qigong (chi gong) with a strong emphasis in inner energy cultivation, self-healing and meditative breathing. The practice utilizes natural alignment, fluid movement and stabilizing postures to rejuvenate the internal organs, nourish the joints, tendons and ligaments, and increase overall vitality. You’ll be amazed at how good you feel!

Odissi is a form of Classical Indian Dance characterized by the ecstatic expression of grace and power. The dance unifies feminine and masculine energies through fluid movement and rhythmic footwork. Odissi is both traditional and devotional in its essence, drawing upon rich influences such as acrobatics, yoga, martial arts, classical dance, and temple dances of East India.

No previous training or experience required. Students of all levels of physical fitness are welcome.

About the teachers:

Revital Carroll is an internationally acclaimed performer and teacher. Intensive studies of yoga and meditation in the Himalayas led her to discover her passion for Odissi Classical Indian Dance, where she finds the sensual and the spiritual expressing as one. She is the co-author of Mudras of India: A Comprehensive Guide to the Hand Gestures of Yoga and Indian Dance, Mudras of Indian Dance (52 Card Deck available late 2013 with Singing Dragon), and the creator of three instructional DVDs: Temple Goddess Workout, and Odissi Dance Vol. I & II. Revital draws her inspiration from the elements of nature, the wisdom of her own body, and the rich spiritual heritage of ancient India. Her teachings are guided by a sweet devotion to life, and her classes weave together intensity, surrender and joyful play. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, daughter and two cats. www.shaktibhakti.com
Cain Carroll is a pioneering teacher, speaker and author in the field of self-healing and embodied spirituality. Drawing upon 20 years of formal training in meditation, yoga, qigong and natural medicine, he has developed a unique method of self-cultivation called Taoflow Yoga. He is co-author of the books Partner Yoga and Mudras of India, and creator of Mudras of Yoga (72 Card Deck available late 2013 with Singing Dragon) as well as three instructional DVDs: Pain-Free Joints, Heal Neck & Shoulder Pain, and Digestive Power. To learn more about Cain, visit www.caincarroll.com

This will be a great time of sharing the depth and joy of our practice. I hope you can join us!

To register or for more information click here

English: “tail” or  “plough” or “hand”
Additional name: Langula
Description:Kangula Mudra I is the nineteenth hand gesture of the twenty-eight single-hand mudras (asamyukta hastas) as described in the Abhinaya Darpana. It is also noted in the Natya Sastra.According to mythology this mudra derived from Shiva when he made a pellet from the poison that sprang from the sea of milk and held it in his hand, forming Kangula. The associated sage is Kumaraswamy, race is Siddha, color is golden, and patron deity is Lakshmi or Padma.

Application: Primarily used by performing artists to create context and express emotional states and specific actions. Viniyoga: Lakuchasyapala(“lakucha fruit”); Bala-kucha (“young girl’s breast”); Kalharaka(“white water-lily”); Chakora (“partridge”); Kramuka (“ betel-nut tree”); Bala-kimkinyam (“children bells”); Ghutika-adika(“pill”); Chataka (“chataka bird”); Nalikera (“coconut”); Gantika(“bell”). Additional usages denote: grapes, rudrakshaseed, holding the chin, nipples, star, balls of snow, jasmine flowers, and any small object.

Dear Dancer,

On short notice I have decided to take a small group of students to Orissa India for two weeks this coming February 5 – 20, 2012. As you might know, my husband Cain was organizing a spiritual pilgrimage tour to Orissa during this time. The tour did not attract as much interest as they were hoping for, so we decided to use the opportunity to offer a special trip with Odissi Dance focus.

Since I have lived in Orissa and have many contacts there, I will take my students to all my favorite secret spots, as well as include extensive shopping trips with local artisans to find all the best items for our dance jewelry, costumes and hand-made Orissan art. I will be teaching daily Odissi classes at sacred sites, as well as Yoga and Temple Goddess Workout sessions, as we travel from one amazing place to another. We will also have the opportunity to watch Odissi performances and enjoy a cultural exchange with local dancers. Professional adventure guide, Phil Price, will take care of our transportation, meals, and other tour details.

Reduced price and special discount for dancers: We keep dropping the price down to accommodate more people! Initially, we have dropped the price by $500 to $3995, then we offered an additional 10% off. So, And now we dropped the price additional $500! So the trip cost is now $3095.00 (instead of the original $4495). A deposit of $500 is required to secure your space.

Would you join us this winter for this once-in-a-life-time opporunity to travel to Orissa, in style and ease that could not be matched? Contact us for more details and registration information

English: “lion face”

Additional names: Singhamukha, Mriagi

         Simhamukha Mudra is the eigtheenth hand gesture of the twenty-eight single-hand mudras (asamyuktahastas) as described in the AbhinayaDarpana.

          Technique: Hold your hand raised, stretch your little finger and index finger upward while bending and applying the tips of the middle and ring fingers to meet with the thumb.

    Application: Primarily used by performing artists to create context and express emotional states or specific actions. Viniyoga: Vidruma (“coral”); Mouktika (“pearl”); Sugandha (“fragrance”); Alaka-sampsarsa (“stroking hair”); Akarnane (“hearing”); Prushati (“water drop”); Hrdi-samsthitah moksha-artha (“salvation”); Homa (“fire ritual”); Shasha (“Rabbit”); Gaje (“elephant”); Dharba-chalana (“waving kusha grass”); Padma-damani (“ lotus garland”); Simha-anana (“lion’s face”); Vaidy-paka-sodhana (“testing medicine preparation”).

Benefits: Utilized for peace and restorative needs in the Yoga tradition.

Note: It is known as Mriagi in the Yoga tradition and commonly used in the Yoga Tattva Mudra Vijnan form.

English: “deer head”
Additional name: Chanrda-mriga

          Mirga ShirshaMudra is the seventeenth hand gesture of the twenty-eight single-hand mudras (asamyuktahastas) as described in the AbhinayaDarpana. It is also noted in the NatyaShastra.According to mythology this mudra originated from Gauri, when she drew three lines on her forehead while practicing tapas to attract Shiva’s attention. The associated sage is Makandeya; color, white; race, Rishi; and patron deity, Maheshvara (Shiva).

           Technique: Hold your hand raised, little finger and thumb stretched upward while the three middle fingers bent half way toward the palm. All fingers are extended.

    Application:  Primarily used by performing artists to create context and express emotional states or specific actions. Viniyoga: Strinam-artha (“women reproductive organs”); Kapoola (“cheek”); Maryadayoho (“traditional manners” or “limit”); Bhityam (“fear”); Vivadam (“argument”); Nepathya (“costume and make-up”); Ahwane (“calling” or “residence”); Tripundraka (drawing three lines on forehead”); Mriga-mukha (“dear face”); Rangavalayam (“decorating the ground with patterns”); Pada-samvahanam (“feet massage”); SarwasammelaneKarya (“gathering all”); Mandire (“house”); Chatra-dharana (“holding an umbrella”); Sopane (“stairs”); Padvinyasa (“movement of the feet”); Priya-ahvana (“inviting the beloved”); Samchara (“roaming”). Additional usages denote: wall, deliberation, opportunity, screen, order, body.   

It is often used in Odissi dance to denote a women, and represents the female principal.