Shiva Shanti Yoga School

07/25/2025

Bask in the beauty shining right before you, like sunlight gently touching the earth.

07/18/2025

Enjoy the little things…. Surround yourself with nature! If you’re in the city find a spot!

06/16/2025

😇

06/10/2025

After mom stopped teaching and began working part-time, she found herself entering a new chapter of life—semi-retired, with more time to explore things that brought her joy. One of the most meaningful activities she became involved with was a volunteer group called the Caring Clowns of New Jersey.

This beautiful group of individuals—dressed in cheerful costumes and big-hearted smiles—would visit hospitals, nursing homes, and other care facilities to lift the spirits of children, the elderly, and anyone in need of a little light. Mom absolutely loved it. It gave her a chance to bring happiness to others in a fun, creative way. She even took balloon sculpture classes and began collecting an array of costumes—each one helping her transform into a character of kindness and joy.

At the time, I didn’t fully understand why she was so drawn to it. But now, I do. It was her way of giving love in the most playful and healing way possible. When she passed, I was able to donate all her costumes to the other Caring Clowns—an offering that felt like a continuation of her generous spirit.

With time, I’ve come to see more clearly the depth of who she was—someone who truly lived to bring joy to others, even in the simplest, silliest, most heartwarming ways.

“Their mission is to promote, preserve and present the time‑honored profession of clowning by providing therapeutic family humor, knowing that ‘laughter is the best medicine.’”

Mission Statement for caring Clowns

This beautifully captures the heart of their work:
• Therapeutic Family Humor: They bring uplift and connection to people of all ages—children, seniors, patients, families—through lighthearted, healing performances.
• Preserving Clowning Traditions: They honor the art form’s legacy while applying it in warm, caring ways to support individuals and communities.
• Belief in “Laughter is the Best Medicine”: Their core philosophy is that laughter—forged through playful interaction—has real emotional and psychological healing power.

06/05/2025

Garudasana (Eagle Pose) – Alignment & Spiritual Teaching

Begin by standing in Tadasana, grounding evenly through both feet. Feel your connection to the earth below.

Step-by-Step Alignment
1. Shift your weight gently into your right foot.
2. Bend your knees slightly and lift your left leg, wrapping it over your right thigh. If possible, hook the top of your left foot behind your right calf. If the wrap isn’t available, press the big toe against the floor like a kickstand.
3. Bring your forearms forward, perpendicular to the ground. Your arms represent the eagle’s beak—your gaze is focused at your fingertips. Cross your right arm under your left, and bring the palms to touch, or as close as they comfortably can.
4. Lift your elbows to shoulder height and reach your fingertips upward while pressing your forearms forward.
5. Keep the spine tall. Soften your gaze to a still point in front of you.
6. Breathe deeply, feeling the spaciousness in the upper back and the steadiness in your base.
7. Hold for several breaths, then slowly unwind and repeat on the other side.

Spiritual Teaching

Garudasana teaches us how to focus amidst complexity. The many wraps of the body mirror the tangled challenges of daily life—but even in the tightest spaces, we can find breath, softness, and clarity.

The eagle, Garuda, symbolizes higher vision. From its elevated perspective, the eagle sees not only the problem but also the path forward. In the same way, we rise above entanglements when we center ourselves within and gaze inward with calm resolve.

Let this pose be your reminder: Even when life feels knotted, your spirit is expansive. Even when balance wavers, your inner stillness remains.

Return to your center. See clearly.
Fly inward.

06/05/2025

In my own daily yoga practice, I often step just slightly off-center—away from the my own symmetry—because it helps me feel subtleties of my alignment in a more dynamic way. Whenever possible, I record my practice using my phone. I take time to review the footage, studying it carefully—just as I would if I were observing a student. I look at it from all angles, checking in to see if my body is fully engaged, if there’s integrity in each pose, and where I can refine. As a teacher I can always improve!!!

This process has become a vital part of my growth. It’s especially helpful when you don’t have a teacher physically present—because while inner listening is essential, having a visual reference can reveal patterns and habits we might not otherwise notice. Watching yourself with a kind and curious eye can deepen your self-awareness and support continual improvement. It’s a practice I highly recommend. Try it—not with judgment, but with the same care you’d offer a student you truly want to see thrive.

06/03/2025

Navasana (Boat Pose) with Bent Knees: Core Strength with Compassion

Purpose
Navasana strengthens the core, tones the hip flexors, and builds inner balance and resilience. Spiritually, it invites focus and steadiness — teaching us to hold ourselves upright through challenge.

⸻

Step-by-Step Instructions: Starting with Bent Legs
1. Sit tall with knees bent, feet flat on the floor.
2. Place hands lightly behind the thighs, lengthen the spine upward.
3. Lean back slightly while keeping the chest lifted and the back long.
4. Lift feet off the floor so shins are parallel to the ground, knees still bent.
5. Reach arms forward, parallel to the ground, palms facing inward.

Alignment Tips
• Keep the spine long and heart lifted — avoid rounding the back.
• Relax the shoulders, gaze forward or slightly upward.
• Engage your core gently without gripping.

⸻

Optional: Progress to Straight Legs

If the spine stays long and steady, slowly straighten the legs toward a “V” shape.
To modify, extend one leg at a time or keep one knee bent.

Key Points for Alignment:
• Inner thighs draw toward each other for balance.
• Core remains active and spine extended.
• Keep breath flowing smoothly.

⸻

Breath Awareness
• Inhale: Lengthen the spine and lift through the crown.
• Exhale: Draw the navel in and stay centered.
• Hold for 3–5 breaths or longer with practice.

⸻

Spiritual Reflection

Boat Pose mirrors life’s challenges — we stay steady in uncertainty. It builds not just strength, but confidence in your own center.

Affirmation:
“Even in challenge, I rise. I meet resistance with steadiness. My center is strong and peaceful.”

⸻

Exit the Pose Gently

Exhale, lower the feet to the floor.
Inhale, lift the arms overhead.
Exhale, fold forward over the legs to release the back and soothe the nervous system.

05/19/2025

Ganesh Best Offer Sell 12x8 feet!

05/11/2025

After years of teaching and completing multiple teacher trainings, I developed a unique sequence for a safe Surya Namaskar—a gentle, adaptation of the traditional sun salutation. Designed specifically for my own body’s needs, it evolved into a flowing, mindful practice that I shared with all my students and certified teachers. This version retains the core elements of Surya Namaskar but offers a softer, more accessible approach. It allows the body to move safely and fluidly through each asana. This is the Sirya Namaskar devolped for Siva Shanti Yoga Teacher Training.
My life as a Yogini. Felise Berman
https://youtu.be/kmntsoekKEs?si=uNditDEKKxMpLS-

We provide an Educational Center for Yogic Studies and Spiritual WORLDWIDE we are dedicated to teaching the sacred, study, art, science and philosophy of Yog...

05/11/2025

After years of teaching and completing multiple teacher trainings, I developed a unique sequence for a safe Surya Namaskar—a gentle, adaptation of the traditional sun salutation. Designed specifically for my own body’s needs, it evolved into a flowing, mindful practice that I shared with all my students and certified teachers. This version retains the core elements of Surya Namaskar but offers a softer, more accessible approach. It allows the body to move safely and fluidly through each asana. This is the Surya Namaskar developed for Shiva Shanti Yoga Teacher Training.
My life as a Yogini. Felise Berman

We provide an Educational Center for Yogic Studies and Spiritual WORLDWIDE we are dedicated to teaching the sacred, study, art, science and philosophy of Yog...

03/05/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1UrmQzE5ZF/?mibextid=wwXIfr

02/25/2025

Dry skin brushing, known as garshana in Ayurvedic practice, is a traditional technique involving the use of a dry brush with natural bristles to massage the skin. This practice is believed to offer several health benefits:
• Exfoliation: “Dry brushing a mechanical exfoliation technique… helps shed any lingering dead skin cells. This process helps remove buildup and increase cell turnover, revealing smoother skin texture and a more radiant skin tone.” 
• Lymphatic Support: “Dry brushing is often used as a form of lymphatic drainage massage and may help stimulate the lymphatic system similarly.” 
• Improved Circulation: “Dry brushing is similar to lymphatic drainage and massage techniques, so it likely offers similar circulation benefits.” 

While these benefits are widely reported, it’s important to note that scientific research supporting some claims, such as cellulite reduction, is limited. As noted by Healthline, “Dry brushing can help get rid of dead skin cells and stimulate blood flow, but there’s no scientific evidence that it reduces or eliminates cellulite.” 

Incorporating dry skin brushing into your routine may enhance skin health and overall well-being. However, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new health regimen, especially if you have existing skin conditions or health concerns.