less and less

I feel like I've finally found my sadhana. The challenge is really having it and still having something new to say as a teacher on a daily basis. I can't talk about Sri Ramakrishna, the Uddhava Gita, the spirituality in the teachings of Jesus Christ, and the Bhakti Sutras of Narada in every class. And as someone pointed out to me recently, I "teach the crazy poses at the end of Light on Yoga." Which is true. But that's the direction of my personal, physical practice. There's a lot less movement, and it doesn't change that much from day to day but it is pretty advanced in its focused simplicity. Most days I feel like I truly have something to say and offer that has the potential to resonate with someone. But there are those days when I'm trying to give people what I think they want. Even if it is what they want, and I'm able to do it well on any given day, I don't know how I feel about it.

inspired to dance (one day)

It's shots like this that make me want to make the pilgrimage to India. The celebration and the ritual are inspiring. And right now it seems like everyone I know is making the trek. Sometimes I feel a bit guilty for not packing up and just doing it. I'm just so daunted by the other side of India: the poverty, the tensions in the region, and the very real chance of getting ill. I hope that I'm able to make the journey one day, just to dance naked with the sadhus, celebrating God.

(photo by Swiatek Wojtkowiak)

Devotion by the Ocean

It's time to retreat! I'm off to Costa Rica again in April (5-11). This time I'll be joined by my friend Astrud.

I know what the economic turmoil is doing to everyone's pocket so we've kept the price down for this adventure: $1,008 for a double occupancy bungalow, and $700 for a triple occupancy room. That covers lodging, two meals each day and all the yoga.

Feel free to e-mail me with questions or to let me know you're interested. See the full details at www.yogawithkeith.com/costarica.html.

Pavana Suta Hanumana Ki Jai!

2 in 1 month

This is the month when the forward-bend photos of me are in Yoga Journal. I knew that November was the publication date. I haven't seen the issue yet because I've been in Alabama for the last few days where a current issue is hard to come by. But I've been hearing through the yoga-vine that the spread turned out great.

On my way to the airport this morning - one last try at finding the new YJ - I popped into a Barnes & Noble. No luck. "Probably later today", I was told. So I grabbed a copy of Yoga + Joyful Living to add to my in-flight reading stack. While doing my initial flip-through who do I come across but ME.

I answered an ad from New York photographer David Sachs three years ago calling for yoga models. I got the gig, did the shoot, and had all but forgotten about it until recently when I saw a shot (in Yoga+) of the woman - I really wish I could remember her name. I think it is Ayo, but is was three years ago - who was modeling the day I was. I remember the photogrpher being really pleased with the pictures, both the solo shots as well as some partner pictures. At the time I was told that all the pictures were for stock photography, so I've always known they could show up anywhere, anytime. When I saw a picture of my co-yogi show up in the last issue of Yoga+, I did think for a moment that maybe I would show up in print at some point soon. And then I forgot. Then today, unexpected as much as expected there I was. Just kind of kooky that Yoga+ would coincide with YJ, and that I would see it today. Must be the full moon.

got it!

It's on with Yoga Journal. Like my voice teacher Margery used to say, "A little free advertising never hurts."

modeling?

I got an e-mail from Yoga Journal, wanting to know if I would like to audition to be the model for the Home Practice section focusing on forward bending scheduled for print some time in the fall. I thought, why not? Who knows if I'll be the guy or not but I sent in the pictures (thanks Cookie). Have a look at the slideshow (there are a few extra shots in there from some professionals).

freed(om) time

When I decided not to have knee surgery this past winter, I made the decision that I have to have two days off from physical practice. It means practicing in other ways. So yesterday was Alter-Cleaning-Day. Dusting and chanting. Re-dressed Ganesh. Now that's my kind of day off! Om Gum Gum Ganapatayei Namaha!

flip, float, and fly

Flip, Float & Fly at Laughing Lotus SF

Saturday, July 12, 4 -6 PM
$20

An afternoon of playful exploration through inversions, arm balances, and gravity defying FUN! Working solo, with partners, and in small groups we will tap into our truest nature and become LIGHT itself. Familiar shapes will move away from the wall, unfamiliar shapes will spark new curiosities, and the known and unknown will change places. OPEN to All levels.

Call Laughing Lotus SF to register
415 355 1600
www.laughinglotus.com

the responsibility of the mantle

Last night I shared with my class a mantra that is still fairly new to me: Aham Brahmasmi. Swami Sivanada Radha - in her book Mantras Words of Power (timeless books) - translates this as "I am Brahman" or "I am God". That's big.

At first, choosing to chant this mantra can seem a bit tricky; I have visions of someone being cautioned against taking the Lord's name in vain or a flash of lightning striking down the infidel. With deeper reflection I begin to realize that this mantra is a reminder, much like Om Purnamadah, that I am the reflection of and therefore very much a part of God.

My teacher Rabbi Gelberman would always remind me and my budding ministers that one of our 'jobs' is to be an inspiration worthy of being called the reflection of the Divine. Not always easy. Sometimes when we are on this path to our highest self, seeking to rediscover oneness something unplanned begins to happen : separation. We start to reconnect with the Divine but begin to put walls up between us and those who may not be on the path or who are perhaps on a different path. If all the paths on the mountain lead to the same peak, then how can we allow ourselves such a stumble? Because we are human, and we think with our heads more than our hearts. So this mantra is the tool to help reset or readjust our perceptions and sight so that we can take on the responsibility of the mantle of being a joy-filled, walking, talking piece of God.

See you at the top. Enjoy the journey!

happy happenings

A couple upcoming events where I get to share my love for the practice.

"Happiness is the goal of yoga - the goal of life."
-David Life and Sharon Gannon

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Friday Night Kirtan Party!
Starting February 1st
with Keith & Friends at 8pm
Entrance By Donation

Come Blow your Heart Wide Open with the Ecstatic Practice and
Celebration of KIRTAN, the Yoga of Sound & Devotion

EVERY Friday night
Laughing Lotus Yoga Center - San Francisco
3271 16th Street at Dolores


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PARTNER YOGA
with Indigo Stray & Keith Borden
Saturday, February 9th
1pm - 3pm
International Orange Spa
internationalorange.com/yoga/workshops.html

PARTNERWORKSHOP: Get tangled up and have fun with partner yoga. Learn to use connection to another yogi, both physically and energetically, to stretch and release deeper into your practice. Classic yoga postures will be included along with creative partner shapes. Find new stability, fall over, and LAUGH! No experience necessary for this playful sequence of postures.

All levels welcome.
Workshop cost is $60 per couple. $30 per individual.
Please call (415) 563-5000 or see the front desk to pre-register.
Space will be limited to 20 students.
Walk-ins will be accepted should space permit.