Author: Shakti Dickey

  • Living off the Grid

    So we live in a yurt, off the grid. Technically off the “powerline grid”; however, not quite off the “petroleum grid”. It’s a solid yurt, beautiful cedar in and out, 31 feet in diameter inside. My partner Eric built this yurt 2 and a half years ago on the San Juan Ridge about 23 miles…

  • Mantra

    Mantra:: A chanted sound, syllable, word, or prayer (Sanskrit: “man-“=mind, “-tra“=tool). Mantra is generally connected with the Sanskrit language, which is an energy-based language as well as a meaning-based language. Chanting words, especially with intent, create vibrations that have the power to transform. One of the most recognizable and simple mantras is the symbol “OM”.

  • Sattvic

    Sattvic:: Sattva (n) refers to a quality of existence. Related to food, it means: pure, light, fresh, providing the highest vitality. A sattvic diet includes whole, organic plant foods and fresh, organic dairy products, and is a nutritional approach to achieving higher consciousness.

  • Veda

    Veda: Knowledge, wisdom. The “Vedas” are the ancient texts of India containing the scriptures of Hinduism. They are the oldest extant text on the planet today (they came to us in written form 4000-6000 years ago).

  • Prana

    Prana: Life-force, life-breath, vital energy. It is the kinetic force of the universe, similar to chi in Chinese Medicine.

  • Dharma

    Dharma:: Life-purpose, the mission of our spirit. According to Yogic philosophy, when a soul descends into a manifested body, it has a reason for doing so – to fulfill it’s dharma. We can uncover our personal dharma by asking the questions, “Who am I?” “Why am I here?” “What is my life purpose?” Discovering our…

  • Namaste’

    Namaste’:: A traditional greeting in India and Nepal, it is similar to “aloha” in Hawaiian, as it symbolizes hello, good-bye, blessings, peace, a shared compassion. Typically, the hands are placed palms-together in front of the heart or forehead, eyes are closed briefly, a slight bow is made, and “Namaste’” is spoken. Namaste’ literally means “I…

  • Exotic cardamom…

    A member of the ginger family, cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is an ancient, beautifully fragrant, unique spice that once you discover, you’ll be hooked! Origin and History Wild and native to India and Sri Lanka, cardamom has been used since ancient Egyptian times, as well as Ayurvedically in India and in Traditional Chinese Medicine. You will find…

  • Featured activities during the February 2011 “Ayurveda: Yoga as a Way of Life” retreat!

    Two months away ~ Time to commit! We’ve just booked some amazing additions to the February 2011 workshop at Kalani  Oceanside Retreat! These experienced practitioners have been selected to expose participants to some alternative ways of healing, meditation, or relaxation. We’ll have kirtan, watsu, and more. (Read on, it’s ok…) Monday evening, we’ll begin our…

  • All I want for Christmas…

    This year when your friends and family ask what you’d like for a Holiday gift, have them donate to your Ayurvedic journey toward balance and health, by giving “gift certificates” toward the February workshop in Hawaii! (Have them email me for instructions.) Gosh, if family spends a couple hundred dollars on you each year, that…