How to write a Bhāvanā
Bhāvanā translates to “development,” “residence” or “cultivating,” – it is part of the yoga’s understanding of imagination. An emotionally charged visualization of the future.
Whether you root for manifestation or good planning or something in between – having a way to stress free plan your dreams is an asset.
Bhāvanā is a tool for making awesome happen. It feels great and really really freaking works.
The hardest part: figure out what you want.
If you’re not sure – start with what you want the future you to feel like and just start writing until the rest comes to fruition.
Figure out the job, the location, the family, the pets, the piles of money. What support did you have? What things did you learn?
Dream big, boo.
When you know what you want – PUT YOURSELF THERE.
This is the fun part. Let’s get imaginative. You’re YOU – but 5, 10 years down the road. Write a letter as your future self. Write it to a loved one. Tell your loved one about what it feels like to be where your dreams are. Tell them how you got here…
The rules of Bhavana
You have to be specific, positive, and concrete.
Specific – You want piles of money? What is that? Give it a dollar amount and a deadline. You want a happy marriage? What is that? Is that hand holding on dog walks? Independent and collective yearly vacations? Get specific.
Positive – Manifestation doesn’t want to know what you’ve stopped – it wants to know where you’re going. Positive thinking only! Write how happiness looks specifically, not what it looks like to no longer feel sad.
Concrete – Give us something we can put our hands on. Want abundance? Is that a house, clothes in the closet? Want love? Is that a best friend since highschool or a lover you met on tinder?
Example Bhavana
Best friend,
I am off to Italy for yet another international yoga training I am leading. I applied for that JFLA wellness loan to sign up for teacher training 5 years ago in 2019. Their $2500 loan covered the whole thing besides the deposit. I put the $500 deposit down not knowing how the rest of the money would make it there but One Down Dog’s fundraiser for JFLA opened the door to an opportunity. It took 3 years of regular LA classes to be confident enough to start creating content for youtube, instagram, and partnering in these online classes with other brands and yoga teachers. But I found my style and voice as a teacher. I have learned I have something valuable to share on accessibility and fun and that’s why there’s so many Europeans meeting me in Florence this week to learn how to create accessible yet challenging classes! Thank you for staying at my house and taking care of my 2 dogs and cat. They miss me, but love you! p
….
DOESN’T THAT SOUND LIKE FUN!
PUT YOURSELF IN THE FUTURE. FEEL IT. BRING IT INTO REALITY.
We’ll be meeting Thursday for Make Awesome Happen with Jessica Rosen to get aligned with goals and how to make them happen.
Sunday we’ll be meeting with 3 panelists in the wellness community moderated by Jessica Rosen. These panelists are a master of building wellness brands and also maintaining accessibility for their own wellness journeys. SIGN UP – you’ll learn how to apply for the wellness loan to get $2500 for your own wellness journey.
Actionable steps here.
#ODDlight Feature: Nicole Eber
Meet Nicole Eber! New to the #ODDfam but a long time teacher. She’s a teacher’s teacher, joke maker, and unique flow creator.
Check out her regular schedule in Eagle Rock:
Monday – FLOW – 9:45am
Friday – ALIGN – 9:45am
Friday – CHILL – 11
Name: Nicole
Hometown: Eustis, FL
Favorite Place: Yosemite! We travel a lot and our family has fallen in love with National Parks and its really hard to choose.
Favorite color: Green
What’s your sign? Scorpio
When you aren’t at the studio where can you be found (favorite past time)?
In a library checking out more books than I have time to read.
I teach because I love the body. I love how it moves and how movement makes me feel. My movement practice inspires me to teach, to share what I learn about my own body with others. Also getting people into weird shapes is pretty fun!
What brought you to become an instructor?
I finally felt like I had something to say and wanted to share my love of yoga.
What is your favorite song to play in class? Breathe by Sia
What is your favorite pose or flow? Why?
My favorite pose is urdvha dhanurasana. I love backbends. They are so challenging but always make me feel so happy. They are also my favorite thing to teach.
Memorable yoga moment?
The first time I did a handsstand! I practiced kicking up at the wall every single day for 9 months. Then one at the end of a class I dragged my mat to the wall and starting kicking. My teacher at the time saw me and just yelled KICK and then I fnially yet up! It was so exhilarating.
How did you first hear about One Down Dog? Through fellow teacher Courtney Sauls
What is your favorite yogi prop or piece to wear or use?
My favorite prop is a block.
Would you more likely tell your boss they had food in their teeth or let it slide? Tell them!
If you could have any super power what would it be? I’d be invisible
What was the last book you read? Recursion by Blake Crouch (my 25th book of the year)
If YOU were a color what color would you be? Black
What special causes or non-profits do you hold dear to your heart?
Dog Rescues! Leo Love rescue, Deity Animal Rescue, Bullies & Buddies
A yoga retreat, or what we like to call – a yoga adventure – is an opportunity to connect with all of the limbs of yoga. One Down Dog was created for the community, caring, and conversation that is yoga every damn day. An adventure with like minded new friends, good food, conscious daily practices, and an opportunity to connect is what excites us most.
So. Are you down?
photo by Jessica Bose
WHat is on the way? Mexico and Montana
Alberta / Banff – Canada
with Laura Jenkins and Katherine Bradshaw
Hygee – a restorative Winter escape from the city
Joshua Tree – California –
with Jessica and Molly
Get Free In J-Tree with a Yoga and Rock Climbing Adventure
Nuevo Vallarta – Mexico
with Katherine Bradshaw, Laura Jenkins, and Michaela Maxwell
Back To Sadhana with daily practice and a homey’ stay!
Photos and Testimonial by Jessica Bose
“I was pretty new to One Down Dog when I heard the announcement for a yoga retreat to Mexico. At the time, I was really itching to travel outside the country, but couldn’t find anyone to plan a trip with me. This retreat was the perfect opportunity for me to not only book a plane ticket, but to go on a trip to a beautiful place where I could meet new, likeminded people and practice yoga every day. Don’t get me wrong, I was very nervous when my plane took off from LAX but soon after arriving, I felt comfort in my surroundings thanks to the support of the teachers, my new friends, and the super-nourishing Ayurvedic meals. The experience was beyond amazing and I learned so much about how to care for myself. I left Back to Sadhana feeling calm, refreshed, and ready to take on the challenges waiting for me back at home. ” – Jessica Bose – Baker | Food Writer
First Yoga Adventure
4 Years ago Found(h)er Jessica Rosen had our first #ODDfam Yoga Adventure to Idyllwild. Some real #OGODD vibes in here. Photos by Sarit Photography.
The Official ODD Mother’s Day Shopping Guide
It’s that time of year again! Mama’s day is here, which means it’s time to show all the mothers and mother figures in your life just how much you care. If you’re looking for the perfect gift, look no further than your neighborhood yoga studio. If you haven’t already noticed all of the amazing retail that we carry in our stores, this post is designed to get you caught up. Take a scroll through to get a peak at some of the wonderful things that we have to offer. Be sure to shop the shelves at different locations to find unique items.
Yoga-ish gifts
We have a TON of clothing, cotton comfies and high endurance gear for you or your mothering best friend who always takes care of you.
Sweaters and hoodies perfect for staying warm and chic during that May Gray and June Gloom. It doesnt have to be for a yogi!
From inspiring art to boob mugs, ODD has all the things you need to put a smile on your mom’s face.
Art by one of our students as well as the Cuccip! You’ve probably had your cards read by the designer of Circo Tarot cards.
Aroma therapy on the go – made by Brianna – a teacher who is part of our teacher training program.
Face masks! Everyone loves to bond and rub stuff on their face!
A high quality, amazing-smelling candle goes a long way!
Thoughts! Feelings! Ideas! All of them fit perfectly inside of these super cute notebooks from Worthwhile. Grab one (or two!) to inspire your loved one to get it down on paper.
These pouches are adorable and practical. Whether it’s for makeup, toiletries, or electronics, these bags help keep you trendy and organized. EXCLUSIVELY found at Echo Park!
Create your own at-home yoga nook with a mat, comfy cozy meditation pillow, and throw blanket.
Instant savasana glow up!
#ODDLight: Niki Saccareccia
Meet Niki! She one of our newest teacher at ODD. If you haven’t taken class with her already, get on it! Find her on the schedule in Echo Park and Eagle Rock! In the meantime, you can brush up on all your Niki trivia by reading this post and learning more about the teacher, the student, the yogi, the human that is Niki Saccareccia.
Name: Niki Saccareccia
Nickname: The Great Pacifier, Lighthouse, Nikalini, NikNak, Nicolette, Curls
Hometown: Melbourne, FL
Favorite place: Anywhere in kind company with great food, music and fresh air.
What initially inspired you to become an instructor?
I was doing my summer internships at a sleep-away camp in upstate New York for at-risk and special needs youth. My colleagues and I were working 7-10 days straight through for 9 weeks, providing intensive 1:1 care to our campers. I saw how our entire lives/careers were going to hinge on self-sacrifice and burnout, just like every Psychologist and Therapist before us -t he need is always greater than those willing to help and it made me upset to think that the people spending their lives caring for other people’s children were destined for burnout. So, I started leading sunrise yoga classes so we could all get some self-care before our crazy, long days. I wasn’t formally trained yet, but knew I wanted the skills to help give back to my peers and other caregiver-types. I wanted to care for the caregivers.
Why do you continue to teach?
It’s rewarding to see immediate impact on people – I know I’m helping the world by sending people back into it feeling more grounded, cared for, seen and relaxed. It also uses every part of my talent and skill which keeps my spirit and mind sharp. Sometimes I teach 7-8 classes a day, but I always wake up happy because I’m doing what I love for a living, and continuing a lineage of applied philosophy that is more relevant than ever to the betterment of our planet and humanity. Plus, I can talk about poetry, philosophy, anatomy and physics in the same class and still be on topic. It’s so fun!
How do you define yoga?
Big Picture: Radical self-acceptance of what actually is.
Microcosm: The practice of balancing “doing” and “being” in one’s own agency, while being in relationship to all other things.
When you aren’t at the studio where can you be found (favorite past time)?
Entrepreneuring ways to bring more yoga to more people, cooking with my friends, petting all the dogs, hiking and traveling/exploring places.
Share a story or anecdote with us – something magical, changing, funny, or adventurous. Something that you love to tell.
When I was in middle school, my parents and I were on a road trip in Florida, traveling on a toll road. As we were pulling up to the toll booth, I saw a small car in the lane next to us, moving but with no driver. I started to freak out, worried that the car would crash into the car ahead of it. Turns out, it was hitched to the tailgate of a giant RV that I couldn’t see because it was in the toll both area, already. My parents will still tease me about this, and it was over 20 years ago.
What is your favorite pose or flow? Why?
As a full time yoga/meditation teacher, I drive A LOT so I need counterbalance. I do Legs Up the Wall Pose everyday, at some point to counteract sitting upright. I also love Side Laying Savasana; it elongates the Psoas which is usually tight from holding my foot over the break pedal.
What is your favorite yogi prop or piece to wear or use?
It never gets old how a simple blanket can be used for so much in terms of support, compression and balance training. I have at least 2 in my trunk at all times!
What is your most embarrassing moment?
I’m shy by nature, so I usually get embarrassed easily. Most recently, I learned that I’ve been saying the word “theater” wrong my entire life…if you ever hear me say “theer-ter” please correct me 🙂
What is your most empowering moment?
I’ve always been a clutz. The first time I ever did a vinyasa and it actually felt aligned, I had this surge of empowerment! I had an immediate download about why the vinyasa sequence is so essential and a comprehensive teacher in it’s own right. I suddenly understood what proper physical alignment can do to optimize our energy, how incredible our human architecture is, that I can hold every ounce of myself in a compromising position. It was the first time I ever felt athletic and graceful at the same time.
What special causes or non-profits do you hold dear to your heart?
Ramapo for Children is an incredible organization that gives at-risk youth and special-needs children in the greater NY area an opportunity to experience the outdoors in a summer-camp style setting with a counselor for every student. It was my first experience in an intentional-community focused on education, inclusivity and relational learning.
Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) is a non-profit that is changing the conversation, politics, and access around medicines that have been wrongly placed on the FDA’s Schedule 1. MAPS is helping educate the public about the medicinal value of substances that would change the status-quo of western medicine, one controlled study at a time.
Connect with Niki on the social media!
#lightinsideyoga #relaxationresidency
