Attach you Lose, Detach you Gain... A True Tale...or maybe 'Tail'

“When you know you already have everything you need and set higher goals, things come to you.”

“The way to gain anything is to lose it.” Swami Rama Tirtha

For most of my life, companionship has mainly come from dogs. What I did not realize was my intense attachment.

Attachment is a series of thoughts flowing in a particular direction that become stronger. For example, Mary thinks of Paul. She likes him. She starts thinking more and more about him. She can’t stop thinking about him. Now, she wonders what he is doing, where he is, when she will see him next, why hasn’t he called... These smaller thoughts pile up resulting in mental disturbance, agitation and stress. Imagine the effect this would have on a relationship. The attachment effectively pushes the object of desire further away from us rather than bringing us closer. Anything our mind fixes on may lead to attachment.

Detachment does not mean a lack of caring, feeling, missing or loving. In fact, it includes all of those MINUS mental disturbance! You will live your own life - not someone else's - and be free from worry and anxiety. You gain more peace and happiness. Isn’t this what everyone wants? However, most of us live in a bubble of ignorant bliss. We remain wrapped up and bound by our attachments. Anyone want out of this cycle?

The only way out is in! Because we are NOT Self Realized we feel a void. This pressure causes thoughts to flow out towards the world so that we fill up and feel good TEMPORARILY! These thoughts manifest for worldly things that manifest further into attachment. We stop the cycle by developing our intellect.

The intellect is not our intelligence. Intellect is our voice of reason. It has the job of overseeing and guiding our perceptions and actions of our body. It also oversees feelings, impulses and preferences of our mind. Essentially, intellect is life’s steering wheel. There are two specific things we can all do right now to tune up our intellect:

1. Do not accept or take anything for granted.

2. Question everything. Do not believe anything to be true unless it is backed by sound reason and logic.

Now for the true tale: Almost four years ago, I met and fell madly in love with a man who is now my husband, David. As we dated, he did not pretend to be interested in yoga or my dogs as he was indifferent towards both! Despite his loathing of dog hair, smell and drool he suggested the dogs and I and move in to his house with his two roommates! Knowing this would be a difficult living situation, it would also be a determining factor in moving our relationship forward. It was a test run and, while it was rough, we survived. We moved into our own home shortly after, and it was a HUGE adjustment for all of us. My dogs were no longer allowed in my bed. I also made a promise to David that I would not get another dog unless that was something he wanted too. And I really meant it! Over years of developing and sharpening my intellect, I realized the value of what a person contributed to a relationship, my life and the world. This was more important than if they did yoga or wanted to live with animals! But yet, I knew that I was attached to my dogs.

Keeping up on every level, serving my husband, tending to our relationship and growing my yoga business are my priorities in life. One of my beloved boxers recently passed. Although I am saddened by the loss and still miss him, I am not overcome by emotion, upset or disturbed. This is a surprising reaction. I am happy to have Kylie, my little boxer girl, and am also prepared for when she is no longer here. I fully accept that there are no more dogs in my life. By adopting higher thoughts and actions, I have outgrown my NEED and attachment to having dogs.

The story doesn’t end there. On Mother’s Day 2018, David said, “I have a surprise for you. I got you a dog!” I actually did not believe him. I did not EVER expect that. As a complete surprise to me, he had been researching and scouting puppies! I was a little nervous to hear his selection, since he is VERY particular and not a fan of the boxer breed… He chose a blue Great Dane. Without hesitation, I said YES as this was a dream breed of mine. For David, this dog will protect me and our home. He also wanted to give me something that he knew I would love. The best part: not asking for this.  Oh… and already being happy without expecting more.

When you know you already have everything you need and set higher goals, things come to you. I was happy with what I had and was not stressed or agitated by wanting another dog. Lose your lower quality desires, attachments, ego, cravings, and possessiveness. You may not gain a Great Dane, but you may gain PEACE OF MIND. That is true freedom. The Dane is icing on the cake!

Here’s to a true ‘tail’ of happiness!

CP

EnSoul Yoga Downtown Ferndale Business Spotlight

We are THRILLED to be featured as a Business Spotlight on DowntownFerndale.com

Business Spotlight – EnSoul Yoga

"It was love at first practice!  Caren experienced yoga for the first time as a 16-year-old young woman and discovered this would be her lifelong purpose. From that moment forward, Caren adopted the principles of yoga and began to live fully in the presence of each one...."

Read the full article here

Growing with Integrity

EnSoul Yoga - Detroit

Having integrity means doing the right thing in a reliable way. It's a personality trait to admire, since it means a person has a moral compass that doesn't waver. It literally means having "wholeness" of character, just as an integer is a "whole number" with no fractions. Click here to read an official definition of integrity.

Likewise, the meaning of ensoul is “to endow with a soul” or “to place or cherish in the soul”. EnSoul Yoga aims to draw out, expose and incorporate the integrity and most perfect part that lies within each of us.

Ironically, many yoga founders, business owners, studios, and instructors as well as major leaders, politicians, institutions and organizations lack integrity. Even though they may cite their mission as working for a higher purpose, there is an alarming rate of misuse and abuse.

You either have integrity or you don’t and it is also easy to lose...

One selfish action - GONE!
One wrong decision - GONE!
 

Unless you are working every day to be honest, authentic, and develop yourself physically, mentally, intellectually and spiritually, integrity slips away. I realize now, approaching the age of forty, that one cannot have integrity being involved with people, places or even yoga studios lacking integrity. Whatever we are doing contributes to something bigger than us and we will be influenced.

Many years ago, I was mistreated, often behind the scenes, at a large yoga studio that employed me. However, even at the height of the insanity, I continued to take classes at this very studio from the very person that mistreated me! Upon awareness of supporting both the instructor AND the business, it hit me that my actions did not line up with my intentions AT ALL! Out of habit and pure selfishness, wanting my convenient workout, I went against what I knew was ethical deep within. This was the exact opposite of integrity. I promptly quit!

YEARS later, I fell into the same MADNESS at another studio that was founded upon the highest ideals. For me, this was worse, as the company lost sight of their original mission. The focus deviated from spiritual education, Vedanta philosophy and raising healthy teachers and community to a goal for profits and power. Practices led to watered down trainings led by unequipped teachers, zero philosophy and a competitive teaching environment. Those that held the standards of integrity were forcibly driven away. By now, it may be a holy sanctuary… However, that is not my concern.

At present and moving forward, I am solely focused on growing and maintaining MY integrity while building up the EnSoul business. In October of 2016,  EnSoul Yoga - Ferndale, Michigan opened. In February of 2018  EnSoul Yoga – Detroit, Michigan will be open on the top floor of the Guardian building.

Developing a business with integrity starts from within. There must be good intention, a higher ideal, consistent thought, and right effort and action. Oh - and learning to say NO THANK YOU to anyone or anything that doesn’t line up with the business mission, goal, or brand, Everyone wants something and they will ask, call and email relentlessly! Many people ask to teach, work the desk, manage, host events, sell products, and do special trainings. Even if it could or would bring in more income, I kindly review and often, but not always, reply, “no thanks” when proper alignment is not apparent… To put it straight – that is how things get fucked up!

Earlier, I was approached with a very tantalizing offer by a well established and well off entrepreneur. I was offered an opportunity to “be recognized worldwide as the yoga director” of a very large corporation. The company would retain the rights to everything I brought to the table and I would gain a bigger name, fame, and a steady paycheck. With gratitude, I declined as it did not align with my core beliefs. Not to mention, I had a new studio, in its baby years, that needed much attention, love and care. EnSoul Yoga’s budding community, devoted and loyal teachers and staff were far too precious to lose or turn my back on. And yes, of course, I would like to spread the mission of EnSoul Yoga to a wider audience – but not without a guarantee of maintaining integrity.

It is so easy to say YES, It is much harder to say no. The question remains, “what is the right thing to do?” That inquiry alone means you are thinking with integrity. More money, staff, teachers, or locations does not always mean better. This can lead to impulsive decisions based upon ego, feelings or preferences. Careful decisions made from intellect are based on sound judgment, rational thinking and logic, enabling integrity in action within yourself and business.

All teachers and staff members at EnSoul Yoga are busting their ASS to build their own character inside the studio and out! As a teacher, you may be able to draw a crowd, but if you are not working on yourself, it won’t last. I have witnessed this time and again.

So, how do you know if someone is working on themselves?
 

• They are honest.

• They communicate.

• They do not make major mistakes.

• They are open to learn and willing to receive feedback.

• They work for work's sake.

• They are givers, not takers.

• They do extra and do not ask for more.

• They work in the spirit of service and sacrifice.

• They do not go rogue -- doing their own thing.

• They are cooperative.

• They do not sneak things, like reading personal emails, lie, and then blame a good friend. Yes, this happened… and no, they are no longer working for EnSoul Yoga.  

Regarding location #2:  the Guardian Building studio. Self discipline for maintaining integrity:
 

• Daily study of Vedanta literature between the hours of 5-6am - (Gnana Yoga)

• Daily movement of either yoga, quick 20 minute home workout, or outdoor walks with my dogs. (Physical health)

• Eating in a way that is respectful of the planet and also best for the health of my body.

• Being of service, unselfish actions - (Karma yoga)

• Doing my best to fulfill my obligatory duties to my husband, close friends, and family.

• Awareness and gratitude of divinity and multiple blessings - (Bhakti yoga)

In order to do all of the above, there’s just no way to please everyone. This may seem selfish, but my job is not to run around making sure everyone likes me! Something you may not know is that I am an introvert! Honoring my nature and preserving myself is the only way to have and maintain integrity in thought, action, business and life.

Here’s to integrity in the New Year and in the new EnSoul Yoga - Detroit!!!

Namaste and plug EN,
CP

EnSoul Yoga featured in Michigan Homes

We were recently featured on Michigan Homes, one of the top sites for Clinton, MI Real Estate. Check out the article here: EnSoul Yoga Enhances Body And Mind.

 

"Yoga philosophy, the higher teachings and values of life are weaved into all classes," Paskel said. "This is what changed my life, and why I opENed EnSoul! While most studios focus on the physical, we focus on community, self development, spiritual education, and internal change that will positively influence and impact others and the world."

Read more at MichiganHomes.com

 

EnSoul Yoga Mentioned in Yoga Journal Article

The Yoga Journal recently wrote an article, "LiveBe Yoga: Our 10 Favorite Stops in Detroit" which mentions our studio in response to the event tour earlier this spring. Their facts about the studio and Caren are not 100% accurate, but worth a quick read!

What are you practicing?

Yoga studios are popping up everywhere, which is amazing. We are seeing, hearing and experiencing all kinds of hybrids from acro, SUP (standup paddleboard), and hip-hop, to beer/wine tasting and even goat therapy yoga!

What are you practicing and is it yoga?

The more important question to ask yourself is do you truly want to grow and evolve on every level; physical, mental, intellectual and spiritual? How does one measure the success of their yoga practice? One of my yoga teachers years ago, who was recently featured on a yoga magazine cover, would say in class, “you measure the success of your yoga practice by the length of your breath.” 

What a beautiful and untrue sentiment.

Mastering every kind of pranayama out there will never master the mind. The mind is what masters the breath. Controlled breathing temporarily calms and energizes the body, creating a more conducive environment to think clearly. If you've been told or believe that yoga practice is about deep breathing and posing, then yes it would make sense to think you are practicing yoga.

Yoga comes from the root word “yuj” which means to yoke, join, bind, unite. To join with what? Your real Self. Not the self we think of or have come to know, not our flesh and bones, perceptions, actions, emotions, thoughts, gender, religion, job, or any of the roles we play in our lives. The Self, with a capital S, refers to your higher Self within. Synonyms for the Self are divinity, light, potential, Godhood, or whatever transcendental name you prefer. The mere meaning of Yoga assumes we are separated or divorced from our true Self. Yoga brings us back home to where we belong, to the Self. The scriptures tell us that this is the point of life! Anything we take up that moves us closer to our Self is yoga, PERIOD. If goat or float yoga, straps, blocks, or swinging from silks does this, so be it. Is it though? Is our so called “yoga practice” really getting us to our higher Self or is it getting us more entangled with our material layers and caught up in the mundane world, and how can we tell? Are we going in circles as we hop around to every studio and class for a better deal, latest style, best personality, flow, or playlist, who can get us off, or the studio that can make us sweat the most? Perhaps we are just spiritual shopping, going everywhere else but inside ourselves. Spiritual growth cannot be measured physically. The only way to gain the Self, which is a state called enlightenment or Self realization, is to remove all that is in the way. What stands between us and our real Self are desires. The practice and process of eradicating desires is called yoga.

Desires veil the Self. In every religion, they are what stand between us and our Godhood. Etymologically religion and yoga have the same meaning! They both were designed to bring us back to our origin. Funny how WE humans took these practices and messed them both up.

Here is an equation: desires - human = God and God + desires = human.

The goal of yoga is to remove all our desires to get to our true Self within. If a yoga pose could get us there, that would be wonderful. But it doesn’t, and yet in our Western culture this is the main focus. The poses will aid your physical health, which is an essential prerequisite for spiritual evolution, but will never get rid of desires. We believe that a means to an end is an end itself and it’s time we wake up if we really want to grow.

This may be news to your ears, even though you have taken innumerable yoga classes and perhaps even yoga teacher training! The teacher and knowledge will appear when one truly wants it.

If you are still reading...you want to know the truth.

According to the ancient yogis, Hinduism and the scriptures, human beings came into the world from our past unfulfilled desires. We can spend our lives increasing our desires moving away from our Self or decreasing desires and moving towards our Self. The choice is ours. Enlightenment is a state of desirelessness. We are not born enlightened. Because of this we feel a void within. That void is our unknowing/ignorance of our Self. This void within causes our thoughts to flow towards the world to fill it up! The thought currents are called desires. Initially it may feel good to fulfill a desire, but no sooner fresh ones spring up. How do we get out of this cycle?

Yoga, just like everything else, seems to be slipping so far away from its roots that it has lost its meaning and has become a mockery. People sell poses and meditation as they are the easiest to communicate and make money off of. Meditation is the highest practice, top rung on the spiritual ladder, yet the masses who are not even close to being prepared for it are meditating! Just because you feel good after yoga, open up your hips, shed some tears, get in touch with various emotions, finally nail a pose after months of effort, or sit quietly ohming does not mean you are practicing yoga or meditating! There is nothing wrong or bad about any of the above. Building our bodies, increasing our awareness, confidence, patience, and compassion are beneficial but will not burn desires...

So what now?

We educate ourselves on the subject.

We have three marvelous equipments; body, mind and intellect. There is a yoga practice for all three!

1. Karma yoga, yoga of action, was prescribed to the body.
2. Bhakti yoga, yoga of devotion, was prescribed to the mind.
3. Jnana yoga, yoga of knowledge, was prescribed to the intellect.

These three disciplines must be practiced daily in the correct proportion, according to your nature, to dissolve desires and eventually gain the Self. When desires are gone, all that is left is YOU, the Self. Physical yoga breathing and postures are meant to keep our body healthy and fit enough to do the three yogas above! Most students remain stuck in physical exercises achieving nothing more than physical gains. If that is all you want than you have no problem. But if you think you are practicing yoga, think again. You may have your yoga face on during class and after, but how long does that last? How long does it take to agitate you, for stress to build back up and to need yoga class again?

1. Using our body to serve is called karma yoga. This means to be of service! If you open the door for someone or let them pass in front of you, you’re practicing karma yoga! Karma yoga has nothing to do with a pose. However, if your body is unfit you won’t be able to serve anyone so that is what asana and pranayama is for!
2. Using our mind to be aware of divinity splashed everywhere is bhakti. You can practice this anywhere. While getting out of your car, take a look up at the sky and notice how incredible it is. Notice the change of seasons, humanity, everything and anything. Being in awe, followed by a feeling of gratitude is bhakti. No need to chant for inspiration, although if it works do it!  
3. Using our intellect to contemplate on higher values of life is called jnana yoga. Study and reflection, meaning your own thinking, on true knowledge from the scriptures. When we take the time to reflect upon, absorb, and apply eternal values of life and living directly to our lives, this is jnana!

The three yogas are a methodical way to gain the Self. How you measure your yoga practice is by measuring your desires and sanity! When you have a bundle of desires you will be agitated or stressed and your senses will run towards the world for pleasures while the world pulls you in. When your desires decrease, so do agitations. As you turn more introverted, you need less from everyone and what the world has to offer. Joy automatically increases as well as clarity of thought, objectivity, and an overall sense of peace!

This is just the beginning.

If you want to learn more check out EnSoul Yoga. Our study groups and teacher trainings help to educate on this topic. Going straight to the source is always best. For the true masters visit vedantaworld.org and vedantamidwest.org. We have a teacher right here in Detroit, Amit Kinikar.

Here’s to practicing yoga!

CP

Bigger isn't Always Better...

In order to evolve ourselves both materially and spiritually, besides following the guidelines of Karma, Bhakti, and Jnana yoga (another blog for another day), we must CHOOSE a field of activity, a JOB, that aligns with our nature/personality. In Sanskrit, the term is, svadharma, meaning one’s own nature. Activities opposing one’s nature, termed paradharma, impedes material and spiritual growth. One knows if they are following their svadharma by their material and spiritual progression.

Are you moving forward at your place of work; being paid accordingly and appropriately; gaining more peace and happiness in general; functioning at high levels; and experiencing less anxiety, stress and agitation on a daily basis? Even if you're not interested in spiritual advancement, it is still worth taking part in svadharmic actions!

Paradhamric action is akin to running up the sand dunes, which I recently tried to no avail at Sleeping Bear Dunes. You may get there eventually, but it’s harder, tiresome and frustrating! Svadharmic action is akin to running down the sand dunes; freeing, fun, and gaining momentum! A better example, from the masters on the subject, is the difference between a tailwind, and headwind… Please do not QUIT your job today because of an epiphany! However, for success, prosperity, AND spiritual growth, following svadharma is a necessary prerequisite.

We can argue about how joining the family business is your duty, an easy way to make a living; your choice to go to medical school and become a doctor because your parents encouraged you, even paid the way; perhaps you wanted to be wealthy and you’ve achieved this; you’re super intelligent and now raking in the dough; or that all humans can be anything they want and have the capacity to change themselves in any way… This all may be true. But, are you happy to go to work every day? Do you have an attitude of service and sacrifice? Are you cheerful, grateful, thriving, more peaceful, less stressed, popping out of bed ready to go, eager to start again, resting easy at night, and able to fall asleep without drugging yourself? Reflect upon these questions. Human beings are meant to progress and evolve to their greatest of heights. To ensure this happens, let’s DO that which lines up with who we are.

Who are we? Well that is a loaded question! Let’s keep it simple for the sake of this topic. We are human beings who can do a lot! We all have distinct personalities, inclinations and tendencies that have been consistent from childhood till now. What are they? These do not define us, they let us know our nature. We can utilize this information to lead us into a proper work category and environment for our life’s development.

From childhood on I was artistic, creative, introverted, athletic, coordinated, and had a big stage presence. In high school I fell in love with yoga because it calmed my anxiety, felt good, and made me think about myself and life on a deeper level. My growth was stunted in my first year at Michigan State University. It’s vastness ate me up. I was lost, became depressed, gained weight, and my grades went south. An art class saved me. It was quiet with one-on-one instruction and I was good at it:) This awareness lead me straight to art school. At least I knew enough to attend a smaller school and study a subject that aligned with my nature! At Ringling School of Art and Design, in Florida, I reconnected with myself, and excelled. Next was Otis College of Art and Design in California, where I obtained my BFA. Smaller was better! Because of this, I found my way back to yoga, and took it to another level.

While living in Los Angeles for four years, I discovered a new love and gift that came effortlessly; teaching yoga. Coincidentally my brother, Eric Paskel, also discovered the same gift! When he opened up a yoga studio in Michigan, I moved back home and began my yoga career! It started off great for my material and spiritual maturation. When one studio turned into two, three, four and more, my role drastically changed. I did not fully understand or accept why I felt so overwhelmed and disconnected, nor that I pushed myself into too many paradharmic actions.

This leads to the second tier of svadharma; that not only what we DO, but WHERE and WHO we do it with, is just as important. A disagreement amongst owners and a huge shift in the company's direction woke my ass up! Once their vision took a 180 degree turn, it forced me to exit. Actually I was fired. They knew I wouldn't roll over and do as they wanted. I’m a team player when the team stands for something I believe in, otherwise not so much. There is nothing wrong with company x. There was something wrong with me working for it, as it no longer lined up with my beliefs, morals, values or higher goals in life. Time to do the right thing.

I opened EnSoul Yoga in Ferndale, Oct. 8th, 2016. In one month of being open the studio already feels like home, not just for me, but that is the word on the street! A student wrote, “EnSoul Yoga studio feels like I am walking into a giant hug”. I’ve created and built conducive job and environment to ensure my material and spiritual growth with the higher intention of generating a space for others to realize their truth and potential within.

My connection with my staff and students is on a whole new level in such a short time! Why? Because for me, bigger isn’t always better. Yes, I may open more EnSoul Yoga studios. Yes, I want to expand. EnSoul’s mission is much bigger than me. Now I know where I stand; what I stand for; my boundaries; and my nature!

Sometimes we do not know that we are stuck or involved in actions and environments that are paradharmic, until we get out of them... If we are not rising up, up, and up, something's not right. If we are more agitated, something's not right. If we are devolving on ANY level, something’s not right. Are we moving toward greater heights or away from them? Are we initiating more peace and harmony within and around, or less?

If we are not going upwards on every level, be it material or spiritual as human beings are meant to do, then what are we doing? Let’s support our evolution by honoring our nature, CHOOSING what is best for us, and going for it!

CP

The True Treat

WHO eats the WRAPPER?!

Yoga without philosophy is like eating a Hershey kiss with the wrapper still on. It just isn't right and tastes like crap! Who would eat the foil? Right?! Who wouldn’t take the time to unwrap the kiss to get to the sweetness? Only someone who doesn’t know better… Anyone who knows the chocolate is inside unwraps the candy!

When I began practicing yoga, I did not know the treat that was inside of myself. My body was just a covering, a foil. I thought the poses were the chocolate. So, I kept doing them over and over while my mind remained the same. I was full of agitation until I discovered the philosophical teachings from sacred ancient scriptures, the eternal truths of life laid down in Vedanta.

Without a doubt the physical yoga was and continues to be valuable. However, the purpose of asanas is to wake us up, get us thinking, and inspire a further investigation of ourselves and life. A strong and healthy body is essential for optimal function and a prerequisite for spiritual evolution. Without higher knowledge, we are just posing. We won’t get to experience, or taste, the most delicious part of yoga -- our soul!

I worked at a company for over eleven years. They chose to continue chewing on the wrapped candy. And, this is why I left and am opening my yoga studio. Now that I know what is within the foil, I recognize the value of the wrapper but more importantly the sweetness of the candy within.

I know where I stand and where the truth is found. I know what not to throw away. Vedanta philosophy has saved my life many times over. It continues to do so as I study, reflect and live by those principles. I vow to carry this message! 

you deserve the tasty treat

My intention is to spread the knowledge, keep teaching in this manner and give the knowledge away. Otherwise, you can visit most any studio to just get the foil. Don’t you feel that? YOU deserve the tasty treat inside?

Rest assured, all our classes are fun, juicy, and a great workout. But, they also have food for thought to further develop our self and to help us work through our life challenges and changes. Remember: the most important part of yoga is that everything we need is, has always been, and forever will be inside of us. Yoga is merely a process to get acquainted and connected with that treat: the spirit, soul, within. ENSOUL!

Due to legal entanglements, I had to change the name of my yoga studio. The why does not matter. There is a long story that is unnecessary information to disclose at this time.  The new name has deep meaning and hopefully resonates with you as much as with me, as we are in this together. The studio is just a conduit for a community to build up, grow, and have a home to practice and share love, spiritual education, and inspiring classes led by qualified, compassionate, and honest teachers.

Ensoul Yoga, formerly known as Electric Soul Yoga MI, is our new name. Ensoul means to place, receive or cherish within the soul. The soul is the real treat--the only piece in you, me, and one-and-all that persists.  

Layers upon layers envelop our soul. These layers are always changing while the soul survives. As Ensoul Yogis, we are survivors, electric, energetic, awake, aware, active, soulful, silly, intense, and driven. We stand for the higher eternal truths of life upon which yoga is founded. These values are tried and true; they are the real deal. The name is a reminder and a representation that everything is changing except the true light within us. This is our pursuit, our yoga, our soul, and the true treat.

Our SOUL is who we are. ENSOUL YOGA is a place where we practice. Here’s to rising above a name and unwrapping the true treat to find the sweetness inside.

Aho & namaste!

CP