Off The Mat

I am happy to announce my new and improved website is finally live!  After almost 8 full years of operation and existence I have many things to share; pictures, videos, workshops, annual events, visitor’s information, and knowledge.

I am still in the process of uploading photos to the photo album, getting my videos organized, and finalizing some of the text--so stay tuned!  This is a living and breathing entity that will be absorbing and offering much of my love and care. Feel free to take a look around and orient yourself. There is a lot more here than before.

Among the most exciting additions to this website is the official beginning of my Blog in which I will be writing and answering questions about Yoga, health, and spirituality.  Feel free to email me any questions or topics you would like me to explore. I can be reached at info@ashtangayogaobx.com.

After 10 years of consistent uninterrupted traditional daily Ashtanga Yoga practice, I have learned that there are only so many hours we spend on the mat.  What about all that time off the mat?  I have decided to call my Blog Off the Mat.  If you go to my website at www.ashtangayogaobx.com you will find the link that reads “Off the Mat.”  Click there and you will be able to read all my Blogs whenever you would like.  When a new Blog is available I will post the link on my Facebook page and Twitter account. My account is Ashtanga Yoga Obx.  At the bottom of my website you will see Twitter and Facebook icons that will take you directly to my account.  If you would like to be informed of my writings, please join us!

With this said I must take the rest of this time to invoke Ganesh, the Lord of Obstacles before I begin this endeavor. After all Ganesh is the Great Scribe who wrote one of the most epic stories of all time, the Mahabharata.  I would love to bring in this intelligence and knowledge into my own craft.  I will do this by offering a prayer to him, one of my favorites.  I will write it in Sanskrit followed by the English translation. Blessings to Ganesha!  May my speech be clear and may these writings inspire and help many to heal and raise consciousness!

 Ganesha Mantra

Om gananam tva ganapatim havamahe kavim kavinam upamasravastamam,
Jyestha rajam brahmanam brahmanas pata a nah srnvannutibih sida sadanam.

Vakratunda mahakaya surya koti samaprabha,
Nirvinghnam kuru me deva sarva karyesu sarvada.

Siddhi buddhi sakti sahita sriman mahaganadipataye namo namah,
Nirvinghnam kuru.

We invoke Ganesha who are the ruler of all Gods.
You who are the most renowned, full of inspiration
The most elder one among high Gods.
Oh, the divine father of all mantras, the leader of all Gods
By listening to our humble prayer,
Come with all your divine protective energies and sit amongst us
To protect us and fulfill our sacrifice of learning.
With curved tusk, big body, and effulgence equal to a thousand suns
Make me free of all obstructions, O God, in all my duties and in every way.
Intelligent Shakti, friend, The Lord of Great Hosts I bow to you
Make me free of all obstructions.

Namaste.

Michelle Dorer
Owner, Director, Teacher – Ashtanga Yoga Center, Outer Banks, NC