FAQ’S

What does Raminderpreet Elisa’s yoga background consist of?

Raminderpreet Elisa studied Hatha Yoga, in the forms of both Ashtanga and Iyengar, from Maty Ezraty and Lisa Walford, the founders of Yoga Works, in 2000 at the studio on Montana Ave in Santa Monica, CA.

Raminderpreet also acquired a Master’s Degree in Spiritual Psychology from University of Santa Monica in 2005.

She went on to study Pa’Kua, a Chinese form of Yoga, and earned a black belt in 2016.

Her most recent training was in Kundalini in 2017 at Yoga West, in Los Angeles, CA, though she has been a regular practitioner since 2005.

Raminderpreet is a certified yoga therapist (c-IAYT) through the International Association of Yoga Therapists.  She is also an active member in good-standing with Yoga Alliance (E-RYT200), the International Kundalini Yoga Teachers Association (IKYTA), and the Long Beach Holistic Chamber of Commerce.

Since 2000, her experience began teaching Gentle Yoga classes at studios throughout Los Angeles. Since then, she has also expanded to include working for several years in cancer centers with patients as well as privately with clients reflecting a multitude of conditions. She enjoys participating at yoga festivals and offers workshops regularly as a way of reaching a more broad audience. To see her full bio please visit www.urbanyogini.org.

What is the difference between Hatha and Kundalini yoga?

Hatha yoga consists of a variety of forms of yoga that are asana (posture) and prana (breath) focused, sometimes with hand movements or chanting. These may be identified as Ashtanga, Yin, Iyengar, Vinyasa, etc. These are the most prevalent form of Yoga being taught in the US.  Asanas fluctuate between Ha/Sun/heat producing movements and Tha/Moon/cooling movements and meditation for a more balanced experience within the mind and body.

Kundalini yoga is considered a Royal, or Raj, yoga, also known as the yoga of awareness as it works to heighten our mental/emotional and physical aspects through the Nervous System. This form focuses primarily on addressing our command of the Neutral mind and utilizes a variety of techniques in combination with each other for a particular outcome.  These techniques can include Mudra (hand positions), Mantra (chanting), Asana (physical postures), Pranayam (breathing), and Drishti (eye focus).  The kriyas (sets) are very specific and can be used to create balance in the various systems of the body (I.E.: the Immune System, the Nervous System, the Glandular System).

What is Spiritual Psychology?

According to Dr. H. Ronald Hulnick, PhD and President of the University Of Santa Monica on their website, the heart of Spiritual Psychology is defined by seeing ourselves as:

“Souls who have come here in this lifetime to fulfill a Spiritual curriculum.  As Spiritual beings, our primary goal is not to change life on this earth.  Rather, life on this earth exists the way it does to provide us with experiences through which we can transform ourselves-meaning learning to express the essence of who we are in fuller and deeper ways…. the best description of our inherent nature is that we are, at our core, comprised of the energy we call Loving… .becoming more and more aware of our nature as Loving beings…It’s from this place of inner transformation that we can make a meaningful contribution in our world.”

Spiritual Psychology is a way of seeing the world around us as part of us, rather than outside of us.  If we are a part of everything around us, then how we treat others and the world matters.  The basis of Spiritual Psychology stems from the statement:  We are Spiritual Beings having a human experience.  This helps to expand our perception of who we are and how what we think, say and do influences not only how we perceive ourselves, but the world around us. If we find ourselves in difficult situations in which we perceive ourselves as victims of our circumstances, rather that creators, shifting these perceptions could move us toward greater empowerment, resilience and vitality.  There are a multitude of meditation and visualization techniques which can assist us in finding the path to create the shifts we desire toward greater joy and fulfillment.

I have tried being more positive, but it doesn’t work.  I still get angry or depressed, and I still get sick. What can I do?

The techniques I use in my program do more than just put a “positive spin” on things.  It is not enough to simply say “things will work out” and “all is good” when the world, and people, seem to be challenging us at every turn.  The things that upset us do so because our expectations are shattered and these rely on our personal beliefs and perceptions.  If we believe someone who cuts us off in traffic is “mean” and “evil” that is how we will react to the person who cuts us off.  If we believe that person simply didn’t see us, or maybe even in a rush because someone who needs them is waiting for them, then maybe we can stir up some compassion and empathy for that person.  Neither belief needs to be true, and the truth may lie somewhere in the middle, which we may never learn. It simply needs to start as a thought that keeps us from having a negative reaction which can begin the process of healing.  The tools and techniques within Spiritual Psychology can help us to transform beliefs that hurt us into beliefs than help us.

What is Yoga Therapy?

According to the International Association of Yoga Therapy website, it 

“is the process of empowering individuals to progress through improved health and well-being through the application of the teaching and practices of yoga.  

It is a scientific system of self-investigation, self-transformation, and self-realization that originated in India…The yoga system views humans as a multidimensional system that includes all aspects of body; breath; mind, intellect and emotions and their mutual interaction….intelligent practice can positively influence the direction of change within these human dimensions…”

Yoga therapy is a way of mindfully using yoga with the intention of healing mind and body while uplifting our spirit.  Yoga therapy, and the research documenting its effectiveness, has been used in a multitude of ways to include working with patients with cancer, fibromyalgia, hypertension, diabetes, as well as with depression, fear, anxiety, Alzheimers, PTSD, just to name a few. The International Association of Yoga Therapists, in partnership with hospitals and health organizations around the world, has been instrumental in continuing to advance what we know about the benefits. You can visit www.IAYT.org for more information.

I’ve never done yoga and I’m not flexible, what can I do?

Perfect, I love beginners. We all have to start somewhere, and I can help guide you to an appropriate starting point and you can go from there. The journey begins with one step and experience comes from staying the course.