The History of Kundalini Yoga

When I started yoga three in a half years ago, I bought books and read articles about Kundalini Yoga and Yogi Bhajan. I wanted to share with you the history of Kundalini Yoga and how it was brought to the United States. Educating myself on the origins of Kundalini Yoga helped me understand and amerce myself in the concepts and ideas of Yogi Bhajan.

I practice Kundalini Yoga. No one knows exactly when yoga was created, but records date back to over 5,000 years ago from the cities of Mohenjo Daro and Harappa in India. "The spirit-body connection is the foundation of yoga."

There are many different types of yoga. There is Bikram, which is more of a workout and Jivamukti which puts an emphasis on meditation. Kundalini Yoga is both physical and spiritual. "Kundalini class can be a good workout, but its teachers and students participate in each kriya with a quiet reverence more akin to a temple than a gym." I love Kundalini Yoga because you can strengthen your muscles while strengthening your mind.

The purpose of Kundalini yoga is to "help people actualize their Higher Self." "Kundalini" literally means "coiled snake." Early Eastern religion believe that each person had a sacred energy at the base of the spine. You were believed to be born with this energy, but you need to make an effort to uncoil it. "Kundalini Yoga is the practice of awakening our Higher Self and turning potential energy into kinetic energy." Yoga is a spirit-body connection. Before yoga became known as a type of exercise, it was known as a "direct connection with Braham, the God-like spirit within us."


Without Yogi Bhajan, the United States would still not know about Kundalini Yoga. He visited California in the late 1960s and witnessed the hippie cultural revolution. Many of the principles and concepts that were apart of the hippie community was similar to his Sikh upbringing. Yogi Bhajan believed that America wanted to experience God, but was doing it all wrong by using drugs to try and get there. He knew that teaching outside the Indian lineage was not allowed, but during a meditation on a trip to L.A. in 1968, he had a vision that combined spirituality, ancient knowledge and modern practicality. Yogi Bhajan decided to teach Kundalini yoga to the west stating "It is everyone’s birthright to be healthy, happy, and holy, and the practice of Kundalini Yoga is the way to claim that birthright.” In the next two years he would develop the 3HO, standing for Healthy, Happy and Holy Organization Foundation and the Kundalini Research Insititute.

Yogi Bhajan taught over 8,000 Kundalini Yoga classes and created the first teacher training program in 1969. He trained thousands of yogis. "Several of his students, including Gurmukh Kaur, went on to launch their own yoga studios, and many Kundalini classes around the world today are taught by yogis who trained directly under him." 

Yogi Bhajan wrote many books, established International Peace Prayer Day and worked with international governments to bring peace to world affairs. He believed that "we each have a responsibility to better society through mindfulness and compassion, and he dedicated his life to making his vision of practical spirituality a reality." After he passed away, the U.S. Congress passed a "bipartisan resolution honoring his contributions to the world.

I have more than a love for Kundalini Yoga. If you're thinking about starting your yoga journey, I urge you to try Kundalini Yoga. 

Sat Nam


The website I found my info from: http://www.shityouregosays.com/sat-nam-the-secret-history-of-kundalini-yoga/

This site was not only informative, but had a great sense of humor. It explains the history of Kundalini Yoga, Kundalini terminology, techniques, and offers Kundalini Yoga studio locations in nine different states.

Here are a couple books that I've read on Yogi Bhajan and Kundalini Yoga:

The Teachings of Yogi Bhajan: http://www.amazon.com/Teachings-Yogi-Bhajan-Power-Spoken/dp/089509052X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1461868709&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Teachings+of+Yogi+Bhajan

The Mind: Its Projections and Multiple Facets: http://www.amazon.com/Mind-Its-Projections-Multiple-Facets/dp/B002GKGQBE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1461868774&sr=8-2&keywords=The+Mind%3A+Its+Projections+and+Multiple+Facets%3A

Original Light: The Morning Practice of Kundalini Yoga: http://www.amazon.com/Original-Light-Morning-Practice-Kundalini/dp/1622035976/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1461868803&sr=8-1&keywords=Original+Light%3A+The+Morning+Practice+of+Kundalini+Yoga%3A

The Magic of Water

All life emanates from water. It is part of our soul. It gives us comfort, nourishes us, and cleanses us. Water brings us into the world. The sound of rain drops comforts us, a waterfall can power a city and the ocean is home to millions of sea creatures. The question I asked myself was, where did water come from? That answer to most of us is unknown. 4.35 billion years ago the majority of water came to Earth in the form of meteorites. These meteorites contained amino acids which are the building blocks of life.

Water is a precious element on Earth and in our lives. It helps us and our environment in many different ways, and yet people are still taking this life source for granted. We pollute our oceans and water ways. We have taken this sacred component for granted. We treat it as if it is as accessible as the air we breathe or the food we eat.

The next time you drink a glass of water or turn on your faucet, cherish that luxury and honor it.

Earth the Biography: Oceans: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwVU0-2Qnso&noredirect=1

Look Towards a Greener Future

Earth day was last Friday, and since then there has been an overwhelming amount of Earth related articles popping up. I cannot say it enough, we need to help our environment! Earth can survive without us, but we can't survive without the Earth.

Bustle is a more lifestyle and beauty brand, but I came across an article about the Earth and Earth day. Are you bored of the Earth day articles yet? If you are, sorry! Here's one more.

Here are some quick facts that I learned from the first two paragraphs:

• The first Earth Day was on April 22, 1970.
• It was created by Wisconsin's Democratic Senator Gaylord Nelson
• Nelson made sure that Earth Day would not fall on any religious holidays so that everyone's soul focus would be on the Earth.

The article went on to list seven facts about the Earth and Earth Day.

The first fact, along with a gif of Homer and Bart Simpson making snow angels in a pile of trash, was that "the average American often tosses away 4.5 pounds of garbage daily." That means that I probably throw away that much garbage in a day. How is that possible!? 

"Major Waste Disposal estimates that the amount of garbage we toss on a daily basis would fill 63,000 garbage trucks." Everyone needs to stop being lazy and throw their plastic water bottles into the recycling bin. I know it might mean walking a few extra steps, but it will make a massive difference. 

20 million people participated in the first Earth Day. The Earth Day Network formed around the same time. Their mission is "to broaden and diversify the environmental movement worldwide." The Earth Day Network's goal is to "build a healthy, sustainable environment, address climate change and protect the Earth for future generations." They work with over 50,000 partners in 196 countries. I'll link their website down below.

It takes about a thousand years for plastic to break down. Only 25% of the 32 million tons of plastic that was produced in 2012 in America, was recycled. If this statistic doesn't make you angry, then what will?

Bustle made another great point. When you separate your trash into different bins, you create 2.3 million jobs. If helping the Earth doesn't interest you, then at least recycle to create jobs for people who need them.

Not only do we produce insane amounts of plastic, but we also use 650 to 680 pounds of paper each year. 500,000 trees are used to create Sunday newspapers. That is baffling to me. Let me say it again. 500,000 trees are used to create Sunday newspapers. That is an unacceptable amount of trees being wasted for something that you can read online! We lose over 15 billion trees annually. "According to TIME, our global percentage of trees has declined by 46 percent since humans took over.

Lastly, Disney has gotten in on the Earth Day action. A day before Earth Day in 2008, they founded Disneynature. Disneynature works on documentaries about the Earth and animals. The company is located in Paris and has already released eight films in the last eight years. 

This Bustle article made me want to go out and plant hundreds of trees. It made me want to be apart of Earth Day and inspired me to think of ways that not only I, but you too, can make a difference in helping our Earth thrive.

Bustle Article: http://www.bustle.com/articles/155689-7-earth-day-facts-that-will-inspire-you-to-make-a-difference-this-year

The Earth Day Network: http://www.earthday.org/

Earth Day Network's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EarthDayNetwork/

My Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/markbuysdamagedcars/

"The People's Car"

Growing up in the 60's and 70's, I watched the rising popularity of the Volkswagen Beetles. The History Channel posted a three in a half minute video called History Rocks: Volkswagen in the 60's. The video was filled with old ads and commercials for the original VW Beetle. Volkswagen literally means "the people's car"and that's what it became. The video takes you through the beginnings of VW, from the ads that made fun of its small size, to the VW van that became a well liked car for the hippie generation.

Sales started to decline after Ralph Nader said that both the Beetle and the VW bus were unsafe and should be recalled. 

1979 was the last year the VW Beetle was exported to the U.S. I was interested in buying one so I test drove it and instantly knew this car was not for me. The car was so light because the engine was in the back and it was inexpensively made to fit the high demand. I felt like I was wobbling from side to side. I decided against buying it. Today, I have a 2012 turbo Beetle that I love.

I highly recommend watching the video if you want to be reminded of the good old days and have a laugh.

History Rocks: Volkswagen in the 60's: http://www.history.com/topics/automobiles/videos/history-rocks-volkswagen-in-the-60s

Grow Your Garden With EcoScraps

One of my passion's is nature and the environment. If you couldn't tell already, I am a big believer in helping our planet in anyway we can, so that we don't have to move to Mars in 30 years. I am constantly looking up documentaries and articles on how people are using the resources around them to help the environment. EcoScraps  is a company that takes wasted food from restaurants and converts them into all natural garden products. They recycle unwanted food into soil and fertilizer that will help your plants grow.

Co-founders Daniel Blake and Craig Martineau created their company after eating at a buffet and seeing all of the food that was being wasted and thrown out. They found a way to put wasted food to good use. If I had a garden, I would use their products to ensure that my plants would be healthy and strong. If you're thinking, "why would I want used food in my soil?" Keep in mind that you're helping the environment when using EcoScraps products. They have specific soils, plant food and fertilizers for different types of plants and gardens. EcoScraps slogan is "grow gardens, not landfills." This should be everyone's slogan.

At the bottom of the EcoScraps about page there were some important facts about food waste that I thought would be helpful to share with you:

• "68% of all salad grown for bagged salads ends up wasted."
• "40% of apples end up as food waste."
• "A quarter of grapes are wasted between the vine and the fruit bowl."
• "A fifth of all bananas are wasted and one in ten bananas bought by customers end up in a bin."

Almost all of the food waste listed above starts at home.

They have a great video explaining what Ecoscraps is. I'll link it down below.

Ecoscraps: http://ecoscraps.com/

Ecoscraps video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YecQd7JReCc 

Ecoscraps Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Ecoscraps/?fref=ts

My Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/markbuysdamagedcars/

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The Earth is Making a Comeback

I woke up Friday morning, checked my calendar and realized it was Earth day. I searched the web to see if there were any interesting articles and came across an article on CNN titled Earth Day 2016: We're Not as Doomed as You Think. This caught my attention. How could we not be headed for disaster? People treat the Earth like garbage and think that there won't be any consequences for their behavior. I clicked on the article and it listed five positive steps in the right direction towards making our Earth healthy and beautiful again.

The first step explained that in December 2015 195 countries agreed to address climate change with The Paris Agreement. The agreement's goal is to wipe the world clean of fossil fuel pollution and limit the warming to below two degrees Celsius.

The article explained that we're transitioning into the solar era. Solar power is becoming much cheaper, making it easier to make the switch. The International Energy Agency says that "the sun could be the world's largest source of electricity by 2050."

In 2015 the world invested twice as much money in clean energy as in coal and natural gas. That brings us to the third reason why the Earth might not be cursed. The world spent $286 billion on clean energy. Bill Gates is also finding the funds to work on "moonshot" technologies that could help us meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. The article explained that we're going to "need advanced nuclear technology and possibly carbon-capture technology to halt warming short of 2 degrees."

Electric cars are also gaining popularity. Transit sectors from diesel cars account for about 15% of all global warming pollution. Tesla Motors came out with a new electric car that is seen by many as a monumental shift. I wrote a blog post all about electric cars and Tesla motors. I'll link it down below.

Lastly, China is pledging to sign the Paris Agreement. They are experimenting with carbon-pricing systems to reduce pollution. The World Resources Institute says that "with China's new target for an 18% reduction in carbon-intensity form 2015 levels, we estimate that China will actually reduce its carbon intensity 48% from 2005 levels by 2020 exceeding its original target of a 40% to 45% reduction by that year."

Instead of focusing on the negative aspects, this article emphasized the positive actions that are being made to reduce global warming and pollution. Earth deserves to be celebrated everyday, not just April 22. The Earth is valuable and should be treated with respect. Everyone needs to participate in a cleaner, greener future.

CNN Article: http://www.cnn.com/2016/04/21/opinions/sutter-earth-day-hope/index.html
Blog Post on Electric Cars: http://ridewithmark.blogspot.com/2016/04/feel-electric-about-electric-cars.html

...And I Breathed

About two weeks ago, I received a package from Amazon. The book ...And I Breathed by Jason Garner was inside. I flipped through the pages and set it aside. I started to read the first couple of chapters that night and quickly found myself transcended into Jason Garner's life story. I'm normally not the kind of guy who finishes a book in its entirety. I scan the chapters and find what looks interesting. I finished this novel in four nights and made sure to soak up every detail I could. This novel was an inspiring story of Garner's life, "from flea market parking attendant to CEO of Global Music at Live Nation." We often hear about success stories and the hardships that people go through before they obtain their successful positions as editor of a magazine or owner of their own prosperous business. I have listened, read and heard many of these stories, but I have never related to any life story as much as I related and connected with Jason Garner's.

The first chapter is called "My Myth." He talks about losing his job and how at that moment he felt hopeless and afraid. He had always been afraid of failure and had a constant voice inside his head telling him that anything he did was not good enough. He needed to do better. When I read, I always make sure that I have a highlighter next to me so I can mark anything that stands out as meaningful. The first sentence I highlighted was "When I woke up that day with no job and no fancy title to mask the feelings, I was forced to stare head on at my life and realize that I had no idea who I was. I knew what I had done, but I didn't know me." 

I am a believer in meditation and yoga. I started my own path towards spiritual awareness three in a half years ago when I decided to try yoga. I walked out of my first class at Yoga West feeling alive and free, I knew I was home. I was walking out of my Thursday night class, about two in a half months into my practice, and noticed a large crowd of people entering the yoga studio. I asked "where are you going?" Someone answered "Guru Singh's class!"I looked up and saw a tall slender man walk in. Next Thursday night I showed up for his 7 o'clock class and have been a student of his ever since. Guru Singh has changed my life in many ways and has taught me so many life lessons that you can not learn from a textbook. He has inspired my interest in spirituality and the cosmos. Garner describes the first time he met eyes with Guru Singh. "He looked into my eyes. Holding my gaze. He looked at me. I looked back at him. Not like a stare, it wasn't threatening. More like a warm hug drawing me in, followed by something deeper." Garner explains how he felt at home and I am right there with him. The first time I took off my shoes and laid down my mat, I felt like I was in the right place. I felt as if I had known Guru Singh for years and we were just two old friends catching up over coffee. 

Garner wrote this book to share his journey. He says that "you can have happiness and money. You can have fun and be spiritual. You can care about the world and still care for yourself... And you can change the world from your desk at work as easily as a guru can from an ashram." I believe that this is true and can be done. 

This novel inspired me in many ways and I highly recommend it. The 26 chapters in this novel impacted me in a positive and unique way, and I hope it will do the same for you.

As Jason Garner says

Big hugs of love and gratitude

Jason Garner's Website: http://jasongarner.com/

Check out my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/markbuysdamagedcars/

Mark Buys Damaged Cars: My Business

Growing up, I spent hours helping out at our family-run used auto parts store. As I got older, my love for cars grew and as a teenager I started my own auto detailing service the "Perfect Touch." I spent hours polishing and waxing cars until they looked brand new. After spending 25+ years as an owner of my family business, the natural progression was to start my own business. I started Mark Buys Damaged Cars in 2009. I buy and sell damaged, total loss, wrecked and non operating vehicles.

When I was 15 years old I came across my first "58" Porsche Speedster. It was an instant love affair and I had to have one. I saved my pennies and after four years of polishing cars I bought one and began a ground up nuts and bolt restoration.This inspired me to start "Mark's Garage Sale What's Behind Your Garage Door?"Purchasing vintage, rare, and collectable automobiles.

I pride myself on our exceptional customer service. My grandfather and my father instilled in me old fashion values of pride, honor, and integrity which are all part of my business ethic and commitment.

I align myself with a network of auto dismantlers who believe in protecting our Earth by recycling your vehicle in an eco-friendly manner. By choosing to work with us, you are choosing to take the first steps in being green and helping the environment.

To read more in detail about how we recycle your vehicle: http://www.markbuysdamagedcars.com/eco-friendly

Check out our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/markbuysdamagedcars/

My Twitter: https://twitter.com/MWcars

My Instagram: Markbuysdamagedcars

STEP into Kindness

In August of 2014, I was contacted by Support the Enlisted Project(STEP) who had a special case. They were working with an active service duty member. My good friends at Caliber Collision asked STEP to contact Mark Buys Damaged Cars.

This service member was stationed in Japan when his new baby was born. The birth was very difficult and following complications the family was moved to San Diego unexpectedly. Upon arriving in San Diego the family had to buy a car on short notice. They found what they hoped was a good deal and bought a 2006 Volkswagen Jetta. However, just after a few months the engine blew on the car and they were now faced with a $9,400 loan balance and no transportation. The family turned to STEP for help.

Coincidentally, Caliber Collision had approached STEP with a car that they wanted to donate to a service member through their Recycled Rides program that restores vehicles back to factory condition. Through the generosity of their staff and their partners these cars are gifted to families who really need them. STEP connected the family to the Recycled Rides Program where they received a 2012 Toyota Corolla.

This is where I came into the picture. We had to address the issue of selling the Volkswagen in its current condition so the family could use those funds to reduce the $9,400 loan balance. Through my company and network of dismantlers, STEP and Mercedes Benz of Riverside, we were able to pay off the remaining loan balance. As you can imagine this gave the family a much needed relief.

I wanted to share this story to spread the word about the great work that STEP is doing. Support the Enlisted Project's mission is to provide active duty and veteran families financial aid and help them come up with a plan to achieve their financial goals. Here's a list of their services I got from their website:

• Emergency financial assistance
• Money management skills 
• Holiday relief
• Offsetting cost of living initiatives 
• Wounded warrior care giver support
• Cammies to college

STEP is a great foundation that helps so many active duty members and vets each year. Please check out their website and Facebook page. I'll link both websites below.

STEP: http://www.stepsocal.org/home

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StepSoCal/info/?tab=overview

Feel Electric About Electric Cars

I was scanning through my usual news outlets this morning when I came across an article in The Guardian about diesel cars without pollution filter's driving on our roads. As a lover of cars and the environment, this was a hard pill to swallow. Imagine a 1,000 cars or more that don't have the proper filter's in them cruising down your block, polluting the air you breathe. I'll link the full article at the end of this post in case you're interested in the details. The article got me thinking about my own car. Yes, my car has the proper filter's needed, but its not electric and I still need to fill her up with gas in order to get to my destination. That led me to look up yet another article titled Netherlands look to ban all non-electric cars by 2025 which explained that the Netherlands wants to pass a law that stops nonelectric cars from being on the road. I think there are many advantages to electric vehicles. They're quiet and fast. You can also plug in your car almost anywhere now a days. Of course, there are always cons to any set of pros. It does take longer to refuel and they are more expensive. 

I am a big fan of Elon Musk. I can even see his book sitting on my shelf from the corner of my eye while writing this blog post. His latest car, the Tesla Model 3 is his most affordable car so far. I did some research so I didn't sound like I was talking out of my you know what while explaining the beauty of Tesla Motors. According to the information on the Tesla website, the new Model 3 can get up to 215 miles per charge, can seat five adults and is $35,000. If you're looking for a new environmentally friendly car, check out the new Tesla. It's a great car with a sleek design. No, I'm not getting paid to say this, I'm just a big fan of Elon Musk. 

Articles mentioned:
Diesel cars without pollution filter: http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/apr/17/diesel-particulate-filter-removal-air-pollution-department-for-transport

Netherlands plan to ban nonelectric cars: http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/2016/0414/Netherlands-looks-to-ban-all-non-electric-cars-by-2025