NOTE: 1pm Saturday classes are no longer available. Only private classes are offered.
Days/Times: students determine this depending on their availability Location :Nawa Saraan Hotel, Chiang Mai, Thailand Email: yoga@thelonerider.com LINE Contact:
The Class
Yoga classes are offered 1-on-1 for a tailor fitted program or developed for a group class. Classes can be traditional yoga offerings or classes focused on optimum digestion, healthy eyes, power/strength, weightloss, breathing, therapy and/or meditation. Classes come with explanations on what we are doing and why we are doing them. It's important for any student to know the underlying principles of yoga. One session usually lasts 90 minutes and will always consist of the following:
yoga talk - theories and concepts in yoga
asanas - can be a combination of yoga postures, HIIT, point-of-failure holds, calisthenics, dynamic tension
pranayama - regulated breathing
kumbhaka - breath-hold
bandha - energy locks
mudra - energy seals
meditation - can be anapana, vipassana, trataka, chakra focus, emptiness, etc.
Fee: Baht 1000/session Note: RSVP, bring your mat, come 5 minutes earlier to settle down, we start on time Teacher availability: GREEN area are the available time slots (as of this writing)
In Search of... In my search for new knowledge to supplement my yoga practice, I stumbled upon a treasure trove that's reminiscent of a distant past when I first came upon these ethereal teachings that used sound to access the deeper sanctum of our subconscious and bring about altered states of consciousness. I'm talking about sound, frequency response, binaural beats, and brainwave vibrations from the research and work done by Robert Monroe and Jose Silva.
Not Knowing When to Stop It's been 2 weeks since I got 'sick'. As a general rule, I never get sick - prana is moving all throughout me that getting sick is inconceivable. I suspect that I was pushing my body too hard with yoga so my body found a way to stop me. In all the cases I had been 'sick' in the last so many decades, it was more because I didn't know when to stop. But this is not simply a matter of work-stoppage. I have to step back, look at the big picture again, and find my bearing.
Looking for Inspiration It was during this 'down time' that I started pondering about my yoga practice. I'm doing everything I know to deepen my practice but I seem to be stuck in a rut. I no longer feel the human enhancements, let alone the activation of my siddhis. I'm hitting my head on the ceiling but I'm not forging through. I started looking in other directions - not to abandon yoga, but to find ways in supplementing it and injecting new vigor.
Sound, Vibration and Frequency Like an unseen hand persuading me into the realm of sound, vibration and frequency, I came upon a few modalities harnessing the power of sound through binaural beats, brain entrainment and brainwave frequencies.
Brainwave Frequencies It should be noted that depending on the website, the frequency ranges of the brainwaves differ. I cannot seem to find a reliable or official one.
Delta Waves Frequency range:0.5 TO 4 Hz Condition: deep sleep
Slowest brainwaves (low frequency and deeply penetrating, like a drum beat). They are found most often in infants as well as young children. As we age, we tend to produce less delta even during deep sleep. They are generated during deep meditation and dreamless sleep. When activated, they produce the deepest levels of relaxation and restorative, healing sleep. Adequate production of delta waves helps us feel completely rejuvenated after we wake up from a good night’s sleep.
In yogic parlance, this seems to be the same state achieved during Yoga Nidra(putting the body in deep controlled sleep as the mind remains alert and awake to explore within).
Theta waves Frequency range:4 Hz to 8 Hz Condition: daydreaming and regular sleeping
Connecting the dots from other sources, this seems to be the same state when you go into REM sleep (
Rapid Eye Movement, also the ideal state to induce Lucid Dreaming).
Alpha Waves Frequency range:8 Hz to 12 Hz Condition: that very thin line between the waking state and the sleep state.
This frequency range bridges the gap between our conscious thinking and subconscious mind (frequency range between theta and beta). In other words, alpha is that fleeting stage when we are about to fall asleep...but not yet. This is the state where we gain access to our subconscious. But again, this is very difficult to sustain, because it only lasts a few seconds and we're not even aware that we are already in it, until we fall asleep - and now, we are in Theta.
In the Siva Method, access to alpha brainwaves is essential to induce altered states of consciousness. In many modalities of transformation, this seems to be the ideal state to pass on suggestions to the subconscious mind without the filters (as a metaphor, let's call it the guard dogs). The filters (guard dogs) are responsible for stopping thoughts and suggestions to reach the subconscious (which is also a good thing because this creates a steadiness in our thinking and perception). This is also the reason why stopping to smoke by sheer willpower and verbal affirmations don't usually work. But in alpha mode, the guard dogs are 'put to sleep' so the suggestions are carried through.
Beta Waves Frequency range:12 Hz to 40 Hz Condition: the normal waking state where we function in day-to-day life
They are involved in conscious thought and logical thinking. Having the right amount of beta waves allows us to be functional members of society. Think of these as being very fast brain waves that most people exhibit throughout the day to complete conscious tasks - critical thinking, writing, reading, and socialization.
The Robert Monroe Hemi-Sync Method somehow suggests that to sync left and right hemispheres of the brain to reach altered states of consciousness, one has to be in the beta brainwave - which is somehow contradicted by other modalities.
Gamma Waves Frequency range:40 Hz to 100 Hz Condition: high performance in the waking state, demanding focused concentration (e.g. mountain bike race)
Involved in high-concentration tasks as well as cognitive functioning. t is thought that the 40 Hz gamma wave is important for the binding of our senses in regards to perception and learning new material.
In an independent experiment, Dr. Lee Bartel, discovered that 40 Hz vibration(Gamma brainwave) gives rise to cell repair and recovery.
Green Pastures I stumbled upon 3 alternatives - powerful ones whose effectiveness has been tested through time.
Hemi-Sync by Robert Monroe - using binaural beats to sync the left and right hemispheres of the brain to increase psychic abilities
40 Hz vibration by Dr. Lee Bartel - sounds at 40 Hz and brain waves at 40 Hz prove beneficial to healing Alzheimer's, Fibromyalgia and other diseases
Ending Thoughts Honestly? I'm a little confused. While these experts are saying brainwaves and sound help in reaching altered states of consciousness and enhance healing, it is conflicting on exactly what brainwave it's happening at. Some say alpha, some say gamma, etc. Which is which? If I step back and be more critical, how do we even know at what brainwave we are currently functioning at despite the binaural beats and specific frequency vibrations we listen to? One thing they all agree on is that the body needs to be completely relaxed to access the inner sanctum of the mind.
My conclusion? I no longer care in what brainwave range I'm currently at. All I need to do is sit in padmasana(full lotus) with my mudra of choice (gyana, anjali, akash, etc.), and put the body, mind and spirit in a very relaxed mode by chanting a mantra of my choice (Om, Lam, Yam, Ham, Ram, etc.). With my daily meditation practice, this is the easy part. Once relaxed, I'll simply play the brainwave sound and visualize the realization of my intentions...with gratitude and humility. I am confident that this is the optimized way of using soundscape to expand consciousness.
(Jul 18, 2022) Jose Silva was a radio technician. He knew that decreasing resistance along the conductive material increases radio output signals. He used this same analogy in decreasing brain resistance to optimize brain efficiency for psychic abilities...more »»
Chiang Mai INFORMATION
Chiang Mai Map
Chiang Mai, Thailand
IMPORTANT PLACES
Bus Station Train Station Chiang Mai International Airport Nong Buak Hard Park - free yoga classes daily
HOTEL
Arun Dara Villa - 7 exclusive rooms, 1 swimming pool for every room, grand opening
Nawa Sheeva Hotel - big rooms, high ceiling, salt-water pool, restaurant, cafe
Nawa Saraan Hotel - low density (4 spacious rooms), stone garden setting, Koi fish pond, Old City location
Arun Suite - 3 bedrooms in a 3-storie guesthouse within Old City, ideal for families
MOTORBIKE RENTAL
Tawan Bike - motorcycle rental | +66 91 635 2863 | Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200
Chiang Mai FYI / Tips
crop-burning season in Chiang Mai is between late Feb to early April. But laws change everytime. This year, 2019, there is a 61-day ban on burning so the farmers started burning early. When my plane was approaching Chiang Mai on Jan 24, 2019, there was already a thick blanket of smog covering the entire city (and beyond). But within the city itself, you won't feel it (but that doesn't mean the air is healthy). To monitor air conditions in real time, refer to site: Chiang Mai Air Pollution: Real-time Air Quality Index (AQI)
hot season begins March and lasts until June
wet season begins July and lasts until September
best time to visit Chiang Mai is mid-September to mid-February - after the monsoon and before the burning
you have to try Khao Soi, this is north Thailand's culinary staple
the tourist area where most of the hotels, restaurants, ticket offices, tour operators are, is located in the Old City
to exchange your dollars to Thai Baht, the Super Rich Money Exchange give the best rates. There are many branches scattered around Chiang Mai
get a red cab (songthao) outside the train station for Baht 50 (instead of paying B100 if inside the train station) to Old City - if you haggle nicely enough...I did!
shared red taxi (songthao) - B30 standard fare plying all over Old City
for only B50/day, best to rent a bike to go around the Old City - it's a 2.5km2 with lots to discover
FREE daily yoga classes from 9:00am to 10:15am at Nong Buak Hard Park (southwest corner of Old City). Resident and passing-through teachers take turns conducting yoga classes.
Blues/Jazz Bars in Chiang Mai
North Gate Jazz Coop - at Chang Phueg Gate, great Tuesday jam session, Blues on Sundays at 11pm by the Chiang Mai Blues band
Boy Blues Bar - at the Night Bazaar. Mondays at 9:30pm is open mic
My Secret Cafe - near Wat Phra Singh. Tuesdays at 7:30pm for the changing front-act and 9:00pm for the Panic Band
Taphae East - 88 Thapae Rd. (just north of Night Bazaar). Fridays at 9:30pm by Chiang Mai Blues Band
Chiang Mai Cost Index
B60 Chiang beer
B250 1 hour drop-in yoga session
B200 one hour Thai body massage at WAYA Massage(highly recommended)
B50 noodle soup with meat
B50 coffee
B40 pad thai
B30/kilo wash-only laundry
B50/kilo wash+iron laundry
B100-150 dorm bed/night
B250 fan room/night
B30 internet cafe/hour
B170-190 Movies Sat-Sun and public holidays
B130-150 Movies weekdays
B100 Movies Wednesdays (movie discount day)
B750 1/2 day Thai cooking lessons
B900-1000 1 full day Thai cooking lessons
B400 Muay Thai boxing ticket
B2500 starting room rate at the luxury hotel, Nawa Sheeva(highly recommended)
Transportation
B450 bus, Chiang Mai to Bangkok
B160-180 bus, Chiang Mai to Pai
B1250 bus, Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang
B1650 slow boat, Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang
B210 bus, Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, 3-4 hours
B360 Green VIP bus, Chiang Mai to Mae Sai (Thai border town for visa run to Tachileik, Myanmar)
B50 bicycle rental, 24 hours
B200 motorbike rental, 24 hours
B273 #51 sleeping train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
10:22pm - #51 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 12:10pm, sleeper, 3rd class B270 (non sleeper), 2nd class B438, B728 upper deck, B798 lower deck
Loei to Chiang Mai by Bus
From Loei town center, take a tuk-tuk ride to the bus station, B30. There is only one bus station.
As of June 28, 2020 (still on Covid schedule), there are only 3 night trips: 8:30pm, 9:30pm and 12 midnight. 9 hours, B470.
The bus makes the following stops at the following times from a 9pm Loei departure: Phu Ruea (9:50pm), Phitsanulok (12:40am), Uttradit (2:20am), Lampang (4:35am)
Final bus stop is at the Red Bus Arcade, Chiang Mai, 9 hour-trip, arriving 6am (from 9pm Loei departure).
Take a red songthaew to Old City, B50. They'll try to charge you B100, but they'll take B50 (just assure the driver you won't tell the other passengers).
How to Get a 60-Day Thai Tourist Visa and then Extend by another 30 Days
This process is BEFORE Covid 19. Not sure what it is now.
60-Day Thai Tourist Visa
NOTE: There is no need to go back to your country to get the Thai tourist visa. Any major city with a Thai Embassy will do. Apparently there is also no need to have an invitation from a Thai establishment to justify the visa.
Bring the following to the Thai embassy:
a) proof of money (bank statement will suffice)
b) flight booking to Thailand
c) onward flight back to your country from Thailand
d) filled-in tourist visa form
e) 2 passport pictures
f) hotel booking in Thailand (they didn't ask me for this but better be safe)
g) passport with at least 6 months validity
After handing over all the documents, they will ask you to come pick your passport with the visa the following day from 4 to 5pm. That's it!
NOTE: after 2 successful attempts, I was already questioned the 3rd time.
30-Day Extension
NOTE: When your 60-day visa is close to expiry and you want to extend your stay. No need to leave Thailand.
bring the following to the Immigration Office:
a) passport (make sure your Tourist Visa hasn't expired yet)
b) Baht 1900
c) photocopy of your passport + visa duration date stamp + TM6 card (white immigration card) and sign all the copies
d) completed TM7 visa extension form (available at the Immigration Office)
e) one 4cmx6cm passport picture
submit the above to the Front Desk. They will give you a stub with your number on it. Take a seat and wait for your number to be called
when your number is called, your picture will be taken. Then go back to your seat. They will call you again.
when they call you again, they'll give you your passport with your extended visa. That's it!
when there are no lines, the whole process can take only 10 minutes
arrive early - in case there is a snag (visa snag, documentation snag, transport ticket snag, etc.), you will have ample time to troubleshoot the problem if you arrive early (to the airport, to the bus terminal, etc.)
put detailed itinerary on the Calendar apps of your smart-phone according to timelines - this is where you do all your thinking and planning. Once written down, you don't have to think anymore while you are on the journey...you just follow the steps. This frees your mind for something else that might happen while you are already en route
avoiding scams - as a general rule, I ignore the touts or anyone I don't know who call out to me. The calling comes in many forms - "Hi! Where are you from?", "Excuse me! Excuse me!", "Where are you going?". I don't look them in the eye and I remain non-verbal with them. If you reply to them, you just gave them an 'in' to hound you. In order not to look rude, I smile and wave the 'not interested' hand to them, without looking at them.
power bank - hand-carry your power bank. Do not check it in. You can be called in when you are already inside the plane to go all the way to the loading dock so you can personally remove the power bank...and chances are, you'll have to surrender it to them. And you might delay the plane departure!