Spring/Summer 2013 Issue of The Yoga Connection by The Yoga Connection

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editor’s note spring/summer

2013

Namaste Readers and welcome to the latest edition of the Yoga Connection. “Om, Shanti, Shanti, Shanti” - May your peace be thrice compounded, and may you be the blessing that your life needs. Let peace of mind be your guide. There is no other way to attain your enlightenment. Be the blessing that your life needs. Focus on what you are doing exclusively. There is no other way to attain tranquility. Be the blessing that your life needs. Be selfish in this pursuit. You do not need permission from society, from your mother, your father, your spouse. There is no other way to attain your freedom. Be the blessing that your life needs. Be as quick as possible to forgive another. Be even quicker to forgive yourself, but do not make excuses. There is no other way to attain maturity. Be the blessing that your life needs. Act with love and acceptance for all, without exception. There is no other way to attain compassion. Be the blessing that your life needs. Act in service to others without concern for recognition. There is no other way to attain harmony. Be the blessing that your life needs. Meditate, Meditate, Meditate - daily. There is no other way to attain peace of mind. Be the blessing that your life needs and your life will be the blessing that life itself needs. Please enjoy this collection of thoughts and explorations of the vast spiritual science that yoga is, and, please get out there and support the local yoga scene. May all of your sittings be still and any chitta chatter be dissolved. Blessings, The Yoga Connection

The Yoga Connection is a bi-annual publication. The information provided in this publication is intended for personal, non-commercial, informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement with respect to any company, product, procedure or activity.

Advertising and Editorial Information: Publishers: Kate Stephens and Gary Pritchard Copy Editor: Katrina Pfannkuch Phone: (970) 214-6921 E-mail: yogaconnect23@gmail.com Website: www.the-yoga-connection.com the

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contents Features

2013

Spiritual Community

Perception: Action

Serving a Higher Calling with Sarada and Shivaji Erickson ................ pg 20

Joe Aiken explores the truth behind the meaning of right action ... pg 7

All the Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Stage

The First Warm Night

Erin Walton shares her struggle with anorexia and how yoga pulled her out .................................. pg 22

Chandra Sally Waggoner shares some of her beautiful poetry with us ........... pg 9

Yamas: Ahimsa

Herbal Essence

Kim Schwartz begins his series on the Yamas ........................ pg 26

Learn more about the qualities and uses of the wonderful herb, chamomile ....... pg 10

Sahaja: The Wordless Wisdom of the Body

Happiness

Alan Starner helps us to connect with our inner life force ............................... pg 28

Alexzandra Carlson-Tooker explores the gift of happiness .......... pg 14

Feeling Your Life

Breaking Trail

Explore the benefits of iRest Yoga Nidra with Ena Burrud ............................... pg 18

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Mindful learning through routine with Chuck Hancock .................. pg 30

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contents spring/summer

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Departments Handcrafted Learn how to make a Lavender and Chamomile Relaxing Eye Pillow .............................. pg 13

Health and Well-Being Directory

Journaling Corner

.... pg 40

Northern Colorado Yoga Class Schedules Spring/Summer 2013 ........................................ pg 42

Lauri Pointer teaches us the journaling technique “Pulling Weeds and Planting Seeds” .................................. pg 16

Spring/Summer 2013 Workshops .......... pg 46

Lessons from the Mat Beth O’Brien reviews the documentary Samsara .... pg 17

Summer Festival Preview Learn more about this Summer’s Colorado Yoga Festivals, Hanuman and Wanderlust ....... pg 48

Dance with the Planets Astrological reading for March through September 2013 with Kerry Shamblin ... pg 24

Once Upon a Yogi Time

Studio Profile

The circular journey of the stonecutter ......... pg 50

Take a look at Yoga Luna with Erin Walton ..... pg 32

At Home Practice

There’s No Place Like “Om”

Dana Leigh helps us to Spring Forth with Steadiness and Ease ............................... pg 35

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Stephanie Bennet captures the spirit of several local yogis .................. pg 51

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Perspective:Action by Joe Aiken

I assume that if all humans were to focus on these sets of actions, we would have a planet teeming with several billion living saints. Saints, however, are the exception.

ction…inaction…right action…These are words that floated into my world as I was thinking about an epic question posed by a friend. That friend and I were having a conversation regarding the human capacity for deep perception. We were discussing how humans can perceive the awesome size of the universe even with a limited knowledge of science. We marveled at how, through education, books, and television, we can understand the great detail of the geologic record and the basic structure of an atom. Through this gift of perception, we can travel in our minds into the depths of space and time and into dimensions that have not physically been proven to exist. That was when my friend posed the question: If humans have this capacity for deep perception, then what did the Creator of the Universe intend us to do with it; what was the purpose of human existence?

Throughout our day, we have the choice to focus our attention on one of these four sets of actions or to focus on a myriad of distractions that take us down paths that inhibit achievement of our purpose. We can choose action, inaction or right action. Perhaps the meaning of right action is choosing a focus that leads to fulfillment of our purpose. Or, as I was once told, if you pay attention to your dharma, you should not have to worry about karma. If we take time to use our ability for deep perception to look inside of ourselves, the truth behind the meaning of right action will likely be there. So think about your own answer to the epic question. Go out and act on love and compassion for yourself and others. Find yourself a practice that seeks to connect your spirit with God, the Creator, or the universe. Share your creativity and passion. And remember to bring gratitude and appreciation for the beauty of right action into each breath that you take.

I’m sure that this question has been asked since the dawn of man, and to be truthful, the answer should simply be “I do not know.” However, my friend and I took the opportunity to think about a possible answer. Even though it took a while, four concepts, or maybe it’s better to label them as “sets of actions,” came to the forefront as to what might be a reasonable purpose for humans as we understand them.

The sets of actions are best described as: 1. Love, compassion, service to others, charity, taking care of yourself 2. Seeking God, a mind-body-spirit connection, meditation, prayer 3. Creativity, achievement, and sharing your passions and talents with others to bring peace, comfort, healing, and positive ideas to fruition in this world 4. Gratitude, joy, and appreciation for life, the beauty of nature, our challenges, abundance, health Joe Aiken is currently working on his Yoga practice and on pottery-making skills. He enjoys making people happy by cooking meals and is a very slow runner. While he occasionally dabbles with the written word, Joe spends most of his time being a husband, a father to two college students, and an environmental scientist. ISSUE # 13

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inspiration

The First Warm Night by Chandra Sally Waggoner

You are this grace. The first warm night comes: a song you haven’t heard in many years. The moon is low and ripe. Twilight melts your tired striving, and pulls you, one tiny fragile, bursting seed from the fruit’s starchy folds, and thrusts you into— this. Your body is empty. Your mind: a mirror. Trees blaze with the bounty of stars it reflects. Their buds breathe and shudder: embryos held aloft by umbilical branches, Chandra Sally Waggoner lives, loves, writes and teaches yoga in Fort Collins. She can usually be found reading or playing outdoors with her wonderful man and dog companions. She received degrees in journalism and religion from Syracuse University in 2009.

sustained by a dark earth and that blazing sky— Tat tvam asi.

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Herbal Essences The Secret Life of Chamomile

ntroducing herbs into our lives and making eliminations of over the counter products is a simple and effective way to cleanse our bodies and lifestyles. Herbal choices for the relief of symptoms and general health and vitality are simple, natural ways to purify our bodies and move them into, or keep them in, a healthy and pure state of balance. All herbs carry trace vitamins and minerals that are essential to vitality and overall health. Chamomile is an herb easily found in the West. So widely used, it has been tried and true to those that have welcomed it into their lives. It permeates a feeling of comfort by emitting a pleasant scent, possessing the calming and soothing sensitivity of a nurturer, and embodying a charming and dainty personality. Chamomile has much to offer as her motherly instincts aid in soothing and calming our bodies when we need it most. Place the seeds in your garden, help them grow into healthy plants, harvest the flowers, and bring the patient and caring qualities into your herbal supply; you won’t be disappointed. Once you learn how to use chamomile, you will be astonished at the amount of relief it will give you and your loved ones.

cramping, and minor skin irritations. As far as the human digestive tract is concerned, the bitters in the flowers increase the flow of digestive juices, improving the digestive process, from absorption to elimination. Calming and relaxing, the sedative element helps alleviate restlessness, insomnia, and anxiety. The flowers and leaves are the parts of the chamomile plant that are used holistically. The flowers contain the nectar that deliver the mildly sweet flavor and apple-like scent. The leaves are also used, but are less fragrant and flavorful. Both parts are safe to eat, so adjust the ratio when using as a tea, infusion, or steam – using more flowers will provide a stronger scent and add a good deal of flavor. Mix the leaves with the flowers and use for pleasant and beautiful potpourri or sachet fills. Essential oils are extracted from the flowers through a steam distillation process, and are blue in color. The essential oils are used in vapors, baths, and blended into massage oils and lotions.

Aiding in relief from a variety of ailments and conditions, chamomile holds a place in the “zap zone.” Stocked with antiinflammatory, anti-allergenic, and antispasmodic qualities, the herb assists in relieving a wide range of discomforts, including muscle aches and pains, respiratory agitations, menstrual

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herbal health

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Ways to Use Chamomile

2013

Plant, Grow and Harvest

Tea/Infusion When deciding to plant, grow, and harvest chamomile, you need to know about the different varieties. The two main ones are German (Matricaria chamomilla) and Roman (Anthemis nobilis). When planting this herb, the choice is really about placement and use of the plant, since the therapeutic properties are virtually the same in both species. While both varieties have the same therapeutic powers, they each have their own particular strength. If your desired concentration is in a calming therapy, the Roman species is the stronger of the two; the Germanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strength is in its anti-inflammatory properties. German chamomile is an annual herb, growing up to two feet tall, and the Roman variation is a perennial, growing very close to the ground, reaching an average height of six inches with a spread of up to 24 inches. Both varieties have feathery aromatic leaves, yielding dainty, daisy-like flowers with white petals and a golden yellow center.

Chamomile tea is prepared by infusing 1-2 teaspoons of dried chamomile in one cup of boiling water for 10-15 minutes. If using fresh leaves and flowers, infuse 2-4 teaspoons for up to 30 minutes, depending on the strength desired. Hot infusions and teas aid in relief from indigestion, insomnia, mood swings, irritability, stress, headaches, tension, stress-related constipation, and soothes the membranes of the digestive tract.

Cold Compress Once a prepared infusion has cooled down, soak a cotton pad in the infusion and use it as a cold compress. The chamomileinfused cold compress will help relieve pain and reduce swelling when applied directly to problem areas. Other common uses include skin and facial cleansing, relief from irritations, minor cuts and scrapes, in addition to relief from itchy and inflamed skin, eczema, sunburns, and heat rash. It will quickly become a family favorite in these situations because it is so pleasantly refreshing.

Chamomile can be planted in the spring by seed or seedling, and requires full sun and well-drained soil to thrive. If planted strategically in your vegetable garden, you will most likely find very happy broccoli, cauliflower, peas, and tomatoes.

Facial Steam/Inhalation

Chamomile flowers will bloom from early to mid-summer, and when harvesting, they should be carefully picked when they are just freshly open. The best time of the day to harvest is in the morning before the sun has warmed them. Once picked, lay flat and separate to dry, or use fresh!

Infuse a heaping 2/3 cup of fresh chamomile flowers in five cups of boiling water. Lean over the bowl with a towel tented over your head to trap the steam. The steam will cleanse your face, leaving your skin feeling purified, fresh, and rejuvenated. Deeply breathing the steam will soothe agitated mucas membranes, and reduce unproductive coughs and congestion. This steam treatment will also offer the body a chance to detoxify itself within the respiratory tract.

Herbal Balm To make your own balm, press a handful of fresh chamomile flowers into a cup of sunflower seed oil. Use a heatproof glass bowl that will fit into a pan of simmering water, without touching the bottom of the pan. Place the bowl over the simmering water, and cover with a lid. After an hour of simmering over low heat, remove the dish and let it cool. Strain the oil into a dark 8oz bottle and store it in a dark place. The balm will keep for 4-6 weeks â&#x20AC;&#x201C; discard the balm timely.

All herbs carry trace vitamins and minerals that are essential to vitality and overall health.

When using the balm, heat it up first so that it is warm when applied to the skin. Apply it directly to the irritated location on the body to relieve tension headaches, muscle tension and aches, and inflamed or irritated skin. Rub a bit of balm under your nose for a peaceful relaxation technique when winding down in the evening or at bedtime. Your children will benefit from this as well!

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handcrafted

spring/summer

2013

Handcrafted Lavender and Chamomile Eye Pillow

Handcraft your own unique eye pillow to block out light and enjoy a gentle weight over and around your eyes. Use your pillow during savasana (corpse pose / final relaxation), in your yoga practice, or simply when you want a little time to relax and soothe your eyes. Ingredients: •

Flaxseed

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Dried lavender and chamomile flowers

•

A piece of soft fabric, silk or something just as soft

Prepare the filling for your eye pillow: Choose either your lavender flowers, chamomile flowers, or a combination of both and place in a mortar and pestle or a small grinder (a coffee grinder works great). This process is certainly not necessary as you can leave the flowers whole, but it will create an even softer pillow if you grind up the flowers a bit. Add the flowers to a bowl filled with flaxseed. A good ratio would be 2/3 flaxseed to 1/3 flowers. *If you are sensitive to scent, make your eye pillow with just the flaxseed. Flaxseed is a perfect ingredient because it does a great job of blocking out light and is heavy enough to provide a gentle weight that helps to relax the eyes and the temples. Lavender and chamomile are both known to be soothing scents, helping to relieve stress and foster a sense of peace and relaxation.

Making the fabric cover: Cut out the template provided on this webpage (http://quilting.about.com/od/quiltpatternsprojects/ss/eye-pillow-pattern. htm). Using the template as your guide, cut out two equal pieces of fabric and place them together, using pins to keep the pieces in line with each other. Sew three and ½ sides together with the fabric side out. Then turn the fabric right side out and fill the pillow loosely with your flaxseed mixture. Hand stitch the last of the pillow together and Voila, you have made yourself a beautiful, handmade eye pillow!

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inspiration

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Happiness by Alexzandra Carlson-Tooker

f you were to ask yourself, “What is the one thing I need more of in my life?” What do you think your answer would be? Money? Time? Relationships? All of these things are valid and realistic wants and desires. But think beyond the moment. Think beyond the tangible and the immediate. Do you think it would distill itself down to finding your way to sheer, unbridled happiness?

Power yoga has swept our Nation and our culture, it tends to be the “superficial high” behind the joining of the yogic community. In fact, I’d go so far as say that yoga practitioners may have started with a physical style of yoga, but what they gravitate towards more is the spiritual, intentionally focused kind of yoga. Yoga is no longer about the “FAD.” Less people are participating because someone told them it’s “cool” to practice yoga; instead, we see people who genuinely take an active interest in what they are focused on in the present moment. Whether it’s physical alignment, spiritual guidance, or focus-based intentions, they strive to get more out of their practice.

We tend to seek pleasure wherever we can. We tell ourselves we like something and that’s usually reason enough to keep going back to it, to keep doing it more. Unfortunately, positive reinforcement only lasts for so long – and usually only until we get used to the experience or the conditioned response produces something less than what we’re accustomed. Ultimately, we are seeking positive stimulus or reinforcement until something changes or we notice the wells has run dry.

And the happiness they find is due to their own creation. We’ve noticed a trend where people stop looking toward the extrinsic. As a community, we see less and less need for someone else to make us happy or facilitate the type of happiness most of us can only imagine. And on the flip side, we see yoga as becoming the TRUE facilitator of something that goes beyond the expected.

So how is the yogic perspective different? We create an experience on our mat. We find ourselves working towards something greater than physical response. Although the physical benefits of yoga are undeniable, we still cannot attest or credit yoga’s success solely to the physical. In fact, while Vinyasa/ the

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We end up surprising ourselves every time we step onto our mat. We see that we can open a door, a window or a possibility towards something or someone that we didn’t even know existed. And the surprise is that it has nothing to do with anyone else but ourselves. The surprise is that we are capable of more than what we know. As scary and shocking as that is, it’s true. We deceive ourselves from the moment we’re born. Telling ourselves we can’t do simple things, and refusing to believe the greatness that lies within. However, it’s not the discovery of the lie that leads us to the happiness we discover. No, it is what we do with the information once we find it. Will we return to the “blissful ignorance” we once knew? Or will we challenge ourselves and request something more? Can you learn to ask for more and not feel selfish? Perhaps that’s not something you’re used to, but what if we chose to break every rule we felt “bound to” and discovered something great? In fact, what if we discovered we were meant for nothing less than GREATNESS?

Would you then ask for happiness? Would you shy away from asking for more money, asking for more time or asking for more of … X? No, because you knew that you deserved every ounce, every moment, and every millisecond of happiness you could get. So, when you practice, when you roll out your mat and return to that rectangular space that you call “your practice,” don’t just ask yourself “WHAT,” ask yourself “WHY.” Because within the “Why” of your practice lies your purpose, your intention and the reasoning that will lead you to your happiest of experiences. And above anything else, remember to smile. At the very least, your body will trick your mind into thinking that what you’re doing is a good idea, when this is exactly what you wanted to be doing all along.

As a student and practitioner of life, AlexZandra discovered the freedom, self-realization and genuine wholehearted living that the art of yoga brought to her. Initially, she was drawn to the practice on a physical level, but then layer by layer she revealed the magic behind the actual function of living yoga. It is her hope and intention to shed light on the unknown for others in hopes that they too realize their own experiences that await them. You can contact AlexZandra via email or see her website to find when and where she teaches: www.zeeyoga.com Come ride the wave of experience.

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Journaling Corner

Tools to Discover Your Authentic Self! by Lauri Pointer

Journal writing is a bit like carrying a therapist around in your book bag. Only this “therapist” is free, always available, and serves as a fabulous listener and sounding board. This “Journaling Corner” is dedicated to offering tools to more deeply discover your authentic self, process feelings and emotions, inspire greater wellness, develop your intuition, and stimulate your creative muse. I suggest dedicating a notebook or journal just for journal writing. My preference is unlined so it is like a blank canvas for your soul to pour forth onto the pages with writing, collage, doodling, etc. There are no rules for journaling, only basic suggestions.

Pulling Weeds and Planting Seeds With spring upon us, this is a perfect opportunity to use your journal to assist you in pulling weeds and planting seeds in the garden of your mind. We know that our thoughts create our reality so it is a good idea to do a little weeding and planting once in a while to be sure that you are growing things in the garden of your life that you think are beautiful and delicious and that make you feel abundant and happy. •

Instead of writing in your journal from left to right in paragraph form, draw a simple sketch of a garden.

•

Maybe you will have a bucket for weeds and in that bucket you will write the limiting beliefs you are ready to let go of. Think about what underlying thoughts you hold about money, love, your life work, community, friends, your health, etc. Weed out the thoughts that are no longer serving you.

•

Then maybe you will draw rows or hills of seeds and flowers or something else to represent planting new seeds. Label each of them with new thoughts you are ready to plant, nourish, germinate, and blossom. Think bigger and more abundantly than you are used to thinking.

•

Draw a sunshine in your sketch and maybe even a some big juicy rain clouds. On your sunshine, write ways you can nourish your intentions. For example, if you planted a seed for meeting new people, then write places you will go or things you will do where you will meet new people. If you planted a seed for more abundance in your life work, your sunshine might have new fun marketing ideas. Let your rain clouds hold a showering of financial resources, or new clients, or new feng shui ideas for your house or office, or whatever it is that will most energize and nourish the seeds you have planted in your garden.

•

Break out the colored pencils and add some color to your sketch. Your time, attention, and creativity will - by the nature of Law of Attraction - energize your intentions, supporting you in an effortless ease experience of pulling weeds and planting seeds so the garden of your mind and life will thrive.

Lauri Pointer, HTCP/I is a Healing Touch Certified Practitioner/Instructor and a Certified Journal to the Self Instructor with a private practice in Fort Collins, Colorado. She teaches Healing Touch and Journaling classes around the country and in northern Colorado. To receive her monthly Healing Touch & Journaling Newsletter, go to www.LauriPointer.com or contact Lauri at 970-484-2211. the

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lessons from the mat

Samsara:

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Creating our World By Beth O’Brien What do you think is greater: The water in the oceans or the tears you’ve shed while wandering on?

-Buddha

of the guest list.” Life gives us an opportunity to share our worlds and help one another along the way. Individuality gives way to mutuality. Perhaps we make a choice to walk along a path with another to provide support, encouragement, or silent companionship. Or, in our most difficult moments, someone ditches preoccupation with their own world and simply shows up for us.

erhaps you’ve seen the recent movie “Samsara,” a documentary film by Ron Fricke. The film is a non-narrative stream of images describing the human experience and the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. It is a movie about flow, and how things are interconnected. I was so moved by the film that I began to explore the topic of samsara in more depth. What is samsara? Tharissaro Bhikkhu* states that samsara means “wandering on.” It’s the answer to the question “What are we doing?” Samsara is not a place; it’s a process of creating our world and moving into it. We might call this “world building.” As one world falls apart, we create another. The worlds we create feed off the worlds of others, just as their worlds feed off of ours. Sometimes the side-by-side experience of these co-existing worlds can be mutually beneficial, but most often, we end up harming others in the creation and maintenance of a life centered primarily on our needs.

Shift your perspective. One of life’s biggest challenges occurs when our desires conflict with someone else’s. In other words, our separate worlds collide. How do we make sense of this in a way that advances our own enlightenment? Sure, we can choose to have power over another and get our way, but is this the higher path? Or, is more harm created in the exchange? I remember disagreeing with a friend of mine over how we parent our children. It was an important concern, as her daughter and my daughter were friends. When I talked with my friend and she explained why that approach was needed for her daughter, my feelings of frustration melted away. Understanding her perspective enabled me to develop empathy for her situation, and our tug-of-war ended.

As an example, think about the clothing you put on today. Dressing is part of our routine and an activity most of us take for granted. In the United States, we are able to acquire items that are “on sale,” “a steal,” or a “great buy.” The price fits our needs, but what harm might be done in making goods we take for granted? Who made that item? Was child labor involved? Was the manufacturer fairly reimbursed? How many of the earth’s resources were involved in producing and shipping our garments?

Stop Harming. Sometimes imperfection slaps us on the back and reminds us that we do hurt others, often those who are most dear to us. We can own up, apologize, and do our best to make amends. This lesson is a reminder to step up, care more, and try to lessen harm towards others.

We can learn skills to stop creating our own world of suffering. To liberate ourselves, Buddhist teachings suggest that we free ourselves from earthly preoccupations and follow a path of selfdiscipline, meditation, and non-attachment.

Find a guide. Guides are all around us. They may be a friend or family member, an elder, a counselor, a health practitioner, a minister, or a teacher. When I feel lost or stuck in a difficult situation, I seek a guide to help me. The Buddhist concept of Bodhisattva states that there are beings that could enter enlightenment, but instead they are reborn into samsara to free others from samsara. The Dalai Lama is an example of a present day guide, the Bodhisattva of compassion. In reaching out, we are reminded that we are not alone.

As we wander through life, we can stop the negative impact of samsara by being kind towards our fellow human beings. As a result of my yoga training and practice, I have found several approaches which enhance the power of benevolence towards others: Be Aware. Perhaps a first step in lessening harm and suffering is to simply become aware of others and see outside ourselves. On a recent trip to Japan, I noticed that the Japanese people I encountered initially seemed remote and preoccupied with their daily demands. By looking beyond my first impression I discovered something different. Once eye contact was made, and a bow exchanged, the interaction felt warm and welcoming. If I hadn’t deepened my awareness, I would have felt apart and separate.

The film Samsara shows us that life is but a brief journey. It is within our power to devote our living moments to being kind to one another along the way. *Tharissaro Bhikkhu, Samsara, Access to Insight, 5 June 2010.

Beth O’Brien, Ph.D., is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT200) and licensed Psychologist. She teaches vinyasa flow yoga classes Tuesday and Fridays at the Yoga Center of Fort Collins. E-mail: beth@bethobrienphd.com. Website: www.bethobrienyoga.com.

Connect. A second step to getting beyond samsara and selfabsorption may be to simply pause, then find the connection. Ron Fricke said in an interview about his film that, “It’s like life invited everybody here to the planet and didn’t ask anyone to approve ISSUE # 13

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Feeling Your Life: iRest® Yoga Nidra by Ena Burrud

The Experience On a rainy day last September, I sat across from a psychotherapist on a carpeted floor at Kripalu. Both of us were in a training, studying a form of yoga nidra called iRest. Facing each other, my eyes closed, he skillfully led me into deep relaxation with his own techniques and the ones we were learning in our training that day. I made my intention, and began to talk about rising feelings and sensations. Then, my stomach knotted. I was shocked to hear myself say, “I feel like I need to remove my stomach for a minute”.

Our exploration continued for our 30-minute practice session. We then exchanged feedback and took our break. The rain stopped. I sat with a huge insight. Unless I addressed even deeper issues that caused my past eating disorder, I might remain just left of my dharma. I needed to align my unicorn’s horn. That evening, still feeling the horn, I wrote about the experience. Meditation on my insight revealed new insights. A breeze meandered through the wet New England woods and into my room. A small voice pronounced, “This work is changing your life.”

“Hold it in your hands in front of you,” he suggested quietly. Not the protocol, but we were encouraged to bring our own voices.

Traditional Yoga Nidra Yoga nidra comes from roots in the Tantric movement of Kashmir Shaivism, which holds differentiation as sacred. Each of us has a specific part in the whole, and ideally, we are working together toward that greater good of that whole. Tantric practices honor and help us discern our personal part (svadharma). Yoga nidra is one of these practices.

I held my stomach in my hands; space expanded in my solar plexus. Suddenly, emotions gushed forth from the years I had battled bulimia. I thought I was done with that phase of my life. But, with my undigested issues temporarily sitting outside my body, a warm swoosh of energy swept up through me. “I feel a single line of ants crawling up my spine to the middle of my head…I think it’s ok…” I tuned into the feel of the floor. I listened to the rain and continued, “But if you really DO see ants, you’ll tell me, right?” “I don’t see ants,” he said, reassuringly.

Yoga nidra literally translates into yogic sleep. This refers to the creative theta wave state of the brain that feels like sleep and wakefulness simultaneously, like a power nap. I was introduced two years prior by Ed and Deb Shapiro, Swamis Brahmananda and Dharmavati, of Boulder. In India, Ed lived a time with his teacher, Swami Satyananda Saraswati, one of the first to write and educate on the subject for the west in his book, Yoga Nidra. Ed’s loud Bronx accent reminded me of my hook-armed, brash, Irish grandfather. At one of Ed’s trainings in his home, the students did asana while he sang chants on his treadmill. Deb is a Buddhist flower with a lilting, London accent. In their dharma talks, she gently and repeatedly reined in his meandering plot lines bringing him back on topic. I remember doubting Ed could put me into any trance with his boldness, but after 10 minutes, I was gone. The practice sang louder than Ed.

Captivated, I knew I was having a form of Kundalini experience described in ancient texts. Excited, I then heard the words of Rinzin, a Buddhist monk I used to meditate with in Fort Collins. He’d say, “Don’t let it distract you.” “Now I have a unicorn’s horn. It’s heavy, in the middle of my forehead. Wait, it’s slightly off center.” My head was tight. My partner asked, “Do beliefs arise around this?” “Yes, I think it means I’m veering to the left and I need to reset my nav system,” I giggled.

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meditation spring/summer

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(vijnanamaya kosha) breaks up an issue into digestible pieces. Dissociation is a typical response to trauma; returning to a trauma and feeling it through these layers is cathartic. Many report wellbeing and relaxation (anandamaya kosha). Miller adds one more kosha to the system, the sense of self or asmitamaya kosha. In this state, we look back at our own looking. We see we are the awareness in which all the above rises and falls. This expansiveness liberates us from feeling bound to our past. But, being connected to the past is important for heritage, and a sense of family. Therein lies a seeming contradiction, and a key technique in iRest; holding opposites.

Always beginning with an intention and an affirmation to remain awake, we were led through a staccato delivery of images, seemingly unrelated to one another. Some were opposites, some were soft and yogic, and some stirred fear. After one particularly long day, I felt I had forgotten a bit of my identity. I was rearranged and knew it was good. I couldn’t wait to start guiding others as well. iRest® After a couple years hosting workshops and classes, discovering more symbols and themes to blend into a journey, I decided to listen again to some old recordings I had from Richard Miller’s Integrative Restoration, or iRest. Forty years a yogi and co-founder of the International Association of Yoga Therapists, Miller has delivered yoga nidra to homeless shelters, hospitals, veterans, and other populations whose conditions include mental illness and PTSD. But, during his delivery, he discovered that some images, as neutral as he regarded them, could re-traumatize. Miller was compelled to evolve the practice. He synthesized his experience in psychology and yoga, and began inquiring into what each participant was feeling themselves. The technique worked in group and private settings. His primary tenet is to welcome all that arises.

Holding Opposites This concept is introduced in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras 2:33. Vitarka badhane pratipaksha bhavanam. When a painful thought is experienced, switch it to its opposite. We can choose where to turn the mind. Miller dimensionalizes this essential psychological advice. We can also feel opposite sensations, too. When we slowly traverse between them, we find we aren’t stuck. We then hold them both simultaneously. For instance, when I was healing from bulimia, my body wanted to purge, but my will did not. In time, my will won. We all have this in some part of our lives.

I studied Level I in San Francisco in August and Level II at Kripalu in September. The first training had 70 students, mostly psychotherapists, military personnel, and other traditional medicine providers. The second had 40. There were but a smattering of yoga/meditation teachers and only one other yoga therapist. It is clear that therapeutic yoga is now becoming more accepted as a complementary approach to healing.

Even with beliefs, we find opposites. What is true at 12 probably isn’t anymore at 38. We may be trying to cope with heartbreak now using beliefs from 12 without knowing it. When this discrepancy is discovered, shifts are possible. The innocence of 12, though, can still be felt alongside the complexity of 38 or 50. This particular aspect of iRest has been very impactful in my personal and professional practice.

Miller’s voice is quiet; his gaze is purposefully steady (gazing is another tool in iRest). He is at once approachable and standoffish. He tells stories that brilliantly illustrate his lesson. His delivery is imbued with powerful transmission. Though his assistants are excellent and loving, his personally delivered iRest sessions cut with immediacy to personalized truth. In groups, participants sit or lay back silently. In a dyad, like the one with my psychotherapist partner, one guides, one responds.

Level III I came home from Kripalu to a serious family crisis. Still in the turbulence, I have reeled and cried. Thanks to seventeen years of yoga, I haven’t lashed out at some innocent bystander. With iRest, I even have a system of inquiry for my family and myself. Though not a formal practice, when the kids are in pain, I can help them access a memory of when they felt safe and happy, Miller’s inner resource, or modern psychology’s safe place. These practices keep me sane, or at least feeling sane. The final two-year training, Level III, is underway. I marvel at the work done by clients in my yoga therapy private practice. Their insights are remarkable. Yoga is union. With it, we hold each other and ourselves together. Life is rich even if you do pull a little left of dharma. Stay awake and the road will eventually get you there.

Though the wandering inside is spontaneous (sahaja), the guide still has a map. Miller uses the Vedic five sheaths (pancha kosha) as his map. These are layers of our being from gross to most subtle. Each has characteristics. We sense our way through each. The layers that are the body (annamaya kosha) and breath (pranamaya kosha) anchor us in the now. Returning to them often reminds us that we are in the present moment and safe. Emphasizing a “felt sense” of emotions and thoughts (manomaya kosha), memories and beliefs

Ena has been a yogini since 1997 when retiring from a career in TV and Film in LA. The arts and her grandfather, a Pentacostal minister in Alabama where she was raised, have both impacted her life-long relationship to Spirit. Ena began teaching in 2000 and holds multiple certifications including Classical Yoga with Erich Schiffmann, Yoga Studies at UCI and LMU in So Cal, iRest yoga nidra Level II Facilitator, Yoga Therapy with the Rocky Mt Institute of Yoga and Ayurveda where she is also faculty and ex-officio of the Board. She teaches in teacher trainings and conferences in Colorado. Ena owned Treetop Yoga in Fort Collins for five years then selling the studio to work fulltime in private practice as a yoga therapist at Treetop Yoga Therapy (www.treetopyogatherapy.com). Ena is raising two amazing children. ISSUE # 13

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Spiritual Community Serving a Higher Calling by Shivaji and Sarada Erickson

more than we really want to give. We can willingly and happily choose to go beyond what the small self wants in order to serve the situation. Stretching a little more each time, we are becoming a more fully cooked chickpea.

piritual community is like a simmering delicious stew. Each vegetable, grain, and spice adds an integral part to the nourishing pot. The flavors blend and result in something much more delicious than any one ingredient on it its own. This is part of the beauty of a spiritual community. Each individual contributes to the whole and the result is much greater than what a single person can accomplish. This is true on a physical level and an energetic level. When people come together, focused in their spiritual practice, it produces a lot of energy.

Each of us has the opportunity to serve the community that we are part of right now. Living in spiritual community stokes the cooking flames of the yogic process. It consistently calls upon us to serve, to grow, and to benefit from its practices. The practice of seva, which is selfless service, is a catalyst for burning or transcending our karma. As we grow spiritually, the experience of chopping wood and carrying water begins to take on richer and richer meaning. As we are less externalized in the ego, and more internalized in the Self, it becomes less the menial task at hand and more the ever-shifting dance of Shakti. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti!

When people visit an ashram (abode of yogis), they often comment on how uplifted they feel from the abundance of shakti, or spiritual energy, that is present. A decade ago, we had the opportunity to serve in an ashram for two years. The spiritual discipline changed us at a very deep level. Each of us learned how to really open our hearts and be centered, while serving the needs of the greater whole. Living in a community dedicated to raising spiritual energy is an amazing service. The yogi actively contributes to creating and strengthening the container, which fills with an abundance of Shakti. Subsequently, all are deeply nourished from its well. The process of engaging and serving community reminds us of a famous parable:

Sarada Erickson MS RD RYT-500 & Shivaji Erickson MS CYT: Sarada and Shivaji are the founders of Om Ananda Yoga and are Acharyas in the Shambhava Yoga Tradition. Sarada is also a registered dietician and Shivaji is also an anatomy and physiology instructor. We feel extremely fortunate serving at Om Ananda Yoga. We are grateful for our yoga community and are continually working towards a more developed expression of this community spirit. As a non-profit, we envision Om Ananda Yoga continuously evolving to meet the needs of spiritual community. Namaste!

In Chickpea to Cook, Rumi writes: A chickpea leaps almost over the rim of the pot where it is being boiled. “Why are you doing this to me?” The cook knocks him down with the ladle. “Don’t you try to jump out. You think I am torturing you. I’m giving you flavor, so you can mix with spices and rice and be the lovely vitality of a human being.” The uncooked chickpea in the parable is similar to the ego. Every community has a variety of duties, some thought to be more desirable, and some thought to be less desirable. It is the ego that labels jobs to be good and bad. All duties are important, whether cooking, cleaning, or teaching. The cooking of the chickpea is analogous to surrendering the ego, opening up in the heart, and serving from a place of joy. Living in a community requires us to go beyond ourselves. It often requires detachment from our own particular “comfort zone.” It is hard work to continually surrender self-centered desires to be of service to something greater, yet the rewards are infinite. Many of us experience this while caring for a family as well. A new baby, child, or an aging parent may demand the

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Are you

struggling with your inner critic? put aside judgement and become your freest self Maggie Tibbetts combines Western psychological approaches with Eastern spiritual practices to help you discover your best self. Get help today with: depression • anxiety • relationships life transitions • grief and loss Maggie Tibbetts, LCSW Counseling & Psychotherapy Office visits available in Fort Collins and Loveland.

970.988.4173 • maggiestibbetts@gmail.com

All the World’s a Stage by Erin Walton

Hatred is a tricky emotion, yet the strongest of any I know.

As the months went by, my already slender physique slowly faded into a lifeless body. The energy and enthusiasm I once prided myself on, had vanished. While the physical evidence of my starving body was horrific, it was the robbing of my soul -which still haunts me to this day.

Some say it’s the opposite of love, and that we can only truly hate something we once also loved. I suspect that is true, particularly when exploring the various forms hatred takes in our lives. While I struggle to remember the exact moment I decided to hate my body, mind, and spirit, I suspect it paralleled my realization that external acceptance was conditional. At a young age, my sensitive soul created a story around this reality. If I was to experience authentic acceptance by family, teachers, and peers, I must present myself perfectly. I must be kind to everyone, cross all my T’s, dot all my I’s, and never show a flicker of humanness. Then, and only then, would I be loved.

I remember a friend once asking me why I didn’t simply replace my compulsive food rules with thoughts of things I loved. Speechless, I just stared at her. In truth, while I felt safe with anorexia by my side, I also felt incredibly lonely; not only for the love I used to know, but for my authentic self. Perhaps my relationship was not as perfect as I once thought. Perhaps, these rigid rules were not as loving as I had once hoped. According to therapists, doctors and western medicine, there is an anorexic personality. Anorexics tend to be sensitive, introverted, intense and perfectionists. We are the people-pleasers, choosing to give all others the love we lack for ourselves. With passion and determination, we embody whatever emotion we choose. In the midst of my battle with anorexia, I chose to embody selfhatred. By starving my physical body, I also chose to starve my soul. And, similar to all addictions, there exists only a few finite solutions; recovery or death.

Naturally, I buckled under this pressure. You see, I was unable to see out of my abyss; unable to comprehend how someone could ever love me for simply being myself. Finding myself too afraid to reveal my fear or insecurity, I found a new confidante; that of anorexia. Within the confines of the food rules, restrictions, and control, I felt safe. So long as I maintained a certain weight, ate certain foods and exercised x number of hours each day, I would be accepted. Within her safe embrace, I no longer needed to rely on the reality of the real world. I was invincible and I was loved.

To this day, I cannot recall my exact reason for choosing to live, or rather, to stop dying. However, I do remember the details of my decision. Suffering from my yearly bout with shin splints, I was forced to take a break from running. Daily, I battled with the criticism of anorexia; for changing my exercise routine. In an effort to calm my mind, I began attending an Anusara yoga class. A novice to yoga, I had attended only a handful of classes and knew only that I felt better upon leaving the studio. While I didn’t fully understand the postures or even the breathing techniques, I knew that something shifted within me each class. Sometimes it

For nearly three years, I embraced only this friendship. Blinded by the promise of my “new relationship,” I slowly found myself letting go parts of myself I once deemed sacred. Suddenly, quality time spent with close friends paled in comparison to arduous evenings spent on the treadmill. Enjoying wedding cake or a Snickers ® bar, was grounds for divorce, as was gaining any weight. Sleeping in late was also forbidden, as was any form of relaxation. These were all signs of indulgence and completely unacceptable. the

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concious living spring/summer was an ache in my left hip that seemed to dissipate after half-pigeon. Sometimes it was a horrific headache that somehow lessened with my steady breath. Other times, it was a more profound sense of lightness and trust, in knowing that something sweeter was at play. In this particular Anusara class, I knew something profound was occurring. Always esoteric, my Anusara teacher spoke of the Yoga Sutras and briefly explained their simplicity in guiding us to spiritual enlightenment. She then spoke of the yamas and niyamas, and mentioned Ahimsa. For her, Ahimsa had been profound. Maintaining a sense of professionalism, she never revealed the details of her personal interaction with Ahimsa. Instead, she sweetly mentioned that it means, â&#x20AC;&#x153;taking responsibility for our own harmful actions.â&#x20AC;? She added that true Ahimsa stems from our intention to act with clarity and love. As I flowed through the asanas, I felt her words delve deeper into my being. Nearly every time I tried to focus on my breath, I found myself wondering about this notion of acting with love. What did it really mean to love oneself and why should I even care? By the time class ended, I felt slightly shaken up, but uncertain as to why. I approached the teacher and thanked her for a lovely class, and then gently inquired about her personal story with Ahimsa. She hesitated slightly then proceeded to tell me of her battle with Anorexia years ago and the healing power of her yoga practice. With tears stinging my eyes, I quickly shuffled away, certain that something greater was once again at play.

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2013

From that day, nearly eight years ago, I decided to stop hating myself. Exhausted by the energy required to hate my body, mind, and spirit, I let go of my attachment to anorexia. Slowly, I learned how to grant myself permission to love my authentic self. To love, again, that energetic bundle of joy, the one who so kindly embraced every person and idea. To love, without reservation, my every imperfection, thought and emotion, and to simply savor the experience of me.

Erin Walton currently teaches yoga and creative writing in Loveland. She is passionate about inspiring others to explore, honor, and celebrate their authentic selves. Through writing and through teaching, Erin continuously finds creative ways to integrate her passion for yoga with her passion for engaging meaningfully with the world. Outside of a yoga studio or coffee shop, one can find Erin trail running, back country skiing, or purusing at the nearest book store.

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Vedic Astrology Forecast 2013 Vernal - Autumnal Equinox By Kerry Shamblin

ne of the big astrological features of 2013 is the coming together of two planetary forces that will remain in the same sign, Venus’ Libra, through mid-2014. The conjunction becomes exact on September 22, 2013, which means that the feeling of Rahu and Saturn’s conjunction may be felt most intensely around this time.

may feel inspired to destroy and recreate in a way that honors our oneness. We may find ourselves individually or collectively in situations that force this issue whether we are ready or not. Get ready! We are building a new way of relating as equals.

Leading up to that time, we have an applying aspect between these two planets. Saturn moves slowly, taking about 2.5 years to move through one zodiac sign, but Rahu moves backward through the zodiac, so the approach toward one another has the illusion of quickness. They will meet right in the middle of Libra at the autumnal equinox. The effects of this meeting should be felt both before and after this peak time.

Jupiter, known as Guru or Brihaspati in Sanskrit, spends about one year in each sign and moves into a new position in Gemini on May 31, 2013. While Saturn is a force of contraction, Jupiter is a force of expansion and leads us forward toward learning, grace and spiritual growth. In the material realm, Jupiter grants abundance and growth. Through the auspicious influence of Jupiter, we pursue higher learning and sadhana, spiritual practice.

Saturn and Rahu separately can cause the difficulties that we warmly welcome to push us forward on our evolutionary paths. Together, the influences that they project into earthly life may be doubly dramatic.

Gemini is also an air sign (like Libra, where Saturn and Rahu conjunct) but is ruled by Mercury. This is the mental realm of Mercury that supports education, communication, writing, speaking and exchange of ideas. Jupiter’s presence here from May 2013-June 2014 will strongly support any educational pursuits, especially ones that have a basis in spiritual traditions or that require some travel.

Jupiter in Gemini

Rahu is the north node of the Moon, depicted as the head of a demon without a body, known to exercise temptation, incite confusion, cause calamity and agitate situations like a washing machine. It is the pull we feel toward material existence and worldly life, occasionally inspiring us to make decisions to act in ways that we know won’t benefit us, but sometimes offering learning opportunities for good or ill as a side effect of these decisions. Rahu can bring ups and downs into our lives.

If you don’t already have educational plans for 2013, choosing a place to focus this very auspicious energy that will support expanding knowledge is a strong recommendation for one and all. This could also be a time where many students and gurus have the opportunity to connect and work together. Letting Mars Drive

Saturn is the outermost planet considered by traditional Vedic astrology. Shanidev is pictured as an elder, often a mendicant, lame, walking with the help of a staff. The wisdom of Shani is that of contraction, detachment and truth, such that we learn and exercise humility, karmic responsibility and freedom from the illusion of maya. His method of teaching is to offer difficult lessons via illness, hardship and separation. A healthy dose of respect for Saturn as a teacher and a surrender to the lessons he gives seems to alleviate the suffering that sometimes accompanies the lessons.

Mars, the planet of drive and power, traverses the part of the zodiac between Pisces and Cancer between the equinoxes this year. Pisces, the final sign, is a place of endings and regeneration and leads to Aries, a place of initiation and beginning. As Mars powers through the first third of the zodiac, we may feel the impetus to quickly finish up the old and start blazing through new territory. Many of the planets will occupy this portion of the zodiac during this six month period, so we may feel an overall sense of newness and beginning.

The meeting of these two powerful forces happens in Venus’ air sign, Libra. Libra is a realm of social, philosophical and creative nature, where the expression of Venus’ power to emphasize the oneness that allows us to connect is explored. In the social realm, in relationships between people, between countries, between any beings, in our cultural parameters, we may be hearing the call of Saturn and Rahu in feelings of discontent with the selfish and separate constructs that we find around and within us. We the

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Dancing With Venus Slipping from view in the early morning sky as the spring approaches, Venus moves behind the Sun on March 28. This is the superior conjunction, when Venus transitions from the morning star to the evening star. This occurs while Venus and the Sun move through Pisces, Venus’ sign of exaltation.

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Venus as the ruler of Libra plays an important role as the lord of the Saturn-Rahu conjunction. The condition of Venus will manifest through the planets contained in her signs, so the nature of the Saturn-Rahu conjunction could morph as Venus moves through the zodiac.

Preparing for the haywire energy of Mercury before the retrograde cycle by backing up important information and making sure vehicles and devices are in proper tune is a good idea. Planning for a light schedule, if possible, can also make navigating the antics of Mercury a bit more fun.

The transformative act of moving to her “evening star” role could affect how we create our new social forms. Venus is the ruler of love, relationship and artistic expression. The spring begins as Venus is in her place of utmost strength in the zodiac. Venus transits Pisces from March 17- April 10, which creates an exchange of signs between Jupiter and Venus. This brings grace, strength and beauty to both of these planets. Truly a time to transform our lives in a lovely way.

The Moon and the Stars and the Sun The Sun is at the beginning of Pisces at the Vernal Equinox and moves through the zodiac at the rate of one sign per month, ending up at the beginning of Virgo by the autumnal equinox, ushering in the harvest season as indicated by the earth sign of Virgo, with one of its symbols being the harvest maid. We also get three eclipses as the Sun and Moon move past the nodal axis: Partial Lunar Eclipse April 25, Annular Solar Eclipse May 10 and Penumbral Lunar Eclipse May 25. During eclipses are when the nodes of the Moon, Rahu and Ketu, get to exercise their full power and consume the light of the Sun and Moon. These are generally seen as sensitive times where we may be vulnerable or faced with unexpected situations. It is good to prepare by planning ample time for meditation, practice, and retreat around these eclipses.

Venus then begins to move quickly through the signs, traveling from Pisces in March to her own sign of Libra by the autumnal equinox. Venus makes an exact conjunction with Saturn and Libra on September 18. The days around the equinox could prove to be a pivotal time period. Think of the six month period between the equinoxes much like you would a practice that’s designed to lead you to a peak pose that could bring both beautiful structure and exciting expansion into the way you live your life.

This six-month period strongly supports transformation, manifestation of ideas, and the creation of new, beautiful structures. Rahu’s counterpart, Ketu, will be in occupation of Aries through mid-2014. Ketu in Aries is great support for dedication and focus within a strong, physical practice like hatha yoga. That, combined with Jupiter’s transit through Gemini, points strongly toward coming to our paths as dedicated students and teachers.

Mercury Retrograde, Oh Yeah The first retrograde cycle of Mercury for 2013 was from February 23-March 17 and the next runs from June 26-July 20. Mercury will be in its own air sign, Gemini, with both Mars and Jupiter at the time. Look out for some good communication, travel and telecommunications glitches during that time. Mercury retrograde cycles are generally best for review, re-do and editing rather than starting new projects or business ventures.

Full monthly astrology forecasts are available at www.planetaryinfluence.com. The monthly forecasts go into more detail about what is outlined above, including much deeper exploration of the movement of the Moon.

Kerry Shamblin practices jyotish, Vedic astrology, offering readings and astrological counsel with the aim of promoting evolutionary life choices. To learn more about how to interact with the planets, including a monthly planetary forecast, please visit www.planetaryinfluence.com

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Yamas: by Kim Schwartz

n the classical system described by the sage Patanjali, the practice of yoga is described in eight limbs or, in Sanskrit, angas. The first anga lists five actions. It is suggested that though these actions are virtually inseparable parts of the human experience, they should be performed with the greatest care and discernment. This is the case because any of them given free reign, has the potential to cause harm (himsa) and are therefore ultimately unsustainable. This quality of control with discernment is called Yama and it is the first of the Ashtanga, or eight limbs of the practice of yoga. It is suggested that Yama is the first of the angas because it is helpful to minimize doing the things that might harm or inhibit our growth so that we might benefit more from the things that can help us. In other words, the smaller the impediments, the easier the progress. All of the yamas are experienced on three levels. The first is of the mind and said to be the root of the other two. It is called Baudhika. The second is of speech and it is called Vachika. The third is of the body and it is called Sharirika. AHIMSA Baudhika Ahimsa The first Yama is called Ahimsa. It is translated as “non- harming” and is considered the most important of the Yamas. It is sometimes symbolically referred to as a “jewel above the head of God.” This is important. It means that even if someone were to see an image of whatever their concept of God may be and it said that they should do harm to another or commit a violent act, they would still not be able to do it because Ahimsa is beyond the concept of God.

Thoughts of anger, hatred, harming, and the like can occur in the mind. We know that if these thoughts are acted upon they will have consequences commensurate to the actions. So here we need to ask ourselves what benefit, if any, these thoughts have as thoughts, words, or actions? If the thought is harmful, it will likely harm mostly ourselves. If the thought is verbalized or acted upon, the odds increase that it will affect the outside world and consequently have greater karmic repercussions.

Here we are referring to ahimsa with regard to the qualities of mind and thought. So if we start accessing thought itself, we might ask, how much of what we think is actually relevant to our functioning in the world? Of what we do think, how much is helping us to be more functional and focused? How much of what we think is diffusing or inharmonious? And, of the functional and focused thoughts, at what point do the functional, productive thoughts outlive their usefulness and become clutter? Or, have thoughts degenerated to the point that they are actually injurious to oneself, or toward an external form? On all of these questions and others, we may want to reflect when observing our minds.

I suggest this as a self-inquiry rather than an absolute, because creation, sustainment, and dissolution are all necessary parts of the dynamic of life. It is true that dissolution or changing form are not categorically harmful. These things are part of a natural process. It is possible that forcing a harmful thought away prematurely may do more harm that exploring it and inquiring as to where it came from and what it really wants.

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This is an energy that exists and will find expression. Repression would only create internal pressure. It needs to be expressed, but in the most harmonious way possible. This expression is critical, as it will determine how these thoughts affect our experience of life and our interactions with the world at large.

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Vachika Ahimsa It has been suggested to only speak when it improves on silence. The more momentum behind these inharmonious or harmful thoughts, the easier it will be to verbalize them. Once this happens, these words can impact the outer world. Anyone that has been on the receiving end of harmful or violent words knows that the after effects can be quite long lived. Sometimes physical injuries will heal and be forgotten before the impression of verbal violence, as this can injure the spirit. The analogy of a bell is sometimes used to better understand the impact of verbal violence. It is said that though the sounding of a bell may be heard for miles around, it is loudest inside the bell. In other words, however much damage may be done in the outer world through verbal violence, the greater damage is often within the perpetrator. Of course, if there is no one around to hear the violent thoughts being verbally expressed, it is possible that it can be a viable method of venting and may provide a topical relief from the energetic internal pressure. This may manifest as profanity or chanting the names of God, or anything in between. The more the energy compresses before its expression, the less control we are likely to have over its expression and it will find expression in some way. So, as with thoughts, repression is not the answer. Reorganization and appropriate expression is usually a better choice. That said, a moment of control until the reorganization and appropriate expression phase may be a good idea.

result. In other words, harmful actions of low intensity repeatedly performed for a long time can have the same effect as an act of extreme harm for short duration. These attitudes can even enter our asana practice. If we become goal oriented rather than process oriented, we may try to force range of motion to occur prematurely. This attitude, which obviously starts in the mind, can harm the physical body. In such actions, we are trying to force the present moment to conform to an idea of a remembered past or a projected future. However, the present is the only reality that we have. It is the only time/ space in which we can act. If, in the present, we can find the experience of wholeness and balance, no harm can come to us. This is good yoga. Kim Schwartz has been practicing and studying the system of yoga for over fourty years. He has been teaching philosophy and asana since 1986. He currently teaches in Albuquerque as well as workshops across the country. He can be reached at kschwartz3441@msn.com

Sharirika Ahimsa Non-harming at a physical level may present a conundrum, as it is fairly obvious that in order to sustain life in this world, we must take life and wouldn’t this be considered a harmful or violent act? Whether we consume only vegetable matter and no animals, we are still taking life, even if we only harm broccoli or bacteria. This then goes back to the definition of Yama. Yamas are actions that need to be performed with a discerning awareness of their possible repercussions. This is because they are actions of great potential reaction. So, whether one is a soldier in battle, or simply a householder considering whether or not to exterminate an unwanted insect, these actions should be taken under sincere consideration. We need to consider the repercussions of our actions not just to humanity, but to all life. Doing harm at the physical level is the most obvious. Most of us are really quite good at not committing acts of overt physical violence against other people. More subtle are the acts of violence we commit against ourselves. In the Yoga Sutras, Book Two, Sutra 16 it says, “Heyam duhkham anagatam.” This translates as, “Pain and suffering that have not yet occurred can and are to be avoided.” There are things we commonly do in our lives that are really not in our best interest. If left unchecked, they may cause future harm. Possibly because of the momentum behind some unresolved issues, we can still rationalize doing them. Because the repercussions of these harmful actions are, in the short term, subtle enough not to get our attention, we can somehow justify them. But remember, intensity times duration equals force/

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spiritual philosophy spring/summer

2013

Sahaja: by Alan Starner I

enjoy watching people. My new favorite place to do this is the grocery store, especially the lines at the front. Despite the forced intimacy of strangers crowded together into lines, it’s so common in most of our lives, it’s perceived as pretty boring. We mostly don’t talk to our fellow customers, only the checkout person. That makes the interaction at the front of the line the focus of attention, and I’m fascinated by how an irritated customer can put the customers behind them into an irritable mood. In the same way, a joyful interaction can put the people in line into a joyful mood. Consciousness is contagious! As a yoga teacher, I notice how people carry their bodies, their posture and the way they move. Most adults move very little in the grocery line, and only with a specific purpose: to put our groceries on the belt, get our wallet out or to pick up a magazine. Young children on the other hand are in constant motion; almost like they are dancing. What they feel inside is expressed outwardly with ease. Connecting with our Inner Life Force Life force energy goes by different names: prana, chi, and shakti to name a few. Whatever you call it, in a tree it expresses as reaching up for sunlight and air while rooting down into the earth for nutrients and water. In humans, this life force energy often expresses as sound and movement. Young children express their shakti in a spontaneous and uninhibited way, while adults have been socialized to inhibit their expressions. If you have any doubt about this, try dancing in the grocery store line and see what kind of looks you get.

I say I learned a new word instead of saying I learned a new way to practice because Sahaja is inborn and innate to all of us. We don’t have to learn to move with Sahaja, we instead have to unlearn our conditioning. It’s is the wordless pre-verbal wisdom of the body that we all have; it just gets covered by the socialization process. Children move with Sahaja until they get conditioned not to. Instructor Shiva Rae gave us permission to step outside our conditioning and move freely again. Turning Things Over to the Power of Cellular Wisdom

Adults find a physical expression of our shakti mostly through specific purposeful activities: playing tennis, skiing, our exercise routine, asana practice. When we do this, we are conditioning ourselves to flow within certain boundaries. For example, in asana practice, we learn the correct positioning of the body. This correct positioning of the body is not the end goal. We condition ourselves into correct alignment not so we can focus on alignment, but so we can forget about it. When we let go in this way, we can find the beauty and pleasure of having a body and expanding it’s boundaries.

When we train for a specific sport, we develop our ability to move within well-defined boundaries. It can take a lot of practice before we have the correct form in, for example, the swing of a tennis racket. But, the correct form is not the end goal; in order for us to reach our peak capability, we need to move with Sahaja. Athletes call this “being in the zone.” We turn control over to our cellular wisdom; it’s no longer the mind in control. We can’t control from our conscious mind - that’s not Sahaja - and it’s just too slow. The conscious mind is good for conditioning or training us to move within certain boundaries, but once we are trained, the next step is to turn control over from the conscious mind to the innate wisdom of the body.

While I was in a teacher training with Shiva Rae, I learned a new word: Sahaja, which is the spontaneous intuitive expression of our shakti. Most of us do this a little bit when we stretch - not the stretches of asana, but those free-form movements that you might see BEFORE asana class starts, or maybe just when you get up in the morning.

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In order to be great at any activity, we must become adept at Sahaja. The pianist who is technically proficient and plays with great feeling has learned to trust their cellular wisdom. What’s true in music is also true in sports, in yoga, in making love, and just about everything else.

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All of us can practice stepping into our cellular wisdom; being the best in the world is not required. Remember, Sahaja is innate, and we have learned to inhibit this primal aspect of ourselves. To step into Sahaja we have to let go of conscious control and trust our primitive pre-verbal self. When I do this, I find it refreshing, energizing and grounding at the same time. Accessing our cellular wisdom is healing, and most of us do not have enough of this expression in our lives. Now is the time to open up to more. The practice of asana illustrates how we progress. Beginners are looking for external guidance; their attention is primarily outside of themselves. Intermediate practitioners are mindful; their attention is more internal with the conscious mind directing the practice. Advanced practitioners are also mindful, but the mind is more in the role of watching; it may step in from time to time, but the control of the practice has been turned over to the body. Please notice that hard postures are not required. When I teach yoga, I always allow for some Sahaja time. I create a boundary within which I allow the students to move. The practice is one of relinquishing control to the body. We learn to trust our bodies, and it feels good. It connects us with the primitive, the earth, and our wordless wisdom. There are many ways to access Sahaja in our lives. It lives within us always, and just needs to be uncovered. You can access Sahaja while walking the dog, sitting in your car at a red light, or while singing a song. The practice of Kirtan is a Sahaja practice; more heart-full then mindful. Having boundaries around our physical expression is a wonderful way to refine our ability within that boundary - that’s what training is all about after all. However the area’s of physical expression that are outside of the boundary never get explored. That’s why one of my favorite ways to access Sahaja is through freestyle dance, where most of these boundaries are removed. The body is allowed to move freely, expressing outwardly what is felt inwardly. This can be extremely challenging for adults who have spent years building up the boundaries, but that’s exactly why freestyle dance is so valuable, healing, and fun! Moving with Sahaja is inherently beautiful, too. Whatever your daily life is like, I encourage you to find some Sahaja time. The body never lies, and it’s not confused by the arguments of the mind. It’s the universal religion, connecting us back to our roots and back to ourselves. It can help us feel at home in the body, which is the doorway to peace.

Alan Starner has been studying Eastern and Western spiritual teachings for over 35 years, and seems to become less and less certain as he goes along. He has been teaching yoga for the past 10 years, and likes to think of that role as being more of a facilitator than a teacher; the real teacher is in each practitioner. You often will find him wandering and wondering, dancing and philosophizing about random things. He is the creator of a clothing line for yoga and dance that can be seen at www. attaapparel.com, and his blog is www.alrishi.wordpresscom.

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conscious living spring/summer

2013

Breaking Trail

by Chuck Hancock

Recently, I discovered a new favorite outdoor

activity that shapes my mind and body while keeping me healthy – trail running in the snow. It may sound silly to some of you who have been doing this for years, but for me, just trying this new activity took overcoming lots of negative self talk. I would make so many excuses... “It’s too cold. You can’t see the trail. You’ll trip and fall on a rock you can’t see. It’s too slippery – you will sprain your ankle again. Your shoes are too old and don’t have the right traction.You’ll slip off the trail and plummet down the side of the mountain.’’ After a few days of letting my mind and fears keep me caged up inside, I finally told myself... “Enough already! While there is truth to some of these statements, all I really can do is just try it one step at a time. Then, if it gets too tough, I can always stop and give myself permission to walk or go back home.” So I set out. Slowly and timidly at first. Climbing up the first big hill, I had more traction than I expected, but my legs and lungs were protesting and I wanted to go home and sit back on the couch. I kept going, but allowed myself to walk a little on the steepest parts. and my footing was sure enough. After about an eighth of a mile or so on the trail, I came upon an older couple hiking with trekking poles. We exchanged a few words and I passed them, quickly noticing they were the ones breaking trail for me. I make a joke about it, thanked them, then quickly realized, I’m right back where I started – on the unbroken trail that I avoided the first time.

Eventually I got to a choice point: I could keep heading up the steep service road, take a trail off to the left, or a third trail off to the right. I first opted for the left-hand trail because it’s a little less steep, has great views and I have not used the trail more than a handful of times. But... nobody had been on it since it snowed and I didn’t think I could find the trail easily. This is when I also started to notice some of the same excuses as before came rushing back into my mind.

Then my ego kicked in – “Don’t turn around now, you’ll look like a fool to that couple.’’ My mind returned to the instant replay of all my original fears for the third time. As my ego and fears continued to wrestle, my higher, calmer, more centered self said, “Just keep going, one step at a time. You can turn around if you need to later.’’ So I plodded on.

Then I considered the trail to the right. I’d been on it dozens of times and it had some footprints, so I quickly assumed someone else had been there, that I’d be able to find the trail and it would be slightly packed down for me to run easily. So, I decided to start off with this safe choice instead and told myself I’d just go a little ways and turn around before the steep parts.

At this point I couldn’t really tell where the trail was, but I kept going, choosing the best possible places to put my feet. Sometimes I stepped and sank deeply, sometimes my steps were shallow, sometimes my foot slid out from underneath me, activating all

Stepping off the service road, the snow was deeper and more slippery, but still doable. I was having fun with the twists and turns the

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I challenged myself to look deeper. Not having to focus so much on every step, I had more time to look up and enjoy my surroundings. The beauty of it all. The luxury of my path laid out before me. The comfort I felt with knowing where the trail goes. And I appreciated these benefits of the lower, well-traveled trails, too.

the other parts of my body to move quickly and compensate to recover my balance and keep from face planting in the snow. Slightly scary, but fun! Before I knew it, I’d gone much farther than planned and was standing at the first steep technical hill. I continued with my mantra, “Just try it, one step at a time.’’ My feet found enough traction. They found roots and rocks hidden under the snow providing me with enough support to keep heading up. The same obstacles I was afraid would trip me up actually ended up helping me. I made it up the hill, lungs screaming, adrenaline pumping, and a smile on my face.

As I finished out the run and made my way back home, I reflected on how scared I was to even get off the couch. How scared I was not knowing what each step would be like. How my mind wanted to keep me afraid with the same tired arguments even as my comfort grew with experience. But even though I was scared to the point of not even trying at first, once I got the experience of breaking trail, the routine safer route was less satisfying. However bringing more mindful attention to even the routine, well traveled sections, showed me it’s different infinite gifts.

I continued on running the entire trail. Never knowing exactly where the trail was or if I was on it, I just chose the best possible next step. Lifting my feet up high and splashing them back down in the fluffy powder. Enjoying the simultaneous excitement and fear of breaking trail, negotiating the unknown with every step.

We all have to overcome the initial fears and get off the couch to have our own experiences in order to learn from them. My wish is that you find your own trail to break, your own ways of overcoming the “voice’’ that tries to hold you back, and develop your own way of bringing mindful attention to the routine. May you harvest the gifts that lay in all of your journey, every step of the way.

Eventually I got to the intersection with another trail where I turned to start heading back down the mountain. The same fears came up yet a fourth time. Now I’m headed down and surely gravity will cause me to go too fast and slip and fall. But I have practice with appeasing these thoughts. I actually found the deep fluffy powder makes a nice cushion and catches my foot, and I’m going just about as fast as I do on a dry day. And of course, some sections that were too steep I had to slow down and walk carefully. But the snow adds greatly to the beauty, along with the challenge.

Chuck Hancock, M.Ed, LPC, is a National Certified Counselor and a Registered Psychotherapist in the state of CO. He has completed comprehensive training in the Hakomi Method of Experiential Psychotherapy, a mindfulness mind-body centered approach. Chuck guides people in self-exploration providing them with insight and tools for change. He also incorporates nature as a therapy tool to help shift perspective and inspire new thought patterns. He can be reached at chuck@innerlifeadventures.com or www.innerlifeadventures.com.

When I finally made it down the mountain and rejoined the trails in the valley, I noticed the low trails are well traveled. The snow is packed down like a concrete sidewalk. There were bike tracks, ski tracks, boot and dog tracks all scrambled together. At first I felt relieved that I wouldn’t need to worry so much about breaking trail and constantly not knowing how my next step will land, but actually, I noticed it wasn’t as enjoyable. The packed snow is more jarring on my body. The run becomes more monotonous. There are no decisions to make. Everyone has been here. There is less risk, but also much less reward.

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nce upon a time, the mere mention of yoga elicited an image of free spirits, philosophical seekers, and visionaries. Prior to its mainstream acceptance the practice of yoga offered something spiritual and sweet; something that fed the soul. With yoga studios, teachers and workshops appearing now on nearly every street corner, it seems a rarity to find the sort of spiritual nourishment this ancient practice once represented.

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studio profile spring/summer

2013

Open for nearly three months, Yoga Luna stands as one of the few yoga studios still dedicated to the spiritual practice of yoga. Nearly every aspect of the studio exhibits this grain of authenticity. Upon entering the studio space directly downstairs from The Coffee Tree, in Loveland, I immediately sensed the authentic sweetness of this studio. The main room is painted in warm yellow hues and warmly welcomes eager yoginis into the large main room. While purchasing one of the many financially feasible punch passes or memberships, students can pursue the local artwork featured in the foyer. Ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chantal and Antoine Febvre understand and appreciate that the authentic exploration of beauty exists not only in our favorite yoga poses, but also in the artwork we create. So, each month the studio features the work of a different local artist. Inside the studio there is an altar of various spiritual artifacts, all serving as simple reminders to embrace the truth of yoga. This spacious main room, complete with wooden floors, is a delightful space for a variety of classes and workshops. With the grounding quality of the wooden floors and the lights dim, I innately felt safe to delve deeply into my yoga practice. For the curious novice, Yoga Luna offers Beginner Hatha, Restorative, and Level 1 classes. For the determined intermediate student, the studio offers several Level 2 Vinyasa classes, each one certain to challenge any practice. And, for the eclectic free-spirit, eager to try something new, Yoga Luna offers meditation, aromatherapy, and a myriad of other class options. While each of the class offerings is certain to enhance the spirituality of any practice, Yoga Luna offers unique opportunities for soon-to-be and current moms. From workshops for kids to the featured prenatal classes, Yoga Luna authentically welcomes families, children, and the advanced yogi into the space. By embracing the ebb and flow innate in being a new studio, Yoga Luna continues to grow. Each month the studio offers new workshops, including instruction on Ayurveda and Inversions, and continually adds new offerings to the schedule to best meet the needs of local yoginis. Studio owner Chantal created the space to inspire those in need of something honest, sweet, and spiritually fulfilling. In contrast to the competitive and insatiable drive of our current society, Yoga Luna offers a safe space to quiet our minds and to dance with delight at our inner truth. For current schedule and workshop information, please visit the website: http://yogalunaloveland.com/

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at home practice spring/summer

2013

by Dana Leigh

pring. It’s a season of growth, opening, and expansion. Of transformation and change. Finding expression in budding treetops and morning birdsongs, Spring rekindles gratitude for nature’s cycles. Playful and full of promise, it renders hopeful expectation in vibrant greens. In Chinese medicine, Spring is associated with the Liver and Gallbladder, Wind, and the Wood element. It’s a dynamic, rapidly changing time. One full of intention, direction, and movement. A time ripe for hatching plans—and acting on them. Following nature’s lead, we sprout, grow, and spring forth in new ways. Emerging from the still of Winter, we explore our edges and engage our surroundings, opening to more creative expression of ourselves. When all is well in body-mind, this transition is smooth and free flowing. We invite change but don’t demand it—always allowing, never forcing. Like a stalk of bamboo, we are strong yet bendy. We sway with shifting winds yet do not break. Our strength lies in our capacity to yield. In yoga, this play of fortitude and flexibility calls to mind the qualities of sthira sukham—steadiness and ease. Here, balanced between effort and release, we find the “true” yoga asana, or posture. We also find wisdom for life off the mat, where the merger of mindfulness and intention allows change to unfold organically, along a steady, sustainable path. From this place of acceptance and aspiration, we honor where we are even as we envision a future self. With gentle curiosity, we explore the subtle tension between being ok with “this” and opening to “that.”

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On our yoga mats, this work finds expression when cultivating a strong, supple spine. With steadiness and ease, we develop strength and flexibility. Rushing ahead turns a healing path into a harmful one. So, we proceed slowly, patiently—mastering foundations before bending into spectacular shapes. By caring for our spine, we bring stability and lightness to our whole body-mind. This means less pain and more possibility—on the mat and in our lives. Wherever your places of springtime evolution and unfolding—whether your spine, your work, your relationships, or elsewhere—yoga is an excellent support. Chinese medicine is another. Using acupuncture, herbs, and dietary guidance, a Chinese medicine doctor can open blockages, alleviate pain, and promote free flow of circulation, digestion, and emotions. For many patients, this involves balancing the “Liver-Gallbladder system,” which includes but is not limited to the actual organs. Its scope also influences eyesight, sleep, ligaments, and tendons, emotional wellbeing, even menstruation and reproduction. Together with yoga, Chinese medicine can help you align with the spirit of the season and meet springtime with steadiness and ease. Both offer excellent supports as you play with possibilities, cultivate change, and grow beyond limited versions of yourself. So, in the spirit of Spring, I invite you to explore the following yoga sequence. And, off your mat, I encourage you to consider Chinese medicine as an additional source of guidance, care, and support. the

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Cat/Cow - Spine Rolling Begin in Balasana (child’s pose), feet resting on heels and spine rounding over a still, compact core. Pausing, seed-like and full of potential, honor this beginning and the journey that brought you here. Visualize what you long to manifest, who you aspire to become. Focusing awareness on your spine, rise into “table.” Allow your breath to guide you through a series of “cat-cows.” Exhaling, round and tuck chin to chest. Inhaling, arch open, expand outward, and gaze skyward. Be curious. Close your eyes and feel how your spine wants to move. Bring gentle attention to places of stiffness and places of flexibility.

Downward Facing Dog into “Flipped Dog” Finding a neutral spine, a place of steadiness and ease, settle again into “table.” Then curl your toes under, straighten your legs, and lift into Adho Mukha Svanasana (downward-facing dog). Let it be playful. Organic. See how it feels to lift an arm or a leg, perhaps finding “flipped dog.”

Standing Forward Fold into Mountain Pose Returning to a steady, still Adho Mukha Svanasana (downward-facing dog), shift your gaze forward and step or float your feet to the space between your hands. Release into Uttanasana (standing forward fold). Then rise to Tadasana (mountain pose), arms branching overhead as your feet remain grounded.

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High Lunge into Crescent into Extended Side Angle Pose Bring your hands to heart center and let them guide you back to Uttanasana (standing forward fold). Lift your torso halfway, placing hands on shins or leaving fingertips grazing the earth. Gracefully, lightly, step one foot back into high lunge. Stay here, or rise into crescent, arms extending overhead. With fingertips touching the earth or reaching toward sky, allow the sole of your back foot to find the floor. Angle it 45 degrees toward the top of the mat, aligning the heel of the back foot with the heel or arch of the front foot. As one hand finds the outside of the front foot, sweep the other up and over, moving into Utthita Parsvakonasana (extended side angle pose).

Triangle Pose into Opened Triangle into Reverse Triangle Pose Mindfully, straighten your front leg, allowing the hand touching the earth to rise to the shin if needed. Sweep your other arm from front to overhead, transitioning into Trikonasana (triangle pose). If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been practicing for a while and your body feels ready, try a more dynamic, open variation by arching the spine. Or perhaps reverse your triangle, lifting and bending your torso toward the back of the mat as the top arm arcs above. Once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve explored these shapes, re-bend your front leg, let your raised arm reach toward the earth, and return to high lunge. Repeat Utthita Parsvakonasana and Trikonasana on the other side.

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Plank Pose into Low Plank into Prone Resting Position From high lunge, step back into Adho Mukha Svanasana (downward-facing dog) before finding your way onto your belly. To get there, choose a route that honors where you are in your practice. This may mean lowering to your knees and then to your stomach. Or perhaps you’re ready to hinge forward into high plank and then Chaturanga Dandasana (low plank). However you get there, lower slowly, consciously, to the earth. Always choose a variation that supports steadiness and ease, even as you embrace challenge and change.

Cobra Pose into Bow Pose Resting prone, place your hands, palms face down, beside your torso below your shoulders. Bring your inner legs together with the tops of your feet touching the mat, rooting your tailbone into the earth. Moving from the low back with little to no weight in your hands, rise into Bhujangasana (cobra pose). Be sure to elongate the back of your neck by looking down and a few inches ahead. Hold for a few breaths, then rest, turning your head to one side. If you are new to the practice, repeat this posture—strengthening your spine slowly, patiently, in preparation for future backbends. If you’ve been practicing for a while and your spine feels ready, reach back with your hands to take hold of your feet. Roll forward onto the soft upper abdomen and lift your legs skyward, rising into Dhanurasana (bow pose). After a few breaths in your chosen expression, rest back to the earth, turning your head to the opposite side.

Camel Preparation with Hands on Low Back into Full Camel From prone position, place your hands by your shoulders and push up into high kneeling, knees hip-width apart and thighs perpendicular to the floor. Rest your palms on either side of your low back, offering support to your spine. Begin to arch backward, searching for an evenly distributed curve while avoiding compression into the low back. Stay here, or reach back to hold the heels or even arches of your feet, finding Ustrasana (camel pose). Honor where you are today, cultivating change and growth yet never pushing beyond a steady, easeful place. After a few breaths, return to kneeling then sit back on your heels.

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Bridge Pose into Wheel Pose From low kneeling, sweep your legs out to one side and settle onto your back. Bend your knees so your heels are parallel and as close to your sitting bones as possible, with straight arms resting alongside your body. Contract the front of your thighs and lift your pelvis into Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (bridge pose), pressing feet and arms actively into the floor. Stay here, or reach beneath your bridge to grasp opposite hands, finding further expansion in the spine and heart space. After a few breaths, rest your pelvis back to the earth. Repeat, or if you have a regular backbend practice, place hands along either side of your head and arch into Urdhva Dhanurasana (wheel pose). Savor the rush that comes from giving your spine’s strength and flexibility full expression.

10.

Knees to Chest into Supine Twist Lowering to supine position, hug knees to chest and rock gently, massaging your spine along the earth. Extend your arms to a “T” and allow your knees to fall gently to one side and then the other in a supine twist. Hugging your knees back to center, recall the small, rounded seed from which your practice emerged.

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Savasana Finally, as you rest back into final Savasana, take a moment to honor this poignant, playful time of year. Consider how you might move through springtime with steadiness and ease. Bowing to your beginning. Always allowing, never forcing. Moving with mindfulness, intention, and playful curiosity toward a fuller, more complete expression of yourself. The Springtime and Light in me bows to the Springtime and Light in you. Namaste.

Dana Leigh is a Licensed Acupuncturist and Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine. ISSUE # 13

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HEALTH & WELL-BEING DIRECTORY Yoga & Pilates Studios Big Toe Studio 3710 Mitchell Drive, Suite 104 Fort Collins, CO 80525 (970) 377-0028 www.bigtoestudio.biz

Yoga Adobe Vickie McLane Berthoud, CO (970) 498-0490 www.yogaadobe.com

Bikram Yoga 5112 S. College Avenue, Suite C Fort Collins, CO 80525 (970) 472-5700 www.bikramyogafc.com

Yoga Center of Fort Collins 210 E. Oak Street Fort Collins, CO 80521 (970) 231-0496 www.yogacenterfortcollins.com Yoga Luna 206 E. 4th Street Loveland, CO info@yogalunaloveland.com www.yogalunaloveland.com

Elan Yoga 353 W. Drake Rd., Suite 140 Fort Collins, CO 80526 (970) 223-YOGA (9642) www.elanyoga.com

Yoga Works of Loveland 2530 Abarr Drive Loveland, CO 80538 (970) 663-2213 www.yogaworksofloveland.com

Loveland Yoga & Core Fitness 100 E. 3rd St. Loveland, CO 80537 (970) 292-8313 www.lovelandyogacorefitness.com

Yoga Teachers

Mindstream Yoga 2733 Council Tree Avenue, Ste. 129 Fort Collins, CO 80525 (970) 266-YOGA (9642) www.mindstreamyoga.com

Jodie Bell Yoga Instructor Jodie@BelleYoga.com (970) 222-1322 www.BelleYoga.com

Old Town Yoga 237 1/2 Jefferson Street Fort Collins, CO 80524 (970) 222-2777 www.oldtownyoga.com

Beth O’Brien Yoga Instructor Fort Collins, CO (970) 491-9689 e-mail: beth@bethobrienphd.com

Om Ananda Yoga 115 N. College Ave., Ste 200 Fort Collins, CO 80524 (970) 581-8825 info@omanandayoga.com www.omanandayoga.com

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Nicole Murphy Grace Yoga, LLC Fort Collins and Loveland (970) 646-2022 E-mail: graceyoga@live.com

Om Mountain Yoga 119 W. Second Street Loveland, CO (970) 667-8116 www.ommountain.com

Shirley Smithson, EdD, ERYT, CYT, IAYT Yoga Instructor/Children’s Yoga Teacher Trainer, Enrichment/Therapeutic (970) 353-1708 sasmithson@hotmail.com www.childrenimagineyogarts.com

The Yoga & Pilates Center at the RAC 2555 S. Shields Street Fort Collins, CO 80526 (970) 490-1300 www.raintreeathleticclub.com

The Yogi Way Brandi Nelson, RYT, Reiki MT, HTPA Energy ,medicine combined w/ Yogic Practices Fort Collins (970) 237-9771 www.theyogiway.com

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Certified Yoga Therapists Sharon Greenlee Professional Counselor Consultant Fort Collins, CO 80525 (970) 224-1810 E-mail: sharongr104@aol.com

Ena Burrud, E-RYT 500, Certified Yoga Therapist Treetop Yoga Therapy 19 Old Town Sq., Ste. 238 Fort Collins, CO 80524 (970) 488-0828 www.treetopyogatherapy.com

Soaring Spirit Yoga Faith Brandt Fort Collins, CO (970) 308-4378 www.soaringspirityoga.com soaringspirit@frii.com

Therapists Colorado Physical Therapy Specialists 210 W. Magnolia, Suite 110 (North) 115 E. Harmony, Suite 160 (South) Fort Collins, CO (970) 221-1201 www.copts.com

Studio Bliss Massage Pam Werner-Salisbury, CMT, RYT 412 W. Olive Street Fort Collins, CO 80521 (970) 372-7265 pamwernersalsbury@gmail.com www.studioblissmassage.com

CommUnity Acupuncture Robert Evans Fort Collins, CO 80526 (970) 689-7281 www.CommunityAcu.org

Sacred Healing Jamye Richardson, Massage Therapist Fort Collins, CO 80525 (970) 556-3050 www.SacredHealingFortCollins.com

Goldstone Acupunture & Whole Health Susan B. Goldstone, L.Ac, Dipl, Ac, AP 1302 S. Shields St., Ste A1-2 Fort Collins, CO (970) 227-1906 susan@goldstoneacupuncture.com www.goldstoneacupuncture.com

Susan Guio, LCSW Spiritual Psychotherapy Fort Collins, CO 80525 (970) 232-9232 www.spiritualpsyche.com

Hughâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Acupuncture Clinic Hugh Castor Fort Collins, CO (970) 215-7419 www.hughsacupuncture.com Inner Life Adventures Mindfulness Based Counseling/Coaching/Psychotherapy Chuck Hancock, M.Ed., NCC Kathy Williams-Tolstrup, M.Ed., NCC, EMDR (970) 566-4095 www.innerlifeadventures.com

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Traditional Chinese Medical Clinic 700 West Mountain Avenue Fort Collins, CO 80521 (970) 416-0444 www.tcmclinic.org

Astrologers

Lauri Pointer, HTCP/I 210 E. Oak Street Fort Collins, CO 80524 (970) 484-2211 www.LauriPointer.com

Insights Gary Pritchard Spiritual Counseling and Astrology Readings (970) 488-0950 garypritchard23@gmail.com

Maggie Tibbetts, LCSW Counseling & Pschotherapy 218 Peterson Street Fort Collins, CO 80524 (970) 988-4173 maggieStibbetts@gmail.com

Planetary Influence Kerry Shamblin Vedic Astrology (970) 207-4088 www.planetaryinfluence.com kerry@planetaryinfluence.com

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Elan Yoga

NORTHERN COLORADO CLASS SCHEDULES

353 W. Drake Rd., Suite 140, Fort Collins, CO 80526 (970) 223-YOGA (9642) www.elanyoga.com Monday 6-7am 9-10am 9-10:10am 12-1pm 4:30-5:40pm 5:30-6:40pm 6-7:10pm 7-8:10pm 7:30-8:30pm Tuesday 5:30-6:30am 6-7am 10-11:10am 12-1pm 4:30-5:40pm 5:30-6:40pm 6-7:10pm 7:30-8:30pm Wednesday 6-7am 9-10:10am 12-1pm 4-5:10pm 4:30-5:40pm 5:30-6:40pm 6-7:10pm 7-8:10pm 7:30-8:30pm Thursday 5:30-6:30am 6-7am 10-11:10am 12-1pm 4:30-5:40pm 5:30-6:40pm 6-7:10pm 7:30-8:30pm Friday 6-7am 9-10:10am 12-1:10pm 12-1pm 4:30-6pm 5:30-6:40pm Saturday 7:30-9am 9-10am 9-10:10am 11-12pm 11-12pm 4:30-6pm Sunday 9-10:30am 11-12:10pm 4:30-5:40pm 5:30-6:40pm

Spring / Summer 2013 class schedules are subject to changeplease verify before attending

Yoga Luna

206 E. 4th Street, Suite 7, Loveland, CO www.yogalunaloveland.com

Monday 5:30-6:45pm 7-8:15pm Tuesday 9:15-10:15am 10:30-11:30am 6:45-8pm Wednesday 12-1pm 5:30-6:45pm 7-8pm Thursday 10-11:15am 5:30-6:45pm 7-8:15pm Friday 7-8am 12-1pm 5:30-6:30pm Saturday 8-9:15am 5-6:30pm Sunday 5:30-6:45pm the

yoga connection

Hatha Flow - All Levels Core Yoga Level 1

Cory Sierra

Hatha Flow - All Levels Mommy & Me (starts 4/1/2013) Restorative Yoga

Jennifer Chantal

Community Yoga ($5 Drop-In) Vinyasa Flow - Level 2 Meditation

Sierra

Hatha Flow - All Levels Dharma Yoga Beginners Hatha

Jennifer Erin Erin

Power Yoga Hatha Flow - All Levels Prenatal Yoga (starts 4/1/2013)

Adrienne Maria Chantal

Vinyasa Flow - Level 2 Hatha Flow - All Levels

Jack Cory

Chantal

Jack Dustin

Yoga Flow Amber Yoga & Philosophy Jack (4th Sunday of the Month)

Hot 60 Kids Yoga Hot 70 Hot 60 Hot 70 Ashtanga Hot 70 Ashtanga Hot 60 music

Adrenne (ages 5-10) Michele Jason Tawa Brad Linda Brad Linda

Ashtanga Yoga Hot 60 Vinyasa I Anusara Hot 70 Vinyasa II Hot 70 Mix Yin & Meditation

Lara Gretchen Daniel Stacey Kristen Libby Kristen Chelsie

Hot 60 music Vinyasa II Yin Yoga Vinyasa I Hot 70 Ashtanga Hot 70 Ashtanga Hot 60 music

Brad Kristen Jason Laramie Libby Brad Gretchen Lara Adrienne

Ashtanga Hot 60 Vida Flow Anusara Hot 70 Vinyasa II Hot 70 mix Yin & Meditation

Brad Gretchen Laramie Stacey Michelle Libby TBA Tawa

Hot 60 music Hot 70 Yin Vinyasa II Hot 90 Vinyasa II

Brad Daniel Tawa Libby Daniel Brad

Ashtanga Primary Kids Yoga Hot 70 Prenatal Yoga Vinyasa II Hot 90

Brad (ages 5-10) Libby Alissa Kristen Jason

Hot 90 Yin Hot 70 Prana Flow

Brad Jason Daniel Kristen SPRING/SUMMER 2013

Mindstream Yoga

2733 Council Tree Ave., Ste. 129, Fort Collins, CO 80525 (970) 266-YOGA (9642) www.mindstreamyoga.com Monday 5:30-6:30am 7:45-8:45am 9:15-10:15am 10:30-11:30am 12-1pm 1:30-2:30pm 4-5pm 5:30-6:30pm 7-8pm 8:15-9:15pm Tuesday 5:30-6:30am 9:15-10:15am 10:30-11:30am 12-1pm 1:30-2:30pm 4-5pm 5:30-6:30pm 7-8pm 8:15-9:15pm Wednesday 5:30-6:30am 9:15-10:15am 10:30-11:30am 12-1pm 1:30-2:30pm 4-5pm 5:30-6:30pm 7-8pm 8:15-9:15pm Thursday 5:30-6:30am 9:15-10:15am 10:30-11:30am 12-1pm 1:30-2:30pm 4-5pm 5:30-6:30pm 7-8pm 8:15-9:15pm Friday 5:30-6:30am 7-8am 9:15-10:15am 10:30-11:30am 12-1pm 1:30-2:30pm 4-5pm 5:30-6:30pm

ISSUE # 13

PowerStream StorkStream MainStream CrossStream PowerStream YinStream FusionStream CrossStream PowerStream SageStream

Chrissy Kristen Kristen Darla Chrissy Daniel Jill Alexis Toni Lindsay

CrossStream TRXStream MainStream SageStream PowerStream CrossStream PowerStream FusionStream MainStream

Heather Heather Lauren Joanna Julia Darla Julia Heather Lauren

PowerStream MainStream FusionStream PowerStream TRXStream HotStream SageStream PowerStream YinStream

Chrissy Darla Heather Gwyn Theresa Kristen Fay Stephanie Jill

CrossStream PowerStream MainStream YinStream PowerStream CrossStream PowerStream TRXStream FusionStream

Heather Julia Darla Jill Teressa Tyler Stephanie Stephanie Kristen

MainStream FusionStream PowerStream SageStream PowerStream TRXStream FusionStream PowerStream

Kristen Kristen Teressa Ali Lauren Heather Heather Gwyn

www.the-yoga-connection.com

Saturday 7:30-8:30am 9-10am 10:30-11:30am 12-1:15pm 5:30-6:30pm Sunday 7:30-8:30am 9-10am 10:30-11:30am 12-1pm 5:30-6:30pm 7-8pm

TRXStream CrossStream SageStream PowerStream-XTD MainStream

Stephanie Stephanie Jack Gwyn Tyler

MainStream HotStream PowerStream SageStream MainStream YinStream

Lindsay Ali Chrissy Jack Lindsay Ali

Yoga Center of Fort Collins 210 E. Oak Street, Fort Collins, CO 80521 (970) 231-0496 www.yogacenterfortcollins.com Monday 9:30-11am 12-1pm 4-5pm 5:30-7pm 7:15-8:30pm Tuesday 12:10-12:40pm 5-6pm Wednesday 9:30-11am 12-1pm 6-7:15pm Thursday 7:30-8:30am Friday 4:30-5:30pm Sunday 7-8:30pm

Level 2 Iyengar Yoga Iyengar Basics Gentle Yoga(call Cathy) Asanas for Padmasana and Pranayama Level 1-2 Iyengar Yoga

Cathy Cathy Cathy Cathy

Zen Meditation Vinyasa Yoga Flow

Cathy Beth

Level 2-3 Iyengar Yoga Iyengar Basics Level 1-2 Iyengar Yoga

Cathy Cathy Cathy

Cathy

Iyengar Basics (check web for start date) Flow Yoga (check web for start date)

Beth

Dances of Universal Peace **

Grace

** 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month - Call Grace 498-8422

Print Your Class Schedule or AdvertiseYour Upcoming Workshop! Contact TYC for more information (970) 214-6921 or yogaconnect23@gmail.com 43

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yoga connection

Raintree Athletic Club

2555 S. Shields Street, Fort Collins, CO 80526 (970) 490-1300 www.raintreeathleticclub.com Monday 9:15-10:15am Heated Power Yoga 9:15-10:15am Pilates Group Equipment 10:30-11:45am Breathing into Yoga 12-1:15pm Hatha Yoga 4:15-5:15pm Pilates Group Equipment 5:30-6:30pm Cardiolates 5:30-6:30pm Tai Chi 6-7pm Heated Power Yoga Tuesday 5:30-6:30am Heated Power Yoga 8-9am Silver Pilates 8:30-9:45am Yin Yoga 10-11:15am Vinyasa 10:30-11:45am Gentle Yoga 1:30-2:30pm Yoga with Weights 4:15-5:15pm Pilates Group Equipment 4:30-5:45pm Gentle/Restorative Yoga 5:30-6:30pm Barre Power 6-7:15pm Hatha Yoga Wednesday 9:15-10:15am Pilates Group Equipment 9:15-10:15am Heated Power Yoga 9:30-10:45am Hatha Yoga 10:30-11:30am Barre Power 12-1pm Prenatal Yoga 12-1:15pm Hatha Yoga 5-6pm Yin Yoga 6:30-7:45pm Advanced Vinyasa 6:30-7:30pm Heated Pilates Thursday 5:30-6:30am Heated Power Yoga 8-9am Pilates Group Equipment 8:30-9:30am Pilates w/ Props 8:45-9:45am Yoga with Weights 10-11:15am Vinyasa 12-1:15pm Yin Yoga 4:15-5:15pm Pilates Group Equipment 5:30-6:30pm Pilates Group Equipment 6-7pm Heated Power Yoga 6-7:15pm Hatha Yoga 7:30-8:15pm Guided Meditation Friday 9-10:15am Prana Vinyasa Flow 9:15-10:15am Pilates Group Equipment 10:30-11:45am Hatha Yoga 10:30-11:30am Pilates Group Equipment 12-1pm Adaptive Class Saturday 8-9am Heated Power Yoga 8:30-9:45am Hatha Yoga 9-10am Heated Power Yoga

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yoga connection

Stephanie Mariah Kathy Jennifer Mariah Mariah Ken Emily M Alex Jenny Faith Stephanie Marsha Stephanie Mariah Marsha Mariah Paige Mariah Stephanie Andrea Mariah Stephanie Jennifer Jill Alex Mariah Alex Jenny Lee Stephanie Stephanie Faith Mariah Mariah Alex Paige Alex Kimberly Mariah Alex Mariah Faith Alex Kate Alex

9:15-10:15am 10-11am 11:15-12:15pm Sunday 9-10am 9:00-10:15am 10:15-11:15am 10:30-11:30am 4:30-5:30pm

S-2 Pilates Studio

ES ES Pilates Studio Pilates Studio

S-2 S-2

Pilates Group Equipment Pilates Mat Inscape Yoga

Mariah Mariah Stephanie

Pilates Mat Yin Yang Yoga Pilates Group Equipment Hatha Yoga Vinyasa

Mary Jill Mary Paige Emily M

Pilates Studio

ES ES S-2 ES Pilates Studio

ES ES

S-2 Pilates Studio

ES ES S-2 S-2

Loveland Yoga & Core Fitness

Pilates Studio

100 E. 3rd St., Loveland, CO 80537 (970) 292-8313 www.lovelandyogacorefitness.com

ES S-2 ES

Monday 9:15am 12pm 4:30pm 6pm 7:30pm Tuesday 9am 12pm 4:30pm 6pm Wednesday 9:15am 12pm 4:30pm 6pm 7:30pm Thursday 9am 12pm 4:30pm 6pm Friday 9:15am 4:30pm 6pm Saturday 7:45am 9am Sunday 10-11:15am 5:30pm

Pilates Studio

S-2 ES S-2 S-2 ES ES ES S-2 S-2 Pilates Studio

ES S-2 ES ES Pilates Studio Pilates Studio

S-2 ES ES ES Pilates Studio

ES Pilates Studio

ES S-2 ES S-2

Fitness Fusion Yoga Lunar Flow Yoga Vinyasa Yoga Gentle Yoga Donation/Free Yoga

Amy Christi Jasmine Amber Amber

Total Body Strength Strength Yoga w/ Weights Vinyasa Yoga Vinyasa Yoga

Christi Christi Kristen Amber

Fitness Fusion Yoga 5 Tibetan Rites Strength Yoga Strength Yoga Vinyasa Yoga

Amy Kim Christi Christi Jennifer

Total Body Strength StrengthYoga w/ Weights Vinyasa Yoga Vinyasa Yoga

Christi Christi Alexandra Alexandra

Vinyasa Yoga Strength Yoga Strength Yoga

Jennifer Christi Christi

Vinyasa Yoga Vinyasa Yoga

Kim Kim

Strength Yoga Gentle Yoga

Christi Jasmine

SPRING/SUMMER 2013

Om Ananda Yoga 115 N. College Ave., Suite 200, Fort Collins, CO 80524 (970) 581-8825 www.omanandayoga.com Monday 9-10:15am Yoga Flow Bess 11:30-12:50pm Level 1 Yoga Ena 5:30-6:45pm Hatha Yoga (1st Mon Yin) Kate 7:00-8:15pm Candlelight Yoga Laurie Tuesday 7-8am Power Flow Sam 9-10am Yoga Tots** (ages 2-5) Rebecca 11:45-1pm Hatha Yoga Christy 5:15-6:15pm Prental Yoga Jodie 7-8:15pm Meditative Gentle Flow Nicole Wednesday 7:30-8:30am Yoga Flow Sam 11-12pm Mom-n-Baby* Ena (*2 six week series 3/20-4/24 & 5/15-6/19) 12:30-1:30pm Hatha Yoga Lela 5:30-6:45pm Yoga Flow Rachael 7-8:15pm Hatha Yoga Sarada Thursday 9-10:15am Hatha Yoga Christy 11-12pm Mom-n-Baby* Daphyne (*4 week series 3/14-4/4) 12:15-1pm Yoga Flow Sam 5:15-6:15pm Prenatal Yoga Sarada 5:30-6:45pm Intermediate Flow Tonya 7-8:15pm Balance and Flow Jodie Friday 7:30-8:30am Yoga Flow Laurie 9-10am Yoga Flow Amber 10:15-11:15am Wisdom Years Ena 12-1pm Power Flow Laurie 5:15-6:15pm Partner Yoga** (4th Friday) Christy 7-9pm Kirtan (*see website for dates) Saturday 9-10:15am Power Flow Kristen 10:30-11:45am Yoga Flow Rachael Sunday 7:30-8:45am Guru Gita 2nd & 4th Sundays Staff 9-10:15am Hatha Yoga Aramati 10:30-11:15am Meditation*** (donation) 4:30-5:30pm Prenatal Yoga Rebecca 5:45-6:45pm Yoga Flow Rebecca 7-8:15pm Align & Flow Claire **Specialty Class: Pre-register online or call *** 1st Sun in Family program for adults and kids

ISSUE # 13

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yoga connection

Beyond the Pose: Yoga Philosophy for Teachers with Michael Lloyd-Billington. Thursday, March 28th from 5:45-7:45m at Old Town Yoga. In this special workshop just for teachers, we’ll recap the basic of Yoga philosophy with special emphasis on how they connect with asana as well as how we can use them to deepen the experience of our students and our own progress on our spiritual paths. All backgrounds and styles are welcome, including those relatively new to teaching. $20 early bird, $25 day of. Contact 970-222-2777 or oldtownyoga.com to sign-up!

Mom-n-Tot Yoga with Daphyne Rupp-Zimmerman. Thursdays, March 14th through April 4th from 11-12pm at Om Ananda Yoga. Babies walking through 3 years of age join mom in this unique yoga class. Through movement, breath work, sound and imagination each class will include parallel, interactive and independent elements of play between moms and their tots. There will be an emphasis on community while preserving a respect for each individual tot-mom’s social development. Independent play at toy box, nursing, and simply cuddling with mom are also very enjoyable choices in this class. Poses will concentrate on core development to support healthy breathing and relaxation. Register at www.omandandayoga.com

Herbs for Women’s Health. Wednesday, April 3rd from 6:30-8:30pm at Golden Poppy Apothecary. Herbs can be great allies for our health. Come learn about herbs that are especially suited to women’s health concerns. Cost $15. Contact 970-682-4373 for more info.

Couples Massage with Nick Kidawaski. Sunday, March 17th from 1-3pm at Om Ananda Yoga. Learn how to give a relaxing massage to your partner with 10 simple techniques for key tension areas in the head, neck, shoulders and hands, principles to prevent your back and hands from tiring, handouts to use at home. These practical techniques are done over the clothing and no special supplies or equipment is needed. Register at www.omandandayoga.com

Know Your Options: An Introduction to the Fort Collins Birth Community. Sundays, April 7th-28th from 2:30-4pm, hosted by Rebecca Rambo at Om Ananda Yoga. Each week two prenatal practitioners or birth professionals will present a 30-minute information session and answer questions from attendees. Followed by teatime and a light snack. Presentation topics will include: the role of a birth and postpartum doula, prenatal chiropractic care and acupuncture, intuitive childbirth classes, birth story work, birth photography, and blessingway services. This workshop is intended to highlight the fun and engaging services offered in Fort Collins which help women to deepen and expand their experience of pregnancy and childbirth. Register at www.omandandayoga.com

Mom-n-Baby Yoga (6 weeks to walking) with Ena Burrud. Wednesdays, March 20th-April 24th AND May 15th-June 19th from 11-12pm at Om Ananda Yoga. Moms and babies enjoy movement, breath and sound together. Moms focus on regaining core strength, opening the chest and hips, and softening in the lower back. Babies are incorporated into yoga poses with an emphasis on their developmental needs. The social aspect of this class is integral to the yoga of motherhood. Six weeks for $60. Register at www. omandandayoga.com

Yoga for Beginners: Build Your Foundation in Yoga with Christy Obie. Mondays, April 8th-29th from 6:30-7:30pm at Om Ananda Yoga. This series will provide a introduction to yoga for beginners and for anyone wanting a refresher on the basics. Build a strong foundation with seated poses, sun salutes, standing poses, forward folds, twists, backbends, and breathing techniques. Explore the fundamentals of alignment and how to use yoga props to optimize each pose for you. This class will be limited to six people to allow for plenty of individual attention. You will leave with the confidence and knowledge to join a group class. Register at www.omandandayoga.com

Yoga for Hips and Knees with Andrea Bilderback. Saturday, March 23rd from 12:45-2:45pm at Old Town Yoga. This workshop will focus on yoga postures, movements, and stretches that will help relieve the affects of day-to-day stress and tension, as well as prevent future pain. This is also a great opportunity for anyone with past or current hip and knee injury or aggravation. All levels welcome. $20 early bird, $25 day of. Contact 970-222-2777 or oldtownyoga.com to sign-up! Spring Yoga Workshop: Cleanse, Renew, and Nourish Your Whole Self with Christy Obie. Saturday, March 23rd from 3-5pm at Om Ananda Yoga. Spring is a good time to detox and purify the body, mind, and heart, through yoga, diet, and metta, or lovingkindness practices. Enjoy a discussion about these topics, followed by a seasonal yoga practice for cleansing the organs, particularly the liver. We will also explore how our feelings affect our bodies, and how to flush out negative emotion through meditation and working with the mind. This class will teach you about these practices and how to apply them to your life for better energy and well-being. A great time to clear out old patterns, and plant new seeds, following the wisdom of the season. Register at www.omandandayoga.com

Herbs During Pregnancy. Wednesday, April 10th from 6:30-8:30pm at Golden Poppy Apothecary. Ginger, Red Raspberry, Nettle…these are a few of the herbs that can be wonderful to take during pregnancy, they can help with morning sickness as well as be a source for extra nutrients for your growing little one. However, there are many more herbs that are not safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Come learn about herbs that are safe, and herbs that are not safe to use during those special 9-months. Cost $15. Contact 970-682-4373 for more info. Kids’ Yoga Workshop with Jennifer Basch. Saturdays, April 13th, 20th, 27th, and May 4th: Kindergarten – 2nd grade from 2-3pm and 3rd to 5th grade from 3-4pm. Also, Wednesday afternoons, May 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th from 3:30-4:30 (for Middle Schoolers) at Yoga Luna. The main goal for everyone in yoga is to connect the mind, body and spirit. With children, we do this through themes that are centered around life, nature, energy, shapes and imagination by telling stories, listening to music and playing games. We do yoga poses (asanas) in class but that is not the focus. For more information or to sign up: info@yogalunaloveland.com

Introduction to Flower Essences. Wednesday, March 27th from 6:30-8:30pm at Golden Poppy Apothecary. Flower essences (different from essential oils) are a powerful, yet gentle healing method great for all people; they are even safe for kids and pets. You will learn about what flower essences are, how they are made, and how to use them. You will get to create your own custom blend to take home with you. Cost $15. Contact 970-682-4373 for more info.

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SPRING/SUMMER 2013

Living on Less & Enjoying it More: Meditations on Gratitude & Contentment with Diana Laughlin. Saturday, April 13th from 6:308:30pm at Om Ananda Yoga. The conventional wisdom of a consumer society is “more is better.” However, what if one considered the unconventional wisdom that living on less produces more pleasure and greater self-fulfillment? Diana discusses the techniques and advantages of a simple, less costly life style that brings balance and harmony, and even allows you to save for a happy future. Practice meditation to increase our clarity & gratitude and pranayama (breathing) exercises that encourage relaxation. Register at www.omandandayoga.com Thai Yoga Bodywork for the Neck and Shoulders with Dana Weinkauf-Talbot. Sunday, April 14th from 3-5pm at Old Town Yoga. Thai yoga bodywork uses assisted stretching, range of motion techniques, massage, acupressure, and compressions to clear blockages and revitalize the body. Bring a partner or come alone for this fun and relaxing two-hour workshop. $20 early bird, $25 day of. Contact 970222-2777 or oldtownyoga.com to sign-up! Introduction to Vedic Astrology with Kerry Shamblin. Thursday, April 18th from 5:45-7:45m at Old Town Yoga. This workshop is designed as an introduction to those who are curious about how Vedic Astrology can be used as a tool for self-awareness or for those who may be interested in breaking into this subject with the intention of deeper study. When signing up for the workshop, please give birth data, including name, date of birth, time of birth and place of birth and you will be provided with a printed copy of your birth chart. $20 early bird, $25 day of. Contact 970-222-2777 or oldtownyoga.com to sign-up! Peace in Pandemonium: iRest Yoga Nidra with Ena Burrud. Sunday, April 21st from 1-5pm at Om Ananda Yoga. Integrative Restoration (www.iRest.US), or iRest has been developed by Dr. Richard Miller, 40 years a yogi/psychotherapist and co-founder of IAYT. Miller evolved traditional yoga nidra, a profound guided relaxation, implementing its evidence-based techniques and infusing modern psychology. Used by the military today for PTSD, iRest has various applications including anxiety, chronic pain, and insomnia. Learn to feel your way into old beliefs, emotions, visuals and more based on the Veda’s Pancha Kosha system. Light yoga, discussion, experience, and breaks. Ena is one of only three Level II facilitators in Colorado currently completing the twoyear final Level III program with Richard Miller, himself. $45, Early Bird $38. Register at www.omandandayoga.com Natural Skin Care. Wednesday, May 8th from 6:30-8:30pm at Golden Poppy Apothecary. When was the last time you looked at the ingredients in your skin care products? Are there things on the list you can’t pronounce? When leading a healthy lifestyle, removing toxins from our life, including our body-care items, is a crucial step. Come learn about ways to use herbs and other natural ingredients to improve your skin and get back a natural, youthful glow. Cost $15. For more information, please call (970)-682-4373 Introduction to Pranayama: The Power of Breath with Michael Lloyd Billington. Thursday, May 9th from 5:45-7:45m at Old Town Yoga. In this special workshop, we’ll look at the physiology of respiration, including how breathing directly influences our energy, our health, and our minds. We’ll explore the Yogic breathing practices or pranayamas, the science behind them, and simple techniques you can use for better vitality, cognitive function, and stress management. $20 early bird, $25 day of. Contact 970-222-2777 or oldtownyoga.com to sign-up! ISSUE # 13

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iRest: A Journey through the Koshas with Ena Burrud. May 14-June 18 from 5:306:50pm at Om Ananda Yoga. The Vedas describe 5 Koshas, or layers, of our bodies to help understand ourselves from the most gross to subtle. Each class in this series includes light discussion and then a guided relaxation focusing on one kosha at a time. Learn to welcome, accept and integrate sensations, breath and energy, thoughts and emotions, concepts, beliefs, memories and plot lines of our lives. iRest yoga nidra is a meditation technique which reveals underlying sources for patterns of thinking and behaving. The result is a sense of wholeness and freedom. $65. Register at www.omandandayoga.com Wild Medicine Plant Walk Sunday, June 23rd from 1-3pm & Sunday, July 28th from 1-3pm. Join us for a plant walk in the foothills of Fort Collins to learn about some of the medicinal plants that grow in your own back-yard. This class will be taught by guest teacher Erin Smith of the Center for Integrative Botanical Studies in Boulder; Erin has her masters in Ethno-botany as well as being a trained herbalist and long-time plant lover. Location: TBD. Cost $25. Find out more about their other programs at www.integrativebotanical.com Collective Consciousness: A Weekend Workshop with Desiree Rumbaugh. August 9th, 10th, and 11th at Old Town Yoga. Desiree Rumbaugh is an internationally recognized yoga teacher with unquenchable enthusiasm for life, love and healing. She blends humor with an authentic inquiry into the nature of being to help her students discover their own power, courage, and beauty. Friday: Come Together – Hip Openers, Pranayama, and Meditation; Saturday Morning: Connection – Backbends; Saturday Afternoon: Compassion – Forward Bends and Twists; and Sunday: Celebration – Arm Balances and Inversion.. $50 for each individual session; $160 for the full weekend. Contact 970-222-2777 or oldtownyoga.com to sign-up! Intuitive Childbirth Classes with Amanda DeAngelis. Intuitive Childbirth Education Classes are based on the belief that childbirth is a natural physiological process and that as the parents of your new child, you know what is intuitively right for you and your baby. With activities designed for individual, partner and familial introspection, parents are given the time and support to find the answers that are right for them. The twelve hours of instruction are not based on any particular philosophy of birth but instead are a merging of multiple approaches that are rarely taught together. Intuitive Childbirth classes are wonderful for first time parents as well as parents that continue to grow their family. Please see www.ninebirths.com for more information about curriculum and upcoming classes. “Each Child is Perfect and Whole” – Just Imagine! Children’s Yoga Teacher Training and Certification with Shirley Smithson. Children’s Yoga training and certification includes: Personal Practice and SEVA: teaching from the heart; child development; physical and energetic anatomy; children’s yoga techniques, methods and application; creative movement education and improvisation; integrative yoga and movement: therapeutic applications; co-creative development of connections to community, arts and learning. Summer intensive and fall/winter program. Go to www.childrenimagineyogarts. com for more information.

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Summer 2013 Yoga Festivals! Hanuman Festival

Wanderlust Festival

June 13-16th, 2013

July 4-7th, 2013

Taking place July 4-7th at beautiful Copper Mountain, Wanderlust Colorado boasts a star-studded line-up of festival veterans like Seane Corn and Shiva Rea topping the yoga lineup, and main stage performances by world-renowned musical artists Moby, MC Yogi, DJ Drez and more. Wanderlust’s core purpose is to create community around shared values and has built a central gathering point, bringing together our large community, growing around the pillars of mindful living - yoga, the arts, personal spirituality, environmentalism, organics, and conscious consumerism.

Hanuman Festival is a community-oriented yoga and music festival set at the foot of Colorado`s Rocky Mountains. Join us in Boulder, Colorado for a celebration with world-class yoga instructors, mind-blowing music, inspirational experiences and a nourishing community. Immerse yourself in body, mind and heart as you relax and rejuvenate, dance and devote, connect and expand, have fun and just be… The festival will take place June 13-16th in beautiful downtown Boulder. Featuring more than 25 yoga instructors, including Richard Freeman, Rod Stryker, Kathryn Budig, and Paige Elenson, of the Africa Yoga Project, and with a focus on global service, or Seva, Hanuman promises an expanded and vibrant experience for the thousands of health conscious attendees who flock to Colorado for this one-of-a-kind festival.

In addition to some of the best yoga and music on the planet, this year’s festival will also feature the brand new Wanderlust Expeditions outdoor activities program, the Kula Village vending area, Wanderlust Farm to Table Dinner, Soulful Cinema, Winederlust wine tasting, Speakeasy talks, AcroYoga, hooping, and everything else that makes Wanderlust Festival the most epic yoga event of the year. Yoga, music, nature, and a whole lot more.

Satisfy your listening taste with a special Thursday evening Kirtan with Saul David Raye and a Friday night concert at the Boulder Theater, featuring Trevor Hall. Music will be played in the free vendor village all weekend, including a free acoustic performance by Trevor Hall on Saturday.

Wanderlust 2013 will be bigger and better than ever. We hope you can come take advantage of all of it, but don’t plan too hard. Always let yourself wander, because life’s most beautiful moments come in the spaces.

Hanuman Festival offers a free to the public Vendor Village, with over forty conscious exhibitors and sponsors selling everything from clothing to food. Vendor Village is a place to learn, play, connect, and be inspired. There is a free daily community class, a variety of yoga demonstrations and play areas, a large community tent to relax and listen to music, and each afternoon be enthused by the Hanumission Inspirational speaker series.

Festivalgoer’s spend their mornings being centered in one of many yoga or meditation classes, chilling at a spa or in the pool, or engaging in outdoor activities from hiking to biking. A series of fascinating talks, acoustic music and food and wine tastings unfold in the afternoon, while nights are dedicated to musical discovery and a full-tilt dance party. Get your tickets now | http://colorado.wanderlustfestival.com/tickets

The Festival brings together the love for beautiful Boulder, Colorado, the dedication to fostering a supporting yoga community and devotion to giving back selflessly. Reserve your mat space today! A 3-day pass is $329 plus tax, through April 14th. Learn more and purchase a pass at www. hanumanfestival.com. Together we will raise the vibration! the

yoga connection

SPRING/SUMMER 2013

Yoga + Music + Boulder, CO

JUNE 13â&#x20AC;&#x201D;16, 2013

A yoga festival for the modern lifestyle

wisdom

Once Upon A Yogi Time The Stonecutter

here was once a stonecutter who was dissatisfied with himself and with his position in life. One day he passed a wealthy merchant’s house. Through the open gateway, he saw many fine possessions and important visitors.

“How powerful that merchant must be!” thought the stonecutter. He became very envious and wished that he could be like the merchant. To his great surprise, he suddenly became the merchant, enjoying more luxuries and power than he had ever imagined, but he was envied and detested by those less wealthy than himself. Soon a high official passed by, carried in a sedan chair, accompanied by attendants, and escorted by soldiers beating gongs. Everyone, no matter how wealthy, had to bow low before the procession. “How powerful that official is!” he thought. “I wish that I could be a high official!” Then he became the high official, carried everywhere in his embroidered sedan chair, feared and hated by the people all around. It was a hot summer day, so the official felt very uncomfortable in the sticky sedan chair. He looked up at the sun. It shone proudly in the sky, unaffected by his presence. “How powerful the sun is!” he thought. “I wish that I could be the sun!” Then he became the sun, shining fiercely down on everyone, scorching the fields, cursed by the farmers and laborers. But, a huge black cloud moved between him and the earth, so that his light could no longer shine on everything below. “How powerful that storm cloud is!” he thought. “I wish that I could be a cloud!” Then he became the cloud, flooding the fields and villages, shouted at by everyone. But soon he found that he was being pushed away by some great force, and realized that it was the wind. “How powerful it is!” he thought. “I wish that I could be the wind!” Then he became the wind, blowing tiles off the roofs of houses, uprooting trees, feared and hated by all below him. But, after a while, he ran up against something that would not move, no matter how forcefully he blew against it – a huge, towering rock. “How powerful that rock is!” he thought. “I wish that I could be a rock!” Then he became the rock, more powerful than anything else on earth. But, as he stood there, he heard the sound of a hammer pounding a chisel into the hard surface, and felt himself being changed. “What could be more powerful than I, the rock?” he thought. He looked down and saw far below him the figure of a stonecutter. the

yoga connection

SPRING/SUMMER 2013